Facebook memory

This 5-years-past reflection from 2019 showed up on Facebook. Still true: “Not only blood makes a family.” On Saturday, Mateo received his Confirmation. For his Confirmation name, he chose “Miguel” (as in the Archangel), and for his sponsor, Olivia. I’m proud of my son for reaching this milestone, and of his sister for guiding him through his faith journey. Like siblings everywhere, my kids fight. But when it matters, they stand up for each other, and have from the beginning. Here they are at Confirmation, and meeting for the first time in the lobby of the Guatemala City Marriott (now Barcelo), when Mateo was six months old and Olivia three. Not only blood makes a family. xoxo

MAMALITA on Audible

If you feel like listening to me tell you a story, my memoir MAMALITA is available on Audible. Kirkus Reviews called MAMALITA “A scathing critique on a foreign adoptionsystem and the harrowing account of one woman’s attempt to fight it.” Publishers Weekly described MAMALITA as “harrowing and moving” and Shelf Awareness labeled the memoir “Kafka-esque.” You don’thave to be involved in adoption to be entranced. As Marin Magazine said: “Regardless of age or intent, this is a riveting read.” MAMALITA is available now on Audible, narrated by yours truly. PS: The recording engineer described my narration as “performative.” Whichis true, I’ve always been one for the big gesture. So if you prefer a listeningexperience less dramatic, MAMALITA may not be the audiobook for you. Otherwise, I’d love to tell you our story. xoxo  Mamalitaon Audible.

American Idol 22

Thrilled a member of our Guatadopt community is singing in this season’s American Idol. Twenty-one-year-old Julia Gagnon was born in Guatemala and adopted by a family in Cumberland, Maine; she’s a pre-law student at University of Southern Maine. On Sunday February 18, we’ll be watching on ABC. Represent! Here’s a short video of Julia’s audition and judge Lionel Richie’s reaction.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3gD11r0SF0

Walk in the rain

Two wet dogs and a rainbow.

Botticelli Drawings

Spent a lovely day at SF’s Legion of Honor Museum with my friend Susan to see the BOTTICELLI DRAWINGS exhibition. Sandro Botticelli (c. 1445-1510) is considered a master of the Italian Renaissance, and the show traces the artist’s work from studying under Fra Filippo Lippi to leading his own workshop in Florence. I love exhibitions of drawings because of their delicacy and intimacy, the way they reveal an artist’s process and dedication to draftsmanship and line. BOTTICELLI DRAWINGS is a beautiful, quiet show on view at the Legion of Honor until Sunday February 11. Ticket information is here.