Perspective

A lil sumpin' sumpin' I happened to happen upon on Sunday night.....

Belated Father's Day

So, here's a little piece of love here.  Recently, my biological father's family has been trying to cultivate a relationship with me.  Which, in and of itself, has been quite foreign to me.  I have never known these people.  They were never around.

It got me to thinking about my step-dad.  His name is Keith.  And the two topics don't really have anything to do with each other - other than the title of father being involved. 

When we first met Keith, our lives almost crashed into his.  And by we, I mean my Mom and I.  Cause we were a package deal.  Majorly.  And he never batted an eye.  To any of it.  There was never hesitation.  Even when I tried to destroy his Thunderbird by jumping up and down on the hood of it.  Even when I threw debris off of his high-rise, posh workplace to get attention with my very bad best friend at the time.  Even when I used to steal his socks.....and his shorts......and his work boots when I was going through my Homie G phase.  Even when I turned 16 and really made my parents question whether or not they wanted to adopt me out to the SPCA.....he never hesitated.  And I think for me, it was a series of tests.  As to how much shit I could put him through and if he would stick around.  Because, it really wasn't about whether or not he loved us.  It never was with any of them.  It was about the stick around part.  And he did.

And it wasn't like a one day thing, it just kind of turned into the three of us.  Until my brother was born.  And then it was the four of us.  And his support is never outlandish.  His love is never standing on a coffee cart declaring his position in my life.  Or the title that he deserves.  His love and support is, usually, never when I expect it.  His love is this:  grabbing my hand as my grandmothers coffin was lowered into the ground and my Mom was on the other side of the grave.  And I thought I was gonna die because I out loud started crying - and there he was.  Grabbing my hand.  And I didn't ask for it.  And I didn't expect it.  But there it was.  Exactly what I needed.  In that moment.  And nothing else would have sufficed. 

And ever since he came into our lives.....he has made me a better person, daughter, sister and friend.  He has taught me to keep my mouth shut......sometimes.  He has taught me that soft kindness is more about what the other person needs rather than what I think I want to give.  He has taught me that I want him around always.  Because even when he says things that I don't want to hear.....I trust him.  Because he is the most honorable man that I am humbly, graciously, blessedly call my father.  Except, I never call him that because that word in my life never really meant anything.  Scratch that, I call him Keith.  Which, in my books, kicks the crap out of the other word.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.

It took us a while to get here - but now that we are here - we are stronger and better for the time and work that we invested.  And now, we are GOLD BABY!!!!  The best.  Never second.  Never.

I love you.

Atwater Market | Folk Fest

This day was magical.  As you can see by the pictures.  So much love.  Too bad my camera died before the late night terrace amazingness!  Happy Friday babies.  xoxo

A Shady Thursday Night - In The Valley Where Lovers Climb

The majority of these pictures are from Thursday night.  Icehouse.  St. Laurent street sale.  OLDgOLDBOUTIQUE.  Friend's terrace.  Honey Martin.  Then this morning early morning walk through the hazy morning mist with Brody.  I have decided, officially, that she is a ninja.  Of the best kind.  All in all - beautiful sights.  Amazing company.  Great food.  Perfect weather.  Inspiration to the max.  If only everyday could be like this.  Mama said there'd be days like this.