Come Visit Arizona: We’ve got “Tanning Salons” & Medical Weed Shops in every strip mall.

Blacks or African Americans made up 3.4% of Arizona’s population; of which 3.3% were non-Hispanic Blacks. American Indians made up 4.5% of the state’s population; of which 4.1% were non-Hispanic. Asian Americans made up 2.3% of the state’s population. Pacific Islander Americans made up 0.1% of the state’s population.

Hot damn!

My first impression of Arizona was why in the hell would folks need tanning salons in 3-digit degree weather?  But, I figured it out. Most people here lack melanin. On the other hand, there’s no lack of air conditioning and solar power to protect your automobile at Frys Food.

 

I am an ocean girl living in a desert valley surrounded by mountains under a beautiful sky. At times I’ve cried just looking at Arizona’s sky. And by chasing cloud formations, I’ve captured beautiful visions while plucking the sweetest tasting oranges from abandoned fruit trees.

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Yep, Arizona is hot. On the other hand, it’s one of the loneliest places I’ve ever lived. Even the most deserted dried up the desert in Egypt or Sudan had more dynamic human interactions and energy than this joint.  Apart from this, my valley bound ears are always blocked, that is, until I reach at least 4,000 feet. 

So, why am I here?

Drive-by and friendly waves, Phoenix relationships are the norm in Arizona. It’s easier to make friends with a cactus than with humans in this state. 

Nonetheless, there’s a genuine warmth from people; many are from the Midwest and who work in the stores, restaurants, and the fast-food industry that’s unmatched. 

Bold and Dangerous Risks

I’ve soared and hobbled through rough and scary places, with a life full of zigs and zags, stupid choices, and time spent in horrifying darkness, overwhelming hurt, kindness, adventure, fear, heartache, love, and pure madness.  

But, I love hearing people’s stories.

To me, every person and everyone’s story has value.   I’m curious to know who’s really behind that smile, that external presentation, and mostly their words.

•  I strive to find common ground.
• Believe everyone has the right to their opinion.
• And while I’m not always patient, I am willing to look at the entire picture before a jump to conclusions. 

 

I wish I didn’t know what I know.

I despise blatant ignorance and intolerance. My emotions can run from A-Z in a heartbeat, so I often cry uncontrollably or laugh until I can’t catch my breath.  

Consequently, I admit I’ve been close to the edge bunches of times, but, somehow there was always something or someone to pull me back.  

I am not afraid.

Like a wildcat, I’ve managed to land on my feet. Meanwhile, because of my head injury, I possess a brain that works differently. IQ test shows I’m smarter.

Sportin’ bad knees, a worn-out hip from too many belly dance hip drops, and a dent in my forehead from the vice used to stabilize my head during my brain surgery; I have a small victory scar above my right ear.

 

“There is always something to do. “the world is not a pleasant place to be without someone to hold and be held by.”

                                                              Nikki Giovanni

 

They call it the end of innocence.

I was probably just putting away Barbies and, today she sent me a text asking, “Can we walk today at 5:30 PM”. Her acknowledgment that we need each other’s encouragement, even if all we have is Zoom to keep in touch during this pandemic.

Or that my Grandson, 15-years old, even if he minds his business, works hard in school, plays sports and video games, runs the risk that every time he steps outside of his house, some White lady might call the police on him.  

Despite it all, I’m still determined to inspire and support them as a Nana can to find their voices and resist anytime, or anyone who tries to stifle their dreams and desires. 

Perhaps Arizona is nothing more than a stopping off place. A place for healing. A place of refuge. I’m still trying to figure it out.