Last year, I made the decision to embark on a deep self inventory. I'd been toting around numerous sketchbooks and notebooks, some I've had since middle school. Not everything in those books is worth keeping. But I needed to revisit each one to understand why I was holding onto them and how my attachment to the contents of those books was serving the person I've become since. As a result, I went from having 7 sketchbooks to having 1. These are some more cutouts I kept from my earlier work. I needed to do this to show myself that I was not simply living my life on autopilot. Up until late 2021 I really believed I had been, and felt like I had little to show for my journey thus far. But after going through 8 sketchbooks and however many notebooks, I learned that was a damb lie LOL. I also learned that some sadness came through in my drawings - so many crying characters.. I didn't expect this for some reason; early in youth I knew I felt sad, but somehow I overlooked drawing as an outlet for my depression. Viewing these aspects of my younger self at 33 gives me a new appreciation for my younger self, and now I can truly see her and let her pain go. I always tried to put on a tough/aloof face, and tell people lies like "I yawned" to explain being teary-eyed when really I was crying. I was deeply sensitive to hurtful/hostile words and energy, and always sharply aware of when someone was being unkind about me to my face and behind my back. To Parents and Teachers - pay attention to what your kids are drawing, especially the presence of emotion or lack thereof in their work. And anytime you think a child can't hear you giving strong opinions about them, express carefully because they may hear everything and internalize the critiques, be it from their adults or their peers. Sometimes it takes 30-something years for a person to grow thick skin, because that's not how every person is meant to navigate the world. Some people may view emotional sensitivity as a weakness, but I consider it a Strength and a form of Intelligence that could stand to be nurtured more. I also happen to think it is the hallmark of an old soul. So be kind and pay attention. #healing #depression https://www.instagram.com/p/CoL-drWMtVg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Tonight I decided to try my hand at making elote, which is basically a bomb ass corn dish with mayonnaise, chili powder, and crumbly queso fresco 🧀 😋 since I can never do anything the regular way, I decided to add some bell pepper, jalapeno, and onion to the mix. I also decided to throw in the last little bit of open feta we had because wtfn 💁🏽‍♀️ I also marinated some pork steaks in chimichurri & spices, and made some turmeric and creole seasoned quinoa. Dinner was 🤤 worthy, and cooking on a budget can be pretty damn good 👏🏽😊 I meant to take pics of the food on the plate but by the time I realized I hadn't the sh*t was gone already 😅 oops. BAM!💥 #dinner #spicegirls #spiceoflife #brokekitchen #simplethings #cooking #soulfood #elote #homersimpsondrool https://www.instagram.com/p/CoJBXlhrXvs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

My favorite corner of the apartment ❤️ my altar, my workspace, my gym, my shrine, my center, where I plug in and plug out #creativecorner #altar #alterspace #desksetup #desklife https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn-nEgVOXgB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

More doodley dees ✏️ #drawing #cartoons #animation #colors #childhood #coloredpencils #creativity #markers #gelpens #lifeisart #anime https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnx3r5sLBYr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Since I was a wee lass, I've always been intrigued by animation. I was obsessed with Sailor Moon, and eventually Tenchi Muyo, and I always adored Sonic and Invader Zim and Felix and Mickey and Calvin and Hobbes. When I was little, I wanted to be a cartoonist - anyone who knew me at that time knew I loved to draw, or at least knew I always had a sizeable number of gel pens.😄 As I got older, that ambition took a backseat, and I delved into writing and astrology and philosophy and spirituality. Still, I held onto my old drawings. I was talented when it came to free-handing cartoon characters, whether they were my own invention or the creations of talented and/or established animators. One day I hope to turn all of my characters and doodles into something, whether that be a series of short stories, coloring books, stickers, cards, and/or collages. I've collected and created so much, and recently I started adding color to the characters and doodles. This is what some of them look like. There are some familiar characters in there, and some original creations, and some random doodles that I felt could be used for *something*. A combination of colored pencils, markers, and gel pens are the mediums I used to give them life. Please enjoy ^_^ #drawing #cartoons #animation #colors #childhood #coloredpencils #creativity #markers #gelpens #lifeisart #jhonenvasquez #jthm #tenchi #sailormoon https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnx2uCFrUt4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Gettin' down to the nitty gritty - it may not be pritty but it's gonna taste litty ✨ Dinner is served! https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnp7T4-LHo7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

