The month of April was filled with one adventure after the next. Every weekend was booked and bursting with quality time with my friends and family. I seemed to be living out of a suitcase for half of the month but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I will share a few of my favorite memories from the month.

My little brother, Joshua, had two different basketball tournaments that I was able to attend. I love being able to support and cheer him on while he does something that he loves. He is constantly practicing and training hard to become better and better at his craft.

I think he is one of the best players on his team but I guess I could be a little biased!

This year I was finally able to attend the annual Haliwa-Saponi Tribe Pow-Wow. For those that don’t know, a pow-wow is a Native American gathering with dancing, singing, renewing of old friendships and the making of new ones. It is a time to renew the culture and preserve the heritage of Native American tribes.

I have always wanted to experience a pow-wow since it is a part of my heritage. I went and spent the night with my granddaddy, which I haven’t done since I was a little girl. We drove out to Hollister, NC to attend the pow-wow located in a field near the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School.

I was totally in awe!! Seeing so many different Native Americans in their full regalia- dancing and singing to the music of the drums was simply amazing. Almost everyone is related and I met many cousins that night. I loved being able to connect with a part of me that hasn’t been explored very much. I’ve always known I was part Native American but never got the chance to really connect with that side.

My granddaddy told me stories about his ancestry and siblings I’ve never met. He showed me the house he grew up in as a young boy in 1943. He also showed me a school his wife, my Grandma Clara, attended. She wasn’t fond of the school she was supposed to attend, so she walked over a bridge everyday to attend the school she preferred. I loved just driving and listening to my granddaddy talk. It felt so good being able to spend time with him.

My handsome Granddaddy Frank

One of my close friends is a kindergarten teacher and every year I volunteer to help chaperone her class fieldtrip to the zoo. Her kindergarteners are always so adorable, funny and well behaved. Our group of kids kept us laughing the entire day. Kids really do say the darndest things. They had so much fun exploring the zoo, learning how to correctly pronounce elephant, and watching a giant polar bear swim right up to the glass before doing a back float.

Kelsey is the best kindergarten teacher I know! // I was so excited to see the giraffes because they are my favorite. I could watch them all day.

This past weekend I drove to Charlotte to meet up with a few of my awesome sorority sisters. Our weekend was filled with laughter, dancing, super yummy food (we brunch so hard!) and a shopping trip to Ikea. We signed up for a dance class that was like no other I have ever taken. Monica Wilson, of Xoticy, teaches dance classes that bring out the sexy, confident, and sensual side of women. Now, at first I was a little nervous and skeptical because I didn’t think I possessed an ounce of sexiness. Monica encouraged us to let loose and to just dance for ourselves. I stepped out of my comfort zone and soon after, I found a piece of myself I never knew existed. I highly recommend this class to women of all ages. We had so much fun and are already anticipating the next time she is touring in a city near us!

Tiffany, myself, Monica Wilson (choreographer), Chelsea and Christina

April was overflowing with so much love, laughter, openness, and many memories. My heart is so full. I can’t wait to see what is in store next.

Stay Golden- D