Reconectando con mi alma mater

Para el 2023 tuve dos cosas muy importantes como parte de mi trayectoria como autor puertorriqueño. Lo primero fue publicar mi primera colección de cuentos cortos en español, Penumbra. Disfruté muchísimo de ese proyecto y de compartir un lado nuevo que muchos sólo han visto un poquito en lo que escribo en mi serie de fantasía urbana, The Human Cycle. Aunque en Only Human y Shadow of a Human escribí cosas oscuras y hasta un poco macabras, en Penumbra lo llevamos a otro nivel. Era algo que quería hacer hace años y gracias a esa publicación, pues vendrán más.

 

Por otra parte, tuve la oportunidad de visitar a mi alma mater, la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. Confieso que no visitaba la universidad en casi dos décadas y por suerte, tuve la dicha de conectar con Marimer Torres, la Gerente Senior de Exalumnos. De Marimer, puedo decir que fue un encanto conocerla y que mi visita, aunque ya tenía mucha ilusión, superó todas las expectativas gracias al tour que me dio.

 

Pero me adelanté un poco. Demos para atrás.

 

El año pasado me escribió mi querida amiga Jennifer Soler Rodríguez, jefa y compañera en el LAD (Language Across the Disciplines) de cuando yo era estudiante y participaba como mentor en inglés. Me comparte un reel de que en Sagrado hay una colección de Exalumnos y yo como que wow, cómo puedo participar de eso. Me puse a investigar y escribí preguntando. Ahí fue que conecté con Marimer, me contó de la colección y coordinamos para enviar mis libros a la universidad para que fuesen parte de esa colección.

 

Nos adelantamos varios meses, llego a la universidad, conozco a Marimer, me encuentro a una muy buena amiga que también ayuda en la universidad y me dieron el tour VIP a tal nivel que me olvidé de mi propósito original de la visita. La intención era tomarme fotos con los libros (que lo hice!!!) y de firmarlos (que se me olvidó por completo).

 

Un anaquel para mis libros! :D

Es la primera vez que veo a todos mis libros en un lugar fuera de mi casa y confieso que me dio un sentimiento brutal. Fue bien bonito ver mis libros juntos a los de muchos compañeros escritores que también son egresados de la universidad. De ahí, Marimer me dio el tour compartiendo los avances que han hecho en la biblioteca que hasta tiene su propio café, los salones remodelados, los centros de desarrollo de ideas de negocios, la sección de moda, en fin, decenas de cosas que dieron gusto y hasta envidia de la buena porque yo no tenía eso cuando estudiaba en USC así que espero que lo aprovechen.

Donde estaba el Banquito :)

 

Me llevó a lo que era mi querido LAD, que ha cambiado por completo y vi cuatro localizaciones que significan un mundo para mí. Uno, el salón donde conocí a mi esposa lo vi de lejos y la próxima vez voy para tomarme una foto para recordar los buenos tiempos. Segundo, el espacio en donde estaba el banquito y donde pasé tantas horas compartiendo con buenos amigos. Tercero, un banquito debajo de un árbol de maga que inspiró un poema que incluí en mi colección bilingüe Twenty Veinte. Y cuarto, una mesita donde fueron los inicios de Only Human.

 

Árboles que inspiraron un poema de Twenty Veinte

Tantos recuerdos bonitos.

 

Por mi parte, es todo un orgullo poder tener mis libros en la Colección de Ex Alumnos de Sagrado y pues, si eres estudiante y me has querido leer, ahí tienes una buena oportunidad para hacerlo auspiciado por la Universidad.

 

Donde escribí mis primeras ideas de Only Human

Como graduado, sólo tengo cosas positivas a decir de mi experiencia en la universidad. Me abrieron las puertas cuando se me complicó todo en la UPR. Me ayudaron de todas las maneras habidas y por haber y lo único que me pidieron fue dar lo máximo, y eso mismo fue lo que recibieron. Me gradué con honores, viajé dos veces a competir como integrante del equipo representando a Sagrado frente a otros capítulos del American Advertising Federation (AAF), obtuve algunos de mis amigos más cercanos hasta hoy día, aprendí destrezas que pongo en práctica aún hoy día y me casé con mi mejor amiga. La vida me puso en el camino de Sagrado y siempre haré lo posible por apoyar, incluyendo enviar copia de cada libro que publique.

