To My Folks,
May 5, 2021 was my first time getting a mani-pedi since Covid-19 shut the world down. To fully understand the picture… Covid-19 and the quarantines that followed began on March 16, 2019. Take a minute to read that and thank you, in advance, for your empathy and sympathy.
I shudder when picturing my feet. It was something out of a horror movie with people in a panic, screaming, pointing at me, and running for their lives as I walk in public in open-toed shoes. Surely, I’m heading back to therapy.
I took refuge at my favorite nail shop, Ashby Nails, and pleaded, “Please, please transform whatever these two unrecognizable things are, back into my feet.”
I put my earbuds in and turned on some Teena Marie. Teena’s my go-to when I need to chill out, so I can work it out. I closed my eyes and allowed the massage chair to do what it do. As the warm water from the foot jacuzzi lulled me, I exhaled.
My feet are now restored. God is real. They are soft and I am no longer a danger to the public. When the nail polish dries, my mani is complete and I’m released back into civilization.
On my drive back home, I stop at my favorite little hole-in-the-wall cafe, Oakland’s own, Lois the Pie Queen (owned by Tramaine Hawakins’ family). I order what I always order, the Reggie Jackson breakfast —two fried pork chops, grits, two scrambled eggs, two homemade biscuits and pineapple juice. Go ahead, take a moment, smell the aroma, it’s as good as it sounds. Always!
It’s Sunday morning and the churches are still closed. There aren’t a lot of cars on the road in North Oakland and I’m driving through my personal history. I’m reminiscing about all the fun I had on this side of town, and the laughter and love that filled me up during family dinners at my Auntie’s house. Right around the corner from Auntie’s house was my first real experience with my first real boyfriend. Come on and sing it with me…
Tonight is the night Make me a woman You said you’ll be gentle with me I hope you will. – Betty Wright
North Oakland is the birthplace and the home of the Black Panthers. I wasn’t old enough back then to understand their full impact on me and the world, but I loved everything about them. At this moment, I also feel myself falling back into a deep, deep, love with Oakland. I’m going to miss my Oakland (deep sigh), but it’s time for something new. As with all the great loves of my life, I have been able to part ways with them, while remaining in love with them.
Oakland I’m leaving you, but before I go, can I get one last, lingering, sweet and gentle, goodbye kiss? Thank you for loving me the way you did and continue to do. Bye Oakland! You are my first love!
Hola, mi nuevo amor, Mérida. Estaré ahí pronto. ¡No puedo esperar para aprender a bailar Salsa!
Much Love,
