Dirt Feet My hair is long, From neglected times gone My eyes are red, Watering the African Violets In my head My heart is heavy, Listening for sounds, Memories not ready My feet are bare, Together a pair How rare the sweet smell, Of wet, black soil, Caught between my toes No longer without a … Continue reading Dear Dr. Seuss (part 2)
Author: natasha devalia
Author Poetry and Art books: ‘Tears and Grape Seeds’ 2025, ‘one touch of the rope’, 2024 and ‘Unseen Veins’, 2023
Zambian of South Asian descent, living in Thailand.
I write poetry, perform, and I’m currently an MFA (painting) student. The themes of my art whether expressed through movement, poetry, painting or as interdisciplinary forms include identity, belonging, mental health and family life.
Three Cheers for Family: A Guest Post by Maro Adjemian
As part of the series : A Monday Morning Guest Post in Multicultural Mothering Maro: I speak English, French, Spanish (although it's getting rusty), and not as much Italian as I should. I grew up in small towns not far from Ottawa, first on the Quebec side and then on the Ontario side, but my … Continue reading Three Cheers for Family: A Guest Post by Maro Adjemian
Montreal by Metro
Running Late
Last Thursday, at quarter to nine, I realised that it would take 20, 25 minutes to get to Judy’s studio on foot, and likely longer if I waited for a cab, and then jerked and snailed through the smoggy morning traffic. My Pranayama (breath work) would start at 9. I decided to go on foot. … Continue reading Running Late
Canadian: A Guest Post by Bea of The Little Grovers
When Natasha asked me to guest post, I was faced with severe writer's block and have been putting it off. I am so impressed with how the previous guest writers are teaching their children multiple languages and feel a little intimidated. I discussed the subject of raising children in a multicultural family with my husband … Continue reading Canadian: A Guest Post by Bea of The Little Grovers
“If you are happy, be happy. If you are angry, be angry.”
Here's a piece of a blog-entry: "Gratitude, Shmatitude", by jmlindy of Snide Reply. She's a mum, a teacher, and a writer, among other things. The post is a good read, and her blog a good one to bookmark. Check it out here: http://jlwrite.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/gratitude-schmatitude/ -------------------- One Christmas, my mother gave my siblings and me really nice … Continue reading “If you are happy, be happy. If you are angry, be angry.”
Sad
I’ve been solo parenting for the last 10 days. On Sunday, Leila, Rahul and I spent the morning out. We were at a housing complex close by, playing on their favorite blue and red dolphin-swings. Nothing pleases them more. At one point we take a break: drink some water, eat a few grapes, change a … Continue reading Sad
Between the Lines
It’s 7am. Leila follows me into the bathroom. I notice her reflection in the mirror - fiddling with the drawers that store extra towels - as I brush my teeth. She’s not really interested in the drawer handles or contents. She’s working on something else. “Rawul did it!” she says over and over. Every time … Continue reading Between the Lines
Between Worlds: A Guest Post by Heidi Nevin
(As part of the series: A Monday Morning Guest Post in Multicultural Mothering) First, thank you, beautiful Natasha, for creating this forum and inviting us to share our perspectives. I was born in Crete, Greece and raised in Maryland, USA, on a beautiful, 86-acre, off-the-grid homestead. My parents, products of the hippie era, were inspired … Continue reading Between Worlds: A Guest Post by Heidi Nevin
Oh Boy!
“Rahul is a sweetheart! He let Leila have the train,” I declare proudly as he hands back her toy upon request. “Thanks Rahul.” I continue. “Afu BOY,” he quickly corrects me, worried. (He calls himself Afu; the Sichuanese version of his Chinese name.) “Yes. Afu boy.” I confirm, without going into how he can also … Continue reading Oh Boy!
Natasha Devalia 