every woman should have a high level of Julia Sugarbaker in her. there are quite a few Marjorie Lee Winnicks out there, and i find this type of sharp tongue the most effective tool. i’m happy to say that in my old age i’m evolving from the borderline Basketball Wives ways of my past into the quick & educated use of words (only), reserved for absolutely necessary moments of one Julia Sugarbaker aka Dixie Carter aka my future self. i make my mama proud.

“and that, Marjorie, just so you will know, and your children will someday know, is the the night. the lights. went out. in Geor-gia.”   YESSSSSSSS!

26 moments that restored buzzfeed's faith in humanity and made me cry.

not moved by that list? interesting. i had no idea the walking dead could be so internet savvy.

okay, really, this is an awesome list that does exactly what the title promises. in light of the Newtown shooting and a pretty rough year, it does wonders to be reminded of just how much good is still out there. aside from this list, people are stepping up all over, communities are coming together, and there was even a Love Mob in LA.

there are still so many things to be grateful for. so much to fill us with hope and have faith in. many things can change for the better, and i think those things are in motion, but meanwhile, i think we’re in the process of a serious shift. these stories of neighbors helping neighbors and going above and beyond for their fellow man are the fires we should give fuel to. let’s see some of these faces repeatedly plastered on the news. let’s interview heros and post photos of triumph. so much of what we feel and how we function is influenced by what we see, read and hear. let’s demand better. 

while we wait for the government and media to catch up, i hope you’re all holding on. i hope you’re making an effort to surround yourselves with supportive and positive people and things. watch funny movies, have great conversations, connect with the people you love. i can be as sarcastic and borderline cynical as the next person (it can be good for writing), and i feel anger and pain over the tragedies our country has faced, but i i think a new day is upon us. that wasn’t intended to produce as much corny as it did, stay with me.

i think if we choose to focus on our own list of faith restorers, be steadfast in our pursuit for a better world, and surround ourselves with positive people and imagery, we’re taking a major step in the right direction. uh oh, i feel a call to action coming…

yup. if you’re a writer, do it, find your outlet. your voice and words can be powerful. if you’re an activist, get to organizing. if you’re a mental health professional, aid in moving better care practices forward. if you’re a local organization, offer opportunities for improvement. if you’re a creative, use your unique skill set to make something inspiring. if you’re a parent, have the really tough conversations and make sure the messages your kids get at home are good ones. if you’re a person going thru a rough time, don’t give up. don’t give into negative messaging. ask for help. if you don’t have access, reach within, everything you need is already inside you. hold on because things ALWAYS get better. 

i had no idea this post would turn into that, but there it is. now, if you’ll excuse me, i’m going to read that list again because it makes me happy and i’m addicted to emotions. 

streetetiquette:

We recently did a sit down interview with I AM OTHER brought to you by Hypebeast. Probably one of our favorite video interviews we’ve done so far — discussing of Travel Etiquette, blogging, growing up in the Bronx, our favorite music albums.. check it out.

big fan of Joshua Kissi + Travis Gumbs, better known as streetetiquette. have been for a few years. if you haven’t already, watch the video and get hip to them. these are some super stylish, multi-talented guys with a unique perspective they so graciously share with the world. i especially appreciate their point of view on livable style, their infusion of music, and the commitment they’ve shown to being themselves. 

also, style-ambassadors, civilians and fashion community at large: pay close attention to their interpretation of “urban” and what it means to them. i think using their take to redefine “urban style” could be of great value. 

many moments of silence...

for the children and families of Sandy Hook Elementary School and the Newtown, CT community. 

i can’t help but feel this is not only a time for our prayers, it is a time for our action. we’ve seen too many variations of this unspeakable tragedy in our country. i think it’s time for something drastic. i don’t know the answer. stricter gun laws, harsher punishments, better follow-up care for the mentally ill, increased security measures at our schools? i don’t know. they all sound like good starts. what can i do? what can each of us do? aside from getting angrier and more heart-broken with every ‘special report’ from the news. i literally hold my breath when i see that interruption, dreading what they’ll say. lately, it seems to more times than not have a common denominator: gun-related violence. 

like i said, i don’t know the answer. in the meantime, i weep, our president weeps, we all weep for the victims of this senseless tragedy. may they be surrounded by strength and comfort. may we all continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers. may those surviving children salvage some of their innocence. may their parents retain an ounce of trust. may those frightened teachers not give up on educating our children. may our country move forward with the necessary vigilance to prevent more days like today.