saturday night in the suburban enclave of pinole, ca. i came to my friend D's house for her monthly family get together; an extended clan of aunts, an uncle, their partners, cousins, and their children, and friends. her mother renee a petite powerhouse woman, made a gang of food that packed the kitchen. when i arrived D came out on the porch dancing in her signature high heels and a pimpy black fedora hat. the girl's got style.
waves of relatives arrived carrying more food. appetizers were laid out to go with D's curiously strong margaritas. as night fell the music came up, with keisha's husband playing an insane mix from the 70s, 80s, some 90s and today. lemar and his wife peformed their hoodrat dance; the dude stands behind while the woman grinds on him and he smacks her booty. the family roared with laughter and cheers.
the babies and stories were passed from one relative to another. D told me this is a monthly ritual, everyone comes together at different houses, occasionally a restaurant. one gathering had a DJ, the cops were called, and ended at 4am. all the way down to earth and off the hook.
i was most enthralled with D's cousin christina, who talked fast and had the most infectious, charming laugh. just light and laughter all over her face. her mom made the most exquisite, addictive, melt in your mouth, dinner rolls i've had other than my grandmother's. at last count i had eaten six.
D's stepdad, affectionately referred to as big pimpin, held court on the front porch, discussing among other things, what makes a true pimp? obama and reflecting upon 8 years of getting bitch-slapped by the bush administration.
i had a very cool time; just good people and good energy.
memorable quotes:
'you know, brothers won't necessarily waste their time with that colonial bullshit, but that book is a trip - whoo!' keisha's husband referring to the historical novel 'the other boyelyn girl'.
'dimitrua, blame it on the rain, rain, rain!' keisha with a drink in her hand.
'enjoy yourself, eat, and bow down to a nigga that's greater than you.' big pimpin.
much laughter ensues at that point. 'that's his tag line. he loves it.' D leans over to tell me.
my thanks to d + her family for a fabulous time.
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