Author: Patricia Lockhart

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Opinion The Last Word

Memphis is My Boyfriend: Running, Jumping, and a Little History

The tweens and teens at MoSH (Photo: Courtesy Patricia Lockhart)

It’s time for another tween/teen-friendly Memphis weekend! Keep in mind, my kids are 15, 12, 12, and 10 years old. As littles, there was always something fun for them — playdates, Mommy and Me classes, and park hops. As they crested in tweenhood, there seemed to be fewer fun options, so I’ve set out to find fun, safe, and engaging activities for the whole family.

Jumping World

After a long day of Friday testing at school, my teens are ready to let loose! But it’s too cold, so it must be indoors. The teens have been sitting quietly all day and need to be able to get loud. I think of just going home, but I recall the illegal “building” they tried to construct in the past, the crack in the glass door that still needs to be replaced, and the fact that we’ve just spent a whole weekend cleaning the walls and baseboards. So going home was not an option. Then I remembered Jumping World.

Jumping World is a trampoline park for kids who someday want to be on Ninja Warrior. They also have ball pits, slam dunk areas, and tumbling lanes. After putting on our required socks, my kids headed to the tumbling lanes. They jumped, bounced, yelled, and laughed from one end of the lane to the other. After about 15 minutes, they sat down next to me. (Yes, I’m sitting down. There’s only so much jumping my “baby bladder” can take.) They take a short break before it’s on to the next spot. They bounce and jump to slam dunk a ball. They bounce and jump to land in a ball pit. They even bounce and jump just to see if they can bounce higher. Lastly, an obstacle course. We have one child who is naturally competitive. Only no one knows that it’s even a competition until he announces that you’ve lost. After an hour and fifteen minutes, the teens are officially worn out!

Memphis Museum of Science History (MoSH, aka The Pink Palace)

MoSH is one of the few places where we have a family membership. (The other is the Memphis Chess Club.) If your kids are nerdy like mine are, you will want to get a membership here. And I love dinosaurs. I have a tattoo of tiny dinos down my arm. So when I heard about the new dino exhibit, I added it to the family calendar. Upon arriving, the teens went to their favorite spot, the gift shop. But after realizing that they would have to spend their own money, they quickly exited. Next, we went to see Sue. Did you know that dinosaurs can get arthritis? Or have you ever wondered what their breath smelled like? Do you like to watch suspenseful scenes where the predator sneaks up on the prey? All of that can be found in the exhibit. I loved the piece where you could feel the vibrations of a dinosaur’s roar. It was oddly satisfying. After having our fill of dinos, we went through the historical part. My teens still enjoy the Piggly Wiggly. They find it funny that a low-tech Kroger ClickList existed back then. (You see, back then, shoppers would give the clerk a paper grocery list. They would shop for you and bring it to you. Now, we do pretty much the same thing, but electronically.) Lastly, we went to see the “Everyday People” exhibit. This showcase is by Memphis artist Eric Echols. It shows the life of African Americans from 1900 to 1950-ish. It’s important for my kids to see images that show the history of African Americans in America that doesn’t only end in slavery. While the systemic struggles are real, so is our perseverance. During the first walkthrough, they just looked at the pictures. During the second, they took time to read some of the captions. They learned about the Black church, important Black Memphians, and how a picture can provoke a thousand emotions.

Belltower Cafe at Shelby Farms

We are a cafe-loving family! I love the coffees, and my teens love the pastries and free Wi-Fi. Belltower’s newest location at Shelby Farms is perfect. Instead of my typical Lavender Latte, I decided to be daring. (It helps that the featured latte was written all pretty-like, too.) I ordered a Raspberry Nutella Latte. I don’t have the words to express how good this latte is! The teens order their favorite snacks, pair them with hot chocolate, and set up their laptops. While they may look studious, the only thing they’re studying is how to get to the next level of their game. I’ve told you all before the boys love to go out, but to do the same thing they would do at home. But since they’re good kids, I don’t mind at all.

After about an hour, the sugar has fueled their souls. Now they run! They go into the open field and play, laugh, and, well, be teens. As for me, I watch them from the warmth of the central heat. I don’t feel bad not joining them. Because since we arrived, Hubby has been running miles around Shelby Farms and I truly believe he’s burning enough calories for the both of us.

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. Her days are filled with laughter with her four kids and charming husband. By day, she’s a school librarian and writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend

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Opinion The Last Word

Memphis Is my Boyfriend: Snow Days, Losers, and Food!

Snowmageddon meant plenty of time for breakfast in bed and a competitive bowling session on Nintendo Switch Sports. (Photos: Patricia Lockhart)

It’s time for another tween/teen-friendly Memphis weekend! My kids are 15, 12, 12, (happy belated b-day, twins), and 10 years old. Unfortunately, this particular weekend landed on the Memphis Snowmageddon! So we went nowhere. But that doesn’t mean we did nothing!

Monday — Everything was covered in snow. It was MLK Day and I had planned on doing nothing anyway. I had stopped by High Point Grocery a few days before and picked up some items. (Hubby stopped by a store, too … a liquor store.) In other words, we had everything we needed. As I rolled over to go back to sleep, I heard a noise in the kitchen. First thought, “What could anyone possibly require from the kitchen at this hour?” Second, “I wonder how much those cabinets cost that close really slowly to prevent slamming them?” After listening to the cacophony that comes with someone cooking in — and destroying — the kitchen, a soft knock rapped at my door. My oldest child fixed me breakfast in bed! Hot Cream of Wheat topped with baked apples. We piddled around as we waited for MSCS to announce schools were closed. When they did, my hubby reminded the kids that they still had to brush their teeth and take baths.

