Thoughts on a Summer Breeze...(Part 1)

thekulturedqueen
Jul 26, 2025
6 min read

Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Summertime is here and thriving, Reader. The sun is shining, the cicadas have returned to Hell where they belong, and the outdoor thermostat is reading levels from there, too. It's been hard to decide how I wanted to structure this post because there is so much on my mind. There's so much happening around us that it's getting harder to say "all is well." I contemplated saying it anyway, but that would be a slap in the face of so many who are struggling. One thing I've learned in these last two years of my own challenges is that the last thing anyone wants to hear when they're down is "but it could be worse!" Yes, but save the rainbows, babe. They're insensitive and dismissive when offered at the wrong time. Read the room, please and thanks.

Some will say that I'm jaded, but others will know that I'm only speaking the truth. If you know, then you know exactly what I mean. And if you don't yet, then consider yourself lucky. With that said, I'm going to borrow a phrase from a former coworker and "throw spaghetti at the wall," to see what sticks. Between this and my next blog post, I'll be offering my thoughts on several things happening today. To keep things organized, I'll provide subtitles to hopefully wrangle the conundrums in my mind. Feel free to take what you need and leave what you don't. Share this with others, add your thoughts in the comments, and re-read to your heart's content. I hope something you find something that sticks. As always, thank you for taking the time to read my work. It means more than you know.

Love & Gratitude,

The Kultured Queen

Thoughts on the Struggle...

Have you noticed how many people say "nobody wants to work?" but meanwhile we all know people who have been searching for work for months? The truth of the matter is that the job market is trash. "Nobody wants to work," but then there are thousands of people like me who often work 7 days a week because they're holding down 2 or more jobs just to barely make ends meet. Why? Because they've applied to hundreds of professional jobs that they're qualified for, with few interviews and even fewer offers. I have never seen so many experienced professionals struggling to land decent jobs regardless of age, background, or industry. And then to assert that we're lazy? No, between bots, phantom job postings, and those posted for formality before moving up internal candidates, the job market is just trash.

As a result of this and several other factors, many of our neighbors, friends, peers, and loved ones are struggling in one way or another. Expenses are high, wages are low, and securing a well paying job is getting harder and harder. Not to mention that the America as we know it is rapidly declining more each day. The audacity is at an all time high and morale is extremely low.

While there is a lot that is out of our control, we could all do a better job of handling the things within our control, such as how we talk to and treat each other. I'm not saying to become besties with anyone whose views threaten your safety, but I'm just saying that kindness in general goes a long way. The struggle is hard enough, why make it harder by being nasty to folks?

Thoughts on Politics...

I'm tired of folks acting like today's political events are a surprise. There was a 900+ page document detailing what was coming if a certain someone won a second presidency. Did I read it, no, but I at least stayed informed about the highlights from reputable sources. Some Americans, however, thrive in ambiguity, indifference, and messing around, but then want to freak out once it's time to find out. The last election wasn't a game and folks played anyway.

It's time for America to admit that its hatred for women, Black people, and people of color often outweighs its good sense. A career crook was never going to look out for you or anyone else, Beloved. He was never going to focus his harm solely on the people that you don't like. He is and has always been Equal Opportunity "Screw everyone" to save himself. And now y'all handed him the reigns to steer America.

But let's revisit why some of you have such strong feelings toward whole groups of individuals that you don't know to begin with...Spoiler: It's probably one or more internalized -isms .

Part of me believes that America is overdue to get what she deserves because of how many people she has mistreated while supposedly committed to her founding values: equality and justice for all. A country founded on these principles while actively enslaving people and stealing lands from others was bound to face its harsh reality at some point. Through all of this madness, we still have people buying merchandise for a concentration camp and justifying the keeping of humans in cages. We have watched elected officials push through legislation that's rolled back 100 years of social progress in just seven months. And still, American citizens endorse their lack of ethics with re-election. Then when Memaw, PawPaw, and their dog, Virginia Slim, lose their benefits, y'all want the same Black folks you don't give a damn about to be the first ones on the frontlines to save everyone? Hear me clearly when I scream a resounding, gender-neutral, "Girl bye!"

Thoughts on Me...

There is some exciting news to share: My inner artist has finally burst out of the shadows and we're doing a show! Dreamgirls is my first big production and one of my favorite musicals. I'm learning so much about myself and the craft of theatre through this experience; it's a process that is challenging and so rewarding at the same time. Rehearsing on top of two jobs can be a lot, but I'm grateful because I'm finally challenging myself to do the things I've always wanted to do, thus silencing the internal voice that always told me why I couldn't; why I wasn't good enough; why I wasn't capable; or why it was too late. All of it was a lie.
When artistic abilities present early in kids, and they either don't feel supported in developing those talents or can't access the spaces to do so, sometimes those skills get set aside in favor of what is accepted or deemed safe. After the skill is on the shelf for a while, even the most energetic young artist can become shy. Or worse, insecurity and fear can start holding them back from using their gifts at all.
When we steer children away from their natural interest(s) in favor of others, we ultimately teach them to limit themselves. We teach them to place "or" on their life instead of "and." Inadvertently, we end up weaving narratives about some talents mattering more than others, when there is actually room for multiple interests. So many creative children end up shoved into a box because of this and, unfortunately, many of them never find their way out.
This show is helping me to heal that child within and reclaim my artistry. The little girl who loved singing with her whole soul lights up every time I'm in the room with my phenomenal castmates. It's affirming in such a deeply personal way. I am a singer. I am an actress. I am capable and I am good enough. I earned a spot to be onstage with artists whose work I have admired for so long; that wouldn't have happened if I didn't deserve to be there. As long as I'm willing to do the work, I will continue to grow while holding space and finally honoring my gift.
Confronting my fears is already paying off. So far, each anxious "yes" has led to another opportunity. First, it was auditioning for this role. Then providing background vocals for a friend's song (stream Psalms 96 on your favorite platform). And now, my acceptance of both roles has led to chatter with other creators about future performance opportunities. It feels good to finally come out of the wings. My gifts are developing, I'm gaining vocal strength, increased confidence, and most of all, I'm having so much fun. I'm excited to see what other new things lie ahead. Above all else, I'm incredibly grateful to every person who planted seeds of encouragement along the way.