Creole Wisdom

graduation (the long one)

My lovely AOII sisters and I (the seniors) graduation on May 27th at the University of Minnesota CLA commencement May 17th. 

College was hard.  It was emotionally hard: from my parents dropping me off at my dorm in Hill House to the growing pains of learning to live with others (sharing a bathroom!) to professors who didn't like me (for whatever reason: being Greek, being too talkative, being me, not liking them- whatever).  Emotionally hard, because moving so many times is physically exhausting and takes its toll (moving is hard!) And then an emotionally hard that sneaks up on you: attending your last initiation as a collegiate member, or senior send off.  Some of the hardest is the heartbreak from whoever.  The emotional strain that comes with math and science classes, or that really scary final-

College was physically hard. Getting up, and getting out in -20 degree weather is tough.  Stomping through snow from east bank to west. Carrying boxes up big flights of stairs at Hill House, in South Minneapolis, at University Commons, and finally, AOII.  Trying to make times for exercise when you are exhausted.  Getting up hung over and still going to work or school, because it's what you do-  but it was worth it! Scraping your feet while in heels out or having your tootsies stepped on at formals. 

College was spiritually hard.  What a beautiful world our homes are as children where our parents work to prepare us to follow in their footsteps.  College is another ballpark with God.  Sometimes you can't hear him, sometimes his voice is strong.  I leaned on friends and family for guidance.  I lost my way, I came back.  It's the reality.  Never getting all the answers, but wanting them, and realizing that is how life is spiritually is a wake up call. 

College was academically hard.  Can I get an amen?  It's not the homework or the papers, it's simply being there.  Making an impression.  That damn group work that drives us all nuts.  The boys who want you to take notes for them, write their papers, or send you copies of your final (yes it happened).  The people who don't show, the late night study nights, and the uncertainty of where you stand. 

So yes, college was hard.  But for the most part, college was good.

College was rich with friendships.  Words cannot express the love I feel for my friends met here.  This was certainly meant to be my path.  AOII was my home (a piece of my heart is still there).  We are talking good friends here.  Friends who pick you up from class, walk with you to class, get McDonald's ice cream with you, listen to you cry, watch kids movies with you, lend you their OPI top coat, sit with you when you wake up in the morning to rehash the last night.  Friends who love you so much they live with you after college, and work where you work (coughkatecough).  Friends who cannot get enough.  Enough laughing, insides jokes, boy stories, and good beauty advice.  Friends you can take places!

College was rich with dating.  Despite my one "dry" year, there really were boys abound.  Boys who taught me that men are for the most part, good people who just don't know how to act at times.  Boys were were funny.  Boys who were scared.  Boys wounded from their high school love, boys who won me over with their humor and strange sense of fashion.  Some of my best friends in school were boys.  My little and big bro (whom I never dated) ARE like brothers to me.  But back to the dating. It was good. it was bad. it was fun. it was stupid, and I learned from it all.

College was rich with life lessons.  Like getting up, showing up, and being early.  Like smiling, and having good manners, even to rude people.  Like forgiving your friends and sometimes professors.  Like you really can eat carbs for all three meals, and it will not really show (yet!) Like AOII yoga pants are totally fine to wear 7 days a week.  That taking care of kids is the best job, who else has that much energy to keep up with a two year old? That I am really lucky and have it made (at least to me!)

So on May 17th at 3pm I walked to Coffman one last time as a student.  I met up with my sisters and we walked towards Northrup.  There were sat in a row together and watched other students graduate.  Eventually it was our row's turn.  We went up together, and cheered as the announcer named all of us.  I love that we were together, even at "the end."

And as I close this book on the last childhood chapter of my life, I can safetly say that I experienced all there was, and loved as hard as I could.  Cheers, and pass me a glass of champagn.

the wedding

So, I said I would come back and talk about the wedding. Now is the time.  Here's the background: my dad's sister's oldest son (so my cousin) Colby married his love Jennifer.  I had never been to a wedding at a hotel, but can I just say how convenient?  My other Aunt (Doris) is a Lutheran minister, so she did the actual ceremony in a very nice room of the hotel that overlooked the water.  The bride looked beautiful, and she cried as she walked down the aisle...