Tuesday — When my kids are at school, I never hear tales of them starving. So can someone explain to me how at 10 a.m. we had to have a family meeting about the rationing of food? First, we took inventory of what we had on hand. Then we brainstormed and created a menu of lunch and dinner dishes. Lastly, we laid down the law! Under no circumstance could these crumb-snatchers eat anything that was needed for lunch or dinner. If they got hungry, they could eat a PB&J sandwich, ramen, or canned tomato soup. After spending a good chunk of the day doing work from home, I felt it would be nice to whoop the kids in a game of Monopoly. (I’d won the last two games!) We only had plain tortilla chips for a snack since they ate everything else. The game lasted four hours and I did not win. The last hour was brutal. I endured all sorts of verbal jabs from my oldest, who showed me no mercy. Upon bankrupting, I assigned him the chore of putting everything up neatly. I poured myself a glass of wine to lick my wounds only to be reminded by my daughter that I was supposed to have a “Dry January.” I stared at her in defiance as I drank straight from the bottle.

Wednesday — I woke up late to the smell of something burning. Irritated, I snuggled deeper into the covers. I know what you’re thinking, “You didn’t go see what was burning?” Absolutely NOT! Burnt food falls solidly in the categories of “None of My Business” and “I’m Not Eating It.” So you can imagine my surprise when hubby walks in with a plate of pancakes and coffee. I prepped my “I’m too old to be eating nasty food, even if my kids made it” speech, but was greeted with two perfect chocolate chip pancakes.

Later, I announced I was making chicken and dumplings for dinner. To be fair, I did Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe to decide who would be my sous-chef. I began, “Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe … ” Before I could finish, one of the twins HOLLERS and then calmly walks away. I was confused. Then the penny dropped. “If he hollers, let him go.” So I had to let him go and choose from the remaining kids. That was never the rule when I was growing up, but it makes sense. As I plated the dumplings, I called the kids down for dinner. They stared at their bowls, back at me, and back to their bowls. Twin #2 asked, “Where are the chicken dumplings?” Befuddled, I pointed to his bowl. He replied, “No, I thought you were making chicken dumplings like the ones at a Chinese restaurant.” While they devoured the meal, I told them the history of Southern chicken and dumplings and Black cuisine. Later we played “Uno No Mercy.” I lost that game, too.

Thursday — I opened my eyes to hubby placing a cup of coffee on my nightstand. I had to make my own breakfast, so I headed to the kitchen. I was greeted by my oldest son with a hug and a request. Can I teach him how to make French toast? Of course! We served up some French toast, and he topped it with his homemade whipped cream and baked apples. I balanced my day with work, video games, and reading. Everything was going swell until we ran out of dishwasher detergent. It’s now every person and dish for themselves. New rule: If you mess up a dish, you must wash it by hand! We are also dangerously low on eggs and butter. But not low on deodorant, which the boys seem to think is not a necessity. We played the Exploding Cats card game. I lost that game, too. My Dry January has officially changed to a Damp January.

Friday — My sleep cycle is all off. I woke up at 5 a.m., read in bed, went back to sleep, and finally woke up for good at 11 a.m. I was not greeted with breakfast in bed or hot coffee. I was served a nice Memphis-style “roasting” for sleeping so late. Since my clapbacks are infamously lame, I kept my mouth closed.

We spent the afternoon playing Nintendo Switch Sports. I did okay in bowling and golf. Not good enough to call it winning, but I’m proud of myself regardless. My oldest asked if I could teach him how to make chocolate chip cookies, so I busted out my recipe book and baked a batch with him. I am thankful for my tweens/teens. Because snow days with little children are not for the faint of heart.

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. Her days are filled with laughter with her four kids and charming husband. By day, she’s a school librarian and writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend

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Opinion The Last Word

Memphis Is My Boyfriend: Family Fun? Check!

A satisfying weekend of sewing, bakeries, and strategizing chess moves. (Photos: Patricia Lockhart)

It’s time for another intentional tween/teen-friendly Memphis weekend! My kids are 15, 11, 11 (twins), and 10 years old. While most weekends they are content to stay home in their pajamas and play video games, every once in a while, they’ll beg me for a good time. I try my best to find fun, safe, and wallet-friendly places for my kids to enjoy themselves. So here’s to another fun weekend!

Friday — Memphis Public Library

The Memphis Public Library is one of the most underused resources in Memphis for tweens/teens (in my opinion). Did you know that most library branches have drones, 3D printers, sewing machines, crafts, gaming systems, and so much more available for our kids? Well, they have all of those things. They also have writing clubs, exercise groups, knitting clubs, robotics teams, movie days, D&D, trivia, gardening, chess club, cooking classes, and more. And the best thing is, everything is free. I’ll say it louder for the people in the back, everything is free! I mean, if you can name it, the Memphis Public Library probably has it.

Whenever I am looking for something for my kids to do, I always check the library first. Simply go to memphislibrary.org. Next, click on ‘Events’ and then on ‘Calendar of Events’. My home library is the Raleigh Branch Library. But the Cordova, Hollywood, East Shelby, and Benjamin L. Hooks Central branches are poppin’, too!

Don’t get me started on the 901 Cloud. My kids love that place! They appreciate the Homework Helpers that help them with their homework. After they have “stood on business” and finished their work, they engage in their favorite hobbies and even play with VR goggles!

As for me, I absolutely love the Raleigh Branch Sewing Club! I have made an apron, pot holder, bag, key chain, and a catch-all bucket. I’m so proud of myself and my newly learned abilities.

