I am from red sandstone canyons and treed mountain landscapes.

From strong family ties and good communication, faithfulness and integrity.

I am from a middle/upper class, mostly white background, and I’m just starting to learn how that has shaped me in both positive and limiting ways.

I’m from the land of the Southwest native peoples – the Hopi and Navajo, and the Anasazi peoples who lived before them.                     

From early morning sunrise hikes to late night star gazing,  

I am from rushing streams  and quiet meadows where you can only hear the breeze

I’m from  never-ending family games, laughter, and family bird calls of “Caa”

From  my dad Bruce and my mother Laurie

I’m from the Stoic Swiss-German heritage with the tendency to keep things surface level and gloss over the hard stuff 

From people who encouraged me to follow my dreams, that hard work will get you anywhere you need to in life so just pull up your bootstraps and go, but now I’m realizing that isn’t true for everyone

I’m from a family who went to church on Christmas and Easter and always showed love, care, and faithfulness to whoever they met

I’m from a culture of hyper-independence and lots of  spicy green chili sauce on everything (which I really miss!)

I hold closely the bonding of sisterhood, endless camping trips; and nostalgic photos and memories that live on in my heart. 

With them in Arizona and me in Boston, my family feels far geographically but I carry all of this with me.