I’m a Baby Boomer. I’m creative. I’m a Cuban cook. I’m an avid reader. I’m a writer. I’m a wife. I’m a mom. I’m a good friend. (In no particular order.)
Those are some of the …

Today is All Souls’ Day, or El Dia de Los Muertos.
It isn’t about tears, but celebration and connection. A remembrance in bold colors, and fragrant flowers of the people to whom you are forever linked.
To …

A few months ago, my local newspaper, the Orange County Register began soliciting stories for Hispanic Heritage Month. They specifically wanted, they said, stories about the Cuban-American experience. I submitted a piece.

I’m very proud to …

If you look up “busy” in the dictionary, you’re bound to find a photo of me, looking harried while I try to keep up with my own chosen lifestyle. Ironic, isn’t it? I totally wanted …

The span in age between me and my oldest sister, Ofie, is about fifteen years. Which means she was married and had her first child, Annette, by the time I was nine. Which means that …

When I was born, my parents didn’t name me immediately.  Okay, I reason, I was the youngest of six and they were just a little tired and feeling uncreative.  Could happen.

But then, I argue, they …

What do you call your Cuban mother? (or your mother of any nationality for that matter…)
I started wondering about this earlier when I noticed that my sisters and I call my mom by different names.
Her …

This was how we celebrated birthdays back in Cuba. These are my sisters and me at different ages.
(If you’re really curious, just count the candles on the cakes)
There was always a big, beautiful, almost-too-perfect cake …

This is my golden ticket.

In 1961, it cost $21.60 for the 1/2 fare for children to fly the 90 miles from Havana to Miami.
It’s not lost on me that I can easily spend more than …