 

Mi más sincero agradecimiento a la decana en aquel momento Lydia Espinet por su apoyo incondicional, a mi querida Jennifer Soler por todo su apoyo y años de amistad genuina, a mi familia del LAD que seguimos en contacto, a Marimer que es toda una embajadora de Sagrado y a todo el mundo que me ha apoyado en mi trayectoria como profesional en publicidad y como escritor.

 

Con sonrisa lista y las ganas a millón, vamos por más.

 

Un abrazo,

 

JD

 

 

2023 Report Card

It’s been a hot minute since I did a report card. Four years to be exact. That said, it’s funny because between this post and the last one, a pandemic has happened and a LOT of the goals I wrote in a blog post didn’t get done, even if several did.

 

Stuff I did get done:
The second volume of my Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore... and that’s it. Lol. If you want to see my report card for 2019 and the goals I had for 2020 that got absolutely derailed, check the post here.

 

If like me, you’d rather focus on the here and now, then keep reading.

 

So 2023 was a year with LOTS of ups and downs. The highs were wonderful with my first prose book in Spanish thanks to my dark short story collection: Penumbra. I also published Daydreams 2 and finished the first draft of Beyond Human. I went to the Puerto Rico Comic Con and had the best show in terms of sales I’ve ever had plus had the company of my brother from another mother, Mr. Joe Compton, representing Go Indie Now and allowing me the pleasure of showing him a bit of the Island though there’s still SO much to see. I did some live shows but then I hit a rough ole patch, lost momentum, and had to push through to get past several obstacles.

 

Part of getting past those obstacles was learning to say no to several events and even cancel some because I was in no shape to participate. In that sense, there were a lot of heavy moments, some of which I’ll talk about later, but rest assured I had to adjust a lot of things.

 

In October I went to Chicago for the first time on a trip with my oldest brother and I had an absolutely wonderful time and really enjoyed my time in Chicago, everything I shared with the bro, the Peter Gabriel concert, the food, and the sights. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was getting COVID, which truly ruined a bunch of plans I had for October, including properly celebrating my anniversary. To boot, I coughed so much that I got a nasty back spasm that put me out of commission further for several days and took me several weeks to get back to normal.

 

But I ended the year going to Puerto Rico and spending time with the family. The trip also came with its own sets of challenges, but rather than talking about that, I’ll focus on the last full week, how I was able to spend a lot of time with the family and go surf five times in one week.

 

I didn’t meet my Goodreads goal but I still read 32 books, which is respectable. I also used my time out of commission in October to recalibrate and refocus myself and have been able to do some writing every single day since mid-October.

 

As you can see, it was up-down-up-down-up-down and so on and so forth. Still, it was a good year. Had some decent sales on Amazon, was able to coordinate with a book distributor to have my books in PR, was able to coordinate to have ALL my books in the ex-alum collection at my alma mater, and saw a lot of friends. Two huge highlights are thanks to two friends and want to make a specific shoutout to Judyliz Díaz, whom I know from my college days. Thanks to her, a classroom in the states purchased and discussed my bilingual collection Twenty Veinte. Secondly, I want to give a shout also to my wonderful horror brother from another mother, Mr. Ángel Isian for being so kind as to invite me to give a poetry workshop to his students. These are two beautiful highlights that I didn’t talk about much because I got distracted by life, but I’ll be talking about these experiences and more soon.

 

Did I have failures? Yes. 

 

Are there areas of opportunity? What can I say? I’m Only Human. 

 

Will there be goals I’ll bring to this year? You can bet your top, middle, or bottom dollar.

 

Is this good or bad? Neither. It’s life. And life brings surprises. Some are great and some are rough as hell. But you keep moving forward.

 

I had every intention of participating in more collections, but things didn’t pan out. That said, I still submitted one story which I still hope will be picked up for a Spanish horror short story collection. And it’s up to me, whether I focus on the one I was able to submit to or the three others I was not able to. It’s a tendency to focus on the negative or let that drag us down.

 

But I refuse to only focus on the negative.

 

Some great things happened last year. That’s not me looking at silver linings. That’s not me being an optimist. That’s a fact. And I choose to celebrate the good more than the bad, because I can, and so can you.

 

As for a grade, being objective, I’d give myself and A- or B+. Hovering between those two, which still puts me in good shape for this new semester. 

