LAKEWOOD
I am leaving Lakewood soon, not by choice or preference, but the end is near and there is no battle. Everyday Ive spent here, my senses have been alive and taking note, and now those senses are being remembered and played over and over in my head, like the dynamisms of a St. Vincent song.
Shy of spending a year here, this tiny little space with a vaulted tin roof and birds nest of a bedroom will forever be a womb in my heart. Kept mostly unfurnished, the walls of this garage apartment have absorbed my present soul. The spirit of 6167 Goliad has been on the contrary to dark and sad, bright and willing to listen(Maybe this is because it lies on a direct North, South, East, West axis). The space itself has been designed for extreme efficiency through level changes and object installations; everything is purposeful. French doors hold the key for entrance. From the inside, they open up to a shared green space with grass that is comfortable to walk on and various vines and trees that hug the perimeter to shade while the sun is out. The sun kisses the outside and inside at the most appropriate times; sunning the plants that need it most while coming in through the skylights to create delightful shapes of light.
This special dollop that Ive spent a brief but important time in, has been my retreat, but what goes beyond my fence has greater reference to time and the things that happen out there. Taking my dog, Luna, on walks brings memories of the dutiful trees on Cecille Street. They lined up everyday and protected us from the sun, rain or wind. Evidence of the protection laid limp on the ground after heavy rains, or whistled loudly when strong winds chorused the leaves and branches. On sweltering days, I would zig-zag to be under their shaded watch as they guided us to Tietze Park.
Tietze Park is a quaint, rectangular park near the north cap off of Lakewood. Its walking path winds around the edge while children and their nannies play on the swing set, a son practices baseball with his dad, the pool waits in anticipation for summer visitors, dogs run after their favorite toy, and a teenager saves a kite from the heights of a very old tree.
Also in walking distance is the center of Lakewood, where unique boutiques, eateries and amenities hold residence. The Whole Foods market that provides pricier organic food and products sees some of the best, most genuine clientele in Dallas, compared to its other locations. And the little boutiques, like Curiosities or Bebe Grande, they have some of the most unique finds. Legal grounds is a little coffee shop that closes at 2 everyday. They serve pancakes made with granola. Travel a little outside of the center and find Garden Café to be a hidden gem.
Lakewood rests between the lake and downtown, and perhaps this harmony of opposites gives this place its unique qualities. For me it has been an escape, or an oasis, to Dallas. It has not been trapped by the common security of standardization, but thrived on its characters. Leaving here feels like I have lost a breathe of air, but it only serves as motivation to find my way back to a place like this.
