I used to think everything started and ended with H-Town-Houston Texas. And Yes, I know the world is larger than Texas, but we Texans seem to believe we’re the greatest thing to happen to these here United States of UhMurica. I just couldn’t fathom life, being as amazing as it was in Texas, anywhere else in the world. Texas pride is a real thing folks and we have no shame about it. So imagine my surprise when I left and realized this great world held more for me than my beloved home state and hometown. As a native Houstonian, I thought living in the country’s fourth largest city would provide every opportunity equal to the amount of love and contentment I felt there everyday. Spoiler alert…It didn’t. So much was in store for me outside of my comfort zone and I want to share a bit of what I’ve learned leaving Space City for Silicon Valley. Here are my top three lessons:

Talk Less, Act Boldly

One thing about Houston was I felt like we all had so many dreams but never really did them to our fullest capabilities. It could very well be because of age, money, and insecurity back then but it was safe to say that everyone wasn’t “doing” or completely following through as they might have let on. No shade at all because I fell into the toxic cycle myself, but after moving here, I’ve completely snapped out of it. I learned no matter the outcome, it’s best to just try. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be right…for you. Once I trusted my gut and my knowledge, things took off for me. I didn’t have to just talk about my dreams, I started living them. I guess you could say another mini-lesson I learned was, you sometimes have to leave what you know so that you can really spread your wings and do what your heart is called to do…boldly and unapologetically.

Surround Yourself With Greatness

Houston was full of amazing personalities and celebrities and wealth…but I never truly felt that kind of “success” was attainable. Houston was an oil and gas town. I needed a creative town. Moving to a place like Silicon Valley instantly plops you into circles and conversations you’d never even imagine to be in. It’s kinda like LA in the sense of going to a place where a primary industry is so massive that everyone is literally a few degrees apart. Back home, I was a bazillion degrees apart from truly doing the creative work I desired. Moving into a region focused on a creative industry helped me to not only feel like the sky was the limit for my path, but inspired to do whatever I could dream. I wish I could tell y’all even half the cool stuff I’ve been able to do. Just know I’m smack dab in the middle of fortune 500-excellence AND a top notch art scene. The industry I currently work in literally changes billions of lives and I wouldn’t have had this same experience if I were too afraid and stayed home. Don’t be afraid to move towards excellence.

Say “Buh-bye Safety Net”

Home had every creature-comfort a girl could ever want or need. Even if you were “broke” :raising my hand on this one: it didn’t take much money to have a good time or enjoy your family and friends. Southern culture is so rooted in family and extended family. This was a blessing and a crutch for me. Leaving taught me to fly on my trapeze with no net in sight. Am I scared sometimes? Yes. But is it also exhilarating…double-yes. I bump my head and stumble but it feels amazing. The freedom you gain from just doing whatever you want is unmatched. I will say working for a global corporation can be restricting in some ways, but I’m so proud of what I do and I know it will set me up for my creative pursuits as I keep living.

So friends…you could say this post is dedicated to those of you on the fence, and wondering if it makes sense to take a leap of faith. I say, you never know what is on the other side for you. Don’t feel limited by your surroundings, understand there’s a whole life for you in a city, state, or country that could take you to the next level. There’s so much to gain from leaving your past and stepping out on faith. The world is your oyster, it just has to be discovered. <3

-D. Wright

It’s effin 2019, Black History Month has had it’s moment, and now here we are in March.

Let that marinate people…MARCH!!!

I can hardly believe it and yessss I know it’s been a hot minute since I last dropped a line but let me tell you, life has been nuts. I can’t complain but it’s been quite different from anything I’ve ever experienced.

I’ve been doing so much that by the end of the week, I’m generally left wondering where the time has gone, where to even begin restarting my creative work and how to maintain consistency. I thought I’d be doing all the things since I don’t have many distractions here. Shoot, I even thought I was going to be writing you people like 3 times a week, but then life was like NOPE…#NewJobNewYou girl. So I stopped trying to force what didn’t feel natural and I surrendered to being present in my experience here.

