In My Hometown: Coffee, Weird Sightings, Me Lollygagging Again, Seeing Old Places, Having Old Feelings and Memories I Didn’t Expect!
Hey friend, happy Sunday,
Things in life are changing for so many people, and lately I’ve been realizing that going back home to visit is more vital now than ever. Time feels different these days; people feel different. And the places that raised us seem to matter in a deeper way than they used to.
Today, I’m lollygagging in my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, the place where I was raised. The place that shaped me in ways I probably didn’t even notice at the time (back in the day). It’s a place I don’t visit often, but that’s about to change. Although this road trip is mainly about visiting my mother-in-law and father-in-law, before settling in, I wanted to see the city. The old parts we left behind, and the new parts that are worth seeing when visiting. I want to see and feel the things I may have missed over the years simply by being gone.
It’s about 9 a.m., and Rico and I have just hit the road, leaving out of Dallas, Texas. But before we go too far, we have to stop at McDonald’s for our traditional hotcakes and coffee. This is our thing. Anytime we take a road trip, it starts with McDonald’s breakfast. Some of our most important conversations have happened while sitting over coffee, talking about life, plans, ideas, and everything in between. McDonald’s coffee just hits the spot when you’re on the road, and honestly, it feels like the official start of the journey. That sounds dramatic, but it's so true. :)
Going home always brings back good feelings for me. Even though this trip is a turnaround, I’m looking forward to sitting down, laughing, and spending time with family. There’s something comforting about knowing where you’re headed, even if the visit is short.
To give a little backstory, Shreveport, Louisiana, has a deep, old history. It’s a place where families grew up together. We went to church together, we celebrated birthdays together , weddings etc. We had barbecues that felt like they happened every other weekend. Life felt good being back in town, I can still feel that love anytime we visit.
Shreveport is the place where I met and married my husband over twenty years ago. We bought our first home here, and we raised our kids here. So many moments of joy live in this city. Whether the buildings are still standing or not, as we drove around, memories kept flowing and reminding me of who I was and how far I’ve come.
A lot has changed over the years, and because of that, I wanted to just ride around the city and explore it a bit. We made no extra real plans, just lollygagging and doing nothing but visiting family, exploring the city, and eating good food. We were just turning down streets we hadn’t thought about in years.
We stopped near an art spot filled with graffiti, and unexpectedly, it made me emotional. It made me smile. Not because it was sad, but because Shreveport is filled with so much talent. You can feel it, and I was a part of it. You can see it painted across broken walls and worn-down bricks. Even in spaces that look abandoned, there’s creativity showing beauty through someone’s art. That touched me in a way I didn’t expect.
As we kept driving, I noticed weird yet cool things that made me smile big like a giant rooster standing tall in the middle of nowhere, and a huge dog statue that made us look toward the sky. These are things I never noticed as a kid, probably because I was always in a rush to get somewhere.
Shreveport has so much history, and a lot of the old buildings have been torn down. That part always makes me pause. It’s not how I remember it, but I also understand that cities change, just like people do. It felt good to take pictures of spaces that might become something new one day. There’s beauty in the in-between the waiting, the rebuilding, the hope. I was so hopeful in this city as a young girl, a teen, then woman.
At one point, I caught a glimpse of piles of clothes on the ground, which stopped me in my tracks. It unlocked memories of past struggles I don’t talk about often. But instead of shame, what I felt was gratitude. Gratitude for how far I’ve come, gratitude for growth, gratitude for the life I’m living now.
That picture isn’t about sadness or embarrassment. It’s about time. It’s about remembering where I’ve been and honoring the journey that brought me here. Life has a way of reminding you softly or loudly: that change is possible.
And yes, even though I had coffee at McDonald’s earlier that morning, I couldn’t come to town and not stop by Rhino Coffee. That just wouldn’t be right. I grabbed their newest eggnog latte with vanilla, whipped cream, and cinnamon. It was really good to me. I love seasonal drinks, especially during fall and Christmas. There’s something comforting about holding a warm cup of something special while walking through familiar streets.
