Carmen Ambrosio's Blog
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Jun.19.2013
Just past mid-May,
Midwest earth yields
insects, worms and warmth,
prodding new plantings
and coaxing old growth;
Drenching showers feed
dazzling blossoms,
displacing bleak browns,
and prompting wide smiles
from all passersby.
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Apr.01.2013
To celebrate the beginning of National Poetry Month, here is my plan:
Monday, after lunch, I'll reread my favorite poem by Audre Lorde "The Marvelous Arithmetics of Distance"--twice.
Tuesday, I'll eat breakfast and spend the morning with verses from Gwendolyn Brooks, Frank Horne, e. e. cummings,...
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Feb.14.2013
Last night I gamely proposed
To my doubting husband and limping leg
To begin running
At first as far as
Our next door neighbor--
15 feet perhaps,
Gradually working past
Two more neighbors' doors--
40 feet maybe,
Ably rounding pavement beyond
Eight neighbors' doorways--
150 feet perchance,...
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Apr.30.2012
On our last walk
You stepped slowly,
In stride with my limp,
The pace uneven,
Destined for where?
Down our long driveway
Unwilling limbs veered
In and out of grass;
Tail wagging in spurts,
Nose poking known spots.
Up your head tilted,
Weary and wary,
'How far will we go?'
I paused not...
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Apr.13.2012
The birds are back. Some never left. A few are leaving or hiding. Nest construction and repair are underway. I awaken to sun and chirping. Bulbs are sprouting. Sammy Da Nose, our dog, is shedding his winter coat and so are we. It’s spring in Ohio.
In the Virgin Islands where I grew up,...
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Mar.13.2012
About This Book Discussion Guide
Group members are encouraged to use the following information to discuss the memoir Life Continues, an unconventional account of dealing with multiple sclerosis for two decades and reaching middle age.
About This Book
Carmen Ambrosio was 17 when she transferred from...
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Feb.28.2012
I would like to honor the West Indian females who have embodied strength and free will in my life. They are my mother, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers, cousins, family friends, public school teachers, and principals.
They chose what they did and did whatever it was well. They spoke when and as they...
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Dec.22.2011
For too many years to count, my Granny Elsa cooked immense, mouthwatering Sunday and holiday meals for hordes of relatives and friends in her dollhouse-sized kitchen and hillside kiln. Overflowing pots and pans filled every surface. If you didn’t fill your plate or finish eating mounds of food...
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Nov.14.2011
Even if wind is whistling moreso or throughout your bank accounts, realize that you have much to be thankful for—especially if you have loved ones, good health, supportive friends, kind neighbors, loyal pets, a safe and comfortable home, a peaceful nation, sufficient clothes, fresh air, clean water...
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Oct.17.2011
I know not to absorb “mung” from spewers of negativity and unhappiness. Still, caustic salvos sometimes slime their way into my brain, squelching my imagination, confidence, and optimism. When I reflect, I realize the vile intruders have access only if I permit them.
Thankfully, the duration of...
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Oct.05.2011
I wait,
scarcely in control,
hesitate
to begin
edge closer,
chance bliss.
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Aug.23.2011
Two months ago, my friend Michael painstakingly packed hours of classic R&B tunes onto a MP3 and sent the player to me. Since then, four times a week, that tiny time machine has transported me back, again and again, to my ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s all-night dancing days. I’ve gladly flashbacked to...
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Aug.15.2011
I was born in the Virgin Islands, the former Danish West Indies colony now a U.S. territory, a.k.a. America’s Paradise. It is a place where many families including mine can trace our mini United Nations roots loosely back a few generations, following relatives as they migrated, crisscrossing...
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Aug.09.2011
Congratulations. You’ve found a publisher with a marketing department and (gasp) even a marketing budget. That’s exciting! But it doesn’t mean you're off the hook when it comes to book sales.
In fact, as author, you should think of yourself as in charge of book sales.
Yes, that’s right. After all...
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Jul.31.2011
Whenever I’m around my friend Maureen, I feel courageous and daring. She exudes head-to-toe creative spunk in the funky ensembles she assembles. Tall with a striking, curly red mane and infectious smile, Maureen illuminates a room...
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A well-written memoir… Ms. Ambrosio is honest and witty, inspirational without being overbearing, and engaging. ”
—National Federation of Press Women (Ohio Affiliate)
About Carmen
Carmen Ambrosio was born in the U. S. Virgin Islands. After she earned a degree in journalism from Michigan State University, she held corporate positions in marketing communications and sales before switching careers to advertising. Carmen later...
Causes Carmen Ambrosio Supports
Mid-Ohio Food Bank
Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (CCSVI MS research)
Carmen’s Favorite Books
Mama Day, The Anatomy of Hope. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, Mumbo Jumbo, GOSPEL, Seabiscuit, White Teeth, 365 Tao, Let the Dead Bury the Dead...