NaNoWriMo Starts Tomorrow

NaNoWriMo Starts Tomorrow, November 1, 2012

 

This is my third year participating in NaNoWriMo, the National Novel Writing Month that is held every November where people from all over the world decide to get together in supporting each other to write novels. We take the challenge to write 50,000 words in 30 days. That would be a novel about the length of The Great Gatsby.

What makes NaNo so special is that all types of writers get together in this month of frenzied writing to support each other. You will find word wars, write-ins, kick-off parties, we did it parties, all nighters, and muse building. All with people who are interested in writing a novel, along with the rebels who are writing something else, in one month.

I have actually won NaNo twice and plan on winning again this year. Winning entails writing your 50,000 words and is done on your honor, no one is checking on you to make sure you did it in the month of November, but you are expected to upload and verify your 50,000 words and it is a wonderful sense of satisfaction.

Throughout the month, I will be posting about NaNo, my journey, my novels, my muses, my vision board, and my experience. So join me as you discover more about NaNo, and who knows, maybe next year you will want to join in as well.

For now, check out my NaNo website for information on my novel and my website for my handy, dandy, inspirational Character Guides.  I hope you find both useful and inspirational.

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

"Hacer es la mejor manera de decir." José Martí

Doing is better than saying

Personal, Professional, and Creative Growth II

Personal, Professional, and Creative Growth II

While You are There...

Take responsibility for your own learning. Yes, there will be a trainer. Yes, they will be "in charge" of the workshop. But you are responsible for your own learning, so do what you need to be successful. Know beforehand what you want and come prepared with computer, paper, pen and a great attitude. Stop for your favorite coffee if you know that you need that special java or bring your own tea bag if nothing works as well as your favorite Chai to get your day going. Once your comfort needs are met, set your mind for learning and creating.

This can be as easy as coming prepared with questions for yourself:

• How can I use this?
• How will this advance my work? My business?
• Who can I connect with?
• Who can I add to my network?
• Who seems to connect with me?

Ultimately, you are responsible for your own learning-so take that responsibility con gusto y con ganas.

During the session, keep your heart, mind, and soul open and for how you can apply what you are learning to your personal, professional, and creative life. And remember to write those ideas down so you can make them happen!!!

Engage in the process. Learning is an active process, so be an active participant. That doesn't mean you have to answer every question or be the most talkative person in the group – it just means to actively engage in what is going on as you get in the groove of learning. It is all about attitude.

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Haz Lo Que Te Gusta, No Lo Que Creas Que Le Gustará A Otros
Do what you love, not what you believe others would love you to do.

Personal, Professional, and Creative Growth I

Personal, Professional, and Creative Growth

Antes del evento...

How to get the most from your personal, professional, and creative development!!!

 

Are you signed up to go to a workshop, training, conference, or networking meeting soon? Have you attended these in the past and come home overwhelmed, excited, full of ideas, and changes you were going to make only to find out that in two days it was business as usual and the glow was gone?

Well, here are a few tips to make sure that you get the best value for the precious time and money you are investing in yourself.

Antes del evento...

First of all, come with an attitude of gratitude and be appreciative of the gifts you are about to receive, dar gracias a Dios for this opportunity you have been given to receive whatever is in store for you. Come with an attitude that you will learn something great for you, your business, or your community. Be open to new ideas and keep an open mind. And, most importantly, sonriete, and SMILE big.

Look over the workshop materials and become aware of the topic and the presenter. Do a web search, read blogs, and get immersed in the experience before you even go, this will help prepare your mind for the information that is coming. It is like preparing the ground for a garden before you even plant the seeds.

Go with an idea of what you like to learn. Go with a prepared plan of three things that you want to come away with, it can be three new ideas to promote your business, three great ideas for keeping your creativity fresh, or three new contactts you are coming away with, all with the

Think about what you would like to learn. This is the most important thing you can do before the workshop begins. Think about (and write down) what you would like to learn from the session. Then take your answers to the training with you, reviewing them before the workshop begins (the trainer may ask for some info like this, and if they do, you are already prepared – no last minute pressure!) Ask yourself questions like:

• What would make this worth my time? 