As you can imagine, it’s been a major adjustment, picking up and moving to Cali from Texas. And I honestly think I’ll feel more settled after this first year is up but at least I can say I’m getting used to my new gig, and raising my adorable puppy Cookie the CEO (named after Tim Cook). Yes it’s a funny story on how I selected his name, we’ll talk about it later. Anywho, this white little floofball has managed to take up the free time I thought I had so now life is even more full. As we speak, he’s spread all of his toys across my living room and has literally taken over. When I move, he moves. When he sneezes, it’s usually in my face. When I’m not keeping a close eye on him, he’s either making something a fire hydrant or into who knows what. I don’t have a life anymore. I might even be telling people I’m a single Black mother in Silicon Valley at this point. They totally know I’m joking btw…Well, hopefully.

Ok, what else can I think…Oh! I made two trips down to Houston in November and December last year for my cousin’s wedding and then for the holiday break. Let’s first start off with how amazing it was to have a proper break. Geez I didn’t know what I was missing! It was definitely a nice change up, going back home, but definitely interesting staying there after being in California for a bit. Of course I loved being with my family and friends but I realized there was absolutely nothing left for me outside of my familial life. I tried EVERYTHING in Texas and nothing really stuck for me. I did music, was on the scene, went to the best places, dated the most interesting people, had the BEST of friends but I never really built the way I knew I could. By the end of the trip, I realized it was time for a change, and that’s why I left for California. I had to take a leap of faith, now look at me…new city, new job, new life–new outlook.

Anywho, all is well and I have so much stuff to share. In the mean time, here is a blip of my life from around October to February, presented to you wonderful people in “thumbnails” until I can figure out this whole updated blog platform lol! Talk soon. <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

Strength, love, unity. Those three words define the ethos of my city – Houston. There has been so much destruction, loss, fatalities and everything else heartbreakingly devastating under the sun but the spirit of the city has remained as persevering as the people fighting through every inch of water.

Hurricane Harvey touched down in northeast of Corpus Christi, Texas as a category 4 hurricane and ripped through Rockport in just a matter of hours. What Houstonians didn’t anticipate were categorically catastrophic storms ripping through every inch of the 4th largest city in the US. We’ve had several major floods over the last 3 years and endured Tropical Storm Allison, that has haunted us for 16 years, but this was something we never experienced.

Rockport, Texas photo courtesy of Jeff Piotrowski.

Late into Saturday evening, waters began to rise on the streets and within minutes, homes. Many reported rescue calls began increasing around 1am/2am. The water continued to rise, neighborhoods became lakes, and streets commonly traveled became rivers. Though the storm bore reminiscent to Allison, we all knew it was 100 times worse. Neighborhood after neighborhood, rescue call after rescue call – the pot began to boil over. Homes were evacuated and destroyed, families separated, people were literally lost in the rising waters within their homes and on the streets trying to escape…but we witnessed the resilience of our first responders and civilians risking their lives to come the aide of others.

Photo courtesy of AP / David J. Phillip.

The news of Harvey has broken the hearts of those living in Texas and all over America but the people of Houston were built to take on giants.

Photo courtesy of AP / Charlie Riedel.

Houstonians are united and volunteering their services. People have opened their hearts, homes, and wallets – all while in the midst of the storm. Keep in mind, we’re in day 3 of a 5 day tropical storm. I’ve witnessed social media act as a tool to report people in need of rescue and resources. I’ve seen messages of love and support. So yes…Houston is greater than Harvey. Houston has proven to be greater than the politics, religions, races, and financial classes that have separated the country. Houston is the America our country strives to be.

I live in a small apartment compound in a neighborhood called The Heights…

Streets surrounding me are flooded, bayous surrounding me are flooded. My family is not here but I feel loved and safe just if they were. The anxiety of rising waters kicked in last night after nearly 24 hours of no sleep and I reached out to my landlord who told me I was welcome to “hunker-down” with him and his family next door. My other neighbors texted with me throughout the day and made plans for any emergency situations that might arise. I knew that even though I was afraid, I was blessed to be in an environment where neighbors took care of neighbors. I imagine it’s what my parents and grandparents grew up with, knowing their neighbors. And the crazy-amazing thing is that this little family of misfits is made up of incredibly unique and extremely different people. We vary in race, age, financial disposition, and likely religious practice but we are united by our humanity. We’re neighbors.

