It’s always amazed me how much about my time in Detroit I remember. When I was born daddy had already moved from Columbus Ga up north, I’m guessing to make a better life for us. I’m told that mama and I moved there when I was three months old. My father-in-law teases me all the time because I don’t really have a southern accent, I’m a picky eater and I hate sweet tea. I explain to him the first five years of my life were up north.
I’m pretty sure I said pop instead of soda until one of my cousins forced me to say drank when mama and I moved back to Alabama where she’s from.
Anyway there were lots of good times and bad ones in Michigan. Obviously one of the best was my fourth birthday party in 1983. Before I even saw the accompanying picture I had clear memories of having a Strawberry Shortcake cake, I remember because I didn’t like that her shoes were outlined in black icing. To this day I’m very particular about my birthday cakes. I’ve gotten several free cakes because a decorator didn’t follow my instructions.
I remember Mickey Mouse birthday hats and napkins. I remember chips, red punch, ice cream, my little boyfriend/neighbor Munchin and my daddy capturing every moment with a camera. So if you every attended one of my themed birthday parties, I’m pretty sure it started here.
The conversation probably went something like this:
Daddy: What kind of party do you want?
Shaka: A Strawberry Shortcake Mickey Mouse.
Daddy: That doesn’t go together.
Shaka: So, I still want it.
Daddy: Ok

So there, my birthday celebration obsession begins. In case you didn’t know, November 10 is a holiday.
🙂

Above is me in my fav hairstyle, two French braids, daddy and I singing the birthday song and of course the MM hats.