It’s my birthday and my 8- year New York Anniversary!

I’ve had the longest day ever and it feels so good to be cuddled in my favorite spot, next to my favorite person. We’re watching our latest Netflix addiction, Fringe.

My birthday is tomorrow and I can’t help but smile over how much life has changed. As I sit in reflection over the past 8 years here in New York City, I smile. I glow at the memories of my 20 something self, running around New York City like a lemming. Excited, anxious, scared, and full of vigor. 8 years later, I’m a grown woman. I gave the remainder of my 20s to this city and my dreams. Ultimately, my dreams have not been deferred, but defined. You see, when I landed in New York, I had no 5 year plan. I had no specific, definitive talent. I was kinda just wingin’ it and figuring out life as it happened. All of my fellow transplant buddies had been tiny ballerinas and had moved here after college to earn a spot at the renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Or perhaps they were high- school poetry slam winners, turned dope-Freestyle rappers that made the pilgrimage to Brooklyn to garner a career that rivaled Biggie. Or they knew they wanted to be the next Pop Princess or fashion designer or actress. As for me, I took the scenic route.

I’ve had many opportunities to try and fail and to immerse myself in people, places and things so deeply that I was forced to adapt, swim faster and learn to breathe at a higher altitude. I am from the South, after all! The air is a lot simpler there.

I don’t have anything  prolific and deep to write at the moment. What I am feeling is too much to put into words. I am just thankful. I am thankful that I have managed to survive in the TOUGHEST CITY in the world, I am thankful for my health, my loved ones and my life. Everything finally feels like it’s coming together.

On previous birthday eves, I’ve flown to exotic countries to celebrate, had an impromptu dinner with my favorite famous person, gotten those piercings I’d always wanted, partied in Memphis with the home team and downed more glasses of Prosecco than I care to count at Red Rooster in Harlem.

This birthday eve, I am also on another journey. This is the one I’ve been preparing for since I was a girl. I have finally made it to the fork in the road and I’ve chosen the right direction.

I’m home just relaxing. (Anyone that knows anything about a Cancer woman can attest to home being the haven for peace and tranquility.) Tomorrow on my birthday, I am going to the beach before noon and leaving after the breeze from the water cools the sand. I am taking a good book, a few sandwiches, a bottle of wine, maybe a notepad and I am going to bask in the sun with my Soulmate.

Check out a few flicks from my Birthday/ Anniversary shoot. My amazingly talented man shot them! I wanted to do something artistic, colorful and exemplary of my life in The Big Apple. I hope we captured a little bit of what I feel everyday and most importantly, I hope you can feel it too.

Thank you so much for being here with me,

Naja

Happy Birthday to you too, Bay. It’s not the same without you, but I know it’s you that ruffled some wings up there and finally put Ray Meezy and I on the same road. I know it’s you that sent me a fill in, Shani, so I don’t have to celebrate July 22, OUR birthday alone. Thank you for being my Earthly Angel while you were here and transitioning to a great Guardian Angel. I still love you and I still think about you. I know it’s your loving spirit that glues our family so tight.

Rest In Peace-