Oh, hi. It’s been a minute. I almost had a sneezing fit after blowing the dust off this blog. I hate that I have neglected this little corner of the internet that I’ve had since 2008. Maybe I’ll be more prolific this year. A birthday is a fine time to make a resolution, way … [Read more...] about Non Sequiturs on Turning 56
birthday
Age Old Advice
I’m on the edge of 55, teetering so close that if I peer forward to see over my toes I’ll tumble. Young Ilina might have felt that I’d be going over the edge by this point in my life. I mean, 55! Is this where they say that more of my life is behind me than ahead of me? That’s a … [Read more...] about Age Old Advice
When I’m 54
I woke up to greet 54 this morning. Do I grit my teeth and aggressively grab this birthday by its neck to establish who’s the boss of me, mindset or chronology, or do I gently slide into this new year with the graceful nonchalance of a well heeled, red-lipsticked French woman … [Read more...] about When I’m 54
Happy 19th Birthday, Bird!
Happy Birthday, Bird! I carried you literally, and I'll carry you always. I made the mistake of listening to the playlist I made you for your high school graduation. Loves Me Like a Rock came on, and I got teary. I’ve always been a weepy person, but motherhood has really … [Read more...] about Happy 19th Birthday, Bird!
Happy 17th Birthday to Deal
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 … [Read more...] about Happy 17th Birthday to Deal
53 Bits of Wisdom, or Something Like That
Today, I am 53-years old. Another year in this one life. While I’m still not scaling mountains, publishing books, dressing for success, or running for office, I’m fulfilled and joyful. I do, however, still aspire to have my dream job naming nail polish colors and having a job … [Read more...] about 53 Bits of Wisdom, or Something Like That
He’s 18 today.
Dear Bird, You are 18 today. EIGHTEEN. It is a strange phenomenon that you grow and age while I retain my youthful glow, eternally stuck in decades far younger than my chronological years. I see in you glimpses of the boy you were, and when you were little I tucked away … [Read more...] about He’s 18 today.