How to Make Friends with the New Kid: Advice for Kiara from the New Kids
My presentation to ELL students at Manchester, CT's high school and middle school explored insights gained from being a newcomer from a different culture.
Another Chance for Porto
A roundup of my trip to Porto, which has become a major tourist destination, and meetings with Portuguese authors of children's books.
Why Save the Fulbright Program?
How I benefited from being part of the Fulbright program in Portugal and why the program deserves continued funding with no strings attached.
Under the Bus
I explain the idiomatic expression "thrown under the bus" using an example from the George Washington Bridge lane closing scandal.
Adeus, livro!
Wrapping Up My Portuguese Class
My final exam in Portuguese prompts reflection on the importance of reading in learning languages and developing as a writer.
The stained glass windows of the Cuxa Cloister bear the emblems of the Spanish crown, which incorporates coats of arms from Aragón and Catalunya.
Tourists at Home
A visit to The Cloisters in New York City is cause to reflect on the different fates of the Portuguese and Catalan languages.
We Watch Train Wrecks
Are writers "everyday sadists" because we ratchet up conflicts and place our protagonists in dire and painful circumstances?
Have I Met My Match?
The beginning of my third semester Portuguese class reminds of the trope of the competitive overachiever who finds herself overtaken by rival classmates.
“Celebridades” Revised
I've been busy with interviews and guest posts for the past month or so, but things seem to be quieting down. Not sure whether or not that's a good thing,…
How’s That Writing a Story in Portuguese Thing Working Out?
Apparently, a lot better than uploading my video progress report to this web site. In the end, I had to delete the videos and substitute a photo of my first…