“I’m African American, Im African, I’m black as the moon.”
-Kendrick Lamar
African American Museum of Dallas- Dallas, TX
Category: Uncategorized
Cinnamon Ornaments For Any Occasion
Enjoy my very first VoiceOver introducing this very easy and simple project for all ages!
Red Rock Canyon State Park- Cantil, CA
Out of all of the places I’ve explored in Southern California, Red Rock Canyon State Park is probably one of my favorites. The park is located in Cantil, CA, and can often be mistaken for the Red Rock National Conservation Area in Nevada. Although they have similar canyons, they are two different parks. Luckily, I’ve been to both, so I’ll make another post on Nevada soon!
The canyons and cliffs at the State Park are just mindblowing and beautiful. The shapes and colors vary and are beyond unique. Since I’m a “daredevil,” I love climbing the rocks and admiring the marvelous views from a high elevation. The only thing I dislike is taking pictures because they do absolutely no justice. You have to be there to understand this experience because it is an experience.
Based on my visits, the trails there are pretty much like walking trails. I’m sure there are challenging routes, but my sister is scared of heights, so I never bothered researching. Honestly, hiking the area is okay, but I’m more interested in the various small caves and unique canyons. When I hike, besides seeking peacefulness, I’m always looking for cool things to take photos of, so it isn’t unlikely for me to go off-trail.
One cool thing about the park is you’re able to camp, so I’ll for sure be doing that when the weather warms again. I’ve visited the park about three times, and each experience was different due to exploring various areas. Even though I have been multiple times, I’ve never explored the entire park, but that is a goal. A dull moment seems almost impossible when revisiting, and that is what I love about the area.
Since I’m terrified of bees, that is probably my only complaint. In my opinion, the place is pretty much infested with them. If I’ve seen more than two, that equals infested to me. Haha! Being stung by a bee is something I’ve never experienced and not something I’d want to feel. I’ll never forget being on the edge of a cliff, and what do you know? A buzzing bee near my face- yes, I almost panicked and was done after that!
Besides the bees, Red Rock Canyon State Park is a remarkable piece of art and nature to see if you’re adventurous. Because it is a desert area, I highly suggest taking plenty of water because it does get scorching hot there (even in November). There are numerous picnic areas and restrooms, which are always clean, so that’s a plus. I have not encountered any snakes, but I’m sure, they’re there!
The Broad- Los Angeles, CA
Located in Downtown Los Angeles, you can visit this uniquely designed museum and all of the creative art displayed by talented artists. The Broad is a beautiful place for those who love contemporary art like me and quite impressive. When my sister and I visited, we almost could not enter due to the museum hosting an exclusive exhibition that required tickets. Fortunately, we knew nothing about the reservation list giving us access to explore the “Free Admission” floor of art. I’m assuming the difference between the two areas; the exclusive exhibitions are specifically theme-based and last for a seasonal period. While the top floor is distinctively randomized and free of a theme. Either way, if you’re ever in the area and love dope pieces of art- check it out.
Museum of Selfies- Los Angeles, CA
Today we live in a “selfie queen” era. When you see a large variety of your followers’ photos on social media, nine times out of ten, they were taken in selfie-mode. For sure, most of my portraits are because I’m a camera freak and I love capturing memorable moments. When taking selfies you can see exactly what you’re capturing- the lighting, those “popping” angles, if anything is between your teeth, your hair sticking up, and much more. Pretty sure that’s why most prefer selfie-mode.
The Museum of Selfies can be found in the Hollywood tourist area of Los Angeles, California. It is also where the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located. I knew immediately I was going to love this place before I could visit. My sister and I went on a great day because there wasn’t much traffic inside of the museum. Minimum traffic equals extra time to capture the perfect selfie. Haha! We were able to freely explore the museum without other visitors rushing us. Overall, the entire museum is a fun-filled, creative, and cool place, plus it is suitable for all ages to enjoy. My favorite part was the pool filled with emoji balls. It reminded me that I’m still a big kid at heart, and I’m not ashamed to admit that.
Long story short, if you’re ever in Los Angeles and you love taking selfies, add this museum to your itinerary. Be sure to go selfie crazy!
Venice Beach; Los Angeles, California
Venice Beach can be a “hit or miss.” I’ve visited a couple of times, and each time I’ve fallen in love with the atmosphere in general. Although, there is a crap ton of homelessness- the best part about the beach is seeing all of the crafty artists selling their creations and artwork along the strip. The random graffiti and murals are also super dope, so I tried to get as many pictures as possible. Plus, I can not forget to mention the beautiful palm trees! Minus all of the homelessness and tagging, Venice reminds me of the Virginia Beach strip back home.
Check out some of the dopeness I captured:
Los Angeles Arts District
I absolutely love Los Angeles’ Arts District!
Towsley Canyon Loop Trail- Newhall, CA
Hiking or walking trails will always be one of my favorite recreations when possible. I tend to love most of my destinations and all they have to offer. The magnificence of nature, the mindblowing views, the serenity, the fresh air, etc. are all cool bonuses of exploring trails. I will be truthful and admit; I’m not too fond of the “creatures” that come with outdoor nature (weird? I know). When I arrive at a new site, the first thing I locate and review is an information board for animals. Most of the warnings are typically for rattlesnakes and coyotes. Alright, I’m okay with that as long as I don’t see either because what are the odds, right? Luckily, I had never encountered either until recently.
One of my latest hiking adventures officially scarred me for life. This trails located at Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon near Newhall, Santa Clarita. Of course, there were signs for rattlesnakes and now the weather had warmed up- I was expecting to spot one or two. At first, I was not nervous because the trail appeared heavily trafficked. Los Angeles had just reopened all trails and parks so the paths were incredibly overgrown. No biggie, let’s get this 5.6 mile travel knocked out and enjoy the rest of my day. Ha! With only a few feet into the hike, you immediately hear the snakes rattling their tails. Talk about being freaked out! My biggest concern was catching one camouflaged within the overgrown shrubs off guard. Sheesh! I attempted to move expeditiously (T.I.’s voice), but moving fast wasn’t it because although I walk consistently, apparently, I’m still out of shape!
As I’m walking, I approach a swampy mud puddle infested with bees. I’ve never been stung by a bee; I try to avoid them at all costs- PERIOD. Due to fear, I didn’t have the strength to jump, but my sister and brother-in-law accompanied me, making them my motivators for leaping across the puddle. I was terrified, closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and went for it. As I successfully jumped over the pool and opened my eyes, lo and behold, a big ass black rattlesnake magically appeared out of NOWHERE. I almost pissed my pants jumping around and screaming my head off! Talk about a panic attack. I had never been so scared in my life. I just knew I was about to have a heart attack, but I survived (barely). At that moment, I accepted I was officially on my scariest hike!
Besides the snakes, the hike was enjoyable. It seemed like we were in a jungle- just missing Tarzan. The views were beyond amazing. Had I been more fit, I would have been able to enjoy it more because those hills were killer, and my breathing was entirely off. Most of the struggle with my breathing was due to being scared of possibly running into another rattlesnake. And we did run into another snake, but he wasn’t a threat. I was trying my best to prevent an anxiety attack because I was paranoid. Once we arrived at the top, I was able to relax and calm my nerves drastically. The remainder of the excursion wasn’t as terrifying with me worried about more snakes because I knew the end was near!
I’m glad I was able to experience the hike but probably won’t return until the temperature changes, and I’m more fit!
Enjoy a few pics of my journey:
