Special Events
Non-Materialistic Christmas
For the first time ever, I made a conscious decision not to add to my immediate family’s cathedral of junk. I googled “non-materialistic Christmas gifts.” From consumables to experiences, I brainstormed what was within my budget. Initially, I planned to buy the ingredients for baked goods I thought they would enjoy preparing and then consuming. … Continue reading
Trunk or Treat
My sister invited me to participate in the Trunk or Treat activity at the church where we attend. I’d never heard of it before, but apparently it’s been going on for a while…to the extent that there are costumes to deck out one’s car that can be bought online. Of course. Halloween is my favorite … Continue reading
Hampton Reunion
I took a Friday off to travel with my parents to visit my father’s side of the family. On a rare occasion, we left exactly on time. Of course we left with the usual bickering between my parents, which is more of a sign of a longtime couple who’ve been married for 61 years. I … Continue reading
Ninja Courses
Just as my life was settling down and starting to feel too routine, my sister invited me to volunteer with her and my nephew for an outdoor activity. I’d been to this outdoor family-oriented area previously when I’d searched for a leave a book/take a book kiosk. Apparently, this organization had hosted the Ninja obstacle … Continue reading
Deck of Cards Birthday
My birthday box from a friend arrived days before my actual birthday. Last year, I gifted myself several self-care items for my 51st birthday. This friend rounded out last year’s effort with gifts to help spiritually. Among the packet of information included, detailing the incense, pyramid crystal, and amulet was a personal letter about his … Continue reading
Quick Trip to San Antonio
I threw on a cute dress, put my hair up and switched purses to look more presentable than my usual work-from-home attire to attend an out of town event at a house museum in San Antonio with one of my cousins and a friend. We’d underestimated the traffic and arrived much later than we’d anticipated. … Continue reading
4th of July 2022
For this Fourth of July celebration, I made three new friends…a couple and their dog. Our mutual friend had extended the invitation because the couple were relocating to NC at the beginning of August. Since I’m from NC, I gave them the inside scoop even though it had been decades since I lived in the … Continue reading
Juneteenth 2022
This year, I had the pleasure to resume my volunteer duties with the George Washington Carver Museum for their Juneteenth celebration. Although I didn’t reprise my historical character interpretation as Freewoman Mattie Gilmore, I was so happy to be in the mix for the morning shift. Afterwards, I attended one of the genealogical workshops. A … Continue reading
Not Too Full of It
I’d known for years that I needed to get a colonoscopy. Even when I learned that Black people should get the procedure done at age 45, I still made excuses. Finally, when the good insurance kicked in with the new job, I started the routine check up circus–the so-called managed health care in the US. … Continue reading
On Story
I love picking myself out of a crowd. For a free event that boasted an open bar along with a modest taco and chips buffet, I was surprised at the small crowd that gathered to hear a live interview with show runner, writer and all around interesting person, Elgin James, co-creator of Mayans MC and … Continue reading