Sunday, February 4, 2024

A Case Against “For”


While giving a compliment can make someone’s day, giving a back-handed compliment can do the opposite…and it happens way too often.

 

“That person looks good…for their: age, weight, nationality, height, body type, skin color, sense of style, hair length, hair color” and beyond.

 

The person should have stopped when they said “good.”

 

That person looks good.

 

Period.

 

No need for caveats, buts, exceptions, loaded words, or thinly veiled judgment. There is a spectrum of beauty. Something people easily forget. For both men and women, it’s a minefield of expectations they have to sort through along with feelings of inadequacy that are all too common.

 

For women, beauty is an endless topic of contention. It’s a dangerous obsession and the media often promotes unhealthy standards of beauty that switch arbitrarily, often just in time to have people need to hit new goals once they arrive at what was supposedly a standard of beauty.

 

Too fat. Too skinny. Arms too big. Love handles. Ass too big. Ass too small. Square hips. Too much hips. Tits too big. Tits too small. Chin not fine enough. Lips too big. Eyes too dark. Eyes too clear. Too short. Too tall. Huge feet. Jaw too square. Tiny hands. Long neck. Short torso. Too muscular. Knobby knees. Thicc thighs. Hair too thick. Hair too thin. Hair too long. Hair not long enough.

 

And age? It’s as if women aren’t allowed to be attractive past a certain age.

 

And

 

That

 

Is

 

Bullshit

 

Fortunately, things have shifted a bit and women are taking back their sensuality but they’re doing it boisterously because there are still circles that want to cast beautiful women as grandmas and nothing else. Very often you hear actresses have to defend what they wear or don’t wear. That they use makeup, that they don’t use makeup, that they dye their hair, that they embrace their grays. And whatever the answer, for some people and certain circles, it’ll never be enough.

 

But correct me if I’m wrong, last I checked Halle Berry (57), Elizabeth Hurley (58), Michelle Yeoh (61), Salma Hayek (57), Charlize Theron (48), Sade Adu (64), Susan Sarandon (77), Jamie Lee Curtis (65), Iman (68), Dolly Parton (77), Kate Beckinsale (50), (Jennifer Lopez (54), Susanna Hoffs (62), Lynda Carter (72), and Shakira (46), don’t just look good for their age. They look good. Period. And lord, Rita Moreno is 92 and beautiful.

 

But we still hear people insist on including “for” in any compliments given.

 

How about we nix that word and focus on the compliment we want to give?

 

And although to a drastically reduced level, men also get a bit of that “for” goodness.

 

He looks good for his weight, height, body type, nationality, skin color, and age. And sometimes you get some “evens” thrown in. He looks good, even without hair, even with a patchy beard, even, even, even…

 

It’s baffling to see the use of these words. Seriously, what’s the need for that “for”? Why insist on bringing down someone a notch or several notches after bringing them up? Why put an asterisk on someone rather than recognize that they are not only enough but amazing?

 

Do away with for. Stop before for. Do not give in to for. For if you do, then for shame, for you miss out on an opportunity to recognize beauty for what it is. Whatever the race, the age, the weight, the hair color, the gender, the orientation, or the style, there’s more beauty than there is lack of it. Instead, embrace and celebrate the true spectrum of beauty, for it will benefit everyone to do away with for, once and for all.

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls.

 

Sunday, January 28, 2024

La marcha de los escritores 2024


 

¡Volvemos a marchar! Me di la tarea de sacar los temas para cada día del mes de marzo MUCHO más temprano de lo usual por si te quieres preparar o hacer algo especial que conlleve un poco más de tiempo. Si no sabes lo que es la Marcha de los escritores, pues pronto vienen más entradas del blog y videos en YouTube pero una definición corta es que es un evento que dura el mes de marzo, hay temas para cada día y la idea es de que tus lectores y otros autores conozcan tu versión de la vida de un autor. 

Espera videos de esto en YouTube y como siempre, lo más importante es pasarla bien y trabajar los temas como quieras. NO tienes que participar todos los días y la idea es que te lo disfrutes, que conectes con otros autores y que tus lectores te conozcan un poco mejor.

 

Eso sí, cuando hagas un post, recuerda hacerme un tag y usar los siguientes hashtags:

 

#MarchaDeLosEscritores

#MOTW

#MOTW2024

 

Vamos a lo que vinimos, ¡los temas!