 

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls

Behind the Cover – Get to know artist and author Melissa Lettis

Among my many projects, one of my favorites is the Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore. These whimsical short stories take place in the world of Draem and how this project started and what it’s become is why it’s so special.

The idea for the Daydreams came from a random chat and I wrote two or three of them before a friend of mine actually had to undergo surgery. When that happened, I wrote a Daydream as a get-well card and started inviting people I know from around the world to visit Draem. For the first volume of the Daydreams, I knew pretty much what I wanted for the cover but for the second installment, I was stuck. 

 

Enter Melissa Lettis. Talented, diligent, sharp as anything you can imagine, patient, and kind. These are just some keywords I can use to describe her and my experience working with her. Which is why I wanted to invite her to the blog, so you can get to know her, her work, and possibly help you connect with her if you need an artist for your cover.

 

 JD: So welcome to the blog, Melissa. So lovely to have you here. Care to tell people who you are, where you’re from, and all that jazz?

 

I like jazz! I’m an illustrator and author living in Pennsylvania. I grew up in Alaska and Seattle, studied music and English, and now I freelance with illustration and design. I also drink tea. Lots of tea!

 

JD: Blessed be the tea and jazz then! Talking a bit about your career, how long have you been designing and what would you say are some of your most notable works? (You know, besides a certain short story collection about daydreams.) 

 

I’ve been doing art for most of my life, but I only started working as a full-time freelance artist in 2021. I’ve worked on several picture books with self-published authors, but I don’t know how to choose which is most notable! You may have to check out my projects on my website, www.MelissaLettisArt.com , and decide for yourself! (Yes, shameless marketing - it’s part of the freelance life).

 

JD: We encourage the shameless marketing! :) Here’s a tricky question, what would you say is the specialty that sets you apart from other designers?

That is tricky, as there’re so many amazing artists and designers out there! One thing I like to focus on is how everything comes together. From the very beginning of the project, I’m already thinking about how all the pieces will fit into place. It’s not just the illustration. It’s not just the title and the font. It’s not just the text. It’s not even just the page for the interior of a book. It’s how they all relate to each other, and I think keeping that in mind from the start can really help shape the project and help everything click together in a really natural way.

 

JD: Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore 2 was a project that was challenging for me. Can you walk us through the process on your side of this creative equation?

Sure! I started by reading the text (which is always a pleasure!) and jotting down some of the more dynamic visuals that I thought might work for the cover - and there were a lot! Daydreams is such a visually rich world. Once we chose which direction to go, I did a few thumbnail sketches for the layout and planned out where to place all of the elements on the cover. I knew we wanted a similar color palette to the first book’s cover (and I love that peachy-coral color so much), but we still went through a number of color options. As the different stages of the artwork were approved, I kept refining and adding details, and then finally we settled on the title fonts and laid in the text.

 

JD: I can attest to the exploration process and although each artist is unique in their approach., I really enjoyed how you went about it. How about the biggest challenge for the Daydreams?

 

Haha, probably the dragon scales! I never know how much detail to add to textures like that, so it definitely went through a few different versions there. I’m quite happy with how they turned out though. I can’t say I ever expected to draw a dragon-train-teapot!

 

JD: Well the Falkori will invite you to imagine and draw some pretty interesting things. I also really loved the detail in the scales and all the tidbits hidden. Going back to your process, what are some things people who work with you could do to help the process?

 

So much of it is about communication (isn’t everything?). It will always be easier to make changes in the early stages of a project than once the art is close to finished. So, if you really like the direction something is going, or if there’s something that isn’t working out as well, definitely say something!

 

 

JD: Communication was definitely key in our process and I’m so thankful for you and your patience. You really were pivotal in helping me find my way and helping identify the soul of the book to get it the covered it needed. Now to throw you a random question, if someone designed a font in your honor, what would it be called and how would you describe it?

Enchanted Tea Time - magical, legible, and swirly. It would pair well with cozy little hand-writing serif fonts.

 

JD: What sort of projects really call out to you and you’re interested in working on?

I love drawing fantasy characters and nature. Give me something with cozy magic, and I’m 100% there for it. On a more technical end, I mostly do picture books and illustrated book covers, but I’m also branching out into comics.

 

JD: Your fav restaurant called and they’ve noticed all the times you’ve had a meal there. They want to do a Lettis Special as a small thanks. What would that special include and how would it taste?

