The Only Thing That Makes Orlando Home

Spring is coming. I can feel it.

Don’t laugh. I know that it’s Florida and our seasons are incredibly subtle.

Warm.
Not as warm.
Hot.
Don’t leave the house unless you need to because it’s TOO hot for anything.
…temps make up the city I live in.

I don’t have a connection to Orlando, Florida. I’ve lived here for my goodness, almost 7 years and there isn’t much keeping me here. 

Esposo and I can both work anywhere, we don’t have family here, most of my closest friends don’t live here and Orlando just never felt like home. Even though I started a business here. Launched my career here. Got married, had babies and lived in over 6 different apartments and houses here.I still don’t get warm and fuzzy feelings about this city. 

Which is sad because there really is so much in Orlando. The city has so much to offer. From Lake Mary, Sanford (which I actually call Trayvon Martin county), Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Eatonville, Winter Park, downtown Orlando and the Kissimmee area…Orlando is full of richness. 

Life. And culture. Yet, my relationship to the city is non-existent up until I stroll through the Naked Bar Soap Company.

I’ve rapped about this local soap shop before.

It feels like home to me.

The smells, the beautifully handcrafted soaps, scrubs, oils and succulents.

Deep conversation, non-stop laughter and conscious chatter with the owners (who are really friends). It’s my own little oasis. It’s my version of Cheers. I walk in and they’re happy to see me. I’m greeted with hugs, ushered to sit down and time stops.

Fellow Black women. Fellow moms. Sisters. Hustlers. Vulnerable souls baring it all. 

Happiness, joy, peace and whirling thoughts that keep whirling and swirling long after I leave.

I leave uttering “I’ll be back soon!” And hoping I can live up to that promise. 

Lately, I’ve been meditating and when I’m trying to NOT think and keep my active brain from thinking about random craziness, I think about the Naked Bar. 

The smells, spirit and vibes. I try to connect with that feeling and almost EVERY time I do that, I’m met with peace. The four corners of that shop with the faint scent of ylang ylang hanging in the air is home.

And all is well with the world.

Support my friends at sisters at the Naked Bar Soap Company. Buy a gift for someone. Treat yourself to something special.

And tell them I sent you.