Literally back on the mic

563630_10150846592507784_1861641797_n

Though I began writing fiction at 9, I started writing personal reflections in my monthly column in La Voz de Berkeley when I was at Cal. I then created a blog, Mujer Hollering, inspired by that column, and more recently, my blog, Mujer Evolving. While writing fiction is a long-term goal, my #40blogsfor40days challenge is a great opportunity to share my work and honor my voice.

I have suffered from writer’s block for many years partly due to time management. So am I going to complete this writing during Lent? I decided to solve the problem this year by beginning my blogs as voice recordings. During my morning commute, I have been recording five minute voice memos to capture my thoughts. There’s plenty of writing material whether it’s personal experiences, music, TV, or themes I have pondered. The commute has allowed me time to do some uncensored reflecting. When I’m at the computer, I get stifled by the desire to wordsmith or produce a clear and concise piece in a short amount of time. Drafting differently gives me a chance to voice my ideas.

Then it is time to transcribe. I don’t type it word for word. I do some revision as I go. Sometimes I stop the playback as I tend to speak quickly. I don’t want to lose any key ideas. Once it’s transcribed, I read it. I start the editing process. I take out repetitious phrases. I rearrange paragraphs. I add topic sentences, details, commentary, and transitions. I was an English teacher for thirteen years so I have those skills to help me produce a polished piece of writing. The verbal rough draft and more intense editing process has allowed me to produce work that is much more coherent. I’m excited that this may be an opportunity to fully commit to writing on a more regular basis.

typed-writer

Can-do attitude

Feb11

When I was a little girl, my father worked in a food canning factory. Canning plants could be found all over the Bay Area back in the day: the Shasta soda plant we saw on the drive across the San Mateo Bridge 812f141d-5bac-40e1-b164-8e391df5afb8_d

or the smells associated with various foods being processed in Hayward or San Leandro. In my own home, an elderly neighbor taught my mother how to can jams and jellies. This personal history with canning has been lost on me. I have lost my ability to can.

When did this happen? When this 45^th Republican regime came into power? When the third white boy from Peyton Place Bay Area cussed me out at work? There was some kind of perfect storm this fall. sean-bean Winter isn’t coming, y’all. It came. Ya llegó.

I have fought back in the usual way. I have been focusing on getting fit. I have continued to dance. I have taken refuge in TV shows and books. But my signature patience has worn thin.

Given the current state of the state, lacking patience may be a good thing. It’s time to stop suffering like a santita and get into warrior mode.

My favorite saints carry swords. Saint Barbara

My fear is that I’m taking it out on the wrong people. I have become much less patient with my partner and my child. Y eso no está bien.

Rambo was and is a soldier. He can take my stank attitude for the most part. He also has no problem checking me when I get to be too much. M, on the other hand, is sensitive. Don’t let the sass and side-eye fool you. My daughter is sensitive and I am the person who has the capacity to hurt her feelings the most. She has told me so. I am committed to being the great mother she deserves.

So while I’m freezing, it’s time to power through this change of seasons. winter-is-coming-1050x600 While I may not be able to can with the trifling behavior of spoiled teens or the shenanigans occurring on a national scale, I know damn well there’s nothing to stop me from being my best self. I can and I will.

wonder-woman-punches-trump

A pajama party with purpose

Nov13

“My sister my sister, tell me what the trouble is

I’ll try to listen good and give the best advice that I can give…”

Monie Love

15032307_10154726582446079_3362024269044986268_n

Photo by Natasha Vinakor

In a time of grief, I am blessed to enjoy moral support and a sense of community. From my newest dance community to the beautiful women of my samba community, I am surrounded by positive energy. That strengthens me in the face of ignorance and negativity. Though our weekends are busy, I’m grateful I made the time to attend a women’s salon with my dance sisters.

The salon, “Let’s Talk It Out,” allowed for structured conversation about many topics.

15055656_10154726584051079_2064830129373776669_n

Photo by Natasha Vinakor

While #election2016 weighs heavily on our minds, it did not come up in the conversation, other than one mention at the beginning of the event. Yes, our lives go on, despite all the emotions dredged up by the state of the nation. But we get to do so on our terms, not because of a shared op-ed article or meme on Facebook(Holding the door open). I digress, though, from the gratitude I feel for last night’s gathering. While I kept relatively silent during the active discussion last night, I heard each and every voice. I stood with my sisters in their worries, questions, and fears. Of course, there were light-hearted moments. We shared food, drink, and laughter. It was an experience I hope we continue.

