Pratt Park in Pratt City, next to the library. I was the one who insisted they build that extra event space and others really wanted the tower and amphitheater.
No definitely not. In Ottawa we haven’t had snow for months, and we were in the middle of a heat wave for about two weeks, but since about thursday of last week it has been unseasonably cold. I’m hoping for warmer weather without going straight to melty temps…
I visited Montgomery for the first time in April. It was very eye opening to walk around the downtown area and see all the plaques that detail the history of slavery. Also, seeing the first White House of the confederacy was just nuts. Also, juxtaposing all of that history with Black folks celebrating prom on the road leading up to the Capitol made everything I saw all the more sober.
Montgomery was the epicenter and blueprint of the racial terror Black people experienced in this country. I didn’t make it all the way through the Legacy Museum and didn’t even make it to the other sites so I do want to return for that. I made it to the bus stop where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.
I of course also visited the new historic site of the Montgomery Brawl and was chuckling the whole time 🤣
Overall, I ate good food, enjoyed nature and things moving slow, but that visit left me with so many deep feelings.
Whoa! Basically I have to save your entire response and check off everything you just named. I did none of this. Thank you for sharing so emphatically Qubilah, you’ve given me soul-filling work to do.
I have plans to visit Phoenix in September. Is that where you visited, do you have any recs?
Same on the motherhood bit, I love how their whole body can fit on an adult torso - so small 😩. I’m still learning that last piece on love. I’m a work in progress, but aren’t we all.
I was born in Alabama but grew up in northwest Florida. My mother and several generations of her family — Irish farmers —called AL home. I’m in Los Angeles, but the South holds a special place in my heart. There are good people there, many with open hearts and open minds. If you’re one of them and you’re reading this right now, I see you! And I send you my love.
Thanks for reading, Reda. I enjoy the south a lot too. North Carolina in particular.🤞🏾Fingers crossed I’ll be visiting the panhandle of Florida this summer, do you still frequent the area?
We usually spend our summers there. We love to visit friends and family, but the main reason we go is to give our kids the experience of being in that part of the country because we feel it keeps them grounded. They have a stronger sense of self, and are tighter with some extended family because of it. They might be Angelenos, but they have roots in the South. I think that’s important. If you ever need recommendations, I’m your girl! North Carolina is pretty, too.
Bama stand up! I was just told Huntsville is a wonderful place to reside. Would you say it’s metropolitan or more of a quiet town?
Understood. Thanks for sharing!
I just about cried reading about all this love! So glad you had a meaningful few weeks 🫶🏻
Thank you, it was both grounding and energizing 💛 The best of both worlds!
You’re welcome, and Birmingham has quite the jazz scene!
Next time I visit I have to check it out. You’re always such a wealth of knowledge. It’s truly a gift.
Thank you, did you get enough little kid love?
No such thing 🥲. I miss the way his whole body fits on my torso and the way his joints are so flexible that he can sit any which way comfortably.
Little sister, I think you’re ready to start your family!🥰
🤭 your lips to God’s ears.
Allow me to whisper in His ears nightly in your behalf! 🥰
Your writing makes me emo in the best way!! Beautiful ❤️
Thank you, my friend ♥️🥲
So so so so sweet. 🥹
Thanks for reading!
Worked on a Birmingham park project in 2016. I love how easygoing the (Black) soul is.
I was just in convo about the difference in funding parks get based on neighborhoods. May I ask if it was a specific park you worked on?
Pratt Park in Pratt City, next to the library. I was the one who insisted they build that extra event space and others really wanted the tower and amphitheater.
Wow, what an opportunity. Which makes sense because you know we love to gather lol thanks for your foresight on the centering of community.
Thank you for reminding me home can be a person. This weekend, you brought the memories of home with you and I needed that. Love you.
🤗🤗🤗🤗
Baby legs are the cutest! ♥️ What a beautiful friendship you have.
The absolute cutest! They spark cute aggression for sure lol
This was so lovely to listen to while I walked around the park at my son's soccer practice. Could've used some of that Alabama sun lol...
But seriously, your friendship is warm and wonderful. So much love.
Thanks, Noha 🤗 it sounds like the snow has ended but the heat is slow to emerge. Is that common for June?
No definitely not. In Ottawa we haven’t had snow for months, and we were in the middle of a heat wave for about two weeks, but since about thursday of last week it has been unseasonably cold. I’m hoping for warmer weather without going straight to melty temps…
lol @ melty. I know what you mean 😢 me and my sweat prone back aren’t ready!
“What’s the last thing love taught you about yourself?”
Sometimes love comes around
And it knocks me down
Just get back up
When it knocks me down
Ahhhhh, ancient philosophy from Ms.Keri 😂
I visited Montgomery for the first time in April. It was very eye opening to walk around the downtown area and see all the plaques that detail the history of slavery. Also, seeing the first White House of the confederacy was just nuts. Also, juxtaposing all of that history with Black folks celebrating prom on the road leading up to the Capitol made everything I saw all the more sober.
Montgomery was the epicenter and blueprint of the racial terror Black people experienced in this country. I didn’t make it all the way through the Legacy Museum and didn’t even make it to the other sites so I do want to return for that. I made it to the bus stop where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.
I of course also visited the new historic site of the Montgomery Brawl and was chuckling the whole time 🤣
Overall, I ate good food, enjoyed nature and things moving slow, but that visit left me with so many deep feelings.
Whoa! Basically I have to save your entire response and check off everything you just named. I did none of this. Thank you for sharing so emphatically Qubilah, you’ve given me soul-filling work to do.
Ugh, all the feels!! So manyyy.. I love you all's friendship and I love that Myle's gets to grow with you as his godmother!!
It’s certainly a blessing. I love him like he is my own 😩.
To answer your question:
~ I've never been to Alabama but I've been to Arizona and absolutely loved it there!
~ Why are babies in general so stinkin cute‽ I honestly can't wait for motherhood!
~ The last thing love taught me is how to communicate what I need/want without shame, feeling guilty or too needy.
Hi Deja, thanks for reading.
I have plans to visit Phoenix in September. Is that where you visited, do you have any recs?
Same on the motherhood bit, I love how their whole body can fit on an adult torso - so small 😩. I’m still learning that last piece on love. I’m a work in progress, but aren’t we all.
I was in Tempe, AZ for college so I honestly haven't spent much time in Phoenix and I didn't get a chance to before dropping out 😮💨
And yes, we are all beautiful works in progress 🫶🏿 I'm sure you'll get there eventually. And I pray you get there soon!
Copy. Thank you for the well wishes 🤗
Baby toes are absolutely the cutest thing on the planet. Along with their soulful, deep eyes full of purity and innocence. ❤️🌻 Lovely piece!
Deep eyes is the truth. Just staring in non-judgement and wonder. Thank you Athira, for reading.
I love this little crossover event in my subscriptions.
hahaha I love a cross over episode.
I was born in Alabama but grew up in northwest Florida. My mother and several generations of her family — Irish farmers —called AL home. I’m in Los Angeles, but the South holds a special place in my heart. There are good people there, many with open hearts and open minds. If you’re one of them and you’re reading this right now, I see you! And I send you my love.
Thanks for reading, Reda. I enjoy the south a lot too. North Carolina in particular.🤞🏾Fingers crossed I’ll be visiting the panhandle of Florida this summer, do you still frequent the area?
We usually spend our summers there. We love to visit friends and family, but the main reason we go is to give our kids the experience of being in that part of the country because we feel it keeps them grounded. They have a stronger sense of self, and are tighter with some extended family because of it. They might be Angelenos, but they have roots in the South. I think that’s important. If you ever need recommendations, I’m your girl! North Carolina is pretty, too.
I’d agree. City life can really divorce you from nature if one is not intentional. The South brings it all back for sure.