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


Public Square

July 17, 2015

Paul Revere’s Home     One of the only colonial homes left in the North End of Boston, Paul Revere’s Home, has long been a favorite stop, along The Freedom Trail.     Not only is the historical home significant for its occupant’s role, but it is also well staffed, with informative docents, and...
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In the Wild!

July 15, 2015

This Little Piggy Is Tired     Looking at these penned up little piggy’s made me understand exactly why people have made pets of pigs.     They all looked so tired.     But seriously adorable!
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Poet’s Corner

July 12, 2015

Off to the City   The noise is constant and measured it grows louder, then muffled by turn. Next stop is called. The breaks slow her down, clump, clumpity, clump. The doors open squeaking screeching, shrieking, off and on they come and go in and out no one sees anyone. Caring her tired and...
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From the Editor

July 12, 2015

Are We Present?  “Too much of our living is done in the past or in the future while we neglect the present.  But yesterday is a canceled check and tomorrow is a promissory note.  Only today is cash at hand for us to spend.” ~ Sidney Greenberg~ Words to Live By When I read...
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Food

July 10, 2015

Gazpacho   I love gazpacho!   It is the perfect summer time soup and a great way to take advantage of garden bounty.  Gazpacho is a staple of Andalusia, in southern Spain; but it is enjoyed anywhere a discerning pallet can be found.  Traditionally associated with peasant fair, it is thus a very forgiving recipe,...
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From the Editor

June 26, 2015

 Maybe the Walls Can Talk     In film, fairytales, and fiction there are endless references to the fact that women spend at least a portion of their lifetime, fantasying about their wedding day.  I can honestly say, if I spent an hour, that was a lot and most likely ingenuous; I did however...
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Perfect Post Cards – Picture and a Thousand Words

June 26, 2015

June 26, 1963     “Who ever thought I’d see these wonderful old places, I read about in books!  It is really cold here & everyone wears coats.  The hotels are very lovely & the food excellent.  Took a bus trip about the city this A.M. & this P.M. a boat ride around the...
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In the Wild!

June 24, 2015

A Hummingbird and The Bumblebees     Last night, on the evening news, I was warned to expect severe weather today, including tornados.  As I write these words, I am currently under a tornado warning.  I have prepared in the best way I know – oh, I just remembered that I do not have...
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In the Garden

June 22, 2015

The Ephemeral Lilac     It is the fragrance, which announces that the lilacs are in bloom; their sweet perfume draws you toward the delicate flowers from a family of mostly purples and white.     I was blessed with neighbors who not only planted lilac bushes, near my driveway, but invited me to...
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Art

June 17, 2015

To love a painting is to feel that this presence is… not an object but a voice. ~ Andre Malraux ~  American Windows  by Marc Chagall It will be impossible for this page to capture the width and breadth of Chagall’s beauty and passion, in this series of stain glass windows; nevertheless, I share...
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Art


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