Special Events
Flower Moon Lunar Eclipse
I always think I have a crappy camera. For example, all the pictures for this post are of a full moon, but look like the sun. If I didn’t know better, I wouldn’t know better. Instead, I chose to lean in and try out different filters, knowing one day, I’ll buy a phone with a … Continue reading
Angelique Kidjo
For once, I was in the right place at the right time. I’d seen posters for this concert, but had no inclination to go. I truly put the brakes on my social life in addition to the pandemic. As I see it, I can’t justify being in debt, since I was underemployed last year, and … Continue reading
Create & Heal: Watercoloring
Allow me the indulgence about how the universe works. I asked a network of professional women for a recommendation. I sought a woman of color who was a illustrator or animator. I even included two examples of my illustrations from my current work, The World’s Sexiest Dictionary. No one made a suggestion. I wasn’t sure … Continue reading
Calcium Dust
When I needed a follow up to my standard mammogram, first thing that crossed my mind was, “Yay! I get to to take some more time off.” Up until that point, I hadn’t taken any time off unless I had a doctor’s appointment. A strong contrast to the days when I was a classroom teacher, … Continue reading
Photoshoot Happy Hour
You can tell by the lipstick that I made an effort. Of course right after work, I wasn’t in the mood to make a wardrobe change, but I’m glad I did. Not merely because there were two rooms staged to take pictures, but also, I loved putting lipstick on for the occasion. I also had … Continue reading
Creative Action Performance
Four months ago, most of us dancers auditioned for a nonprofit West African dance troupe. This rendition of the group’s debut occurred during Creative Action’s first Creative Sunday since the pandemic. We’d rehearsed for several months. This was our first dress rehearsal. The choreographer fussed over our costumes like a mom getting her daughters ready … Continue reading
Easter Eve 2022
I didn’t intend to have an Easter Eve celebration. After all, I’m a very secular, nonchurch-going Christian. Nonetheless, by a confluence of events, I ended up scheduling a fabulous, life-affirming day before the celebrated Resurrection Day. In passing, I mentioned my plan to a friend to order bras online. She immediately pounced on the idea, … Continue reading
Benign Invader
I put on my big girl britches on moving day. Embracing my nervousness, I hopped into my Honda Fit and drove over to pick up the moving truck. I’d planned nearly everything except the route to get the truck to the apartment complex. I took the scenic route to the complex since that behemoth couldn’t … Continue reading
Just Chilling
Talk about timing. I’d just put the last item into my shopping cart when an urgent announcement came over the PA system. A tornado watch. The grocery store asked us to leave our carts, and report to the back. I joined other customers and employees in the walk-in dairy freezer, behind the milk case. Normally … Continue reading
Blood Fresh book launch
A soulful dancer graced the stage, opening the first in- real-life poetry reading I’d attended since the pandemic had begun. I had invited a friend, who had been a dedicated member of the Austin Writers Roulette, to join me. We used to attend such events individually with writing material in hand and laugh when we’d … Continue reading