• What is my fondest wish for this training?

• What do I expect from this training?

• What is the best possible outcome that could arise from this training?

• What is the biggest question I'd like answered?

Stay tuned for tips of what to do while you are there and what to do after the event.

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

El que tiene fe en sí mismo no necesita que los demás crean en él.
He who has faith in himself, does not need others to believe in him.

Releasing your Inner Diva

Releasing your Inner Diva

BELIEVE…

Deep inside each of us there is an inner diva waiting to be unleashed into the world. This incredibly, wonderful, fantastic, fun loving, beautiful diva is waiting to be introduced into the world with style, purpose, and intention. And, all is takes for you to release this magnificent being of the best you possible is for you to BELIEVE!!!

BELIEVE in yourself

BELIEVE in your greatness

BELIEVE in your dreams

BELIEVE in your vision

BELIEVE in your hopes

BELIEVE in your purpose

As you believe and act with purpose, your actions will align with your thoughts and you will walk a little lighter, hold your head a little higher, and speak with more confidence. You will proceed with integrity, treat others with respect and compassion, and engage in cooperative experiences. Your attitude will be positive; you will embrace difference, and pursue high levels of achievement. 

As you believe in the power of you, you will exude an air of confidence, motivation, inspiration, and insight. Just by believing in your inner greatness, you will be contributing to the well-being of your family, our community, and our society. So start believing and releasing…TODAY!!!

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Sólo las personas tiernas son realmente fuertes

Only those who are soft, are truly strong

Persistence...makes a difference

Persistent thought is your ticket.
Persistent gratitude makes it easy.
And persistent action makes it happen.

Mike Dooley

As we move toward our dreams and desires, it is important to remember that persistence is the key. Thinking, feeling, appreciating, and enjoying our journey will lead us to abundance in thought and deed. And with abundance, we can make it happen for our families, ourselves, and our communities.

I find that as I show up and take action, all that is wonderful and beautiful in this world is at my disposal and the serendipitous happenings, the people that I meet, the opportunities that are presented, leave me feeling heady, enjoying life and enjoying the journey. And Mike Dooley is not the only one saying, how many of you have heard,

Pray
Let go
Let God

It is the same idea, once we pray, we have to let go and let God into our lives to work the magic of our dreams. We think we are in control, but we really only live when we let God and say to God, I am ready, thy will be done.

So move with persistence towards that which you want, no stressed persistence, but fun, lighthearted, you know your prayers are being answered persistence.

And in case you still need convincing, Andy Dooley says it this way,

Dream your dream
let go
and let it happen

Andy dooley

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria


Quien siembra vientos recoge tempestades
You reap what you sow

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

Harry Dixon Loes

There are so many gurus out there talking about living your dreams and finding your purpose. I have been listening and reading these gurus for many years and feel that the message is consistent and loving — see your light shining from your inner core and you are where you want to be.

When you are living the life of your dreams and living your purpose, you literally glow all day long and you know those people when you meet them. They are happy, they are heady and it feels good to be around them. They exude positive energy, their light is shining bright and they glow with the alignment of purposeful living and dreaming the life of their dreams.

Your inner light comes with clarity, wonder, playfulness, and hope. Esperanza, not just for yourself, but for a better world, a renewed sense of being, and a release of energy that is filled with compassion and inspiration.

So go forth into the world and set your light free and let your energy glow…with love, serenity, and joy.


Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria


En la unión está la fuerza
In unity there’s strength

Purpose and Dreams

Set your intention
Focus your vision
Get into action

As you are trying to find your purpose in life and achieve your dreams, be aware that you are in control of your purpose and you get to decide what you want. You merely need to set your intention, focus your vision and get into action. The action that you want is dependent on your vision and intention. If you are having trouble finding your purpose or what you want, then you have to go within and be guided by spirit. Listen to your gut is not far off the mark. If it excites you, make you feel good, makes you feel heady, then spirit is telling you to go for it, have fun, and enjoy the ride.

