Walkin' In Memphis

Out of sequence here, but back in October of 2010 we did the River Arts Fest show in Memphis. Elvis still reigns supreme in this bayou town of music and nostalgia. The ever-present reminders of Martin Luther King, Civil Rights and the nearby Lorraine Motel become interwoven in this edgy city of history and strife.

Each time we do the show there, we spend Saturday night on Beale Street with friends. We take the trolley over from the show after we close our booths. On these trolley rides we've had the pleasure of meeting visitors from Australia and England as well as common folks who left footprints in our hearts and made our trip to this delightful city all the more enriching and memorable.

Last fall we met the Mayor of Beale Street, Rudy Williams. We ate dinner at The Kings Palace Cafe and took in some incredible jazz. The fried green tomatoes they served were the best!

The trip would not be complete without a meal at the famous Arcade Diner. It sits mixed in among the art fair booths that line Main Street. I do think they serve the best biscuits I have ever tasted. I'll have to return to verify this, but I'm pretty certain!
Some cities are magnets for interesting people - this is by far one of them. We look forward to a return and yet another wonderful encounter in the land of the Delta Blues.

Patricia

♬ Walking In Memphis..... ♫

Well, we walked in Memphis! Took in Beale Street, Tater Reds and ate at the famous Arcade. A table there was reserved for Elvis. I heard Elvis fan and dear friend and blog reader Michael Bole resounding in my head! Yes the ghost of Elvis! They served peanut butter and banana sandwiches too! Their cornbread and jalapeno hushpuppies were killer! All weekend long, people photographed the facade of this historic restaurant. The afternoon sun caught every detail of this ornate building.

We'd been to Memphis before, but this time I enjoyed it so much more! The people are warm and friendly and the texture of this old city is alive with a spirit much like New Orleans. Old souls who kindly waken and invite you to take in their city, if only for a weekend with a smile or kind word.

The weekend took on new meaning as we celebrated our dear friend Bonnie and her one year being cancer free! It was a year ago at this show she became aware of what lie ahead for her. She has been a real trooper and this time, was here with us to celebrate her birthday (with pink candles) and her one year anniversary! Here's to many more!!!

On Saturday night Jon and I and a few friends took in the lights and flavor of Beale Street. Cool night air made for a fun stroll down this street of lights and sounds. Horns wailed and the blues carried out into the street. This southern city has wonderful creaky old trolly cars that move people about. We took the trolly over to Beale and back.
On the return trip we met 3 wonderful men who were in town visiting relatives. These men were cousins and you could sense how important family was to them. Conversations conveyed how they gathered for reunions and family events on a somewhat regular basis despite family being spread across the states. They were lively and engaging. They helped us get on the right trolly. We'd have gone in the opposite direction if we got on the car we were going to ride.
The 45 minute ride took us past old and new Memphis and ended right near the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King was assassinated. A place of such tragic history now sits bathed in the lights of what has become the Civil Rights Museum. There is a glow there that is both erie and comforting. An aura I will never forget.

Somehow in our travels through life, we find our way.
To historic places-
places to sell art and have fun
places that impart memories
places where buildings or
terra firma become one with our mind.
Sometimes what becomes most memorable
are the people we encounter - who for the distance of a trolly ride-
no longer feel like strangers.
For me, this trip was cemented in the
people I encountered.
Memphis is about people.

One of the three men we met on the trolly was a minister.
He helped us find our way-
perhaps in more ways than one!

♬
Patricia

On the Mississippi Delta........

This evening finds us in historic Memphis Tennessee, for one of our last shows of the year. To be here, at this historic time in history, a place of Civil Rights battles and the heart of the blues, as Barack Obama is poised to possibly be our next president, is amazing. History is about to unfold with a man capable of ushering in the change so desperately needed.
These are tumultuous times for a country such as ours.
In the midst of 2 wars (one unwarranted), in a wrecked economy and uncertainty on so many levels.
What do we ask of this next President?
Honesty, fairness, an ability to lead and take action.
A care and concern that they will understand the plight of all people.
Someone who listens.
Someone who can articulate the facts and who has the temperment to carefully lead the way.
A navigator for those who have lost hope.

I know when I cast my vote on November 4th, that I am doing so with the utmost of passion, understanding that this vote is one that has been fought for by past generations.
Fought for by those men and women who came before me.
Fought for by people who suffered, died and worked hard to provide a better tomorrow so many yesterdays ago.
That this is my right and responsibility as a citizen of this country.
As a person who, although not leaving behind a legacy of children, wishes to leave the world a bit better than I found it, am reminded how historic my vote really is.

So, as we enter a new reality, one born of care for one another, sacrifice in what lies ahead, and an abilty to solve problems by working for a solution that benefits everyone, I feel like the country is in the aftermath of a great forest fire.
There's damage done, cinders to be swept and things to clean.
This 'fire' etched a path that can now let new growth take place.
We feel raked over the coals, as do so many millions of others.
Much like a delta in the aftermath of a flood. It becomes rich once again from the good within that is stirred to the surface.
We will become strong and whole and enriched again.

The fire and floods will make us stronger.
The good will rise to the surface and the trees will bud again.
This is my hope.
This is why I vote.
I know I can, in some small way, make a difference.

VOTE!

Patricia