On Tuesday evenings, I usually host “Write On with Javacia” for members of the See Jane Write Collective. It’s a time for us to check in, chat, and then write. But I played hooky last night because it was release day for Bones at the Crossroads, book two of the Blood at the Root series by LaDarrion Williams. The series centers on Malik, an African American teenage boy who discovers, through a traumatic event, that he has magical powers. He lands at an HBCU for other Black kids with powers, where he begins to learn how to control his powers while also uncovering secrets about his family and even the school. LaDarrion, who’s an Alabama native, had a book signing and Q&A at the downtown branch of the Birmingham Public Library and I had to be there!

Last night, LaDarrion said so many things about the importance of representation that had me wanting to yell “Amen!” But the thing that stuck with me most was his statement that he’s healing his teenage self by writing the BATR series.

We often talk about healing our inner child, but what about our inner teen? I don’t know about you, but mine definitely needs some TLC.

What can you do, what could you write, to help heal your inner teenage self?

I Love North Italia

Remember that trend on social media about meeting your younger self for lunch? I wish I could take my teenage self to North Italia. I’m low-key obsessed with North Italia right now. For years, I’ve gone on my birthday because I was born on February 9 — which also happens to be National Pizza Day. But recently, I was invited to an influencer event at North Italia, and I fell in love with lots of other dishes on the menu. (Check out my recap Reel here.)

I also discovered that North Italia serves brunch. How did I not know this before?! And I went back just a few days later to check it out. 10 out of 10. No notes.

Now, for your grown, over-21 self, be sure to swing by before Labor Day for some Summer Sips — special cocktails inspired by chart-topping songs. There’s Watermelon Sugar, Pink Pony. Spritz, A Bar Drink (Tipsy), Strawberry Blush, Eternal Sunshine, and more. North Italia has mocktails, too, if you’re about the zero-proof life.

Currently

Here’s what else I’m currently into…

Watching: I recently binged Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross and now I’m ready to add some stamps to my passport and go on more solo dates. Side note — I want to thank Ms. Ross for unapologetically overpacking for each trip and thus helping me give myself permission to do the same.

Reading: Bones at the Crossroads — obviously!

Listening: Confetti & Conspiracies: The Amen Mixtape by Pastor Mike Jr.

Writing: My second book! I’ll share the details soon, but the album I’m currently listening to is a bit of a hint.

Let me know in the comments what you’re into right now.