Saturday — Sift Bakery

I have two clear sets of children. One set of kids is very adventurous. They love going outside to play. They are my bikers, skaters, trampoline jumpers, and builders of random things in the front and back yard. They get bored easily, but also have the greatest imaginations. After putting in a full week’s worth of ‘work’ at school, they are ready to let loose on the weekends. The other two kids, however, find value in doing absolutely nothing. If you were to ask them their perfect outing, it would include the exact same things they can do at home. In their words, “I like to do ‘at home’ stuff, but just in different places.” So when my adventurous kids complain that they’re bored, but my relaxed duo are … well, relaxing, I try to think of something to appease the adventurers without disturbing the others’ relaxed peace. And there’s only one place I can think of that will put a smile on all of their faces — Sift Bakery! My kids love nothing more than grabbing their Nintendo Switches and heading to a local bakery. We pick up some of those fancy spiral croissants, a few macaroons, and any other delicious treats Lala has baked up and head to a local park. My adventurous kids get to snack on amazing delicatessens and run around the park, while my relaxed kids enjoy their treats and don’t miss a single beat of their video games. Bada-bing! Everyone is happy!

Sunday — Memphis Chess Club

My kids enjoy a good game of chess. Scratch that … some of my kids enjoy a good game of chess. No, let’s try again … some of my kids enjoy a good game of chess as long as it’s accompanied by pizza. And there’s only one place in Memphis where they can get both a chess game and pizza. Memphis Chess Club! Upon entering, we place our order: one medium Fabi (cheese) pizza, one medium Greco (pepperoni), a basket of fries, some mac-and-cheese, a huge cinnamon roll, and a couple of beers for the adults. Next, we head to the game wall. We grab a couple of bags of chess and some random board games. Memphis Chess Club has too many games to name.

Since we are frequent flyers of the Memphis Chess Club, we have the family membership. This allows us to play all board games for free, which usually costs $5 a visit. We also get 10 percent off of everything we order! But most importantly, my kids and I can attend all chess classes for free.

But let’s get real. That’s not my favorite thing about the Memphis Chess Club. (Sidebar: I’m a pretty average player and proud of it!) They have this thing where you can ask them for a random cocktail and receive 10 percent off. A drink that contains alcohol and a discount?! What more could I want? Go to the cashier and say you want a random cocktail. They will swivel their register thingy around to you and you will push a button. That button will then randomly give you a number. That number coincides with the cocktail you will receive. It’s the best surprise ever!

Enjoy Memphis!

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. Her days are filled with laughter with her four kids and charming husband. By day, she’s a school librarian and writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend

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Opinion The Last Word

Memphis Is My Boyfriend: Friday Fun, Free Art, and Frightening Heights

There’s plenty of Memphis family fun to be had on the weekends … even for the kids. (Photo: Patricia Lockhart)

Let’s be honest: Memphis has many outlets for adults and little kids, but there aren’t as many options that interest pre-teens and teenagers. So I’ve decided to be intentional and create a Memphis Weekend for my kiddos. Twice a month, we’ll go to a Memphis location on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Since we are a family of six and not overflowing in riches, our outings will always be wallet-friendly. Here were the stops for this past weekend.

Friday: Crosstown Concourse

After a school week, everyone needs to relax! Each person in this family has their own way of relaxing. For my daughter, it’s fries and a book. One twin loves a good MemPop, while the other is more partial to artwork and scenery. My oldest must grab a pizza, play a game, or hear some cool beats. My husband enjoys a good cocktail. Me, I love it all!

Crosstown Concourse has everything. We first stop by MemPops and grab some minis. They are the perfect size to snack on while walking to the WYXR radio station. We sit and watch the people in the glass like a fish bowl. They always wave kindly to us. Next, we go to the other side of the stairs. My boys take a pit stop at Sweet Magnolia for some gelato. How they can eat sweets back-to-back is beyond me! My daughter, husband, and I share some fries from Farm Burger. We have balance! Something sweet and something salty.

We agreed to meet in the Memphis Listening Lab after snacking. My kids get a kick of listening to music from the 1900s. (I know, I know. I keep asking them to refer to my birth year as the 1980s, but they insist on saying that I was born during the 1900s! The disrespect!) Oh, the Listening Lab is free! After listening to a few tunes, the kids go to the big steps to read or play cards, while hubby and I grab a quick cocktail at Art Bar. The cocktails there are top-notch, and I love the oddly decorated yet comforting rooms. When the kids start texting me they’re done, we take a walk through the Crosstown Arts Galleries, which are also free!

Before we knew it, we’d spent about two hours at Crosstown Concourse and enjoyed every minute of it. One day I hope to save up enough money to spend the weekend at Crosstown’s AirBnB Pettigrew Adventures. That would definitely make me Parent of the Year!


Photo: Patricia Lockhart

Saturday: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

After a slow morning filled with video games and a melee of breakfast, we finally break out of our pajamas and head to the Brooks Museum. At the Brooks, the first Saturday of every month is Super Saturday. From 10 a.m. to noon, they have free admission and art making facilitated by an art educator. My kids love art galleries, but it’s not often they get to see Black art by Black artists. The Brooks currently has an exhibit called “Black American Portraits.” It’s so DOPE! My kids laughed, joked, and stood in awe of some of the work. While you can roam and view for yourself, we decided to get a guide. The docents were so knowledgeable and provided a lot of context about the work and artists. There was even some Memphis artwork by a Memphis artist showcased!

I’m going to remind you, like I have to remind my kids at every gallery we go to … Don’t get too close to the art! No matter how much it boggles and inspires you.

