Unnecessary Insults: Pretty Like My Granny

Favorite Quotes

“If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.”

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

"...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you; we are in charge of our attitudes."

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.”

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Pretty Like My Granny

My Granny, my dad's mother, used to call me to her bedroom, and we'd go into this adjacent side room. She'd get her rolling paper and marijuana, make a joint, and just talk to me. She almost always told me "you're pretty like your Granny" and reminded me that I "don't have to put up with no shit." I really miss that woman. I miss her unconditional love, unabashed conversations, unapologetic confidence, untainted honesty, and uncompromising authenticity. Gloria Jean was truly one of a kind. We lost her on December 21, 2015.

As I was sitting here, thumbing through my photos, critiquing myself, I remembered my Granny. I can only imagine what she'd say knowing that I was being an utter ass to me. Actually, I know what she'd say: "You don't have to put up with no shit." That includes shit from me... I AM pretty like my Granny.