Dead End

Nothing is worse than going down a path you think will lead somewhere wonderful..but really ends up going to a deserted, desolate wasteland.

Every journey starts out with so much promise. The excitement of what's to come can be will illuminate even the darkest path, and disillusion those with even the best intentions.

What do you do when you find yourself on one of these roads?

I would love to know since I seem to find myself stranded right now. 

Mantra

Living beneath the weight of lies

Buried. Trapped

Escape feels necessary.

Burning pain

decisions, 

Second chances.

Starting over

desire to change the future

Craving commitment

Happiness above all else.

R e n e w a l.

The inspiration of truth.

Strength. 

Admiration.

Ambition. 

C H A N G E

taking C H A N C E S

Being who you really are.

Mantra.

Love for My City...& Freedom of Artistic Expression

One of the coolest things about the downtown area in Phoenix is Roosevelt Row. For all those who love design aesthetic, urban culture and art this spot serves as a hub for the hippest galleries, restaurants, boutiques, etc. The other day I was feeling inspired and decided to take a walk and capture some of the unique street art that is painted on a lot of the structures around that area. 

I love being able to explore different places and learn more about them. I was raised in Utah, and this type of art is something you probably wouldn't find around there. I think older generations at times are against this form of artistic expression, but I think it's fascinating and a unique reflection of our generation. 

The best example of other generations trying to stifle this creativity is Chris Brown. His art is something that proudly displayed inside...


and outside...


his home (still on his property though) and homeowners in the area threw a fit and complained to city officials, who said he would be fined if he didn't remove the outdoor monster mural.

Now, even though Chris isn't an actual artist like my next example, he isn't the only one this has happened to. Internet sensation Banksy is probably the most prominent street artist out there and brought a lot of attention and more acceptance of something that was once considered very taboo. Yet he has to fight to have his art displayed as well in various different ways. His pieces have been removed at times due to their controversial nature or like Chris Brown, because of complaints or city officials, but also have even been stolen and tried to be sold for profit.

What do you think about this form of expression...Artistic or unnecessary?
Manda

Welcome To My World..

Where to Start.....

My name is Manda.
I am 25 years old

How I feel most of the time... You want to meet the adult version of Honey Boo Boo, you found her.

Can't help it. I've always been known as a diva, ask any of my affiliates. Truth is, it's been my moniker for quite some time. Also got stuck with it as an elementary school nickname (that I secretly loved) and to this day it still gets thrown my way. That's okay though. Lately I'm trying this new thing, owning who I am and trying to make some big life changes.  I've had to cut some people out of my life, even some of the ones most important to me. I also am trying to determine how I can work on some of my bad habits. When you hit that quarter century mark, it seems like you should be doing something important.

But the truth is, I'm still a big kid at heart. The last 2 men I've dated both held the opinion that I am a baby.
Not their baby, but a baby. At first I was impressed. I don't know any other babies who managed to get a bachelors degree, move to the city become a damn bail bondsman, then writer, to get their own apartment and pay all their bills is pretty impressive.

Then I thought more about it...And I thought, even though someone else's fickle opinions shouldn't matter, sometimes there can be truth to some remarks. I've never been one to handle personal criticisms well, but the fun of proving people wrong outweighs the annoyances of hearing their opinions.

Ok that was a bit of a tangent. Back to the honey boo boo reference, my main point was that five sounds a lot better than 25 right now..I thought I would have more shit figured out by now. This better not be one of those lame quarter life crises that I know I heard about somewhere. As the wise and powerful ruler (of course, I mean none other than Iggy Azalea would say..

"Just can't worry bout no haters gotta stay on my GRIND"

If I could walk a day in her shoes I know I could rule the world.

Every bad bitch in the universe can start their reign with one thing: confidence. I don't care what anyone thinks of me anymore, I let it consume me for way too long. I have been through more than anyone could imagine in the last 18 months, and I want to take you on my journey. It's a coming of age kinda tale that starts with a naive small town girl going to be the big city for the first time...

Pardon my cliche beginnings, but I promise the story gets better from here. Unfortunately, that's all you get this week. stay tuned for the sequel, and many more to come.

love.loss.heartache.drugs.badboys.independence.pain.pride.friendship.shame.success.laughter.

Change.

Hope.

A happy ending?

Not quite sure yet. You'll find out right when as its happening...loose lips=great twists. I have nothing to hide.