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Dirt & Noise

A blog by a left leaning mom of 2 boys

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It’s a Small World After All

August 9, 2022 1 Comment

tappity-tap-tap There was an ever so faint knock at the door. With a fussy baby nestled in my arms, I peeked out the window and saw a little blond kid, our neighbor Adam. “Can I bring baby Bird to my school for Show and Tell?” he asked. I literally LOLed. Of course I said yes! I mean, who could say no to a towheaded kindergartener who was … read on... about It’s a Small World After All

Fired Up on July 4th

July 4, 2022

  I was fully prepared to wear black and sizzle in my own despair today. The barrage of damage from the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court has left me reeling in fits of rage and sadness. It has admittedly been difficult to be productive at work. It’s been hard to even show up in my life in all the ways I need to. After the last several … read on... about Fired Up on July 4th

Happy 17th Birthday to Deal

June 22, 2022

He stands more than a head taller than I, his locks buzzed close to his head and bleached blond, ears pierced with silver studs, and an old Indian Rupee hanging around his neck. Fun fact: I too dabbled in blond when I was his age. Let’s just say he is far cooler than I ever was. He is my towering baby boy, the gentlest of giants. He has always … read on... about Happy 17th Birthday to Deal

A Taste of Home at Cheeni

May 16, 2022

I inhaled and was immediately taken to a familiar place. Coriander, cumin, rosewater, basmati rice. Everything was a delight to the senses, from the music of familiar tones to the artwork depicting spice markets and Bollywood glamor. Every detail in Cheeni took me back to the verandas of the country I was born in. Upon a quick glance, I could have … read on... about A Taste of Home at Cheeni

Nurture Purpose in Teens

May 4, 2022

My son is 16 and embarking on his next chapter to figure out how to navigate the college application process. So far it's all about achievements rather than character, and purpose is measured in empirical terms. I think purpose is about lifelong learning and curiosity, not about goals and drive and grit. Is it really inspiring to focus on getting … read on... about Nurture Purpose in Teens

Mom Activists Are a Force — “From Changing Diapers to Changing the World”

March 29, 2022

Truth be told, I’ve been woefully disengaged. It’s a symptom of being disenchanted, disgruntled, disheartened. The weight of goings-on in my community, my state, and my country have left me feeling deflated. I’ve been feeling like my voice, no matter how loud, is muted. There are powers that be that don’t look like me or care about the issues that … read on... about Mom Activists Are a Force — “From Changing Diapers to Changing the World”

Write On

March 24, 2022

It used to be that my pen was my comfort. I wrote when I felt stressed, overwhelmed, sad, pretty much any time I had big feelings, I wrote. This has been a lifelong habit, even from when I was a little girl crafting background stories for every doll in my collection. I have journals and notebooks galore, mostly filled with embarrassing quips, … read on... about Write On

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Writer. Marketer. Energizer.



Progressive, mom, writer, reader, traveler. Believe in good manners, home cooking, spending $ on experiences, not things, Oxford comma. ENFJ.

There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl's complexion. - Holly Golightly
Learn more about Ilina...

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