Welcome to autumn! My friend Darrell is visiting from New Orleans - that makes this transition even more special. He made this, my first bowl of oatmeal for the season; a hearty bowl of energy and warmth to fend off the sluggishness and cold ...
I knew he was coming for weeks now, but of course I waited until the last minute to clean up. There were moments when I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew, but it was SO worth it! I'll be stepping into the fall with a sparkling, tidy home; it feels so good!
One of my closet friends, Darrell; artist Rita Mitchell
We kicked Sunday off at Spoonbread where host Michael Henry Adams began his walking tour of Harlem, part of the New Yorker Festival. It is amazing to discover a whole new world lurking beneath streets I walk down every day.
Norma Jean Darden, Michael Henry Adams & someone with a smile I don't know; Michael readies the crowd
a friend of Morningside Park; some cute cops primed for a parade
Graham Court (where New Jack City was filmed); St. Thomas the Apostle, under siege
Would you buy a half-million dollar home across the street from ruins?
the film crew takes a break; Michael moves on ...
After the tour, we came back so I could recharge my camera batteries in preparation for the annual African-American Day Parade happening a block away on Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard.
more steelpan on parade; from far and wide, this is one of the largest parades in the world
*blink*; "Where the fire at?"
Housingworks brings the DJ and works the crowd
He looks so much like my cousin Bobby; honestly, I was kinda bored ...
Black men, dedicated and inspirational; Biker Gyrlz!
It's all in the details, baby ...
We got back at about 7pm, relaxed and geared up for 667. The train ride wasn't too bad (about 45 minutes from Harlem) and the crowd was light when we got there. Darrell's not really a clubgoer, but I love to dance to great music. A favorite song of mine came on within minutes of our arrival, so I made my way to the dance floor. Before long, I was sweatin' like Whitney! *LOL!*
a friendly face smiling over Fort Greene; Calvin at the door
Alex (Does he remind you of anyone?); Lloyd, such a gentleman
two delicious Marks, DJ Mark Simmons and illustrator Mark Durham
This time, I didn't even worry too much about the men who didn't want to dance with me. I think I'm going through an evolution. I'm going to focus more on the way I take care of myself and less on how attractive I might or might not be to other men that I find attractive. I know it's a Jedi Mind Trick, but I have to do something. I know I'm tired of feeling this way.
Anyway, we had a great time and headed back uptown. I was exhausted and drenched; I immediately fell asleep on the train. When I put my key in the door and opened it, I experienced again what Oprah describes as "your home rising up to meet you" - that's exactly what I need right now.
Welcome back baby.
I’m gonna have to make a trip to 667 with you one of these Sundays.
you know i loves me some 667. i will be there in the city in THREE weeks. stay tuned.
I love these pictorals from your life. And the pic of the guy in “details” has me in stitches. Boogie on, dred man.
Glad to see you’re back to blogging. I always enjoy your travelogues across NYC. Did Michael Adams give his Homo Harlem tour or just a general one? And was there a contingent of “us” in this year’s parade? I recall how straights folks wanted to be all up in arms in past years.
you know oatmeal was considered a lubricant until bush got in office; yep, not talk amongst yourselves while I make us another steaming hot bowl of ‘GOODNESS’!
This weekend will make for perfect oatmeal-eating weather. brrrr…
I love mine with a touch of honey and cinnamon. My siblings would drown their bowls with lots of milk, butter and, sometimes, brown sugar.
I reserve that for the rare occasions when I eat farina.
Welcome back!!! I missed you boo. Love the pics and the descriptions - I almost felt I was there.
Good to have you back online…. as usual, love the pics… what happened to the ones we took at dinner?