Now, a little gumbo about me

Now, A Little “Gumbo” About Me

First, I am coming out of a funk and learning how to rehabilitate, renew, and rejuvenate myself in these empty-nesting years.

A Seasoned Citizen

Secondly, I have chosen to write about my main interests, but eventually, you will see all of me sprinkled here and there throughout this blog. I don’t say that I am old. Instead, I prefer to call myself a “Seasoned Citizen” because I am well-seasoned by the life lessons I’ve picked up along the way. And that qualifies me to serve you up a Gumbo of various topics.

Talking Smack

Let me tell you upfront that I am a talker learning to be a better listener. My brother, Wayne, claims I talk more than he does, but that is impossible. Plus, I don’t believe him ’cause Mama used to call him “Radio”! My older siblings still tell the story of when Wayne was a little boy; our Mama used to say, “Turn that radio off!” She never said that about me!

Gonna Take That Streetcar That’s Going Uptown

They call New Orleans the Crescent City because the city is shaped like the letter “C” (like a crescent) as it bends around the Mississippi River. Although I have not lived there in many years, I am a Crescent City girl and still miss the St. Charles streetcar. I rode that thing six days a week for 4 years from my parents’ home to Loyola University, and there is no riding experience like it anywhere in the world. 

The Mighty Mississippi River

Friends tell me that there is a streetcar line running through downtown these days, but I still miss that propane smell of the old St. Charles Ave streetcars. In my mind, I am singing that famous line from the Doobie Brothers’ song, “Black Water”; “Gonna take that streetcar that’s going uptown.” And of course, I miss the French Quarter and the mighty Mississippi River. 

St. Charles Streetcar – New Orleans, Louisiana

Hobbies and Interests

Writing has been my first love for many years. Since I won my first writing contest at 14, my father told me not to stop writing, and I have not.

A Podcast Fiend Amongst Other Things

I am also a DIYer, a home improvement addict, and, thanks to my daughter, a Podcast fiend! Oh, did I also mention that I am a mother, a sister, a cousin, an auntie, a great-auntie, and a great-great-auntie? LOL! Just don’t ask me to start counting all those people.

I could make a long list of my favorite podcasts, but I will give you guys a taste of a few of them.  Hidden Brain, hosted by Shankar Vedantam, and Heavyweight, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein; and Family Secrets, hosted by Dani Shapiro

Heavyweight Podcast with Jonathan Goldstein

Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam

Family Secrets with Dani Shapiro

Let There Be Light, Please

I love my outdoor garden and the indoor plants that keep me sane during the cold winter months when everything is gray outside. I also love lots of natural light coming into my home, so the first thing I do when I get up in the mornings is open all the drapes and blinds! My plants like it, too! 

Music: The Queen of My Soul

Growing up in a city whose veins exude music, I do nothing without music. If I can’t have it playing, at least I keep a song in my head. Ironically, I think I am tone-deaf, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to imitate my favorite singers!

My children used to suffer through my singing, but now my neighbors do! Regardless, I sing because it keeps my vibes high, and who doesn’t need that during these trying times? It’s free therapy.

I Still Got Moves!

I LOVE TO DANCE!! Did you all hear that?? All I need is good music, and my body cannot help but move! These days, I dance in my house, outside on my patio, and anywhere I hear music. Of course, I would not have been picked as a dancer on Soul Train, but I don’t do too bad! Furthermore, I feel free when dancing, and I like anything that feels liberating.

This Little Fella Was Enjoying My Daylilies – Summer 2020

Gardening

One of my neighbors affectionately calls me “The Garden Lady” because, weather permitting, that is where you will find me. My flower and shrub garden is my backyard oasis. Plus, there is nothing like having breakfast, lunch, or dinner on a patio surrounded by color and fragrance! I also created a small sitting room at the back of my house so I can still enjoy my garden when I am indoors.

Japanese Beetle-mania

However, I’m not too fond of the Japanese beetles that seem to enjoy my garden as much as I do in the mid-summer heat. But I got something for them this year!

