|
After my mom made the difficult decision to move us from Tennessee to California, we embarked on a road trip to our new home. I believe it took us about 3-4 days to travel by minivan, though the actual journey is a bit of a blur. What stands out vividly, however, is the moment we arrived at Grandma’s house. Mom barely had time to put the car in park before she ran up the porch and through the front door. The five of us kids followed timidly, crossing the lawn and climbing the porch steps. Walking through the door of that tiny house, I’ll never forget seeing Grandma in her sitting chair, with Mom kneeling at her feet, her head resting in Grandma’s lap. Grandma’s soft, joyful giggles filled the room as she lovingly stroked her daughter’s hair. For the first time, I truly understood that Grandma wasn’t just my grandma—she was also a mom, offering comfort and solace to her child. We stayed with Grandma until we found a house of our own. Grandma, Glenda Lucille Cowell Harwell, was a talented seamstress who ran a small but successful drapery business from her home. Her workspace was a large back room equipped with two sizable cutting tables and four sewing machines (including a serger). This was where I learned to sew. Grandma encouraged us to experiment with her machines and drapery scraps, and I delighted in trying to make pillows and clothes. While my creations were far from impressive, I discovered a deep love for creating. Moving to Bakersfield was particularly exciting because it brought us closer to family. We had cousins nearby—Michelle, Kristi, Carrie, and Amber. Carrie, who was just a couple of months younger than me, became my built-in best friend. She was the perfect companion, introducing me to her friends and making me feel welcome. Looking back, I realize how mature it was for an eight-year-old to embrace her cousin so warmly and help her fit into a new social circle. It was a huge blessing, especially as starting at a new school was intimidating.  Carrie and Cindi 1989 Shortly after our arrival in California, I began third grade at Norris Elementary School. Luckily, Carrie was in my class, along with some of the friends she had introduced me to over the summer. I loved Norris! The school was surrounded on all sides by cotton fields, and driving through acres of farmland to get there was a unique experience. Because of its location, we often had “fog delays”—mornings when the fog was so dense that students weren’t allowed on the playground for safety reasons. I remember arriving early on those foggy mornings and playing games like “smear the queer” (an outdated and inappropriate name, but that’s what it was called in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s). Those mornings were some of my favorites. Another highlight of this time was when my mom started an All-Star Cheer program. She invited students from across the district to try out for a new cheerleading team, which became a fantastic opportunity to make lifelong friends. Through cheerleading, I continued to pursue a passion I loved while bonding with new teammates. We participated in fundraisers, performances, and exhibitions, creating cherished memories and building connections within the community. The Kern County All-Star Cheerleaders eventually began competing, and the program grew into a thriving competitive sport in Bakersfield. Bakersfield was a wonderful place for me. I cherished the attention that came with being the daughter of a well-known and respected mom. Our family was warmly embraced by relatives and friends in the community. We found support through our church, school, cheerleading, and the close-knit relationships my mom formed at Dancers Workshop. We also enjoyed participating in the Melodrama. This time in Bakersfield was a period of healing for us as we navigated life after losing our dad, and I will always be grateful for the love and support we experienced there.
1 Comment
My summers as a kid were busy. Between Girls Camp, Cheer Camp, cheer practice, Family Camping, a Paper Route, occasional Beach House in Santa Cruz, CA, Swim Lessons, white water rafting, visiting family in Bakersfield, CA or Memphis, TN... there wasn't much time to bum around. A few years ago I talked with my parents about our busy summers and how it did not leave much time to hang out with friends. There was lots of exclusive family time and it was fun. My parents admitted that their goal was to keep us busy to keep us out of trouble. As a parent, I too want to keep my kids busy. The kids are involved this summer in Diving, Water Polo, Jr. Lifeguards, ukulele lessons, Girls Camp, Scout Camp and at home I'm determined to knock out a hike, plant and care for a garden, and hitting up our local Library each week. Luckily for my kids, we get to also spend sometime In Coloma, CA at the Riverhouse. My parents have a beautiful home on the American River in Northern California. Every July all 10 of my siblings (and children) gather at my parents home for a reunion... HANDS DOWN our favorite event of the Summer. As my Kids get older, I do dream of additional Vacation destinations. Here are a few that I've been dreaming of lately... 1. Havasupai/Havasu Campgrounds I have been to the lower part of Havasu, a quick stop on our way down the Colorado River, as a kid and it is stunning! I would love to take my kids on this hike and stay at the campgrounds.  2. Yosemite Yosemite is a place I've been a few times with my family growing up. I will forever regret being such a chicken and not hiking Half Dome! (smack face) I hope that we can take our kids before they leave the nest. Definitely a family Bucket List destination.  3. Treebone Resort, Big Sur There are so many places along the coast in California that it's hard to pick just 1 but doesn't this look like lots of fun? I'm not sure I'd like to bring all 6 kids and the pup along but this looks like a great place for my husband and I.  4. Carlsbad Bluffs Campgrounds, CA We used to camp at the beach when I was younger. It is honestly my two favorite summer activites (Camping and Beach) combined into one. I have very fond memories of spending the day playing in the ocean and sand then back to our campsite for campfire dinners and songs. Experiencing this with my kids is pretty close to the top of my list.  5. Lake Powell I've done a quick over night here but would love to spend a week here with my peeps. Living in AZ, I have lots of friends who frequent this coveted summer destination and I can't wait for an opportunity to join in on the fun!  I'm hoping that next summer we will be able to plan ahead and incorporate 1 (maybe 2) of these trips into our Summer schedule.
What are some of your favorite Summer Destinations? |
AuthorHi I'm Cindi! When I'm not chasing after kids or dogs... oh wait, that never happens! Archives
December 2024
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed