Continue To Wander

This past weekend, I attended a friend’s 40th birthday picnic. Everything was perfect, from the weather, location, and the décor was straight from my boho dreams. It felt amazing being out with friends, celebrating Lady Dhy (Happy Birthday Dhy!), discussing life, relationships, family, and being only children (seriously, how weird is it that we are all only children?). I was blessed this month to be able to celebrate family and friends.

Décor provided by Bold and Luxe Picnics

The aftermath of 2020 led some of us to “wander in the desert.” Wander turned to wonder. Wondering about our future, the safety of loved ones, homes, and finances and wondering impacted our mental health and physical wellbeing. However, as light finds its way through the darkness, we wandered into new opportunities and deeper meaningful relationships with loved ones.

We learned what mattered most in life. Priorities shifted. We learned how to survive with less and what we can and cannot live without. Time with family and friends became more precious and sacred. We discovered little joys in unexpected places. There are times you may want to give up, but light will find a way. We’re almost out of the desert.

Thanks ladies in Old Fourth Ward Park for taking this of us!

As we continue on this journey of wandering, remember to wander for love and to find peace. Wander for revelation. Most importantly, wander for you.

Written by: Tosha

Wandering in Savannah

Wandering can help change your perspective on things. Being away physically can help with mental clarity. Stop the cluttering of your mind and a chance to shut out the stressors of life. In this week's dedication To Wander, I want to discuss wandering in the sense of travel.

Savannah is one of my favorite cities to visit: the history, art, shopping on Broughton, dining at my favorite restaurants, and of course, wandering. Walking the city helps spur my creativity in terms of photography and coming up with new ideas. We usually travel 2-3 times a year to Savannah; however, one year changed my perspective on what I wanted to do in life.

Bao Bab-Plant Riverside District

In a previous post, I mentioned the pull in wanting to attend SCAD. One year, it hit hard as I was waiting for my mom to finish up a training class near their dorms. I watched the students with their brightly colored hair making their way to classes; I got emotional (literally, a grown *** woman crying in the car because she wanted to go to art school when she was younger). This feeling was around the same time I felt "stuck" in the grind of corporate America. I didn't want to continue missing something that I felt was meant for me. Shortly after that trip and after conversations with close family and friends, I applied to art school. Finally, that sense of FOMO was relieved. At this stage in life, I'm more fulfilled and aware that what you seek from the universe (and with prayer) will come to you. "Faith in action," as my friend Nikki can state.

Plant Riverside District

So, this trip was memorable, as what I sought after has been fulfilled: a creative lifestyle and a career choice I enjoy. This Spring, I experienced heartbreak but was reminded of what great family and friends I have. That we love, encourage, and will be there for each other no matter what.

On this trip to Savannah, I was eager to get to the Plant Riverside District, the new entertainment spot on Riverstreet. And it did not disappoint! The architects did a fantastic job blending the historic with the new: unique hotels, new shops, restaurants, and rooftop bars. The atmosphere was amazing; everyone was excited to be out. This trip brought a sense of normalcy.

Plant Riverside District-Mini

One of my favorite things about the new area was the JW Marriott and its paleontology and geode exhibits. The hotel itself is just gorgeous, and as my mom stated, they did not have a budget! The hotel is beautifully decorated with art, stone, historical pieces, and a gigantic metallic dinosaur skeleton. A favorite of those visiting were the large geodes that lined the lobby. The most giant pieces of amethyst and quartz I've ever seen! Just stunning! I discovered a new favorite thing; sitting at the Riverstreet Starbucks, waving at the tugboats and container ships go by. It was so peaceful and an excellent spot for people-watching. And I can not visit Savannah without going to Vic's on the River and having the Pain Perdue at Huey's; both guilty pleasures. If you are on a diet when visiting, God bless you. You will not make it, LOL.

JW Marriott

Wandering around my favorite city, taking thousands of pictures, felt very 2019. Back when the world was ok. However, this trip also was the revelation that I was wandering into a new phase of life. One where my needs and wants are met, mostly. A time to evaluate past goals and create new ones. A one of stability to pursue other dreams. One, where I can wander without worry.

