Author Archives: eportugal4
Pantsless Tuesdays
Pantsless Tuesdays By Elaina Portugal July 11th, 2023 Before my youngest went off to college, I had been an active parent for 32 years. I had children living at home for whom I cooked, cleaned up after, and searched bedrooms … Continue reading
The Notecard
Elaina Portugal 06/20/23 As I head into the organic, granola, tree-hugging grocery store on my way home from an appointment, I notice this woman talking to someone in the parking lot. She waves her arms and laughs as she proffers … Continue reading
Nation of Echoes — Lauren — 1/11/2021
It wasn’t until I studied history in college that I began to see the cracks in America’s façade—thanks to my privilege. American schools don’t teach much actual history. They teach a white-washed, nationalistic version of the highlights. Continue reading
The Room With No Windows by Elaina Portugal 9/02/2020
The Room With No Windows By: Elaina Portugal September 02, 2020 I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe there’s a reason or message in every “chance” meeting or split-second change in decision or action. Sometimes the message might be for … Continue reading
White Woman Running by Elaina Portugal
White Woman Running By: Elaina Portugal June 5th, 2020 Before I broke my back, I was a runner. There was nothing better than going out early in the morning or later in the evening when the world was dark … Continue reading
It’s Not About Politics Elaina Portugal 04/08/20
It’s Not About Politics Elaina Portugal 04/08/20 Recently, I was told that people cannot talk politics with me because my reaction is so immediate, so visceral, and I cannot hear the other side. I had to stop and think about … Continue reading
Happy Cashew Day! Elaina Portugal 12/14/19
Happy Cashew Day! Elaina Portugal 12/14/19 Last week, my eighty-one year old mother-in-law hung her very first Christmas ornament ever. Being Jewish, she’d never had an opportunity, and perhaps never a desire, to hang an ornament before. She sat … Continue reading
Fair Isn’t Always Equal – November 4th, 2019
Fair Isn’t Always Equal November 4th, 2019 by Elaina Portugal This morning on CNN I heard commentary on some national polls about impeachment. The reporter broke down the information into real demographics and it’s not looking … Continue reading
To Spit or Swallow – Elaina Portugal – November 27th, 2018
To Spit or Swallow? – Elaina Portugal- November 27th, 2018 I scurried through Dollar General looking for ant bait, scratching at every imagined itch. The pesky little buggers had formed a conga line from the base of my … Continue reading
The Innocent Racist – Elaina Portugal – 2-05-2018
The Innocent Racist – Elaina Portugal “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou The sun beat down on our backs; sweat trickled along our hairlines making us scratch. Sweaty … Continue reading
One Year of Letters 