Last spring, I finally got the courage to try my hand at growing food, which yielded exactly two yellow squashes, a few okras, and some herbs. My eggplant never came up, and I kept killing my cantaloupe because I kept repositioning the vines on the trellis I built. But that is okay because I am about to break out my farm-to-table vibes.

I'm a Home Chef. Not a Baker

I like to cook, but I’m not particularly eager to bake. One year, I gifted every child in my son’s 5th-grade class a box of Café Du Monde Beignet Mix, and I also tried to make a batch for myself, but it was a major failure. That is why every time I go home for a visit, I go to Café Du Monde in the French Quarter to get some fresh beignets! I will find a grocery store bakery in a New York minute and be as happy as all get out. 

Pet Peeves 

I hate shopping for clothes, so if you want to punish me, drop me off at a shopping mall in the middle of nowhere and leave me! Do shopping malls even exist anymore?

Furthermore, I hate cold weather! However, I will take 20 degrees Fahrenheit over 65 degrees Fahrenheit with a strong wind any day! BRRRR!

 Oh, yeah….I absolutely hate rodents!

Growing Up Lewis

My parents were two good human beings, and I am their baby girl. I was born the 11^th of twelve children. That has given me a lot to write about, so no writer’s block for me. There is always a story I could weave from the chronicles of my colorful family. Plus, I have a vast trunk of life experiences outside of my family.

Dabbling In Art

A great artist raised me. That would be my father. I love art and even dabble in it myself from time to time. In time, I may share some of my art with you.

I love any and everything about personal development because I know the power of learning and implementing new ways of moving through life. And I am determined to stay both reachable and teachable.

I Have Not One, But Two Heartbeats

I have two adult children who have flown the coop, making me an empty nester these days. That is what prompted me to start this blog. I thought I had prepared for this stage of my life, but the reality of it hit me hard. So, this blog is me trying to figure out my life on paper - with you. So, thank you for being here with me.

Born With The “Write” Genes

 A Trailblazing Family Of Writers

Finally, I hail from a family of great writers on the paternal side, both published and not published, so I bleed words on paper! My paternal grandfather was a political writer. My aunt Ora was a historical novelist, and my dad’s aunt Theresa Blessitt was a published Poet.

I write about everyday life, mainly how I look at things, and sometimes impart unconventional wisdom. Nevertheless, it’s wisdom that has worked for me.

Family Fingers On FIRE! 

We are keeping the fire going! In addition to myself, my daughter is also a writer. She was also born with the “write” genes. I never encouraged her to write. It’s just something she gravitated towards, and I still remember receiving a note from her 1st-grade teacher telling me what a great writer she was. I got those kinds of notes from her teachers throughout her high school years. And they were all absolutely right. Our ancestors would be very proud of us.

Fingers On FIYA!!

Who Is This Blog For?

Why dang it. If you are reading this, then it is for YOU! Seriously, it is for anyone who may or may not know that there are many layers to them, and they are ready to tap into that inner knowing. 

Why I Named My Blog, Talk Gumbo

Some of you may know that Louisiana Gumbo is a world-renowned dish. People all over the globe visit New Orleans and do not leave without having at least one bowl of Gumbo! It is a soup filled with many ingredients to warm the body and soul.

Hence, like Gumbo, our lives are filled with many “ingredients,” and I am here to discuss them. I want us all to be a little more enlightened than we were last year, last month, and even more than yesterday.

What I Write About

• Everyday life situations to draw thought-provoking parallels
• Ways to face obstacles and discouragement but triumph anyway
• Explore ways to heal from the inside out
• How to stay hopeful and keep going when you want to quit
• Discuss how to commit to self-advocacy without apology, and much more 

As often as possible, I will weave in some humor because, as my Mama used to say, “Sometimes, you have to laugh to keep from crying”.  And I do believe that laughter is absolutely the best medicine of all!

I dedicate this blog to the memory of my lovely Mama, Mrs. Rose Estelle Dave Lewis.

Feel free to email me at Denise@TalkGumbo.com or at writegirl1437@yahoo.com

Shop Cafe' Du Monde Gift Shop (New Orleans)

Related Links: When My Children Left Home