[Eulogy read at 09/19/2025 service] Unlike my mother, I do not enjoy  public speaking.  She blossomed in the lights and applause and, frankly, she would have LOVED this. Thank you for joining me and my family in our final farewell to Silviana Wood – my mom. Like most artists, my mom was difficult to pin…

April 16, 1967 ~ May 5, 2024 I sit here writing about someone I’d known for 45 years. It’s a chance to calm the chaos in my heart and mind with words on a page. Alfred Amado: my first crush, my adolescent love, and my lifelong friend has died. I learned of his passing almost…

Last night was the 50th anniversary of the release of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, and Yvonne Elliman as Jesus, Judas, and Mary. I was lucky to be at the screening in Dallas, TX, sitting next to Mr. Ted (J.C.) Neeley himself! Yes, I paid extra for that honor but I don’t…

I was a teen but not old enough for makeup, following my ward around the grocery store. I stopped in the cosmetics aisle to smell the beautiful fragrances emanating from the packages. My favorite was the dusty perfume I could catch out of the old time face powders. I looked at all the products that…

I’m going to share one of my biggest cringe stories. Here is it straight, without any justifications, lessons, rationalizations, or apologies. I was at the university, a woman studies course, I think. The instructor passed out cards with a question that each student was to read out loud and then answer for the class. I…

1 rack PORK RIBS 1 can PINEAPPLE SLICES, preferably in heavy syrup but pineapple juice works 1/2 to 1 cup BROWN SUGAR 1/2 cup WATER SOY SAUCE GARLIC SEASONINGS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a paper towel for grip, pull the membrane off the back of the rib rack. Cut rack into individual ribs….

I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with my relatives on my dad’s side but do remember the occasional trips up to Northern California. The most magical memory was asking my nana for a homemade lemon meringue pie and then watching her crank one out right in front of my disbelieving eyes –…

I was 16 years old when my 2nd nephew was born. I had my license so, when he later learned how to dial my phone number and asked to be picked up, I was there to rescue him. “Titi, can you come get me?” I used to call him my sun. It was a play…

I am angry. Similar to a volcano, it is simmering, smoking, and bubbling, with unexpected spurts of rage. I am trying to understand my own inner turmoils that can change intensity from one minute to the next, sometimes due to an external variable or sometimes all on its own. What has me angry at this…