Category Archives: Thoughts

Tall and Small (34)

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Riba

I see Helga and Gino partway down Indian Trail as I’m crossing Sonora. We wave to each other, and I keep going. What, I can’t walk in a different direction so I can say hello? There is no reason I … Continue reading →

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Fear of Flying (33)

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Riba

“Be fearless and fully committed,” my horoscope said. “You will soar.” I wrote it on a Post-it, stuck it on the mirror behind my kitchen sink. Being a writer is scary. I went to a writer’s conference in July, and … 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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My First Whale (24)

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Riba

I was 49 when I saw my first whale. I’ve wanted to write about her ever since. I’ve lived in California most of my life, but I had to leave the country to meet her. I was sitting on the … 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 →

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Dogless (21)

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Riba

I close the gate behind me and head out through the wall of heat 111 degrees at eight o’clock at night. It is hard to move hard to keep going hard to breathe impossible to think of anything else. There … Continue reading →

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Summer Afternoons (20)

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Riba

The cats sleep on the old wooden shelves at the side of the house Sable sprawled inside the empty top shelf Sofia wedged two shelves below between the bird feeder and the black plastic bucket I used to gather bougainvillea … Continue reading →

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Starry Nights (19)

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Riba

At June Lake in the eastern sierra on a Sunday night I see the stars for the first time in four years. They seem surreal so even when I am ready to sleep I put my glasses back on again … Continue reading →

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