Capping Off 2017 Without Spazzing

Hey, how's it going? I backed off from posting last Sunday because I know you guys were enjoying your Christmas, as was I. Hope everyone had a merry one. I locked Santa out, you can't trust nobody these days with all this shit that's occurred in 2017. Not to mention hesitating to call 911 these days. Moving on...

I want to take the moment to reflect on all the positive things this year. Despite me graduating with no writing work (and the very documented frustrations with that), despite me being crapped over by both my roommates who left me with their trash to clean up and apartment expenses (that I've been held liable for...) that were sent to collectors (I haven't even established any credit yet). Despite living with my girlfriend's parents with no job (looking and found some, but people love to Ignore me, say I'll receive a call and don't). Despite no one really reading my blog posts (never too late) but me, my one subscriber, and my gf. There's much I've accomplished this year that I'm proud of. 

For one, I finally graduated with my Bachelor’s degree for Creative Writing (back in June 2017). It's always funny to me because I had zero interest in going back to school after the transfer plan fell apart. But, I prayed about it and God stepped in and made a way. Then, I knew it was meant for me to progress forward on this journey. It was rigorous given its four years’ worth of studies packed into 21 months. Oh, I don't think I told you guys, but the very first month of classes, my freshly received MacBook pro (needed for everything) dropped (please don't make me explain) and the screen broke. So, I biked to the school library every month to get my work done and still passed with an A (no flex zone). And yes, I got it fixed, it just cost me over $600. Or, all those times I had two extremely demanding classes for the month and had to do a lot of compromising. Those classes pushed me, but I pushed myself harder and triumphed. Most importantly, I went there and got what I wanted out of it. I not only understand storytelling more, I understand it in so much more in depth now. I understand the three-act structure and all the components that each of them must have. I understand character development and how the character must have a goal, a motivation, a mountain of obstacles, and a transformation by the end. In the realm of screenwriting, I know the formatting like tying my shoes now (the basic stuff). I understand "less is more," I understand, "show and don't tell," I understand how important the first 10-15 pages of a screenplay is, and why specific components need to be implemented in certain places. As a young black writer, I understand where I fit in all the latter. I have an identity, I have a formula, I know my audience and I know what I want to say. I know how to handle rejection, I know how I will handle success (stay tuned). I've grown my self-confidence, I've grown in my faith, I've grown as a writer, and I've grown as a human being. Also, I know I'll continue to progress forward, I already am, and I know it all will be worth it. I am walking a path given to me by God, and I will see it through.

I want to share with you guys what I experienced earlier in the week. I was outside doing partner exercises with my girlfriend (fun fact, I'm 6 percent body fat). We decided to sit and take a break. Moments later, the neighbor’s dog (the dog's name is Brodie) got free and was roaming everywhere. The owner was chasing after the dog, yelling, but Brodie had his own agenda. I was commenting to my girlfriend about the neighbor’s struggle. Being that I grew up with dogs, had trained dogs, a side of me wanted to get the dog for them. Another side was like, " nigga, you stay your ass right here. That dog might bite the shit out of you." So, I listened to that side. Brodie did seem like a friendly dog. He approached me and my girlfriend on one occasion, until he realized we were paying him no attention. He darted down the street with the owner still chasing after him, calling his name. Then, Brodie started running in and out traffic. I grew nervous then as me and my girlfriend continued to watch. Moments later, this little boy (the owner's son) scurries down the road barefoot. So, I thought maybe Brodie will listen to this boy. Eventually, the boy makes it to where the owner and Brodie are by the traffic. But, Brodie still very much had his free-spirit mentality. Brodie rushes into the road of traffic with the owner and her son calling after him. Next thing I know, I hear this cracked POW... I already knew. Thereafter I hear, "Oh my God. Brodie!" The boy was in despair, "Oh no. Brodie!" While the owner rushes in the street to get Brodie, the boy was sprinting back towards his house, hysterical. I saw the owner carry Brodie into the grass, his body danglers with every step she takes. My girlfriend and I thought we could at least let the owner's husband know. So, we go to tell him while he's in the garage, he drops everything, rushes out the house with this boy yelling, " Brodie's going to die, dad! Brodie's going to die!" (I didn't know what to say when the boy walked past me) The husband and the boy speed over to the wife and Brodie and off to the hospital from there. My heart just went out to the little boy, and I couldn't stop hearing that sound. Also, I lost my first dog (his name was Champ) when I was 13 (he was also 13). 

So, that following day after church, I decided to write them a note, just to lift their spirits given it was Christmas Eve. I wrote it on a notecard and stuck it in the door, hoping the wind wouldn't blow it away. I believe it was the day after next, there was a knock at the gate. I look out and see this white guy with shades, so I'm like, "Who the fuck is this?" in my mind. As I open the front door and approach him, I realized that it was the husband from the other day. He mentioned someone leaving a note and how much it meant to him and his family. So, I introduced myself and shook his hand. The husband went on to say how that note, "Was the most beautiful thing he'd ever read." Also, I "inspired him and gave him hope." He said, "If there were more beautiful people like me in the world, we'll be Okay." He was just showering me with the nicest words I've received all year. I was just so happy to have touched the husband and his family in such a meaningful way. If only he knew how much his words meant to me in this current time in my life. That's what makes this journey all the worth wild, moments like that. No screenplay, no poetry, no tweet, just a small note of compassion and encouragement. All things I strive to do as a writer, as a screenwriter happened in that moment. And obviously, I'm trying to make a living, but that's what I want to achieve out of this journey again and again.

I just thought you guys could grab something from that. Well, 2018 will soon be upon us, I want to close by sharing my 2018 goals:

1. Establish my career as a professional screenwriter, establish my career as a writer in general.

2. Saving up of my own apartment either here in Florida (in West Palm Beach near my girlfriend), Austin Texas (where all my interest is in one place), or California (where I want to live).

3. I want to save up for a car. I really want a Jeep Wrangler

4. Converting the bit of envy and anger I have into something positive

5. Growing my relationship with my girlfriend who I envision being with the rest of my life.

6. Read more screenplays, novels, and poetry for my writer essence.

7. Add more Christ to my fashion. I already found two Christian streetwear brands that are on my list.

8. Stunt on y'all with crop tops in the summer because I think they are cool. Also, because I am more confident in my body image than I've ever been in my life and I want to flaunt it.

Be sure to share your goals as well, I'd like to know. I wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope 2018 works out in your favor.