I have been deeply affected (and many Americans) by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25th. Seeing a human being die like that should never happen in a civilized society. As a black man, I saw my worst fears come to light once again. Also, I’m a book...
Wisdom From Kammbia Book Review 45: Eva Luna by Isabel Allende
by MHill | May 24, 2020 | 2020 Book Reviews, Marion's Favorite Books, Marion's Favorites, Marion's Reading Life Blog, Rereading Series, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
"Words are free, she used to say, and she appropriated them; they were all hers." That sentence from early in the novel, Eva Luna, by Isabel Allende captures the spirit of her protagonist. Eva Luna is a spinner of tales and the stories from growing up poor on the...
Marion’s Favorites: Pineapple
by MHill | May 14, 2020 | Marion's Favorites
My daughter, Norah, used to ask me on a semi-regular basis what is my favorite fruit? I would tell her pineapple every time she asked. I don't know if she wanted to me to give a different answer. Or she wanted me to reconfirm my love for this wonderful, delicious...
Marion’s Favorites: Rum Cake
by MHill | May 9, 2020 | Marion's Favorites, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
Those who know me well have heard me speak about my love of pie (cherry and sweet potato) over cake a lot. I'm definitely on Team Pie. However, there is a cake that has become a trinity of my favorite desserts. Rum Cake! This wonderful cake has been a Christmas...
Marion’s Favorites: Okra
by MHill | May 2, 2020 | Marion's Favorites, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
Daddy, this is slimy! I can not eat this. I remembered my daughter Norah saying that a few years ago when we had okra for dinner. I grew up eating okra like I did with collard greens. My mother cooked okra quite a bit and I liked it immediately. I'm a texture...
Marion’s Favorites: Collard Greens
by MHill | Apr 29, 2020 | Marion's Favorites
"Boy, you better eat those greens! In this house...if I cook it, then you will eat it." I remembered my mother telling me those words when I was either eight or nine years old. It was first time I came across collard greens and it was one of the few vegetables that...
Stuck on a Desert Island What 3 Authors Would You Read?
by MHill | Apr 12, 2020 | Marion's Favorites, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
I saw this post on my Facebook page by the local library three days ago. I have been thinking about how to answer the question since it posted. I provided a comment soon after they posted on Facebook. It was an interesting question and considering what we are...
Marion’s Favorite: Crunchy Tacos
by MHill | Apr 6, 2020 | Marion's Favorites
I have a confession to share.... I like crunchy tacos and I cannot lie! I know that was a bad take on Sir Mixalot's ubiquitous megahit, Baby Got Back. However, it is true. I love crunchy tacos and I can not deny it. I can see the frowns on the faces of taco...
Marion’s Favorites: Cherry Pie
by MHill | Apr 2, 2020 | Marion's Favorites
It's no secret for those that know me well, Cherry Pie is my favorite dessert. I have a sweet tooth for sure. I enjoy cookies, rum and pound cakes, and Sweet Potato and Apple pies. But, none of those other desserts...
Marion’s Favorites: Hearsay by Alexander O’Neal
by MHill | Mar 24, 2020 | Marion's Favorites
When it comes to male R&B vocalists, many people mention Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Luther Vandross as their favorite if you are going old school. Others mention Kem, Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton,...