May 2014, Washington, DC~

Hello from the Nation's Capitol!

This is your friend, Blondelle Rique' Hawkins, writing.  I hope this finds y'all well.  Just got off work; still working here at Cracker Barrel, and am about to get my grub face on.  Tonight I'm having meat loaf and green beans, brown rice, a roll, and mashed potatoes.  It's one of my all time favorite meals that they offer here.

Work is going well; I have worked at Cracker Barrel for over two years and I absolutely love it.  I have made so many friends among the customers and among my co-workers.  It's enough to pay my bills, so for that I am very grateful.

I am still living at my parents' place.  We still live in the projects.  But life is good.  My brother, Tyvarial Manuel (20) has been drug-free for nearly two years and still continues to go to church.  He is also working at Golden Corral as a dishwasher.  His twin, my other brother, LaShawn, is thinking of joining the Marines; he has his phusical next week, and based on the outcome, time will tell whether he has been accepted or not.  Then he will go to basic training later on this year if he has been approved.

Mom is getting a little worse, but she still remains as loving and sweet-natured as ever.  She is determined to live her life as best as she can, even despite having Parkinson's.  She is using a walker to get around.  Daddy takes great care of her and has avowed to stay by her side.  He is doing great: he was diagnosed with cancer (prostrate) last year, but so far chemotherapy and surgery has nipped it in the bud and he is now in remission.  I pray that continues.

The weather here is raining, but it's okay.  At least I can spend the time reading a good book once I get home.  It's supposed to clear up by tomorrow afternoon, which is just as well, 'cause I'm off, so I might go to the park near our place and people-watch.  I love to watch people walking by or the children playing; it makes me happy.

I am still working towards my goal in becoming a singer, but I didn't audition for AGT this year.  Maybe I will do so next year, but this year I want to improve my voice and my abilities.  Last year shook me to the core: I was devastated when I found out that I didn't make it past the first cut.  But I know God has good plans for me, so I am trusting in Him and praying that my big break does come someday.

Well, my meal has just arrived, so I am going to go.  I will write in here another day; sorry it's been so long since my last entry!  Take care and may God bless you as much as He's blessed me and my family!

~Love, your friend, Blondelle.  :)