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Monica Surfaro of Tucson

@tucson-writer.bsky.social
776 followers 459 following 309 posts

Writer, zinester, culture & desert lover. Fleeing the dark places, staying in the light. Folklife, cultural traditions, my Calabrian ancestry, my husband Leigh, my son & his family are my life.

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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Haven’t posted in months (family death, surgeries) but did today. Shocked at the vitriol in comments when video appeared on FB. People wishing me dead. I am 75 year old grandmother. What has happened to this country.
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
If we keep showing up we will make a difference. #NoKings #Persist for #Democracy #imtoooldforthis
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
There is nothing I can do today about all the tragedies, so I walk, work as I can, and BREATHE. #clouds #desert #mountains #persist
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
#BlueSkyArtShow #Arches #Photography #Sunday #memories
Downtown Tucson cathedralMission San Juan CapistranoMosaic tile Arches along the Santa Cruz in downtown tucsonSunlight filtered through arch to niche in a Tucson mission
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
#goodnight #sunset #Tucson
Tucson red, gold sunset over Tucson Mountains
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
I support local resistance @indivisibletucson.bsky.social, @ld18demsaz.bsky.social @gabbygiffords.bsky.social @arizonalist.bsky.social & others with all my being, but every once in a while I need to stop, restore & take time to enjoy & honor the desert. #dogsofbluesky #tucson
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekLforLyrics #Tucson
Plaque with descriptive lyrics about the power of believing in someone. Dunbar School in Tucson, Arizona.
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
#Sunset “It may be that when we no longer know what to do we have come to our real work, and that when we no longer know which way to go we have come to our real journey.” —Wendell Berry
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
The world is upside down, but the desert still brings me a sense of peace. Tonight, after the rains. Clouds, mountains & sunset over Tucson
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Tucson sunset, tonight, plus #hummingbird dinner stop
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Today in Tucson. #Firedup #Resist #ProtectDemocracy @indivisible.org @indivisibletucson.bsky.social
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekIforInside Inside my Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Cranberry Buttercream Icing. Thank you for the recipe, @nytimes.com #letthemeatcake #baking
Layer cake with cranberry icingInside showing layers of delicious cranberry cake!
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
For #BlueSkyArtShow themed #Abandoned, this scene from downtown Tucson years ago came to mind. It was 2011 & it made me feel lonely that night. #photography #streetphotography
Old lone bus in the dark, with words “now is all you have” painted on side
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
It’s a Rodeo Day #sunset for one tiny hummingbird (& me) #Tucson
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekHforHeroes We need lots of heroes now, in all aspects of life. #streetart #JohnLennon
Son, Brett, standing in front of wall mural of John Lennon, with quote: all you need is love
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekGforGold #GoldenHour- there are so many in Tucson, the Sonoran desert. Which to choose? #DogsofBlueSky
White Standard Poodle with golden sunset & desert scene in the background
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Final day of the #BookChallenge. I read The Sailor Dog first as a child, & then again as mom to my son. Scuppers, his ship & travels—all magical. The storybook & illustrations hold great meaning in my childhood & my parenthood. 20/20 #BookSky #Books Adios Book Challenge, I enjoyed participating
Fantasy book cover with illustration of dog in yellow raincoast peering out at the waves with his spyglass (The Sailor Dog)
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Taking a liberty for 19/20 in #BookChallenge: Essays & Essay Writing (my Dad’s 1929 English textbook), I read in high school Do You Belong in Journalism (1959 trade book, Dow Jones Newspaper Fund), I won in 1960s writing contest To thank for my career: My Dad & these 2 old books I cherish #BookSky
Bookshelf with old books, two pulled out to highlight the books’ spines
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Sunset. Tonight. Tucson. #dogsofBlueSky
White standard poodle looks at sunset.
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
When I moved to Tucson I met cultural anthropologist Jim Griffin (& wife Loma) who created a festival that helped community “meet yourself” by celebrating the culture of neighbors. With their help (& Maribel Alvarez), I learned the value of folkways. RIP Big Jim. #BookChallenge #BookSky #Books 18/20
Red book cover depicting desert saguaro
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
The desert has changed this city-girl. I marvel now at the tiniest desert flower. I savor the monsoon rain. I honor the thorniest cactus & hairiest tarantula. This book brought clarity to how the desert land demands fierce respect & love, & changes you. #BookChallenge #Books #BookSky #Land 17/20
Desert landscap scene in orange tones and blue on book cover Consider This, Senora by Harriet Doerr
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
It’s a good weekend to walk (& browse the gem, rock, bead & mineral shows in Tucson)
Table display of colorful beadsRugs for sale under a tent in TucsonDisplay of wooden carvings in Tucson
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
A reminder of the importance of food, family & place. A book that nudged me back to rediscover my ancestry. #BookChallenge #BookSky #Books #Calabria 16/20
Book cover showing old family photo, food & the book title, The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Do they still teach about Jane Jacobs in urban planning these days? #BookChallenge #BookSky #Books #Cities 15/20
Type on plain white cover, book title: Death and Life of great American Cities by activist Jane Jacobs
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