Sunday: Memphis Rox

I’m not afraid of heights. I’m simply afraid of falling. But my fear of landing face-first was not dampened by Memphis Rox’s atmosphere. This is a place where my teenagers are sure to be ready for a nap afterwards.

Because I’m new to rock climbing, I thought about taking the Top Rope Class. I felt it would be informative and reassuring. I thought if I had proper training and guidance, I could be the best climber in the building. I thought about how cool I would look scaling the wall and mastering near-impossible reaches. I thought about hanging from the “cliff” by sheer finger strength. I thought the entire time … with my feet planted securely on the solid ground. I did not engage.

My family, however, thoroughly enjoyed themselves! They were climbing and bouldering as if they didn’t have a care in the world. Even my daughter was having a good time! (Which reminds me, when she was 4, she refused to hold my hand on the Ferris wheel when I was afraid. The disrespect!)

What I most love about Memphis Rox is that they exclude no one, regardless of ability to pay. While a day pass can cost anywhere from $10 for kids to $12 for adults, you’re also welcome to set a price that works for you.

Although I didn’t climb, I did sign up for Memphis Rox’s next community cleanup. It’s always good to give back! Register for the next event via Volunteer Odyssey. Next time, I promise I’ll try a little climbing.

Enjoy Memphis!

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. Her days are filled with laughter with her four kids and charming husband. By day, she’s a school librarian and writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend

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Opinion The Last Word

Memphis is My Boyfriend: A Stanky Retreat

Nesbit Park, where you don’t have to make a decision or review a budget. (Photo: Patricia Lockhart)

Sometimes my days are hectic. I’m a wife, mother of four, sister, writer, librarian, fitness instructor, and friend. My calendar is color-coded and full. Once I showed my therapist my calendar, she bluntly replied, “What am I looking at? What is this?” When I told her it’s my calendar that shows how my days are constructed, she was flabbergasted. I literally make hundreds of decisions a day. I’m emotionally, physically, and intellectually present at every job and every endeavor. I listen with enthusiasm to my kids about their days. I even follow up from the previous day’s conversation. I laugh at my husband’s jokes and the reels he sends me on Instagram. And I love every minute of it. I have a good life! No, seriously. I have the life I’ve always dreamed about! But sometimes, my days get so filled and busy that I’m too tired to enjoy the life that I’ve built. Crazy, isn’t it? To work so hard at something only to pass out from exhaustion before you can even marvel at its existence.

In the times where everything seems so heavy, I find myself wanting to be lost, just so I can find myself again. I want to wander around without a serious thought in my head. I want to walk at a “grocery store” pace without any pep in my step. Nowhere I gotta be and no one I gotta see. I don’t want anyone calling my name or tapping me on my hip. (IYKYK … especially if you work with little kids.)

In other words, I don’t want to be bothered by the life I’ve created. I know … First World Problems1.

Photo: Patricia Lockhart

So I go to where time feels like it’s standing still. I go where I can lose myself only to remember what it is that I love so much. Where I can go listen to the birds chirp, the squirrels scramble around, and maybe get stared at by the occasional deer. I take a walk through Nesbit Park2, aka Stanky Creek. Where the only thing required of me, taken in exchange, is CO2.

Nesbit Park is located in Bartlett, Tennessee3. (5760 Yale Road to be exact.) It has some amazing bike and walking trails. It’s a place of peace and adventure. During my first Nesbit Park, aka Stanky Creek, experience, I learned how strong I truly am. It was during a Memphis Runners Club Winter Off-Road Race Series. I’d never ventured inside the park before, so this was a completely new experience. During this 8K race, I struggled through narrow paths, hills, and ravines where I had to use my non-existent upper-body strength to pull myself up. (There was a lot of cheering and several attempts before I accomplished it.) Somewhere along the marked path, I started listening to the birds. At some point, I looked up and around at the trees. I realized that I hardly ever look up anymore. Eventually, I looked down to find that I couldn’t see any of the race markers. I couldn’t hear anyone. I couldn’t see anyone. So I stopped moving, put my hands on my hips like Forrest Gump, and I took a deep breath in and exhaled. And I wandered. I skipped. I frolicked. I jogged. I walked. I didn’t think. I didn’t worry. I just existed. With no requirements, I just existed and lived in that moment. Or moments, if I’m honest.

(Don’t fret. I was never truly lost during this race. An earlier runner had knocked a race marker down and I wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t see or hear anyone because I was dead last and very far behind.)

But in the end, I came out better and stronger than I was before. And most importantly, my mind was so clear. Like that breath of fresh air I was gasping for because they cheered for me to run up a hill and cross the finish line.

So now, when I step inside of Nesbit Park, I promise it’s like stepping into another world. I don’t hear any loud music or the steady hum of cars on the streets. I’m not being asked to make a decision, run an errand, review a budget, or even be considerate of anyone other than myself.

Sounds selfish? Well, it’s my truth. As much as I love being around the public and people, I find peace in being alone. I love the way my heart beat feels in my chest. I love the way silence and soft nature sounds press against my ears. I love it as a breeze grazes my cheeks like a soft kiss. I love me and don’t mind my own company.

While in Nesbit, I simply breathe … exist … move forward …

And eventually the heaviness wears away and I’m left with a solid foundation of peace.

1 First World Problems — A term used when First World Nations complain about something that is perceived as small in comparison to global problems.

2 Nesbit Park — Once upon a time, it was the farm of Katherine Nesbit. Now it’s a public trail. It’s also called Stanky Creek due to the smell that comes from a creek. (But it smells just fine to me.)

