Shenanigans Part Deux - Fight night and New Orleans

Dear World,
 
I must get you caught up on all my summer time shenanigans. Oh my! I feel as if I have neglected you again. Bad girl!!
 
You can rest assured regardless of the radio silence life has been anything but silent. First off, my concert filled spring opened the door to a carefree summer effortlessly. Summer just glided in my life like an expensive pair of pantyhose. So yeah. That was me. Going into the summer feeling good and expecting to enjoy every minute of it.
 
My first summer stop was fight night in Birmingham, Alabama. By the way, with Alabama as my home you will see many mini excursions and treasures on my page from my home state.  Getting back to the story, current heavyweight champion and native Alabamian, Deontay Wilder was set to fight Eric Molina at Bartow Arena in June.  It was my first professional fight and surprisingly exceeded my expectations. I know. I know.  A fight?  For those that are acquainted with only on side of me one would think that I am either a prissy-conservative, a tree hugging hippie or artist wild child.  Tsk. Tsk.  I am multidimensional guys! As a former tomboy and athlete I have always valued sports especially  boxing and martial arts. Why? Boxing because my grandfather inundated my childhood with stories of boxing greats such as Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali  and martial arts because I grew up watching old Bruce Lee movies.


So you can imaging walking into this arena was like a dream come true for me and the place to be.  Apparently, it was for many at the sold out event as Showtime aired the fight with appearances from celebrities and sports commentators. I provided a couple of pictures for you of the sold out event. 
 


The pre-fight
 
 
The main event. 
 
 
 
Next stop. New Orleans!!!






This is where it all begins
Secret: New Orleans is absolutely one of my favorite cities!!! Who can't love the rich history, culture, and mouth watering food? I have been to this lovely city on several occasions for festivals, micro mini vacations and day trips. My expectations for a great time were no different as I went with some great friends of mine to enjoy the annual Essence Festival hosted by Essence magazine. It is held annually during Fourth of July weekend.  I am unsure whether any of you have ever had the opportunity to go but if you have not I encourage you to change that.  This is my fifth year in attendance and I must say each year is different and has something different to offer.


 
From the moment you arrive the city is alive with people.  You see an array of people from all demographics ready for one thing-a weekend packed with celebrity sightings, stellar performances, informative seminars, parties and giveaways.  The festival usually begins on Friday but for the past few years, Thursday has been added as an additional day of fun.  This year Essence was kicked off with Kevin Hart's "What Now" comedy tour and Trey Songs concert series.  Each day is packed with concerts, events, seminars and street vendors, day cruises, tours and almost everything your hearts desire. So regardless of what your interests are there is something for you. Below are a few pictures of this year's sights through my eyes. Enjoy!    
 


The program for the festival

 
The many concerts...
 


Stellar performances all around. 

Little finds in the Outlet at the Riverwalk
Feeding my sweet tooth
And did I mention the shopping? Inside the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk there are boutiques and national retailers from popular brands such as Gap and Forever 21 to high end such as Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio.
 
The convention center is home to seminars, vendors, sponsor displays, games, giveaways, food, celebrity sightings, free live performances and more.
 
 
Approaching the end of an entertaining and empowering weekend, this phrase was shown during a performance. It struck a cord with me and I hope that it is as thought provoking for you.

 
For snippets of performances check out my Youtube channel.  
 
Until Next Time,

Curly Girl

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Are you Ready??

Image
Only three steps away from the crackling fire, I am nestled in an oversized sofa with my favorite cashmere throw.  The candle warmer is working overtime emitting the fragrance of soft powder and jasmine wax purchased at the candle boutique days earlier and the music in the distance is a mix of smooth jazz and oldies.  I peer out the large bay window of the great room at the most picturesque vision. A mountain peak is covered in thick sheets of snow....Screeeeeeeech!!! All of this this would be amazing if it were real. However, the harsh reality is much less entertaining.  I am sitting here at my work desk covered in manila file folders drinking my morning cocoa and wishing this dream was my current situation.  One day it will be. That I am sure of. But right now I feel the itch of another escape surfacing and what is a curly girl to do? Draft my travel itinerary for 2015!!! This itinerary includes everything from tropical beach excursions, exotic cultural trips to family fun.
Read more

Offense vs. Love and Purposeful thinking

Good Morning World, Today we are going to talk about offense. Below I have a couple verses and a short post I would like to share with you. Is that alright? And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Philippians 1:9‭-‬10 KJV http://bible.com/1/php.1.9-10.KJV Offense The referenced Bible passage is reflective and confirmation I received on how to deal with an offense, most recently one that happened yesterday. While the offense does not warrant elaboration or another minute of emotional response the text does serve as a powerful lesson that love and purposeful thinking is always needed. Love. I look at the mention of love in this text and in the context that it heals and allows for forgiveness. That it allows wisdom to permeate while addressing less than pleasure experiences. Also that love allows the heart not to be h
Read more

Birthday Curly

Image
So, I had a birthday this week.  There was not an extravagant party surrounded by loved ones or me living out a dream of lounging on an exotic island surrounded by muscle bound men.  I was surrounded by work.  Ha-Ha.  However, I did receive a plethora of love from friends and family on my day and the highlight included a micro mini trip days prior to Atlanta, Georgia with much to do and soooo little time.  I had a good time and returned to with a feeling of appreciation and reflection.  One thing worth mentioning is that I am Thankful.  I am thankful that GOD gave me another day to get it right.  That I have another day to live out my dreams, purpose and God-given destiny.  I look over my life and boy has it been an interesting road.  To have been born in a time of opportunity to people and family that may not have had everything but instilled in me hard work, to never give up on my dreams and never allow anyone to kill your dreams.  To be rooted in faith, hope and the promises of God.
Read more