It’s a brunch special. It has a fancy bacon-egg-cheese biscuit with your choice of mushrooms or avocado, a side of breakfast potatoes (crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside), and a mini pastry that rotates daily (today’s pastry is a cinnamon roll, but the gooey pecan rolls are popular, so come back on the weekend!). Served with a tea latte.

You’re asking the important questions here, I see.

 

JD: ALWAYS ask the important questions lol. But swinging back to work: How would an ideal project roll out for you?

The short answer is good communication and no bugs in my art programs. And both parties walk away happy with the product.

 

JD: Succinct and so well said. Now to wrap things up and roll out the blogs red carpet, tell us: how can people get in touch with you if they have cover, character, or other design needs?

 

My website, www.MelissaLettisArt.com , has a contact page and links to my social media platforms (I’m currently on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and LinkedIn). Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or are looking for a freelance illustrator and designer!

 

* * * *

 

And there you have it folks. Once again, my thanks to Melissa for visiting the blog and taking from her busy schedule to chat it up with us. Ever thankful to have crossed paths with her and a perfect example of how the writer community sticks together. I had not one, not two, but three artists that weren’t able to take this project on when fellow author Mike Jack Stoumbos was kind enough to recommend Melissa and not only was she able to do the project, she was a perfect fit. Here’s to connecting creatives so we can all thrive and bring our dreams to Raelity

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls

 

Are you content?

There is no shortage of quirks in regard to the English language. Among the many fascinating details we have to manage while we do our best to communicate, there’s a term called heteronyms. That’s what happens when you have two words written exactly the same way but not only does the pronunciation vary, so does their meaning.

 

When you read the title of this post, do you read content as in “a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction” or do you read “the material discussed within a book, speech, or stuff we share on social media”? It’s easy to confuse the two, especially in these times since so often the production of one should lead to the production of the other.

 

So often, people seem to post content instead of enjoying the experience. Some insist they’re capturing memories, though too often it feels as if there's an ulterior motive, as if it's performative to a large degree. It’s not to share, for sharing’s sake. It’s because you want your experiences to resonate, to inspire, or even to compete and win against those of others.

 

Social media is an odd beast in so many ways, but among its most dangerous aspects is how deep it seeps into our reality and behavior. Even if you don’t post, the odds are still heavily in favor that you consume content, scroll, like, share, and comment until you’re kind of content.

 

I’ve shared thousands of posts on social media. Pictures, screenshots, memes, videos, songs, text, poems, silly pictures, jokes, and the occasional scream into the void. I try to be mindful, but FOMO (fear of missing out) can be very real, even if what causes that sentiment is probably manufactured.

 

So often, people share things and you can feel the underlying competitive aspect of what they share as if saying things like:

• My selfie has more likes than yours.
• My video from my trip has more views than yours.

But sometimes this behavior backfires, because the person doesn't get the response they want. No likes or loves. No comments. No shares. Nothing. The algorithm swallows the chance at a shot of dopamine that comes in the shape of validation. Or maybe people honestly don’t care what you do, share, or have to say…which clearly shows the risk you run by putting your joy in the hands of other people.

 

Content by itself doesn’t make us content…maybe it can be the means to get there from time to time, because like it or not, many people often hunger for that reaction and to feel relevant. But what you share by itself is actually pretty harmless. This changes when you tie social media to your passion or means of income. In short, the risk further escalates. Creators question the worth of their output, whether music, writing, art, or anything. They sometimes stop listening to the voice that is telling them what they should create. They forget how to play in the sandbox of their soul. All of this in favor of switching things up to get results.

 

And results come from content…even if it doesn’t leave you feeling content. The Internet is flooded by how-to’s, step-by-steps, guides to success, and professionals who focus on the generation of material to get the results you need. By the way, a word to the wise: careful with whom you trust your time, energy, and money, because some people are just interested in their bank accounts and agendas.

 

A brief scan of social media and you’ll see people who have their style down to a science…and too often it feels as if people lean on formulas to feed the algorithm instead of feeding their souls and doing what brings them joy and fulfillment. They need to “win” either by increasing their sales, their engagement, or their views, even if it costs them their enjoyment.

