I am a writer and obsessive reader. This blog was born in the summer of 2011. At that time, I had just returned from a whirlwind year in Spain, where I had moved my family for a cross-cultural experience. During that year I wrote a series of haiku poems as a way to cope with the stimulation of living abroad. I put the poems together in a little book for friends and family and it felt like one of the most satisfying things I had ever done. I discovered that I liked offering my writing to the world, and I decided a blog was the perfect way to continue my writing journey.
I’ve enjoyed musing in this space on everything from raising kids to meeting my sister for the first time. I’ve also written about my spiritual explorations and various trips to Guatemala with Mayan Partners, an organization I helped found that supports community development in the little town of Panyebar.
A lot has happened in the years since I started the blog. When I started I was a full-time mom, driving kids to sports practices and organizing playdates, alongside various volunteer activities at church and school. (I also worked in a bookstore for three years, which was great fun.) Now, my kids have grown up and left the nest. During those intervening years, I began to pursue writing more seriously (you can find links to my published articles on the main menu) and trained to become a Spiritual Director. I am a contemplative by nature, but also an activist. I value space for deep reflection, but I also want to express that in tangible ways that impact others, whether that’s by helping people grow spiritually or physically (as is the case with my work with Mayan Partners).
I hope you find refreshment in these entries. I welcome your comments and thoughts.
Peace and blessings,
Allison
P.S. Each day is a chance to start life anew! I love this poem by Ransetsu.
ganjitsu ya
harete suzume no
monogatari
New Year’s Day–
the clouds are gone and the sparrows
are telling each other tales.
–Ransetsu (1653-1708)
Your mention of my mother, Esther, in your blog “Propelled” was special for me, thank you. The following blog about your trees could not have been more appropriate. This last week I lost a 100 year old Elm tree in the front of my house which made me very sad. Approximately 16 years ago I planted a dwarf Japanese Maple just in case I lost my beautiful Elm. The Japanese Maple is planted in an incorrect spot with too much afternoon sun but it does well and is approximately 11′ high with wonderful deep rose spring leaves that curl slightly by August. I love the Japanese Maple so much I have given them as gifts as a gesture of life upon a death. Thought you would like to know…
Hi Allison: this is Celia from the spirituality writing group. Nice blog you have here. I would love to read more.
Allison,
I am interested in the history of the delaveaga family, going back to the earliest days in “Alta California” and before that in Guarisamey and Baron von Humboldt in 1803. Do you trace your roots back that far?
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