interview by sarah maria medina
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When touring, what makes home?
Home is difficult to create when "place" is so temporary (24 hours or less), but I'm often surprised by the moments I share with people during my travels that can create a kind of home. After a long day of traveling and performing I usually watch basketball games religiously, find a cozy bed, and pray it's not too late at night to find some chicken. Maybe that's not "home" but it is comfort.
Books you're sleeping with right now.
Too many. I probably should not buy any more books until I can get caught up in reading the ones I have waiting for me, but I'm currently finishing Ta-Nehisi Coates' "Between The World and Me" and starting Claudia Rankine's Citizen.
What would "Dear Straight People" say to "Weapons" if they met mediodia?
That's a great question I've never been asked before. "Dear Straight People" would say to "Weapons"....I'm mad as hell too.
Moon bath or sun spill?
The sun rejuvenates me....the moon asks me to look inside. I need them both. Like a selfish lover.
Yemaya or Maria?
Yemaya.
Ocean or mountain?
Ocean....much like the moon, I cannot run away when I'm near a body of water. I feel so small, so temporary, and yet so urgent. Nothing is new or forever. We are so old. It can all be done.
How you take your coffee.
Bieeeeeeen dulce, usually with whip cream and caramel. (I'm a new coffee drinker!)
A secret you've never told.
Aye dios.....ummmm.....I once joined a softball team in high school because I thought a girl was cute. I hit a homerun the first game and quit. I was apparently, young and restless.
Your childhood nickname.
I can't tell you! My mama is the only person who calls me by this nickname and there's something special about that. I fear if I tell folks others will jump on and then I'll be startled. It can only be my mama. Names hold power like that.
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