🌸 April Vibe Check
Balcony Thoughts, The Great Reset, and Stewardship
Y’all, the silence after the school run hits different.
I’m sitting here on my balcony right now, just taking a second to hear my own thoughts. Between laundry, cooking, classes, and the "warrior" life, those quiet moments are rare. But this morning? The sun is out, the birds are doing their thing, and I’m just reflecting.
I’m 40 years old now. I’ve been a Warrior (SS) my whole life, and looking back at where I started—back in 2018 when it was just "Red Stick Sickle Cell Group"—I have to acknowledge how far we’ve come. God is enlarging my territory, and my main prayer lately has been for stewardship. I want to handle this platform with the right heart and the right mind.
Community Beyond the "Warrior" Label
This month wasn't just about Sickle Cell for me. I’m a person first, and I love bringing people together. I recently helped my church collaborate on an Easter Bash. It wasn't a "Warriors Speak Out" event; it was just me, as an entity of my own, helping to plan and execute something for the community. It wasn't a massive turnout, but it was a good turnout. Seeing everyone work together to make it happen was beautiful.
I’ve also been active in the Women’s Ministry at my local church, helping to raise funds. It feels good to serve in different spaces.
The "Not-Quite-A-Gardener" Journey: A Plot Twist
So, update on the balcony garden: the Lavender didn't make it. I guess my "grill-top" rescue mission was a little too late, and it officially checked out on me. RIP to the lavender. 🥀
But we aren't giving up! I went ahead and replaced it with a Sweet Basil plant. It’s a lot more simple to manage, and honestly, it fits our vibe better because we lean toward cooking in this house. My husband loves to get in the kitchen when he’s home, so having fresh basil on deck is a win.
The kids are getting even more involved, too. We just planted pepper seeds and cucumbers—my daughter was dying to plant those cucumbers! We don’t garden often, but we’re trying to get more into the habit of it. There’s something special about watching a little egg carton or a small pot turn into something you can actually use. Hopefully, our little balcony garden will really blossom and bloom this spring.
The Vision for Operation Snuggles
When it comes to my heart’s work, Operation Snuggles, I’m looking at the big picture. I don’t want it just to be a once-a-year thing. I want it to be a year-round presence. Whether it’s Snuggles as an Elf for Christmas, a Leprechaun for St. Paddy’s, or a heart basket for Valentine’s—I want this to be what people think of when they want to support a Warrior who is fighting a tough battle. I’m working with folks outside the community to expand that vision, because love doesn't have a season.
The Sociology of the Struggle: School Update
School at Lamar is still rolling. I’m sitting at an A in Criminal Justice and a B in History. I’ll be honest: I’m not a fan of history. The material feels so dated. To me, these times we’re living in now just feel like the consequences of our ancestors' actions, so keeping up with the "old days" isn't really my vibe. But I’m getting through it! Sociology is still the lens I use to sharpen my advocacy.
Collaborations & What’s Next
I'm still riding the high from my meeting last month with the ladies from The Butterfly Pig and Hearts Connected. Those plans are still in the works, and you’ll be seeing some shout-outs and cross-posts soon.
Looking ahead to June:
The Art Contest is being "re-upped"! Stay tuned for updates in May.
I have some things releasing in June that I’m keeping close to my heart for now, just praying and staying open-minded.
And a special, quiet shout-out to SC Red... y'all know why.
For now, I’m going to get back to this homework and keep an eye on these new sprouts.
Stay Present. Stay Undefeated.
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In Solidarity,
Whitney Lyn
Founder, Warriors Speak Out
