I'm Adriana, and I'm thrilled you've found your way here. As I write this, I'm sitting on a porch in Martha's Vineyard, watching the sun paint the sky in hues of pink and orange. It's moments like these that inspired me to start this blog.
While you might know me as the woman behind Adriana Lacy Consulting, Adriana's Almanac is my escape from the corporate world—a space dedicated to celebrating life's simple pleasures and unexpected joys. Here, we're leaving behind the stuffy discussions and diving into the vibrant moments of everyday life.
Why Martha's Vineyard, you ask? Well, this island has always been a sanctuary for me. Its quaint towns, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes remind me of the importance of stepping back and appreciating the world around us. It’s rich Black history has always also been important to me.
The history of Black people on Martha's Vineyard dates back to the 18th century and is a rich, though often overlooked, part of the island's heritage.
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Martha's Vineyard became known as a haven for freed and escaped slaves. The island's strong Quaker presence, with their anti-slavery stance, contributed to this reputation. Many Black people found work in the whaling industry, which was less segregated than other professions at the time.
The Shearer Cottage, opened in 1912 by Charles and Henrietta Shearer, was the first inn on Martha's Vineyard to cater to Black vacationers. It became a popular summer destination for middle-class Black families and hosted many prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance.
Oak Bluffs, in particular, became known as a summer haven for affluent Black families, a tradition that continues to this day. Many prominent Black Americans, including Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Dorothy West, have spent time on the island.
Today, Martha's Vineyard continues to be a significant place in Black American culture, hosting events like the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival and maintaining historical sites that commemorate this important history.
It's a perfect metaphor for what I hope this blog will be—a retreat from the hustle and bustle, a place to reconnect with what truly matters.
So, why did I start Adriana's Almanac? Life is so much richer than our job titles or daily tasks. I realized I needed a canvas to paint all the other colors of my life—the bookworm who gets lost in novels for hours, the amateur chef experimenting with local ingredients, the traveler collecting memories, and the cozy homebody who finds joy in the simplest home tasks.
I'm inviting you to join me as I explore and share these facets of life. Expect unfiltered thoughts, occasional typos, bursts of enthusiasm, and genuine reflections. This isn't about curating a perfect image; it's about authentically sharing the things that bring me joy, in hopes that they might inspire you too.
What can you expect from Adriana's Almanac? We'll be diving into four main areas:
Mindful Living: Thoughts on finding peace and joy in the everyday. From meditation practices I've discovered to simple ways of appreciating nature, we'll explore how to live more consciously.
Curated Collections: My favorite finds, carefully selected to enrich your life. This could be anything from a gripping summer read I couldn't put down, to a local artisan's pottery that now graces my kitchen.
Home & Lifestyle: Ideas for creating a space and life you love. We'll talk about everything from cozy corner setups perfect for reading, to tips for hosting unforgettable dinner parties.
Travel: Adventures both near and far. I'll share hidden gems I've discovered, like the charming bookstore I found tucked away in Edgartown, or the breathtaking hiking trail that led to the most spectacular view of the Atlantic.
Each post will be infused with personal anecdotes, honest reflections, and a genuine desire to connect. Some weeks, I might share a detailed guide of the most important things to see in Marth’s Vineyard (featuring the Gay Head Cliffs, of course). Other times, it might be a reflection on the importance of slowing down.
I'm so excited to embark on this journey, and I'd be thrilled if you'd join me. By subscribing, you'll get each post delivered straight to your inbox.
— Adriana
P.S. I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment and let me know what you're most excited to read about, or share your own special place that inspires you. Let's start this conversation!