Butterflies or Tigers: A Memoir

Like the author herself, these improbable storiesdefy classification. Culled from ninety-one yearsof a rich and varied life, they begin with a vividchildhood memory of a terrifying hurricane at sea,during her familys journey from Colombia to anew life in the U.S. What follows is a series ofdisparate tales that include: Learning to cope with a free fall from suburbancomfort in New Jersey to Great Depression ruralpoverty in alligator-infested central Florida. Having a mystical encounter in a sacred forest inAssisi, Italy. Being exposed to the subtleties of Earl Grays tea,Viennese shtroodel, and Bead a Meyer furnitureby a sophisticated Hungarian neighbor. Causing a sudden mysterious drop in the birthratein a Mexican fi shing village. Being rescued by a French taxi driver from takinga room in a Marseille port hotel popular with sailorsand their ladies of the night. Enduring a hilarious seniors-only white-water raftingtrip on the Rogue River in Oregon. Finding herself stark naked in a rehabilitationcenter shower with a rapt audience of twoattendants and a TV repair man.Through these and other experiences andadventures spanning ninety-one years, Liza Tilsonopens her heart, shares the good and the bad,the funny and sad, and shows what it means toembrace life and live it fully.