Hello, reader.

My name is Marlena. I am starting this blog to, once again, share my voice with the world.

I am the granddaughter of immigrants, the daughter of teen parents, a sister, a wife, a dog person, an amature cook and baker. I am a first-generation college graduate. I am a cis-woman, a tomboy, a millenial. I am an atheist, an INTJ, a Cancer sun.
I am a person with a high ACE score, a person who has experienced poverty and upward socioeconomic mobility, a person who was identified as “gifted” in the public education system.
I am person who is for an end to white supremacy and systemic oppression, and for the liberation of all people.

The first thing I ever remember wanting to be was a writer. When I was 6, someone gave me a Barbie diary, and I began writing songs in it. I wanted to write songs that would speak to thousands of people. Then I wanted to be a journalist. For many years, I thought this was my way to make a living as a writer. I studied journalism and the media industry, and learned to much about both to want any part in it.

And yet, I think of myself as a writer. A lover of words. I have spent most of my life writing, journal entries to myself, poems for myself.

Recently, I have felt motivated to own my voice, to speak my truth, to share my light with the world.

This blog is my way of doing that. Hello.