3 Bartlett, Tennessee — Incorporated in 1866 and named after Major Gabriel Bartlett. Now known as the place where Memphians don’t dare speed.

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. Her days are filled with laughter with her four kids and charming husband. By day, she’s a school librarian and a writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend.

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Opinion The Last Word

Memphis Is My Boyfriend: Goat Yoga

The author with a goat companion at the Overton Park Shell. (Photo: Patricia Lockhart)

It was Thursday morning, and I was counting down the hours until I would be off work and relaxing at the Overton Park Shell.

In seven hours, 32 minutes, and 19 seconds, I would be off work and headed to Overton Park for the Free Concert Series. I like to read and relax while they set everything up. I also engage in a little people-watching before grabbing some food, a Mempop, and a beer.

But I was 28 minutes into my workday. (Twenty-eight minutes too long if you ask me.) Then, a co-worker trotted in my office and started talking about … work.

After discussing with them the things I “planned” to accomplish that day, I felt that I really needed to focus on something positive. So I wondered, “Who’s playing at the Shell tonight?” Not that it mattered, I was going regardless. But I got on the Overton Park Shell website and noticed something amiss. There was an odd event. Goat yoga.

So, I called my sister. Even though she had plenty of odd scenarios that involved feces and such, she continued to ask me questions. After not being able to answer a single question, other than when and where, she finally agreed. Yes! I was going to be doing yoga with goats this Sunday evening.

I thought about all the baby goats I was going to catch, and pet, and cuddle. I wondered what sound a goat makes when you tickle them? Do they go “baaaaahahahahahah”? Or, maybe “baaaabaaahaha”? Or, they could sound like, “bleaaahehehe.” I had no idea how a goat sounded when they were tickled, but I was definitely going to find out.

Fast-forward a few days. I arrived at the Overton Park Shell and I saw about 28 goats in a huge pen, and several people with yoga mats. I giddily set up my yoga mat and reached for the goat nearest me. I gave its belly a little tickle. Nothing. Not to let this mission fail, I reached for another goat and gave her furry little belly a tickle. Nothing again.

I wanted to continue my scientific exploration, but class had started. The owner, Lindsey Champagne, introduced herself and the goats. Yes, all of the goats have names and they respond to their names just like dogs. The goat near me was named Buttons. She was cute and fun. Plus, she was a mom just like me. The only difference, besides being a different species, is that she’s not ticklish. Yes, I tried for a second and third time. I thought maybe I should try on a few more goats to be sure. But first, a little yoga.

Lindsey came around and passed out crackers that we could give to the goats. We were supposed to treat them throughout the class, but the goats did not understand the words “wait,” “hold on,” or “share.” Needless to say, my crackers were gone within 10 seconds.

The yoga was very relaxing. Although the heat had been blistering all day, we were in the shade and had a really nice breeze. A couple of participants got sprinkled by the goats and some had a few dingleberries dropped on their mats. But not me!

During the class, the goats nibbled on the grass and napped. They were the epitome of chill. Once, during warrior II pose, I could have sworn I heard someone yell, “Momma.” It was just one of the baby goats. That let me know that these goats do make sounds, they just aren’t ticklish.

During child’s pose, a goat was instructed to hop on top of my back. Yes, the goat was instructed because they are just as trainable as dogs. And just as intelligent. The first goat to get on my back just laid there, attempting to take a nap. The second goat stood and posed for a picture. It was fantastic.

I highly recommend everyone trying goat yoga. I will definitely do it again. 901Goats has only been in business one year. They had everything set up and the session flowed smoothly. If you don’t own a yoga mat, no worries. They have yoga mats for you to use. Worried about dingleberries and such? No need to worry about that either. 901Goats supplies plenty of wipes and hand sanitizer for you to clean your mat and your hands.

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. By day, she’s a school librarian and a writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend

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Opinion The Last Word

Memphis is My Boyfriend: Shell Shenanigans

The Shell’s classes free the body and mind, sometimes the bladder. (Photo: Courtesy Patricia Lockhart)

I’m all for trying new experiences. My friends will tell you that I’m quick to happily drag them to some place or event without having the slightest clue of all of the details. Like that time I convinced my friends to go walking through the woods because it seemed like a path that people really didn’t walk on. There was a reason for that, and we ended up getting “lost” (her word not mine).

So while searching for something new to experience in 2021, I came across a post from the Shell, formerly known as Levitt Shell, but now called Overton Park Shell. They had free workout classes on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. I love free things. After messaging my friends, we decided to give the Saturday morning kickboxing class a try. I haven’t done any kickboxing since my Tae Bo days in high school with Billy Blanks. Nevertheless, I was stoked!

That morning, I drank a levy’s worth of water and headed to the Shell. We found a good spot, high-fived each other, and began. Y’all … y’all … y’all … I was not ready. Billy Blanks ain’t got nothin’ on those Kroc Center instructors. In the first session I attended, I promise I lost two lbs. and a little common sense. I gave that class my all, my everything! After the kickboxing class ended, we moved straight to yoga. And I moved straight to sleep. In the middle of the Shell, with folks all around me, I took myself a little nappy-nap. After I woke, I needed to do one thing: take a restroom break. I tiptoed through the crowd to the bathroom with my Baptist “Excuse Me” Finger in the air, only to discover that the restroom was locked. Not wanting to leave class, even though I just slept for 20ish minutes, I held tight for dear life and waited on my friends.

I returned to the Shell for several more Saturday-morning workouts. After kickboxing, I often just laid there. Not immediately, but as time progressed, I got stronger. Eventually I was able to do 5-20 minutes of yoga before napping out. Also, bonus, the restrooms were later unlocked.

