"I vowed, now at 55, to ground and manifest my constellation of creative writing book projects. Without asking permission. Without apology. Owning my brilliance."
While I've enjoyed this column, I'm thrilled to read about a woman of color in this space. Too often, unless "famous", I don't find stories about women of color and aging, unless it's to highlight a beauty routine aka how good she looks for... (insert amazing age here and my eye roll). Loved learning about Ms. Cruzado's engaging life and the people in it and those who've passed through. Thanks for introducing a new-to-me poet and writer, aging with grace, wisdom, writing, pursuing a PhD and an active sex life. Can't wait to read more of her work. Wonderful addition to Oldster interviews.
I absolutely agree! So much public discourse about woc aging is limited to their appearance not their experiences. I'm really please with this interview.
I agree 100%! As a Puerto Rican woman, reading about other Puerto Rican women (especially those with so much charisma, wisdom, and lust for life) feels like a tight squeeze of hug. So special. Thank you for sharing Sari and Maria!
Wow. I love everything about this interview. I laughed at "he became an ordinary man." And as an Iranian, I'm so happy you got to spend some time in Iran. Looking forward to reading more of your work as it is published.
Kheyli mahmnoon, Sara! I have twin projects gestating: a series of poems for Mami in HER Spanish; and a series of essays, possibly a memoir, with my son in mind about the three times I spent with Mamani, his Iranian grandmother: in Istanbul, Turkey (1991), in Iran (1995) and in Somerville, MA (1996). I taught myself conversational Farsi to communicate directly with her instead of through her son.
This is the best thing I have read in forever. I will quote her, read her work, and basically will become a Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado groupie. Thank you so much for sharing her words!
PS to Maria -- Please consider guest blogging for http:/www.stellafosse.com !
Joyful and so positive. This piece is inspiring and heartfelt, making me rethink the dread about ageing I 've taken on from Western society's negative opinions and attitudes, especially about losing one's physical capabilities.
To read a piece from one Latina perspective is wonderful and rare.
I particularly liked the reference to being multi-orgasmic:It's a superpower!
Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado is a powerful inspiration! Thank you for this incredible post. I’m moved to “own my brilliance” as Maria does, with joy and without apology. Brava, Maria!
What an excellent interview! This is the first piece I read today and it certainly set the tone for my day. I'm certain I will carry "¡Y soy un comelibros!" with me always.
This is inspiring in so many ways! Love that you're not asking permission to be your fullest self, Maria. Much respect and continued success in all of your amazing work :)
Ahhhh, family. I used to show my family my poetry and they would politely read then comment: "Have you though of writing a Jack Reacher?" (they are into thrillers). Cheers!
Everything about this is so great! Just hit 55 myself a few weeks ago. "Bliss is in the everyday; I don’t have to chase it, plan for it, strive for it. Es lo que es. It is what it is."
Hope, first, may your recovery be swift. Rest. Heal. Hydrate. Rest some more.
Upon my return from Puerto Rico with Mami in Jan 2022, I contracted COVID, thinking it was a bad flu. + headaches. + sore throat. Nope. Because I couldn't read or write due to my headaches, I recorded short vents & ideas with my eyes closed. And hibernated with sugar-free popsicles, low-sodium chicken broth, diet ginger ale. The occasional hot & sour soup and steamed dumplings.
After I scared the shit out of myself when my daily blood sugar levels spiked and dipped like some haywire lie detector.
COVID made my body lie to itself.
My PCP's wry response about knowing about as much as I did about the impact on COVID on Type II diabetics scared me. ¿¿¿¡¡¡Qué qué???!!!!
Shit, if that's the case, then I will become my own first doctor, and she, my second. Just like I'd always tell my son's teachers, K-12, yes, K-12, I (pause to make sure they're listening) I am my son's first teacher. YOU are his second. TOGETHER we educate my child. Since then, I became my first doctor, re-learning all systems in my body, reflecting on the time that my body was NOT Type II diabetic. Learned how not to freak out during the COVID invasion of my body, to become clinically compassionate with the dynamic information that my body was and is always giving me. I learned how to listen.
Hope, see what you inspired with your comment? By showing me how you are present to my work? I see you and I feel seen.
We have the power to heal ourselves and each other with our writing.