One of our witch's brews - COCOFEEEEE ☕ With a properly stocked spice cabinet anything can be elevated 👌🏽🌟 #nevertoooldforhotcocoa #coffeetime #brokekitchen #spicegirls https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnphke7ght9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

My spirit moved me to paint a Chakra pot for our cactus babies 🌵 I just sprayed it down outside with the acrylic sealer, so now all we do is wait. ⏳ #pottery #painting #crafty #witching #chakras #spirituality https://www.instagram.com/p/CnpX7ScrG5x/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Also for people who escape through their phones when they are around other people but still Feel alone enough to fade into the screen.

Dear People who spend a lot of time playing games on their/your phones.

There is literally nothing wrong with you, save some issues with excessive escapism. But that's human, and you shouldn't beat yourself up about it. I game a lot too, for literally no reason besides distraction, but I realized something. Even if we only seem to be distracting ourselves, we are actually sharpening our brains a bit with the level of concentration and strategy we put into playing. Sometimes I do some deep processing while I zonk out and crush candy. Maybe you're like that too. Either way. Your play is not in vain. It's easy for people to think that people who get sucked into phone games aren't really present in their lives, and oftentimes that's true when we are alone. We struggle to be alone with ourselves because it reminds us that there are a lot of existential important things that require our attention. I say all this to say that there is a way you can both game a lot and also experience a purposeful existence. Appreciate your level of concentration, your attention to detail, and your abilities to organize and strategize, and see how you can use these abilities in the world at large, even if it means reacquainting yourself with the positive qualities you offer by simply being You in the world and growing more and more toward your own light while building confidence enough to share it. Then, you won't have to feel so guilty about spending so much time on playing on your phone, because you are aspiring toward more for yourself at the same time. You are only a zombie if you Choose to be a zombie. Real talk.

Dear People who spend a lot of time playing games on their/your phones.

There is literally nothing wrong with you, save some issues with excessive escapism. But that's human, and you shouldn't beat yourself up about it. I game a lot too, for literally no reason besides distraction, but I realized something. Even if we only seem to be distracting ourselves, we are actually sharpening our brains a bit with the level of concentration and strategy we put into playing. Sometimes I do some deep processing while I zonk out and crush candy. Maybe you're like that too. Either way. Your play is not in vain. It's easy for people to think that people who get sucked into phone games aren't really present in their lives, and oftentimes that's true when we are alone. We struggle to be alone with ourselves because it reminds us that there are a lot of existential important things that require our attention. I say all this to say that there is a way you can both game a lot and also experience a purposeful existence. Appreciate your level of concentration, your attention to detail, and your abilities to organize and strategize, and see how you can use these abilities in the world at large, even if it means reacquainting yourself with the positive qualities you offer by simply being You in the world and growing more and more toward your own light while building confidence enough to share it. Then, you won't have to feel so guilty about spending so much time on playing on your phone, because you are aspiring toward more for yourself at the same time. You are only a zombie if you Choose to be a zombie. Real talk.

Learn To Say

No, to people when you don’t feel like hanging out

No, to people who don’t deserve your time

No, to people that make you feel uncomfortable

No, to people that threaten your happiness

No, to people that don’t let you be yourself

No, to people that make you ashamed for what you like

Just something useful worth Sharing 🙏😊

Lunar Phase Herbs & Crystals🌙💎

A comprehensive list of herbs and crystals that are associated with each lunar phase. 

