Have I ever mentioned how much I am still not a fan of the Winter weather and the cold windy nights, and frosty morning that come with it? I haven’t? Well, I don’t! With that out of the way…

How are you? I am okay, wearing a long pajama pant and sweater, and my warm furry slippers. Its a must. Its Sunday, and Sundays are my “Do nothing, go nowhere” days. I’m usually at home relaxing (I never leave chores for Sundays) and just napping if I feel like it. Its MY day. Me time for us all in this household. Both Joe and I help Adrian with his Homework assignments and are working on getting him into the habit of doing his assignments on Friday evening and enjoy the weekend. We have him work on some educational things throughout the weekend. Like, practicing his reading words and numbers. I don’t want him to grow up used to procrastinating, which Is something that I became a pro at throughout my years. I do less of that these days, and its refreshing. Just take baby steps. Make realistic lists, and work at them! Keep them where the entire household can see them and hold each other accountable.

Taking things back to Friday, it was a nice day. Adrian’s elementary school hosted a ‘Near and Dear Dance,’ for the children and their special someone in their lives. Adrian and I went together. We both wore dressy casual attire and had a great time! It was nice to see him dancing and playing with his classmates. Also got to take some pictures of him and those friends. I might be a bit biased, but my son has some nice dance moves. He even impressed and put many smiles on other people’s faces. I also loved how although he was off with his friends, he was still aware that I was around and he knew not to leave the Gym area without me. His friends would run out and go to the water fountain and he’d stay by the entrance (my eyes on him although he didn’t know at that time) and I felt so proud of him at that moment. And of myself for my parenting skills. It is my goal after all, to raise him in such a way that he be aware of what is expected of him, and for him to do what is right, when we are not there. I refuse to be a helicopter parent. And hey, its okay to give yourself credit when its due. Go on with ya bad self!

We had a great time, and they had a professional photogapher with a backdrop for photos and it is one picture and memory that I will cherish forever. I love you Adrian.

Love and light always, Cin.

Born and raised an Island girl (Dominican Republic —> Long Island NY) I feel my best when I am near a body of water. I will be honest, and admit that I didn’t take advantage of the fact that the ocean wasn’t far from me while growing up. But, I’d see it during long drives and it was comfortable. However now I am living my adult years in Pennsylvania, and you have to get creative when it comes to water. Luckily, there are many creeks, lakes, and rivers nearby. And I finally decide to visit one.

This lake isn’t too far from my home which is why I wont share its name. It is beautiful with a bridge to walk on and take in all of the beauty that is nature. This lake is where I filmed my first video. I had just gotten my hair braided, and the morning was cool and comfortable. When I went, there were only a few fishermen. They weren’t in the exact area where I parked, but nearby. There was even a tree trunk stoop left behind to be used for seating. And that is where I sat down and enjoyed the view.

My next visit I want to throw a charm up this same tree and decorate it lol. Sort of as a claim, or a sign that I was there. Something that I have noticed while working on myself, is that whenever I am having a hard time I my life I always find my thoughts leading me to water. It grounds me. We used to have a huge tree in our backyard, but because its roots were threats the foundation of the house we decided to chop it down. But, at the end of Summer ‘19 Joe purchased a beautiful tree and planted it for me. I walk up to it every morning and whisper “I love you, grow!” to its branches. She is tiny, so I hope she makes it. I will rely on her to help with my grounding practices. But, until then…

I propped my phone on the trunk of a tree that looks like it was rotting away. But, even with all of the twines, and roots and webs wrapped on the trunk I found it to be beautiful.

Another thing that helps ground me is to take time and notice my surroundings. I take in the sounds, smells, sights and everything else around me. I am usually in my head a lot. Thoughts, ideas, dreams, feelings, etc etc and that sucks sometimes. Why? Because when I am too into my head I don’t focus on my surroundings as much and this throws me off. This is why I must do things to keep myself grounded, and in return I feel whole.