Thanks, Maria! One of the most thoughtful responses I have ever dared to hope for in a comment about an essay. And I mean that most sincerely! I too, am diabetic and Holy Shit is right! My eyes popped out of my head when I read the glucose monitor earlier this week. I guess Covid really does mess with glucose! So far, I have managed to be in control of diabetes without ANY medications -- diet, exercise, weight control. The sad thing is, that I was already a fanatic before my dx because I watched my dad die from this disease. But then again, no one could believe I had a heart attack either. We get the genes we get. Just as shocking as the number on the end of the glucose stick this week, was my reaction to someone (with diabetes!) after my heart attack that all that work to stay trim and healthy and eat right wasn't worth my effort since I got a heart attack, anyway. OMG! I'd be dead if I had not worked hard leading up to that. So yeah! We have to be our own number one doctors, right!! Happy to report that I blew my cardiologist away when I made a full recovery less than three months later. (I had already told the cardiac rehab folks that I would be an over achiever, and I meant it!) And kudos to my endocrinologist who has kept me off diabetic meds and encourages my habits. Okay, so I do occasionally have fun and indulge in a beer, a glass of wine, an ice cream ... oh God, I LOVE ice cream! But I am really committed so these things are treats, not food groups on the pyramid. I am so happy for you in your endeavors to do this PhD program! I arrogantly left a creative writing program in Tucson over 40 years ago; gave up all dreams of getting a MFA and led another life in clinical social work and motherhood. Now I'm 65 and still hoping to get something published some day! In the mean time, I went to your website to purchase your books directly, but couldn't figure out how to do that. I'm trying not to purchase books from Amazon whenever I can Can you send me another means of doing this? I live in Rochester, NY, so not far from your new home. I'd rather you get the whole enchilada. (Is that okay to say that if I am a gringo? Or is it gringa?) Thanks!
All that to say, Thank you! I am feeling better already. I was a Covid virgin up until now...
Through words, we continue to touch each other's lives. I am so proud of you. Yes, let's continue to blow away our doctors, our SECOND medical frames of reference, as we continue to learn and act upon what our respective bodies are telling us through symptoms and signs. You remind me about how to interrupt paradigms that don't work for us and never will. Each of us must create our differentiated system of self-care. ||And you crack me up, mi'ja. As a Boricua, I'd rather get the whole pernil con cuero! Hee hee. || Warm thanks too for your constructive feedback about my website, which I immediately updated to make more transparent how to best buy books from me directly. My poet's email is poetaprofesora@gmail.com, one I list everywhere. Please email me directly with the books you wish for me to purchase and I'll send them in the mail. Muchas gracias, Hope! María or María Luisa
I might print out this interview and tape it to my wall! Loved it from start to finish.
One of my favorite parts.
“My mother, Elizabeth Arroyo Cruzado Rosario, is my aging idol. At 78 with her white crown of wavy hair and signature Paddington Bear red knit hat and cane whenever she takes her daily walk, she is aging with profound spirituality, patience, grace, and a self-awareness of her growing limitations. And she has never compared herself to anyone else for as long as I’ve known her.”
While I've enjoyed this column, I'm thrilled to read about a woman of color in this space. Too often, unless "famous", I don't find stories about women of color and aging, unless it's to highlight a beauty routine aka how good she looks for... (insert amazing age here and my eye roll). Loved learning about Ms. Cruzado's engaging life and the people in it and those who've passed through. Thanks for introducing a new-to-me poet and writer, aging with grace, wisdom, writing, pursuing a PhD and an active sex life. Can't wait to read more of her work. Wonderful addition to Oldster interviews.
I couldn't agree more!
I absolutely agree! So much public discourse about woc aging is limited to their appearance not their experiences. I'm really please with this interview.
I agree 100%! As a Puerto Rican woman, reading about other Puerto Rican women (especially those with so much charisma, wisdom, and lust for life) feels like a tight squeeze of hug. So special. Thank you for sharing Sari and Maria!
Wow. I love everything about this interview. I laughed at "he became an ordinary man." And as an Iranian, I'm so happy you got to spend some time in Iran. Looking forward to reading more of your work as it is published.
Kheyli mahmnoon, Sara! I have twin projects gestating: a series of poems for Mami in HER Spanish; and a series of essays, possibly a memoir, with my son in mind about the three times I spent with Mamani, his Iranian grandmother: in Istanbul, Turkey (1991), in Iran (1995) and in Somerville, MA (1996). I taught myself conversational Farsi to communicate directly with her instead of through her son.
That's incredible! I am sure she was very moved by that. These projects sound wonderful.
Incredible. <3
This is the best thing I have read in forever. I will quote her, read her work, and basically will become a Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado groupie. Thank you so much for sharing her words!
PS to Maria -- Please consider guest blogging for http:/www.stellafosse.com !
Aw, Stella! Thank you for you kind and enthusiastic comments! And I will definitely consider guest blogging for your site.
Joyful and so positive. This piece is inspiring and heartfelt, making me rethink the dread about ageing I 've taken on from Western society's negative opinions and attitudes, especially about losing one's physical capabilities.
To read a piece from one Latina perspective is wonderful and rare.
I particularly liked the reference to being multi-orgasmic:It's a superpower!
Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado is a powerful inspiration! Thank you for this incredible post. I’m moved to “own my brilliance” as Maria does, with joy and without apology. Brava, Maria!
What an excellent interview! This is the first piece I read today and it certainly set the tone for my day. I'm certain I will carry "¡Y soy un comelibros!" with me always.
Bravo! Loved your infectious joy.
S
This is inspiring in so many ways! Love that you're not asking permission to be your fullest self, Maria. Much respect and continued success in all of your amazing work :)
Gracias, Alicia!
What an absolute inspiration! Thank you.
Ahhhh, family. I used to show my family my poetry and they would politely read then comment: "Have you though of writing a Jack Reacher?" (they are into thrillers). Cheers!
