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The Spirit of a Scribe | Poet Alexa Harris

Joce: Hey Alexa! Thank you so much for sharing your story today. Would you start off with an intro to the title you go by, and your style of work?

Alexa: DopeMamacita is an aspiring brand to encourage WOC to love themselves. The name came to me after a breakup and I wanted to transform. I wanted to share with the world my transformation as I was healing. My style is inspirational because I want WOC to gravitate towards the brand. I typically write short poems based on how I am feeling at the moment or if I am trying to convey a message to my followers. I’ve been writing since 2010 when I was in an internship at Street Poets Inc.

Joce: I love that you used words to heal. That is something that I can truly resonate with. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Alexa: Fuck academia! Excuse my language. I felt at one point so compelled to stay within this box of proper grammar, punctuation, etc. In grad school, I started to experiment more with writing the way I wanted. I have always been inspired by Gloria Anzaldua (who was critiqued in academia). Her words spoke from the heart and that is what I always want to embody. Writing how I wanted felt like real freedom.

Joce: Does the Internet or social media contribute to the well-being of poetry?

Alexa: For me, yes! I follow a few accounts that specifically post poetry or post-its on mindfulness. If you want to be a good writer, you should surround yourself with things that give you fuel, fire, creativity. I am specifically drawn to Black women, women of color, and non gender-binary accounts. They speak to my soul, my ancestors, and give me spark to write.

Joce: How do you begin a poem?

Alexa: My poems usually come to me at night, of course, before I go to bed. A line will pop into my head and from there the words just flow. I am old school and love to write on paper but my iPhone notes help when I am winding down for bed.

Joce: Night time is definitely a powerfully creative time of day. What book are you reading right now?

Alexa: I am reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It is a guide to spiritual enlightenment. To me, it has helped me to live in the now, which is a mindfulness practice. It helps alleviate my anxiety because I used to reminisce on the past and overthink about the future. My creativity is able to come through more when I can live in the moment. Easier said than done though! I am still a work in progress.

Joce: We are all working on ourselves, forsure. Or at least we should be! What music inspires you to write?

Alexa: Anything and everything underground hip hop. I really enjoy Dilla Donuts album as well as Madlib Blue Note album. It is the perfect blend of instrumental that gives you the power to not only write, but write creatively. I have always been a huge hip hop head thanks to my brother Drew. He let me explore all his albums when I was in middle school. Throughout college and grad school, hip hop helped me get through.

Joce: What do you see for trends in poetry in 2019-2020?

Alexa: I see social media having a huge impact on the way we express, the way we write. I love reading poetry that is inspired by history, injustice, and empowerment. It gives me courage to write from my anger within. I hope to see more poetry like this and I hope to continue writing with this same fire.

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Best Places to See in Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza, Valencia

It has been my dream to visit Spain since I was 19. This was my first time planning a trip of this length on my own, and I wanted to share some of the things I learned. 

Best Sights

Planning this trip to Spain definitely proved to be a challenge. My boyfriend had only been out of the country to Mexico, and once to Jamaica. So a Eurotrip was not something he was an expert at. I had always wanted to visit Spain, but never to see any particular sight. I just wanted to soak up the culture and see if it was a place I would ever want to live.

My personal favorite places were:

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium [Madrid] home to Real Madrid CF. We watched Real Madrid beat Juventus in the 90th minute and it was insane! The energy was crazy because they hadn’t scored all game. They just needed one goal to make it to the finals so that was such a moment.

City of Arts & Sciences [Valencia] a massive science center where you can go visit the

·      L'Hemisfèric a gorgeous building that houses an IMAX theater playing movies about the galaxy

·      The Science Museum, which I paid to visit, where you can see everything from a dinosaur exhibit to interactive science experiments about how mirrors work.

·      L'Oceanogràfic is an aquarium with a gorgeous entrance. I tried to go but I got there just as they closed.

