BACK TO BLACK

One year ago, during a sunny morning drive to Holland, MI, I learned of the death of one of my favorite artists. Amy Winehouse had been found lifeless in her Camden Town apartment in London. I was crushed and saddened and for about a week straight, I drank wine and listened to Back to Black like it was going out of style… well, unfortunately, it was. 

But over the course of this year, I think I listened to her voice in my earbuds and during my morning commute more than anyone else. And to me, she will continue to live forever through her voice, her spirit, and just the simple outline of her signature beehive hair on a t-shirt. I hope her troubled soul found solace, wherever she may be.

And while I’m on this less-than-fortunate subject, I’d like to point out just how upset I became over the Aurora Theater Shooting. I don’t know what exactly brings a human being to act in such a brutal manner - and I doubt I or anyone else will ever find out. People become unstable far too often in this insane world. Keep the ones you love close to you, and never go a day without demonstrating how much you do. 

To the 12 lost and their families, I hope they can try to make some sense out of this. I was at a Dark Knight midnight showing myself, and many times I have picture it happening in where I was. It’s a stifling thought.

Sorry for the dark mood… Had to get this down somehow.

Coral Blazer: Stoosh via TJ Maxx [similar] // Black Jeans: Express // Strappy Sandals: Shoestock Brasil // Handbag: Kathy Van Zeeland (I must be 12)  

PUT YOUR HANDS UP FOR DETROIT. OUR LOVELY CITY.

What do you know about Detroit? Do you even know of its existence? Or does it just sit there, in the back of your mind, reflecting everything you’ve ever seen in the news? Well, Detroit is a whole new world. For as long as I’ve lived in Michigan - a decade - Detroit has never been too far away from me. Geographically, it’s only about 30 miles. But in all honesty, it’s a whole dimension away.

Detroit is the place things come to die in the rubble, camouflaged by everything else already spent in the surroundings. But then… they are reborn from their own ashes. No magic here, and definitely no help from anyone. No one thinks of it as a member of their family. At best, it’s a distant 3rd cousin, who you’ve maybe seen a couple of times, and heard he was a good guy, but would never move a finger to help.

But none of it matters, because day after day, the sun will rise in the D. Help or no help. 

Detroit is inspiration, it’s hard work. And at the risk of sounding trite, Detroit is a misson. A mission, in which the main goal is to prove that anyone can crumble to their knees, only to step back up and start running again.

So get up. You’re in Detroit now.

Chambray Shorts: Target [similar] // Geese Blouse: Forever 21 [similar] and [here] // Hat: Forever 21 [similar] // Crossbody Bag: Target // Necklace: Forever 21 [similar] // Gladiator Sandals: Steve Madden [similar] // Sunnies: Coach [similar]