Above the Pacific, on the 14th floor, I hear the drums of 121 years of independence. In the corridor, the fire alarm shrieks for five minutes—someone is burning bacon, or ham. I am living my black and white, Lorraine Hansberry fantasy, but on the opposite coast, and an opposite clime. Now, my beloved Panamá.
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When Pretty is No Longer Necessary
I don't know when it happened. It used to be that when I looked in the mirror all I saw was a doe-eyed, beautiful, unblemished façade staring back at me. Even with scant eyebrows, I most often thought myself to be reasonably attractive. I always enjoyed a full head of hair. Even through the multiple … Continue reading When Pretty is No Longer Necessary
We Were Invincible
It feels like a destination: Next stop, 62! It is most definitely a journey. And every time I think I've contemplated this enough; I think of something else to say. I want to say something that will give young Black women a way to understand what may happen to them when they are my age. … Continue reading We Were Invincible
Let Me Tell You a Story…
Have you ever wondered how domestic abuse affects a little girl? Almost daily I read posts on social media that wish “happy heavenly birthday” to somebody. Presumably somebody who is cherished, somebody who is missed, and most often it is a parent. I often believe some people do this to prove to others just how … Continue reading Let Me Tell You a Story…
Crush Anxieties
I promised my therapist that I would not look at job boards for at least a week. It's only been a few hours, and already I am feeling anxious. I know, I know... Only three months ago I declared my freedom from never having to work a job, ever again. But, I have yet to … Continue reading Crush Anxieties
On the Quest for a Doctor Who Gives a Damn
We've read the history. We've heard the stories...stories about Black women (and Black men) whose bodies have been used for experimentation. We know that they think Black women don't feel pain. We are not their delicate, examples of femininity. We ask for medication because we are addicted. This, along with the general mistrust of the … Continue reading On the Quest for a Doctor Who Gives a Damn
Who Taught Us How to Retire?
When we think about images of retirement in American society it looks a lot like the images that we are given about the American dream. Usually there are white people in the image where one is given a loving sendoff by co-workers on a job where one worked for many years. One is given a … Continue reading Who Taught Us How to Retire?
The Cusp of a Life Reclaimed
Remember when Congresswoman Maxine Waters said, “Reclaiming my time, reclaiming my time!” January 26, 2024 will be my last day on a job. It feels a little like the eve of a significant holiday, or a graduation. All week long, I have felt this momentum, and I have been trying to take long, deep breaths. … Continue reading The Cusp of a Life Reclaimed
All in a Name: Let’s Call it a Graduation Instead
When I worked at the post office, I worked in a huge plant with enormous machines, fluorescent lighting, and it was very noisy. There was a small breakroom and snack bar on the southeast corner of the building where one might have their lunch. I worked on what was called tour one, it was the … Continue reading All in a Name: Let’s Call it a Graduation Instead
What Would You Do If You Had All Day?
Working from home full time for the last three years has shown me all the things that I could have done if I'd just had the time—housework notwithstanding. At the beginning of the pandemic supervisors and directors insisted that work/life balance was a thing and should be considered. “Make sure you’re taking your breaks.” They … Continue reading What Would You Do If You Had All Day?
SPITTING OUT BONES 