The Blissfool

I finally figured out how to get wifi at home!!! Yay!!!

I made it!!!  One of the best advice I received was to find a place to just exist. The advice was being given to College/ Rising College students. The lady advised that YOU should find a place where you don't have to fit in. Just exist. Whether that's an all women's college or HBCU find a place where you don't have to worry about fitting in. So you can concentrate on what's more important, which in this case is school/ one's education.  That said, it feels great to be home, in a country where majority look like me and speak the same language. But needless to say I found a place to fit in without trying. I look forward to the lessons I'm about to learn and can't wait for my personal growth. I hope part of that growth is through attending school here. I came here for change and change I hope to get.  Thank you again to all those who continue to encourage and support me on my journey. Much Love and appreciation.  P.S. Will post pictures soo...

I think I love Colorado! 

So the show I said started the chair reaction was invited to Penn State to perform.  It was a wonderful experience of meeting college students who were passionate and woke. The energy in the room was empowering, strong, vulnerable, open. It's not every day that you come across a show/ experience like this. Kweens is about to go international. Make sure you follow up to know what's going on.

NYC Part two when Hannah (from Dallas) came to visit D.C. and she's never been to NY.  Hannah is super sweet and very calming person. After been told he has never been we decided to go  to NYC for her first time upon her older sisters suggestion. We were given a list of must see places there. Start of the Tuesday morning day trip to the big apple. We had an early morning bus which we ended up missing by five minutes (literally). Instead of waiting a full hour we decided to go buy a ticket from another company that was leaving in ten minutes or so. In the process a group, of three, Ethiopians came up and we started talking and hit it off. They were doing the same thing as us. Actually very similar. They had missed their morning bus to the city and catching the later bus. They were also going for a day to site see. Needless to say we partnered up and toured the city together.  I had a hard time believing we had just met them. They felt like family and we ...

What I thought was my last trip to NYC to visit these cuties, I went for a whole week and it wasn't until the last day that my sister and I figured out the best system for her to get things done.  My sister, the mommy of three and one on the way, is the best mommy I know. She is super creative and with kids who are always curious and love to learn there's never a dull moment.  Highlights from my trip: ...Library trip turned into a trip to Whole Foods, Bryant Park and Library (Between the Lions) with the older niece and nephew.  ... Break fast and coffee (hot chocolate) with baby niece and nephew ... and of course spending time with sister and husband, oh especially the yummy sushi Winnie the Pooh is real!!! Breakfast and hot chocolate

I got to spend time with younger cousin-sister on her birthday. I've been wanting  to go to Dallas for some time. And was able to see Anisah in her new home, also  got to meet her husband.  Yayyyy! Fort Ward, Stockyard, TX Aquarium  Sunset at the Gaylord 

Orlando Florida. Five star Hotel and living the life.  Thought we were doing things then.  It was the best of times, and the worst of time.  The day before going I found out my great aunt had passed away.  I was hesitant to go on the trip but with my grandma going back to Ethiopia.  I was going to be of no use being home sad. There were many moments of feeling down but having my cousin-sister next to me was comforting. She kept me strong and helped me keep moving. Grateful for family who are friends. 

This from a trip from a while ago. I've been wanting to do a video like this since my friend Anisah mentioned it to me. It was a really neat idea and wanted to give it a try. I thought I was going to edit over the noise so there are many parts when I tell people that their voice won't be in it.

After coming to the United States when I was 8 I would go to church with my mom every Sunday. I loved that I was able to continue learning my native tongue and be with people who looked like me. I went to school with one other Ethiopian at the time and she only spoke English. Needless to say I looked forward to church on Sunday. I loved the smell, how it looked, how we dress, pretty much everything. When my mom had to work two jobs she was no longer available on Sundays. We would go during the Holidays and whenever she was off. Then I stopped going all together. In college I was on a search for God again. I felt like I needed faith for stability. I went to a few churches close to campus (all non denominational). Later I started going to The Life Church . It was my junior year and church was so unfamiliar that I was too scared to go. I kept thinking I don't know enough. I don't belong. I've sinned too much. After going a few times being a part of this churched eased me b...

This was my hair before I got a relaxer.  I got a relaxer when I turned 16 in order for me to be able to focus on school. It took me a total of 4 hours minimum to wash and style my hair and I was exhausted by the end of the process. I loved my hair and cried my eyes out when it was relaxed.  Forward to post college and I want my hair back! I was always able to go without a relaxer for 4-6 months, I would get a little past that and was unable to manage two textures. In May of 2016 I was able to grow out my natural hair long enough for me to get it chopped (I love having long hair).  It took me about 9 years and about 10 tries to go back to natural. Texture isn't the same but I'll do with what I got.  This was me and my mommy ( my hair styles ) the day I got my hair cut. We were on our way to a wedding in Boston. I am in love with the cut. And even curly it's great! I don't have a picture here but I was also able to do the puff (bun) I had always wan...

Growing up I've been told that I should model because of my hight and slender body. I wanted to, but didn't think I was _____ enough. I did a shoot in college for a makeup artist and did fashion shows for cultural nights. I did small things here and there but never took it seriously. It has been on my bucket list of things to do. I met a photography student who wanted to build his portfolio, after letting him know I'm not a professional, I agreed to help and here are a few of the results. I love the images!  Would I be a model now... I don't know. I'm too afraid to lose myself in the process. But it's not completely out of the picture. 

I use to be one of those people who look at peoples social media and say how lucky they were to travel and do exciting things. After years... and I mean YEARS of doing this and feeling down I finally made the decision to do something for myself. I booked a trip to California to go see a great friend of mine who had moved there. I met  Anisah  (to the left) Freshman year of college and we were R.A.s together which brought us closer. She is the best host!! By far the best trip I had ever taken. Back story: Erin (Right) and Anisah took me on my first hike, which I thought was going to be a walk in the woods. Needless to say it was one of the most terrifying and exciting experiences of my life. 

Rehearsal We have each others back Our director Jasmin is a mostly raw vegan. She told me about banana island and I had to give it a try. This my bowl of greens turned into a smoothie. Best thing I could have done for my body. 

In December of 2016, I decided to leave my job and start doing the things I said I've wanted to do. My list was getting long and I wasn't getting any younger. Flashback to 2014 when I made it a goal of mine to get over my stage fright by getting on stage. After multiple speech and theater classes I was still uncomfortable speaking in front of a large crowed. I had told my boyfriend at the time that I wanted to audition for a role in a play (was thinking to be an extra) or not get the role at all so I can say "at least I tried."  I got the opportunity, at the very end of the year for a show that would go up in March of 2015. Getting a part in the play  Her: The New Kween  lead to my domino effect of fearless decisions.