Hello! I'm glad that you found your way here to my blog! It means a ton and I pray that you find it entertaining, useful, informative, inspiring, etc. But you're here to learn more about the hands behind The Highland Blog, so I'll stop wasting your time.
Who are you?
My name is Craig Hayes II. I'm a black kid born and raised in Houston, TX. Well, technically it was outside of Houston but whatever...
I completed my undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh with a major in English Writing, Poetry, and I'm currently working towards my MFA in Creative Writing at NYU.
What are your hobbies?
I do a lot to be honest. I enjoy writing, which includes writing poetry collections, fiction stories (I've recently been drawn to writing thrillers and horror even though you'd have to stab me to make me watch The Conjuring), journaling, and songwriting. I actually write a rap verse first thing in the morning (after I pray and read my Bible) and another at night. Will I be a rapper? No clue.
I also love creating obviously. I'm a musician, a novice photographer, and an aspiring cartoonist/visual artist. I sing, play piano, guitar, and some other things. I find music and writing addicting... I especially like brainstorming and completing creative projects.
Outside of those things, I love learning new things, hanging out with my sisters, watching YouTube videos, reading manga, driving around vibing to music, exercising, listening to podcasts at 2x, and improving myself.
What do you love?
I love Jesus, my family, and my momma's cooking. I love hearing clever lyrics, wildly groovy melodies, and finding new art. I love the feeling listening to loud music through my headphones. I love hearing from my friends after a long time. I love encouraging people and seeing that cloud lift from their faces. I love being alone and being surrounded by laughter. I love looking up and seeing an expansive sky regardless of when it's rainy, clear, snowing, or cloudy. And I love sharing...
(This is not a complete list...)
What do you hate?
Pies and cobblers. Grits. Cream o' wheat. Dressing (the Thanksgiving food). When you put your hands under the faucet when I'm washing dishes. Unnecessary redundancy (yes, that was on purpose). Bad/lazy lyrics. People who lack awareness. Disney Channel. Excessively loud people. Nosy people. Not having towels when I go to shower. Politics. Being woken up (I want to wake up on my own terms). Wasting time. Being ashy in public. Having a bad haircut in public. Passive aggressive behavior. Feeling inadequate/stupid.
What are some goals you have?
I want to impact someone's life through my writing. I don't believe there is a better goal to have as an artist. I want to inspire someone, even if it's just one or two people.
On a larger scale, I am aiming for at least 200 dedicated readers by next year. I want to get my MFA and relocate to a new city. One of my life goals is to become a songwriter or lyricist and work with my favorite artists. Traveling the country or world talking about my writing and collaborating would be amazing as well.
You now know a little bit about the mastermind behind The Highland Blog!
Now go read my stuff... respectfully...