Every window had a story, secrets that hid behind the shutters, lace curtains and overflowing flower boxes. Each home was ruled over by a divine queen mother. Some homes were opulent and some were plain while others were ghosts of their former glory but each was a sanctuary for the neighborhood divas whose kingdoms were small but well-tended and well loved.

The neighborhood queens held court each day while ensconced in their windows which were adorned with lace and flowers, and attended by their song birds and cats each framed in her own unique way. Here they discussed their children, their joys and sorrows, politics and gossip. They laughed and cried, sang and screamed.

I grew up in the kingdom of powerful women.