"Blackbirds in the Pomegranate Tree: Stories from Ixcotel State Prison" published November 2013. My stories of solidarity with the women I met while incarcerated in Mexico in 2003. Amazon.com.

Elena Poniatowska, winner of 2013 Premio Cervantes says of the book:

"“Blackbirds in the Pomegranate Tree” is a life lesson. If they were to throw me in jail, I would carry it with me to read each night, as some read the Bible or the Gospels. In its pages I would find strength and faith in humankind, and I would know that to believe in “the others” is a path to salvation."

re: flowers/nature/gardens

Keywords to my life in no order: Colorado, Bronx, Writing, Prison, Presumed Guilty, Aging, Alzhemier's, Nonprofit, Mexico, Corn, Oaxaca, Poetry, Nature, Flowers, Garden, Zinnia, Beauty, Hugs, Kisses, Mountains, Communication, Team, Wilderness, Love, Wisdom, Animals, Brussels Sprouts, Laughing, Silvio, Sea Turtles, Figs, Szymborska, Galeano, Márquez, Castellanos, Yucatan, Schenectady, did I say Mexico already? Valdepeñas, Rioja, Tortilla Española, Sayil, Xlapak, Uxmal, Ixcotel, Labná, Cabo San Lucas, Cancún, Dogs, Cats, Germination, Apples, Damiana, Toloache, Cempazúchil, Copal, Passiflora, Morning Glory, Justice, Puzzles, Chocolate, Walking, Mom, Dad, Solidarity, Birth, Death, Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude