Failure to Commit

     Somewhere in the past few months, I have developed commitment issues. And no, I am not referring to any romantic reservations that I may have, but my commitment to any past notions of who I thought I was as a person. For too long, I have tried to hold on to any and every aspect about myself that the professional and collegiate world deemed valuable. I identified myself as an intern for Company X, the president of some extracurricular club, a second year undergrad at the University of Somewhere-Pretentious-That-Will-Hopefully-Connect-Me-With-A-Rewarding-Career. I was too caught up in how to answer the question, “What do you do?” from the Human Resources department of any organization in America. But somewhere along the way, I have come to realize that I am a beautiful and complex human creation, with more to offer than whatever is on my resume or fact sheet.

     This summer, I read #GIRLBOSS, a book written by Nasty Gal Founder and CEO Sophia Amoruso. In her inspiring part memoir, part guide to life, she shared George Bernard Shaw’s quote: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” And with that, like Amoruso says, the world you live in is yours to create, blink by blink.

     I am not plainly a student of a university, but a student of the universe. I don’t fit into a box with predetermined, extrovert-based expectations or commitments. I won’t try to figure out who I am “right now,” nor will I tie myself down to a routine or niche. Who am I? That’s a big philosophical question that I’m burying along with all expectations and disappointments. I mean, who am I? There is no specific answer, because that person is evolving with every thought that crosses my mind in real time. For example, I've been working on fashion illustrations, but I’m not trying to reemerge as the next best draftsman of my generation. I’m simply following a hobby with a curiosity of where it takes me. I piece together who I am one day, interest, and experience at a time.

     So here I am, yet again, attempting to breathe life back into this blog as awkwardly and determinedly as making moves on an old flame. The inspiration for this photo essay, and the many like it to come, revolves around the idea that no one fits into a box. The models (my friends) represent the young adults of today, happy with figuring out who they are and what life is by their own terms. My fascination peaks whenever I see a personality shine through a label, and my goal is to document these moments and keep a running record.

     If you’d like to follow my progression overtime, be my guest. You can find whatever I create and want to share with the world on a number of social media sites. If you take only one message away from me today, let this resonate: let go of any ideas you have of who you are, and truly follow whatever it is you want to do in life. It may not be the most convenient transition, and you’ll face some bumps in the road, but becoming who you want to be is always worth it.

     

     On my end, I won’t commit to having a post to you every day or every week, but I will commit to sharing my work and myself with you on my own time. Not because it’s what I feel I have to do, but because it’s what I want to do.

     For more content, follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin, and Lookbook! 

Weekend Recap 6/21 - 6/23

     First, let me start by saying that this weekend has been one of the best ones of my life. It was relaxing, inspiring, invigorating, and magical.  

      On Friday aka Summer Solstice aka the longest day of the year... After work, I hung out with my friend Sammi. We ended up getting Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and shopping at Urban Outfitters and Buffalo Exchange. I got some really cool pieces that were on sale, so I'm excited to wear them! I was able to score three ear cuffs, two headbands, two shirts, and a floral skirt! The purchases really started the weekend on a high note. 
     After going shopping, we went back to Sammi's house to watch a bit of Netflix. I introduced her to one of my favorite shows, 6Teen, a cartoon about six teens who live it up in their town's mall. Between watching the gang and eating cheese pizza, I also played around with the new Instagram Video. You can check them out on my IG! @_blanchedubois
     Later that night, my friend and I went to the park. It was quite lovely. 
     On Saturday... I did even more shopping and went terribly past my budget. There was no frugal saving, either. I bought a dress for work, another skirt and shirt, two basic camis in black and white, and some much needed sandal wedges. 
     Later, my best friend Kennedy and I went to the Lyftd LYFE fashion show. It was pretty amazing. As my first show (of many more to come), it felt surreal. During the whole ordeal, I imagined myself as some big time fashion mogul. I enjoy pretending, haha. It didn't help that I was on the second row for the majority of the show, and then eventually moved to the first. The fashion was inspiring, the models looked great, and the entertainment was pretty cool, too(: 
    On Sunday... Well, Kennedy and I were still really pumped from the fashion show, so we had a little photo shoot of our own. Check out the pictures. As you may notice, we have a tendency to smile during shoots. (By the way, I'm wearing a cuff, a shirt, and the heels from this weekends' shopping spree.) 

     Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin, and Lookbook! 

Reawakening

     Hey everyone,
     First off, I must say Wilkommen and Guten Tag! I know it's been a long time since I've posted, but with end-of-course tests, graduations, and getting settled into new jobs out of the way, I'm finally turning a new leaf. That's right. Senior year of high school is over and with it comes the next phase and the beginning of the rest of my life: college.
     These past few months have been a whirlwind of emotions: anxiety, frustration, fear, and discomfort yet love, warmth, hope, excitement, and anticipation. There are only a handful of weeks left for me to be in my hometown of Atlanta, and then I'll whisk away for what might be forever. I want nothing but to tread lightly, slow time, and savor every second of this summer. It's been so great. I have an outstanding, dream internship, and I've been able to hang out and spend time with friends and family almost every day. The most beautiful part about it is that every day, I've been touched and inspired.
     Like a newborn who has opened her eyes for the first time, I feel like I'm finally seeing the world. I've been blissful in meeting and networking with new people who could advance my career as a journalist, uncovering meaningful and inspirational material online, and discovering how great it feels to shed off baggage and feel like a new person.
     I never want to forget this feeling.
     Although I don't want to speed through this summer, I am ready to face it head on. My creative juices are flowing. Get ready for great reads.

Weekend Recap 3/15 - 3/17

     This weekend has been amazing! 
     Friday night, I invited my sisters to come with me to my school's lacrosse game. It was such a joy spending quality time with my loved ones and cheering on our team! Sunday was spent relaxing with my buddies and getting a lot of homework done. Sunday night blues. 
     Saturday night, my friend Karestiah (featured here) and I had the honor of interviewing the stars of the Sundance Channel show Rectify on the red carpet. The actors and actresses were so humble and down to earth. The show--created by Ray McKinnon--follows Daniel Holden after he is released from a rural Georgian prison after 19 years. The story follows Holden, his family, and the community as Holden readjusts to life outside of the prison walls.

Here I am with the beautiful and sweet Abigail Spencer, a star of The Great and Powerful Oz and Cowboys and Aliens! During our conversation, she beamed as she talked about the show's message of the importance of giving and receiving love. 

     This experience was very monumental in my journalism career. Never before have I interviewed actual celebrities--especially on the red carpet. This is a great credential to have, and I thank the stars that I was given this opportunity! I believe that there will be more opportunities to come, and I cannot wait for the next chance. Until then, I will bask in the glory of this one. 
     I'll be sure to continue to watch the show as it premieres on the Sundance Channel. 

Dynamics II

     This past Saturday, my friend Ashli and I went to Little Five Points for Rag-O-Rama's  $1 sale, and I found some really great items! Later that night, I attended a clothing swap/album release party. Again, it was a very dynamic day in which I met new people and saw things that inspired me. 

Party pictures courtesy of Ronnie Perez