Said another way,

Think it through
Let it go
Go with the flow

Don’t try too hard and don’t make things difficult, achieving your dreams and living your purpose should be fun, easy, and heady. It is a wonderful and beautiful experience and it is yours for the taking…so let it go and go with the flow and have fun, enjoy the journey!!!

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Querer es poder.
Where there’s a will there’s a way.

LA Latina Bloggers

LA Latina Bloggers

On Thursday night, May 18,2012 a group of Latina Bloggers met at Beso, Eva Longoria’s Restaurant in Hollywood for a night of networking and talking and meeting under the sponsorship of Ford. It was a great evening and I had the pleasure of meeting so many different bloggers that I follow on Twitter and Facebook. I was so grateful for the opportunity. We had a hosted bar, wonderful appetizers and great company.

I was all arranged by the indomitable, Monique Fausto, blogger extraordinaire who is constantly looking our for all of us and trying to make sure we are all well taken care of…she is truly a gem among gems. I met so many bloggers that I will not try to name them all here, just know that I have your cards and will be stalking you, as the fabulous Cynthia Martinez would say.

And to round off the evening, we got a goodie bag sponsored by these beauty companies:

COVERGIRL

• "Like" them on FB www.facebook.com/covergirl
• Follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/covergirl

PANTENE

• "Like" them on FB www.facebook.com/PanteneNA
• Follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/pantene

ARTISTRY

• "Like" them on FB www.facebook.com/artistry
• Follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/artistrybeauty

L'OREAL PARIS

• "Like" them on FB www.facebook.com/lorealparis
• Follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/lorealparisusa

I already use Pantene, so that was great. I needed some skin firming cream for my upcoming trip, so the Artistry gifts were great. I loved the Covergirl and L’OREAL products, the gloss I will be sharing with my daughter.

Over all, it was a great evening and I hope we have many more to come. LA Latina Bloggers ROCK!!! And are such a wonderfully, positive group.

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Cada quien con su cada cual
Birds of a feather flock together

My Tribute to Mom Continues

Dear Mom,
I Will Never. . . /I'd Like To . . .


I will never understand people who are angry, negative, and upset about their lives.
I'd like to understand those who are able to let it go and let it happen.

I will never forget the good times that we shared, the love and laughter we exchanged.
I'd like to forget the times of misunderstandings and lack of compassion.

I will never forgive those who have hurt others, especially innocent children.
I'd like to forgive those who are sorry are trying to make amends.

I will never change my feelings of compassion for others and the positive attitudes about life that I have.
I'd like to change those who are constantly putting themselves down and focusing on the negative.

I will never say, “I know I am right.”
I'd like to say I’m sorry.

I will never appreciate the anger and negativity that fuels some people.
I’d like to appreciate the little things in life we take for granted, a fresh glass of water, a beautiful sunset, a God sent moonrise.


Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Vale más una verdad amarga que muchas mentiras dulces
Honesty is the best policy

I used to think, but now I know

I used to think, but now I know

I used to think that being a mother was easy,
      but now I know it is the hardest job I have ever had.
I used to think that you eventually let them grow up,
      but now I know you never let them out of your site.
I used to think parenting gets easier,
      but now I know it is never easy and you will always be on call.
I used to think I had all the answers,
      but now I know there are more questions than answers.
I used to think I would miss them when they were grown,
      but now I know the adult relationships I have are ever sooo sweet.

I used to think that one day they would grow up,
      but now I know they will remain my kids forever and I will forever be concerned and worried about them.
I used to think that parenting was the hardest job I would ever do,
      but now I know it is the most fulfilling and life enhancing job that I have ever had the pleasure and honor of doing.