Everything about this is so great! Just hit 55 myself a few weeks ago. "Bliss is in the everyday; I don’t have to chase it, plan for it, strive for it. Es lo que es. It is what it is."
What a WONDERFUL piece. Thank you for sharing.
What an inspiration this was, thank you!
Yes, I find this one particularly inspiring, too!
I'll have what Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado is having! I am in my bed with Covid (1st time) as I read her interview and feel as if I've been healed.
Speedy recovery!
Hope, first, may your recovery be swift. Rest. Heal. Hydrate. Rest some more.
Upon my return from Puerto Rico with Mami in Jan 2022, I contracted COVID, thinking it was a bad flu. + headaches. + sore throat. Nope. Because I couldn't read or write due to my headaches, I recorded short vents & ideas with my eyes closed. And hibernated with sugar-free popsicles, low-sodium chicken broth, diet ginger ale. The occasional hot & sour soup and steamed dumplings.
After I scared the shit out of myself when my daily blood sugar levels spiked and dipped like some haywire lie detector.
COVID made my body lie to itself.
My PCP's wry response about knowing about as much as I did about the impact on COVID on Type II diabetics scared me. ¿¿¿¡¡¡Qué qué???!!!!
Shit, if that's the case, then I will become my own first doctor, and she, my second. Just like I'd always tell my son's teachers, K-12, yes, K-12, I (pause to make sure they're listening) I am my son's first teacher. YOU are his second. TOGETHER we educate my child. Since then, I became my first doctor, re-learning all systems in my body, reflecting on the time that my body was NOT Type II diabetic. Learned how not to freak out during the COVID invasion of my body, to become clinically compassionate with the dynamic information that my body was and is always giving me. I learned how to listen.
Hope, see what you inspired with your comment? By showing me how you are present to my work? I see you and I feel seen.
We have the power to heal ourselves and each other with our writing.
Thanks, Maria! One of the most thoughtful responses I have ever dared to hope for in a comment about an essay. And I mean that most sincerely! I too, am diabetic and Holy Shit is right! My eyes popped out of my head when I read the glucose monitor earlier this week. I guess Covid really does mess with glucose! So far, I have managed to be in control of diabetes without ANY medications -- diet, exercise, weight control. The sad thing is, that I was already a fanatic before my dx because I watched my dad die from this disease. But then again, no one could believe I had a heart attack either. We get the genes we get. Just as shocking as the number on the end of the glucose stick this week, was my reaction to someone (with diabetes!) after my heart attack that all that work to stay trim and healthy and eat right wasn't worth my effort since I got a heart attack, anyway. OMG! I'd be dead if I had not worked hard leading up to that. So yeah! We have to be our own number one doctors, right!! Happy to report that I blew my cardiologist away when I made a full recovery less than three months later. (I had already told the cardiac rehab folks that I would be an over achiever, and I meant it!) And kudos to my endocrinologist who has kept me off diabetic meds and encourages my habits. Okay, so I do occasionally have fun and indulge in a beer, a glass of wine, an ice cream ... oh God, I LOVE ice cream! But I am really committed so these things are treats, not food groups on the pyramid. I am so happy for you in your endeavors to do this PhD program! I arrogantly left a creative writing program in Tucson over 40 years ago; gave up all dreams of getting a MFA and led another life in clinical social work and motherhood. Now I'm 65 and still hoping to get something published some day! In the mean time, I went to your website to purchase your books directly, but couldn't figure out how to do that. I'm trying not to purchase books from Amazon whenever I can Can you send me another means of doing this? I live in Rochester, NY, so not far from your new home. I'd rather you get the whole enchilada. (Is that okay to say that if I am a gringo? Or is it gringa?) Thanks!
All that to say, Thank you! I am feeling better already. I was a Covid virgin up until now...
Dear Hope,
Through words, we continue to touch each other's lives. I am so proud of you. Yes, let's continue to blow away our doctors, our SECOND medical frames of reference, as we continue to learn and act upon what our respective bodies are telling us through symptoms and signs. You remind me about how to interrupt paradigms that don't work for us and never will. Each of us must create our differentiated system of self-care. ||And you crack me up, mi'ja. As a Boricua, I'd rather get the whole pernil con cuero! Hee hee. || Warm thanks too for your constructive feedback about my website, which I immediately updated to make more transparent how to best buy books from me directly. My poet's email is poetaprofesora@gmail.com, one I list everywhere. Please email me directly with the books you wish for me to purchase and I'll send them in the mail. Muchas gracias, Hope! María or María Luisa
I might print out this interview and tape it to my wall! Loved it from start to finish.
One of my favorite parts.
“My mother, Elizabeth Arroyo Cruzado Rosario, is my aging idol. At 78 with her white crown of wavy hair and signature Paddington Bear red knit hat and cane whenever she takes her daily walk, she is aging with profound spirituality, patience, grace, and a self-awareness of her growing limitations. And she has never compared herself to anyone else for as long as I’ve known her.”
Now she’s my idol too ❤️
I will tell Mami this.
What a beautiful, joyful interview. Thank you both!
So enjoyed reading this!! I agree with Anna’s comments!