My Husband Has No Olfactory Sensibility
Is there such a thing as the right day of the year to have all your rugs washed? Yes, there is. It’s when someone opens the backyard door for the dog to go out to do its first business of the day, and allows it back inside after being sprayed by a skunk. I must […]
Why I See Voting as a Duty
In 1964 the Brazilian Armed Forces, supported by the United States under Lyndon B. Johnson, staged a coup d’état and deposed Brazil’s democratically elected president, the leftist João Goulart from the Labor Party. Through political maneuvers, the Brazilian Congress—under extreme right majority—eased the military takeover. Although the US Army was ready to support the Brazilian […]
I’m Not a Pet Person. Why Do I Have a Dog?
Why do I have a dog? I’ve been asking myself more often than I used to; a few times a day actually. That isn’t good. It’s like asking yourself: Why am I married? Or, why is there so much hair in my shower drain? You know, those kinds of questions that make you feel uncomfortable. […]
Fall 2016
Fall 2016 Not the shorter days, nor the longer nights, not the fallen leaves, nor the birds flight, I know it’s fall because of the overwhelming pumpkin sights. Bagels and lattes, teas and muffins, pies and cakes, all are pumpkin. Scarecrow vests, Potpourris and other decorative melanges, Flowers and tree branches, candles and hats, in […]
Unexpected Challenges I Faced When Raising My Bilingual Kids
Unexpected Challenges I Faced When Raising My Bilingual Kids by Adriana T. Gomes As a writer I treasure the gift of communication. Maybe that was my problem when I had my first baby. I insisted on teaching her Portuguese and English simultaneously. It’s not easy. No wonder so many children of immigrants speak only English. The […]
Growing Up Expatriate
Growing Up Expatriate by Adriana T. Gomes The laptop was open on top of the counter between the living room and the kitchen. Staring at us were more faces than could possibly fit on the screen. The in-laws—mother, father, brother and sister—aunts, uncles and cousins, first, second and thrice removed—a big, fat Greek family has […]
Liquid Water, Atmosphere, and Tolerable Temperature
Rain, wet, cold and uncomfortable, like a full diaper. Crying or sucking are the only options. Sun, bright and warm, like a cozy blanket, perfect for napping. Wind, gentle breeze on the hair, like tickles on the toes. Kicking arms and legs in the air is a must. A little rain, a […]
Carpool Dream of Perfection
Always running From errand to errand, From work to carpool and back. Sometimes I inadvertently nap. “I Am the Proud Parent of an Honor Roll Student.” Good for you, I say. You clearly have it together. Your Tesla tells me you’re eco-conscious and the red candy color makes a statement. You’re edgy, and exuberant. […]
My Personal Nightmare in Dallas
I was in Dallas for a sports event, and ended up having to re-think my opinion—or lack thereof—regarding gun-control. After a long day watching my thirteen-year-old daughter compete in the 2016 Summer Fencing US National Championships in Dallas on July 7th, I was ready for an evening of friendly chitchat with the other parents from […]
Making the Best of Critiques
(Whether Offering or Receiving It) Critique is a hard thing to deal with. In my wish to become a successful writer I had to learn, not only to deal with, but appreciate it. I’m no masochist. Nonetheless the more I develop as a writer, the more appreciative I am of a good, straight to the […]