What do you like most about your writing?

In the 6th grade, we took a statewide test that assessed our writing abilities, and I scored high under having a strong opinion. But in college, I received papers back that said “too idiosyncratic”.  Looking back, I feel those two moments define the evolution of my writer’s voice. And I like that. I like my voice.…

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What’s your relationship with money?

I had a complicated (and unhealthy) relationship with money and like a lot of issues that need examining, this one starts with childhood. At home My mother is obsessed with it. My father was frugal, but beyond that he hasn’t influenced me like my mother because he died when I was very young. I knew…

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What’s your relationship with change?

As a Taurus, I’m told I don’t like change. Yet, my life-line so far has been a series of interruptions and situations that have forced me to adapt.  After college the longest I’ve ever lived in the same town was for about three years, and that’s not counting the times I moved within the town.…

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✍🏼 Do you keep a journal?

For a long time, I’ve been keeping a morning journal. Originally, I did it as a necessity and it’s been my constant, true friend. Perhaps it’s self-indulging, as some might say, but as far as I can tell, it has helped me throughout my days and provided an anchor when I felt astray. I’ve been…

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✍🏼 How yoga helps my writing

I’ve been practicing yoga for about 12 years. I say this not to impress you, but because I want to establish how long yoga and I have enjoyed a healthy relationship. Of course, by now, you’d think I’d be really bendy and flexible, but I am not. I’m not “advanced”. On the contrary, I feel…

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✍🏼 Why I like blogging

Blogging is like becoming an expat, you get to meet folks from all around the world, but you don’t have to go anywhere! It’s brilliant. Of course, just like traveling, you meet some great and not-so-great folks on the road. Sometimes the connection last only the strength of the holiday and other times something more…

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When I was 12…

When I was 12, I lived in a townhouse on Anania Circle in the town of Mililani, situated in the center of the island of Oahu.  Our neighbor was a grumpy old man who would bang his fists against the wall whenever I practiced the piano. Soon we figured out that I could not, should…

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6 month ghosts (unlock the mind)

  I want to fish as deep as down as possible into my own subconscious in the belief that once that far down, everyone will understand because they are somewhat the same that far down. – Jack Kerouac Alright. I’ve signed up for WP’s Writing 101 course. And for our first assignment we had to…

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What is inspiration?

When Kiersten from She is Fierce started exploring this idea, I became inspired to write about it. I began to think about what it is and what it means to me. What do you think? To me, being inspired is about paying attention. Looking up from your phone. Taking in the surroundings. Noticing a spider…

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Where in your life do you search or explore for new?

I wrote this question in my journal some time ago. It originated from moving again. I move a lot. I don’t mean to, necessarily, it just happens. Sometimes I’m envious of those who have normal stable lives. I’d like to try on that lifestyle and be content (could I be content?). What’s interesting about this…

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How has your name impacted you?

I remember in the sixth grade when this new kid came to class. He was one of the few black kids at our school, and on his first day he answered Mrs. K’s questions as best as he could. “Your name is Filet Mingon?” “Yes.” She said it louder and slower, “Your name is Filet…

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[the Writing Process tour]

It’s like the magical mystery tour, but different. The writing process tour involves answering questions about your writing style and practice, and then choosing three other bloggers to participate. Marielle from This Flooded Sky invited me because: a) she has good taste, b) she’s cool like that, and c) she loves my writing. Woo-hoo!

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Am I a feminist?

(And are there free cookies and punch involved?) Feminism is such a LOADED word jammed-packed with wholesome cynicism, abuse, and misunderstanding.  But the good girls at The Lady Errant and She is Fierce have started a link-up on feminism, so before I knew it, I was contemplating, “Am I a feminist? What does that word…

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My favorite WordPress.com feature

Update: as of today, 19th of November, 2014, Random Post is no longer an option. My favorite WordPress feature is the Random Post option. It’s the equivalent of flipping through a book and landing your finger on a page to find a quote you like or today’s meaning of life.

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In defense of beauty

Does beauty need to be defended? Yeah, well, if those spectacular concrete jungles are any indication of the direction we are heading, then yes, I believe beauty does need to be defended. I like to joke that in another life, I would have been a city planner because I think we have lost some of…

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Starting over, after the transition…

I know why people are afraid of change. It takes them out of their grassy zone of comfort. Hey, it’s comfortable in comfort land, eating at the ground, chewing the cud! Friends and kind folks who write to me about my blog (aka my life) think I’m real good at moving frequently, taking risks, but…

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