Leandra Lowe-Evans Kwanzaa/New Years party

The tradition I am doing my best to keep alive is our Kwanzaa/New Year's party - I wasn't going to do it this year, but I plan on being out of town...now putting together something small & last minute - the recipe: Gumbo!!

Leandra has hosted the family Kwanzaa Dinner for almost a decade. She goes all out and spares no expense for her neighborhood block party in Stockton, California. She has games, prizes, art activities, food, conversation, music, and Deejays spinning music for young adults & teenagers.

This party also celebrates Nano's birthday on the 31st of December. Minnie Pearl is in her 80s and is out on the dance floor with her great-grands, having so much fun. That was two years ago when I attended. Yes, Gumbo is the main course meal. Leandra spares no expense when she puts her traditional Gumbo pot together.

Big Mama Memory Quilt, 2012 Grandmother Nine Patch, repurposed fabric.

Annual Holiday Celebration @ Switching Station

This is the season to eat, drink, and be merry. My annual Holiday Sunday Dinner Celebration will not be held this year. I moved from the Switching Station officially on December 3rd, 2009. I will miss all my friends who made the holidays in Chicago wonderful. Please carry on our tradition, post your special celebrations, or send them in an email so I can post them for you.

I will share photos I take during the holiday season here in California.

Here's to a decade in Chicago, "CHEERS."