Volume 2; Issue 1, October 2025

Hola!

Do you believe in second chances? I do. Recently, I've had opportunities that felt less than I hoped for, but turned out to be something entirely different and even better. This got me asking questions. Have you ever made a mistake that turned out to be a good thing? Ever buy a used item that was ultimately useful? Ever been forgiven for a situation that made you cringe? Ever recover from an illness to only feel healthier than ever? If so, you've been given a second chance at something. This thought process reminded me of how I enjoyed visiting "la segunda" (second-hand shops) when I was a kid and how everyone's "seconds" were my gems. For more about this, be sure to read about my Spanish word this month, La Segunda (below) and click on my blog post. The thing about second chances is that they're not always needed or warranted. In other words, it's sometimes better not to have been given that second chance. I believe failing is necessary, relationships need to end, items need to be given away, and that great new opportunity needs to, sometimes, go to someone else. This can be a harsh reality. What I've come to learn is that the value of second chances needs to be reconsidered. It might be time to step back, reevaluate and shift your perspective because maybe that second chance wasn't as great as you thought it would be. For more about my opportunities this month, be sure to read Bodega News (below). And as I begin my second year of this newsletter, I'm grateful for my readers. I look forward to sharing more stories, ideas, and reflections with you the second time around.

Bodega News

• Book Festivals & Fairs: Thank you to the Hoboken Library for inviting me to give a presentation to their teen readers at their Annual Literary Festival. I also had the privilege of attending the Philadelphia Latin American Book Fair, where I connected with readers and met an amazing group of authors and literary professionals. I left feeling inspired to have my stories translated into Spanish and can't wait to return next year. Follow me on Instagram to see where I'll be headed next.

• Adventures in Playwriting: I've been working on a full-length play called, The Bruja. It's about a mom/ teacher, who refuses to accept her son's diagnosis of developmental delays and one evening transforms into a real witch. Late last month, a wonderful group of actors selected the play for a live reading. I'm grateful for their enthusiasm and time towards my play and would love to give them a shout out. You can follow them on Instagram at Unlimited Stages.
• Newsletter: It's hard to believe that we're in the second year . I've refreshed the style, look, and even the name, now called BBT Monthly Newsletter. If you know anyone who'd enjoy reading along, please share this link with them.
• Part Two of Bodega Botanica Tales: Carmen (a novella) is almost here! Want to know more about what happened that fateful day to the kids from Silk City? If so, be sure to read Carmen's story on November 18th. I know its been delayed, but please give me a second chance.

Spanish Word Translation

La Segunda o Tienda de Segunda Mano

The literal English translation is second-hand shop or thrift store. I wrote a blog post about my experience shopping at second-hand shops as a kid and young adult. In a world where we oftentimes have too much stuff, it's nice to think that we're all connected somehow with the items we pass along.

Until next month...Stay tuned Brujas!

Other Magical Tales