It didn't take me long after settling back into the NYC area to get started on a new project.I pulled in last night around 3:30 (I left around 11PM due to unforeseen circumstances)and nearly drove off the road a few times I was so tired. After some sleep and time relaxing while listening to the rain I'm ready to start a new project. I haven't even been here 24 hours.
The short story is that this summer I plan to gather photos and audio of my Abuela on an extended story. It'll be in Spanglish (w/ translation when necessary). Interviewing her about her life growing up in Cuba, her immigration to the U.S., life working in the garment factories, the sacrifices she made for my father and aunt annnndddd other details I was always too scared to ask(e.g. her life with an alcoholic husband).
Elva Pasarin just turned 88 two days ago. I don't know how long I've got with her. I'll be working with my aunt on the interviews since I'm not 100 percent fluent in Spanish.
You all know I need to keep busy even when no one's giving me assignments to work on. I'll drive myself crazy otherwise. I think this is necessary for me. I'm moving back into my old apartment, which is in my old neighborhood. There's much to deal with when it comes to that. I live in two different worlds: the one back home where people think they knew who I was and one in Syracuse where I was the most honest with myself and those that met me. Working on this project is as much for her as it is for my understanding of her and my understanding of home. I need this.
Looking forward to the outcome-
-LP
