How do families try to “solve” the problem? How do we not lose sight of the fullness and wholeness of the person affected by mental illness or trauma?
Read moreMay 9 - Mother's Day - "At the Narrow Waist of the World"
Until I wrote At the Narrow Waist of the World I did not understand the still-raw wound that I carried. I began the book by serendipity, with a scene I’d held in my memory full of texture and detail. I saw myself at the age of 5 or 6 carrying a white tray with hinged sides, hot milk in a Noritake cup, taking dinner to Mami who was very troubled at the time and was in bed.
Read moreHappy Birthday "At the Narrow Waist of the World!"
¡Feliz cumpleaños! Celebrating the one year anniversary of At the Narrow Waist of the World, a memoir
…during these distressing Covid19 months--book events were put on hold, rightly so. And now in October, there is a rush of excitement. Things that were going to happen “live” will now arrive in your living room thanks to Zoom technology.
Read moreWhat is a poem?
Start with the concrete, she tells us. I’ve been listening to the sound of the toilet flushing, the occasional creaks in the heating system, and an unidentified drip outside.
Read moreChildhood’s Gifts to Memoir
When we are kids we’re protagonists in a one person play as we measure up against the world. Everything is vivid; feelings are fierce. This is pure gold for writers.
Read moreWhat will you allow yourself to be open to?
We are vulnerable. Let’s celebrate this fact of life. The hurt, the anger, the noticing, the love. It’s never about perfection. Perfection covers up all the interesting things about being human.
Read morePrimas, Primos, and Piñatas
We didn’t know then that these were times in our lives when we were fully alive.
Panama’s birthday yesterday had me thinking of the birthday parties of my childhood in Panama when primas, primos, tías, and tíos were the cast of characters in my life. So I spent the afternoon searching for that one gorgeous photo of my little brother’s birthday party in the carport of tía Connie’s house. Here it is! Come play with me.
Read moreLaunch for At the Narrow Waist of the World
Emocionada and K’velling.
I’ve been waiting to share with you pictures from the book launch for At the Narrow Waist of the World two Sundays ago—and to thank those of you who could be there at the flagship Barnes & Noble store in Eastchester, NY. What a thrill for me to see so many loved faces! Did you notice my guardian angels that afternoon?
Read moreHow Do I Wear a Panama Hat?
Dear Friends and Readers, here’s some fun. Click on the link to learn about the Panama hat — and how to wear one. At The Narrow Waist of the World is 12 days from pub date!
Read moreAt the Narrow Waist of the World
It’s not like you write a book and find a publisher and then go to the beach. (laugh track) No. There’s so much more to do.
I release the book into your hands.
My memoir, At the Narrow Waist of the World, is two months from pub date. August 6 is the magic day. It’s been a long road, this business of book creation. Mine is a slender volume, six years in the making. Diving into old memories. Finding the words. Discovering that a mix of English and Spanish made the most music. I didn’t write the story with a plan in mind other than discovery: What transpired when I was a girl, an anxious mother, a suppression of self, the tenderness of a loving, extended family that nevertheless could not save you entirely. You make your own way.
I have in my hands something in the shape of a book. It’s a thrill and a burden. How will I introduce my book—on my feet—not hidden behind pencil and paper?
I am grateful for lovely reviews from Ilan Stavans, Ruth Behar, Jane Gerber, and other wonderful writers and academics. You can find them here.
Some Ways You can Help:
* Preorder the book. My publisher, She Writes Press, is finalizing the number for the print run, and it really does help to have early orders.
* Explore the rest of my website. I am proud of it.
* Tell friends about the book. Ask your local bookstore or library to order it.
* Let me know if you know someone in a position to review the book or interview me, author conversations, book clubs. It’s all about connections.
* If you live near Westchester, it will be wonderful to see your face at the reading and launch in September. I will announce it.
Thank you dear friends and readers.