Catherine Gigante-Brown

Although America’s “lying in period” fell by the wayside in the 19th century with the disappearance of the frontier, it’s alive and well today in many cultures globally. Seclusion traditions where both mother and child recover and bond are still the norm in many cultures worldwide.

To the tattoo artist, I was a flesh canvas that she could transform into something beautiful.

herbalist. shiatsu practitioner. healer.

That’s the thing about being a breast cancer survivor — it’s always there: it never goes away. The scars, the fear that lurks in the back of your mind like a boogeyman. You’re going along nicely, living your merry life, and you’re fine, until you’re not.

I’m a firm believer that Tiny Kindnesses can change the world, one sweet, loving gesture at a time.

“It’s almost as though this niche was patiently waiting for us to find it.”

Why, when I'm cool with being a salt-and-pepper chick, does it so clearly unnerve others?

We’ve pieced ourselves back together in a patchwork quilt of ragged emotions. The aftermath of 9/11 wasn’t easy for us, yet it was much easier than for some. People standing 50 feet away from Peter didn’t come home that night; he did.

I try. I really do. But whenever I attempt to embrace my husband Peter’s Cuban culture, I always screw up.

"Remember, this isn’t just happening to you, it’s happening to moms everywhere. It’s not your fault — "