You know how people make it out to be that weddings are not fun for single girls?  Well, they have yet to go to a Harris family wedding.  Think sorority formal (toned down a touch, naturally) plus good food plus family.  Really fun time.  You would of loved it... After the short (thank you!) ceremony, we headed into a room for cocktails and appetizers ranging from crab claws to miniature macaroni and cheese to tiny Philly cheese steaks, all served by men in black and white-

From there we went into the reception hall for a lovely sit-down dinner with champagne toasts...

Let me tell you something, when there are less than a million people at a wedding you can really go all out on quality and feed your guests well.  I felt like a queen.  We started out the meal with mushrooms in pastry dough, bog salad, intermezzo: sherbet, then bread with flavored oils or butter, bass for the main course, and then besides wedding cake a dessert bar!  We did not go hungry.  But we needed the nourishment because...

... once the sun went down on the water it was time to "shake yo groove thang."  I am not joking here.  You know how at most weddings no one dances?  Well, come to one of my family gatherings.  We shake, we shimmy, we smile.  It was so fun.  I danced with my mom, my dad, Dennis, the bride and groom, and the littlest guests.  They plaid oldies, rap, r&b, and classic danging songs.  It was so much fun-

We could not just do dancing, we had to do a mother and son dance, and a father and daughter dance, and a "love train," then the cupid shuffle, the electric slide, and naturally a dance off.  I think the photographer and videographer were both in awe.  It was something out of a Tyler Perry movie.  You know what I mean!


So many favorite moments: when mom and I forced dad to come onto the dance floor again, watching my Aunt Barbara 'get down,' and then collapsing into bed at the end of the night, tired and sweaty from getting crazy.  Loved it!  Best of luck and love to Colby and Jennifer.  I love them!

the opera

Yes, this fabulous vacation will continue to go on and on in blog posts and scrapbook pages to come.  Sadly, I am back home (safe and sound, though!) and ready to tell you all about what we did the last night.  Opera at the Kennedy Center for the Preforming Arts.

Mom was so kind to take this photo of dad and I.  I loved it.  So great.  I know the "big" song from Turandot, but not the general story, or really much about it.  Seeing it in the setting of a magnificent center was another treat.  So gorgeous, and check out these views:

How lovely to end the night with miniature bottles of champagne at the opera.  Perfect night.

last day

Wednesday was our last full day in Washington D.C.  How sad.  Really, this has been one of my most favorite vacations.  I have had so much fun with my parents, and also learning more about this fabulous nation I am blessed to call home.  I have regained some more patriotism, and am thankful.

Good morning! Time for breakfast.  We eat at Ben's Chili Bowl, and sat in the same spot where President Obama sat when he eat breakfast here.  So cool.  Can you see the presidential seal?


We started out the morning with a subway ride to Arlington National Cemetery, just over the river into Virginia.  I know I have said this about every site, but really, if you have a chance, come and see this place.  It embodies sacrifice and pride all in one.  I am so happy we had a few hours to spend here.

Let me just have another "two cents" moment: if you are going on a school trip to a national CEMETERY where people like JFK and other veterans are laid to rest, please- no texting, yelling, or running.  I could not believe the behavior of some of these kids.  Really saddening, and disrespectful if you ask me.  Other than that people were really courteous.  I was able to watch the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier: known only to God. 

He is the resting spot of President John F. Kennedy, Jacki O, and their unnamed, infant daughter.  I have always wanted to see the eternal flame:

Arlington has such amazing architecture as well, and one of my favorite spots was this magnificent ampitheathre with American flags hanging:

We had a bit of confusion trying to find out where to catch the hop-on-hop-off bus.  But we figured the parking lot, and as we are waiting while the bus unloads, a man just up and stands in front of me.  I went "hmm" and he turns around and in an English accent says, "well I've been waiting half an hour."  Um, well I don't know how it is where he's from, but here we wait in lines.  After a chat he walked back to his spot where his wife was standing.  I heard her say "did you get told off again?"  Guess he has some lessons to learn! LOL! But- the ride was so plesant once we got upstairs on the bus.  When we stopped at the Vietnam Memorial, dad's seatbelt was stuck.  Lord have mercy!  Mom and I almost died laughing, but we did get him out!

All the memorials I saw: Vietnam, Korea, WWII, and WWI are so emotional.  Your heart truly swells with appreciation of these people.  I could not help but think of Grandpa who served his nation proudly during WWII.  Up next, Lincoln!

