Looking back on life in “the before times.”
1. Saw my family in person. I’m lucky in that my family and I actually enjoy spending time with each other. So last Christmas, as has become my norm, I flew to Barbados for my annual holiday-time visit. We spent a couple of weeks together bonding and being silly. We’re huggers, so hugs were shared generously. Little did we know that that would be the last time in 8 months–and looking to be well over a year–that we would be able to see and hold each other in person.
2. Went to fashion week. I was fortunate to have been invited by FeNoel to their inaugural showing at New York Fashion Week. I felt very fancy indeed, lol. That said, it’ll be a while before I, or anyone else, feel like congregating in that kind of crowd, so I’m glad I had the experience while it was still safe.
3. Recorded the first guest on my other podcast. It was fulfilling to not only have booked our first guest, but also to record the episode in person in the studio. We have since moved (of course) to recording remotely, but I miss the studio. There’s nothing like sharing that space and feeding off each other’s energy.
4. Traveled to California with one of my favorite travel buddies—my niece. We had a blast and did all the things. We enjoyed the outsideness of it all: sunshine, beaches, fresh air, mountains, boardwalks…the whole nine. Then came right back to the East coast and huddled up at home.
5. Got my ears pierced (again) and my eyebrows microbladed. Glad about this because now there is no way I’m going to be in close quarters with anyone unless it is absolutely necessary.
6. Bought anti-bacterial soap. I needed some to help clean the piercings, and as the Universe would have it, Amazon only had a 4-pack in stock. Thank goodness!! Who knew it would become like a black market item a few weeks later.
7. Hung out in New York. I LOVE New York. And I don’t know if she will ever be the same. So I’m glad I got to see her and enjoy her full energy before the pandemic hit.
8. Attended Afropunk. Sure, this was last summer, but bear with me, because festival season is fully and entirely cancelled. I’m grateful that I got a chance to attend my favorite summer festival, vibe with my tribe, and even get some press coverage. Because again: even if some organizations opt to hold their festival, I will not be attending. I’ll be social-distancing and wearing masks for the foreseeable future.
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Unless otherwise noted, text and images ⒸLisa Hurley/@happyhappyphoenix
Main image Ⓒ @scarlettviewphotos, Middle image Ⓒ @dvvinci. Final image Ⓒ @barronclaiborne
Nice. We’re glad too that we had the opportunity to be together and bond. Best time ever.
Me too! Best time ever.