Talks with D.Lynn

Study. Serve. Create

[dannettalynn]

The creator set your value. Seek Him to know your worth & REFUSE to discount yourself. #LoveDLynn💕 #knowyourworth #GodMade #dannettalynn #LoveYOU #GodDoes #YouAreHIS #valuable #jewel #youareagift #nodiscountsonmyworth #honor #fullpricewaspaid #noclearancerackshere #youwillpayfullprice #Tuh https://www.instagram.com/p/BnoaDWylHO2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1u6zuduuysq8f

[dannettalynn]

The other week I realized how amazing I’m doing with my plant-based lifestyle, so I thought I’d share!

At this point, I’ve lost 17 pounds.

The things I’ve done most consistently are, eating 99.9% plant based, drinking water 💧, and using the Lose-It app to track my food intake everyday for the past 3.5 months.

It’s not much, but a little goes a LONG way. 💪🏽

Be TUNED to my YouTube Channel for my 4 month Veggieversary celebration at the end of this month! www.youtube.com/dlynnofficial

Cheers, Dannetta 🎆

[dannettalynn]

FULL ON Wakanda

So I finally saw Black Panther Movie today. 

Yes, the third weekend it’s been in theatres.

 Without reserving tickets prior, I attempted to see Black Panther with friends and family the second weekend it was out, thinking it would be fairly easy to get tickets at my theatre of choice after a week. I was wrong. WRONG. ALL surrounding theatres were completely booked for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I guess we all had the same idea. 

We were a smidge disappointed but even more elated that the movie is doing THAT well, to be sold out all over an area with so many theatres on its SECOND weekend! WOW. And Yeeeeesssss!

But I digress…

So TODAY, Friday, March 2, 2018, I caught a matinee. I skipped 3D and went with IMAX since the time worked with my schedule. There were plenty of seats. I shared the theatre with several elder couples and a few moms with their little ones. (And they were quiet too. Praises! 🙌🏽) I was in late movie goer’s heaven. 

So here are my thoughts.

First, the music! My head bobbed so hard through every scene transition. Needless to say, I pulled up Apple Music while the credits were rolling to search for the soundtrack. Saw it was produced by brother Kendrick. Ooooooooh. So that’s why. Dope. Downloaded it. Bumping it currently. *NOTE: I downloaded the “clean” version. I don’t prefer the profanity, but the rated E version is an option. *

As far as themes go, there were so many important things intertwined, so I’ll just mention a few of my favorites.

FAMILY- I absolutely LOVED T’Challa and Shuri’s relationship. 

PHENOMENAL BLACK WOMEN - Okoye (as well as the other female characters) exemplified class, strength, loyalty, intelligence, true beauty, and tenacity.

THE IMPACT OF A LEADER’S CHARACTER- Ooooh T’Challa. T’Challa.

I could go on, but I would barely scratch the surface.

Now on to my favorites.

Favorite Character: Shuri (Played by Leticia Wright) I sooo loved her genius mixed with whit, love, and confidence. The scene where she raised her hand to challenge T’CHalla was perfectly placed. I also appreciate the writing/directing teams intentionality in framing the multiple aspects of her character. 

I think Okoye (played by Danai Gurira) runs a close second for my faves. The way her chest puffed up and her eyes shined when T’Challa won the beginning challenge. I believed her. And it felt like it was me. She shined throughout. And it didn’t hurt that she had NO time for W’Kabi’s shenanigans at the end.

Favorite Quote(s):

 “You are a good man with a good heart. It is hard for a good man to be king.”

 ( I won’t tell you who said it juuuuuust in case you haven’t seen the movie yet. 😉)

“I would make a great queen because I am stubborn-IF that is what I wanted to be.”

“This corset is really uncomfortable so can we all wrap this up and go home?”

“They knew death was better than bondage.”

I was most disappointed with W’Kabi’s (played by Daniel Kaluuya) betrayal. But I guess it had to be done. Stellar performance by Daniel of course. 

I was most surprised by how well Michael B. Jordan pulled off an antagonist role. No slight to MBJ as an actor at all. I think he’s pretty awesome! But this was definitely a different role for him. And he killed it with his own swag. He came off super cocky, flaunting his physique, and in my humble opinion, he nailed it! 

