Dear Readers, Now that my second child, the book that finally emerged in December, is out in the world, I’m gearing up for more musings
Category: Love in Translation
After the birth of my daughter in San José in 2013, I began a blog called “The Dictionary of You,” letters to her about the language and culture I loved in my adopted country of Costa Rica. The blog spawned a column at The Tico Times called “Maeology” and a book, “Love in Translation: Letters to My Costa Rican Daughter,” available worldwide on Amazon. Read on for more.
(And now for a political interlude)
Dear Dictionary of You Readers, I’ve been AWOL from this site, which means so much to me, for two reasons: first, I was putting out

An interview about ‘Love’
Earlier this year, Tico Times Managing Editor (and fellow writer-mom) Jill Replogle asked me some great questions about Costa Rica, writing, juggling family, and the immigrant vs. expat debate. The TT published the interview on Monday and I’m proud to share it here as well.
An interview about ‘Love’
This was an amazing week and I’m so grateful to you for your comments and shares! Earlier this year, Tico Times Managing Editor (and fellow
The book is here – thank you!
The book based on my writings here on “The Dictionary of You” is finally in print, and I am so thankful to each and every
The problem with valleys
What do people buy before a storm? Water. Batteries. A box of wine – fine, two, and I’m not sorry. We fill our carts with