After coffee, we stopped by Shreveport Artspace to see a little magic. It was such a cute,
nostalgic spot. I’m not even sure if it was there when I was a kid, but it brought joy to visit it now as an adult. The space was small, but it unlocked something happy inside both Rico and me. Sometimes it doesn’t take much to feel inspired, just the right place at the right time.
Last stop we took pictures of the Robinson Film Center, although I have never visited this place it is on the agenda for the next visit Robinson Film Center Here’s what I found on Google)
This place isn’t just another movie theater; it’s a hub for community, education, and creative energy in the city. It shows independent films, classics, international movies, documentaries, and special series you wouldn’t normally find at big chain theaters. Robinson Film Center+1
What makes it extra special is that it’s more than a building with screens:
It was started by local film advocates and opened downtown in 2008 to bring art and creativity right into the community. Robinson Film Center
It’s one of the few places in Louisiana dedicated to showcasing films outside the typical Hollywood lineup, films that prompt you to think or feel something different. Robinson Film Center
They don’t just show movies; they host classes and programs for kids, teens, adults, and seniors, teaching film history, media literacy, and even how to make your own films. Robinson Film Center
Their annual impact is quite impressive; thousands of people attend screenings and classes each year, and the center makes a significant contribution to the local arts economy. Robinson Film Center
They even have a cozy bistro upstairs, Abby Singer’s Bistro, where people can eat, sip, and chat before or after a film. Robinson Film Center
Honestly, seeing that place sparked something in me. It reminded me how much life a city has beyond the familiar spots we grew up with. Places like this keep the culture breathing, keep people connected, and give young creatives a platform right in their own backyard.
If I lived closer, I’d totally stop in next time, maybe grab a latte, catch a flick, and let the art of film carry me back to another kind of memory. #realtalk
Family Time Hits Different Now
By noon, we were with my mother-in-law and father-in-law, and that alone was a joy. My mother-in-law and I talked and laughed so much. One of my favorite moments was her telling me how proud she is of her son Rico and me. She’s the one who pointed out that Rico and I have been married for over twenty years. Hearing that out loud hit me differently this time.
Not that it hasn’t been said before, but as my kids get older and begin to move on with their own lives, I now understand what it feels like when your child leaves home. Writing this part has me tearing up a little. Okay… okay… enough of that.
But, truly, it was a beautiful moment, sitting there, just talking, laughing, and being present with them, which reminded me how important these visits really are.
My mother-in-law also knows I love seafood, so she took me to try a new spot. I’ll only show the food and not the place, since it’s close to our family’s home. Just know it was so good, and it brought back so many memories. Rico knew from the moment we met that I was a seafood girl. That’s how he won me over with Shrimp, fried catfish, and tartar sauce. If you live in Shreveport, you know we take our seafood seriously.
Southern Maid & Saying Goodbye
As the day came to an end, it was time to say goodbye to my mother-in-law, father-in-law, and my sister-in-law Pam. Leaving family never gets easier, no matter how many times you do it. But before heading back to Dallas, there were two things left to do: take lots of pictures and stop by Southern Maid Donuts. And if you know, you know.
Back in the day, Southern Maid donuts were big, thick, and you needed at least two gallons of milk to wash them down. And back in the day when that hot sign came on, everybody in town knew it was time to go. Rico and I stopped for a fresh box. They were a little smaller now, but that same glaze and softness was still there, just like I remembered as a kid.
By the time we hit the freeway, it was around 8 p.m. Although this trip was full of happiness, it was also a little sad to leave again. But I already know I’ll be back. Next time, I plan to slow down even more, to relax, to chill, to reach out to old friends.
Thank you for spending this day with me. I hope you enjoyed today’s post. If you feel like sharing something, drop a comment.
XO,
Tangie
Hope You’re Living Beyond Existing
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