On Alias Grace, on Netflix

“One must be wary of the pretty face telling stories…as they are easier to believe.” There is a danger in not knowing boundaries, of course. I thought about the preceding line while I was watching the Margaret Atwood on Netflix. Grace was an Irish girl, young and fetching, despite the fact that she was accused……

On taking time off, and the paradox of silence

 I feel most productive working in crowded areas lately. I find silence while working to be (paradoxically) deafening and thus I relish the hubbub of normal human activity to be quite conducive to focus. To be perfectly honest, I love the relative anonymity in my slightly darkened corner, relishing my savory basic food groups, as it……

Ninety Three or “Grandmothers are God’s Perfect Mothers” :-)

Photos from my grandmother’s 93rd birthday celebration

“Flipped Classroom” time

Teaching part-time has been a very rewarding experience, but it has not without its challenges. I love getting to that “Aha!” moment of realization in my students and I sometimes think that in order to really get people’s attention, one must really “invest” a whole lot, because although they can’t help it, these tired and……

Happier days!

Myself, try try after a good coffee and carrot cake night with a dear friend. 🙂

Liam Rafael, November 9, 2017

I was recently in Manila for the birth of my BFF’s second son, Liam Rafael (or “Baby Rafa”), as he is known. I’m pretty much present for Ivy’s baby deliveries…only a day late for both.  Her son, Sebastian, was born on September 10, 2015, and I arrived, true to form, one day later. 🙂 She……

All Saints Day

Traditions last as long as families and significant others keep things going... November 1 is such a day for Filipinos. In remembrance of their dearly departed, they give their annual dues, in the form of flowers, candles, and prayers. There is that Catholic belief that the souls of the dear departed are in Purgatory, and…

Photo: Selfie with the Whale shark

All things pink and pretty…