Monday – A Sip of Flava ☕

Life, when I was coming up, was simple.

I didn’t know it then — you never do — but looking back, it really was.

There were a lot of kids my age in the neighborhood, and we hung out all the time. My best friends lived next door and one house down. You knew your neighbors’ names, and more importantly, adults looked out for each other’s kids. Everybody’s eyes were on everybody — in a good way.

We played kickball on the corner, rode bikes until our legs burned, and walked to the penny candy store like it was an event. We spent more time outside than inside.

As we got older, we took the bus — downtown, to the university district, school events, or friends’ houses outside the neighborhood. That freedom felt earned.

We all had chores — daily and on weekends — and there wasn’t much fuss about it. It was just understood. Do what you’re supposed to do, then go live your life. And we did.

The boys learned how to work on cars. You could hear engines starting up and cruising through the neighborhood.

It felt safe to be outside.

The neighborhood kids really were your friends. We didn’t need much to have a good time — just each other and a little daylight left.

I appreciate growth. I respect progress.

But sometimes… I wish we could go back to those days — when life felt more innocent, more grounded, and beautifully simple.