Where I’m From
I am from bell bottomed jeans and Neru jackets, from Kool Aid if you finish your dinner, and let’s get wet in the fire hydrant to beat the summer heat.
I am from the house on the corner with the large porch and pretty girls, whose brothers thought they were lovers and rhythm and blues blasted non-stop from the floor model stereo.
I am from philodendrons hanging in the living room windows, poinsettias at Christmas time, and the giant, old oak tree that housed colorful caterpillars and tore up the sidewalk in front of the house.
I am from large family gatherings on holidays where the same old stories are told again and again, from Lessie and Wilbert, and the Taylors and Toneys.
I am from quick, explosive tempers who are also quick to forgive and blood is thicker than water.
From “..you never know until you try” and “..coffee will make you black and dumb.”
I am from catechism taught at Catholic School, to various New Age manifesting your own destiny schools of thought to finally finding the Way, the Truth and the Light. Jesus Christ.
I’m from Philadelphia by way of South Carolina because good jobs can be found “up north”. From fish on Friday and baked macaroni and cheese.
From my grandfather, the child of a black woman who worked in a kitchen and a white man who owned the plantation, who could pass for white, and my father who took a bullet, protecting his country in Korea.
I am from photo albums with broken spines and missing pages, a stack of obituaries in a wooden box fading almost as fast as the memories we try so hard to hold on to. I am from always short on cash and always, always long on love.
This writing exercise came from one of the weekly writing prompts by Mama Kats. If you’d like to try it you can find the template here
Be Blessed!
November 7, 2011 @ 4:09 pm
I can relate to the bell bottoms and neru jackets! Love this post. I am now following you through GFC! Thanks for stopping by my Facebook Page! Visit my blog when you can!
Hope you have a great evening!
glosews
November 8, 2011 @ 6:36 am
Thank you Glo!
September 28, 2011 @ 1:04 pm
Enjoyed reading this. Thanks for visiting from the mingle on Monday.
September 26, 2011 @ 12:18 pm
Incredible Taylor!!! I love this. Following you back 🙂
Lisa
Mamalou's Gems
September 24, 2011 @ 9:11 am
I loved this post and might try this exercise myself. It's so beautifully written and I like getting to know you. I'm visiting you back – thanks for stopping by my blog.
September 24, 2011 @ 3:22 pm
You'd enjoy it. It was a lot of fun.
September 23, 2011 @ 9:29 pm
Very cool! You were able to go deep with this prompt, and I feel like I really got to know you. Thanks for sharing~ stumbling you from Vb.
http://mamawolfe-living.blogspot.com/2011/09/frid…
September 24, 2011 @ 5:27 am
Thanks for the visit, Mama Wolfe.
September 22, 2011 @ 2:37 pm
Lovely job with this prompt.
I really like this … "I am from always short on cash and always, always long on love."
September 22, 2011 @ 4:58 pm
I was really amazed at how many memories surfaced with this one. Looking forward to trying my hand at another one!
September 22, 2011 @ 12:22 pm
Very well written. Love it!
September 22, 2011 @ 4:55 pm
Thank you! I enjoyed writing it.
September 22, 2011 @ 9:31 am
You used this template to it's fullest potential. I felt every word of this post. Beautiful.
September 22, 2011 @ 10:41 am
I'm so glad you liked it!
Thanks
September 22, 2011 @ 7:28 am
This was awesome! I think all the best photo albums have broken spines!
September 22, 2011 @ 7:58 am
Thank you Kadie,
If the spines aren't broken, no one is opening the books. 🙂