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,

Zulmara Maria

Nunca es tarde para aprender
                It is never too late to learn

I am a Mother

I am a mother

I wonder what life holds for my children
I hear their joy and laughter
I see their smiles and tears
I want the best for them


I am a mother

I pretend they will never get hurt
I feel what they feel
I touch their souls
I worry about them incessantly
I lament that I cannot protect them


I am a mother

I understand that I cannot protect them
I say I want them to be independent
I dream of their happiness
I try to instill good morals and values
I hope I have done a good job


I am a mother

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,

Zulmara Maria









En la unión está la fuerza

In unity there’s strength

Asking mama?

Asking mama?

I wonder what you are thinking today
I wonder where your dreams are taking you

Are you dreaming of a new life
Are you dreaming of a life unlived
Are you looking for a new adventure
Are you feeling as if there is something...

...More to this life than you are living
...More to this journey than you are experiencing
Where will the next adventure take you
Where will you go,

How will you get there
How do you change the current path

Do you cut a new swath
Do you tell a new story
Do you make a new friend
Do you turn a different corner

Or

Do you stay the course
Knowing the dreams you are dreaming
Are just dreams
Nothing more
Nothing less



Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Si todos supieran que error van a cometer, nadie aprendería nada.

If everybody knew the errors they were going to commit, no one would learn anything.

En el dia que naciste

En el dia que naciste

On the day you were born. Every mother remembers the day her baby was born and as an educator, I am often surprised at how much a mothers and children forget that very special day and the feelings and emotions that penetrated that day. The way one feels when first holding your baby for the first time, this baby who has been a part of you for the past 9 months that you have come to know and love and you finally get to meet him or her. And as you hold your baby, you are consumed with love and dreams for your newly born child. And you start thinking of all the dreams you have for this baby, your baby, in your arms.

But, the dream stays there and you don’t ever share it with your child…that very special moment when he/she is first in your arms. So take a moment to remember that magical moment as a mom and write a letter to your child. You can then give it to them on a special occasion…with graduation and  mother’s day coming up, this is a very special way to connect with your child.

Hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day!!!

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,

Zulmara Maria

Cada quien es el arquitecto de su propio destino

Every man is in charge of his own destiny

Roger Nix, President on Page Six

.

Roger Nix President at Age Six

Inspired authors can make such a difference in all of our lives and this one by Nick Daze is no exception. I am inspired by Nick’s vision to self-publish his first children’s book and since I love children’s books, I needed to share this visionary author and his project with all of you. I love this story with its emphasis on what is important in childhood, “school, summer vacation, learning and imagination.” What every parent is looking for for their children. Written in a lyrical prose, the rhymes in the story are a wonderful and beautiful way to play with language, for bilingual and monolingual children alike. If you order one now for that favorite Kindergartener or pre-schooler in your life, it will be sure to delight as they understand the wonders of going to school, learning, playing, and then Summer Vacation.

Roger Nix President at Age Six is a story about kindergartener Roger Nix, an ordinary boy: Roger loves kindergarten, playing make-believe, and hanging out with his imaginary friends (a baby donkey named Jack and a baby elephant named Abe). But when he learns about the plans of Old Man Plee, a perennial presidential candidate, to shut down schools and send kids to work in factories as an austerity measure; Roger decides to run against Old Man Plee as a defender of “school and summer vacation, learning and imagination”. Of course Abe and Jack are there to help him every step of the way.

Nick Daze, the author, is running a Kickstarter campaign (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787960356/roger-nix-president-at-six) to raise money to put the book into production. The book has been fully written by Daze and the illustrations beautifully crafted by Bill Robinson www.FlimFlammery.com. Each $30 pledge towards the Roger Nix campaign comes with a first edition hardcover copy of the book, delivered in time for the new school year this fall.  This is a timely story that is fascinating, engaging, and a thought-provoking read for both kids and parents written by a imaginative adult who was encouraged to explore his imagination as a child and is currently being very imaginative about his publishing debut.

Here is an excerpt from the book:

Roger stood up quickly. He had something to say
With a wink from Jack and a trunks-up from Abe.
“I’ll run against him,” Roger said with a shout.
“I’ll run for president, have you no doubt!

