Reclaiming My Past is a Matter of Dignity

Who am I without my story? Who am I? A question that surges from time to time like the ocean … Continue reading Reclaiming My Past is a Matter of Dignity

Reading is the Doorway to Liberation

I began my teaching career thirteen years ago at Hoover High School. I first became passionate about teaching when my 12th … Continue reading Reading is the Doorway to Liberation

A beautiful reflection by my daughter, Carmen Elida Mason. This morning, Shirley Temple passed away. I really don’t have a … Continue reading My great-grandmother’s love for the darling of Hollywood: Shirley Temple

As I stepped out of the airplane I smelled a familiar smell of dew and dampness, one which I had smelled … Continue reading In Her Dying Process, I Found Peace

I was sitting on my mother’s lap; I must have been six or seven years old. She wasn’t running around … Continue reading La Patita

Mi niña Cristina, You are an inspiration to me. Though you were raised with many obstacles you still found a … Continue reading A Letter to the Little Girl in Me

Transformative lessons I have experienced through my Yoga practice Release so you can deepen the pose. When I force my … Continue reading Why Would Anyone Do Yoga?

Few things will destroy your self-worth more completely than doing something simply because someone else wants you to do it. … Continue reading I Decided to Quit Teaching After Thirteen Years

My husband and I celebrated our 11th anniversary this past June. Like all marriages, we’ve had turmoil, periods of deep … Continue reading Why I Want to Stay Married to You

People come to this place to camp, in some ways to get away from the “other” life they have created. … Continue reading Nature Teaches Us We Belong