Sunday, August 26, 2012


New Beginnings...
... for the most part, sucks. Usually, when we have to start over, we associate it with something negative. Like staying up all night writing a term paper, only to have it accidentally deleted. However, like the grass and flowers in this picture, as time brings an end to one thing it opens up the possibility of what could happen in the future. An insight, often times, overlooked. We spend so much time and energy focused on what could have been, instead of what lies ahead. 

Recently, I got so fed up with my iPhone I wanted to throw it off the nearest cliff. Simply because I couldn't figure out how to properly change my apple ID so that I could update my apps. One month came and went without any success. The amount of apps that needed to be updated skyrocketed to a grand total of 31. A pretty significant number at the time. So I decided, I was not going to let September begin without having found a solution to this problem. I googled and received the answer I was looking for only to free-fall into a dark abyss, to be completely honest. I lost half of the 350 contacts in my phone and every single picture I'd ever taken on it since moving out to California, March of 2011. Cue in the betrayal I felt from my "Smart Phone".  It had been subdued. 

Truthfully, it only bothered me for a few hours before I completely let it go. Had I wanted to keep those pictures forever stored away in my phone? Yes! Some of them were taken recently and I hadn't been able to instagram them with the world. (Insert sad face). However, a lesson that I've thankfully learned already was revisited. The one of letting go, and beginning anew. Having to let go of something you desired, cared about, or loved can be one of the hardest things to do, in that moment. It consumes your thoughts and actions and makes you feel as though everything right in the world has gone wrong... It hasn't! As time moves on, you learn to forget and you begin to move on as well. For me, losing all of those memories meant allowing room for more to flood in. I had actually reached capacity on my phone and was reluctant in letting some of them go in order to create new ones. I must admit, however, that was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Instead of having to pick and choose which ones to keep, I lost them all. The decision was made for me, and I'm okay with that. Life sort of has a way of telling you it's time to move forward. More times than not, it's in a blunt, band-aid ripping sort of way. But you learn to deal with it. 
As I sign out, I want to leave you with a quote of mine. It stems from lyrics I wrote to a song about moving on and letting go. 

"A photograph is nothing more than a memory of a time left behind."

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Being Me, Weirdly...

(A post about quirks that make us all truly one of a kind!)


I took this picture about three months ago while hiking and picnicking in the hills of Hollywood. This would most likely be a photo I'd leave out of a Facebook album, because of the shadow, but it conveys my point exactly... I'm a firm believer in embracing whatever it is that makes you an unique individual. Whether it be a physical characteristic, pet peeve, or personality trait, we all have them. So starting today, I will present weekly idiosyncrasies about myself in hopes that you would join in sharing something about YOU! It can be big or small, serious, and/or outright ridiculous. 

Just share! Here goes... 

Recently, a friend of a friend moved into our apartment. Not only did she arrive with her personal belongings, but standing at about two feet was a labradoodle ready to add to the dynamic of the living space. To be frank, it's a cute, fun-loving dog with a serious licking problem. Initially, it was something I didn't even notice. However, as the dog grew more familiar with her new roommates the on surge of licking attacks began. Guess what?!... I hate the sound that dogs make when they lick human skin!!! Its equivalent; nails scratching a chalkboard. This may sound silly, but it's true. Come to find out, she hasn't been spaded. So I'm signing out and heading off in pursuit of her a companion. Hope you all have a blessed day! Bye!

- J. Francis 

P.S. If it's aright with the owner I'll be adding a picture of the labradoodle later!!