what's good : alma maters
Or, almae matres if you're fancy.
Thinking about the common use of the phrase alma mater this week as my college (and my husband’s, and my kids’…), Washington State University, played its cross-state rival in what was the last official, meaningful Apple Cup. [See here for basic info on the sad, dastardly moves being made by 10 of the Pac-12 Conference teams]. As WSU Cougars, we’ve generally been considered underdogs in most sports competitions even though a lot of our not-football teams have consistently performed reasonably well. And, some people even think our education is less than stellar - when my UW-alum orthodontist in high school heard I was going to Wazzu, he asked if I knew how to get there; when I looked confused, he explained “You drive east until you smell it then go south until you step in it.” My parents were paying a lot of money for my teeth (and school) so I did not bite him. But I also didn’t laugh.
Whatever their [generally elitist] reasons for thinking lowly of us, we shrug them off and support our athletes - and each other - no matter what. Out in our isolated, cozy campus in the southeast corner of the state, Cougs become family. So, “nourishing mother” makes sense not only for our university but also the surrounding town of Pullman, and for the everyday life details that we find comforting.
In poetry: I love the mesmerizing, chanting quality Harjo brings to this poem by repeating the word “Remember.” It’s a meditation, which I think is the best way to recall glorious (and sometimes difficult) things.
Remember by Joy Harjo Remember the sky that you were born under, know each of the star’s stories. Remember the moon, know who she is. Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the strongest point of time. Remember sundown and the giving away to night. Remember your birth, how your mother struggled to give you form and breath. You are evidence of her life, and her mother’s, and hers. Remember your father. He is your life, also. Remember the earth whose skin you are: red earth, black earth, yellow earth, white earth brown earth, we are earth. Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them, listen to them. They are alive poems. Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the origin of this universe. Remember you are all people and all people are you. Remember you are this universe and this universe is you. Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you. Remember language comes from this. Remember the dance language is, that life is. Remember.
BONUS: Watch poet Joy Harjo read her poem, which was made into a picture book illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade.
In food: When hungry in Pullman, do as the locals do - go to Cougar Country. This place was a solid choice when my husband & I were in college and continues to be the same, thanks to a fundraising campaign & revamp by WSU alumni during the pandemic. It is the epitome of small town burger joints with the obvious fare, but also offers quirky options like a hot ham & cheese sandwich or bowl of clam chowder. The iconic 1970s building is positioned in the middle of Grand Avenue, welcoming Cougs & visitors into town. Parking can be tricky so the best way to visit with a group is via carpool, and avoid the drive-thru - of course the intercom is useless as with most even in the 21st century, and the food just tastes better inside the perpetually sticky-floored, crimson & grey-filled dining area. On busy nights, send a few of your party to hold whichever table that opens, and a couple people to stand in line to order for all. You can also find a new satellite version in the middle of campus serving up the same delicious, messy, satisfying goods.
Another must-visit place that has been at WSU since well before I was there last century is Ferdinand’s. It is the ice cream shop + producer of world-famous-for-good-reason Cougar Gold cheese, run by Food Science students. When we were in school, it was still operating out of a tiny space in the middle of campus where we could pop into between classes. It has since moved to a larger space in the new department building but still fills up on game days & family weekends. Their hours are a little bonkers because student-run, but make time to line up when you find yourself on campus. It will be 1000% worth the wait and the weather, if you’re caught outside.
Lastly, visit Etsi Bravo, a newer cocktail bar/restaurant owned, designed, & bartended by WSU alumni on Main Street that we enjoyed while our kids were in college these past few years. The extra fun nostalgic part for us Olds (but eye-rolling chagrin for our kids) is that it’s housed in the front section of a former dance club we frequented in the late 80s. When my husband & I first came upon this place while visiting our kids, we were trying to remember what businesses used to be there. As we sat with our drinks in the funky place - mismatched velvet furniture, vinyl playing/album covers displayed, shelves full of antique & thrift store knickknacks, vintage movie projected on the brick wall above the bar - we noticed large closed sliding doors beyond the seating area. We asked the owner if she knew what was back there and she told us it was a large open room that they planned to make a concert/dancing space. As soon as I peeked through those doors, I knew it was our old ‘Panic City.’ Instant visions of sweaty dancing to Prince, Madonna, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys with my favorite people, getting cup after cup of cold water from the dispenser, making up names for our silliest moves…. All kinds of people showed up there every weekend - jocks, cheerleaders, nerds, maybe some actual grown-ups? But we were all Cougs, so we were family. Etsi Bravo beautifully keeps this vibe alive.
In music: So in speaking of the 80s and nourishing things, I’m sharing a playlist of songs that bring me back to 1986, my freshman year of college. Some are older than that year because they were my favorites on vinyl or cassette that I brought with me across the state to school. These songs livened up my cramped dorm room, my beloved first home away from home. They connected me to my fellow Cougs, raised a few eyebrows, let them know who I was. And even though I’m now a few decades removed and changed in many ways, there is comfort in remembering.
“…you are this universe and this universe is you.”
I do not understand why people feel the need to say rude things to other people about their school choices. :-/
Lovely read as always <3 Go Cougs!