I wrote the historical novel Where Rabbits Gathered to examine a way of surviving that sits outside the familiar European and American story of dominance.
Wow, what a treat. Since I grew up mismatched as I like to call it, I've incorporated traditions from other people. One that has stayed with me, has been gathering my children and grandchildren to create meals and memories. Just being together because family is who you bring together in your circle not always from which you were born. I am grateful for all the abuelitas that fed me and raised me.
My cultural background is very colonialist/crusading and oppressive of others 😢 both religiously and socio-econmic politically.
Our family has been attempting to create new, meaningful and other-focused traditions.
Each child on their birthday gets to choose the supper meal and usually makes their own cake (they all like cooking/baking.) The birthday person is usually very involved in making the meal (and cake) for everyone.
In my Irish Catholic family, First Communion, First Confession, and Confirmation were always a huge ceremonial and family celebration. I married a Filipino Catholic, so those traditions were reinforced. Since I divorced my Filipino husband and left the Catholic Church, I really miss the pageantry and sense of community. But there were so many things about the treatment of women that made me furious, and when my son came out as gay there was no way I could stay affiliated with that hierarchy. Still looking for a way to recreate better traditions now that my brothers have left the church, and their kids, and my grown children are beginning to raise kids with no religious affiliation.
This book sounds fascinating and I look forward to reading it as I am trying to broaden my historical knowledge past that of Europe and the American colonies. Being born and raised in Texas, I am now playing catch up with my knowledge of the American Southwest.
I wish you the best of luck with the novel and thank you for being so willing to teach us.
hi alisa, I started reading your posts when I realised you write of new Mexico and the communities and places that are part of my family history. I'd really love to read your book and learn more about my ancestors.
my family tradition is to make Christmas. tamales with New Mexican Chile, no other Chile will do. there is something about soaking the chiles, removing the stems and some seeds, and blending them with water, garlic and salt that feels like tradition passed on through the ages. tho I know my ancestor grandmothers used a molcajete to create the Chile paste. it is Christmas when the smell of New Mexico Chile is in the air!
Every time I learn about a non-domination history and culture, I want to give it my full attention. I went to Ireland in 2024 to learn about my ancestors who were starved and forced to leave Ireland. The cultures of dominance and power are absolutely evil, a toxic cancer on humanity and the earth. May we return to love and community, with care and honor for all living things.
I'm looking forward to reading your book. I was born and raised in Albuquerque. Until recently, I didn't know who my ancestors were past my grandparents (on both sides). Even now, my family tree doesn't go back very far. I'm desperately seeking stories that can help explain who I am from an intergenerational perspective, by proxy.
Both sides of my family have been farmers for several generations with teachers blended in. No matter what the occassion everyone brings a favorite dish to the table for each meal. Of course special requests do exist! The ethnicities are mixed so the offerings are very tasty and colorful. We have herbivores,carnivores , and omnivores at every meal! 😂 It is a wonderful way to encourage sharing of traditions and great food.
Alisa, thank you for an introduction to your book! I will get it whether I win or not. 😉
My family/cultural story is a bit of a mess like many others, and that, maybe, is one of the strengths I try to hold onto. I’m not alone!
The family strength I hold most closely to is family by choice, not always by blood. Adoption runs deep in my and my ex-spouse’s family. It’s such a normal part of who our “greater” family is that it’s become a norm. I’m eternally grateful.
I am looking forward to listening in later this evening, and also to reading your book.
One tradition that has continued for several generations in my family is honoring our ancestors by putting flowers next to their grave markers at the cemetery.
I wish my ancestors had given me something besides their racism, sexism and a really fu*ked up evangelicalism that makes the children pay instead of the molesters. I’m the “buck stops here” person in my family and I’m thrilled to break their molds. So I guess my tradition is to continue to stand way outside my so called “heritage”.
I look forward to reading your book!
Wow, what a treat. Since I grew up mismatched as I like to call it, I've incorporated traditions from other people. One that has stayed with me, has been gathering my children and grandchildren to create meals and memories. Just being together because family is who you bring together in your circle not always from which you were born. I am grateful for all the abuelitas that fed me and raised me.