One question I had prior to the event was whether or not to include M. She’s an impressionable eight-year-old; would a women’s salon that would likely address controversial issues be appropriate? I decided she would join us. She was so excited to choose a onesie to wear (recommended dress code for the evening.) Already an active member of our dance community, M felt right at home. She played with our hostess’ toddler daughter. She cuddled with a few of my dance sisters. She sat on my lap and kissed my cheek every so often. Given all the girl drama she already experiences as an elementary school student, I thought it was important for her to witness genuine, respectful camaraderie between women. These are women she admires and loves. These are women who love her mother. It was a win-win.

Nearly five years ago, I committed to mastering a dance style but also to opening my heart to new people and new relationships. As I’ve shared before, my dance community has enriched my life deeply(More than a parade). As I make an effort to reach out and be included, I will continue to benefit from the blessing of sisterhood.

Onesie crew

After the battle

Nov5

So we took on the dragon. While I don’t know if it’s slain, I know it’s languishing in its respective corner.

Dragon

Meanwhile, I’m over in ours laid out. Tired. Spent.

Because, like the days following a half-marathon or the ressaca do carnaval, the days following a confrontation with an enemy are long. In that time, te pondras a pensar. You will ponder many things. I ponder my integrity and my identity.

Confrontation isn’t in my nature. I’ve gotten better over the last decade about standing up for myself. But I struggle with not becoming what I am fighting. I don’t want to be cruel, judgmental, resentful, or vindictive. I don’t like wishing the worst for others. While doing so may feel satisfying in the moment, it drains me in the long run. I would rather heal and help.

So how do I sustain myself? I go back to the familiar and the beloved. My child.

Family costume 2016: 50s Flashback

Books.

With the fabulous and hilarious Luvvie Ajayi

Laughter.

Photobombed at Grace Jones

Time outdoors.

Dance.

Flash Mob Tribute to Prince, September 2016

Family traditions. My faith.

My running club: Mis antepasados y muertitos queridos

I turn back to that which feeds my soul and that which reminds me of who I am. I am a mujer constantly evolving.

17 year old sideeye

Fox in Socks at 44

The accidental artist date

May22

When I was in college and working as an English tutor and writing workshop leader, my wonderful supervisors introduced me to the practice of artist dates. An artist date is an opportunity for a writer, artist, or any person to go on a solo date and enjoy an activity alone as a way to foster creativity and self-love. It could be a solo visit to an art museum or a long hike or something as simple as blowing bubbles. We were encouraged to make a regular practice of artist dates and to journal about our experiences. I loved the idea; it appealed to the introvert in me. It was a practice I continued over the years.

Now as a busy mom, artist dates may happen once a year. Since my daughter’s school calendar has a different spring break than the district in which I work, I usually indulge in a spring day where I visit my favorite café, volunteer, or maybe catch a movie neither Rambo nor M will enjoy. I savor those quiet moments as I do my writing time or my morning runs. I like me time. It gives me a chance to recharge.

Recently, as part of ongoing staff development, I took a self-care survey. My results in the relationships category weren’t surprising but nevertheless disappointing. It seems I haven’t been giving my friends enough of my time. In the spirit of reaching out, I asked an old friend to join me for a film festival and dinner. It would give us a chance to reconnect while allowing me to see a rare film by my favorite director. I bought the tickets, checked the train schedule, and anticipated a happy reunion.

OG Chicas del monton: early Almodovar divas

Due to unexpected circumstances, I ended up on an artist date. While I felt worried for my friend, I decided to enjoy the film and the time alone. It felt like a trip back through time: a 1980 film from the incomparable Almodovar in a classic Mission District movie house followed by a cheap slice of pizza in an old school pizza joint. Since I was alone, I was able to get back to M while the sun was still up. It was a genuine treat.

Being my own best friend took years of practice. My accidental artist date was a great reminder of the lessons that relationship has taught me. Unforeseen changes don’t have to be inconvenient or uncomfortable. Alone doesn’t have to feel lonely.

Mujer Evolving

musings on the personal, political, pop cultural, and maternal

Archives