 

Then there are those who say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…which isn’t the whole quote, but let's start there and go over a possible scenario which could be something like this: someone sees a page that has a lot of views, they see what the other person is doing, then they either do their version of it, or basically do a carbon copy of what other people do…just to get results. It reminds me of bands that aren’t paying tribute to other bands, but basically ripping them off if only to get a quick way to gain success. By the way, the full quote from the line that starts this paragraph comes from Oscar Wilde and goes thusly: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness. And alas, some people are too happy to engage in mediocrity if it gives them the results and validation they crave.

 

However, it’s not just mediocrity, some people also adopt personas that are engaging to others and that people respond to, even if they’re a far cry from how the person is in real life or even if they wear a smile even if inside they feel horrible. This happens all the time on social media and with famous people who could be sponsored by their preferred brand of artificial sweetener.

 

But what happens when you’re not famous? What happens when you don’t get the likes and engagement you want? There’s a real risk with your emotional state and general mental health.

 

I am old enough to remember doing stuff with friends or by myself just for the fun of it and to a great extent it felt as if we were consistently doing our best to create memories or dare I say, just having fun. If there was an algorithm it was internal and although the fear of missing out was still there, there was no fear of missing out on sharing every bit of what we experienced to demonstrate that our lives were awesome.

 

SEO has geared people to do all sorts of things thinking about their perceived audience. Alas, too often we forget that we are more than content and we should strive to feel more than just content.

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls.

The Tale of 42

Beyond 365 days (occasionally 366), what’s in a year? There are ups, downs, segues, side roads, detours, dead ends, adjustments, long hauls, short bursts, bright moments, dark times, and everything in between. We so often try to capture what happened in that year, yet the reality is that for however good our memory is, even with a journal, we’ll miss things or misremember things.

Year 42 was actually a very good year. It had some very important and necessary life and career changes, it had two new books and progress in others, it had good food, great company, and me finding my ground again, after a shaky ride in my 41st year. Yet somehow, last year I forgot to write a birthday post...and I just fully realized this by checking my backlog on the blog.

It’s curious because for me, posts like this are important and it’s also curious because I do tend to overthink and overstress when I miss something for whatever reason. And I didn't even remember. In the last year, I’ve made several events and I’ve had to cancel a few. I’ve pivoted, I’ve improvised, I’ve said “screw it, I’m doing this because I want to,” and I’ve also said, “screw it, I don’t want to do this because I don’t want to.” I've also said no, because I couldn't, and that's OK too.

Thinking about last year, I think it makes sense that I didn’t write about it because I was still in the middle of a journey of sorts. Of relearning, of unlearning, of forgiving, of speaking kindly to myself, of challenging false narratives, and highlighting truths that we tend to overlook because negative events and things tend to weigh a bit more and actually bring us down.

If it sounds like it’s been a bit intense, well it’s because it has been. There’s been a lot of lessons yet also a lot of enjoying and plenty of smile. I’m still in the process of clearing up a few things in my path, though I have a better idea of things I want to do, things I don’t care for, and things I will continue to work on, because life is a continuous stream.

It doesn’t matter if we confuse the year of something funny or memorable that happened. It’s important to remember the event and how it made us feel. That’s because memory is the one type of story-telling we all share. Yes, even those who say they aren’t creative and can’t write a story. We can talk about how false that is later, but yes, even you tell stories through memories. 

And that’s more important than you can even begin to imagine.

Because it means you’re in control of your story. 

I’m not saying to fabricate things, even though we all have those friends with tall tales that are as plausible as pigs suddenly learning how to fly. I’m saying that life happens and it’s always up to us the light we use to remember things by. 

For years, I’ve focused on trying to use every experience as either inspiration or a learning experience and in the last year and a half, that has included reframing some pretty intense times I’ll write about later. Yet I was able to. I was able to mine silver linings where you would only think to find a septic tank. I’ve been able to learn new things in my 40s that I’m sure will be with me until the day that I die and it was a kind reminder that there’s so much to live, learn, enjoy, share and be thankful for.

So here’s to finding any and all means to always be able to quote Monty Python and sing, Always look on the bright side of life.

Thanks for joining me for a new year and here's to all the stories and lessons ahead. Bring on 43.

Peace, love, and birthday cake

At peace with a goodbye

Four years ago, Mom passed away.

