Category Archives: Personal

The Gap Between My Selves (45)

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Riba

I lost a 4-unit class this semester because of low enrollment. Now I have seven units instead of eleven. I found out on a Friday, and that evening I was running errands, meeting Marylou and Richard for dinner. I remember … Continue reading →

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Not Foreign (32)

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Riba

Our country of origin is an odd thing. It shapes us. Even people who leave their native land when they are three years old are molded by it in ways they may never understand. Even people who only spend six … Continue reading →

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Mexican Marigolds (30)

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Riba

My yard is alive with French marigolds, the dark orangey red ones with a brighter orange woven in. Their variegated petals are hardy, their flower faces reaching toward the sun. I am glad the bees like them. I’m still eating … Continue reading →

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Inner Flurry (29)

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Riba

It was an email from Vivie that sparked it a one-unit class needing an instructor. My gut yelled, “No! Don’t take it!” My instincts screamed, “Run!” But I wrestled with them stood still instead knowing this may be a gift. … Continue reading →

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Past Life Whales (26)

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Riba

Once when I was carrying my wooden walking stick on the beach in Todos Santos I remembered a past life. It was winter, or maybe early spring, and the sea was full of whales heading north. Because the land drops … Continue reading →

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Cradled (22)

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Riba

One morning I cry for no reason. I am standing by the kitchen sink when it begins. I see myself in the mirror as I turn away my cup of tea with the painted red bird in my hands my … Continue reading →

Posted in Gratitude, Home, Life, Personal, Reflections, Thoughts | Tagged , | 2 Comments

It’s All You (10)

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Riba

I had twenty minutes left before I had to be downstairs for the morning session of the conference. I decided I wanted another cup of tea, so I sat back down by the open sliding glass door of the hotel … Continue reading →

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I Forget (5)

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Riba

I forget I’m happy here. It sneaks up on me, and I find myself grinning. Like now, sitting at a table at Il Giardino. It is my place to go out in the world here where I feel welcomed. The … Continue reading →

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I Kiss the Ground (2)

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Riba

The wind took my sparrows. I didn’t believe it at first. For three days I told myself I must not have been paying attention. The wind was fiercer than ever before. It went on for a day and a night, … Continue reading →

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