Connecting

Third Rail Coffee, East Village, NYC.

Sometimes you need to sit down and just collect yourself.

It's been awhile, and I've missed posting my "photo diary" entries. The passed few days after the Instameets, I've been meeting other Instagrammers and have been continuing the networking and such. People are so interesting and intriguing, how they all have their own stories, own habits, and even their own styles of taking photos. Socializing, and actively trying to meet with people, is not usually what I do, but I've been trying to do it more often, while balancing having my alone time at home.

Connecting with individuals, as an introvert, is such an important thing that a lot of people usually look passed. But we know when there's something there, and for myself, the desire to go deeper into that, rises.

As much as I am tired, I'm excited to meet other people and creatives who resonate with me. There's this mild adrenaline rush when things click between people, and that's what keeps me going and helps motivate me. Don't settle for people who just bring you and your creativity down.

Photo by Kyle.

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Siblings

Home, NYC.

Siblings are often a reflection of some part of you.

Being home often allows me to spend a lot more time with my younger sister, and although I don't show it too much, I really love that. When it comes to siblings, there are tons of pros and cons, and some outweigh the other. But no matter what, you both are somewhat a reflection of each other. There's some part of you that's in the other, and some part of the other that's in you. As much as I fight with her, I'll always unconditionally love her, and I'm learning to get to know the things that make up who she is, apart from being my sibling.

If you follow me on Instagram (@cafechild), you'll know that my sister made these oatmeal raisin cookies because we had the ingredients lying around. Little things like this, I've learned to appreciate and be proud of.

Never downplay what your relationship could be like with your siblings. If you see an opportunity to really get closer, or to start a nice conversation, go for it, because our siblings are often the ones that we spend most of our time around. Don't neglect your step/half-siblings either. You may have a lot more in common than you think. If you're related to me and you're reading this, I love you, and never forget that.

Photo by Kyle.

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Warmth

Iconic Cafe, Nolita, NYC

The warmth of the sun brings comfort that there's life.

I caught up with an old coworker and we discussed our dreams, future life goals, and such. Catch-ups like that remind me that everyone is in their own season, and in their own stage in life. Whatever any of us are going through, we can always remember that we're not alone, and that, just as the night comes, so will a new day.

The sun came out today, and it actually felt really nice to step out of my always dim house (I don't like really bright lights) and take in the vitamin d. Although it's sometimes too bright for me, sunlight re-instills in me that everyday is a new day, and it can either be full of life, or full of dullness; it's for us to decide.

At the same time, living in a culture where we hope that the next day is exciting, we also need our times of rest. Admittedly, I always catch myself having too long of a rest, but it makes it just that much more revitalizing when I actually do go out and have some quality time, whether by myself, or with one or two people.

Photo by Kyle. Poured by Keen Malasarte (@acupofkeen).

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Tedious

Home, NYC.

Sometimes, it's a tedious thing, but still very much therapeutic.

It's been awhile, but I've started to regularly clean my brushes again. I know that it's really disgusting, but I used to not clean them for months at at time. Evidently, a whole lot of bacteria build-up happens, so I'm trying to pull it together now.

The way that I think about cleaning my brushes is the same way I think about a lot of different things in life. Sometimes there are things that I just don't want to do, but when I actually go about it, I end up enjoying myself. It challenges us to take on the little things in life that we think won't really make a difference, but actually will in the long run.

Such is life and beauty, they go hand-in-hand.

Photo by Kyle.

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Society

Flushing, NYC

When you blur the societal lines, the stakes get higher.

Today I was reminded that majority of the things I do, the way I act, and how I look outwardly, directly challenge many of societies norms. As a creative person, it dawns on you that it's hard to be wholly, and fully who you are a lot of the time. But it makes it just as sweet whenever you meet another person and can be unashamedly yourself.

The stakes get higher because all eyes are on you, and people are looking to see what you'll do next. Will it be controversial? Will it challenge beliefs? Or will it just be insanely crazy?
At the end of the day, you can't satisfy everyone. We're not here to pursue the approval of every person we meet. Be yourself as comfortably as you can, but remember that, in the end, its not about us, because there's a bigger picture to look at.

"Remember, if you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?"
- RuPaul

Photo by Kyle.

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Progress

Cafe de Cupping, Flushing, NYC.

A true work in progress is a labour of love.

Soaking in all of the afternoon light, before the snow hit yet again, really makes me appreciate having alone time. It's liberating, and helps you find solace after sorting through everything that's been on your mind. As much as I hoped to bump into someone, at the same time I had to remind myself that before you worry about meeting other people, worry about yourself and your own well-being first. Go back into the secret place that only you know about, and find rest there.

As much as this blog is a "work in progress," so are we as people. The process never ends; we'll always have something to learn, but it's a fulfilling and exciting journey. We have to keep moving on, even if it means taking one step back, and two steps forward.

More photos after the jump.

Growing

Two Hands NYC, Little Italy, NYC.

Real friendship is like wine; it gets better with age.

The nicest feeling is catching up with someone, and feeling like you picked up right where you left off. A lot of things happened during your time apart, and now that you're together again, you can finally share the current events of your life.

Time passes. Some friends grow up and move forward in life, and some are comfortable where they are right now. And as a real friend, it should be part of our nature to either walk with them, or pause and meet them where they're at.

'Till next time.

Photo by Kyle.

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