Cece In The City

Tag: gratitude

  • A Season of Gratitude, Good Vibes & Healing

    Hey everyone!
    I hope you’re doing well and gearing up for the holidays and the exciting new year ahead. This season always brings a mix of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness—and I want to take a moment to share a few highlights and heartfelt thoughts.

    As we think about the holidays, I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity we had to partner with DJ Ms. Eclectic for the Good Vibes Giveback for the Season. Together, we were able to bless over 60 people, and that alone made this season extra meaningful. Huge thanks to her for including us and allowing Cece in the City/Where It Begins to be a part of spreading love, joy, and good vibes to others. Giving back always reminds me what this season is truly about.

    Now let’s get into Cece on the Scene 🎬
    This weekend, I finally made it to the movies to see The Housemaid. I had already read the book—and it was really good—so I was excited to see how the movie would compare. And honestly, it didn’t disappoint. I haven’t been to the movies in a long time, but AMC made the experience extra enjoyable with their comfy recliner seats and beautiful interior. If you haven’t seen it yet, I definitely recommend checking it out—especially if you’re a bookworm like me. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 on the scenes ✔️

    Speaking of books, let’s talk about my latest read 📚
    I recently finished All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert. Now, Eat, Pray, Love will always be a favorite of mine (both the book and the movie), but this one was very different. This book dives deep into her life, her friendship, and struggles with addiction. It was sad, raw, and powerful all at once. While it wasn’t an easy read, it was meaningful, and I’d give it 3 out of 5. Still worth checking out if you enjoy emotional and reflective storytelling.

    The holidays are also a tender time for me. I lost my mom around this time in 2017, and not having her here during the holidays is always hard. There’s a sadness that comes with the season, but I choose to focus on gratitude. I’m thankful for the memories, the pictures, and the love that never fades. She may be gone, but she lives in me, and I truly believe she’s my angel watching over me.

    As we move through this season, I encourage you to be thankful for life, cherish your moments, and treasure your family, friends, and loved ones. Time is precious, and love is everything.

    Thank you for continuing to follow along with Cece in the City.
    Stay tuned for more, and from my heart to yours—Happy Holidays ✨

  • 🍁 Goodbye October, Hello November — A Season of Thanks and Giving

    Hey everyone! As we say goodbye to October and welcome November, I can’t help but feel that cozy shift in the air. The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping, and soon our kitchens will be filled with the comforting aromas of soups, chili, and hot cocoa. This is the season for thanks — and for giving.

    🎶 ATL Soul Vibes x Nappy Roots — They are Celebrating 10 Years of Culture & Community.

    We kicked off the month celebrating ATL Soul Vibes with none other than Nappy Roots at DBS Sounds for their 10-year anniversary. The rain tried to stop us, but the vibes were too strong! Fans showed up, energy was high, and the night turned into something truly special — intimate, soulful, and full of connection.

    If you’re new to ATL Soul Vibes, let me give you the inside scoop: it’s Atlanta’s invite-only live music series featuring soulful artists, intimate vibes, and deep cultural roots — all filmed at DBS Sounds, where music and community meet.

    Huge shoutout to Nappy Roots for being our first group to hit the ATL Soul Vibes stage and absolutely rock it! Not only are they talented artists, but they’re humble, grounded, and deeply involved in the community. If you haven’t yet, check out their brewery, Atlantucky Brewing — another passion project born from creativity and culture.

    I’ll never forget when they graced the cover of my very third issue of Where It Begins Magazine — a full-circle moment that still fills me with gratitude.

    Special thanks to my amazing partner DJ Ms. Eclectic — always full of fresh ideas, endless support, and good energy. Teamwork really does make the dream work! Much appreciation also goes to Gary for sound, Jermaine from When We Speak TV, and of course the entire DBS Sounds team for helping us make this vision come alive. Atlanta needs this energy — and trust me, there’s more to come. Stay tuned!

    there’s more to come. Stay tuned!

    💔 Remembering My Friend — Glenn Clifton Jr. (Young Bleed)

    This month also brought a heavy moment as I said goodbye to a dear friend, Glenn Clifton Jr., known to many as Young Bleed. I called him Mister Professor — and that’s exactly what he was: wise, humble, and always teaching through his words and actions.

    I’m so grateful I got to speak with him before and after Verzuz. He was full of life, ready to perform, and doing what he loved. The news of his passing still hurts, but I find comfort knowing he believed in God and is looking down, watching over us.

    If you ever listened to his music, keep it alive. Stream it, share it, celebrate it. Let’s give him his flowers here and beyond. I even had the joy of interviewing him and surprising him with his own book for signing — moments I’ll always cherish.

    Check it out:

    https://youtu.be/hvnwWpausI4?si=OfCBpxtgUVu7d-pE

    Also check this one out

    https://youtu.be/bXav5La5fcE?si=kpO8bq92rJMTMVsP

    Let this be a reminder: love your people while they’re here. Support your friends and give them their flowers now.

    📚 Cece’s Book Club Pick of the Month

    For November, our Cece Book Club pick is “Wish You Were Here” by Jodi Picoult. I’ve read her work before, and while opinions may vary, I always say — don’t let reviews decide for you. What’s not for one person might be perfect for another.

    Join us on Instagram and Facebook @CeceBookClub — I’d love to hear your thoughts as we dive into this story together.

    🌎 Sending Prayers & Gratitude

    Before I close, I want to send heartfelt prayers to Jamaica and everyone affected by the recent challenges there. I’ve checked in with my friends, but it’s a reminder that we must stay prayed up — this world needs love and faith more than ever.

    And speaking of gratitude — November 1st was National Author’s Day, and I can proudly say… I’m an author! 📖

    My poetry book, Poems of Passion & Purpose, was one of my biggest accomplishments this year. Every page holds a piece of my heart and journey. If you haven’t checked it out yet, grab your copy on Amazon — and remember, you can truly do anything you put your mind to.

    Get here:

    https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    So here’s to a month of gratitude, growth, and giving. Stay tuned — more adventures, stories, and soulful moments are on the way.

    With love & light,
    Cece ✨
    Cece in the City