The Musings of a Latte Queen: Narratives of Everyday Life

I received devastating news that a classmate had a stroke. That was last night. I got up this morning, early, to work, and was preparing notes to write my rant about the Supreme Court striking down the key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Then the news came in a phone call. He passed away this morning. How? Why? My entire class, the people I grew up with, are grappling with loss of life, barely six months after we experienced the loss of someone, also 49, just 3 months shy of his 50th birthday, who left here way too soon. Unreal. All we have is the dash, truly, that is all we have. He leaves behind his ex-wife, the mother of his children, his grandchildren, his new fiance, his siblings, his mother, his grandmother, cousins, nieces, nephews.  And us. His classmates, his homies.  There weren't that many of "us" in our town so "we" all knew each other, even if our lives sent us in different directions, there is something connecting to that chi...

Once again, my little suburb makes the news, and not for a good thing. I was driving back from the airport this morning, my van radio dial set at 90.7, my mind blissfully thinking about the future, ignoring the traffic that had us at a standstill, when I instantly became alert. 19-year old suspect at larger for the murder of an 18-year old Kirkwood man, 2013 graduate of Kirkwood High School. "What?!" I was driving and wondering what that was about. Then saw a post from my 19 year old son, a 2012 graduate, identifying the victim, and expressing his disbelief, sorrow, and fear for the future generation. Our little seemingly idyllic suburb is not so peaceful. This shattering of hopes and dreams that has happened to these two families who simply wanted the best for their sons, both sons of color, both sons with potential, has been snuffed out for what?  What is the value of life? I have experienced sitting in the hospital waiting room while the surgeons desperately ...

I spent the morning reading emails for my new position and contemplating the future.  I have also been thinking a lot about purpose and timing and what happens when you stand. Once-upon-a-time, I directed a  program and worked essentially free for three years.  My meager compensation was to help pay for school supplies for my children and really was not a contribution to my family budget, my husband took care of all that - it was to not simply give away all my years of experience, contacts, and donations to this fledgling organization. Needless to say, it was not easy, nothing ever is when working with an entrenched family-owned non-profit that while saying it wanted to grow, expand, and reach new markets, really found itself hard pressed to move away from old, hindering practices.  Me and my primarily corporate background, advanced degrees, organizational skills, and management style came against their cultural norm of more laissez-faire. It has been two summe...

There was a man I loved more than the stars in the sky and the waves in the ocean. He was the greatest example to me of what being a man could ever be.  He was triumphant in the face of trials too numerous to count and put his heart's desire aside to do what he thought was best for his two youngest children, babies when our mother died.  He risked a lot, worked hard, faced down oppressors, and provided not only for those of his loins, but double and triple that amount of another, right down to the grandchildren of another, he was a tower of strength in the village and his expansive soul reached greater than the breadth of his 6"4" frame. My daddy was the best man a girl could ever have to be her first love and true heart.  He is the one who named me Taye and the one who gave me my first writing encouragement.  He is long gone from this earth now, but his deep baritone and twinkling eyes, his head full of curly hair and near-white skin he had to keep covered in th...

The sun is streaming through the balcony, waves rippling through the trees in the mountains, birds chirping, morning waking up, Saturday waiting to happen, changes in the making, sipping a caramel and honey latte marveling at the week that was and the month that will be.  Moving from one thing to another in the space of seven days. Embracing a change and holding onto the steady.  Making moments count and living seconds fully.  Amazed. Up and down the highway training all day, meeting new connecting anew amazed at the cohesion.  Purpose and promise meet up with hopes and dreams for their future and their lives and making a difference and young people working with older people and everyone striving for higher.  How it all changed in a week, in meeting and knowing and answering and the Divine always guiding steps.  My, how it all shifted in a seven days. Still in a haze planning what to pack and living a month away will they be okay. Excitement and pride like ...

Summer Saturday's in St. Louis are filled with many family-friendly activities that make this one nice place to live. First stop was Soulard and the famous Farmer's Market and Marketplace.  Yummy coffee from a gelataria, mini donuts, fresh ginger, handmade head-to-toe butter, and enough fresh produce to satisfy the upcoming week's menu. All spent - $23. Walked out with four bags and a bit of an eclectic experience that made us want to spend more time in Soulard.  On the way out, the sweet sound of jazz and the thought we should stay longer. But, more things to do. The Delmar Loop is one of those spots that ends up on the tourist list, but on the block just over Skinker, is a renewal with the promise of that thriving entrepreneurial spirit. On the corner is an Italian bakery and next door is Callia Lily, a prom and special occasion boutique.  Next door, however, is where happiness was in a glass jar.  Miss M's Candy Boutique can make a grown woman act like a...

Today is the first Monday of summer break.  It is cooler than usual in St. Louis and the sun is streaming, the trees they cut down are waiting for the stumps to be picked up and the girls are already engaged in their summer learning. Eager minds are like sponges, waiting to absorb experiences and learn more and more.  The school door closed on Thursday, but learning doesn't have to end. I think that is the difference between the kids who advance and those who start off behind, they are not engaged over the summer. It doesn't take much, a trip to the library, a walk around the park, a bike ride, or playing with legos are all activities that keep the elementary mind sharp.  The walk around the park can be a science lesson about the different trees, grass, and animals seen - it is also a physical activity.  The Legos are spatial, creative, and include math, engineering, and to a degree, technology.  That trip to the library is an adventure in a brick building...