The Year In Pictures

I didn't want to let the year end without sharing some of the moments that stand out in my memory.

2013 is the first year since I moved to Massachusetts that I've seen this much snowfall. Note the snow at the entrance to the garage. And I live here because …

One thing's for sure, this is not where I plan to spend my Golden Years.

Human Development Across the Lifespan was an intensive summer course that I took in which we were required to present our stages of development with a thirty minute presentation at the end of the course. The class was intense not only in the volume of material we covered in seven weeks, but, also, because of the intense emotions and life experiences shared by our cohort.

I think it was the first time I didn't dread knowing a presentation awaited me. My biggest worry was that I wouldn't be able to talk for thirty minutes about myself. Much to my surprise I was so into my presentation that I lost track of time talking about my family and ancestors. The class laughed when I flashed a slide that said to "Google at your own risk."

It was while I wrote my presentation that I discovered that an actual word exists for healing with books: bibliotherapy.

Yes, books heal. 

Hispanicize reinvigorated me. It was loud, colorful and charged with energy. This has become an annual event where I look forward to spending time with mis blogueras amigas-hermanas. 

Our son is not a little boy, anymore.

Maine in the summer is where I wish to be.

These are smiles that make me happy.

Pearl (top right) arrived via USPS recently. She replaced my rooster Richard (bottom) who had to go live on a local farm where he could do what he does best -- crow. Thank God for great neighbors.

I love Latism and everything it stands for. It's challenged me to step into discomfort. I am a better person because of it. Life is colorless without a sense of community.

I accomplished a lot this year and continue to learn about myself. My two biggest goals for 2014 are to graduate in May and secure a job in my field of study.

Happy New Year, my friends. :-)

ADELANTE: It's About Giving and Sharing

Adelante
Hermanas
Vengan alrededor
Miedo
No tengan
Por favor
It's about sisterhood
It's about mentorship
It's about selfless support
Giving and sharing
Experience
It's what they aim for
Don't be afraid of the dark
Don't be afraid to explore
Embrace what you've endured
Made you strong
Step through the door
Survival
Tenacity
Let fear be your guide
Go find your wings
So as hermanas
We fly

Left to Right @FarahMesa @EzzyLanguzzi @SofiaKeck @AdrianaBoatwright

Got a Little #BlogLuv

Valentine's gift exchange I received from Xenia at Raised by Culture

I'm feeling like a lucky girl, tonight. Look at all the goodies I received from Xenia at Raised by Culture! Xenia and I met when I was invited to join BlogLuv, a blog group created by my friend and paisan RubyDW over at Growing Up Blackxican. Thank you, Ruby, for creating the Valentine's Day Gift exchange and for your friendship and support.

I remember being so gun-shy when I first started blogging, then thinking that nobody would be interested in anything I had to say. Well, let me tell you something, blogging has pulled me out of my shell and the experience has transformed me ... I've recovered my voice and have developed friendships with some pretty amazing women who inspire me with their strength and creativity, women who work, have families, homeschool, confront life's challenges and who STILL find the time to express themselves through this medium.

Xenia, you're one of them. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, attention to detail and generosity. Absolutely love the beautiful plate you made, my nails are now painted blue and the Almond Roca didn't make it to sunset. Can't wait to read the Nora Ephron book. Gracias, Amiga. <3 p="">

Custom plate: "Reading is dreaming with open eyes"

Check out some of the other ladies who are members of BlogLuv. :-)