Polka-dot Umbrella Day

A week after I intended to write this blogpost, I'm getting back to share just a few details of my new Durham home with you all. Today was a mixture of continuing to explore a new city: I found the MASSIVE Southpoint mall; and getting to know good friends even better: Jennifer and I had dinner with our neighbors and some friends, most of whom are new to the area.

For those who haven't heard the basics, I am living in a neighborhood called Lyon Park - in fact, we are two houses away from the Lyon Park Community Center. It's always a nice break to hear people picking up their kids from after school programs or see the teenagers walking home in the evenings. When I first moved here, there were those who said it was a dangerous neighborhood - and it isn't rich, that's for sure. But as for safety, I see this as my home. People are sitting on their front porches all hours of the day. I talk to the ladies on either side of me, both with lots of children in and out of their houses even though they are long past their own mothering years. There's construction going on up the street on a huge church with gorgeous stained glass windows, and you can hear people playing music late at night - just loud enough to know there's life.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to learn more about my neighborhood and the surrounding area. While searching for a place to buy stamps, I discovered that there was an entire shopping area and street I had managed to miss by driving and riding only on select routes. So I set out with my polka dotted umbrella to buy stamps and see what was there!

On my way, I walked past the community center, lots of rather old little houses, and a few recently renovated places -- mostly from Habitat for Humanity and Self Help, the organization that redid my house. The rain and gray brought out the rich greens in the yards, and even the kudzu covering everything in a few empty lots. One house was particularly striking - it was old, a little run down, and you could tell there wasn't a lot of money there. But there were a few women standing outside with umbrellas, saying goodbye to friends, and someone had taken the time to plan just a few brightly colored flowers in the yard.

Once I reached the main road, the business area wasn't anything like the pristine Southpoint mall. The local Food Lion (cheap local grocery chain) anchors an old plaza with some authentic Mexican restaurants and thrift shops. I ran into a young man at the gas station who made a little pass; the older gentleman who came behind him exchanged a knowing smile with me. On the outskirts of the area, a series of three houses hold a business called The Tuba Exchange.' Someone tell me why they need a house and three full sized garages for tubas? There's also a small shop called Pennies for Change - an adorable thrift shop with funds going to help victims of domestic abuse.

On my way home, I got to meet Ricardo - a man I've seen many days as I drive by - always studying English on his front porch. I stopped to say hi, and we immediately had a wonderful conversation. His wife stuck her head out the door just far enough to see who he was talking to, but she didn't seem to want to speak. Perhaps she wouldn't have been able... I told Ricardo I was interested in learning Spanish - he said that we could exchange language lessons, though I think he is better off learning from the local Catholic church where he said he gets classes. I hope he and his wife do well here. Perhaps I'll get to know them better.

All in all, this neighborhood especially, is beginning to feel like home. I've connected with a friend from high school and am continuing to get to know some great people in the area - students, staff, and a few people like me, who are still trying to figure out what life holds.