Written By: Tosha

Amethyst Geode-JW Marriott

Check out more pictures from the trip in the Travel section of the Portfolio.

The Road Less Traveled

Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

I often dream about roads, particularly Buster Road, where my relatives live and where my ancestors are buried. In these dreams, I’m on a journey, sometimes treacherous as the road has is altered; missing sections, caverns to traverse, deserts to cross, dense jungles with frayed rope bridges, the list goes on and on (also it can get very Mad Max Fury Road at times). However, I’m often guided by my grandmother in these dreams and God. Through the perilous journey, there’s a sense of calm as I have their support. In waking, I try to analyze why I had the dream and where I am in life for that event to manifest in my sleep. Am I worried about something, stressing out about life? Or am I beginning something new, and obstacles are producing a sense of fear?

Buster Road-Reynolds GA

Life is a journey in which you select and walk many paths. Selecting your way can have a significant impact on the outcome. Our journeys will differ from each other; some will have more mountains to climb and dragons to slay. Do not be afraid to try something new. The great thing about life, if that path doesn’t work, you can restart the journey.

Written by Tosha

Tell us about your Wandering and Journeys: what dreams/goals are you working on? Where are you or want to be in life? What are you praying/wishing for? Once again, this is a safe space ( cause I will delete any negative comments.

Self-Care Sundays: Why Self-Care is Necessary

Lily

As the world is amid year two of a global pandemic, many of us are working our way through anxiety, depression, and the sense of the unknown. “Self-care” is a term that is becoming a daily phrase in our lives. The WHO defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider” (WHO). Something as simple as reading a book wrapped in your favorite blanket can make a world of difference in one’s day. Self-care comes in many forms. Being able to disconnect and explore can work wonders for the soul.

In the Fall of 2020, my company (day job) implemented a restructure of our department. If you have ever been through a company restructure, it is more frightening during a pandemic. I love stability. The unknown in this sense frightened me; I have a parent to take care of and a mortgage. Anxiety was not even half of it! A lot of “what ifs” plagued my mind. However, given I have a Type A personality (at times), I always develop plans B-Z, so a sliver of calm was there as well. We were faced with furloughs and layoffs. Luckily, I escaped both, but we lost some great coworkers along the way. After taking a pay cut, I settled in a job that I have come to love. Shortly afterward, I took a long look at the corporate career grind.

Crocus

Around Springtime this year, I reviewed my finances, where I was in life, my career and decided that I did not have to grind as hard nor as much. I went, “F*** this s***! I’m not doing this s*** anymore!”. I am happy in my new job, and I am delighted with the growth my photography business is experiencing. I am vaccinated, and I want to spend more time with my loved ones. And to enjoy life a little more.

So I started my Self-Care Sunday rituals. Which primarily consists of a facial, long hot soak in the tub, candles, bath salts, bath oils, journaling, and neo-soul music. However, this time around, I decided to take things up a notch. I took my camera and went to explore. Mostly, I needed a mental health day. Due to a recent personal issue, I needed to disconnect for a while. To evaluate life and what I see for my future, pandemic and all. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Which was a wake-up call for me as I have a family history of hypertension and other diseases to include cancer. Becoming healthy is at the forefront of my mind. Not only the body but mentally as well. I increased the number of yoga classes per week and focused on meditation.

Crocus-Flower

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Why self-care is necessary

Self-care has proven to help “reduce the risk of illness and help manage stress levels” (NIMH). As we hustle, grind, and deal with daily life, taking a mental break has become necessary in our lives. Now more than ever. Take a day or even just an hour for a moment of happiness. Give yourself peace and grace to heal. It is ok if you do not feel ok or feel like being “on.” Take care of yourself first!

How do you define self-care? Do you believe in it? How do you practice self-care (keep it clean please, our mothers read the blog!)?

Written by: Tosha

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“NIMH " Caring for Your Mental Health.” Edited by NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Apr. 2021, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health. Accessed 20 August 2021.

WHO. “What Do We Mean by Self-Care?” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 15 May 2019, www.who.int/reproductivehealth/self-care-interventions/definitions/en/. Accessed 20 August 2021.

How it started...

