Start Here — A Map to this Newsletter

Welcome — and thank you for reading.

Language, Learning and Life is where I write about the stories we tell about ourselves and each other: as individuals, as communities, as a country, as a world. The essays move between a few different threads (weaving together at times, and hopefully creating a tapestry - or mosaic, to use a metaphor that is more apt for me).

So here’s a map if you’re new:

Body, Mind, Spirit, Story (memoir) — reflections drawn from a memoir-in-progress about illness, transformation, and reconstruction. Start with Why I Write or Gracias a la Vida (Thanks to Life).

On Writing — essays on process, voice, and writing as a way of understanding a life. Start with On writing and healing, voice and authority. There are reflections on the writing process woven into a lot of my essays. More is coming!

Politics & Possibilities — essays on the political and social moment, and ways of learning from history to imagine new possibilities. I write a lot about immigration in the U.S., since much of my professional work has been with immigrant communities. Start with On Fire and ICE, truth and kindness or Hauntings from our histories, personal and political.

Pedagogies & Practices — what I’ve learned from teaching and learning in many different spaces across my life (public schools, alternative schools, K–12, higher education, and everyday life). Start with Creating spaces for thinking and feeling or Stumblestones.

Language & Learning — reflections drawn from my research and years studying how immigrant children and families navigate language and culture, especially as “brokers” for others. More on this soon! I’ll also post invitations to participate in ongoing projects, like this Creative Story Celebration.

Life Lessons — more philosophical reflections on what life has taught me, especially as I deepen my commitment to a spiritual (Buddhist-influenced) path. Start with Learning and Unlearning in Life or The Perfection of Wisdom in our Wild and Precious Lives.

I intend to post something every week or two. If any of this resonates, I’d love for you to subscribe. And if you know someone who might enjoy it too, please share it and encourage them to subscribe, comment, and read along.

On my newly-revised “About” page you can read more about my background and identities as well as intentions and invitations for this newsletter. You can also read about my name change.

— Marjorie Elaine (AKA Marjorie Faulstich Orellana)

PS: I’m going to work more with the “mosaic” metaphor, and share some of my mosaic art pieces as well, just for fun.