Some years back, half of ODB spent several weeks exploring England. After a couple of weeks in London, our first stop was Hampton Court Palace. While built by Cardinal Wolsey, it’s most known for being a favorite of Henry VIII. After a significant disgrace, Wolsey “gave” …
So often we can’t see what is in our immediate view for looking over the horizon for something new or different. Recently, while returning home from running an errand, we decided to stop at the lake that is just a couple of minutes from our …
When I first moved to Chicago, I worked to create pathways for folks who found it extremely difficult to find work in our city. It boggles the mind to see how the deck was stacked against the most marginalized of us. My office sat within a once-grand church complex on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Thousands of Chicagoans would walk up to the top floor to our classrooms and offices to the promise of a fair shake. We did our best to make the unlikely probable.
Directly across the street was another church, Liberty Baptist. In the years that I worked a few feet away, I was always curious but never made it over there.
Yesterday, 20 years later, I did. Although it’s a tad rough around the edges, there’s ample evidence of care and love wherever you look. Have you visited this space? If you like architecture, Chicago, is a playground. What are some of your favorites here?
On the eve of our country’s Independence Day, I, like many other Americans, find myself reflecting on what we mean by the words independence, liberty, and freedom. Just two weeks ago, we were celebrating Juneteenth. Almost a century separates these two commemorative moments (and all …
Who knew that the day would come when clubs would open early in the day to accommodate our changing population? Clubs are popping up all over to adapt to the preferences of aging patrons as well as any one whose schedule allows them to have leisure time during the day.
Recently, I joined a large group of acquaintances who are retirees at the Pink Lion Jazz Club. It is located near Stonecrest Mall outside of Atlanta. Our function began at 11:30am. As I was approaching the club that is inside the New Black Wall Street Market, I could hear finger-snapping music, which lead me to hasten my steps.
As I walked into the cozy colored room, I was surprised to see so many people already on the dance floor so early in the day. They were moving to the music of a band playing all genres. The musicians were far younger than the members of our circle. Those who weren’t on the floor dancing were swaying to the music in their seats.
As I looked at the folks around me, I reimagined them as being young people who were out having a good time. In the lounge with beautiful dim lights, their ages were indistinguishable.
As the evening, I mean, afternoon came to a close, Darrell and I said to each other how much fun we had had. He commented that we needed to go dancing more. To that, I wholeheartedly agreed.
I recently spent an afternoon with a herd of bison, up close and personal, as they grazed on the grassy plain and huddled together with their small calves. It was mind-boggling to think that they were living not far from Chicago, and some compassionate people …
Today we lovingly poured our ruby-colored red drink into champagne flutes that had been purchased with my mom nearly two decades ago. We toasted our ancestors and to love as we reveled in the spiciness of sorrel. It is celebratory. We nibble on boiled peanuts …
Aww, Chastain! One of my favorite places ever for an evening out to watch some of the greatest entertainers perform. For years, we’ve made the trek to the Chastain Amphitheater with coolers, picnic baskets, flowers, vases and lovely tablecloths to setup for a magical evening under the stars. We listened to the silky voices of artists such as Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, CeeLo Green, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and countless others we’ve seen at this historic venue. It’s always with anticipation as we sit and the energy of the other attendees takes everything to a higher level.
On a recent evening at the venue, we saw Diana Ross mesmerizing the audience with her beautiful clear voice, striking beauty, and class. At 80, Diana looked gorgeous and moved with ease and charm throughout the night. She was engaging and teased the crowd who came out to show their love. Repeatedly, she spoke of her gratitude and love.
As I reflect on the night, I’m just grateful that we were able to attend. The night under the stars was wonderful, ending with us somehow being at a nearby restaurant sitting around a fire pit, chatting with strangers who had attended the concert as we waited and waited on an Uber to come pick us up. The wonderful thing about life at this stage is that you appreciate the moment and don’t feel that you have to rush to the future. The present is just fine!
What is your favorite Diana Ross song?
We’ll always have Paris. Half of Onion Dip for Breakfast used to call the City of Lights home when she was a young, wide-eyed student soaking up every drop. This city has so much to offer from its aromatic markets, art in and out of …
