Summer is officially here!! I vow to do better than I did last year. Last summer if it wasn’t wedding or sorority related, I was at home. I failed to take full advantage of my favorite season. If I want a bigger life, I need to find comfortable places besides my house. How can I write if I don’t go out and live or at least observe? What am I experiencing? Nothing! Despite an endless imagination, homegirl needs more material. Either I venture outside or risk becoming Freida Claxton.
I am a stereotypical introvert. Reserved around people I don’t know, enjoys time alone, and more comfortable in small groups. I have no aversion to it, I own it and like it. My peace is luxurious. Contentment with my own company is a beautiful thing. I have no problem doing things alone, going to the movies, dinner, traveling. Whatever I want to do, I’ll do it, bank account willing. Even when it’s unwilling.
How will I bend my patterns? To start I found a place to write. I spent the early part of a Saturday afternoon at The Quarter, a New Orleans inspired bar. A Brown Sugar Toasted Cornmeal Cinnamon Roll from Black Magnolia Southern Patisserie and a French 75, a writer’s lunch. Arriving right after opening meant the bar held myself, 6 other patrons, and the staff. Perfect for me. I was out around people but not overwhelmed. Let’s make it routine.
Furthering my efforts to not be a cranky hermit, I checked out the Juneteenth Black Food Truck Festival downtown. Snacks is a guaranteed way to lure me outside. The festival was well attended but not claustrophobic. Grateful to the organizers for sharing the wealth across two parks situated diagonally from each other. I picked up a rib plate with Cajun corn, my beloved brisket, vegan egusi and fufu, and a slice of rum cake. My spoils went back home with me to enjoy in the air conditioning.
I am determined to keep my two-week streak alive. Tonight, I’m visiting a roller rink. I always forget that I enjoy skating until something sparks a memory. Usually a song, “Boogie Oogie Oogie” in this case. The annual Summer Solstice Festival is this Saturday. I can swing by after a little time at my new watering hole. What else can I do…in the tune of Luisa Madrigal. Movie tickets are lower cost on Tuesdays. Have to keep the mildly unwilling bank account in mind. I can also pick up my solo dinner dates from last summer. Painting in the park, early before it gets too hot.
The point is to let my life happen. To keep pushing the bounds of my comfort zone. I can’t expect newness to enter my space while I repeat the same behaviors. I desire to have more fun. To write stories inspired by my life. Find the beautiful details in the mundane. Surprise myself with my own vibrance. Let serendipity lead the way. I must seize the season where I feel my best. My retreat will always be here when I’m ready to return.
Summer Solstice prints are available for purchase on Gemma Koomen’s website here.
