I get what I want, I get what I ask

– Ariel J

In summary

This week introduced a plot twist. Depending on what they are, plot twists can feel like WTF. But they’ve happened so much throughout my life that I understand them and what they signify for me. Even though I feel bummed about what played out, I’ve accepted it and am excited for what it’s opening a door for. Something even better. This I know.

The soundtrack

Teedra Moses’ Lionhearted – Young Hustla Vol 3 mixtape dropped circa 2009 and is still one of my favorite bodies of her work to date. Listening to it on repeat all week took me back to when it first dropped and where I was at in my life.

She’s one of my favorite R&B singers of all time. Between 2000 and 2010, she dropped a few mixtapes.

Around that time, she and a lot of indi and signed artists alike dropped [free] mixtapes to show case their talent, experiment with new sounds, and express themselves in ways they may not have had creative liberty to on a formal EP album. It was a great time in American R&B and Hip-Hop history.

I was in my mid twenties and one of the many Americans who were impacted by the country’s recession related layoffs. I was navigating a lot of uncertainty at that time in history and learning and unlearning things. In the midst of that, this mixtape felt good to me and inspired a lot of my art and creativity. Its energy kept me excited about what new possibilities were unfolding and to come.

Spring summer 2025 style vibes

I’ve been really drawn to denim on denim looks a lot. I’m also currently obsessed with A-line silhouette dresses. I’m still trying to figure out what color greens look the best on my skin tone. I may experiment with shades like the ones in my collage.

Golden lady

I went to a women’s empowerment brunch that my sorority hosted and it’s easily one of my favorite events from this sorority year. The energy was great, good conversation was flowing, and the weather turned out to be beautiful. The food was more delicious than I had expected too.

Al fresco

My mom was in town for work this week and I loved spending time with her. Friday night we went to Dellarocco’s in Brooklyn Heights for pizza and cocktails al fresco. Restaurant sidewalk eating during the warm months in New York City is an experience that must be added to one’s bank of core memories whether they’re just visiting or live here, in my opinion.