Fast-forward to the present, the Overton Shell has started up the Health and Wellness Series again. Now you too can have a healthy, life-changing experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed Twilight Yoga and Pilates, but one yoga session stretched my bladder more than I want to admit. As usual, I drank a levy of water again before driving to the Overton Park Shell. (Look, I seriously believe in hydration.) Although I arrived a little late in my cute Fabletics outfit, I found a good shady spot. I quietly rolled out my yoga mat and mentally prepared myself for this woo-say moment. As I exhaled a long, deep breath, my bladder also tried to exhale. My eyes shot open! Every muscle in my body tensed and I willed them to suck back in every ounce of moisture in my body. Once I felt I was in stable condition to move without leaking, I headed to the restroom by the side of the stage. As I walked, I saw that there was a gate and a lock on the restroom. A gate and a lock! Quickly, I thought of my options: Keep walking past the restroom in search of a bush; turn around, grab my things, and leave in search of a proper restroom; or try the restroom on top of the hill.

Afraid to exhale too hard, I took a quick, shallow breath and chose Option C. I trudged all the way up the hill only to find that those restrooms were locked, too. I went back to my mat. I sat down and regrouped my bladder. After about five minutes, my body had finally calmed down. I did about two or three yoga poses before I felt the dam starting to give way. It was now or never. In one quick swoop, I grabbed my keys, water bottle, mat, and shoes and sashayed to my car. I drove to the nearest restroom and vowed to get some pelvic floor therapy from Sundara Wellness. Crisis averted. The next Twilight Yoga and Pilates was perfect.

Since I haven’t tried all the classes, be sure you check out overtonparkshell.com for all of the Health and Wellness classes they are offering throughout the summer until October/November. Yeah, that’s a lot of free classes. I know I’ll definitely be attending more Twilight Yoga and Pilates and maybe a little body combat (aka kickboxing). But what I’m most excited about is the goat yoga on June 26th! 901Goats will help me relax while daydreaming about farm life. This is bound to be an excellent experience.

Here are a few pro tips for the Health and Wellness Series: Bring water. Ice cold water. Bring something to wipe the sweat off your face. The instructors will ask you to do some pretty amazing things. Try them out; you can always nap later. Bring a friend or make a friend while you’re there. Wear sunscreen and a hat; you are outside after all. Have fun. Most importantly, pee before you go.

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. Her days are filled with laughter with her four kids and charming husband. By day, she’s a school librarian and a writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend

Categories
Opinion The Last Word

Memphis is My Boyfriend: Inspired to Dance

Losing the “Covid 10” with fun classes at Collage Dance Collective (Photo: Courtesy Patricia Lockhart)

I have this saying, “I work on myself when it suits me.” And ever since 2020, when the world shut down and there was nothing to do, I’ve been dabbling in exercising. A long walk here, a hike through Stanky Creek there, PopSugar YouTube videos sprinkled throughout the week — I’ve done a little bit of everything. Through virtual classes offered by Fit4Mom and Downtown Yoga and outdoor exercise classes offered by Wolf River Conservatory, I was able to keep the Covid 15, a weight gain of 15 lbs., to a respectable Covid 10. But the way my body is set up, any weight gain was inevitable.

So at the beginning of 2022, I decided I wanted to switch up my workout routine. I spent most of January doing Zumba on my Nintendo Switch. But I found myself shortening the workouts. A 30-minute Zumba session turned to 15, and then quickly to 10. In February, my job had a steps challenge. So I was at least motivated to move more throughout the day so I wouldn’t “look bad” in front of my peers. It worked … mostly. But I was still in a fitness rut. Then a coworker mentioned wanting to sign up for an adult yoga class at the Collage Dance Collective. I knew that they had an amazing reputation for nurturing kids into incredible dancers, but I didn’t know that they extended their talent to adults, too. So I checked out their website and behold — dance classes.

Even though I love to dance, I didn’t want to engage in this new activity by myself. So I reached out to my best friend, my buddy, my forever date … my husband. His response came quickly and unstrained, “Immediately, no. No, babe. Not at all.” But I didn’t let the first “no” stop me. I asked a few more times throughout the week and surprisingly got the same answer. (A solid “no” if you weren’t sure.)

Not one to be thwarted, I decided to make it a Girls’ Date Night. So I reached out to a few of my girls and explained what I’d discovered. So, on a Wednesday, my sister and I arrived just in time for the Zumba workout. Here’s what I learned about myself: I have lost all of the cardio endurance I had gained in the past. My hips don’t really swivel or swerve. I can easily burn 500 calories in one hour. And Zumba is too much fun to be considered a workout.

I immediately signed up for Line Dancing on Friday, Yoga on Saturday, and Hip Hop Cardio on Monday. I had so much fun in Line Dancing. I clocked well over 4,000 steps while I moved and grooved. Because this was low-impact, I didn’t have to drag myself to the car afterwards. Hip Hop Cardio lets you listen to some of the coolest DJs while learning routines. So within three weeks, I found myself with a new exercise routine that didn’t feel like work at all. I absolutely love every dance class I have attended. So much so that I’ve signed up for the Adult Beginner’s Ballet Class. What do I know about ballet? Mostly nothing. Why did I sign up? Because I love adventures!

So now that I have an awesome exercise routine and can soon be called a ballerina, I needed an awesome reward to match it. There are three ways I reward myself: books, food, and experiences. And if I could mesh all three together — golden! With my TBR list being over 50 books and dancing at Collage being an experience within itself, the only choice left was food. But I wanted my food to compliment my new workouts, not hinder everything I’d done. I’m also not a lettuce type of girl. I need something flavorful and filling while being healthy at the same time. I found just the place right across the street.

