Moonshine and Onion Bulbs

"My Grandfather was smart and had a whole lot of pride.  He didn't speak a terrible amount, but you could tell there was a ton on his mind-like a quiet acceptance of how life had turned out" F. Ocean 

Melton and Millie Powell

If you are reading this, whether we are friends, family or complete strangers, I ask that you would take the opportunity to lift up a prayer.  For my Grandmother Millie, who lost her husband.  For my aunties and uncles, who lost their dad.  And for us grand and great-grands who lost Granddaddy, Melton Powell who passed on December 21 at the age of 90.   Bless the Lord, he was able to live out his final moments at home. 

Legend has it that he made the best moonshine east of the Mississippi.  Folks would come from miles to spend their hard-earned money for a drink. Fact has it that he enjoyed time spent with Grandma Millie, proven by 63 years of marriage and raising 6 kids.   

My mom called him "Short Cake" based on his height.  She adored his slow, smooth voice and Southern drawl. He loved to go fishing and he had an impressive green thumb.    As I sifted through my dad's albums for a good picture of Granddaddy, I discovered he rarely photographed alone.  

Naysia and Granddaddy. Summer 2001

Granddaddy and Samorai. June 2016

He was patient with the little ones. The first time Naysia met him she was about 3.  She spent several of her awake hours chasing after Granddaddy.  Naysia was enamored by his garden and repeatedly pulled onions from the ground.  He couldn't keep up with her and bribed her with quarters and potato chips to stop the foolishness. I had the pleasure of being there when he met Chai's daughter, Samorai.   We were able to capture beautiful photos as he loved on his newest great-granddaughter. 

 You never had to wonder what he thought about your appearance.  If you looked good, strong, healthy, too much makeup, not enough makeup, too skinny or too fat Granddaddy would let you know.  He lovingly talked trash and was far from tender as he whooped me during a game of Checkers in the winter of 2012.  Loren described him as a purist, I would agree. 

Although the majority of my healthcare career has centered around caring for seniors, this was my first personal experience of loving a family member with dementia.  For the last few years Granddaddy had difficulty recalling who we were.  The last time we visited all together there were pockets of clarity mixed with belief we were his children and a few minutes later we were complete strangers.  But in its entirety, he welcomed us into the family home and was happy we were there, thrilled in fact!  

I thank God for the memories, good genes, and life lessons be them known and unknown that he passed on to all of us.  One less person gathered around Grandma Millie's table-- you will be missed.  Rest well, Granddaddy.

Gobble Gobble

Thanksgiving is, hands down, my favorite holiday.  I used to love showing up at Grandma's house, looking fresh, inhaling the fragrance of beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, lamb, rams, hogs, dogs....you name it :)  Seriously, though.  It's always been a holiday to catch up with and love on family and friends and I look forward to it every year.

This year was different than all the others.  Seeing as Tenaysia and I ran away from home a few months ago we weren't quite sure how the holiday was going to pan out-to be honest I was a bit anxious about it.  If memory serves me correctly I haven't had to work on Thanksgiving in Tenaysia's life, ever.  Having started a new job less than 3 months ago, I expected I'd have to work.  My scheduled days are Monday thru Friday and I didn't dare request time off.

As the week approached I was accepting the fact that I'd be on the clock.  Nasyia and I had agreed on her prepping (a non-traditional) dinner during the day, and I'd cook once I got off at 4pm.  I didn't complain about having to work with any of my peers and I was starting to embrace the idea.
But....Jesus knows my heart.  He knows what brings me joy.  He knows how this holiday blesses me.  And he knows just how desperately I wanted to be home with Naysia.

Wednesday afternoon my supervisor pulled me to the side and asked if I planned on working Thanksgiving.  Of course.  And she said, "Don't, we have it covered."  Awwww Yeahhhhh!  Although I had contemplated working for a couple hours, my girls talked me out of it.

When Naysia came out in January to visit the city and celebrate my birthday, one of the places we visited was Pearl Street Church.

 http://pearlstreetchurch.org/

The service was a blessing.  Soon after our visit,  I received a phone call from Judith.  She explained that she did the follow up calls with visitors.  I shared our possible move.  She mentioned that she'd be in prayer on our behalf.  We found one another on Face Book, messaged once in a while and she warred for us once we hit the road to come this way.

