That's not completely true, I forget sometimes and have to think about it, but I eventually remember!
I am in Atlanta today, and what I have to say, full of glee, is "Yaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! I'm back in the Eastern Time Zone!! I'm almost on the East Coast!! Yippppeeeee!!" I really can't explain how happy that makes me...and then to hear freestyle music on the radio, well that took me right over the edge, I was starting to feel...like me!! People driving were rude and inconsiderate...it brought a refreshing reminder of home...even though to us NYer's I'm still in the south, after what I've experienced, it is a lot closer to home than I can describe.
Since Oklahoma, I travelled to St. Louis, Missouri, then to Memphis, TN, and now I am in Atlanta, GA overnight on my way to South Carolina. I was in St. Louis for two days, it was good, I went to the Arch, the Budweiser brewery, and then was overly unimpressed with their "historic" district. "Genuine antique shopping" apparently means, highly overpriced versions of Nanny's basement. I feel like telling the owners that I've seen all this before(which I guess does coincide with antiques), and that overwhelming smell of mothballs, I must admit, is quite genuine. The Budweiser brewery was one of the more pleasantly surprising things. Everything was free, including 2 decent size glasses of beer (which I enjoyed thoroughly). The tour was informative, beyond that of just beer, but the whole Budweiser "campus" is kept in a historical village look, giving a small dose of what the area looked like back in the 1800's when they first started. The original schoolhouse had become the Budweiser offices when the school closed down, and is kept maintained as it was when Mr. Anheuser (or Mr Busch, I can't remember which one) had went to grade school there. Overall, I enjoyed it very much, there was a lot of history, and pride beyond just being a brewery.
One thing I did notice about Missourians (if that's what they're called) is that they have no sort of clue about personal space. I thought maybe it was just the first person, then I tried brushing off persons #2-3 on 'coincidence' , but eventually it became apparent there is a common thread among the natives. At one gas station I was standing on line, and the person behind me was literally breathing down my neck. Then it was my time to pay for my Sweet Tea and Taquito. I place my goods on the counter, and this guy walks up with his drinks and whatever else, and puts them down on the counter next to my stuff, meanwhile standing right next to me. Now, when I say next to me, I don't mean in normal distance, but brotha was stampeding on my aura. To the point that the cashier asked, "is this all together?" I really couldn't help but laugh and blurt out, "no, I don't know him." I guess my bluntness is not as common in Missouri, because the guy apologized like 7 times, but yet didn't step back off my aura. I must assume he just didn't know any better, he is formed by his society.
Otherwise, I was happy to continue on to Memphis, TN. Admittedly, this was one of my favorite cities to visit. Even being solo, I found it to offer such a variety that satisfied my buffet of taste. One of my top places to visit was the Lorrain Motel, which is now the Civil Rights Museum. Unfortunately, most of it is closed for renovation, but I still was able to do some of it, including walk on the balcony. The Lorraine Motel is where Martin Luther King Jr was staying, and the balcony in which he was standing when he was shot. The room still remains as it looked that day, cigarettes in ash tray and everything. I'm sure it was cleaned up, but still, it is chilling. I was so overly inspired watching MLK giving speeches and hearing the firsthand account of the Reverend that was standing next to him on the balcony that day. I was so overwhelmed with the passion and tenacity with which he spoke. How living in a time now which, to the naked eye, would be considered the Promised Land he spoke of, we truly seem at a great distance from such a reality. I do not hear any of our leaders speak with conviction, or fire that burns so deep in such a selfless manner. He was in Memphis to participate in the nonviolent march for the sanitation workers. Even though they had jobs, their salary was so bad they still lived in poverty. Sound familiar at all?? Hello middle class America. The "race" in our fight for Civil Rights has changed from skin color to class status. Although no one wants to be real about it, they brush off our credit cards as though it's part of our income. I can't remember his quote word for word, but MLK said something that blew me away. It was along the lines of "there is no valid reason why we should live in poverty, struggling, when there is a vast abundance of material wealth in this country"
Ok, I'll stop, but with hopes that you look a little further into what makes your own blood boil...
So, being in Memphis, I'm sure it's no surprise I could not resist the biggie-GRACELAND!!! wooohhhoooo!! What a hoot! I did enjoy it, helped me see a little deeper into the psyche of Elvis...and the craziness of Elvis die-hards!! It was so funny, though, because most historical houses I visit are much older, so the decor is as well. But, Graceland was all 1970's through and through. It reminded me of the homes of older people, like Grandparents ages, with all the tackiness and paneling, and shag rugs, and bold exotic colors. Like "The Jungle Room" that had green shag carpeting...on the ceiling!!! Haha and the ridiculous over the top everything. But, one thing I learned that I found so interesting, Elvis, being "The King", never won a Grammy for his secular music. All his Grammy Awards are for his gospel music!
Then I went over to Sun Studios, this was very exciting for me. It is where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others got their start. It is now set up as a historic site that gives tours and allows the visitor to hear the first recordings and stand where they actually stood. I had watched "Walk The Line" the night before so I was well aware what a great part this Studio was in Johnny Cash's career. I even stood in the same place where Elvis stood during his first recording there, and held the Mic they all used to sing into...I was a bit in my glory!!! I will post the pics later, I have a short time before I have to check out of my hotel.
I ventured around Memphis some more, went to Beale St, sat and listened to a live Blues band who were rockin out, and their promoter was hysterical. He looked like he had stock in "Soul Glo", those black plastic sunglasses with the blue arms, a leather jacket, and blue and black cowboy boots...he asked me right away
"where u from girl?"
"Is it that obvious I'm not from around here?"
"Well, it's winter here and you're wearing sandals, so maybe a lil bit"
Hhahahaha
"Well, it was 70 here today, that qualifies as flip flop weather" (if he only knew!)
Needless to say, I had fun. I even made new friends to have dinner with, it was nice to have new company.
Anyways, so I left Memphis, TN yesterday, paid $2.91 for gas (cheapest so far) and headed to Atlanta, GA. I'm only here for a short stint because I am heading out to Goose Creek, SC for Thanksgiving weekend. It is right near Charleston. I will be staying with Daddy's cousin, Junior and his family, and I couldn't be happier. Not only will it be great to be doing some more historical stuff in Charleston (Fort Sumter-Yes Please!!), but it's going to be great to be with family. Daddy always had Thanksgiving, so this year is hard for me. It is good to be away. And, I know I am with the perfect people to celebrate.
So, I wish everyone a Happy Happy Thanksgiving, (I have tried to put my Christmas music listening to a minimum until next week even though there are multiple full time stations that have been playing since Armarillo, TX in October...just sayin!! I have yet to hear my favorite, though...Mariah!!! Oh how I love to belt that out! In private, of course! Oh who am I kidding?!?!? I could care less if anyone hears me!! I'm sure I've gotten quite a few looks in my travels-yesterday I was Janet Jackson dancing all over my car! I get the looks, but I am no stranger to such a thing! And, hey, they may look, but they are smiling, too!!!)
I am so thankful to have so many wonderful people in my life. I thank you all for being so supportive through this entire journey, and always showing me love just when and how I need it. May you not only be blessed this Thanksgiving, but know what a blessing you are to me. I am grateful for the family God has given me, and the amazing friends who are family to me as well.
I love you all and miss you,
Love Always, E xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
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