Inspire Community Cafe serves some deliciously healthy foods. Coffee, tea, breakfast served all day, quesadillas, rice or quinoa bowls, chili, barbecue nachos, and smoothies! And that’s just the short version. I love their egg scrambles. Although, after a hard workout, there’s only one way to treat my inner child. That’s right — Choco-Monkey Pancakes! These pancakes are so delicious; they’re made from a gluten-free batter with chocolate chips sprinkled generously throughout the batter and topped with thickly sliced bananas. Usually, gluten-free bread items have a gritty taste to them, but I had honestly eaten these pancakes three or four times before I looked closely at the menu. All of their pancakes are gluten-free.

But if you’re not a pancake person, I would recommend an Egg-cellent. It’s scrambled eggs topped with your choice of veggies and meat. I ask for everything and the kitchen sink in mine. Pro-Tip: Get it with a side of toast and jelly. Oh, and an extra slice of bacon. The Breakfast Quesadilla is also delicious. But if you decide to go that route, be warned … it’s huge!

While Inspire Community Cafe serves breakfast all day, their lunch menu is not to be ignored either. The Slow-Cooked BBQ Chicken Quesadilla does not disappoint.

Both of these amazing places, the Collage Dance Collective and Inspire Community Cafe, can be found in Binghampton, at the corner of Tillman and Sam Cooper. The adult dance classes can range from $6 to $8 per class. A delicious meal at Inspire Community Cafe can range from $5 on up, depending on your appetite. But your experience at both places … priceless.

Gotta love it, mane!

Collage Dance Collective, 901-800-1873, IG: @collagedance;
Inspire Community Cafe, 901-509-8640, IG: @inspirecommunitycafe

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend

Categories
Opinion The Last Word

Memphis is My Boyfriend: Falling Isn’t for the Weak

Photo: Jesse Davis

One Sunday evening, around 6:30 p.m., my hubby and I decided that we wanted a good cup of coffee. Knowing that most good coffee places are closed at that hour, he did a quick search and found Society Memphis Skatepark and Coffee in Binghampton off Broad. We walked in fully expecting a jazzy coffee club scene. Did we read the well-lit signs? No. Did we ask why there were skateboards on the wall? No. Did we notice the guests in helmets and pads? No.

I’m using the pronoun “we” very loosely. My husband probably noticed all of those things and could have possibly pointed them out to me as we entered, but I was hyper-focused on coffee. And not just any coffee. But the good kind. The Cxffeeblack kind!

Cxffeeblack is just the right elixir to becoming a Cool Kid. (Photo: Jesse Davis)

After ordering coffee, I took a peek through what appears to be a back door. There were ramps! Ramps to the left. Ramps to the right! There were handrails and slopes and flying people! Well, they weren’t actually flying, but they were close. I immediately knew that I was in the presence of the Cool Kids. They were doing tricks, turns and … and … cool stuff. I’m sure all of the moves have names, but I honestly couldn’t tell you.

As I watched with my mouth wide open, my husband leaned over and said, “We should come back here.” And somewhere between pure awe and a coffee high, I agreed. I agreed to go skateboarding as a date night.

Fast forward to Friday night and I found myself nursing another cup of coffee to calm my nerves. (I know, I know. The coffee might have done the opposite, but it was still a great comfort.) The attendant confidently passed me my rental skateboard and left my hubby and me to our own devices. As I looked at the skaters enjoying themselves, I thought, “Maybe I should have signed up for skateboarding lessons.” Well, it was too late for shoulda-coulda-wouldas. I was there and I ain’t no chicken.

Within 15 minutes, I realized that I might not be a scaredy chicken, but I was definitely not a spring chicken. And 20 seconds after that realization, I came to terms that I was a scaredy chicken, too. Skateboarding is not an activity for the weak or the timid. My husband and I couldn’t figure out how these Cool Kids got both feet on the boards at the same time. Memphis miracles were happening before my very eyes! After 20 minutes of failing to even stand and move on the board, my eyes desperately said, “Somebody — anybody — help me!”

(Photo: Jesse Davis)

And just like that, Cool Kid S. M. Vazquez came to our embarrassing rescue. He showed us the proper way to stand on a skateboard, how to balance, and even a little physics. (Stuff about motion, center of gravity, and degrees of something or another. My math doesn’t “math” like everyone else’s.) Nevertheless, I was able to stand on the skateboard and balance. Not in motion, but not falling either. That was until he said that we could try to coast down a very small ramp.

This ramp was no higher than 2 feet off the ground with a generous slope. I stood at the top of the mini-Mount Everest (yes, I’m exaggerating) and got balanced. I found my center of gravity and pushed off very, very slowly. And very slowly, the ground came rushing to meet me like a long lost friend. Falling when you’re 7 is quite different than when you’re 37. All of my bones vibrated. When the vibrations ended, I felt like pieces of me were floating away. In some distance galaxy, Thanos had snapped his fingers and I was slowly dissolving away.

Cool Kid Vazquez and my hubby picked me and all my imaginary pieces off the ground. I blinked a few times back to reality and realized that I was still alive. No bones were broken, but my dignity had permanently stained the floor. The Cool Kid Vazquez mentioned a few tips, but I didn’t hear them. The bones in my ears hadn’t fully recovered.

Okay. I might be a little dramatic, but I fell. Off a skateboard. At age 37. Enough said.

I took a sip of Cxffeeblack, aka Liquid Courage, while my hubby tried the same thing. He fell, too.

