Dolphins
Dolphins dive into the deep
Overjoyed to splash around and play
Loves to snack on other fish in the sea
Purposes, Bottlenose and Amazon river are other types of these intelligent creatures
Having fun in the water but they love to learn too
I’m excited when I see them unexpectedly at the beach
Now you know one of my favorite animals
Sometimes they sleep with half their brain off
Yesterday, I got to spend time with my family on Father’s Day. My Dad has always been a golfer so he was very invested in watching the U.S. Open. My sister, brother in law and their family came over too. It was pretty relaxing up until my dad has his margarita spilled by their big, goofy Bernese Mountain Dog, Moose. Moose was in trouble for most of the night. My dad opened his gifts before dinner. I’m not really sure what my mom got him but it came with a nice card. I got him a pizza insulation bag. He loved it. For dinner that night, we had a burger bar, it was so yummy. I put lettuce, onion, cheese and bacon on mine. It was a fun, family-filled evening with everyone together celebrating our dad.
I am at my parent’s house until Monday after work, celebrating Father’s Day. Today I finally got my box of gifts in the mail from my Uncle David whom I am very close with. He is my dad’s younger brother. Our first trip we took together was when I turned sixteen and we went to New York City for the first time. The package in the mail took, at least, two times to get to North Carolina. He said it was a long story he didn’t want to get into. He loves to travel a lot internationally but right now is in his home in Massachusetts, I believe. Inside was a journal and a calligraphy kit. I am excited to learn how to use this. I have already been looking up Chinese characters of their alphabet through Pinterest and YouTube videos on how to use the ink. There is also a satchel with good, smelling herbs inside to hang in a closet. The lettering on it means good luck. A bookmark with a Phoenix on it. Rising from the ashes and a fan. I also received a Christmas ornament from Bethlehem, which was his journey last year. It’s in the shape of of a bell made from Olive Wood. I called him right away after I had read his note explaining what everything was, so excited. I am so appreciative of our special relationship. It’s been at least a year, maybe two since I last saw him. I’ve missed him at Thanksgiving but I know I can always call him about anything. I’ve been thinking of places to go to on our next adventure together.
It’s been a great couple of days back here in the Friendship House. I’m going back to my parent’s house over the weekend because of Father’s Day. So I’ll be missing the neighborhood Pig Picking. It’s still overall very quiet within the Houses but my upstairs apartment is happy again, at times. Filled with my two roommates/friends coming in and out from other commitments or outings. Right now, though on my floor it's just me, so I thought this would be the perfect time to catch up on my writing.
Also, on Tuesday as roommate time, my friends and I went to Simons Says Dip This. It’s a decadent ice cream shop where you can dip the ice cream in fun different flavors. We don’t go there very often but I think I like it better than the Parlor. I got soft serve vanilla ice cream drenched in a cake batter dip with Oreos and rainbow sprinkles. It was the perfect sweet treat and I ate it all. The cake batter dip was actually a blue color but I was nervous that it was going to make my tongue and teeth blue too. Later that evening, Laura and I watched the remake of the movie Footloose. I’ve never seen either version but I liked it. Some parts were a little intense and drama filled but others were fun and all about dancing and racing.
Yesterday after work, I stopped in my local Hallmark store to pick up a nice Father’s Day card for my dad. While I was waiting in line at the checkout, I noticed they had a display of friendship bracelets from Little Words Project. I had been seriously considering getting one anyways, have been following their Instagram and checked out their website. The word I picked was ‘strength.’ I don’t completely love the colors that go with it because it’s pink but it’s the word that matters. I can be alright with it, though. I’m wearing the bracelet today, too. I love that it’s a clean, simple, classic word that really resonates with me.
Once when I returned to Friendship House, I chilled out for most of the afternoon. I went on a lot of walks yesterday instead of taking my usual nap. Went on an even longer walk with Laura and Jessica to and from Reality. I even saw the prettiest sunset falling over the city, later that evening. I will never get tired of those views, they forever steal my heart. I strongly believe that the best sunsets are the ones that start off with the softest glow, light pouring in through the windows. It makes me happy and is the perfect way to end a day.
Last week, I was inspired to write about a river but today, I was writing about depression. I really am okay. My head is in a good place. Since being at Friendship House and Reality, I’ve never felt so strong. In that way. In May, it was Mental Health awareness month. I know I’m a bit behind but I wanted to share the poem I crafted. So here it is:
Shadows and Light
Trigger Warning: A Poem About Depression
Even when the brightness shines through
Sometimes I still feel like darkness is an old friend
I’m from the shadows but where I’m at is light
Trying to hold on to happiness before I succumb
Feeling myself losing
Even though nothing is wrong
The black holes is what I am choosing
My joy is being strung along
I’m from the shadows
A source of brightness beams from within
I feel myself coming back to the present
The corners of my mouth turn into a grin
As I talk to those who I care about
Shadows were never meant to be
The light is where I’m at
I’m from the shadows but where I’m at is light
My heart no longer feels tugged on or tight
I’m able to enjoy life around me
Setting myself free
From the darkness that I overcome
“As I went down to the river to pray studying about that good old way and who shall wear the starry crown good Lord show me the way!”
Because I have been struggling to find my own words to go with this artwork I created just this morning, I used an old song I liked from a movie I haven’t even seen. It’s a song that’s been stuck in my head from time to time and one of my favorite country singers Kelsea Ballerini just did a cover of this in a bathroom. It was so good! I had written a poem about a river my first year at Friendship House and I have been revisiting the poem, lately. Trying to make it better and more current. This is what I imagine and a river I would want to pray at. I also picture the Eno River, which is another place I have never been too. The Eno sounds like fun and I know a lot of my friends like going there too.
I was in the mood for Motorco tonight for dinner. I usually don’t eat that early but when I go out to eat I rather would to avoid long lines at appropriate dinner times. It’s been a while since I’ve eaten there. So the food tasted yummy and the throwback songs were relatable. There’s been a lot on my mind. I’ve also been mildly stressed at work, since last Wednesday. I believe that this too will pass and staying positive!
