With Greece having been in the news lately due to all of the fires and evacuations, I’ve reminisced about our time there a few years ago. We traveled throughout the country and found it to be simply beautiful. At this time, I’m hoping that Greece …
I’ve been planning to revisit a particular show for months! The little and big things of life delayed my fuzzy plans. Poking my head back into the Art Institute’s galleries recently, I was struck by the opening text of this lovely show: “It took millions …
We were celebrating my parents’ marriage the last time we saw “Sweet Life” with a garden cake, sparkling flutes, joy, and a flashback to their wedding day. We’ve returned to the theme in all of its goodness.
I find that as much as I’m present right there and then, it’s impossible to absorb all of the ways that a moment is fantastic. Is it the sublime that’s indescribable? One moment, we’re sitting in the Black Garden chatting and laughing over coffee and pastries and enjoying the fruit on the platter and the plants. The next, we’re imbibing sugary bubbles and steam!
I’m often amazed at the wondrous things one can discover without having to travel halfway around the world. That was the case this weekend when we found ourselves in Eatonton, GA . The town is located about 75 miles east of Atlanta via I-20.
Looking for something to do while visiting Lake Oconee, we decided to visit Eatonton, where the writer Alice Walker was born and grew up. There is a driving tour to places that are relevant to her, such as the home where she was raised, her school, church, etc.
Walker’s life story is told in her own words and through displays and information from the museum’s guides. We were led on a journey of how she transitioned from a little Black girl in a rural town with a population of less than 4,000 to the best-selling author of The Color Purple and so many other books. Little did she know that the tragedy of losing an eye when she was a child would propel her to schools and places that she could never dream!
Her Books:
Her Quotes:
~ No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.
~ Poetry is the lifeblood of rebellion, revolution, and the raising of consciousness.
~ Life is abundant, and life is beautiful. And it’s a good place that we’re all in, you know, on this earth, if we take care of it.
~ Yes, Mother. I can see you are flawed. You have not hidden it. That is your greatest gift to me.
~ As long as the people don’t fear the truth, there is hope. For once they fear it, the one who tells it doesn’t stand a chance. And today, truth is still beautiful… but so frightening.
~ What the mind doesn’t understand, it worships or fears.
~ I have fallen in love with the imagination. And if you fall in love with the imagination, you understand that it is a free spirit. It will go anywhere, and it can do anything.
•••
There is also the Museum of Georgia Writers where we found ourselves mesmerized. The town’s native daughter, as well as one of Georgia’s most celebrated authors, Alice Walker is highlighted. Walker was part of a wall of celebrated Georgia authors. It was fantastic! What added to our experience was the warmth and welcoming spirit of the individuals who operated the museum.
The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame
You really can’t travel to a town or city and not eat the food if you truly want to know the region. After popping our heads into several local restaurants, we decided to give Righteous Ribs a shot! They did not disappoint. Although it took an extra long time to get the food that we ordered, and there is no indoor-dining, our takeout meals were delicious. I would probably request pieces of ribs which are less fatty than some of the rib bones that we received. The ribs were tender, flavorful, and generous. The fish plate was delicious, too. They serve swai fish. The banana pudding was outstanding. We also tried the cupcakes which were good.
The restaurant is located at 282 M.L.K. Jr Dr. 678-891-9206. They appear to be open on weekends only (Fri.~Sun), from lunch to late evenings.
Our family way of life is usually quite spontaneous. Our plans will have edges that keep us together but everything in between stays loose. Who knows what you’ll see, smell, hear or taste if everything isn’t charted out? Those who accompany us either love it …
This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the 149th Kentucky Derby in Louisville. This was my first time going to Churchill Downs, so I really didn’t know what to expect. What I observed, (ten times over what I had anticipated) was a huge number of African American women in attendance, all decked out in gorgeous outfits including the signature hats. I was thrilled to see all of these beautiful Black women, at a place which at one time we had been denied access. To me, it was like going to a botanical garden and admiring the lovely flowers. In this case, I was captivated by hats of all colors, shapes and sizes. The array included some that were bold or understated, futuristic or vintage, plain or simple and everything in-between.
Women seemed to wear their hats proudly and with joy. I know that I did! I enjoyed complimenting women regarding their attire and asking perfect strangers if I could take their photos. Everyone I asked was game, and smiled prettily for the camera. It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining, and celebratory energy in the air.
Although the Black women appeared to outnumber the men, those in attendance were dressed up, too. They wore their seersucker suits and spring-colored hats and attire. They had swagger in their stride and confidence in their appearance.
I think that it’s Spring days like this, with only joy in the moment, that we are like flowers in a garden that blossom, thrive, and share the light. It was a glorious day.
Cheers to the Derby!
My next post will actually be about the horses!
Waterways. My residency has been going swimmingly (yes, pun intended) and affords me space to reflect, learn, rest, and make. Like waterways, there’s a confluence in my activity and lack thereof. There’s an emphasis on being still sometimes, flowing as I feel the urge, and …