Since our move, Judith has been a source of encouragement and the joy in her heart spills out and is contagious!  A couple weeks ago Judith asked if I'd like to meet for Thanksgiving breakfast, and the change in my work schedule allowed for that.

We met Thanksgiving morning at Jim's Restaurant on Broadway.   We talked about relationships, family, friends, our love affair with God, dreams, plans, the past and the future. We squealed and high fived learning our birthdays are a mere day apart. Can you believe we sat there for 3 hours!!!   I am thankful for the role she is playing in our lives and I can hardly wait to see what's in store for our sisterhood.

I came home to find Naysia baby in her room looking stunning!  She was dolled up for the days events.  We, like two little girls, climbed into her bed and giggled, wrestled, and eventually fell asleep.  I woke up a few hours later and made several calls to our family in Arizona and North Carolina, answered Facebook messages and texts from so many people I love.

Dinner consisted of Chicken Parmesan, french fries, Caesar salad, and garlic bread.  We drank sweet tea and Red Velvet wine and had cupcakes for dessert.  The night culminated with dancing, just we two.  Prince, Drake, TLC, Kanye, Jay Z and Shirley Caesar had us busting out our funky moves while we laughed uncontrollably.

I realize that at some point in time I may not have the luxury to spend Thanksgiving with my Naysia.  But tonight, as I sat across from her, my heart was full and once again I could not help but to give Thanks to my God for listening to and answering my prayers.

Happy Thanksgiving 

 

Oh Deer!

One of the challenges that faced my household in Tucson was the inability to recognize my stress and do something about it.  I was notorious for bringing the workday stress home and as a result I wasn't as nice as I should have been to Naysia.

I made a promise to my daughter and myself that once we moved and I started working that I would make a conscious effort to relieve stress.  Our prime apartment location places us less than a mile from a lovely place to enjoy fresh air, get in some exercise and let go of workday worries.

 

 https://www.philhardbergerpark.org/

Hardberger Park calls itself "The best place in San Antonio to see and feel the wild".  At least 4 days out of the week I come home long enough to change clothes and grab a water bottle.  Hardberger East in the evenings is a sight to behold.  The afternoon sun peeks through the trees as moms and dads watch their kids on the playground.  The dog park is usually teeming with dogs and owners of all ages, sizes, and breeds.  Bike riders, runners, and walkers cover the trails some in talking in pairs while others are solo wearing headphones. 

Iphone in hand, headphones donned and stretching completed, I began walking the Geology Trail and immediately in my peripheral noticed a 4 legged animal to my right.  It blended in so well that I started to believe my mind was playing tricks.  No sooner than I was convinced myself of delusions a deer crossed right in front of me.  I tried to turn on the camera, Snap Chat, anything to capture it!  In my clumsiness the opportunity quickly passed.   I continued on my walk, when 10 minutes later the deer reappeared.  I was able to take a couple of photos and a very short video.  I sent it to Naysia as proof and completed the trail.  The rest of the evening and well into the next day I couldn't stop thinking about the walk.  The fresh air, the adrenaline, and the deer.

The following day I hurried home after work and was soon back on the Geology trail.  This time I had all camera apps open and ready to go, just in case the deer was waiting for me too.  My eyes were peeled, looking for movement in the trees.  Silly of me to think the deer would be in the same place at the same time.  Disappointed, I followed the sign that led to Salado Creek.  I'm a sucker for a body of water.  Slowly I walked to the edge of the man made pedestrian bridge and peered over.  No water.  But!  To the left recognizable movement in the trees appeared.  This time there wasn't just one deer, but four.  And I began to follow them, happily distracted, not realizing I was veering off the familiar trail.