I am white American. I have no cultural or traditional practices to share. And that’s why I’m going to read your book. It sounds wonderful.
My cultural background is very colonialist/crusading and oppressive of others 😢 both religiously and socio-econmic politically.
Our family has been attempting to create new, meaningful and other-focused traditions.
Each child on their birthday gets to choose the supper meal and usually makes their own cake (they all like cooking/baking.) The birthday person is usually very involved in making the meal (and cake) for everyone.
So generous of you!
The tradition is all about sitting down and sharing food every one brought. No matter the day or time.
Being together and sharing 🥰
In my Irish Catholic family, First Communion, First Confession, and Confirmation were always a huge ceremonial and family celebration. I married a Filipino Catholic, so those traditions were reinforced. Since I divorced my Filipino husband and left the Catholic Church, I really miss the pageantry and sense of community. But there were so many things about the treatment of women that made me furious, and when my son came out as gay there was no way I could stay affiliated with that hierarchy. Still looking for a way to recreate better traditions now that my brothers have left the church, and their kids, and my grown children are beginning to raise kids with no religious affiliation.
This book sounds fascinating and I look forward to reading it as I am trying to broaden my historical knowledge past that of Europe and the American colonies. Being born and raised in Texas, I am now playing catch up with my knowledge of the American Southwest.
I wish you the best of luck with the novel and thank you for being so willing to teach us.
hi alisa, I started reading your posts when I realised you write of new Mexico and the communities and places that are part of my family history. I'd really love to read your book and learn more about my ancestors.
my family tradition is to make Christmas. tamales with New Mexican Chile, no other Chile will do. there is something about soaking the chiles, removing the stems and some seeds, and blending them with water, garlic and salt that feels like tradition passed on through the ages. tho I know my ancestor grandmothers used a molcajete to create the Chile paste. it is Christmas when the smell of New Mexico Chile is in the air!
Every time I learn about a non-domination history and culture, I want to give it my full attention. I went to Ireland in 2024 to learn about my ancestors who were starved and forced to leave Ireland. The cultures of dominance and power are absolutely evil, a toxic cancer on humanity and the earth. May we return to love and community, with care and honor for all living things.
I'm looking forward to reading your book. I was born and raised in Albuquerque. Until recently, I didn't know who my ancestors were past my grandparents (on both sides). Even now, my family tree doesn't go back very far. I'm desperately seeking stories that can help explain who I am from an intergenerational perspective, by proxy.
Both sides of my family have been farmers for several generations with teachers blended in. No matter what the occassion everyone brings a favorite dish to the table for each meal. Of course special requests do exist! The ethnicities are mixed so the offerings are very tasty and colorful. We have herbivores,carnivores , and omnivores at every meal! 😂 It is a wonderful way to encourage sharing of traditions and great food.
Alisa, thank you for an introduction to your book! I will get it whether I win or not. 😉
My family/cultural story is a bit of a mess like many others, and that, maybe, is one of the strengths I try to hold onto. I’m not alone!
The family strength I hold most closely to is family by choice, not always by blood. Adoption runs deep in my and my ex-spouse’s family. It’s such a normal part of who our “greater” family is that it’s become a norm. I’m eternally grateful.
I’m excited to read this. It is on my TBR list in the top 5.
I’ve already started reading the free short read. Looking forward to reading the complete book!
Hello Alisa,
I am looking forward to listening in later this evening, and also to reading your book.
One tradition that has continued for several generations in my family is honoring our ancestors by putting flowers next to their grave markers at the cemetery.
With gratitude,
Bernard
I wish my ancestors had given me something besides their racism, sexism and a really fu*ked up evangelicalism that makes the children pay instead of the molesters. I’m the “buck stops here” person in my family and I’m thrilled to break their molds. So I guess my tradition is to continue to stand way outside my so called “heritage”.
Wish I could be there tonight.