Nina Simone moves Holly Blue

by Nina Simone

21st Birthday
April 5th, 1996

“Do you quiver, from your head down to your liver?”
– Nina Simone

The weather was beautful today. Cold, but the sun was shining on us like a goddamn hero. My senses were all standing on edge, soaking in every detail as I nearly became part of color and sound. The “synchronicity of life”, which Dad speaks so highly of, was so apparent to me. The intimacy of me I’d almost forgotten if it weren’t for my two best friends, some edible fungus, and Nina Simone. It was the best day ever.

We spent the daylight sharing our stories, ugly girl truths and all. We danced to Nina, laughed and moved things with our eyes. And when we were coming down my girl’s sang happy birthday to me, after which we toasted our love for womankind with champagne and strawberry’s.

Later that evening I could still feel the drug lingering throughout my body. From the intensity in my chest to the electricity in my toes, I knew I was alive. I knew love was with me even though I’d never been more alone (ie. without a boy) in my entire life. I felt a calm, peaceful understanding of myself that I’d never allowed before today.

Fully connected with my beauty and vitality, I realized my need as a woman, to appreciate it all, even the desparation of heartache. The same heartache I hear in Nina’s voice, the voice of every woman, vulnerable and strong.