·      The Palace of the Arts, which I mistakenly thought was an art museum, is really an opera house. I haven’t been in an opera house since I visited Sydney Australia in 2001!

La Barceloneta [Barcelona] is a neighborhood right on the coast of the Mediterrean. This is the home of the famous W hotel. On this man made beach there are vendors selling mojitos and margaritas, people tanning and riding bikes. It almost felt like California, except for the extreme blue water. The best part of this spot was visiting the W hotel. It would not be my top choice to swim at this beach, but we made our way to the W and ate at Salt restaurant. Despite being overprice, the service and view just couldn’t be beat.

Valencia Cathedral [Valencia] is known as home to the holy chalice, or holy grail. I was able to lay my eyes upon what is believed to be precious cup from which Jesus drank! This cathedral really made a lasting impression on me. I’ve been to a few cathedrals around Europe (France, England) but this was the first time I did a guided tour and really paid attention. I learned about neoclassical art and gothic style architecture. This place is a must see.

Ibiza in general is a must visit, but you have to do this in the summer during season. We went and the clubs were 99% closed, and it was cold. We had scheduled a paddle boarding session that got cancelled because of the wind. But on the day that I left the sun came out in full force, and I got a glimpse of how beautiful that island can be. I have to go back and experience the full Ibiza effect. We stayed at THB Molinos, which was perfectly located and had an indoor pool & sauna. Perfect for the unpredictable weather.  

Favorite Food

I am not going to lie to you – I think I lost weight on this trip. I was not feeling the food, and I fell into numerous tourist traps. From overpriced paella in Barcelona to stale chips in Valencia, I did not have much luck. Any foodies who can give me some tips for my next trip? I struggled because I do not like anchovies, olives, cheese, tomatoes, or anything I cannot immediately identify. But my much less picky boyfriend didn’t have the greatest experience in this department either. I will say that I visited Casa Mingo based on recommendation from my old roommate, and it was the best chicken I have every had. Juicy, seasoned perfectly and nice sized portions. They also served their signature cider, which was almost like a dry version of Angry Orchard. That was delicious. That was the meal I remember most in Spain.

 Culture Shock

I experience a few things that made it clear I was not home in California.

Staring. From the moment I got off the plane I felt like I was being stared at incessantly. It intensified in Madrid and I felt very uncomfortable at some points.

Butter. When I was at the delicious Casa Mingo and also a trendy chain called VIPS I asked for butter for my bread. This seemed like an odd request to the servers, and Casa Mingo actually would not bring me any butter. 

Tipping. I don’t think I have a good grasp on the world of tipping in Europe, but I generally believe that it is not expected. I really struggled with deciding when to tip and when to leave it be. I began to lean towards not tipping based on some google searches from expert travelers.

That is the long story short of my 2 weeks in Spain! It was amazing and I am eternally grateful I was able to visit.

Time of Year

My boyfriend and I visited Spain in April. Prior to visiting I had the idea that Spain has a similar weather pattern to California. In this case, I was very wrong. We arrived to Barcelona in mid-April and the temperature was around 63 degree Fahrenheit or so during the day. Madrid was much colder and we spent time walking around in 40-45 degree Fahrenheit. ON a trip to the Royal Palace of Madrid the clouds burst into a rainstorm and I picked up a souvenir umbrella. Not sure I’ll ever use it again but it’s cute!



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📺 Did you watch the Survivor Reunion yesterday? I had no idea they 35 seasons! Check out my blog about working in television. Link in bio . . . . #eventplanner #jobsbyjoce #productionlife #livetv #television #Survivor #workweek #cbssurvivor #cbs #losangeles #PA #Setlife #📺 #igdaily #blogger #survivor #survivorseries #ihavelotsofjobs (at CBS Television City)