 

1.     Saludos, compañeros humanos. Escribes. Posiblemente ya has publicado, estás en el proceso de publicar o tienes deseos de publicar en algún momento del futuro. A lo mejor llevas años en esto. No importa donde estés en tu camino de autor, cuéntanos. ¿Quién eres? ¿Qué escribes? ¿Dónde te podemos leer? Para esta introducción, puedes hacer un video, una entrada en tu blog o usar tus redes sociales favoritas. Lo importante es que uses el hashtag de #MarchaDeLosEscritores para comenzar a contectar.  

 

2.     Y se hizo la luz. ¿Cuándo supiste que querías dedicarte a escribir? ¿Cuándo encendió esa chispa? ¿Hubo algo específico que dio comienzo a todo?

 

3.     Bajo la influencia. ¿Qué autores, bandas o artistas han servido de inspiración e influencia?

 

4.     Debates para la eternidad parte 1: ¿Sabes la diferencia entre los tipos de escritores: Plotter, pantser y plantser? Plotter es aquel que diagrama todo y es súper organizado. Pantser es el que se lo va inventando TODO mientras va escribiendo. Plantser es el punto medio, o sea un híbrido entre los otros dos tipos de escritores. ¿Cuál eres tú y a qué nivel?

 

5.     Me hace sentido. ¿Cuáles son algunos sentidos que te encantan explorar en lo que escribes? ¿Cómo haces para escribir el sabor, los sonidos, los olores, el tacto y la vista?

 

6.     Obi-TÚ-ario. Escribe tu propio obituario y por lo que quieres que te recuerden. 

 

7.     Mi bella genio de la escritura. Si existieran genios de la escritura y tuvieses tres deseos, qué serían?

 

8.     Más allá de las páginas. ¿Qué otras habilidades tienes? ¿Bailas, haces algún tipo de arte, cantas? Sea lo que sea, comparte esa habilidad.

 

9.     ¿Cómo capturas ideas? Un consejo que doy a menudo porque lo aprendí a las malas es de tener múltiples herramientas para apuntar y “capturar" una idea. ¿Cuáles son algunas de tus herramientas o métodos? ¿Cuánto tiempo tienen algunas de las ideas que más tiempo llevan en captura y que aún están pendientes para ser desarrolladas?

 

10.  La madre de IA. El tema de la inteligencia artificial está en boga y sigue creciendo a nivel que ahora compañías tienen que incluir cláusulas en sus contratos de que el material desarrollado no ha utilizado IA para el mismo. ¿Qué te parece el tema sobre las implicaciones en las artes y la escritura?

 

11.  ¡Estafalerta! Algo que me encanta de nuestra comunidad es que nos cuidamos unos a otros lo mejor que podemos y cuando alguien está realizando una estafa, se lo avisas a la gente. ¿Cuáles son algunas de las estafas más comunes que se le hacen a las que los autores nuevos y veteranos a los que debes tener un ojo avisor?

 

12.  Para los gustos los colores. Cuando estás comprando un libro para TI como un gustito, ¿qué influye en tu decisión al momento de elegir un libro en vez de otro?

 

13.  La gira de tus sueños. ¿A dónde te llevará la gira para tu primera obra exitosa?

 

14.  Debates para la eternidad parte 2: ¿Café o té? Nosotros, los escritores, tenemos una intensa obsesión con lo que usamos para darle sabor a nuestras sesiones de escritura. Pues cuéntanos, ¿cuál es tu veneno preferido?

 

15.  Consejo mañanero. Todos aprendemos cosas diferentes. De todo lo que has vivido, ¿qué consejo le darías a la gente sobre la escritura, el negocio de la escritura o la vida en general?

 

16.  Territorio inexplorado. A menudo hablamos de lo que hemos escrito y de cuál es nuestro género por excelencia... pero ¿qué géneros no has explorado todavía que le tienes muchas ganas de conocer?

 

17.  Los writer sprints, ¿sí o no? Un writer sprint es cuando te das un tiempo predeterminado en donde escribes sin parar. Pueden ser 10-15-20 minutos o incrementos mayores. A menudo hay grupos que se reúnen para hacerlos en comunidad. ¿Participas de writer sprints? Si es así, ¿hay alguno que quieras compartir para ver si nos unimos a uno?

 

18.  Áreas de oportunidad. ¿Cuáles son algunas de las cosas que necesitas trabajar en ti mismo como persona y como escritor?

