About Me.

I am a big dreamer, and as such, am someone who lives in my head. Cooking, reading, creating with my hands, writing, and visioning all bring me great joy—partially because they are creative pursuits, but mostly because they allow me to get lost in my imagination.

My friends, framily, and family are my life, and this includes the men that make our house a home: my partner, our two young sons, and our dog who is both old and a fart.

The Midwest is my home and blood, but my body and spirit reach to the coasts for the occasional recharge.

Many days, my empathy runs deep, but some days, I cannot bring myself to give a shit. I have learned that that’s okay.

I used to work in the nonprofit world, and if I am being honest, while I miss The Work, I do not miss the jobs. Some of y’all know what I mean. Amen.

Things that thrill me:

• supernatural horror movies (shout out to Japan and South Korea!)

• fiction and poetry (shout out to everyone on my bookshelf!)

• Don Cheadle

• a masterfully mixed cocktail

• tacos, summertime fruits, tater tots, karaoke, and dance parties

• “baby smell” + My kids

• cheese

• bringing people together

• belly laughs with my squad

• people with youthful spirits.

Stay kind out there, folks.

Hugs and High Fives,

Vanity