The 4th of July has long been my favorite holiday, but it's not what it used to be. I viewed it from an immigrant’s perspective only and marveled at how my parents immigrated to Philadelphia from Calcutta, India with two young children in tow. They built a life here and … [Read more...] about July 4th Isn’t What It Used to Be
Dirt and Noise
Happy 15th Birthday, Deal!
a My baby boy is 15 now. He's about to get his driver's permit (Lord, help me!). I swear I can fit both my feet into one of his sneakers. He indulges me. He cracks me up. He started talking late but has not stopped. His patience comes from within because I surely have not … [Read more...] about Happy 15th Birthday, Deal!
Shame.
I have done things I am ashamed of. I have a lot to learn, process, and remedy. I reflect on my own biases and experiences on this Juneteenth. I'm embarrassed that I only learned of Juneteenth in adulthood. Most of the history I learned was whitewashed and inaccurate, or just … [Read more...] about Shame.
America is burning. Do not look away.
Dear Bird and Deal, America is burning. Do not look away. The current events of the world have gutted me. Do not trust the people who carry on with a business-as-usual gait. As you know, I grew up in Charlottesville and went to college there. It's become … [Read more...] about America is burning. Do not look away.
Going for a Walk Isn’t Even Safe Anymore
I had a bumper sticker once that said, “Friendly neighborhood liberal.” I was harassed on the road on a stretch of I-40 just shy of Greensboro, presumably for said sticker. And someone flicked a cigarette butt on the hood of my car at a stop sign while my young sons were strapped … [Read more...] about Going for a Walk Isn’t Even Safe Anymore
Jerry Stiller, My Best Friend
“This is first class check in only.” She shoved the ticket across the counter, not bothering to look up. “I am flying first class.” I shoved the ticket back. She stared at me in disbelief and begrudgingly took my ticket (It was the 90s, so we used paper tickets then.). She … [Read more...] about Jerry Stiller, My Best Friend
Who’s looking after the mothers?
Motherhood takes the form of many hats, not all of them flattering or comfortable, but each uniquely necessary. Who's looking after the mothers? We talk about "self care" because there's no one but us to do it. And yes, sometimes the language of motherhood is martyrdom. In the … [Read more...] about Who’s looking after the mothers?