I was taught as a girl not to speak.

Even today, talking is like a second language to me. It requires some effort and concentration. I become self-conscious.

I did learn to listen. And I learned to write. I remember in first grade sounding out and writing: culer. Wow. It was thrilling--to me and to my teacher, Sister Eugenia.

This is what I like about keeping a blog:
each entry the release of a caged bird.