I won’t give away any more of the movie so I’ll switch gears here before I conclude. I’ll answer a couple questions you’d likely ask.

Did I dress for the occasion? But of course! If you know me or follow me on social you’ve seen me rock head wraps for years, so there was nothing new about that for me. BUT I decided to switch it up and wear my wrap a different way this time.( S/O to the girls stored away on my Queen Wraps Pinterest board.) It was fairly early and I was headed to study after, so I opted for compression pants, one of my Beta Sigma tees, my jean jacket, and my custom made Frank Honest scarf. Oh, I was as cute and comfortable as I could possibly be. No makeup. Unless you count the matte Loreal lipstick 💄 I had on BEFORE the popcorn. 🍿But that was long before the bathroom selfie captured below. 🤷🏽‍♀️

These are my everyday bracelets. From left to right: The silver message bracelet, bronze loop, and “pleather rope” are Papparazi.  I acquired these three recently in support of two of my homegirls. The gold “create” bangle, I bought for myself as a Valentine’s Day gift. Which, honestly, I had been eying for a long time. I bought an entire set from The Giving Keys. And finally, the black and gold beaded bracelet I bought 5 or 6 years ago from Versona. 

Would I see Black Panther again while it’s still in theatres? ABSOLUTELY. But if I’m paying, I’d certainly opt to see it in 3D this time for a different experience.  But truth be told, it was so layered and good that it’s worth a second look. 

In closing, there are so many things I’m proud of with this movie. I’m grateful to live in a time where we (people of color, the World, etc, etc.) are unthawing and becoming aware of the truth and brilliance of God’s creation, namely, the continent of Africa and her descendants. Her brilliance, her heart, her history, her story. Not a perfect story. Yet one to be told in truth, giving honor where it is due. 

Don’t get me wrong. I just saw the movie today, and I totally understand the sincere wish that there was really a Wakanda. But even more, I wish to see so much more art, creativity, community, and healing happen in our present reality. And if nothing else, I’m daily inspired to be a part of that bringing of more. That decision to do my part, and BE all that my creator designed me to be. Humbly, with confidence, love, and without apology.

AMAZING film Coogler and Crew. Hats off to you. And many more to come.

P.S. S/O to the star of the phenomenon that is Black Panther. One Chadwick A. Boseman. I’ve been a fan since 42. I bought the DVD and am surprised it’s not skipping by now from being played over and over and over again over the past couple of years. I’ve never met him personally, but I know he’s from my home state, South Carolina. As a fellow creative, I am ALWAYS encouraged when I see someone from home create things of substance. I’m reminded to keep dreaming, keep praying, keep working, keep learning, keep loving, and keep trucking! It’s never too late to realize lifelong dreams.

I’ve had SO MANY bumps in the road on the way to some of mine. But as long as I’m breathing, I will NEVER give up. What God has given me and YOU are for a significant and unique contribution in this world. 

Do your part. Make your ART!

XOXO,

Dannetta Lynn

Wakanda FOREVER EVUH! ✊🏽

[dannettalynn]

The Day After Perfect

New Year’s Day 2018. Much anticipated. Greatly celebrated. 

My New Year’s Day was quiet. Uneventful. Perfect. For the first time, I celebrated the 1st of the year as a resident of a new state. 

I came to Atlanta on my way to Los Angeles in June of 2017. (The story of how I ended up coming back to GA and hunkering down here is another day’s writing. Trust me.)

But back to my perfect New Year’s Day. I spent the day mostly keeping my niece, Kaylee, and cooking my version of a traditional New Year’s Day meal. 

I took a month off of social media following Thanksgiving, to pray, plan, and get some things going for myself that I had been pondering for a while. So, following the 2017 holiday season, I was (and still am) already in gear and ready to go full speed ahead into the new year. Speaking of speed…

The only thing that “held me back” from one portion of my plans was unfinished paperwork on registering my car in the state. So, on January 2nd, with all appropriate documents in tow, I skipped my little happy self off to the tags and registration office. I’d been given the ABSOLUTE run around in weeks prior, so I was refreshed and relieved to know that this would be done. Once and FOR ALL. 

I arrived. Handled my business. No incident. I finally had my beloved Georgia tag in hand. 