 

19.  Autoespaldarazo. A veces nos puede dar un poco de trabajo hablar de nuestros éxitos o hablar de nosotros en una luz positiva. Así que cambiemos eso. Cuéntanos algunas de las cosas increíbles que has hecho. Claro que puede ser un poco incómodo, pero vale la pena porque TÚ vales la pena.

 

20.  Debates para la eternidad parte 3: ¿Noctámbulo, madrugador o algo más? Cuando escribimos a veces depende del tiempo que tenemos disponible, claro, pero algunas personas son mucho más productivas en algunas horas mucho más que en otras. Entonces, ¿qué momento del día saca lo mejor de ti?

 

21.  Eventualidades. ¿Qué eventos de libro has tenido para tus obras o que tendrás en el futuro?

 

22.  ¡Nos vamos de fiesta! Terminaste un manuscrito, publicaste un libro, pasaste una prueba o terminaste un proyecto grande en tu trabajo. ¿Cómo celebras a misma y mismo?

 

23.  ¿Luz u oscuridad? ¿Cuál prefieres, villanos o héroes? ¿Cuál piensas que escribes mejor?

 

24.  Música para tranquilizar, activar o inspirar. Hay un pléilist de música para escribir y siempre le estoy añadiendo canciones. ¿Cuáles son algunas canciones que debería incluir? ¿Tienes listas de canciones para escribir? ¡Pues a compartir!

 

25.  Debates para la eternidad parte 4: Prólogos: ¿sí o no? Algunas personas y muchos agentes literarios insisten que los prólogos no son necesarios. Que se pueden cortar o convertirse en capítulo uno. ¿Qué piensas al respecto?

 

26.  Las aguas profundas de la investigación. La investigación es un aspecto fascinante de nuestros cuentos y a veces descubrimos cosas intensas y hasta alarmantes. ¿Cuáles son algunas cosas increíbles que descubriste a través de la investigación y que incluiste en tus cuentos?

 

27.  TODO personal. ¿Hay elementos en tus relatos o lo que escribes que es sumamente personal? De ser así, cuéntanos algunos de ellos y ¿qué te llevó a incluirlos?

 

28.  Palabras de apoyo. Para hoy, nada de juegos de palabras ni doble sentido. Hoy es para inspirarte a compartir palabras de apoyo con otros escritores. Hay días en donde la cosa está difícil, donde nada fluye, donde todo frustra. A menudo dicen que escribir es un acto solitario pero esta comunidad NO es solitaria. Así que comparte un consejo, un escrito, una canción, un video o lo que sea para capturar un mensaje de apoyo para alguien que está teniendo un día difícil. Alguien que está dudando de sus habilidades y se cuestionan todo necesitan escuchar algo…¿Qué es ese algo?

 

29.  ¿Quién está en tu esquina? Encontrar tu tribu es parte del camino como escritor. ¿Cuáles son algunas personas que están de tu lado y que quieras reconocer?

 

30.  Enlazados. Parte de la Marcha de los escritores es para dejarle saber a la gente dónde pueden conectar contigo y cómo mantenerse en contacto. Comparte esos enlaces y haz esas conexiones, porque la vida y el escribir es mejor cuando hay buena compañía.

 

31.  PRONTO: ¿Qué te espera este año y los años que vienen?

 

¡Y tan tan! Ahí tienes los temas. ¿Tienes preguntas? Pues deja un comentario y en confianza, comparte con tus amigos escritores que piensas que disfrutarían participar de la marcha.

 

Un abrazo,

JD

 

HASHTAGS A USAR:

#MarchaDeLosEscritores

#MOTW

#MOTW2024

 

 

 

 

 

March of the Writers 2024!


By popular demand, here are the prompts for March of the Writers WAY early in case you want to get prepared or do something special that requires a bit more time. 

If you don't know what March of the Writers is, don't worry. I'll have posts and videos coming soon going in depth, but to offer a short definition, it's a month long event where you have daily prompts to show a bit of what your version of the writer life looks like. Expect videos on YouTube and as always, remember the following:
 

A. You can approach prompts however you want

B. You don’t need to participate every day

C. The idea is for you to enjoy and connect with fellow authors while also connecting with your readers and letting get to know you a bit better.

Also, remember make sure to use the following hashtags when you post :

 

#MarchOfTheWriters

#MOTW

#MOTW2024

 

So without further ado, here are the prompts!