I come from Red Georgia Clay. Life started in a single-wide trailer by Highway 128 in “Panham” (Panhandle) Community of Reynolds, GA. Growing up in a small town had its challenges. Still does. Wanting a creative career was not an option back then. As a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer and author. However, there were only two choices: go to work or get an education. Even though I am a Millennial, a flexible schedule was scarce back then. Unless you had the pleasure (it was not) of working retail. Work-life balance was not a thing, nor was following your passion.

As an only child to a single parent, I had to grind. Early. I saw education as my only way out. The only way for my mom and myself to survive. Pursing a creative career, had to take a backseat. However, that pull was always there.

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Fickling Mill

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In May 2007, I moved to Atlanta with a week’s worth of clothes. No money ($100 to my name…), no car, and driving my aunt’s Jeep and then my mom’s Explorer. And cannot forget being in debt! I am grateful to the other half of Olivia L. for giving me a place to stay, which is why she is on this journey with me. I had to borrow money from family members until I earned my first paycheck (I am grateful to them more than I can express). The grind continued and continued. I had to become financially stable. I had to establish myself. But the pull to do something more was still there. Especially as I had to drive by my dream school (SCAD) every weekday for nine years to and from work. It came bubbling up with a fierceness.

At 29, I purchased my first home. I am established. Ok, now what? In 2015, it hit hard. Is this all there is? What is my purpose? The grind. No work-life balance. Home, work, insomnia. Repeat. Suffering from Black Super Woman complex. There must be more than this! Through another “push” from a good friend of mine (Nikki) and praying, I finally applied and was accepted into my dream school in 2016. I cried when I read my acceptance letter. Ugly cried! Dream school and dream program.

The same month I started; we lost a beloved relative. But I had to continue grinding. I wanted to make her proud as well. Working full time, attending graduate school full time, and being single…I do not recommend it! But The Grind. The Pull. The Push. (Having that trademarked so do not even try it, LOL). However, I loved graduate school. Loved the people and the sense of belonging.

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“Panham”

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In 2018, I graduated with my Masters (Luxury and Fashion Management). It was amazing. My family was there. Oprah was there! I am going to say it again: Oprah was at my graduation. I had to walk by Oprah to get my diploma. I will tell that story to my great-nieces and nephews! But that Fall, the “now what” settled in. Again. I have this expensive piece of paper, now what? Designed a logo and branding for the other half of OLP’s cakes. Did not realize that would be the beginning of something new. And another Push.

Of course, I did not think taking family and friends' photos over the years would turn into something more. I enjoyed capturing those memories. Another Push in 2020 and here we are! Yes, during a pandemic, I found my purpose and my passion. Traci pushed me. Like, she threw me out there. Naked. Given my personality and how I like to be prepared for everything, it scared me a little. However, I am grateful for the push. I had support, motivation, and love from family and friends (including yoga and prayer). I deeply appreciate everything that was done for me. And I want to take you all along with me as we continue to grow. We started from the bottom…

Since 2020, we have had the pleasure to collaborate with amazing people that followed their passion. We want to share their stores with you.

Next up, are a series of interviews with those amazing entrepreneurs as we learn about their Push and Pull. Is there a deferred dream that you have? Tell us about your “Pull.” And who you received your “Push” from.

Written By: Tosha

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Allow me to introduce myself...

Two years ago, I entertained the idea of blogging. As I love photography and writing, I thought this would be a fantastic way to combine the two and share a piece of myself with the world. As an introvert, just the thought of that was a HUGE step! A niche idea of photographing and telling narratives from a small-town perspective came into play (I am a Small-Town Girl). However, due to recent life changes, that idea needed to evolve. Let us not categorize it just yet. One half of Olivia L. is a nerd, into gaming and sci-fi/fantasy everything, loves Harry Potter, fashion, food, photography, and books. This half also describes herself as Victorian Bohemian Gothic. So… (shrugs shoulders). The other half loves pop culture, cigars, sage, and antiques. Lifestyle? We will figure out a niche as we go. So, we present to you, Through Olivia’s Lens: Lifestyle blog providing narratives on life from the perspectives of two elder black millennials.

Stay tuned as we discuss entrepreneurship with the people we have worked with and met along the way!

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