To close school would be nothing short of a crime
You can't fool all us kids, not all of the time."

He stood on his desk and they all watched and wondered
As Roger kept talking, his voice boomed and thundered.
“We’ll beat him and keep all the schools as they are
Or make them way better. We’ll shoot for the stars!
We go to school so one day we'll go far,
Not because it is easy–because it is hard!
We are KIDS! The whole point is to learn and have fun
And to use our wee noggins...

THIS RACE HAS BEGUN!"

So Abe, Jack, and Roger got to work right away.
"That kid's on to something," his parents would say.
He made lots of speeches; he shook lots of hands
He toured a big factory that made rubber bands.

Then one night on the tube, to Old Plee’s disdain,
The news ran a story on Roger’s campaign.
“Roger Nix, daydreamer and ultimate kid,
Is gaining on Plee in his presidential bid.”

But everyone knew that sooner or later
Roger would have to be quite the debater.
Because one night soon, under some bright marquee
A debate would take place between Roger and Plee.

So if you have a special someone in your life that is about to start school or know a kindergarten or pre-school teacher looking for a fun read, you can find more information and link to donate below:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787960356/roger-nix-president-at-six


Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Hay dos palabras que te abrirán muchas puertas: "Hale y Empuje"There are two words that open many doors: “Pull and Push”

Mother's Day Reflections

Mother's Day Reflections

May 13th, 2012 is set aside to celebrate our mothers' role in our lives and to remember the women we call “mom” or “mama” or “mami” who mean so very much in our lives. Como Latinas, our mothers hold a very special place in our hearts and our lives. Sometimes the relationships are the best in our lives and other times, they are fraught with turmoil, however, no matter which one it is, our moms do the best they can in the situation they find themselves in. Mothers day is a great day to say, Thank You, for doing the best you could in the situation you found yourself in. Thank you for being my mom.

Here are a few prompts to help you focus on the role your mom has played in your life and the difference she has made in shaping you to be the person you have become.

 

What was your mami’s greatest influence on you?

Was anyone else, other than your birth mother, like a mother to you? Who? What made this relationship special to you?

What kind of mother do you want to be or are you? How are you like your mom? How are you different from your mom?

List ten traits that made your mom a wonderful mother. List ten traits that make you a wonderful mother.

Write about your best mother's day ever.

Reflect on a time when you were at odds with your mother. What was going on? How did you finally get past it?

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Se nota cuando has llorado, pero no cuando has reído.

We notice when people cry, but we do not always notice when people laugh.

Butterfly-Transformation

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.

Past-Present-Future (c)

Butterfly-Transformation
"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.  ~Author Unknown"

Butterflies offer the ultimate metaphor because they undergo a true transformation. Starting off as a caterpillar and transforming into a beautiful butterfly is one of the few transformations in nature that we are privy to see and experience on a regular basis. The life cycle of a caterpillar/butterfly is a thing of beauty of behold and majestic in its own right. The transformation is complete, beautiful and a miracle to behold and allows us to experience, first hand, what it takes to transform our own lives.

In reality, when you are ready to undergo a change in your life, your transformation is much like the transformation of a butterfly. You have to have some down time, like being in a cocoon, and then there is the pain of rebirth or coming alive again as a whole new you. We see it when individuals undergo cancer treatments and survive. It is a painful, heart wrenching experience, but one that many people say transforms their life for the better. They are in appreciation, they live in gratitude for one more day and they stop taking life for granted.

The Women Inside

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly."  ~Richard Buckminster Fuller

The same is true of those who have survived a divorce. The experience is heartfelt and difficult and requires a lot of courage to get up and face the day, everyday, but in the end, most people say that they are stronger for the experience. They are not the same person, they have had to survive a transformation and it is very difficult.

Death and the grieving process is one of transformation as well. It can be the death of a child, a parent, a beloved pet, a long term spouse, or a newlywed spouse, and the transformation is the same. These are events that mark our lives forever. As before my mom passed away...Before I become a motherless daughter...Before I had to learn how to be a matriarch in the family.
All of these transformations leave us marred and scarred for life, but in a good way. We are never the same again, but then we would not want to trade in our caterpillar feet for our butterfly wings. These transformations truly do allow us to fly and soar and be closer to our mission and purpose in life.

