“I Couldn’t Give Two F**** What You Think About Me” - Latrice Darlène
“I Couldn’t Give Two F**** What You Think About Me” - Latrice Darlène
That was my response to a woman who was upset when I told her that the real fur industry wasn’t going anywhere, and that fur and leather are a byproduct of the gargantuan meat industry. I also informed her that I would send her a photo of myself in a vintage mink with a sable collar that I’ve been eyeing. She clocked my ass by responding that she hopes I come back as a mink in my next life. Touché sis. Touché.
The beauty in the title of this newsletter is that it is 100% accurate. Finally at forty-three I have settled comfortably into not giving two f*cks what anyone thinks about me. I’ve done all the things to get here, therapy, bible study, self-help books, travel. I even stopped dating for a year to do the work and focus on myself. You name it I’ve done it. All of the aforementioned gets you very close to not giving a f*ck, but there’s a fourth tool that seals the deal.
That fourth tool is the love of self girlies. Once you start giving yourself what you feel that you’ve been lacking the game changes. Once you start giving others the love you feel that you’re lacking it’s game over. I’m not a self-love guru or a life coach I’m simply sharing what has worked for me. The rest I shall leave to bell Hooks and her magnificent book All About Love.
Immigration
A couple of weeks ago I submitted my file for my 10 year residency card. I would be remiss if I told you that I wasn’t nervous as hell. Oftentimes the 10 year residency card is more difficult to get than citizenship here. I am staying prayed up while I wait for a response. Meanwhile I’m preparing my file for citizenship. My goal is to have that file submitted before I head to the states for the remainder of the summer.
Restaurants
Restaurants in the Paris suburbs do not get the respect they deserve. When people visit they’re usually concentrated in the city, but the truth is that the best restaurants are on the outskirts of Paris. I’m fortunate enough to live in a suburb so close to central Paris that one would never know that it isn’t Paris proper. Because my town is so diverse we have some of the best food options. Flavorful and inexpensive just how I like it.
La Goulette Zoumen, a Tunisian restaurant that I frequent from time to time, serves up the best Couscous Poulet ever. And don’t even get me started on the veggies served with it. The biggest problem with this dish is that I can never finish it.
Moving on swiftly and professionally to the 6th, which is the arrondissement that I frequent most often. I’ve recently become obsessed with a little Italian spot there. First let me tell you how every single man employed at this restaurant is swoon. I don’t know if it was done purposely, or if I’m in heat every time I have lunch there, but nevertheless the fellas look good girls. They’re also super friendly and give superb service. The food is divine and it’s the perfect little place to people watch from.
They recently updated their menu and removed the gnocchi option which was disappointing. Nevertheless the focaccia bread, truffle pizza, and caesar salad are quite tasty. When in doubt choose one of those three because you will not be disappointed. Whilst there enjoy a bottle of rosé and just chill.
Moroccan Herbs & Spices
If you’re ever in the 5th Arrondissement stop by our Moroccan brother’s chalet for all the herbs and spices your heart desires. I wouldn’t really consider myself an herb girly, but our good sis
most definitely is. I mean she was able to identify all the herbs from A to Z. The owner of the chalet was very kind as well. He even offered us mint tea to drink whilst we shopped. Tea for you my sisters, he exclaimed!The experience took me back to my first study abroad trip to Morocco. I stayed for a month and I taught children in the capital city of Rabat. We did an overnight stay in The Atlas Mountains and I would be lying if I told you that the sunset behind the mountains wasn’t one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had in my life. If you ever get an opportunity to visit Morocco, watching the sunset from The Atlas Mountains is a must do.
IT Girl At The Eiffel
Because Chonda was in town it meant that I had to do all the tourist things that Parisians usually avoid like The Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, Notre Dame etc. The Eiffel was packed and the new thing that tourists do now is stand on the median strip for photos. I definitely understand why as you can actually get really good shots from the strip. If only I could figure out how to remove the cars and fit the entire Eiffel in the photo but I digress.
I attracted quite the fan club whilst posing for my photos. Men started gathering around staring and they asked to take photos with me. They asked very politely and it didn’t feel weird so I obliged. Plus ya girl loves a reminder of how fine she is from time to time, OKAY?!