Keep going

How are you guys doing?

I am doing well and  I am content. My moms health has improved dramatically. I am thankful. I am writing a children's book. I am eager to see how that goes when I am finished. I won't spend this whole post talking about me though. 

Earlier in this blog I've bragged about my circle of people. I just love them so much. There is so much talent to be found all around me. In fact, even me writing and keeping up with my area of study has been impacted by the people who live life with me.  

As we go about our lives and we pursue our interests, I am inspired by the drive and determination I see daily. I am blessed to be around such authentic, intelligent, and creative people. It reminds me to be looking within daily to see how I can improve myself. 

So in order to help myself, I want to start writing and talking about what's going on in my neck of the woods. If something exciting is happening or I think someone is doing something cool with their lives I want to shine a light on that. I want to celebrate life and triumphs.

I will also be highlighting moments in time around us that may impact us in ways that we are not ready to admit. I want to speak about community healing, Alabama's prison problem, and many more topics. I just ask that you all bear with me. 

I will end this post by saying that my door is open to comments or questions, DM me on my insta just Click Here. 

XXX Hallie 

Get Out and Get Active

 Are you gardening this year? I certainly am. 

I have chose gardening as one of my self care activities which I spoke on last year. But I also love gardening bc of the physical labor it entails. Gardening is a great opportunity to get in the sunlight, stay active, and have healthy food options. Those are just a few benefits that come from gardening!!

Its been an uphill battle that is for sure. I am growing green beans, collard greens, basil, a small bit of lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes. My green beans are growing like crazy. Those are my favorite to grow. I’ve probably gotten a harvest 6 or 7 times this year. The collards are struggling right now but I have a feeling its the caterpillars who are eating them up. More pictures to come but no judgment on the garden area right now- I am a working girl so it's a whole mess after a few days of not getting down in the dirt.

Next year or maybe even in the fall I am considering doing some plants outside of my fence so that my neighbors can enjoy some of the produce as well. I’ve never done anything like that before. My thought is that a few years down the road I’ll know enough to be able to have a community garden. One that others can contribute to. That is a long way off though. So for now I’m sticking to the gardening basics which is stick with what you know.

Anyway message me on Instagram (my link is to the right) for feedback on what your favorite kind of plant to grow is! Below are photos from my garden so far this summer.

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My take on "Making History" with Alabama activists February 27th, 2021

 I know I am late but I took some notes while I watched the  Zoom call. Below is the touched up version from about 5 months ago. 

Click here to watch the " Making History Video"

On February 27th, 2021 some of Alabama's activists gathered together to speak on a zoom meeting titled "Making History". 

We have Satura Dudley as the host . 

Featuring Activists 

Celida Soto

Lady Freedom

Amaria Jackson

Travis Jackson, 

Martez File

Karen Nikki

 Diana Islom

Solomon Balaam- Reed.

I joined right on time and watched the whole video. It was inspired and it was heartfelt. 

Each of the panelists spoke on what made them begin their journey of activism. Everyone gave testimony on each breaking points which lead them to this zoom call today. The panelists spoke candidly and encouragingly about the process and what is has taken to get to where they are today. From speaking about their passions, their experiences, and their beliefs about what is happening in the city and nation around us. I wont share each person recalling their experiences but have included the link at the beginning of this post and recommend you take a moment to watch it. 

I heard one of the speakers say " We will Win." and I agree wholeheartedly. We will one day see the results we want. Giving up is not an option. Someone speaking made the statement that this is love work. Love work in the community to help one another and to make the changes that you want to see. Its continually pouring yourself out so others can grow and be lifted up.   

Nikki and Files both spoke on the feelings of  guilt that can come with activism. Whether it be from wondering if you're doing enough, and spending time away from the battlefield. Others focused on making sure we knew we needed to forgive ourselves. We are only human. It was an honor to see them and to hear them. It spurs me on to continue to be as intentional as possible to help others around me. What we do now may determine the life that others will live. I want to thank them for the time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears, they have put in for our benefit. You are the real rock stars. 

 I am incredibly thankful that I was there to witness history in the making.