For lunch, Georgia Browns: fine southern cuisine.  And peach tea that is better than any martini!  So delicous.  We met up with my favorite cousin, Dennis, who does somthing really cool which I cannot disclose on this blog!  But it's so cool, and we got to hear all about it.

More to come!

in big places

We boarded one of those giant double-decker tour buses this morning at Union Station. They are kind of obnoxious, but I really know why people take them- convenient, and you can cover a vast amount of space in a few hours.  You can get on and off, and there are multiple buses running all around the city.  So you can check out places, then jump on another bus and keep going, or just stay on the bus the entire time (boring). My kind of trip. It was raining for most of the day, so I could only enjoy the top-deck once.

Hello White House! I love it.  We walked around the entire perimeter.  Did I see Michelle's veggie garden? Yes, yes I did.  And they do have a huge yard- huge and pretty with secret service crawling all over the place.  Very secure.  Makes me feel good, as I worried about Obama's safety when he was elected (too many crazy white supremacists in this country, you know!)

I love seeing the American flag flying.  I felt so patriotic today, and proud of who I am and our gorgeous country.  D.C. is the perfect place to fall in love with your citizenship again.  Really an amazing place-

Now, you know I would put my chin on my fist if I really did have to stand at this podium.  What a wimpy cut-out!  In real life our president is about 6ft4.  I am 5ft6! Hm! Also, this is another example of when other people take pictures of you. gr, disappointment!

Onto the Smithsonian.  Obviously we just chose one museum to go through: the museum of African art.  Stunning.  But what we also enjoyed were the breathtaking gardens.  I am serious, some of the prettiest I've ever seen.  The roses:

Mom and I near the "castle" and in front of a magnificent flower bed.  Told you I wasn't playing.  These gardens are out of sight!


The museum of African Art was splendid: not too large, and full of great pieces of art.  I love the "mama wati" (mother water) exhibit.  So cool.  They had some voodoo stuff, as well, and I enjoyed that, too.


And another lovely "just my two cents" for this blog...  We are all part of the African blood line, and so we must act accordingly : )

Back on our favorite, red bus on the way to another great monument.  I made my tired parents chant "this bus is great because it can show us all D.C. has to offer" lol!  No one suggested a lie on your bum relaxing beach vacation, so here we are, and we need to see it all!

Next stop: the National Cathedral.  Words cannot express, but I will say this: how beautiful, and massive! You need to go there-



Onto the bus to our last stop for the day: Georgetown.  So charming.  Great shopping.  I found a new grey purse.


Then it was sushi for dinner and coconut cake for dessert!  Tomorrow we'll get back on the bus (the passes last for two days) and check out more sights.  Then onto the opera!

D.C. day one

Today was our first full day in Washington D.C. I am almost overwhelmed with how much there is to do.  I could easily spend a month here, just sightseeing!  This morning we woke up and headed downstairs to enjoy breakfast.  I'm just going to say this: if you are visiting here from another country please don't have the nerve to be rude to the actual citizens and then proceed to say something nasty under your breath in your native language.  I understand french!

We needed a little pick me up after walking, so we went to a local bakery.  Amazing cupcakes, to die for.



Our second stop was the Holocaust Museum.  I have been looking forward to going here for about one year.  It was well worth it.  Very informative, and admission is free.  The only "downside" if there is one, is that it's one of those all day things.  Do you know what I mean?  It takes several hours, and my boomer parents were tired-


Shortly after we left it began to rain, so we headed down to Chinatown hoping to find some restaurants open.  We ended up finding a Legal Seafood open, which I love, so we eat there.  I took a benadryl and enjoyed some crab- bwahah.

On the way home I noticed a magnificent building- the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.  How grand, and gorgeous it was.


I am so excited to get up early tomorrow morning and go on a double decker tour bus.  Do I sound like an old person?

capitol sunday

Took the train this morning. Thank you papa bear for first class tickets.  I felt like a queen. Love how when we got seated, over the intercom we hear: please refrain from loud talking.  Have they met our family? Impossible to not...

The beautiful D.C. train station where dad had to tell a weird man to leave me alone.  This is what happens when you have curly hair and people want to talk to you.  So strange!

Checking into our beautiful hotel on a tree-lined street...
 
My new kitty friend, Mona.  Oh my gosh is she cute and sweet.  I love kitties!


