Cristina Jill

Late Ripeness “Not soon, as late as the approach of my ninetieth year, I felt a door opening in me and I entered the clarity of early morning. One after another my former lives were departing, like ships, together with their sorrow. And the countries, cities, gardens, the bays of seas assigned to my brush came closer, ready now to be described better than they were before. I was not separated from people, grief and pity joined us. We forget - I kept saying - that we are all children of the King. For where we come from there is no division into Yes and No, into is, was, and will be. We were miserable, we used no more than a hundredth part of the gift we received for our long journey. Moments from yesterday and from centuries ago - a sword blow, the painting of eyelashes before a mirror of polished metal, a lethal musket shot, a caravel staving its hull against a reef - they dwell in us, waiting for a fulfillment. I knew, always, that I would be a worker in the vineyard, as are all men and women living at the same time, whether they are aware of it or not.” ~ Czeslaw Milosz ~ My name is Cristina Jill Mosqueda Cooper. I pause looking at my name, and think about how much there is to explain with those words alone. My mother gave me a name to use in each of my worlds, Cristina for my Cuban life, and Jill for the American life. I suppose it is there were the paradoxes of my life began. I have been many things in my life, from a housekeeper to a high school history teacher; but no matter what else I did, I was always a writer. I love words and the power and passion which they can be used to create. I love reading words, writing words, speaking words, and listening to words – especially words from people that I love and respect. It is my desire to live life on my own terms, and willingly or not, I have paid the price demanded, by the world, to be myself. I share my life with Kate, with whom I have lived for the last 23 years, and Miss Merry Margaret, our little mutt who really is the world’s most perfect dog. I also travel, cook, garden, sculpt, and make large messes doing all of the above. Welcome to my world, that is all for now.

Web Site: http://thatisallfornow.com


Favorite Books

July 25, 2016

Sitting By My Bedside     “One sure window into a person’s soul is his reading list.” ~ Mary B. W. Tabor ~   What are you reading?  Are you looking for your next great read?  Here is a look at what is sitting by my bedside, and which I am pleased to recommend....
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In the Garden

July 23, 2016

Trellised Tomatoes     This summer I have enjoyed eating tomatoes picked fresh off of the vine, without so much as adding salt. I have not been growing heirloom tomatoes, though I would love to, instead, I have been reaping a harvest of tomatoes grown indoors, around the pool.     The first plant,...
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Poet’s Corner

July 19, 2016

Congratulations?       Why does your good news make me feel like crying?   I see the plethora of congratulations, and understand I must add mine to theirs; but somehow I do not feel you are happy, though you must be, right?   I keep remembering all of the endless dreams, you used to...
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Public Square

July 15, 2016

National Museum of the Marine Corps     “The terrazzo floor depicts the transition from ocean to shore, representing the Marines´ mission of amphibious assault. Soaring up from the floor is a 210 foot stainless steel spire suggesting the raised barrel of an artillery piece, a bayoneted rifle or an drawn Mameluke sword. Anchoring...
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Food

July 12, 2016

Pickled Cauliflower       Do not be afraid of pickling! Especially when you are making pickles that will be refrigerated thus; you do not have to worry about whether or not you have achieved the perfect canning seal. I have always loved pickled vegetables, with their great texture and flavors – I remember...
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Poet’s Corner

July 11, 2016

The New Colossus     Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her...
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From the Editor

July 11, 2016

Turn On the Light!     What can I do to help? Those six words have been spoken a great deal in my home, during the last ten days. It has been a hard week, in fact, I would say one of the hardest weeks we have known in a very long time. We...
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A View from the Road

July 10, 2016

The Nuns Too Deserve a Treat   Little screams out summer has arrived, especially in places with inclement weather, than stopping by for a chilly treat, in this case, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, in Missouri. As everyone went about ordering their custard, a group of nuns arrived, bringing with them at least a few...
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The Dialogue

July 7, 2016

First Sermon — Cambridge, Ohio   Job 27:8 -10 “For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?  Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?  Will he delight himself in the Almighty?  Will he always call upon God?”   I think it...
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Holiday’s

July 4, 2016

Celebrating the 4th of July     The Second Flag Raised at Iwo Jima “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.” ~ Admiral Chester W. Nimitz ~ Pacific Fleet Communique #300, March 17, 1945 As we celebrate the birth of our nation, I share with you one...
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Art


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