Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY has been a refuge for me over the years. The peace and wonder I get as I walk, run, or bike through the park ever ends. Each time something new catches my eye. I love the moment when you are walking and you come across a detail that makes you stop. All you need is encapsulated in that moment.

 This tunnel is no exception. On my walk back home, I walked through this tunnel. As I approached the tunnel, the way the light entered and covered the side was magical. It seems like you are passing through to another place on the other side.

In New York City, I started to notice wooden necklaces with black power and African pride symbols. The visual aesthetic and personal statement the necklaces made brought together a look of confidence and knowledge of self.

Inspired by all of this, I set out to make my own wooden necklace using symbols that have personal meaning. I used Adobe Illustrator to layout the design and played with a laser cuter to etch and cut the designs into wood. Going to a wholesale jewelry and necklace store in midtown NYC, I secured all the materials I needed to make my necklaces. 

Check out the process and the final product:

The Underground

 I wonder.. what is the rush

Always directional

Shuffling of a city

Hamster wheels

The Tube is packed —packed in during rush hour. The tunnels funnel you underground through twists and turns. I get so confused I can’t find the way out. Narrow passageways can barely contain the volume of people. I am getting claustrophobic. 

Brixton

White women reads Zadie Smith

Next Stop…Brixton

Reminds me of Williamsburg in New York City. The new “hip” shops with boutique coffee or the latest craze of “authentic” ethnic food position themselves next to long established food stalls, grocery stores and gathering places. This Caribbean community is being transformed into a utopia for woke young professionals and creatives looking to be close to “the culture”. So much gentrification— it’s cliché.

I walked into a book store and a man was speaking to friend on the phone. Laughing, he seems to be in good company surround by books — he has three in his hand. I notice the Bruce Lee cover. I think maybe we could be friends. He wraps up his call with a “bless”. What a great way to end a call.

Walked a little further under a bridge and turned the corner — I hear sounds of reggae and dancehall. The smell of jerk, curry goat and beef patties fills the air. The flags of the Caribbean dawn store fronts. I walk up to a food truck called “One Love Café” and the man greets me with the warmth a blanket gives you on a cold fall day. I order curry chicken and as he preps my plate I tell him I am visiting from New York. He smiles and says that is closer to Jamaica than London. He hands me the Styrofoam container and exchange a fist pound. The chicken was delicious.

Dinner at Barrafina

Men have a responsibility

Each one teach one

We can be…more

Dinner for one — Treat yourself. For me that is seafood. This place has amazing dishes and wine. I end up sitting next to a man from Iowa. We talked about family, travel, sports and growing older. He is honest, reflective and all about family. He seems happy being a dad and coaching his daughter’s softball team. He tells me to continue to challenge myself and keep family and friends close — Bless. 

Morning Walk Along the River Thames

Breath in………

Breath out..

Breath in………

Breath out..

There is something about the early hours before the city wakes up. The stillness of it all. Allows me time to reflect and breathe in the calm. In my crazy life, these are the moments that keep me balanced.

Getting to the Airport

 Leaving places is hard for me. I wait until the last minute to get to the airport. Thankfully the Heathrow Express is convenient and quick. It is always nice to have time before a flight to relax. A nice drink at the bar and I head to the gate.

Thanks London, here are some more images….