Now, A Little “Gumbo” About Me
First, I am coming out of a funk and learning how to rehabilitate, renew, and rejuvenate myself. That’s my story, and I am sticking to it.
Getting To Know Me Little By Little
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. If you stay with me for the long haul, you will get a pretty good snapshot of who I am.
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!” LOL! She never said that about me!
Gonna Take That Streetcar That’s Going Uptown, Yeah!
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 street car. I rode that thing six days a week for four years from my parents’ home to Loyola University, and there is no riding experience like it anywhere in the world.
Friends tell me now there is a streetcar line downtown, 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 Dooby Brothers’ song, Black Water; “Gonna take that streetcar that’s going uptown.”
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 one of them for now. It’s called, Hidden Brain, and here is the link.
Let There Be Light, Please
I love my outdoor garden and the indoor plants that keep me sane during the cold winter months. 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! LOL!
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?
I Still Got Moves!
I LOVE TO DANCE!! Did you all hear that?? LOL! 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 make it as a Soul Train dancer, but I don’t do too bad! Furthermore, I feel free when dancing, and I love that feeling!
Gardening
One of my neighbors affectionately calls me “The Garden Lady” because, weather permitting, that is where you will find me. My flower and shrubs garden is my backyard oasis. Plus, there is nothing like having breakfast 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! LOL!
Last spring, I finally got the courage to try my hand at growing food, which yielded exactly two yellow squash, 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….farm to table, baby!
Cooking And Everything Like That
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 fail! 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.
I Do Have Some 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-degree Fahrenheit rather than 65 degrees Fahrenheit with the wind blowing any day! BRRRR!
Growing Up Lewis
My parents were two of the best human beings I will ever meet, and I am their baby girl. Born number 11 in the line of 12 children has given me a lot to write about to keep writer’s block at bay. There is always a story I could weave from having hung out with my colorful family in addition to the accumulated personal experiences outside of them.
Dabbling In Art
Being that a great artist raised me, I love art and even dabble in it myself from time to time. Over time, I can share some of my art with you.
I love any and everything about Personal Development because I know the power of learning new things and 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 grown and gone children who think they are my bosses. I’ll say more about those partners in crime later. They are as thick as thieves.
Born With The “Write” Genes
Trailblazers: Family Of Writers
Finally, I hail from a family of some great writers on the paternal side of my family, 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 (Mama B) 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 niece, Shantrelle, is a published writer who focuses on the African Diaspora, and my daughter is a screenwriter. They were also born with the “write” genes; the next generation of Lewis writers! Our ancestors would be very proud of us, especially my Daddy and Grandpa Lewis.
Who Is This Blog For?
Why dang it. If you are reading this, then it is for YOU! LOL! 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.
Well dang. If you are reading this, then it is for YOU! However, I do focus on those 50 years and older, but it is for anyone who may or may not know that there are many beautiful facets to them and 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-renown 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 we were on 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!
If you’d like, leave a comment below. Or you can email me at Denise@TalkGumbo.com
Shop Cafe’ DuMonde – New Orleans
Related Links: When My Children Left Home
Wow❤️❤️ This is awesome. It made my day. Lots of love ❤️
I just subscribed!! Can’t wait to read everything! Thank you for sharing this with me. Miss you! ❤️
Hi Auntie Denise:
(Trying this again, since take one was riddled with middle of the night/iPhone typos. And that I can’t tarnish the family’s good name like that! 😂. Not on your debut I won’t.)
I’m reading this blog from hundreds of miles away in your “Papa’s homeland” as you called it. BTW, please do not ask me why I’m up this late. For whatever reason, I fell asleep super early (drained by the sun perhaps?) And now I’m WIDE awake. I just spent the past thirty hour reading much of the material on your blog and my first reaction…is that I LOVE IT! And I’m definitely not saying that because you are my aunt. You know, not only has the same writing and critical thinking genes passed down but so has the speaking my mind gene. I AM a Lewis after all, what do you expect? (Smile).
I truly appreciate the personal insight into your worldview. Although we are of two different generations, with a different set of life experiences, I must say I rather enjoyed and appreciated being able to watch you peel back layers of yourself with so much raw honesty and vulnerability. Instead of seeing you as my aunt and daddy’s baby sister who is also ITK (or what your nephew in-law says means “I Too Know” in Nigeria), it gave me a profound perspective on your experiences as a Black woman who has wisdom to impart. It definitely drummed up more compassion for what you may be experiencing as an empty nester and dare I say empathy, without having personally experienced motherhood yet myself. It actually resembles an experience that I am also having currently with my mama, in which the more she opens up about her own experiences, the more compassion I have for her. It’s allowing me to contend with her own humanity in ways that I have never considered in my life. Perhaps, this will do the same with my ability to see you three dimensionally.
Most importantly, what I appreciate most is the greater insight into aspects of our family that I may not have otherwise gotten to know. And the inspiration of your own willingness and courage to push yourself to grow beyond what and who you have known yourself to be. WOW! Totally blown away. You think you know someone, until they publish a memoir or write a blog. 😂
In all seriousness, thanks for being so honest and sharing so much with us as your audience. I hope that this journey takes you to new heights and adventures beyond your wildest dreams. I’m looking forward to digesting more.
Love you and CONGRATULATIONS! This is such a big deal. Hopefully, I can get back to sleep now with some unexpected food for thought.
You telling your stories, will only surely add to my ability to tell my own.
With Love from Jamaica…
Your darling niece,
Shantrelle
PS: In my 42 years of life, I never, EVER heard the story about Grandma (your mother as you would say in parenthesis) calling my daddy (your big brother…or shall I say one your many big brothers) “radio.” 😂 That was hilarious!
PSS: I also NEVER knew that my great-grandpa wrote that piece! Even more in awe of that dude.
PSSS: Thanks for the shout out! That was a totally unexpected surprise.
I absolutely love this dear cousin! If you feel so inclined and are led to believe I have something to contribute, just let me know. As much as I love to cook and read, I also love the written word!