What transformations have you undergone?
What types of transitions have you thrived from?

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Más vale tarde que nuncaBetter late than never
(c) Artowrk for this blog was graciously provided by Ana Julia Darias Fishman an artist on Art by Latina Artists.

Bubbles--Having Fun

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.

Surrender, AJF (c)

Bubbles--Having Fun

"We must always remember to have fun, we need to dance, play, sing, and be merry for the spirit and the soul to unite."

Having fun, living life to the fullest, being in a state of bliss are the goals of the soul and the spirit. We are not here to suffer, grieve, or feel depressed, we are here to experience the joy of love, laughter, and living. Yes, at times, we do have different experiences to allow us to see the contrast, but if you are finding your life joyless and dark, then take some time to sing, to laugh, to dance, to play, for these are the nutrients for the soul.

The Dress (c)

"The Human Spirit was intended to have fun."

Experiencing euphoria is related to the excitement, even ecstasy of leaving a legacy by implanting yourself in the "fabric" of others, by living the life of your dreams, by being available to all that life has to offer. It is important to add those things to your life that will allow your spirit to soar and your soul to roar. When was the last time you blew bubbles with little ones, felt the sand between your toes, walked on grass barefoot, or laughed with wild abandon at nothing in particular? Life is meant for living and experiencing so go ahead and get some bubbles and blow until you can’t blow anymore. Dance like no one is watching and sing at the top of your lungs...and just let it out and let it go and ENJOY what the soul and the spirit have to offer when they are united as one.

When was the last time you had a good laugh?
When was the last time you sang loud and out of tune?
When was the last time you blew bubbles?

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

No sólo de pan vive el hombreA man does not live by bread alone
(c) Artowrk for this blog was graciously provided by Ana Julia Darias Fishman an artist on Art by Latina Artists.

The Torch--Igniting Hope

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.



Havana

Havana (c)

The Torch--Igniting Hope

"For those who have lost all hope,
uniting the soul with the spirit will ignite the flames of hope again."

The torch has long been a symbol of hope, de esperanza, that there is a better tomorrow, that things will improve, that life will be in harmony once again. There are times in our lives when the unity between soul and spirit is severed and we have a feeling of hopelessness. It is usually a dark time, marked by lack of energy, interest in our surroundings, and at times depression. We have trouble getting motivated, understanding what is the point or why we are here. It is during these dark times, that we need to ignite hope, much as the Olympic Torch ignites hope in the athletes and countries that are participating.

When we are in the dark, our soul and spirit are in disunity and need a catalyst to unite once again, and that torch, with its glowing embers, warmth, and radiant light can provide that hope, that unity that we are needing. If we are recovering from grief, it may be a slow ember that glows warmly giving us comfort. If we are healing, it may be a spark that is needed to jar us out of a stupor.

"Civilization is not a spontaneous generation with any race or nation known to history, but the torch to be handed down from race to race from age to age."
Kelly Millar

Six Degrees of Separation (c)

When being guided by spirit, it is important to heed the cry of the soul and give it time to heal, time to grieve, time to reflect. Only then can the soul and the spirit once again unite in hope and purpose. Only then can we be one with our vision, our purpose, our need. Providing hope when there is no hope, providing a space for healing and grieving, providing an environment of nurturing is the spark of a torch, the glowing ember we need to move forward.

Do you provide hope for the hopeless?
How do you unite soul and spirit?

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

El piso de uno es el techo de otroOne man’s gravy is another man’s poison


(c) Artowrk for this blog was graciously provided by Ana Julia Darias Fishman an artist on Art by Latina Artists.

