February has been nothing short of a month full of love. I’ve been finding pockets in pure friendships and within myself. I took a trip to St. Louis this past weekend, and I have to share all about it. The connotation of love sung beautifully throughout the trip in a way that was introduced to me early but gave birth all over again at 24.
My family and I used to travel to St. Louis during the earlier parts of my childhood, but I’d never gotten to see the city in its entirety. At 24, I saw a city that lulled me as a child and composed a full symphony in the short span of 3 days. The trip was conjured in going to see the artist, Khamari, but also gave me the divine opportunity to meet an internet friend, dine on flagrant meals, indulge in introspection, and take in art from around the world. This weekend was beautifully thorough, and my heart is still processing the entire experience—but we’ll take it word by word here.
Roshae.
Roshae and I were introduced to one another through TikTok. We had been mutuals for a while, and I took a chance on submitting a friend application through DM. One conversation led to another, which led to us Facetiming a year ago, and then here we are meeting in person. This was an experience I had heard many people boast about, but I’d never had it. That courage to reach out led to meeting a soul that I believe life knew I needed to meet. The conversations, the laughter, the communion were pure in all the ways of experiencing tapestry being sewn together. It was divine, aligned, and just great. I get to officially cross off “Meeting an internet friend” off my life list, and I’m happy about that.
I also have to brag on Roshae for creating a decorated and thorough itinerary for our short weekend. Everything was perfect from beginning to end, and Lord knows I LOVE an itinerary. This may be your sign to reach out to that mutual and start talking. It can lead to the best connection you’ll ever meet, just as it did for me.
Can we talk briefly about the food we delighted in this weekend? We had some pretty amazing meals, courtesy of The Fattened Calf and Brasas. What is more fulfilling than a meal made of love and pure culture?
The pork belly I had? I truly had no words. The table was silent, digesting just how good the flavors were coming together. And not to mention, The Fattened Calf played Kaytranada and Solange. This trip was for me, I tell you! Brasas courted our taste buds with crispy croquettes, 16-hr marinated chicken, and sweet plantains. I swiftly made these a part of my top meals list for 2026. We will see what rivals next…
Just as beautiful as he was on screen, he was in person. I mean that bicep. Whew. Truly just a beautiful man. Caramel skin with a voice that melts like chocolate—my God. The concert was amazing! His vocals live are perfect, and the instrumentals were outstanding. Sidenote: the opener, Gabriel Jacoby, did an amazing job as well. Very funny, “shy”, and just that guy, as he will say himself, lol.
Jennifer, family.
It was great getting to stay with my cousin Jennifer and spending brunch with her. An incredible woman. Lots of great wisdom that someone such as myself can implement into my becoming.
Sidenote: we ate at this place called Roosters, and the concept was super interesting, and I kind of liked it. Instead of having individual tables set around the restaurant, it was structured as 2–3 big banquet tables where everyone sat together. I thought that was super cool and a refreshing take on communing with strangers.
Maybe we need more of that in the future.
St. Louis was quite the trip I needed at a time like this, and no doubt at the start of the year. Also, I finally got my hands on the 99.99% vinyl. This made sophomore-year of high school Brielle very happy.
I truly will miss this weekend, but I plan on returning.
Thank you, St. Louis.
22 Thoughts 
Leave a comment