 

1.     Greetings, fellow humans. You’re a writer. You may or may not be published. You may be in the process of publishing. You may be a veteran author. Regardless of where you are at, tell us. Who are you? What do you write? Where can we read you? Feel free to do this in video, blog, or social media post form. Just remember to use the #MarchOftheWriters hashtags!

 

2.     Aha Moment. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? When did that spark light? Was there any specific thing that lit the fire?

 

3.     Under the influence. What authors, musicians, or artists have influenced your work?

 

4.     Never-ending writer debate Part 1: Plotter, Pantser, Plantser. What’s your jam?

 

5.     Making sense of it all. What are some senses you love exploring with your writing? How do you approach writing taste, sound, smell, touch, and sight.

 

6.     You-logy. Write your own eulogy and what you want to be remembered for.

 

7.     Dear writer Genie. If there was such a thing as a writer genie, and you had 3 wishes, what would they be?

 

8.     Beyond the pages. What other skills do you have? Do you dance, make art, sing? Whatever it is, show us your skill.

 

9.     Capture tools of the trade. A very valuable tip I once learned was to have capture tools to trap ideas. What are some of your capture tools? What are some of the oldest ideas you’ve yet to develop?

 

10.  Yay-I or Nay-I. Everyone’s talking about AI. It’s everywhere…so what are your thoughts on what it will bring for writing and art in general?

 

11.  Scam-alert. Something I love about our community is that we watch out for each other as best as we can and when someone is running a scam, you let people know. What are some of the most common scams authors old and new need to keep an eye out for?

 

12.  This instead of that. When you are treating your shelf, what influences you into getting a book?

13.   Dream book tour. Where are we going to see you when you make it big?

 

14.  Never-ending writer debate Part 2: Coffee or tea? Us writers have an intense obsession with what we use to lubricate our writing sessions. So what’s your poison of choice?

 

 

15.  Tip of the morning to ya. We all learn different things. From everything you’ve experienced, what advice would you share with people about writing, the business of writing, or life in general?

 

16.  Uncharted territory. We often talk about what we’ve written and what our wheelhouse is…but what genres have you not explored yet and have an itch you want to scratch?

 

17.  To sprint or not to sprint? Do you do writer sprints? Any you’d like to give a shoutout to?

 

18.  Areas of opportunity. What are some things you need to work on yourself as a person and as a writer?

 

19.  Pat on the back. We SO rarely give ourselves kudos and props. So tell us, what are a few awesome things about you? Sure, it can be a bit uncomfortable, but it’s worth it because you’re worth it.

 

20.  Never-ending writer debate Part 3: Night Owl, Early Bird, Something else? When we write depends on availability, sure, but some people thrive at some hours way more than others. So what’s your time to shine?

 

21.  Eventful moments. What book events have you had for your work or will have?

 

22.  Celebrate Good Times. You finished a manuscript, published a book, passed a test, or finished a big project at work. How do you celebrate YOU?

 

23.  Naughty or Nice? What do you prefer, villains or heroes? Which do you think you write better?

 

24.  Grooves to Soothe. It has been reported that savage beasts can in fact receive relief and mental peace thanks to music…or something like that. In short, there’s a March of the Writers playlist. What are some tunes you think I should definitely add to the list and do you have writing playlists of your own?

 

25.  Never-ending writer debate Part 4: Prologues, yay or nay? Some people (and many literary agents) say that prologues aren’t necessary. That you can either cut them out or make them into chapter one. What do you think?

 

26.  How deep do those rabbits go? Research is a fascinating thing and our stories take us into some pretty wild territories. What are some things you’ve found out that have made it into your stories that are just amazing?

 

27.  Making it personal. Are there parts of your writing that hit REAL close to home? If so, what are they and what compelled you to include that?

 

28.  Words of encouragement. No clever title. No pun. This prompt is because writing has some pretty rough moments, and I’m not talking about when you’re editing or your fingers and your brain don’t coordinate long enough to avoid writing typos every 4 words. Oftentimes people say writing is lonely and it can be. It can also be frustrating. Debilitatingly so. This prompt is for you to write, sing, or record a message of support to someone who is not having the best day. Someone who is suffering from impostor syndrome, whose writing isn’t clicking or gelling, and is wondering why they should even bother. We all know it’s worth it, but we’ve all had sucktastic days. So you’re up. Someone needs words of encouragement. Whachu got?