Waxing🌒: 

Herbs - Adam & Eve Root, Agar Agar, Althea Root, Ambergris, Angelica, Apple, Apricot, Balm of Gilead Tears, Bay Laurel, Bee Pollen, Blue Violet, Chamomile, Chickweed, Cloves, Columbine, Cowslip, Damiana, Deer’s Tongue, Devil’s Bone Root, Dill, Elecampane, Frangipani, Gardenia, Henna, Hibiscus, Honey, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena (Vervain), Licorice, Lobelia, Lovage, Mandrake, Marigold, Marjoram, Morning Glory, Mullein, Myrtle, Oak, Olive, Orange, Orange Blossom (Neroli), Orris Root Powder, Parsley, Passion Flower, Plumeria, Rose, Safflower, Sweet Bugle, Sweet Pea, Thyme, Tonka Bean, Tuberose, Vetiver, Yerba Mate, Ylang Ylang

Crystals - Amethyst, Aqua Aura Quartz, Aventurine, Chrysocolla, Chrysoprase, Citrine, Danburite, Diamond, Emerald, Epidote, Fire Agate, Garnet, Kunzite, Labradorite, Lapis Lazuli, Morganite, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite, Rose Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, Seraphinite, Serpentine, Smithsonite, Sugilite, Tiger’s Eye, Topaz, Tsavorite

Full🌕: 

Herbs - Acorn, Allspice, Aloe, Amber, Angelica, Bamboo, Balm of Gilead Tears, Belladonna (Nightshade), Bergamot, Black Haw, Black Walnut, Carnation, Carrot, Cedar, Centaury, Cherry Bark, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Club Moss, Coffee, Daffodil, Damiana, Dittany, Dragon’s Blood, Ebony, Echinacea, Fig, Frankincense, Gentian, Ginger, Goldenseal, Lady’s Mantle, Lovage, Mastic, Mint, Mugwort, Myrrh, Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Red Pepper, Rowan, Sandalwood, Sage, Spinach, St. John’s Wort, Star Anise, Sunflower, Tangerine, Vanilla, Walnut, Witches Burr, Wormwood (Absinthe)

Crystals - Amazonite, Amethyst, Ametrine, Aqua Aura Quartz, Aragonite, Azeztulite, Calcite, Carnelian, Citrine, Clear Quartz, Covellite, Epidote, Fire Opal, Fluorite, Goldstone, Hemimorphite, Lapis Lazuli, Merlinite, Milky Quartz, Moonstone, Mother of Pearl, Natrolite, Nuumite, Phenacite, Pyrite, Ruby in Zoisite, Scolecite, Selenite, Serpentine, Silver, Snowflake Obsidian, Tanzan Aura Quartz, Tektite, Tiger’s Eye, Tsavorite, Variscite

Waning🌘: 

Herbs - Basil, Betel Nut, Black Pepper, Black Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Chamomile, Cactus, Cloves, Dragon’s Blood, Elder, Garlic, Heliotrope, Horehound, Juniper, Morning Glory, Mullein, Mugwort, Oleander, Onion, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Sea Salt, St. John’s Wort, Thyme, Tobacco, Vinegar, Wood Betony, Yarrow Flower

Crystals - Ajoite, Ametrine, Black Tourmaline, Bloodstone, Chrysocolla, Emerald, Epidote, Fire Opal, Garnet, Goldstone, Halite, Hematite, Hemimorphite, Howlite, Jet, Kyanite, Obsidian, Onyx, Smoky Quartz, Sugilite

New🌑: 

Herbs - Angelica, Anise Seeds, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cedar, Coconut, Dragon’s Blood, Fennel, Fern, Frankincense, Garlic, Ginger, Grapefruit, Guava, Honey, Horehound, Horseradish, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena (Vervain), Lime, Marjoram, Melon, Mesquite, Parsley, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Sea Salt, Solomon’s Seal Root, Tangerine, Thyme, Turmeric, Vinegar, Yucca