Then I was back at the top of the ramp. Before I pushed off, I asked my hubby to hold my waist from the back and Cool Kid Vazquez to hold my wrists from the front. I was determined not to fall. So determined, in fact, that I did the only thing I could do in that situation.

I fell. Again. This time, I didn’t meet the floor quite so fast. I was guided down gently. It was then that Cool Kid Vazquez gave me this nugget of knowledge, “If you think you’re going to fall, get closer to the ground.”

After one hour, I was finally able to skateboard, and, yes, I’m using that term loosely. I could coast about 6 to 8 feet before losing momentum. And I’m satisfied with that. After falling, my goal was to never experience that again.

This date night showed me just how versatile Memphis is. Date night with Memphis doesn’t have to be food and movies. It can be drinking good coffee and almost breaking your rear in the process. Memphis is about making memories and having great stories to tell. This is one for the books.

Now that I’m writing this, I wonder if my hubby knew all along that this place was a skateboarding place and used coffee to lure me in.

Hmm … Gotta love it, mane!

Society Memphis: 901-746-8587, IG: @societymemphis

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend

Categories
Opinion The Last Word

Memphis is My Boyfriend: A Nostalgic Date Night

Photo: Pamela Mcadams | Dreamstime.com

Every date night with Memphis can’t be out in those streets. Especially with Covid lurking around. So I decided to bring Memphis home and just chill. In order to make this date night pop, ya girl gotta get the right eats.

When you think of Memphis, I bet you think about barbecue, Beale Street, and Elvis. That’s all good and everything, but I’m a native Memphian, not a touristy one. Yes, there’s a difference. (Just ask 10 native Memphians if they’ve ever been to Graceland and I’m sure nine will tell you, “Naw, mane! I’m from Memphis.”) When I think of Memphis, I think of tamales, hot wings, burgers, and Beale Street. Yeah, I love me some Beale Street. Issa whole vibe.

For this date night, I wanted to take a walk down memory lane.

As a little girl, we would ride the MATA bus everywhere. We would always start off by taking the 10 Watkins(1) and connecting to wherever we needed to go. In those days, it could be minutes or hours before you could get a connecting transit. So my mom, brothers, and I would shave off the time by going to Dyer’s Burgers on Watkins. Those burgers were, and still are, amazing — greasy, seasoned, and flavorful. I recall watching the cook fry up the burger in the grease and watching the burger patty float a little.

Finding a burger like Dyer’s within my “delivery area” was unheard of. Until I ran across James Michael Fisher, also known as Chef JBless, of A & J’s Food Delivery. It’s apparent that taste and flavor is a high priority for this Black-owned business. I initially hit him up on Instagram (@ajsfooddelivery901) for his wings. I was pleasantly surprised to find that his cost of wings hasn’t tripled like everyone else’s. So for my first time, I ordered some honey-gold wings and a burger and had it delivered to work. Y’all! That meal made my whole day! While the wings were on point, in price and in flavor, the burger took me back to my childhood days on Watkins. The burgers are well-seasoned, moist, and oh-so flavorful! So before leaving the house, I placed an order for wings, burgers, and fries.

Sidenote: Seriously, why are chicken wings so high? Chicken thigh prices haven’t doubled, and wings and thighs both come from the same chicken! Somebody make it make sense!

I first decided to get some tamales. Now, Mexican tamales are different from Black people’s tamales. As a very young child, before my days on Watkins, we stayed in Dixie Homes(2). Across the street from our projects(3), there was this man who sold tamales from a cart on the corner. I wasn’t too much taller than the cart itself, but as my mom and I approached the cart, I could smell the spices and flavor. My mom would pass me my tamales and I would grab the wrapping and gently unroll my delicious tamale. Y’all. Blessed!

There’s only one place that I know where I can get a tamale from my childhood. So with my audiobook on full blast, I drove to Orange Mound(4). Pop’s Tamales are amazing and remind me so much of the man on the corner with the tamale cart. Sometimes I wonder if it’s the same man. There, I bought seven tamales for $14: two for me to eat in the car, two to eat at home, and three for my hubby.

Now, I only had one more place to stop before heading home to meet Chef JBless. Buster’s! I have been a patron of Buster’s since my old college days back in ’03. But on this day, I wasn’t looking for liquor. I was looking for a very special beer, a beer with a name close to my Memphis heart. A beer that is just like how I like my men — dark and full of body. After much anticipation, Beale Street Brewing Co. released a peanut and banana porter, and it is available at Buster’s. I strolled in like a boss and headed straight back for the beer cooler. I grabbed my four-pack, blew Kahlúa a kiss, and checked out. I was in and out in under 15 minutes.

I had just pulled back in my driveway when I received a text from Chef JBless that my order had an ETA of 5 minutes. I cleared the coffee table, poured the beer like a pro, unwrapped my tamales, and welcomed in the hot wings, burgers, and fries. With the food and drinks ready to be devoured, there was only one last thing to do. We sat on the couch, streamed a little HBO Max, and exhaled before we inhaled.

Gotta love it, mane!

1 10 Watkins (n.) — a popular MATA route in Frayser

2 Dixie Homes (n.) — one of the Memphis Public Housing communities, 1938-2006

3 projects (n.) — a term given to Memphis Public Housing areas

4 Orange Mound (n.) — first African-American neighborhood built by and for African Americans, located in Southeast Memphis

A & J’s Food Delivery: 901-849-3981; IG @ajsfooddelivery901

Beale Street Brewing Co.: IG @bealestbrewingco

Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. Her days are filled with laughter with her four kids and charming husband. By day, she’s a school librarian and a writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend