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Get Know Me Little By Little
To help you get to know me, I will say that I’ve been in a funk as a new empty-nester and am only now learning how to rehabilitate, renew, and rejuvenate myself.
But you may wonder what qualifies me to write about Empty Nest Syndrome. Well, I have experienced ENS from both sides. By that, I mean I experienced the damaging effects of having married someone whose mother did everything she could to avoid ENS, which ruined my marriage. And I have experienced it from the point of view of a mother of two children who grew up and left my home. So, that’s my story, and I am sticking to it.
I write about things that mostly pertain to empty nesters but also about things that anyone might be interested in, such as my Life Lessons and Houseplants articles.
That Streetcar That’s Going Uptown!
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. By the way, we call New Orleans the Crescent City because it is shaped like the letter “C” (like a crescent) as it bends around the Mississippi River.
Friends tell me now there is another streetcar line downtown, but I still miss the smell of propane from 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.”
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 and 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? But don’t ask me to start counting and naming all those people. LOL!
I could make a long list of my favorite podcasts, but I will give you a taste of one for now. It’s called Hidden Brain, and here is the link.
Houseplants & Gardening
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!
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 from inside when the weather is rainy.
Last spring, I finally got the courage to try growing food, which yielded precisely 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!
One of my neighbors affectionately calls me “The Garden Lady” because, weather permitting, that is where you will find me.
The Queen of My Soul
Take Away My Music, and I Shall Surely Die! 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?
I Still Got Moves!
I love to dance! 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 badly! I recently went to a friend’s 60th birthday party, and let me tell you, I opened the dance floor and shut it down, too! LOL!
I started a small raised vegetable garden. I also grew some vegetables in plastic buckets. Okra, Yellow Squash, Cantaloupe, Zucchini, Eggplant, and Herbs.
Cooking And Everything
I like to cook, but being an empty nester, it feels good not to cook every day. And 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.
A Couple of Pet Peeves
I hate shopping for clothes, so if you want to punish me, take me to 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 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 so much to write about to keep writer’s block at bay. There is always a story I could weave from hanging out with my colorful family and the accumulated personal experiences outside of them.
Dabbling In Art
Being that a great artist raised me, I love art and occasionally dabble in it. 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.
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.
As you peruse my articles, I will weave in some humor as often as possible because, as my Mama used to say, “Sometimes, you have to laugh to keep from crying.” And laughter is absolutely the best medicine of all!
My Proudest Accomplishment
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. For now, suffice it to say that I have not one but two heartbeats.
Again, welcome to my blog! I hope you got a good taste of the Gumbo I spilled about myself. In the meantime, I will keep my fingers on FIRE and try to write great articles for you! See you inside the blog
If you’d like, please feel free to 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
