-
Live it Up – Your Way
Live life dangerously, but cautiously. Exuberantly, but modestly. Eagerly, but patiently. Fearlessly and fiercely. Most importantly, live life…suitably: your way.
-
Red Flags and All That Jazz
Sign language is an artistic way of communication that not all of us can interpret, nor master. Isn’t that the same reason that not all of us can read signs—as in, metaphorically? Red flags aren’t always red; green lights aren’t always green; and sore points aren’t even visible. Science says humans are at the top of the list for most intelligent creatures, but some animals have a better response and reaction time when they sense harm or fear. I get it. Things aren’t always clear. You need a voice to go along with that sign, don’t you? I regret to inform you that you’re on your own. The good news…
-
Letters to Ex Lovers – Excerpt 1
I couldn’t understand your urgency that night, wasn’t it past your bedtime? “Is it true, you’re seeing someone else now?” you asked. I was so confused. But, “yes,” I replied. “Do you love him?” “Of course not.” I laughed. “I just met this guy.” You never called me before that night. You never showed interest in anything other than back-alley encounters at midnight. Why did you care if someone wanted more of me, more than you ever did? Why did it matter to you now? I was confused because I felt nothing for you then and I’d thought it was a mutual thing, but little did I know you felt…
-
It is OK to be a Realist
It’s OK to anticipate different outcomes and impossibilities. It’s OK to prepare our hearts and minds for potential undesirable results. It’s OK to be a realist. I would hate being called a “negative” for my tendency to reality-check. I mean, why is it that people credit unrealistic positivity more than they do realistic negativity? Rainbows and unicorns are cool, man, but coming down from that cloud and checking in with Planet Earth from time to time is also good. Does a story of denial ever end well? “Stay positive” “Be happy” — I honestly see one of those posts every single day. And, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE optimism.…
-
Love Anyway
If love is going to destroy you regardless, honey, you might as well feel the rain AND the fire while you’re at it. The optimists say, “Love like you’ve never been hurt.” The pessimists, on the other hand, will tell you to proceed with caution, guard your heart, to avoid love at all cost… To be honest, that’s me, the latter. That’s been me one hundred percent of the time. No shame in the cynical game. It takes time to recover and rationalize what just happened; what you and your heart went through. But once you’re at a safe point in life again where (though you don’t necessarily trust a…
-
That Time I Went to Oviedo
The year was 2012. I had planned to fly to Oviedo, in northwestern Spain, from Madrid. Two of the major economy airlines in Europe, Ryanair and EasyJet, often promoted low prices to that part of Spain — prices as low as 9.99€. Needless to say, flying would also be faster than taking the train or bus. We’re talking about potentially getting there in 45 minutes, as opposed to five hours by land. Ah, the beauty of European transportation… Before I go on with my travel adventure, let me tell you about the silly reason behind my trip. What really got me interested in visiting Oviedo was the movie Vicky Christina…
-
Italy: an Adventure to Remember
In 2011, after years and years of buildup and much anticipation, I finally went to Italy for the first time. My then boyfriend had been captivated by the beauty of a small Tuscan town called San Gimignano. Naturally, I couldn’t wait to visit. He was right; San Gimi was simply beautiful. It is a lovely little town built within what looks like a medieval castle, up on the hills in Tuscany. As soon as I stepped in, I thought of two things: Christmas and a fairy tale. When you first see that town… It took my breath away. It looked like it was taken out of a Disney movie. I…
-
Your Own Rhythm
Sit down and write even when you have nothing to whine about, they say. But it’s hard. Especially, after some time apart from your vibe, that which makes your talent shine; that which tells you how bomb you are; that which motivates and inspires you to be the brightest star, someone’s best advice. It can be hard. Why do I always end up with rhymes? Ahh, that poetic life… A writer’s life is all about stories, visuals, someone else’s life. Picking stories from the doctor’s visit, the grocery store, the car wash, a baseball game, the bar… One has to get involved, be social, cross oceans, and actually live life,…
-
Why Poetry?
Pensive, he looked away as if trying to find the words that, maybe in his mind, would not offend me. His shoulder touched his chin for a second before he said, “I mean, I just don’t get it. What’s the point?” “Of writing?” “Yeah, I mean, writing, blogging…poetry — who’s reading this and what’s the point of it?!” My heart sank at the realization that this guy I liked so much wasn’t able to see the power of words; the fire, the passion, the rational thinking that is found only through these irrational thoughts and imagination. How could he fail to see the beauty in it? “But it’s so…f-cking…beautiful,” I…
-
People Worth of Admiration
I admire people who: remain humble through their highs, people who fight till the end, people who are not afraid to be themselves on and offline, people with culture, people with class, people who are compassionate, people who stand up for their rights, people who still love despite their wounded hearts, people who know how to live every bit of life, people with a sense of humor, people with open minds. I admire people who still do right when they’ve been done so wrong… I could go on. But I do, I admire the decent and kind average people, not the perfect ones.
