1. This is what happens when we vilify a people, a community, a religion because of the actions of a small group of terrorists. We need to find a way to peacefully coexist. There is room in this world for mutual respect and understanding of our differences.

2. Two organizations are working to tackle race in Asheville City Schools (including my brother Ryan’s amazing girlfriend, Erin, who is in the top photo!)

3. This would be a lovely addition to my kitchen.

4. I’ve never drawn myself naked, but I have been drawn by friends (art school!) and I’ve drawn others naked (again, art school!). It gives you a very interesting perspective on the human body to translate it into charcoal.

5. Death to the chicken finger!

6. I spent last week sick with the flu digging further and further into my family history. I learned an amazing amount and discovered that for the most part my Rosemond side of the family were Scots-Irish and English settlers that came throughout the 17th and 18th centuries and settled in the mountains of North Carolina. This has sparked a renewed interest in the history of mountain folk- both those that I descended from and those that were a part of their community, their region, their lives. It is so important, as white Southerners, to recognize and celebrate the influence of African culture in our history and traditions.

7. Girls are awesome and they do get to decide what’s girly.

8. A different way to talk with children about sex.

9. How cool is this?!?

10. Dean Smith was an amazing influence on our lives, both as Carolina fans and as a family. His death was an incredible loss, but I hope that he’s found peaceful rest.

For more tidbits from Elena the person, follow me on twitter (@elenabrent or @biscuitsandsuch), instagram, pinterest or facebook. Subscribe to my bloglovin’ feed to make sure you never miss a post. Follow along with MissElenaeous for thoughts on everything other than Southern food.