It's been a cold rainy day - temps in low 40s; feeling like hi 30s. Naturally we had errands that had to be completed today in order to complete some scheduled over the next couple days. So, out into the cold, wet rain we went: grocery store (yes, again for a few items not obtained Sat); the bank; and Jiffy Lube - the Benz was due for an oil change and a new set of wiper blades. Of course, they didn't have blades to fit...
Cold. Rain. A falling-apart wiper blade. Altogether a cause for complaints, short patience...frustration. We are human, correct? But I am pleased to share that we held our frustrations at bay...focusing instead on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow: errands completed (except the wiper blades); arrival to a warm and dry home...and for me, a wonderful memory:
My first trip to Washington DC, early 1970s, was in the autumn, not in Nov but perhaps the end of September. I came to attend the Association of Negro Life and History's annual conference. It was held at the Woodmont Hotel in DC's upper northwest...near the National zoo and neighborhoods of majestic old homes. I remember the leaves had turned and it rained and rained (stopping briefly for us to take walks outside for it was also, warm).
But the rain didn't matter for I was among noted African American scholars and writers and speakers. Their presence and words filled the meeting halls and my mind with wisdom, awe and wonder. I couldn't believe that I was among such learned, revered people whose names and photos and words embraced the pages of history books and dictionaries and encyclopedias as well as their works were prominent in libraries-public, academic, Library of Congress.
T'was a magical weekend and little did I know then - or even entertain the idea - that I might, just several years later, move to the area. A move I've never regretted.