Adelante Mujer Latina

Adelante Mujer Latina

On Saturday, April 20 I had the pleasure of presenting at the Adelante Mujer Latina Conference at Pasadena City College. I have been involved with Adelante Mujer when I was in San Diego, but this is the first time I had the pleasure of presenting at the conference in Los Angeles. There were 1500 to 1800 Latina girls in attendance who were inspired, motivated, and encouraged by other Latina women to find their purpose and pursue their dreams. I was truly honored to be a part of this very special group of women.

I presented Buscando tu voz en dos culturas/Finding Your Voice in Two Cultures to a group of young women and their moms. The presentation went well and the girls were very interested in my story of getting to college and completing my doctorate. I stressed the importance of finding your voice in both cultures and embracing both of the cultures you represent and not rejecting one for the other. The girls were attentive and asked questions about requirements and how to ensure that you are going to be successful in college.

I stressed the importance of writing and having the academic skills to be successful to make it through to the university. As an administrator for the California State University System, I know that many Latinos make it to the CSU, but very few of them graduate. I am committed to help Latinos stay motivated and inspired as they pursue their education.  It is so important for our country and our economy that Latinos get educated and participate in the economic recovery.

The packet for my presentation, which provides prompts for getting started writing on a regular basis, can be downloaded at: Buscando tu voz en dos culturas. If you are interested in more information, please look up the group at: Adelante Mujer Latina.

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria



Vale más una imagen que mil palabras

A picture is worth a thousand words

The Dreamcatcher--Purpose

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.

Mujeres Piscadoras

The Dreamcatcher--Purpose

"Everything is created twice, once as a dream and next as reality"

A dreamcatcher is symbolic of the dreams we are catching. Looking like a spider web, it is an intricate symbol of love, joy, purpose, and focus. A dreamcatcher can help remind us of our purpose, of our reason for being here, for our desire to leave a legacy. The dreamcatcher is a symbol that in order to live, we have to reach for the stars, we have to climb the mountains of success, however we define that, we have to be one with our spirit.

El Serape

"A soul without a dream, is like a person without a spirit."

The spirit gives voice to the dreams of the soul. When you walking one with spirit, you are giving your dreams a voice, you are allowing your dreams to shine through, you are letting your spirit soar, you are living as one with your purpose and your whole life feels aligned. When you are in this state, life is humming along and you are living your life to its fullest. You are where you should be and doing what you need to be doing, you are being guided by spirit. Just let go and let God, you are malleable in his hands and achieving what you set out to achieve. You are whole, you are one, you are living your dreams. your prayers have been heard, your answers are on the way.

How do you know when you are being guided by spirit?
How do you know when your dreams are coming alive?

No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy
Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

(c) Art for this blog was graciously provided by Mary Delira an artist on Art by Latina Artists.

The Kaleidoscope-Everchanging

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.

Piscadores de Rancho Cucamonga (c)

The Kaleidoscope-Everchanging
"You can never step into the same river twice." (Pocahontas)

Life is an ever-changing evolution of colors, sounds, smells, feelings, and tastes. Our senses are constantly being assuaged or assaulted by the new and inviting or the new and un-alluring. We are living with constant change and a sense of “you can never go back, you have to embrace the new.” Sometimes the soul resists, sometimes the spirit pushes us forward. Sometimes we settle into a way of being and knowing, sometimes, we are catapulted into the constant evolving waves of change.

Birds of the World (c)

“The soul never asks for that which it is not willing to do.”

It is important when being guided by spirit, to realize that it in the constant evolving waters that we find healthy systems, not in the murky, stagnant ponds. However, sometimes, we have to let ourselves simmer and settle, before taking on a new challenge, sometimes we have to withdraw into ourselves for healing, before the next challenge is met. It is ok to be one with spirit and let the ebb and flow of life fill us with joy and anticipation. It is ok know that we can bask in the past as we appreciate the new joys the future will bring.

When do you find you need to bask in the past?
When do you know you are ready to embrace a new future?

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

No todo lo que brilla es oroAll that glitters is not gold

(c) Art for this blog was graciously provided by Mary Delira an artist on Art by Latina Artists.