February 2021

Perspective

Perspective is a funny thing. A year ago, when the pandemic hit and we were told schools would close for 2 weeks, I panicked, thinking 2 weeks was forever. I never imagined Olivia would miss her entire senior year, spending it online in her bedroom on her laptop. Or that Mateo, who’s a sophomore, would have attended fewer in-person high school days than he has remotely.

But those are the facts.

Now I just heard the kids and I should be able to get vaccinated by late July. “Late July?!” I almost screamed. “That’s only 5 months away!!!”

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Debate over language

I’m posting a link to a fascinating article by Kim Bojorquez in the Sacramento Bee about who uses the term “Latinx” and the reasons why. From the article: “Spanish-language loyalists criticized the gender inclusive label for its attempt to change a language that consists of masculine and feminine nouns. Defenders called it a non-binary and inclusive label that acknowledges Latinas and LGBTQ Latinos.”

Also from the article: “A 2020 Pew Research Center study finds that only a quarter of Latinos in the U.S. have heard the term — and only 3% use it. Instead, the study shows, Latino communities would rather be referred to by their country of origin, such as Mexican, Honduran or Cuban.”

Finally, and also interesting from the article, and the reason why the term is popular among many: “About 22% of Latino millennials, between the ages of 18-34, identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender compared to African Americans, 14%, whites, 13%, and Asian Americans, 9%, according to a 2018 GenForward Survey, which studies Generation Z and millennial trends.”

Read the article here.

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Comfort food

Eggplant parmesan has become our quarantine comfort food. Our recipe is from a cookbook Costco was handing out free 5+ years ago, which we’d never opened until now. If you know us, you know Tim’s the better cook in the family: he adjusts the recipe by pre-baking the eggplant for 15 minutes on each side instead of the recommended 5; adds a little chicken stock and extends the overall baking time to an hour 10 minutes.

Any mozzarella will do, but with Buffalo. Oh my.

(Tim’s PS: “Don’t skimp on the cheese.”)

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Kirkus digital

Kirkus included its review of Mother Mother in the February digital issue. They told me they include only 10% of indie reviews in the digital issue, which is a small percentage when you think about it. Which explains why I’m so happy Mother Mother made the cut.

Hey: Great news and I’ll take it!!!

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