It’s been one week and five days since election night, and a week and a day after President Elect Joe Biden and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris were called to win this historic 2020 presidential election. It felt like the fate of America rode off this moment. Shoot, it felt like the fate of the world relied on this election honestly.

Since that glorious Saturday morning, when the race was called for the two Democratic leaders, Donald Trump has been claiming a “rigged election”- of course because, ya know sore loser. But when the race was called on November 7th, many of us exhaled a collective sigh of relief. For a moment it felt like things were looking up and hopeful; however, my relief quickly soured into paranoia. I probably should’ve laid off the news, but shortly after Biden-Harris won, 45 continued to 45 and pretty much worked to ruin the moment with his antics. Since then, I feel like I’ve low-key been living with this underlying fear. Seeing the reaction of Far-Right supporters made me want to hide. I’ve even been seriously considering getting armed and moving into a neighborhood I feel more accepted and safer in…it’s 2020 people, and that’s sad. Then the results from exit polls (where you could see the hard divide in race amongst voters) coupled with the rage of 45-supporters, and their migration/slinking to dark corners of the web like effin Parler (where actual bigots now congregate in under the veil of “free speech”) made my mind spiral. It was a lot to take in after experiencing this brief sense of euphoria. I’d say in the aftermath of things, I’m hopeful and the overall weight and stress of this election has been lifted but I’m majorly disappointed in a pretty large subset of people, especially the people I’d assume would understand why the MAGA mentality and it’s bunkered-up leader have been completely toxic to American culture. I seriously won’t be able to look at the American flag the same way for a hot minute, or people I’ve known, or neighborhoods I used to frequent. It all seems tainted to me. I know things can change and perspectives can shift, but right now- I’m just like dang man, you don’t see us or our hearts and you really don’t understand why we see this guy and his Trumpology as a threat.

Of course more strangeness has happened since then…as a matter of fact, yesterday was the lil “Million Maga March,” insert eyeroll here for these people continuously bopping off of Black folks. Seeing them ranting, brawling, (again) diminishing the American flag with bigoted flags and just the hatefulness…was scary. Sigh, this is the country people of color are supposed to feel grateful for. If I ever thought a repeat of the Civil Rights era were to happen, I’d say it would be right now, it’s been insane. But at least world leaders have been acknowledging the historic win with congratulatory messages and well wishes. It kinda let me know this victory wasn’t made up in my mind, we weren’t being gaslit, and the spurious claims of cheating -through a massive conspiracy- were just too ridiculous to fall for.

So all isn’t lost, I have faith. I know there is so much work for us to do and I’m dedicated to the cause. And on top of that, Twitter memes and TikTok have been golden and keeping up my spirits. Gotta laugh to keep from crying right?

Anywho, this is a just another post where I’m in my feelings. I’m feeling good…feeling cautiously optimistic and ready to receive the goodness of the future of our country. We’re stepping into a new era of America. January 20th can’t come soon enough. How are y’all doing after this wild 2020 election? <3

-D. Wright

So it’s the first week of November, AND Election 2020. I’ve never, in all my life, had a week like this. *Fair warning, I have nothing profound to say. I’ve just seriously never had a week like this.

After witnessing folks all over the Instaworld break quarantine to dazzle one another in their fancy costumes and later brunch -as if tha ‘Rona was miraculously cured- in honor of the very-very (un)important holiday, Halloween…time fell back. So now, on top of possibly contagious people running around, we barely know where we are in the day.

What I do know is we’re on the FOURTH day of the most epic presidential election I’ve ever experienced in my voting history. It’s been worse than waiting for a Black Southern Baptist preacher to wrap up a sermon after his 5th ending. This thing seems to never end. Needless to say, the country is waiting on pins and needles with the news of who will be the future leader of this great ole ‘Murica.

I was planning on having a post up yesterday but to be honest the times are so got-dog-on wild, I couldn’t even focus. As a matter of fact, I took off this week because I knew I wouldn’t be able to focus. I had an inkling I was going to need a mental break to rest, and regroup -regardless of what the results were- plus my body gave me the signs of needing a break, so I listened. Now here I am- spending my 3rd day hanging with a dog who does zoomies like military drills, watching marathons of cheesy Christmas movies on Hallmark/Lifetime (because I’m a real adult in need of a healthy dose of reality), buying holiday decorations, and building my new bar cart all the while simultaneously watching the current president meltdown on global news and Twitter. It’s such a fascinating time to be a grown-up.

