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Dirt & Noise

A blog by a left leaning mom of 2 boys

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Dirt and Noise

Looks Like We Made It

Ilinap · December 31, 2020 ·

I've seen Barry Manilow in concert three times and I'm not ashamed to admit it. His songs are the tunes of my youth that take me back to when my parents had parties in our wood paneled basement with the pleather recliner and vinyl topped bar. The kids played outside, having been … [Read more...] about Looks Like We Made It

Tags: 2020, childhood, family, family dinner, new year's eve, pandemic, parenting

The Only Testing We Should Be Doing is Covid Testing

Ilinap · December 11, 2020 ·

Children, their parents, and educators deserve applause for surviving this pandemic year. Thriving is a privilege if you ask me. Hell, nothing about me is thriving right now, and I live a charmed life. These are tough times, and the standard measuring stick to gauge progress just … [Read more...] about The Only Testing We Should Be Doing is Covid Testing

Tags: covid, education, health, parenting, school, students, teachers, testing

Giving Tuesday (or Everyday)

Ilinap · December 1, 2020 ·

I have a lot of opinions...Ahem. I use my energy to support a lot of causes, so on this Giving Tuesday, I'll share some organizations that I'm supporting with my time, my voice, and my wallet. By the way, did I ever tell you that I was there, in the room where it happened, … [Read more...] about Giving Tuesday (or Everyday)

Tags: donate, Giving Tuesday, values, volunteer

Giving Simple Thanks

Ilinap · November 26, 2020 ·

These are hands down my favorite holiday decorations. Who knew toilet paper rolls, paper plates, construction paper, and glitter would bring me such joy? Bird said he was thankful for a ball, our cat, Mom, TV, and toys. Deal was thankful for orange pumpkins, friends, toys, Beary … [Read more...] about Giving Simple Thanks

Tags: 2020, family, friendship, holidays, thankful, Thanksgiving, values

A New Day

Ilinap · November 8, 2020 ·

I have shed more than a gallon of tears since November 9, 2016. Most of those tears were a manifestation of grief with a solid dose of fury. These last few days also found me in tears as I struggled with impending election results. I took a long walk the day after the election … [Read more...] about A New Day

Tags: America, BIPOC, Diwali, elect women, election, politics, progressive, representation, values, vote, women

Dear Election Volunteers

Ilinap · November 1, 2020 ·

Dear Volunteers, This is my love letter to you. You're the fuel that keeps the engine of democracy moving forward. I see you... Phone banking Texting Canvassing Writing postcards Setting up signs Making posters Collating materials Stocking snacks Snapping … [Read more...] about Dear Election Volunteers

Tags: America, Biden Harris, election, values, volunteer, vote

I am an immigrant.

Ilinap · October 19, 2020 ·

I am an immigrant.  It was serendipitous that I was in a meeting with a recent immigrant when I was thinking about just what to say about my own immigrant experience in this sponsored post I’m writing in partnership with MomsRising (Spanish site is here). I can’t quite say it … [Read more...] about I am an immigrant.

Tags: America, immigration, momsrising, values

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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...

Featured Posts

The Failure of Diversity

October 21, 2019

Wordless Wednesday in Honor of a Day That Leaves Us Speechless

September 11, 2019

Go Home

July 16, 2019

Free Summer Meals

June 21, 2019

Resist Tokenism.

April 25, 2019

Fighting for All Women. Again and still.

April 11, 2019

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