Mask Me.

I want to believe I’m always up for a good adventure, a good story turned memory. So it shouldn’t be a surprise how much fun can be found in a mask shop in the French quarter of New Orleans, just a few weeks before Essence Fest. During Lundi Gras Of 2016, my friend, Felicia and I walked into a mask shop that would forever change my World. Fast forward to June 2018, and I’m still feeling like we all should be so fortune to experience a mask shoppe, with a truly vintage feel.

I’m still trying to decide how and where I can incorporate ‘masking’ into my (daily?) life. For now I’m laser focused on Attending ANY event that will allow me to showcase the beautiful masks that the shoppe has to offer. I’m not sure if it’s creepy or weird to be this obsessed with a mask shoppe.

Tristan Jonez

In the Rain.

Although working in aviation, rain is seen as a hindering force that literally has the ability to shut shit down but for me, rain is renewal. It’s calming, it’s peace, it’s all the things that makes me delighted to be alive. It reminds me of my childhood, and the ability to sing, dance and rejoice in the new. As an adult, I don’t think I appreciate the rain as much as I should.

I’m sure there are plenty of metaphors for the rain and what it means but tonight, I’m celebrating the security it provides me with. I close my eyes, breathe deep and just listen. I visualize the rain reaching those far in between places, that most never touch. Quenching thirst, and refreshing what was left to rot. I’m slightly jealous, the rain doesn’t have the access to me, in that way, currently but I find my confidence in the after dew it leaves.

Tristan Jonez

When In … Milwaukee

If y’all didn’t know I am big on soul food. I know I know I need to be eating healthier but sometimes (most times) I like to indulge will I am on my overnights. So recently I was in Milwaukee, bored out of my mind, and not wanting to touch any hotel foods. Off to google, I went in search for the best of the best that Milwaukee would have to offer. Thanks to Yelp (I think) I was directed to eat Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille. There were a few negative reviews about there not being a menu, but being from the era of Copelands, I knew I should expect a formal menu. My to-go plate included Macaroni and cheese, Yams, Collard Greens and the very best Catfish I’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into.

Now as most of you know I do not usually eat yams, unless they are my own. People have a tendency of making them either too sweet, too dry or too wet. YUCK! The collard greens were good, definitely could’ve had a second helping but the macaroni, I could’ve passed on them altogether. I’m not sure what specifically made it a miss for me, but it was. The catfish tho! I wanted to smack someone’s mama! It was seasoned to the bone. Like the batter had been marinading for weeks, and it took the fish, like so! I’ve been trying to remember a time in life, If I have ever had catfish that good but I havent.

So When in Mailwaukee, Make sure you visit, Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille at 754 N. 27th St

Jonez

Back To Me

One of the very best women empowerment albums is Fantasia’s Back to me. I can’t exactly remember what was going on in her life, as I am not a stalker, but every single song she comes with fire. Telling woman they can do anything they put their mind to, telling woman not to accept whatever a man chooses to give you but to raise your standards, and leave them right where they stand if need be.

I almost said, this album was dedicated to woman who were just getting back on their feet, but nah, thats just limiting. This album is for those who are ready to change their circumstances, those who need to hear that extra boost of motivation and confidence, that they can do it all!

Tristan Jonez.

FYI: Favorite song, Man of the House, Even Angels and Who’s been lovin’ you, however the WHOLE album is my favorite!

Life’s Funny

I remember being fourteen, creating a chart of how old I would be when I turned twenty-one, then twenty-five, and telling myself I couldn’t wait until I reached those ages. Those milestone which have since come and gone, and up until recently I was still waiting. For what I don’t know, well I can’t exactly pinpoint. I’ve been waiting fro Prince Charming to come into my world, waiting for people to be as much of a friend to me that I am to them, waiting to not be scared and thrive in all my talents, whether seen or unseen, waiting to finally give myself permission to live life on my terms … unapologetically!

Despite the fear, I usually do it. Whatever ‘it’ may be. I push myself because I’m my best hype man, hell I might be your best hype man too. Tonight I realize I need to place more value in myself, trust in what others see in me, and continue to dance to the sound of my voice, my heart and my drum. When something happens that brings fear back, remember life is funny like that. One moment you’re facing your biggest obstacle, next your looking back, laughing, on what you thought was your biggest obstacle.

Tristan J.

Hattie B’s (Nashville)

So I definitely misjudged Hattie B’s in Nashville! In my defense, for Hattie B’s to be a soul food eatery, there were NO black folk in line or in the patio, enjoying the meal so that gave me a slight reason for pause. However since I had paid my 6.57$ for my Uber to experience Hattie’s B, I was going to stay right there. There was about a fifteen minute wait, which felt a lot longer, as we were all standing in the rain. Come to think of it, I was the ONLY black person waiting in line. Don’t ring the alarm bells as I am usually, but that when I travel internationally.

