RJ

Joined September 2018

112 stories

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Find me on Instagram at @awriterwhodraws

Achievements (6)

Stories (112)

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In Pursuit of a Voice
The classroom felt alive. The other kids radiated the warm afterglow of an exciting weekend. I admired how easy it was for them to send messages with just a flick of an eyebrow or the curve of a smile.
By RJ5 years ago in Education
I Was Raised by Barbie and The Acid Queen. Top Story - February 2021.
Music has always been a vessel for the African American experience. In the beginning, it was traditional biblical gospel to cope and communicate within the Antebellum South. Since, it has transformed into multiple genres, from the blues during the Great Depression, describing the trials of down trodden Americans. To rock and roll alongside the flower children of the sixties.
By RJ5 years ago in Beat
Writing Advice From Creative Icon Joyce Carol Oates
“We work in the dark—we do what we can—we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion, and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.” ― Joyce Carol Oates
By RJ5 years ago in Journal
An Anti-Vday, Pro You Playlist
I grew up on music made for people in love. I used to scream “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men. Before I even knew what a relationship was, before I had even kissed anyone. The way R&B artists sang about being in love made me feel like I was too.
By RJ5 years ago in Beat
What I Learned From the Co-Founder of Netflix. Top Story - February 2021.
14-year-old Marc Randolph stood under the sun at the base of a trailhead with 15 other students at his side. His parents had dropped him off that morning at The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) to hone his skills. The program required a month of surviving on their own in the wilderness. Each day the group was separated into smaller sections, and a "leader of the day" was appointed.
By RJ5 years ago in Journal
How I Reached My First Vocal + Payout
59 stories, 2 years, and enough caffeine to kill a small animal. That is what it took to reach this milestone. I usually avoid offering my advice for finding success on Vocal. It makes me feel like a gimmicky guru. However, I think there could be a societal benefit to me sharing my story. Maybe it will look similar to yours. Plus, I have to continue the tradition that Kathryn and Brian set before me.
By RJ5 years ago in Journal
Why I'm Never Working a 9-5 Job Again. Top Story - February 2021.
Listen to this story on Write Here, Write Now: A Vocal Podcast. I go through a cycle almost every year. I get a job that seems great, good potential for advancement, swell benefits, and whatever else people tell you to care about. I fit myself into the mold and abide by the rules. Yet eventually, I can't help but realize how much time I'm spending at work. Someone else dictates what I do with my day. I lose my night to exhaustion.
By RJ5 years ago in Journal
Inside the Hotshop
I was perusing the casual viewing section on Netflix and came across a show with two glass figures, one red, the other blue, leaning against one another. Scrolled across the middle in red lettering read: “Blown Away”
By RJ5 years ago in Geeks
Read This to Restore Your Faith in Humanity
When I was seven years old, I loved action figures and video games. I liked to play outside, I loved cartoons, and I idolized Robin Hood. What I didn't care for was school. I cared about having friends and recess. But I fell asleep every afternoon in my math book and could barely nail down what sound "Th" made.
By RJ5 years ago in Humans
The Origin of Owllock Holmes
The blackness of night engulfed the forest. Before the sun’s golden rays peeked through, rising the forest to life. A little mouse scurried through the underbrush, dodging branches and boulders in his way. A little scarf made from a scrap of red yarn waved behind him.
By RJ5 years ago in Petlife
The Place of the Way
I’ve learned multiple lessons in my life, usually twice and three times over. But eventually, they stick and get added to my playbook. A principle that keeps rearing its ugly head is the value of my environment. It’s the reason your elementary school teacher demands your desk remain pristine. It’s also why your parents made you make your bed just to get back in it later. Your physical space dictates your mental space.
By RJ5 years ago in Lifehack
How to Find Purpose in 2021
Throughout my life, I've often felt idle. As though I was working towards nothing, spending my days waiting for my weekends. I guess part of me expected to stumble upon purpose and contentment. I thought happiness stemmed from success and that I would feel purposeful once I found a career. I've learned that no matter what you accomplish, it never feels how you think it will. The real pleasure and sense of accomplishment comes from the journey.
By RJ5 years ago in Motivation