The week is over and it's Friday night - one of my favorite times of the week. I usually come home and relax with a glass of wine. I don't answer phone or cell but rather do whatever I want to do....put a movie in the DVD, light some candles and take a long shower 'til all of the hot water runs out (one of my favorite things), sleep, read, blog...you get the idea.
Tonight was one of those nights - so peaceful and calm, a beautiful Texas summer eve - pleasant temp and an ever so slight breeze. I live on a quiet, cul-de-sac of older homes lined with mature trees and lush greenery. An elementary school, where Malcolm and I take our evening walks, abutts the end of the cul-de-sac. Walking from the house to the school is our leash training time. His reward and mine -watching him run freely and happily around the schools' large, green lawns, playing and exploring everything with his nose.
As we returned home...my neighbor to the front was hosting a delegation of 25 businessmen and women from Mexico. In contrast, from my backyard came the clear pulsating beats of the inner-city - Mexican music thumping loudly, but not irritatingly so, happy voices, perhaps celebrating their own Friday night.Our charming street of 16 historical homes is surrounded by the inner-city. An eclectic neighborhood of African-Americans, Hispanics, whites and Asians of all classes from the comfortable to the poor and homeless.
Few people know of our little cul-de-sac in da hood, disguised by trees and greenery. My sons call it, my honey comb hide out. Our street has no street lights and the stark dar
kness brings a calm, stillness to my evenings almost insulating the background noises of trains, music, sirens and children's laughter. (Above photo is of my back yard at dusk.) My honeycomb hideout has given me solace and peace for the past three years as I experience personal, cultural and natural awakenings. I never saw myself returning to live in the inner city. Afterall, as a child I couldn't wait to leave it. Ironically, I now feel safe and very much at home here.I have some really nice smooth jazz playing, candles flickering in the darkness. I'm on the couch blogging, my dog's asleep at my feet...my Sisterlocks gently brush my shoulder and face as I write and reflect on the weeks journey...and how my natural awakening has brought me full circle to my true self and my hood.
(Hairstyle: 2-3 day old braidout)
4 comments:
Now that sounds like good peaceful. Some folks can't appreciate down time like that but is so wonderful.
I am definitely vibing you. These kind of timeouts are not optional, they are mandatory. How else can you keep some sanity in an insane world?
Oh my goodness! I got chills reading this EXCELLENT post! Honeycomb Hideout, what a great description! After reading this post I was able to inhale and exhale deeply as I sip on some Rosemary tea. I am trying a new thing, Black Coffee (no sugar no creme) and Herbal Tea (no honey no sugar). Usually it is all about the SUGAR! The coffee is still too strong for me and will definately be an acquired taste. The Rosemary tea is real smooth and soothing! I like it!
How old is your house? My house is 34 years old, built the same year I was born 1972. On June 15, 2007 I will have been here 5 years. I also live in a cul de sac, of older homes. It is peacefully quiet here (when I sit out on my deck, I can hear the crickets cricketing) and it is in da hood.
I always wanted to live in a black community. I am proud I am here now! Now I need to work on meeting more of my neighbors, I have kept to myself these first 5 years. Also as my children get older I will do even more to contribute to improving our options here!
My husband has plans to own another house oneday. I have plans to pay this one off in 15 more years instead of 25 years. I am sure with God's help we will be able to compromise somewhere in the middle with some remodeling to modernized and enhance some existing areas and still pay it off in 15 years!
Thanks for sharing the "hideout" with us! I will think of a creative way to describe my home.
Jazz-- Check out "A Million Ways To Please a Woman" by Will Downing. My husband frequently plays this CD in his truck. When he took me (and the twins) to the Cheesecake factory this weekend and this song came on. It reminded again me of how I want and need to be treated! I also love the tone of Will's voice it is so attractive!
Sis. RJQueen10
"A Million Ways to Please a Woman" I have that CD RJQ - nice. My home was built in the late 1940's or early 50's. It has hardwood floors and huge, huge rooms. It is not mine, but I plan to own it or one like it one day. Your home sounds lovely also. With you and hubby working together, I know that you'll reach your goals. Good to hear from you.
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