What Happens in Vegas
… stays (mostly) in Vegas (because I didn’t take as many pictures this time). I brought my boyfriend there this past weekend to celebrate his 40th birthday, and it was…
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Abiquiu, New Mexico: Fuji X100V
On a recent trip to Abiquiu, New Mexico, I decided to leave my heavy DSLR at home and get back to the basics. I’ve loved Fuji’s X series digital cameras…
Camera Gear Used
Why I Can’t Support Justin Chon’s Film “Blue Bayou”
As someone who has advocated strongly for Asian American representation in media as well as passage of the Adoptee Citizenship Act, I wanted to support Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou film. Although skeptical…
I Bought a New Ukulele
I bought a new ukulele this week. She arrived today, in pristine (albeit, out-of-tune) condition. I upgraded from my beloved “Surf Green” Fender Venice Soprano with which I first learned…
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Hello Blog, My Old Friend
Dearest Blog, What a strange season it has been. Despite my prolonged absence, I have not forgotten you. Since the beginning of this journey, you’ve housed so many memories. Given…
J.L. Chow Was Here
J.In 1874, J.L. Chow opened Chow Chow Laundry at 904 Elm Street. He was the first person of Asian descent to be listed in the city directories. By 1891, 41/49…
Carroll ISD, Do The Right Thing.
I was racing against the clock at Wednesday night’s Carroll ISD school board meeting. Here is the full text of what I originally prepared: My name is Stephanie Drenka, and…
Where is Jue Lee Hong?
Earlier this month, I went on an expedition to find the burial site of Jue Lee Hong, a Chinese laundry proprietor, whose tombstone was the last remaining Chinese grave marker…
Bob Jones & His Family Deserved Better
John Dolford “Bob” Jones was the son of a White man named Leazer Alvis Jones and Elizabeth, a Black woman enslaved by Leazer. When he was a child, he helped…
Making Lemonade
When my marriage ended, I bought a Meyer lemon tree for my apartment. I knew it would be strange to live alone again. Having something to take care of would…
