Humanity: Raw & Unfiltered
Part 1 My mother is not a mother to me like a television mother. She’s more like a friend, a friend of a friend even. She’s the friend whose phone number you always lose on “accident.” When I was young, I used to idolize the kids on TV, especially the Read more
There is a blue plastic WalMart bag caught in a branch of the maple tree in my daughter’s front yard. It has been there since April, four seasons ago. It’s amazingly high – far beyond the nest of squirrels and the honeycomb of holes the woodpecker has drilled. Way above Read more
I am who I am because of Graciela and her bright red sash and because of her Abuela, the old woman with the melted candlestick. The old woman who used to braid her granddaughter’s hair in log rope twists and drags the candle down the aisle at the old Spanish Read more
For as long as I can remember I always felt compelled to unleash my talents to the world. My Grandmother nurtured my artistic talents by being both my adviser and biggest fan. She would collect fashion magazines and teach me how to braid my hair. She and I were so Read more
“Pick Em’ Off … One At a Time!” Those of us who are grandparents know that you had better not make a promise to one of your grandchildren unless you mean it. I am blessed to have, Sascha Yasmeen Ellison, who I often say is my favorite granddaughter. However, she Read more
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Every year I devote tremendous time and currency (both monetary and emotional) to the planning and preparation of the ultimate holiday gala. With so much festivity comes a great many stressful decisions. Like many, I overspend on gifts; I overstress about food, Read more
Five years ago, I arranged a meeting with twenty family members. I was to announce that I would begin to present to the world as a woman. As soon as everyone saw me in person and realized that I was really going to transition my gender and begin living as Read more
You might find family members you don’t know exist: half-brothers, half–sisters living not too far away to visit. Might I find a better welcome than I had? I ask other family to be tested, but they shrug. They know who they are, don’t care about the dead, don’t want to Read more