October 2022

Sumpango kite festival

Princesses of the Kite Festival

I know I’ve posted videos before of the Giant Kite Festival in Sumpango, Guatemala for Day of the Dead. But witnessing it some years ago made such a huge impression on me: the intricacy of the kites, the feeling of comradery among the builders, the gorgeous lush valley where the festival takes place. I set one of the scenes in my novel “Mother Mother” at the kite festival. The memory was so vivid I knew I had to incorporate it somehow. Here’s the video again in case you missed it.

Teams of locals spend months designing and planning their kites’ themes and designs. The frames are constructed from bamboo, and covered with colorful pieces of tissue paper, cut and glued.

Afterwards, we visited a cemetery, which was filled to overflowing with families eating, drinking, arranging flowers, listening to music, and in at least one case, dancing to marimba.

This video is narrated by one of the kite builders. I love the behind the scenes insights.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crxz9X_J8CQ

Sumpango kite festival Read More »

Book group

Sunday afternoon we hosted the Guatadopt Book Group to talk about the novel “Any Other Family” by Eleanor Brown. You know a book resonates with us when we spend an hour parsing the first discussion question: “What does the term ‘family’ mean to you?’”

I met the group 10+ years ago when they invited me to discuss my memoir “Mamalita.” Within minutes of sharing our stories I knew: “These are my people.” We’re still here more than a decade later, growing, supporting and learning from one another as our kids mature into teens and adults.

Becoming a mother through adoption has expanded my life in ways too many to count, including this one. I found my tribe.

Book group Read More »

First tap class

Took my first tap class in a dog’s age and OMG I loved it! The teacher has been tapping for probably 40 years—a total pro–and everyone was welcoming and generous. (Sent me the notes and phone video of the routine so far.) And these ladies are good! Time steps, back essence, cramp rolls, pullbacks. I really had to pay attention to keep up.

Someone in my previous post asked about my mother. Here’s a photo of her being fitted for her costume for the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall and another of her back home in Newport News, Virginia, a small-town teenager who took the train to NYC and knocked on the stage door.

I didn’t inherit my mom’s extraordinary stage presence or her perfect dancer body. But one thing I did get from my mother is a passion for movement, and for that I’m forever grateful.

Rockette’s in my blood, baby. Dance on!

First tap class Read More »

Tap!

I recently realized something is missing in my life–something with no expectations attached, that’s only for me, something guaranteed to bring me joy. On Saturday morning I woke up with the answer: Dance.

So like any self-respecting daughter of a Rockette, I signed up for a tap class through Parks and Rec and bought myself a brand new pair of tap shoes. Tonight is my first lesson in 30+ years.

Wish me luck!

Tap! Read More »

Great Valley Bookfest and Olivia

Spent a fun Saturday morning discussing “How I Published My Book” with Yang Huang, ML Hamiliton and Sharon Darrow at the Great Valley Bookfest in Manteca California. The dedication, insights and enthusiam of the audience and other writers was inspiring. Manteca happens to an hour north of Merced, so afterward I zipped down to spend the afternoon and share a late lunch with Olivia.

A perfect day.

Great Valley Bookfest and Olivia Read More »