 

29.  Who’s in your corner? When it comes to the writing community, finding your tribe is something that happens organically. Who are some of the people in your tribe you’d like to highlight?

 

30.  Linkety Split. Part of March of the Writers is to let people know where you are and how to keep in touch. Share those links and make those connections, because life’s better when you have friends.

 

31.  Coming soon: What’s next for you in the year or the coming few years?

 

And there you have them, folks. Have any questions? By all means, ask away. Also, feel free to share with any writer friends you think would enjoy these prompts.

 

Peace, love, and march on!!!

 

HASHTAG REMINDER:

#MarchOfTheWriters

#MOTW

#MOTW2024

 

 

 

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Me, Myself, and Mine


Wanting success is normal. Sure, some people may sabotage themselves in various ways, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to succeed. It might mean that they’re afraid of success, but deep down, they want to make it.

 

However, defining success in your terms is a bit trickier.

 

It’s always curious to see people who say they want to have as much success as another author or they want to be the next [insert name of wildly successful author]. It reminds me a bit of how we sometimes have to pitch our books:

“It’s like a more accessible American Gods with elements of Tolkien, Chronicles of Narnia, and tons of Easter eggs.”

That’s how I sell Only Human, because it gives a frame of reference that makes it easy for many people to understand. But I can’t say I want to have the same success as Neil Gaiman. Sure, one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received is to be compared in some way to him. Still, I want my books to be mine, even if I use his works as a frame of reference to sell a copy, and I want my success to be completely, unequivocally, and absolutely mine.

 

For starters, it’s impossible to have the same success as another person in the same way that it’s impossible for two people to be exactly identical in every way, shape, and form. But beyond that, it’s very possible that people are afraid to craft their own definition of success because it puts all accountability on them. If you didn’t have the same success as King, Gaiman, Rowling, Allende, or Tolkien, that’s fine, because you’re not them.

 

But think about it: is it easier to say you want to be as successful as Stephen King or is it easier to create your dream scenario, with real goals and pipe dreams that put you in the driver's seat? And I make a point to dream real AND dream big. Dream about being able to pay your monthly bills and also dream about an art installation inspired by your books. Dream about getting your books in libraries and dream about being part of a curriculum in a state or country. Dream about receiving fan art and dream about film, TV, and video game adaptations of your works.

 

Some would say:

“It's impossible!”

 

To which we could counter with a simple:

Why is it so impossible?

 

Here's JD’s definition of success: Having a seven-figure income that comes from multiple streams and gives me the means to carry out all the projects I feel passionate about while also supporting causes I believe in. That I’m able to fully commit my energy to writing, giving workshops, playing music, and collaborating with artists across disciplines to promote the value and power of creativity. That my work helps inspire future writers and creators and that I’m offered opportunities to collaborate with people of all ages as well. That I can craft merch that is fun, sustainable, and supports good causes. That I can have meaningful projects that create jobs for people. That my works get adapted into live-action and animated films and series and that I am able to contribute as a producer to pay crews fair wages across the board. That I can help create memorable video games that stick with people for the rest of their lives. That I can encourage Spanish-speaking people to read in English and English-speaking people to read in Spanish. That my work helps shine a positive light on Puerto Rico and gets people interested in getting to know the Island and our culture better. That my work offers opportunity for organic diversity and responsible representation. That my efforts can support other countries and islands in the Caribbean because although I’m Puerto Rican, I’ll always want the best for my neighbors. That I can have enough recognition as a musician to be invited to collaborate with other musicians. That I can make some money off my food reviews to encourage people to try new things so we can all discover new things to enjoy. That I am able to develop writing workshops combined with physical activity to promote wellness and knowledge. That my work in some way inspires people to pick up a bodyboard. That I have enough success and recognition to get invited across the world to meet all my writer friends.

 

I’m sure that if I keep thinking, I can come up with more things to add to my definition, but that’s a pretty robust, long, and ballsy list. I didn’t shy away from saying the money I’d like to make though I wasn’t specific. I do have a number in my mind but with inflation and the world doing what it does, I just want the means to do more of what I love and that instead of juggling work with writing and other passions, that I can live off and thrive from those creative efforts exclusively.

 

By putting it out there, I run the risk of being ridiculed or people telling me to bring it down a couple of notches…and they can keep those opinions. This is my definition of success. Will I edit it? Will I add to it or take anything off? Who knows? All I know is that I read that paragraph and every single one of those goals resonates. And that’s good enough for me. Do I need to get organized and do a ton of things? Of course, but that’s just part of the adventure.