Crystals - Ajoite, Alexandrite, Amber, Anthophyllite, Apophyllite, Aquamarine, Azeztulite, Black Tourmaline, Calcite, Chrysocolla, Epidote, Fluorite, Galaxite, Halite, Herkimer “Diamond” Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Merlinite, Milky Quartz, Moonstone, Mother of Pearl, Natrolite, Nuumite, Obsidian, Papagoite, Pearl, Pyrite, Rhodochrosite, Serpentine, Shungite, Sunstone, Turquoise

compiled from my own personal grimoire

#realLifequestions

tbh

I've been watching the Frasier series, mostly to see what becomes of Niles and Daphne; it has been entertaining on a somewhat intellectual level that I can appreciate. But I must be honest: I think Frasier himself is actually very selfish, but in a snooty relatable way. He enjoys his space; but he is not afraid to sacrifice to anything or anyone whenever, which makes his ethics strong even if they are mostly basic or petty.

I think that perhaps in a past life, and maybe in one of his past lives too, Einstein explained Life to me.

"I am satisfied with the mystery of life's eternity and with a knowledge, a sense, of the marvelous structure of existence - as well as the humble attempt to understand even a tiny portion of the Reason that manifests itself in nature." - Albert Einstein, my soulmate in a past life

Another ice breaker

Sooo to begin with... I binge watch a lot of shit. I also casually throw around words like 'shit' and 'fuck' but in professional settings I try to substitute, i.e. Holy shirt!  Also, even though at times I swear like a pirate, I'm still kind. Anyway these are some of the Shows I binge watch, and am completely caught up with minus a few: Supernatural, Grey's Anatomy, Broad City, the Office, Parks and Recreation, Community, Workaholics, Love, Portlandia, Dear White People, the Unbreakable Kimmy. Schmidt, 30 Rock, New Girl, How I Met Your Mother, That 70s Show, Grace and Frankie, How to Get Away with Murder (I'm on season 2- WIP - Work in Progress), Game of Thrones, Girls, The L Word, Gypsy, Parenthood, Modern Family, This is Us, Girl Boss, Breaking Bad, Prison Break, Scrubs, Gossip Girl, Veronica Mars, the O.C., Futurama, Rick and Morty, Atlanta, Insecure, Adventure Time, Regular Show, Death Note, Fairy Tail, Naruto & Shippuuden (not yet caught up with), Deadman Wonderland, Psycho Pass, Fruits Basket, Sailor Moon, Cowboy Bebop,  all things Tenchi Muyo except Tokyo, Space Dandy, Master of None, Bleach, Arrested Development, Unsolved Mysteries, Impractical Jokers, Jersey Shore and Party Down South (original cast)(guilty pleasures), Real World in the 90s up to the mid 2000s, Road Rules, Fear Factor (mostly for Joe Rogan😜), Big Brother - only the first season though, with that studmuffin Will Kirby the Mole, Murder in Small Town X, Amazing Race, Malcolm in the Middle, An Idiot Abroad, Ouran High School Host Club, Fullmetal Alchemist & Brotherhood, Once Upon a Time, Shameless, Life documentary, Cosmos: A Space Odyssey, Life in Pieces, Pretty Little Liars, American Horror Story, Walking Dead, Hey! Arnold, Rugrats, Sonic X - don't judge me, it was mostly because of the presence of many different characters and the animation, Lost, 3%, Jackass, Viva la Bam, Boondocks, Aqua Teen Hunger force, Home Movies, O' Grady, Daria, Bob's Burgers, Twin Peaks, Awkward, Degrassi, Radio Free Roscoe, Trailer Park Boys, Sherlock, Dexter, Frasier. I doubt anyone will ever read this but if you are reading and share a mutual love for any of these shows and just wanna share the love, let's be buddies 😝

Sometimes we need to self-destruct in order to be self-made.