Photo courtesy of AP / David J. Phillip.

I know I get a little crazy and sometimes have all the jokes on Facebook but I truly love people. That frame of mind came from my family and the city I call home – Houston, Texas. At the core we are good. Food, music, and culture unite us. We’re brave and bold. We’re creative and athletic. We want the best. We work for the best and for that reason, Houstonians, I love you. You’re an amazing people. This storm is another challenge that we will overcome. While some of us might not fully embody the the true spirit of Houston, there are so many of use that continue push this city forward. We are a world class example of what Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Asians, Africans, Indians, Muslims, Christians, Atheists, LGBTQ, Cowboys, and other randoms can do unified under the fight to preserve life.

Photo courtesy of Reuters / Adrees Latif.

Houstonians, we gon’ be alright and remember, Houston > Harvey. <3

-D.Wright

Located off of historic Allen Parkway, sits one of the most beautiful spaces I’ve ever visited for brunch. I’ve been wanting to check out The Kitchen at The Dunlavy for months and finally got the opportunity over last weekend. Usually when folks go somewhere or do something they’ve been anticipating, there’s a little bit of a let down. I can not say that was the case here. It was everything I hoped it to be…From the walk up to the door, the chandeliers, the food and atmosphere. I felt like a Black Alice in Wonderland waiting for the Mad Hatter and March Hare to serve me up a cup of something good.

As I mentioned, the walk up was absolutely beautiful. There was greenery from a park that shared the space below, as well as a bayou. Also notable, was the cemetery that neighbored the building. You would think it would make the vibe a bit morbid or dreary but the crazy thing was, even that looked enchanting. All I could think was the acreage this thing sits on is absolutely breathtaking.

Parking was kind of tricky since the lot was small. I decided to opt out of their reasonably priced valet to park in a smaller connected lot, and then made my way up the rock trail.

This is going to sound corny but it was lovely and so pleasant outside that it made it even better. From the snaps I took of the surrounding buildings, you can get a feel of how grandiose the landscaping and views were. Note to photographers: If you want to take pictures of Houston in all it’s glamorous, Southern glory – this is the spot to do it. You can also see a glimpse of Downtown that makes everything even more awe-inspiring.

Now for the entrance…anyone who knows me, knows that I’m absolutely obsessed with chandeliers. I don’t have one in my apartment, so I bought a painting of one and it’s literally hanging over my sofa as we speak. So imagine my girly-girl, shrieking joy when I walked in and laid my eyes on this amazing dining room. It nearly brought me to tears. Ok, maybe no tears were involved but my jaw absolutely dropped. It was an experience just walking into the space. I died and went to chandelier heaven.

As far as the feel of the room, after getting over the delightful drama of it all, it felt surprisingly warm and very charming. I went through the door and was able to order my food and beverages right away. The staff was friendly and professional so they helped us get though the line quickly. This place gets packed, so no drama around waiting for a table or waiters felt amazing.

Mimosa (Cocktail)

I don’t have to tell you the drinks were awesome. They had bite but were well very balanced and super tasty. We got a great deal on a carafe and pretty much went to boozy-town. So with the drinks, there were no complaints there just know we were Chatty-Cathy’s by the end of it.

For my meal, I decided to go with something a little traditional. Whenever I go to places I’ve never experienced, I select a simple meal. My thoughts are, “If they screw this up, I’m never coming back.” For the record, they didn’t screw it up and I’ll definitely be going back. The bacon was thick and salty. The eggs were light and perfectly drizzled in white American cheddar. The potatoes were seasoned and the toast was toasted for just the right amount of crisp. Everything was so good, even the butter made me go mmmmm.

The Egg Plate

There was so much more to see outside of the dining space. I can’t wait to go back and sit in their outdoor area. They have a new, loyal patron in me. I guarantee if you enjoy good eats and beautiful aesthetics, The Kitchen is the spot to visit. It’s such a jewel and I hope you enjoy it when you visit. <3

-D.Wright