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. 

Sweet Samorai

If you know me, you know how much I love having company and hosting others.  The God who created me is aware of my heart’s desires and arranged for Chai to come to San Antonio on business, right on time.  The last time I served Chai in my home was while she was still carrying Sweet Samorai.  And although it had been a mere 3 days since I’d last seen them in Memphis, I was excited to have them visit us here. 

October 14, 2016 

Naysia suggested we have Chicken Alfredo that night.  Upon my arrival from work that afternoon we hurried to cook and clean to prepare for the visit.  Chai texted when they landed and true to self, I wasn’t even on the road yet.  Luckily we only live 4 miles from the airport.  I parked in front of the Southwest Airline sign while Naysia got out the car to find Chai.  Within seconds Chai and her co-worker/entourage emerged thru the crowd.  The fellas she traveled with, who are also fathers, were helpful in getting the car loaded with all things baby.  Within minutes we were on our way to 2207. 

Chai has a way about using words mightily, beautifully to express how she feels and what she sees.  #goals.  In her sweetness, she walked thru our apartment and spoke elegant words about the placement of items, new and old.  What a blessing!  We had dinner in the living room, talked as if we hadn’t seen each other in ages, and of coursed I swooned over Samorai.  We didn’t stay up too late as we both had business to tend to the next day.  

 

 











For the next two days we had an equal balance of work and rest.  Chai dropped me off and took the car during the day.  Naysia and Samorai spent the days together and in the evening, we did what we do best-talk about everything.  Motherhood, daughters, politics, family, friends, relationships, the past, the future, Fiesta del Amor, in laws and the lack of, money and the lack of, traveling, shopping and food.  I could not get enough of holding, snuggling and loving on Samorai.  While it isn’t posted here I put on a riveting remix production of Guns & Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine”—my version was titled “Sweet Samorai."

October 15, 2016

As a big city, surprisingly, one of the things that San Antonio lacks is an African American Museum.  That’s how Chai ended up here.  She and her crew were invited to meet with folks in town that are trying to make the dream of a museum a reality.  One of the gentleman who’s behind the project is Mr. George Frederick.  Mr. Frederick is a graduate of the University of Hard Knocks.  He’s taken his experience with God, drugs, both selling and using, womanizing and hustling and developed The Hope House.  Seated in a prime location in downtown SA, his prayer is that the land that he owns will be the site of a future museum.  We spent the morning touring the Hope House, meeting his wife and colleagues, listening in on a life history of one of SA’s first owners of a Black newspaper, and sitting at the table while Mr. Frederick dropped knowledge.  At the end of our time together we exchanged information. I believe I haven’t seen the last of Mr. Frederick and the Hope House. 

 http://www.wegivehopesa.org/

Upon leaving we made our way to Grayze on Grayson.  I've been following them on Instagram for months and it exceeded my expectations. Starter, The Mac: Gruyere, white cheddar, mozzarella, fontina and caramelized onion.  One bowl, two spoons, inhaled!  Drinks: Cider and Italian soda.  Main, Chai had the Home on the Range Burger: bison, smoked bleu cheese, fried onion, lettuce, chipotle roasted tomato, mushrooms, aioli.  I had the Grayze burger: toasted Challah bun, freedom cheese, lettuce, tomato and a fried egg.  We split an order of delectable Ma Frittes and in the end, took half our food home and was too full for dessert.  Service was great and the food was greater.  I can hardly wait to return!

 https://www.grayzeongrayson.com/
 

We meandered through Alamo Heights and were in awe of the beauty of the homes around us.  There was an architectural home tour taking place.  We wanted to walk through the featured homes but declined once we learned the tickets were $35/each. 

 
An afternoon nap was in order and I took full advantage.  Nightfall was soon upon us and downtown we went.  The moon was full, bright, and hypnotic!  As we approached the Alamo Plaza we saw a massive amount of people-and bikes.  Taking place nearby was the first ever Red Bull Last Stand bike race.  Just as we got close enough to hear the announcer, he announced a rider that hailed from Tucson, Arizona!  Coincidence?  I think not.  We cheered for our hometown stranger, walked as close as we could to the Alamo, watched the race, laughed at the man in the dinosaur costume and was intrigued Jesus walking the grounds wrapped in an American flag. 

Naysia and Chai took the San Antonio River tour while Samorai and I looked for shelter indoors as it was an awfully humid night.  We found a place in the Hilton to cool off and talk to strangers.  It wasn’t long before we reunited.  As we strolled to Main Plaza we stopped for a street dog; Chai was kind enough to share.  I’ve eaten a lot of busted wienies in my day-not only was the hot dog delicious but beautiful too!  I’ll be seeing him again.  The last stop for the night was in front of the San Fernando Cathedral.  Lucky me, standing with my daughter, sister and niece on a bright night watching a light show projected on the face of the cathedral, telling the story of the city I’m loving more and more. 

 http://www.mainplaza.org/san-antoniothe-saga/

 

October 16, 2016

It happened so fast!  Our last day together was here.  I had several things lined up for us to do.  And none of them happened.  First up was finding a food truck that was selling lobster rolls.  Chai and I took off and left Naysia and Sam asleep in my bed.  I got lost.  We ended up downtown, driving in the wrong lane.  Time to catch the truck was running out so we opted for the Historic Marketplace.  A health fair was taking place.  As a nurse, you’d think I’d be all about that—instead we searched for churros and souvenirs.   We ran errands to T-Mobile and North Star Mall.  In between we ran home, freaked out because the girls had slept way too long and rounded out our night with Luke Cage, music, face masks and Snap Chat. 

October 17, 2016

Morning came too soon.  Chai and Samorai were on the first flight out. Goodbyes are tough, but I smile knowing we’ll see one another again soon.

“Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other”

Carol Saline