Hardberger Park closes it's gates at sundown.  With the daylight savings time in effect the sun would soon set.  I passed by the slow couple in front of me, convinced that the exit was just around the bend.  I stopped to admire the largest spider I'd ever seen.  Storm clouds began to close in.  The trail transitioned from concrete to dirt to sand and began to get narrow.  The sounds of children diminished. The number of trees increased and several of them had red tape tied around them.  More deer appeared and they stood, very still, staring in my soul.  I was reminded of the M. Night Shyamalan film, "The Village" and surely 'Those we don't speak of' were bound to appear.  And to top it all off my battery was dying. 

I wasn't sure of what to do.  Should I turn around and go back the other way?  It'll certainly be dark by then.  Shall I keep going?  I've never heard of deer attacking humans, but is it possible? What other animals are out here?  I don't know where the trail ends, what if isn't near the parking lot?  I'll take an Uber home if I have to.  

I continued to walk in the same direction and eventually I could begin to hear people talking.  Then an exit sign appeared.  Thank God!!

Upon reaching the entry of the park I took one of the available maps for review. I sat on a bench and could not help but begin to laugh out loud.  All of the trails intersect and are finish where they start.  and the trail wasn't nearly as long as it felt.  I've been back since.  Map in hand, phone fully charged and eager to collect more stories.

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

I have no eye deer.

:)

Route #2

 October 29, 2016

There were three huge downtown events to choose from this particular weekend.

Mala Luna-2 day conference featuring numerous artists I’ve never heard of ‘cause I’m getting to old for mainstream music madness, tickets starting at $119

Alamo Comic Con-2 day conference, tickets starting at $80

Muertofest-2 day event, free

Bet you can’t guess which one we attended :)

Day of the Dead is a celebration we, as native Tucsonans, are familiar with.  While I may not agree with the celebration in its entirety, I can appreciate the culture of remembrance and honoring of loved ones.  

Aware of what was taking place, the thought of driving downtown intimidated me.  What better opportunity to take the bus?  Stop number 94703 is directly across from our apartments.  It was hot as we stood there and although there was no bench.  Luckily, someone had perfectly placed an overturned grocery cart nearby and we sat there.  Being as far north on the route as we were, Naysia and I were the first ones on the bus.  The fare was $1.30/each.  To my surprise there was a seat in honor of Rosa Parks and that’s where we sat.  

We meandered through the city…slowly.  There were numerous stops, several of the passengers were riding scooters which took time to secure upon boarding and then release at their desired stop.  An hour later the bus was jam packed and we exited with about 15 others and walked to La Villita Historic Arts Village.  

We entered the village and were instantly greeted by people in brightly colored costumes and skull painted faces.  The event catered to interests in those young and old alike. There were altars all around giving honor to those lost.  Tables were lined up for little ones to learn about the holiday and the traditions.  A stage in the corner featured local musicians, poets, and dancers.    Shopping, workshops, and contests kept everyone engaged until nightfall.  

Those coming or going to the Alamo Comic Con would occasionally wander thru dressed as Batman, Wonder Woman, or some unknown character.  Food vendors lined the Maverick plaza.  Naysia had a hamburger and fries, I stood in line for a very long time for the best mini chicken tacos ever!  

Every time we go downtown we discover something new.  We’ve been on the boat tour several times, and each time we pass by the Arneson River Theatre stage.  It wasn’t until this day that we figured out how to get there!  We sat for a couple hours and listened to music, people watched and enjoyed Rico’s free popcorn.

As night fell we could feel the buzz of excitement as the finale was about to begin.  We thought we were in the perfect spot to see the procession of drummers and dancers, but we were wrong.  Frustrated and tired we were going to find the bus stop and heard the drums in the distance behind us.  We stopped and waited and were so glad we did!  Turns out we were front and center to witness the procession.  It was colorful, somber, frightening, joyful, fun and celebratory. The procession concluded with all participants gathering in the center of the Village to dance. 

As we rode the bus through downtown I was grateful we chose this method of transport.  Not only was it considerably less expensive than gas and parking, I didn’t have to navigate through the intense post-event traffic. 

Before we retreated to our bedrooms for the night we discussed numerous things.  We are blessed to have the option to use the bus system.  We are healthy enough to board without assistance.  We can sit where we want.  And we have loved ones to remember.  Cheers to another successful outing.