Nicole K
an almost 30 year old
she/her
photographer, artist, and occasional writer
just a human trying to figure it all out...again
tips / likes / shares always appreciated friends!
My best friend and I are separating.
It was after midnight, two days before my birthday, and I was cradling our almost-one year old in bed when it felt like my world imploded. That day, I was exhausted but decided to push through it so that my husband and I could watch a movie that evening after the kids went to bed. It was our usual horror movie chance pick and it ended up being pretty good. As the movie ended, our baby began to stir so I decided to rock him back to sleep in our room. I was happy that we had made time for each other. Earlier that day, my husband and I had gotten into a minor argument. He was growing more distant and I decided to approach him with how I was feeling because I couldn’t ignore it any longer. Ultimately, he said he wasn’t doing it intentionally and was just trying to have some space to get through his emotions. I understood. The year was hard for both of us. On top of covid and the quarantine, we both lost a parent at the beginning of the year so naturally we would be distant and in our feelings right? Fast forward to after the movie, I was cradling our son when he quietly came in the room and sat at the edge of the bed. I knew something was wrong so I waited for him to begin speaking. That’s when he opened up with those dreaded words, the words that still sting months later.
A Bookshop with a Mission
I sat mindlessly scrolling through posts on Facebook when I came across one that featured a photo that spoke straight to my soul; a pile of books wrapped neatly with rough string and flowers intertwined. I quickly clicked on the name of the page and began scrolling through posts. When I think of bookstores, I think of old and dusty spaces run by older individuals who sit behind the counter and wait. This was not that. What I saw was a bright lit space with vibrant colors and aesthetically pleasing book displays. It looked warm and inviting; a place where you could enjoy your readings and engage in conversation. Harriet’s Bookshop is the name and spreading love for Black authors and inspiring generations through art and literature is their game.
I'm a Metal Sheep Baby
Growing up, we loved to eat at a local Chinese buffet. Almost immediately upon being seated, my mom would grab the little paper mat of the Chinese zodiac chart and go around the table pointing out our zodiacs.
Talking Story
“This place smells like crap.” “Cut it out. Let’s just hurry up and finish this.” Jack’s sister, Amelia, scoffed and made her way to the back of the storage unit towards a pile of books. He definitely did not want to be cleaning out their deceased dad’s things either but if he had to suck it up so did she.
Punk Rock & BIPOC Representation
Like most people, my teenage years were drowned in broken hearts, lost friendships, and fashion trends that changed quicker than the seasons. Whenever I play my "feeling nostalgic" Spotify playlist, a playlist consisting of bands such as Sugarcult, Motion City Soundtrack, and Fall Out Boy (the early work), I get transported back to my jelly bracelet wearing days of scribbled notebook covers and home haircuts.
Why Overwatch's Mystery Heroes is the Best Arcade Mode
Competitive shooter games can be, for the average player, fun or a headache. For me, Overwatch is my shooter of choice. Since launch, I've been addicted to the colorful and fast pace game style but the competitive mode can leave much to be desired (between aimbots and "this game is my job, my life" players) for an average "I like to just chill and play games" player. That is why I spend all of my time in arcade mode, specifically mystery heroes!
Surviving the V-Day Moods
Let's be honest. No one can really prepare you for heartbreak or the emotional roller coaster that comes with it, especially the ones that throw you for a loop in one day. Valentine's Day has always been a polarizing holiday for many. Either you're spending it with a loved one or loathing the love in the air because a) you're nursing a broken heart or b) because you've been single for a while and are starting to accept your life as a cat lady/man. The holiday is certainly cheesy but we end up getting caught up in it anyways. That's okay! We all handle it differently. Perhaps you're like me and just refuse to sit and wallow in self-pity. You want to feel good and focus on ANYTHING else, you deserve that much right?
Gardening during the Pandemic.
I have always loved being outside and being surrounded by nature so naturally when the quarantine orders began for us at the beginning of March 2020, I took the time to foster a deeper appreciation through gardening.