Fortunately I did not let my prejudgement of the establishment stop me from sampling some of the best macaroni and cheese I’ve been lucky to have. The hot chicken, which Hattie B’s is known for, was spectacular. Very spicy, but it maintained Its flavor amongst the spice. I believe I also sampled the collard greens, which were nothing memorable but the Red skin potato salad was so bomb. It was so good, I couldn’t bare to put my fork down to take a photo!

When in Nashville or WHEREVER Hattie B’s is located, don’t think about it, JUST GO!

Tristan Jonez

La Puerta (San Diego)

So San Diego was a good look. I was able to first experience San Diego on a layover, and the weather was such a change of pace from the wintery mess we were experiencing in Baltimore at the time. As a general unspoken rule, when I clock in to work on day one, I usually don’t partake in alcoholic beverages while on a layover, just because. However if the crew and I go out, I’m not judging anyone who wants to do so. Well that rule was broken when I went to La Puerta. A Mexican eatery, with an amazing happy hour and quesadillas so good, they are bound to make you cry!

As y’all know, Or don’t, every month my flight attendant sister travel to a different location to de-stress as work can be a bit much at times. So it was my pick, and San Diego was the destination. The first stop had to be La Puerta! I’d had the PurpleHaze, which is a mixture of their sangria and a frozen margarita. I went on to drink The Angel Of Harlem, which was a spicy concoction of El Jimador Reposada, Aperol, Serrano Agave, Lime, Strawberry, THEN topped with a jalapeño. For food, I played it safe, El Pastor Quesadilla, which grilled pineapples and jalapeños were added, highly recommend.

La Puerta is located in the Gaslamp district at 560 4th Ave, San Diego 92101

FYI, Don’t try the “Bad Medicine” drink, Its SUPER Nasty! Yuck!

Tristan Jonez.

Dream Living.

So recently I was thinking about my childhood friends who are getting married, having children and just generally living life. In thinking of them, I stated thinking about my own life, and my future. I thought about the fact that I don’t have children yet, barely dating, but I’m living my travel dream. I didn’t realize before of how much I actually wanted to be a flight attendant, however now that I’m here and I’m actually doing it, this is what I want to do. I’d lie if I said this was a forever thing, but then again, who knows? I love the thrill of not knowing where I will be traveling to or who I will be traveling with. Obviously it can possibly be a stressful situation, but when you look it as an adventure, there is no way, you won’t be able to have the time of your life!

Tristan Jonez.

Nick Cave.

I had the pleasure of introducing myself to Artist Nick Cave newest exhibit at the Frist Museum in Nashville, and I’m still blown away. Feat., is his answer and rallying call to being a black man in America. Instead of being seen as hiding, I took his creation, his suits as a shield against racial profiling, against classism and gender bias.

Although I wear no such physical ‘suit’ I too know and understand the masking in which I’ve tried to blend in to society. However no matter how much I attempt to blend or conform to societies norms, I’m still a Black Woman.

Tristan Jonez.

Gimme The Goods.

I think I had the best Mexican food of life. Well my life, in my thirty two years of living, I believe I’ve found the holy grail of Mexican cuisine. Although, I have yet to visit Mexico, so I could be speaking prematurely.

Recently I had a layover (time between flights) in Austin Texas, and after working three long flights, I was due for a food break. I probably could’ve used a few cocktails too but I only opted for food. I had fish tacos, in both a corn and flour shell, a chicken quesadilla, and a chicharron taco. LISTEN! The food was beyond! And trust me, I’ve sampled what I thought was the best. From Los Angeles to New York and these restaurants had absolutely nothing!

Now I will say this, Unfortunately I can no longer eat avocados, so I wasn’t able to taste the guacamole but it looked so perfect, so fresh and delicious, I almost shed a tear.

Do you guys have a go-to Mexican Shop when your taste buds are in a Frenzy? Let me know!

Tristan J

Kehinde Wiley

I am still drooling over Kehinde Wiley and his perfect painting, St. Dioynsus at the Milwaukee Museum Of Art. Drooling!!

There are just paintings, bodies of work, that set your soul completely on fire. This is it for me! It’s only a few artist that I get so captivated with such as Monet, and I don’t even really like impressionism, but I’ll travel the world for him. Wiley will be added to the artist I’ll seek out. For this summer, I will be seeking more of his works. I mean, after seeing this in person, how could I not? I’m officially obsessed!

Tristan Jonez

Desert Island; Tulsa

Although I doubt I’ll be in a hurry to return to Tulsa, I actually liked it. As a black woman, in the back of my mind, I’m always concerned about racism, and leaving that city alive but I just go with my gut instinct and everything usually turns out peachy. Tulsa was practically deserted, especially for a Monday, hardly any museums were opened, the temp tipped just above 93, and restaurants were virtually nonexistent!

However Religious buildings were abundant, as well as the city’s homeless population. I do wonder if Tulsa has an initiative to bring tourism to the city, because it does have potential, it gives me small town in a big city vibe. Driving in the Uber I did run into an area with life, such as shops, restaurants and dives. My curiosity is a bit peaked, I just may have to return.

FYI The Street art I did found, was of quality!

Tristan Jonez