If you moved to Tucson or the desert because of weather, these are glory days for you. 80s, blue skies, cool breezes, spectacular evenings. Sunrises & sunsets of majesty. There’s more to this desert than nice weather, but it’s a wonderful benefit in these months. Watch out for summer frytime, tho.
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
I think we’re all feeling unstuck in time lately. What would you say today, Kurt Vonnegut. #BookChallenge #BookSky #Books 14/20
Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five book cover. Words over a big “V” on gold background
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Day 13 in the #BookChallenge. A book of love, life and magic. If you have read it you know why it’s on my list. #BookSky #Books 13/20
Book cover, a little boy standing on a fantasy planet surrounded by stars
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains - John Muir #sunrise #goodmorning #Tucson
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
It feels wrong to talk about anything other than the chaos wrought by the idiot. But I started the #BookChallenge so here I am. In my next life maybe I’ll be a cultural anthropologist. 12/20 #BookSky #Books
This book Communitas was a milestone in urban planning and influenced so many working in anthropology, politics & community activism.
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Ready to start the week falling through the rabbit hole. One of the first #books I read over and over, a fantasy that added magic to my life. I see others have it on their lists, too. #BookChallenge #BookSky 11/20
Alice in Wonderland book cover, a colorful illustration of a young woman and a deck of cards
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Up to Day Ten of #BookChallenge. My son gave me this book when I was wheelchair-bound after a serious accident. It opened me to myths, legends & goddesses tied to my ancestry’s homeland, the Gulf of Messina. This fantasy (& its feminism) enriched me. #Books #BookSky 10/20
Book cover of Circe by Madeline Miller
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekEforEvent O’odham Rodeo & Fair (86 year traditional event on the Nation’s land) Photos are from 2012 celebration. Photo taken with permission.
Native American fair scene, Sells, ArizonaSell, Arizona fairNative American traditional dress, Tohono O’odham, permission granted for taking these photos in 2012
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Good morning. Hop to it, Tucson. #dogsofbluesky
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
First traveled to Mexico about 55 years ago with Leigh (we’re still together!). We were in the Yucatan, Uxmal, a magical place, people & pyramid. A time never forgotten. Day 9 of #BookChallenge #Books #BookSky 9/20
Book cover, Incidents of travel in Yucatan by John Stephens, brown, orange & yellow colors
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
A 21-second moment of zen, courtesy of Govinda & the Iskcon Temple of Tucson. #sanctuary #contemplation
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Way back when business took me to Tucson, I chanced upon Barbara Kingsolver’s #Books. One resonated so strongly & I fell in love with this desert. #BookChallenge #BookSky 8/20
Book cover, High Tide in Tucson by Barbara Kingsolver
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
My day. #protect #resist #food comforts
CakeStandard poodle on couchProtect Trans arizonans
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
No survivors. Local 1st responders seek dead in frigid dangerous waters. No leadership, no unity, just finger pointing, reading psalms, purging workers. Where was Secretary of Defense last night? It’s my Day Seven of #BookChallenge & William Gibson’s #Books echo for me today & always #BookSky 7/20
Book cover of Pattern Recognition by William Gibson, from my bookshelf in Tucson.
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Do you like roadtrips focused on the natural environment? On Day Five of the #BookChallenge, here’s a classic that helped introduce me to the Southwest. 5/20 #BookSky #Books
Book cover, Wandering Through Winter, by Edwin Teale
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Something good happened in Tucson today — rain! The desert & the mountains are grateful, for the brief, fragrant moisture . 🌵🌧️💙
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
For me it’s Day 5 of the #BookChallenge. What will you read today to inspire your life? #BookSky #Books @urrealism.bsky.social 5/20
Book cover of The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Tonight’s sunset over the Tucson mountains.
The sun sets over the Tucson mountains in the distance.
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Good morning! Get going. Help spread some kindness. 👋🐩 #dogs #poodles
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
I’m on Day Four of the #BookChallenge. Dave Eggers is a brilliant writer & also co-founded the largest youth #writing network in the country. 4/20 #BookSky #Books
Book cover of What is the What by David Eggers
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
This #BookChallenge is reminding me why I love #Books. I think I’ll go back & re-read a few of my favorites. Day Three. 3/20 #Read #BookSky #Murakami #Imagination
Book cover, Norwegian Wood by Haruki iMurakami
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
Happy sunset, everyone. #Tucson #sunset #goodnight #peace #hope #persist 💙
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Good morning! Clouds over Tucson. The desert needs rain. 🤞🌵
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Ready for Day Two of #BookChallenge 2/20 Choosing 20 books that have stayed with me or influenced me. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Join me! #Books #BookSky #Vonnegut
Cover of favorite Kurt Vonnegut book, title is Cat’s Cradle
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Now beginning the #BookChallenge Day One 1/20 Choosing 20 books that have stayed with me or influenced me. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Join me! #Books #BookSky #PattiSmith #15thAnniversary #JustKids
One of my favorite books, “Just Kids” by Patti Smith, showing the book cover.
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Monica Surfaro of Tucson @tucson-writer.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Good morning, all good people 💙 Hope you find lots of ways to be happy today 👋🌵👋
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