One Thing.

There really should be something said for folks who are able to do as they please … without regard for ANYONE else. I used to be embarrassed when folks would say things like, “well you only have you to be responsible for”, or “You should be lucky you don’t have any kids”. Like it was a bad thing I didn’t have children, or was only responsible for myself, Listen! It’s not a negative at all, In this day and time, it’s a blessing.

Y’all better stop sitting around, wishing you had someone else’s life. Someone else’s responsibilities. I thank the stars above that my life doesn’t look like, what I THOUGHT I wanted. There’s such a light in being who you are. Such a weightlessness to truly walk as the person you are supposed to be. Does your life look better now than what you wanted?

Jonez

Southern Rap Classic

Most southern cities, do not consider Baltimore to be part of the South… Silly I know but whatever, it is. I spent the better part of my childhood growing up on the East and West sides of the city. Tonight, while shuffling Spotify, I came across the playlist, “Southern Rap Classics”, and baby (!!!!!) I was back in high school jamming on all the songs I used to blast out of my window on Comet Str. From Three 6 Mafia, to T.I, and everything in between Houston to Atlanta. From No Limit to Cash Money, I was rapping, and dancing for two hours! Like All good things, there were a few artists and songs that were missing, that personally I need included in my OWN Southern Rap Classic Playlist so you know what’s next? Time for me to create a playlist dedicated to my childhood.

Do you have ANY Southern Rap Classics, that you’d definitely include in your playlist?

Tristan.

Muse-ical

Photo Courtesy of Cosmopolitan Magazine

So y’all already I LOVE Musicals! Oh em gee! The music paired with movements, and dance and visual storytelling. Just pinch me! If I could sing well, I would do all I could to perform in them ALL! I’ll be the first to admit, I was sleeping on Hamilton, the musical. I had heard a bit of the reviews, but no one clued me in on the music! OH EM GEE! Since its television debut, I’ve listened to at least one or twelve songs, everyday. The last time I played a musical to this length was “Rent”. My niece hates that movie because of me, which is such an unfortunate tragedy. However I still listen to “Rent”. Fun Fact; Alphabet City is one of my favorite neighborhoods to take a lazy stroll in the summer.

Although we are still dealing with ‘Rona Virus, I am hopeful I’ll have the opportunity to see Hamilton, the musical live on Broadway. If I had a choice of being in “Rent” or “Hamilton” I think I would chose RENT!

Tristan Jonez.

Photo Courtesy of Cosmopolitan Mag.

The Blues

So I’m not exactly going through a break up, cuz he was Never my man BUT I’m finally fully walking away. I always have a hard time letting go of people, especially when I’ve grown to be attached to them however this toxic shit has to go! It really is like men have this radar, when you are moving on without them, something beeps in their fucking head, that says, ‘Call her, Text her,” “And don’t forget to tell her you miss her.” I am over the okey doke, sometimes, NO, most times you have to block their number for a bit. Do whatever is needed to save ur damn sanity, cuz slowly you’ll lose your mind dealing with these types of men.

My only word of advice, and its not even advice, Men know exactly what they are doing. When they say, and do, they have already determined how important you are to them. They have already assessed how much they are willing to do, or not do, so when they show you, take it at face value. If you meant that much to them, they would do all that’s needed to keep you. So, don’t allow them to use excuses, they most definitely knew what they had in you, and IF they didn’t, oh well! Don’t go back babe! Once a shooting star has fizzled out, there’s no rewind button … You’re the Star!

Tristan J

Via The Car

Its such a tragedy when you do not have a whole photoshoot, and the only photos you have are the four selfies from the Car. Well, YALL gonna get this photo and this fashion! This is one of my fav labels, Scotch & Soda! Bonus, its a set, however I didn’t wear the shorts that come with. This shirt is giving me upgraded pajama chic, but it was versatile to either lounge on the couch, or catch a first class flight to the beach city of your dreams. Such a comfortable but fashionable piece of clothing. Are you a fan of wearing clothing that could be mistaken for upscale pajamas?

Jonez.

Lessons

For the past few weeks, Ive stopped to take an inventory of how I interact with people, and how they in turn interact with me. Nothing I do, is ever because I am looking for something in return from others. NEVER! I am always my friends biggest cheerleader, biggest supporter, because I know they out here grinding to make their dreams come true, so why wouldn’t I support them? I am not always able to support their businesses with monetary gains but I’ll plug and plug on social media. My audience might not be large, but its powerful and I am consistent.

However, I am tired of giving and giving, and never really seeing those SAME folks, going hard for me. Supporting me. Assisting with promoting me on social media. Hell, just a kind word or greeting. Truly be interested in what’s going on with me. I had a ‘friend’ who I haven’t spoken to in months, hit me up to promote her business … girl, Fuck you and that business. Of course, I didn’t say that, I just ignored her request but It was utterly ridiculous. Like Boo, Oh you remember me now?

I say this to say, Its a miracle to not turn into a bitter bitty but you can’t let the way other folks behave cause you to wilt. Don’t let people turn you into someone you aren’t. I know it gets annoying but keep it pushing, and keep searching until you find your tribe!

