Every Saturday morning I take an urban hike around my neighborhood winding through side streets, past parks–still quiet and sleepy, around corners, over uneven sidewalks, through sprinklers casting rainbows on concrete, and up and over this giant hill. Ugh, that hill. It is my nemesis. Looming. Leering at me with it’s steepness. Challenging me to [...]

“…Out of the quarrel with ourselves, we make poetry…” ~W.B.Yeats We spoke about the difference between pain and suffering we agreed how pain is part of the natural order it is inevitable it is a given but suffering, that is a human construct it is unnecessary it is a result of a choice along with [...]

I’d rather relish poetry at an open mic in the Valley than get drinks at a trendy bar; I’d rather dance salsa y bachata in East LA than bump bodies in a downtown club; I’d rather support mom & pop shops than sport a flashy label; I’d rather make you a gift than purchase it; [...]

she found her dance once more! and there she found a piece of her soul was healed a piece of her self returned her dance was there—it was always there— in her heart, but she had lost it for a time for a time there in the dark she had trouble finding it behind the [...]

I have decided to start a project called Poetic Polaroids.  Much like those classic photos, these poems are instant snap- shots of moments in time.  Raw.  Unposed.  Entirely candid.  Unedited. I want to bleed for you Tear my clothes and grieve for you Pull my hair and scream for you I am the listener of [...]

I always liked the idea of a window right over the kitchen sink.  There is something whimsical about being able to feel the breeze on a balmy spring day as you’re filling a pitcher of quenching water; something calming about watching the trees bend and sway in the wind as you clip stems to fill [...]

As I have embarked on and continued along this journey of becoming a mental health professional, I have heard such varying misconceptions of what I and my colleagues do. Many people wonder how–being “so young and single”–I could possibly help older adults, couples, parents, etc with their problems.  I think it is interesting that most [...]

I am so excited to announce that one of my amazing friends (because I just happen to be blessed with several really spectacular people in my life) was just honored with the Audience Award for short films at the Indianapolis International Film Festival for the film Weathered, that he and some others made.  Big news, BIG news!  [...]

Okay I know, super cheesy reference to a Journey song.  But what can I say?  When I was trying to think of a title for this post, that song popped into my head so I thought, “Why not?!” One of the best pieces of advice I have ever gotten was from my college chaplain way [...]

I hear your raps and rhymes poems and lines and I know that I am not alone I can see we’re not that different I too have borne unspeakable loss have cherished indescribable delight I watch your raps and rhymes poems and lines and I realize the power of words spoken I see strength emanating [...]