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The days when I lived out of a suitcase 🌵 Photo by @claualcala ❤️ . . . . #travel #travellover #mexico #jobsbyjoce #cactus #home #flightattendant #skywest #FAlife #Eventplanner #igdaily #luggage #liveoutofasuitcase #lifestyle #melanin #cuernavaca #southoftheborder #transient #spanish (at Cuernavaca, Morelos)

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The best project you'll ever work on is you ⭐️💙 . . . . #jobsbyjoce #malibu #beach #winterincali #blogger #igdaily #photoby : @chellymonique (at Leo Carrillo Beach)

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Several horses have been killed in the California fires 😞 I grew up visiting my grandparents ranch and riding their horses, and now I work at a race track so this makes me really sad. There are many ways to help like finding a GoFundMe or donating to the workers that live in the backside of the property. If you live near Santa Anita / Arcadia and have clothes to donate we are collecting things now! Message me for details 🐎 (at Santa Anita Park)

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“A strong woman builds her own world.” ⛰🌴 . . . . #EllenBarrier #Hawaii #Oahu #Travel #islandfever #Mountain #Photo #qotd #lei #tropical #missingtravel #wanderlust #blogger #newpostcomingsoon #ocean #pacific #stronggirls #inspo

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I’m starting to see why I had the certain experiences I did. It’s all starting to shape into a career and lifestyle that I’m loving. My attitude and work ethic have been improved through the various jobs I’ve had. Trust your journey! . . . . #TrustYourStruggle #TrustYourJourney #QOTD #WednesdayWisdom #iminameetingbut #imnotlistening (at Arcadia, California)

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Leaving Monday in the dust like.....🌴🍃✌🏾 Grateful for those of you reading my blogs 🙏🏾 . . . . #JobsbyJoce #blogger #igdaily #photoby: @stephanie.the.princess #photo #rancho #sky #palmtree #website #design #fashion #like4like #eventplanner #toomanyjobs #entrepreneur #businesswoman #bigdreams #hustle #express #forever21 #bridge #heels #allthetags #squarespace

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When you find out your best friend is moving from Hawaii to Cali 🌴 ☀️👯👏🏽 Feeing super sunny on this Thursday, how about you? . . . . #jobsbyjoce #careerblog #blogger #website #squarespace #igdaily #igers #thursdayfeels #photos #ootd #blackandbrown #fashion #like4like #marketer #socialmedia #eventplanner #california (at Santa Anita Race Track)

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“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” Have you checked out my blog? I blog about the 12+ jobs titles I’ve has AND travel/lifestyle. 💡 ✈️ . . . . #jobshiring #jobsbyjoce #walkthatwalk #express #photo #igdaily #blogger #qotd #waltdisneyquote #disney #castmember #flightattendant #eventplanner #marketer #writer #productionassistant #setlife #busybutfocused #vision #allday #bestpost #followtrain (at Chaffey College)

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I woke up to this message in my inbox from a family friend 🙏🏾 Dreams + Dedication can move mountains! Don’t just dream it, actively hustle towards it. . . . #morningmotivation #dreams #dedication #hustle #jobsbyjoce #igdaily #workhard #dreambig #qotd #power #vision #igers #blogger #squarespace #wednesdaywisdom #entrepreneurlife #eventplanner (at Arcadia, California)

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My Tuesday has been super productive - grad school planning, booked an event at work, etc. How was your Tuesday! . . . #jobsbyjoce #careerblog #igdaily #newlook #squarespace #adventure #socialmedia #eventplanner #coordinator #ranchocucamonga #turtleneck #like4like #followtrain #newblog #girlswhowrite #gradschool (at Santa Anita Park)

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The galaxy is the limit 🔮 Jobs by Joce has a new look! Check it out and let me know by leaving a comment 🌟 . . . #galaxy #topshop #fashionnova #jobsbyjoce #igdaily #blogger #newlook #popasquat #photoshop #photo #sunnies #blackgirls #melanin #squarespace #socialmedia #eventplanner (at Montclair, California)