 

During her last days with us, my brothers and I took turns staying with her at the hospital. We knew it was nearing time and we wanted to be with her and each of us poured our love for her as we often did, because that is our way. I was with her on the night she passed away and when I came to switch places with my brother, we both kind of knew it would be that night

 

Some people have asked me, how do you get ready for something like that? And all I’m sure of is that the answer will change from person to person, because what your heart dictates is unique to you.

I’d been in touch with my brothers and I had that feeling, so I did my best to get ready for that evening. I would take some books to read. I would talk to her. And sometime during the day, I got the notion in my head that I needed to write her something...So I got on the computer and wrote a short story.

 

For a frame of reference, it was like one of my Daydreams but in Spanish. In the story, I kind of guide her to her happiest moments and bring in person after person to send her off not with tears but with smiles. I bring in special people that had meant the world to her and described her at peace, a bit surprised, but at peace. In the story, me and my brothers took her along a little tour and led her to a place where there was a rainbow bridge. I wrote that all the dogs were waiting for her along with her Mom and Dad and that she could go in peace, because we would be OK. I also wrote that she did absolutely brilliant and that if at any point we cry, it’s for the right reasons, but that we’d continue to say cheers with love and keeping her present always with plenty of smiles in tow, as was her way.

 

I cried all the way as I wrote the story and I’m fully aware I did it for her as much as I did it for myself. So often in life, I can only make sense of life and what I’m feeling through what I write, and this was no exception. I finished the story, printed it, and took it with me to the hospital.

 

When I got there, I saw my brother and we exchanged that look of knowing. I gave him a hug and told him she’d be fine and that I’d be in touch. To not worry and try to get some rest. I love both of my brothers and I’m proud to be an Estrada boy because of Mom and because of them.

 

My brother leaves and I take a breath, smile, and turn around to say hi to Mom. I let her know I brought a bunch of things to read and share and that I was just there to hang out. I knew she wasn’t feeling that great and that was OK. I just wanted to let her know that if she so happened to want to shut all of us up and miraculously recover, we wouldn’t mind one bit. I also told her that if she wanted to stay a bit longer, that was OK too. Finally, I did mention that if she wanted to leave that night, that was also fine. I was there and would do my best to keep her company.

 

I spoke to her with as much gentle love I could. I wanted my voice to be as soothing as possible, again, for her as well as for me. I talked to her so much that night...about everything and nothing. I told her so many random things just to chat. I played her some of her favorite music as well as some tracks I’d found that were helping me a lot and I thought they could help her too. I read poetry to her and some of my essays. Then I pulled out the new story and apologized for the typos and things that I could improve, but that I did want to share that first draft with her. I kissed her head often, and stroked her hand, and did my best to let my love flow to her gently and freely. I wanted to stay awake though eventually, the long day got to me, so I went to sleep holding her hand a bit after midnight.

 

Sometime around two in the morning, I wake up and I feel her breathing’s changed. I’ve never been in a situation like that, but out of instinct I knew it was her moment so I stood next to her, took her hand in mine and told her it was alright. I did my best to soothe her, to comfort her, to hopefully help guide her to the light, and even cracked a joke that I hoped I wasn’t talking too much or being too annoying. I told her how good of a mother she always was and how much of me had been molded by that love. I thanked her for everything. I told her, “If you see a light and want to go there, it’s OK. We’ll be OK.”

 

I felt her breathing becoming more short and intense and I still held onto her hand, being there but not wanting to crowd her. Her breathing started coming in slower gasps and I held onto her, saying I’d be with her there and always. Slower she breathed and I held her throughout, never squeezing, just being there, and letting her go on her terms and when she was ready.

 

I don’t know how long that moment truly lasted. Could have been five minutes or an hour. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that I was fortunate enough to have the honor to be there and do my best to show her the love that will stay alive as long as I live.I said, "You were beautiful, you were beautiful," until I finally corrected myself and said, "You are beautiful."

 

It’s been four years though parts of me feel like it was yesterday. I don’t think that feeling will ever go away either, by the way. Part of me shall always be open to keep her alive and present because spiritually and genetically, she is a part of me. I feel her from time to time. I feel how she joins in a celebration or to soothe and comfort me. It feels like yesterday, because in some way or another, she’ll always be there because I make that choice every day to keep her present. 

 

So, to the question of how you say goodbye to someone you love, your answer may be a little different, and that’s how it should be, but here’s mine:

 

With as much love as you can...and always leaving the door open.