Tristan Jones.

Dear Breonna Taylor,

Today was not a victory!

Did I expect the cops who murdered you to be charged to the fullest extent of the law? No. However I did hope that the Attorney General Daniel “Uncle Tom” Cameron would at least, do the very minimum but he barely did that. We’re tired B. Protests, no matter how civil, riots, no matter how destructive, nothing seems to get through. I am not sure, even if we were to start fighting back in the same manner in which we are killed, would that bring peace … but we both know it wouldn’t. Today, after I heard the news, I asked my friends, where could I live in which my beautiful brown skin would not be seen as a threat? The only response, “Not on Planet Earth”, and I am inclined to agree.

I am angry for the life you had to live but will never get the opportunity. All the plans you might’ve made, all the things you looked forward to, and now, your light has been extinguished. Whats worst, the justice system isn’t even trying to right this wrong. Who takes the accountability? Who falls on his sword? Apparently Uncle Tom doesn’t believe ANYONE is responsible. How much is a black life worth? Obviously not much. Breonna Taylor you are loved sis, you’ll forever live in the hearts of those who loved & knew you. But you’ll always remain in the hearts of those who didn’t. Justice Failed You B.

Tristan Jonez.

Rose Garden

Ive always been a lover of nature, there was a time when I thought I was a photographer for Nat Geo. I would be like there’s a spider, well let me take out my camera and capture it. Ha! I was like alright, pose, let me see you, twirl, stop, move there, etc. I know the insect would be like this fool is crazy, let me scurry on out of the way. I do the very same when I find flowers. I HAVE to take the time to adore, and show my appreciation for them blooming as they have.

While in Portland, Oregon, I went to the International Rose Test Garden, where they actually work to create new types of roses. I am a bad blogger, cuz I took the time to write NOTHING down, but in my defense, I took incredible photos. Surprisingly you are able to walk in the grass, of the garden, and have photoshoots and picnics, while taking beautiful photos. Do you have a favorite color rose? Mine is anything with touches of purples.

Tristan Jonez

Birth-Day

This year my 34th birthday was spent in Havana, Cuba! Can I just tell you how much of a magical place Cuba is? It is better than anything you can picture, and I can not wait to go back. So I stayed in an airbnb, which in Cuba is called casa particular, with a family. I had a room/bathroom of my own. I did opt to do breakfast in-house, which included fruits, coffee/tea, juice and eggs. On the morning of my birthday, the family, presented me with a slice of cake lit with a candle, I even wore a crown … over my bonnet. The memory makes me smile!

After the breakfast celebration I started my day off at the capital, to center myself and decide on where my time would be spent. I walked toward Old Havana, and ended up at the Museo del Arte colonial. A beautiful museum near Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana in the Plaza del Catedral. It would be the only museum I would visit while in Cuba!

I started the tour navigating on my own, but when I walked to the second story of the museum I was joined by a tour guide. And guess what, It was like having my own personal docent, who happened to give me the tour in Spanish, and I was actually able to follow along. MY tour guide even took my photos, and made me pose, it was an amazing experience. Definitely made my birthday even more memorable.

But Wait, Did someone said Salsa…

Tristan J

Family Fued.

Family.

I’m sure they’ve probably been described as a necessary evil … I’m just wishing I had one that tried to understand me. Everyday I wish upon a star that my mother was still alive, she was the only person in my World who has tried to understand why I do whatever I do, why I feel how I feel, and even back then, I don’t believe I expressed myself in a way that would’ve made it easier for her to understand. I don’t expect my extended family to be there in the same way as my parents, BUT when one of those parents die, and the other one aint worth dirt, I would hope they would step up in a way that’s needed. Listen, I am so non confrontational, I’d just rather deal with it on my own, then confront someone, Lord the anxiety. However there are times that I bite the bullet and say what’s on my mind, and it usually always makes me feel better. 2020, has taught me I cant care so much what others are going to think. I would put out feelers for the things I was thinking about doing, attempting to read the room. But I aint doing that no more, if its something I want to experience, then I have to just go for it. Either its going to work out in the ways I believe or it’ll be a lesson on what to not do for the next time.

Trstn Jnz

Cuba, MY Cuba

Ive been a horrible host, I was supposed to indulge and divulge all the details of our trip to Cuba, way back in May. In my defense I did start the conversation, with the story of my tour guide boyfriend, that I met on day one but then the World turned upside down. However I am here, to finally chat about the Country that made me teach myself Spanish!

This Week, I’ll share meeting my Birthday Boyfriend and dancing Salsa with him on my 34th Birthday. We’ll discuss how I walked over fifteen miles to see Fusterlandia, The after the club hole in the wall that served the BEST fried chicken, I’d ever had. But we cant leave out visiting Museo de Arte Colonial, where we had the pleasure of receiving a personal tour in Spanish!

Thank you for being as patient as you have been cuz Lord know I definitely dropped the Cuban ball!

Tristan Jonez