Americans are witnessing another historic and dramatic election, in real time, and through the lens of social media and news companies. I can’t even believe we’re awaiting 4 “battleground” states to seal our fate, and that Black & Latinx people are basically leading the charge. I feel like that deserves its own post right there. But anyway, fortunately for me, I’ve learned how to keep myself distracted and mentally balanced. I’m definitely nervous and worried about the repercussions of this election. It feels like many people are cautiously optimistic about the results but fearfully anticipating the actions of 45’s gun-toting, flag-waving pirate minions. We’ll see how it all plays out though.

In more important news- I’m just plotting for the future. I feel so inspired to have some type of creative outlet or business…or both. I want to feel that entrepreneurial freedom, ya know? And Black women are really inspiring me to just do it. Through seeing the results of this election come in and how different Black women are making names for themselves/leading in ways we could never imagine- they have me so ready to take my life to the next level. I’m just inspired to do things I didn’t think were possible. Wait…I guess I lied, I did have something profound to say. And that is- I’m finding a silver lining in the midst of the madness, and oh there is so much madness.

But how is your first week of November going? Are you getting ready for the holidays or just pushing through elections? <3

-D. Wright

It’s March 2020, and just wow.

There has been so much tragedy and terrible stuff in our world– between Kobe and Gianna’s deaths, the president (and his entire being), America’s pending elections/the political climate, wildfires, and now Coronavirus. Our lives feel like something made for a disaster movie, and many of us are trying not to be overwhelmed with sadness, anxiety, or depression.

I haven’t known what to really say over the past couple months, but I wanted to acknowledge the state of the times before transitioning into the other topics I had in mind. When I started this blog I wanted it to be a place where you could come and experience the different facets of my personality as well as learn a little bit about the world I see. Since the world I see is a bit in shambles, I had to check myself and regroup on my perspective.

I’ll start with

My heart goes out to everyone going through it right now.

Award shows, sporting events, and TikTok challenges are cool and all but we’re all out here going through the real deal. We’re coping with some pretty tragic public and personal events–and while I know everything will be ok eventually, it doesn’t feel like it will get better any time soon. I’m working on accepting our new reality, leaning on my faith, and embracing that we truly need each other now– more than ever.

Don’t forget

A word to the wise…don’t forget to take care of you. Unplug from this madness every once in a while. I know I’ve been working so hard check my attitude in the online comment sections because sometimes I just want to to go full fledged Wreck It Ralph, but I know it doesn’t solve anything. Being an angry Smurf only adds to the crazy, so your girl has to simply disconnect from the swirl and reconnect to what matters…and that’s this here spirit.

Happiness is

Remember that happiness is forever in a state of flux, but we can all attain it. What I’m working at in my life is having authentic joy and peace. Understand, it’s definitely a challenge…the road to happy is NOT easy but I want to live a life that I know I’ve enjoyed through all of the ups and downs. I don’t want my lows to take me out the game and I don’t want my highs to ever make me forget what I’ve been through.

Right now, we’re going though a weird low and I know I refuse to personally wallow in it for long. I’m finding things that lift my spirits like writing more, tipsy Neflix time with my pup, and Dj D Nice Club Quarantine dance parties. And I’ve got so many cool stories to share too, but for now I just want to feel how I feel–weird and unsettled. I can’t pretend to be completely celebratory when the reality happening around us seems so merciless.

Anywho…Hope you all are well and I’ll drop some goodies soon. <3

-D.Wright

So we’re starting off 2020 with less talks of joy and world peace, and with more talks of shenanigans from the supposed leader of the free-world.

This week in news, 45 decided to take out a beloved, high-ranking Iranian military general and now the world is in an absolute tizzy. Guys, like seriously, this was a few days into the New Year we haven’t even had time to get completely sober yet. I was just full of hope and happiness like five days ago, yet here we are– war, likely re-election of an Impeached flaming racist/faux Christian evangelist/high-key sexual predator, and growing international anxieties due to emboldened Iranian threats.

Of course you couldn’t watch the news or even get on social media without catching word. Three got-dog on days into 2020 Twitter was trending with bubbling discussions of world war, fears of Iranian retaliation on the US, and government conspiracy during re-elections.