 

Mama, te amo and we’ll be toasting to you in a bit and actually any chance we get.

 

To you dear reader, who were kind enough to read this, my love to you and thank you for helping me keep Mom alive through these and many other words. If you're going through a hard time, I wish peace upon you and to call on those angels in your life, because they're always there for you. Trust me.

 

Peace, love, and Cheers Mama Estrada

Right turn: A #CheersMamaEstrada Post

I think about Mom often. Sometimes I wonder what she’d think of the world as it stands and the things that are happening. But if I’m honest, more often than not, I wonder what random bits of conversation we’d stumble into during our countless chats.

 

We talked so much and I continue to talk to her every single day. I’ve spoken about how I still write letters to her, letting her know about all the adventures I’ve been experiencing, and when it comes to my books, either the final proof or the first copy of each continues to be kept for her. If you’ve seen my socials, you see that I continue to say Cheers Mama Estrada at every opportunity and you should know that I toast to her and to our family every single time I raise a glass.

 

During this week, I’ve thought about Mom a lot and I remembered the time I spent with her at the hospital among countless other memories. Like many patients, she had her ups and downs. Throughout all of that, I did all I could to put a smile on her face and spend time with her.

 

I also remember when she took a turn for the worse.

 

I think about these days because the hospital had a chapel and I remembered how I always meant to go to pray for Mom. The funny thing is that as soon as I got to the hospital and literally came to the crossroads where I could turn left to go to the chapel or go right to go straight to Mom, I always turned right.

 

Always.

 

Consciously, subconsciously, out of instinct, or what have you, something pulled me that way.

 

Mom left me a treasure trove of love and memories and from her I learned that every second, every shared moment, and every bit of contact are all gifts. She left me riches to last a lifetime and I remember her in big moments as well as small ones. There’s magic in those small moments and I invite you to have as many of them as you can with the people you love. Be generous with your small talk. Be abundant with silly phone calls about trivial things. Find the magic in the every-day things you’d normally overlook, because when it comes to someone you love, nothing is trivial.

 

There are many angels that light our lives. If some have passed, it’s OK. Share a cup of coffee or tea with them. They’ll appreciate it. If they’re still around, look for any excuse to get in touch and talk about silly little things that will stay with you for the rest of your life. It'll always be the right call. Because when you add love to any recipe or experience, that’s when you begin to understand the beginnings of forever.

 

Peace, love, and Cheers Mama Estrada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Si tú te creías que yo no venía...

Saludos, mi gente y comencemos una semana de ¡PURO Comic Con! Este viernes estaremos de vuelta en el Centro de Convenciones para el Puerto Rico Comic Con del 7 al 9 de abril. Esta será mi séptima vez en el Comic Con mientras también celebro mi décimo aniversario como autor publicado.

 

Como saben, marzo fue un mes bien fuego a la lata con dos libros nuevos: el segundo volumen de los Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore y Penumbra, mi primera colección de cuentos oscuros en español. Estoy muy orgulloso de ambos libros y está muy curioso que publique el libro más oscuro e intenso y el libro más dulce de mi carrera a la misma vez. 

 

Las portadas, de show y estoy muy complacido con el contenido. Espero que se los disfruten. Además, tuve la Marcha de los escritores en donde desarrollé temas para hacer posteos para cada día en el mes de marzo y tengo que quitarme el sombrero a todos los amantes de las letras de PR que le metieron con todo. Se lucieron y espero que se lo hayan gozado. Aparte de eso, pues muchas más aventuras de la vida.

 

Eso dicho, me siento como todo un súper saiyajin que le dieron con TODO durante el mes de marzo. Ya que lo superamos, vamos a llegar a un súper nivel porque lo que viene este wikén es pura gozaera. Estaremos en el exhibidor 134 y abajo les comparto el mapa para que me encuentren.

 

Además, ¡LIBROS NUEVOS!

 

Penumbra Cuentos oscuros

Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore 2

Como siempre, tendré MUCHOS OTROS TÍTULOS DISPONIBLES, aunque ojo, CANTIDADES LIMITADAS así que asegúrate darte la vuelta por el exhibidor tempranito.

 

Hay muchas ganas de verlos y espero que de aquí hasta el fin de semana tengan una semana bonita para cerrarla con broche de oro.

 

Un abrazo,

 

JD