I sat in my car for a moment and told God “ Thank You. Thank you for preserving my life and my car for the past 10 years.” You see, I purchased Pat (my precious SUV) brand new 10 years ago. Needless to say, SHE IS PAID FOR! (*quickens*)

That bit of information is important if you know that I’m a full-time Ph.D. student, an entrepreneur, and an indie artist. Having a paid for car is…well, NICE.

But back to my January 2nd. Approximately 8-10 minutes after I left the tags and registration place I was in a pretty serious car accident. 

Gasp. Skirt. Crash. Perfect interrupted. I won’t get into too much detail or display other footage from the scene, but I’ll just say I’m grateful for life, and that I am still here to tell the story. I’m also grateful that the other driver is ok. Because truth be told, it really could have gone another way.

I spent 8 hours in the emergency room waiting to be checked out.

And then the very next night I spent the entire night and into the morning at another emergency room, getting home at 5am (this time not for me), and three days later, ANOTHER emergency room trip. 

My point. This year has begun MUCH less than “perfect”. But not only am I here to tell the story, so is everyone else close to me, that went through something this past week.

One thing that stands out to me is how my family and complete strangers looked out for me. Talking with my mom on the phone one night about how God showed up in so many ways the day of the accident. And she said, “You needed to know that you are loved.” 

Sometimes it seems like I toil and toil in order to solidify things that are taken from me in a moment. But alas, such is life. That is exactly how things eventually pan out in every natural situation. So, it’s best to enjoy the actual journey.

You can wash, wax, service, and detail a car until kingdoms come. But guess what? One day it will have to come off of the road. Maybe not today. Maybe not next year. Maybe not in the next 20 years. But it will not run forever. You will not drive forever, for that matter. 

You can eat kale (love the stuff), weight train, and 5k prep until the cows come home. But one thing I’ve learned about those proverbial cows. They WILL come home. 

So does that mean we should live carelessly? No. But it is definitely good to learn to carry cares a different way. Because they are inevitable.

I’m still waiting to find out if Pat is totaled or not. I really hope not, for obvious reasons. But I will be ok either way. Meanwhile, I’m just grateful for all of the SAFE times we had. Protected from seen and unseen danger. 

Did I tell you about that time I drove her all the way to Los Angeles, California with everything I owned packed in her trunk? No? I’ll have to tell you that story one day. 

XOXO- Dannetta Lynn 💙💜💚

Have you ever been in a car accident? Have you ever bought and paid off a new car? Have you ever kept a car for 10 years? Tell me about it!

[dannettalynn]

So you stopped going to work out. You gained the weight back PLUS some. You couldn’t afford to keep buying those expensive shakes. Listen, it happens! Take what you learned from it, incorporate what you can do NOW, and when you fall, don’t wallow! Understand that it’s part of the process & KEEP GOING. Eventually, it’ll stick. You’ll meet your goals. It’ll work out. But only if you don’t quit! COMMIT! We’ve got this! #talkswithdlynn #persevere #TRUEyou #2017 #2018 #beyond #pivot #win (at Atlanta, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

🚨New Video Linked in Bio☝🏽🚨 • • • Never stop trying to be better at stewarding the ONE ☝🏽 temple you get in this life. Keep going. Try again. You’re worth it! I’m cheering for you! 💪🏽 SUBSCRIBE, thumbs up, and SHARE. Link’s in my bio. 😘 https://youtu.be/uXksblAt0u0

[dannettalynn]

Catch me over on my YouTube channel for the next coupla weeks! Love 💕 you all! 😘 #backSoon P.S. Subscribe✅ and hit the Notifications bell 🛎 for updates. New vid coming this week! Leave me some comments. 👍🏽 #prayersUP 🙏🏽 (at Atlanta, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

*New Video* 🚨Sephora Haul and Fall/Winter Foundation Regimen 💄 The Link is in my bio. 🤗 #dannettalynn #sephorahaul #beautyblog #youtuber #makeupvideo #girltalk #funstuff #makeupforever #smashbox #sephora ****************************************SUBSCRIBE✅ THUMBS UP 👍🏽 SHARE 🖖🏽 https://youtu.be/TDmTWNfzP5Q