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I was feeling real Monday-ish before I prayed & remembered it’s time to work hard again 🙏🏾👊🏽 The long weekend was so nice! . . . #jobsbyjoce #prayerworks #attitudechange #vision #rancho #coffee #icedlatte #vinewall #photo #mondayblues #workweek #blogger #igdaily #blackgirls #girlswhowrite #californiadreamin (at Santa Anita Park)

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Joshua Tree Pose 🌵 New post is up about my trip to Joshua tree! It's Monday yet I'm still feeling the tranquil energy that I took from the desert. 📸 @nicole_osby . . . #jobsbyjoce #curlyhair #deserttrip #morninginpo #treepose #yoga #joshuatree #nationalpark #newpost #blogger #igdaily #igers #blogger #photo #peace #meditate #mojave #like4like #skyporn #rocks #cacti #travel #daytrip #mondaymood (at Joshua Tree National Park)

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One Day in Joshua Tree

A desert is a place without expectation. – Nadine Gordimer

I finally took the time out of my busy schedule to visit Joshua Tree National Park!

With just one day to get a feel for the park, my friend Nicole and I took to the pages of Outdoor Blueprint, and found a great itinerary by Brian Eagen. I have heard of so many people traveling to Joshua Tree, but why?

I will tell you (and show you) just why this place is a must see spot for Californians and out-of-towners alike! Photos at the end!

The Desert Modern Architecture

When you pull off the 10 freeway and into the abyss of the desert you think all you will find are hillbillies and broken down trucks on the side of the road. While you will see plenty of that, the main street that you drive through is decorated with artsy buildings, murals, antique shops, coffee houses, and really eclectic, desert style architecture.  Many of the houses along the road into the park were “desert modern" while some were more "cabin in the desert."

Easy to Navigate

We chose to diverge from the itinerary just a bit, and enter through Joshua Tree Visitor Center rather than the Cottonwood Visitor Center. If you plan to visit, they have maps at the entrance or you can download it here. There is usually a $25 entrance fee but it was waived this weekend because of Veterans Day. The signage, the map, and our print out from Outdoor Blueprint were more than sufficient in guiding us through a day of stunning landscapes and overcast skies. Throughout the park there is plenty of parking, and the trails we took were very clearly outlined and easy to see.

Natural Xanax

The people visiting Joshua Tree are a special kind of human beings. There were so many smiling faces, and so much peaceful energy. I list my mini pack tissues along the Hidden Valley Trail.  A sweet lady had found my tissues, and she pulled up in her car to give them back to me!

Nicole & I found ourselves doing yoga poses on rocks, cartwheels in the street, and walking in a soothing silence that only the desert could provide. There was no cell service in a majority of the park, even with Verizon! So naturally, we paid more attention to the natural wonder that was all around.

Cacti

I just love cacti. Maybe it’s that my grandparents front yard in the high desert was decorated with succulents and cacti of all colors. Maybe it’s their dangerous beauty that draws you in, but keeps you out. Or maybe it’s because a cactus is the only plant I can keep alive. Regardless, I had a enjoyed taking photos of the little cacti that were scattered through the park. I liked them more than the actual Joshua trees!

Keys View

We ended our day trip at Keys View, just 13 miles from Skull Rock. It was hands down my favorite spot of the trek. From Keys View you can see all of Coachella Valley. (Check out my post about working Coachella Music Festival this past Spring). Because we were tired, we decided not to stay for sunset. We did not expect to drive as much as we did. Each destination was a 5 to 20-minute drive from the next, so your driving doesn’t end once you enter the park. However, next time I come I will bring a blanket, some hot chocolate and watch the sunset from Keys View.

Today I was reminded me how small we are, and how expansive this world truly is.  I felt a true appreciate for God’s creation today. I got to appreciate life in California, and experience a wonderful day with a wonderful friend!

Have you ever been to Joshua Tree? Would you ever camp there?

Check out the parks calendar of events to plan your trip around a festival or artist meet up!