 

Now let’s switch roles. How about you define your success? Take your time with it and know that the definition can change but let yourself dream. You don’t have to share your definition, but you can, if you want to. Leave it as a comment if you like, or put it in a notebook, on your vision board, or whatever. The decision of what you do with that definition is up to you, as well as what you include in it.

 

Here’s to conquering the world and smiling while we’re at it.

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Steps to smile


Life does not come with an instruction manual. Sure, you might come across advice, tips, tricks, and even lessons, but the reality is that you’re learning as you go and more often than not, it’s educated guesswork and hoping for the best. Still, there’s a rhythm to life and many steps we learn along the way get embedded deep into our DNA.

 

I was fortunate to learn how to love freely and openly from early on in my life thanks to my first love, Mom. People often say that I’m very affectionate and the fact of the matter is that I’ve received love from even before I was born. Mom talked to me often while I was in the belly and I’ve often mentioned people wouldn’t come into her hospital room because they thought she had someone visiting, when in reality it was just little ole me she was chatting away to. But it wasn’t limited to her. I’ve always received a lot of love from my family and I’m very conscious that having that is a huge gift and something I try and pay forward as much as I can. In my life, there has been no shortage of love, hugs, kisses, and affection. The contrary actually. There’s been an overabundance of it and life has also blessed me with a good memory to remember all the love I’ve received and continue to receive.

 

It's taught me to hug freely, to reach out when I think about or dream of someone, to write personalized birthday messages privately, to do my best to not judge, and to find as many smiles as possible in myself and others. I’ve read in many places that people won’t necessarily remember you, but they will sure as hell remember how you made them feel. At almost 5 years after her passing, people still have beautiful things to say and share about Mom and kind words on her birthday, on Mother’s Day, and on the anniversary of her passing. That speaks volumes of how she made people feel and it fills me with even more love and pride knowing she was that way with so many people.

 

I do my best to do her proud, to love freely and openly, to make time for the people I love, to always pick up the phone or call back as soon as I can to people who matter, to be in touch, to put my attention when someone is speaking to me, and to remember small tidbits that others overlook. Mom had a knack for remembering small details of people and I do my best to do the same while giving it my spin.

 

As a life dance partner, Mom taught me so much that I put into practice every day, though the biggest lesson she taught me was to embrace who and how I was and to follow my path. She never imposed what I should study or what I should do professionally and I did the same for her. I gave her advice, but more than that, I gave her support, because she taught me that the power of saying “it’ll be OK” can make all the difference and that an “I told you so” not only leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, but they’re also not worth much.

 

I’ve learned from virtues, flaws, mistakes, and victories, hers and my own. I’ve filed away the long winding conversations we shared which shall live rent-free in my heart. And I remember and celebrate her with every step I take on the dancefloor of life.

 

I also remember my other angels and although I miss them all intensely, I hold them dearly and raise a glass while dancing in this life. Sure, you can trip or miss a step, but you can either focus on the mistake, or you can laugh it off or make a recovery to continue enjoying the dance.

 

Our beautiful Tata (Emma) and Mama Estrada being their beautiful selves.


In the past months, a lot of people I care about have lost someone they love and some have had a rough go of it. To them, I wish I could give them a big hug and to cry with them to share that moment because I’ve noticed something about some of the most loving hugs I’ve had in my life. Unconsciously, we press tight and take a step, and then another, and then another. It almost seems like we slow dance in that embrace…and it makes total sense to me. Life has its music and our hearts carry a rhythm that takes us from one day to the next. Some people think it ends once we pass away, but when I think of Mom and the angels I love dearest in my life, I have to disagree with that thought. I still feel the beat of her heart within mine. Sure, I miss her and I always will, but beyond DNA, we shared life and love, and that stays with you until it reunites in the big dance of the universe.

 

So, if you’ve lost someone, cry if you have to. It’s good to do so. To release and recognize that loss. But also listen within. Their music is still there, still beating, still inviting you to share and to dance with others. If you need a moment to recover, that’s OK. If you need to sit a song out, that’s OK too. Just remember that life is a dance floor and there’s always another song to dance to, another new step to learn, and another smile to share.

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls.

 

Beautiful picture of the Estrada Family way back when