Pandemic life swirled in with the throes of just everyday life over the past couple of years may have tried to sway me a little off-kilter in my optimism of 2022’s start. Yet, I still seem to have at least a seedling of faith in the declaration that “2022 is mine” because that is what my pastor encouraged us to believe as he fervently spoke to us over the pulpit on the eve of the new year.
I’ve heard some say that the year has gotten off to a slow start for them. But January tends always to be slow, long, and gray to me. Nonetheless, here I am on its last day, thankful for its good foot start to the year. It was the little victories sprinkled throughout the month for me. Amongst one of which was my first collaboration with a major brand. Thank you, Rockport, for reaching out; quite a pleasure.
Yes, the boots in the above pic, Rockport.
This Saturday, I took Ash to see Lion King on Broadway at the Detroit Opera House. It was the perfect ending to the year’s beginning month. I was ever so lucky to snag tickets on the very first row, center stage. Close enough for Ash to be fixated, especially when a few giant theatrical giraffes playfully bowed their super-long necks down over the edge of the stage as if to greet us. We were close enough to glimpse into the orchestra pit and see who was creating those entrancing sounds so flawlessly and who was skillfully gesturing his hands in precise tempo to keep everyone together. We were even close enough for Ash to wave at one of those three silly hyenas gathered at the edge of the stage in a scene. I believe it was Shenzi. She smiled at him and stuck her tongue out to acknowledge his hi. And during the curtain call, we were close enough for the actress playing Rafiki to see me wave at her, extend my arms in admiration, and extend her arms back. It felt good to sit submerged in beauty, visual and melodic, for two and a half hours.
Behind us sat two older black ladies who had driven from over an hour and a half away in Saginaw (MI) to see the show. Before the beginning curtain lifted, one of them tapped me on my back and asked if she could share a couple of her mini-Twix candies with Ash. One of them also tapped me on my shoulder to make sure Ash looked back to see the colossal puppeteered elephant coming down the aisle to his left, a rhinoceros to his right. They also both laughed at Shenzi sticking her tongue out at Ash.
And yes, all of us had to show proof of a negative Covid test taken within seventy-two hours of the performance or evidence of complete vaccination at least fourteen days after the second dose with a government-issued ID before admittance to the theatre. And all of us had to wear face coverings while in the theatre regardless of vaccination status. Because COVID.
Anyway, I can’t give this show enough praise; add it to your to-do list.
And speaking of lions, giraffes, and elephants, here’s a lovely black dress with zebra print bows.
Oh, and I can’t forget the quote of the month which comes from Tiffany Cross in response to Mitch McConnell’s flubbed comment insinuating black people are not Americans:
…But Mitch don’t kill my vibe because here I sit. A bigger patriot than those who would deny me. No matter how they try to make me feel, this is my home. And when a 79-year-old anachronism is the voice for people who think the country they neither discovered nor built is theirs exclusively, I’ll just echo the chorus of my people and say, Mitch please.
-Tiffany Cross, The Cross Connection
Here’s a beautiful book dedicated to Gianni Young and all of the brave children with congenital heart defects worldwide. I ordered two copies. His mom, my dear friend, Amir, was graciously on the blog back in January 2020. Women like Amir will always hold a special place in the corner of my heart.
Thank you, January, for your graceful entrance and hopeful exit. Hey February…
How was the start of 2022 for you?
