Run Mona Run

It’s an absolutely gorgeous sunny Sunday early morning. Jason and I will be off to the ‘new’ LA Flea Market at Dodger stadium and later Palos Verdes.

Happy Birthday to my sister Monica; I call her Mona. The piece here is titled “Homecoming Mona.” It is inspired by a photo of her after having won Homecoming Queen at St. Paul High School. She loves ice cream and was a star in track and cross country. I loved going to the meets and watching her run.

During my dark and ‘goth’ years in high school, I shared my writings and first poems with only her. They were so heartfelt at the time, but now, I laugh when I read them. Even though she was 3 years younger than I, Mona always listened and seemed to understand. I admired her a great deal for having the courage to stand on her own 2 feet. During high school, along with being a star athlete in track and cross-country, she maintained excellent grades, had a boyfriend, worked part-time, and drove a car.

At her age, I felt like had accomplished nothing. I dressed weird, mostly in black clothes. I belonged to no sports team, I had no boyfriend, I didn’t work, nor did I drive. The only thing I had going for me was my straight A’s.

Luckily, out of boredom one day, I sketched a little drawing while at school. Later that day, I took that little sketch and turned it into a pencil drawing. I didn’t realize until 15 years later, that it was the start of my Little Girls. The little girl in that sketch was the beginnings of my series of Little Girls.

Also, at that age, I met my friend for life in Alex. It is also his birthday today. Feliz Cumpleanos!

Life turned out just as it was meant to be- absolutely no regrets!