I totally understand why folks justify Qasem Soleimani’s death and why others question its timing. What really sucks to me is that many people aren’t even thinking about the soldiers’ lives at risk or the lives of innocent people who are going to pay the cost for this fallout. Nooooo, we just get dumb memes about a non-existent military draft and endless Facebook arguments on who’s fault any of this is…because you know, Obama. :insert triggered af eye roll here:

Gays receiving their military draft letters in the mail when we go to war with Iran pic.twitter.com/pV0YBudMwY

— John Clyde (@johnclydenyc) January 3, 2020

All this to say I’m tired, I’m burned out y’all. Everyday, I feel like we’re drawing closer and closer to doom, and that’s mostly why I don’t write my opinions on this stuff anymore. The last three years have sucked to be an American (in the most first-world-problems kind of way). Politics have pretty much threatened our ways of life and incapacitated people’s brain cells, on top of the fact that the world is going to Hell in a hand basket (literally, see: Australia). I find myself watching cartoons and searching for animal videos frequently. I play with my dog a lot…all to avoid the stress of politics. Boooooyyyy and DON’T HAVE FRIENDS/FAMILY ON THE OPPOSING SIDE– they equally run up your blood pressure without you even opening a laptop or watching the news. So my mind rumbles on, my anxiety heightens, and I continue to wonder–when did we stop thinking for ourselves? Why is it so hard to see the truth or even, reality? And why must we argue about every-single–thing? You know what’s interesting…Other countries that don’t have as much liberal freedom of speech as we do, hit the streets. They rise up. They don’t have the luxury of arguing online, they actually–gasps–take…action.

More Action Less Talk

This year is more of a year-of-action for me. I’m in an organization that helps makes global change for people of color. And while I don’t know what I’m going to do about my political angst, I know I’ll keep paying attention. I just honestly don’t see the point of adding to the noise of media. There isn’t much you can do to change the mind of a narcissistic racist online, or your friendly neighborhood ignorant know-it-all. These people seem to be changed with time and personal experience. Then with the news…if we read more we can absolutely sort out the facts. News people (no disrespect) aren’t normally the the most reputable sources of truth. They report what’s given to them unless they seek a story out of their own interest. So knowing that– research the stories from a variety of resources, identify the consistencies/inconsistencies, and THEN pair that with your logic. It’s so agitating to hear people talk on this stuff who barely read or research beyond their favorite blog sites. Like girl…your fave Youtube star is not the end-all, be-all to political news. Lastly, politicians…why do we trust any of them??? They’re POLITICIANS and I refuse to be categorized like I’m in some sort of gang. Dems = Libs and Repubs = Conservatives…I don’t really have that much dedication to any of it and I’m def not repping any colors (hood kids get it). It’s honestly a matter of what poison you pick because they’ve all had to do and say things they’d probably never admit to in public. That’s why I never went into politics, it’s a real thing. Even our beloved leaders are not exempt of having skeletons in ye old closet. Yet, knowing this, we continue to argue, let people who have never experienced our lives lead us, and turn against each other in the wake of global turmoil.

I’m trying to figure out what to do with all of these feelings. What do you do? <3

-D.Wright

Hello good people! Oh how I’ve missed you all. We have so much catching up to do – so let’s get this party started.

As some of you might be aware, last week, the Rockets lost in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. And it sucked.

I won’t get into the details of the game but just know we were all nervous wrecks and heartbroken. We were so close to sweet-sweet, amazing, braggadocious victory for our city and it was all stripped away by a freaggin’ funky hamstring in game 5 (get well CP3). Now we have to live through another insufferable matchup between the Warriors and the Cavs. And while being knocked out of the finals is devastating enough, I just happen to now live in the very place that brought us to our demise – the Silicon Valley/Bay Area.

Oh yeah, I moved. That might be a surprise to a few of you and something you might have missed over my 2-month hiatus. I relocated to Northern California to pursue my writing career with a large technology company…ironic right? So now here I am, a Texan in California.

And I need y’all to understand, I’m real a Texan. I’m a super-real Texan. I love BBQ, beer, big hair, shiny things, long chats out on a porch swing with friends, yelling just because I need to relay a message across the room and my Texas teams (not the Cowboys though, sorry Daddy).

Now, I live in Warriorland, where even the transplants support a team they barely even know. And here it is, sure, I will support the Golden Boys and other folks when they’re not playing my guys. I won’t switch teams just because where I currently reside is cool and trendy to love. Oakland nor Silicon Valley raised me – Houston did, and I’ll never forget it.

My love for my Southern roots won’t change with new gigs and digs. There’s no place like home and sometimes I find myself wishing I were back in my old life but I truly look forward to the adventures ahead. I’ll happily live here in Cali…while wearing all the red Rockets things I can find, talking loud, eating tacos, and chugging down margaritas. I’ll do Texas anywhere I go, because – Murica.

The point is I’ll never forget. I’m so proud of where I’m from and so proud that special place made me ready for the world. I’ll be Red Nation in whatever country I live in. You can take the girl out of Texas, but you’ll never take the Texas out of the girl.

Where are you from? Do you carry your hometown pride with you? <3

-D.Wright