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Chronicles of a Solo Vacation in Puerto Rico  In continuing to “get back to me”, I decided to take a breather. My choices were to take a few days off from work and stay home OR take this show on the road with a solo vacation. I have travel buddies, but I’ve always wanted to explore a new place alone. I see it as sort of a challenge and since it was super last minute, I didn’t want the trip to be based on whether or not someone could attend with me. The ironic thing is that stress, work, and COVID messing up my Summer creative plans led me to take this time away, which paid off big time for my mental health.  Throughout my search for deciding where to go, I wanted to visit a place I’d never been to. My choices were Venice Beach, CA; Somewhere else in California, and Puerto Rico. Long story short, Puerto Rico won. Although I was all set for a nice vacay on a beautiful island, there were certain protocols in place to get into the island:
The usual vacation for me is tourist attractions in the daytime, then at night….out to the streets for partying and dancing until the morning! But this time was different due to the mandatory curfew from the hours of 10 pm-5 am and certain tourist attractions were not open for business. At first, it was a downer but just as life aligns with what we need, I needed to stay in place. Plus, my Airbnb had the BEST patio, I could stay out there ALL NIGHT and I did!
I was able to venture out into San Juan to explore the city along with patronizing restaurants with good food and drinks. The best part, Ocean Park BEACH! Who needs the nightlife when the beach gives the best vacation experience!?! I brought along my new tripod for pics (b/c it never happens if it doesn’t make it to the gram), drinks, and my music playlist. All ingredients to have regained peace, free me from worries, and throw them all into the ocean. As the sunset came, I headed to a good restaurant for more drinks and good food before retiring each day. Now, back to this lovely patio at my Airbnb. I never knew heaven could be on a balcony. Two hammock-style chairs, a dining room table to feel the breeze while I eat, and spacious areas to take good pics. My mornings were spent on the patio enjoying the fresh air and thinking of what I wanted to do that day. I stayed out there until 2 am, listening to music, face-timing friends, and watching one of my fav shows…Paternity Court with Lauren Lake! Everything I would do at home was magnified because of the refreshing atmosphere. It was very hard to leave this beautiful place and I’m already making plans to return before the end of the year. I accomplished everything I wanted by clearing my mind, relaxing, and just living in moments with beautiful views. My first solo vacay was a complete success.
Thank you, Puerto Rico!  The Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey.
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Just me and my iPhone, and a new Tripod toy!  Back at it again with just me and my iPhone. Keeping my modeling chops going during this pandemic, creating visuals that I like on MY terms. I found a tripod with a LED light, online to help with my auditions and found where I can also use them with my personal iPhone Photography projects. Just because, I love it! Late at night (with my fav show Paternity Court with Lauren Lake in the background), I created an intimate portrait session. For me, its about loving myself and not being ashamed of my body. If people like it, GREAT! If they don’t, they have the option to click away ;) Check out the photo session below. All credits belong to ME:  The Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey.  The gloom and doom of 2020 have shifted us. Our minds are no longer finding the newness. Yes, we’ve developed creative ways to cope…but is it enough. Are we waking up happy or just rolling over into the next day because the sun is up? This message is for me as well. Since March, I’ve felt as if I were in the “Twighlight Zone”. Uncertain times are scary and it has done a number on my mental health. Finding new (and old) activities have helped me discover a better balance to this “New Normal”. During this time, I’ve found new TV series and movies, perfected my craft in iPhone Photography, stayed connected with close friends/family, along with getting more work done for my book series promotions. While waiting for the world to fully reopen, I’m continuing to rebuild myself mentally and physically. Take this moment to find that zest for life again. What gets you out of bed? What motivates you? What drives you to get through the day? Get that fire back to LIVE and stop simply existing!   The Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey.  Along with authoring, I’m a print model. I’ve had the opportunity to work with fashion, beauty, health, and business brands; in addition to gracing the pages of international magazines. With New York being on lock down, it’s hard to find work which gives time for endless possibilities to create on my own magic. Being a self-proclaimed professional iPhone photographer, I took the evening to bask in the sunlight. Taking advantage of a beautiful day in Harlem I created my own shoot. Simple, yet sensual…comfy and creative. Here’s my Photo session with just an iPhone, God’s blessing of sunlight, and my window!           How are you being creative with your craft?  The Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey.  I used to look forward to long weekends as a time to book a vacation and hang out with friends on a beach. But now, as my 30s have set in, I’m finding myself truly enjoying the much earned holiday for what it is. Airports are hectic, the highways are jammed with traffic, and my bank account is like “Guess again! You know rent is due!” Gotta love “adulting” lol. To ease the what to do questions for this day, I’ve compiled a list of Netflix movies to watch while taking a break from labor! Also, this list is great for a Friday night at home. NYC nightlife can get a bit expensive and bar hopping can leave you with a sad face Saturday morning when reviewing your debit transactions. Sit back, enjoy your favorite meal (and drink) and just allow your $9.99 subscription to entertain you for the day.
 Paris is Burning (1991) Just a damn good film. With the rise of the hit series "Pose" New York ballroom culture is on the minds of many. This movie goes underground into the scene during the time period of the height of ballroom. This documentary focuses on drag queens living in New York City and their "house" culture, which provides a sense of community and support for the flamboyant and often socially shunned performers.  The Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey. |
Photo Credit: Joe Miles
"I just like to write and create stuff. These are the diaries of how I'm living in NYC with sprinkles of life lessons I've learned along the way!"
- The Blakk Dahlia Latest book from the Heartbreak Diaries Book Series
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