Finding new magazines- I love this one.  Love it!

motown philly back again

Our luggage: black (with the sleek side rollers) is dad, navy is moms, and the sad looking really old full of sentimental value duffel is mine.  I bought it off the street in Italy when I was fifteen.  Can you sing Jackson Five's "New Can Say Goodbye?"  Then you know how I feel about this bag.  Close to my heart.

We got up at 2:45 am to make our 5:55 am flight out of MSP to Philadelphia.  I have never been to Philly, despite mom being from PA (she's from the "other side") I was also looking forward to my cousin Colby's wedding (older son of my dear Aunt Barbara).  However, getting only 1.5 hours of sleep was not really on my list of favorites, but we have to do what we have to do.  I refuse to travel in pjs with crazy hair.  The world already has enough bad stereotypes about black women, so I am not going to go there.  I have personal dignity, pride! 

Two sleep-filled flights and we were in the city of brotherly and sisterly love.  I could feel the love in the form of warm, humidity filled heat.  Yes, I like humidity.  I don't do dry heat, who wants to fry like a little cactus?  Keep in mind I've got Savannah, GA heritage, so dry heat is never gonna be my thing.  Speaking of love... 

We stayed at a really nice water-front hotel.  How pretty is that view?

The wedding was... so much fun.  I cannot wait to blog about it, but all of those photos are on my other camera, and the cord is back home.  But I will leave you with this: we danced the night away.  seriously.  threw down.  I wore dad out and out-danced a two year old (yes!)

More trip entries to come.  As well as one final graduation entry (the emo one, ya know).

One day in Phily: really liked it.  Laid back, pretty, and nice.  I would love to go again and explore more history.  Philly gets a five star review : )

go big. or.

the party was filled with people, old and new, family and friends-made-into-family... so enjoy this last party entry.

my aunt (mom's sister) and cousins and dad and me (cheesing)

ms. emma et moi. she is the advertising queen, I love her.  her nametag read: Emma (AOII Sister).  It's how we roll...

the little sis, who has a certain special talent for making me smile each time I see her. before I moved out of AOII, she smiled and came through the kitchen, looked at me and said, "see you in the suburbs."  True, true.  Glad we only live five minutes down the road from each other.  Blessing!

My mother, Aunt Barbara, and Dad.  Carrying the famous salmon.  You really needed to be there, and taste it.  Some kind soul (most likely mom) got an apron for dad, who- as we all know, grills in suits.  Get this: it's an orginal amish apron.  Love what that says about my roots: black creole papa bear in the penn-dutch apron.  Pretty much sums up my heritage!

Ms. Hughes, who I adore.  We spent a great afernoon scrapbooking at her lakeside home (yes, THOSE lakes) and I got to touch her inaguration invitation (2nd I've seen- thanks for Kate's grandparents). 

Obviously my partner in crime, the Kate.  So cute.  I think we kind of look alike in this photo, but I know we really don't.  Go figure.  She is one of my favorite people on earth...

This photo below captures something quite rare: my mother sitting down, with her feet up.  Something I haven't seen since the mid 90s.  She put on this whole thing, and deserves so much.  Like my firstborn child, which she will already "own" anyway.  I want to treat her when we go out east, cannot wait for more fun adventures.  We like to plan the h*ll out of parties.  Our family motto ought to be: go big or go home. If you had only seen us working... you would of been frightened by the prep work that went into this.  All orchestrated by one fabulous woman, wow spelled backwards...

la fin.

on the menu

Menus are no light thing.  So much to consider: theme, availability, cost, time, season...

For my party, my mom, dad, grandma, and I did all the cooking and prep work.  The flatware, glassware, and napkins were rented- such a good idea. Do people not "do" cloth napkins anymore? One of our guests said, "oh those things like little blankets."  My mother says using paper napkins at home is "against" her religion.  So funny.

•Fresh fruit tray
•Fresh vegetable tray with hummus
•Pita chips
•Assorted cheese plate with carr's crackers
•Chicken drummies with blue cheese dressing
•Salmon

I'm not going to lie, in all reality I got to eat about two strawberries, one chicken drummie, and some carrots.  I am eating all the good leftovers now,though, so don't feel bad for me.  I was just too busy mingling!

And the desserts are special, thus getting their own category...
•Katharine Hepburn's brownies
•French cream wafers
•Coconut creme cake (with lemon curd filling)
•Miniature carrot cake (in cupcakes) with cream cheese frosting

For beverages we kept it simple: a red and white wine, assorted pops (yes, pop!), and sparking water (my favorite!)