To Do, or Not to Do, That is the QuestionThey say when a dying person realizes their existence is slipping inexorably away, they often express their Life’s profound regrets. Cheerfully we are told that they never say they wished they had spent more time in the office, but rather that they wished they had attended more of their beloved children’s ( Read more... )

LJI entry“Abuela, Abuela, tell us a story!” Firelight sparkled in the children’s luminous brown eyes as they eagerly gathered around the campfire. Though the wind blowing off the channel was cold, the fire warmed both their little bodies as well as their enthusiasm. Beech and yew trees gave some shelter. Grandmother Cristina was here to share her ( Read more... )

“How’d it go with you after the last time?” The technician in the white coat checks in with me before we begin my second treatment.

“Well, fine, I think.” I reply. “Are the side effects from this cumulative?” I’m still a little skeptical.

“No, no. Actually, the greatest chance for more serious side effects occur during the first two sessions.”

( Read more... )

I lie on a hard, narrow table in a bleak, sparely appointed room. A chill is beginning to permeate my existence. I know there is a monstrous machine of radioactivity lurking behind me, waiting to pierce my brain.


( Read more... )

Do you remember being young? I do. Remember being excited to be able to ride your two-wheeler bike by yourself? How about getting your Drivers’ License? More independence, right?

How about chafing at the teachers who scolded you for talking in class? The vice-principals who shook their heads and pulled out a measuring tape to make sure your skirt ( Read more... )

Previous to three years ago, there basically weren’t mosquitoes in Southern California. On hot summer days, we’d enjoy the pleasant coolness of the evening by eating dinner outside. If it got a little chilly (which it did often enough, this is arid California after all,) my husband would whine a bit about the cold and I would admonish him, “Just ( Read more... )

“Whoa, what is that racket?!” My ten-year-old brother Leslie looked over at me with blue eyes as big as shooter marbles. We were catching what feeble, fresh breeze we could out on the rickety porch that girded Grampa’s old house. Suddenly, the summer silence was split by a cacophony of squawking poultry ( Read more... )

(Written to the promtpt of "unconventional" for Livejournal idol)
Ode to Unconventionality
Or
The Unconventionalist’s Creed
Do Not be like Everyone else. That’s boring! Refuse to rush out and buy the latest trends and fashions. That is the club of sheep who crave to be exactly like each other. Red shirts are in vogue now? Do not feel compelled to ( Read more... )

Mama gazed with unabashed awe at her newborn. Such perfection! Tears of joy and appreciation streaked her face. Father broke his long habit of not showing his emotions. A heartfelt grin of pride spread across his face. This was the most wonderful day of his life ( Read more... )

Coby was wiped out. He pulled his soaked soccer jersey away from his body hoping for a little bit of cooling. He spotted three of his teammates sprawled like fallen logs on the grass in the shade under a gargantuan sycamore. Two of them, Nathan and Jonathan, hung their heads like spent racehorses.  The MVP of the game, Marco, lay on the grass ( Read more... )