[dannettalynn]

I purchase, download, repost, share, like & listen to SO MANY amazing artists that are talented in their own unique way. From the world renown to the virtually unknown. I support because I simply LOVE music, and I LOVE to support others in connecting with & using their gifts. YET, in all of this, I’ve NEVER heard a voice that I’d prefer to have over my own. I’ll stick with the voice God gave me. In all that it is, and all that it’s not. It’s MY GIFT from God. Wouldn’t trade it! ❤️ Would you trade yours??! #ihopenot #grateful #dontcompare #comparisonisthethiefofjoy #yeildnottotemptation #heartchecks #notetoself #respecttheartist #worshipthecreator #appreciatethecreation #talkswithdlynn #danettalynn #singer #sangersroom #lifteveryvoice #useYOURgifts #joy #confidence #freedom (at Atlanta, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

Back at ya this week YouTube fam! Get SUBSCRIBED. Cheers to a new week. 🥂 💛 #Love #dannettalynn #linkinbio www.youtube.com/dlynnofficial (at Atlanta, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

New Video! 🚨 Don’t be limited or pressured by comparison, ladies! Whatever you do with your life, do it as unto God. Bloom in your season! This video’s for you. Be encouraged! *Link in Bio* https://youtu.be/NgnxBdi3Kls #dannettalynn #blooming #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #homemaker #wifelife #momlife #auntielife #scholar #creative #servant #single #singlelife #livingLoved #seasons #Fall #Autumn #contemplative #saturdays #dannettalynn #talkswithdlynn (at Atlanta, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

New VLOG 🚨 Saturday in The A | Link in bio! Are you subscribed to my YouTube Channel? Better yet, join the Notifications Squad by taking the bell. https://youtu.be/bkHFvlpsI_E #eastatlantastrut #eastatlanta #frankhonestthebrand #walkswithdlynn #dannettalynn #adventuresaturday #saturdayintheA #familyfun #weekendvlog #babysitting #auntielife #phdlife #family #love #atl (at Atlanta, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

New Video Up!🚨Are you subscribed to my YouTube channel? I post videos weekly! Join the Notifications Squad 🛎so you never miss new content. 👍🏽 Thanks so much for the love and support! *Link in bio.* https://youtu.be/1voZhAQLBOA #braidout #easynaturalstyles #fallfresh #naturalista #youtuber #creativenaturalcontent #frotoshoot #lovemyfro #naturalhair #curlygirl #kinksandcurls #talkswithdlynn #dannettalynn #naturalhairdaily #naturalhairsolutions (at Atlanta, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

In case you missed it! New Video up on YT posted in the weeee hours. Notifications gang knew that though! 👀Link in bio. Have a BLESS (ed) day! 😂 Make sure you subscribe and tap the bell 🛎 for notifications! 😘 #queenhelenemintjulepmasque #fallskincare #fallfresh #youtubecreative #artist #artistsofatlanta #dannettalynn #naturalmakeup #makeupforfilm #talkswithdlynn (at Atlanta, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

#Repost @frankhonestco (@get_repost) ・・・ #WeOutchea at the EAV Strut Festival. Come down and say HEY! Shout out to @thegalleryeav !! #FrankHonestTheBrand #style #stylish #love #me #cute #nails #hair #beauty #beautiful #instagood #pretty #swag #pink #girl #girls #eyes #model #dress #shoes #heels #styles #outfit #purse #shopping #glam (at Atlanta, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

#Swipeleft & #tapfordeets The smile you have when: 1. You finished doing your hair even though you didn't feel like it & your braid out 'gon be bomb. 💣 2. You snagged the last Too Faced lip gloss in this color at Sephora Sunday. 💋 3. You just had a great session. 👍🏽 4. You have so much reading and work to do for school but you just aren't doing anymore until tomorrow. 📚 5. You know Jesus loves you and there's nothing you can do about it. 🤷🏽‍♀️🙌🏽🙏🏽 #Thursday #smilingagain #grateful #onedayatatime #talkswithdlynn #dannettalynn #falllippie #toofaced #mattelips #custombeanie (at Conyers, Georgia)

[dannettalynn]

#1verse1month1year | August Memory Verse 💛#dannettalynn