I write about the supernatural, the unexpected and the phenomenal. My stories are inspired by the bilingual, multicultural world that shaped me. I'm the author of the Bodega Botanica Tales series, an adult coming-of age six-part novella series; I host a short story podcast by the same name. This newsletter is about my personal questions and insights to this unpredictable, complicated and magical world, one Spanish word at a time. I'd be honored and grateful if you signed up.
Should you be afraid of people?
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Volume 2; Issue 10, July 2026 Hola! Have you ever been scared by the actions of people? I have. This past month, a stranger called me an offensive name because I drove slowly, a neighbor honked at me during my leisurely walk, a friend became angry when I asked a question, and a family member used the word "demonic" to describe my actions (the latter confirms mutual fear). In our 24-7 media driven world, you can experience people shouting their grievances and worries while arguing and debating every possible topic. And people at times, are well, scary. Don't get me wrong. As much as I want to stay in my corner of the world talking to people that agree with me and sharing my space with those that make me feel safe, the reality of my wish is counterproductive. This got me thinking? Are we doomed to be afraid of one another? My initial reaction is no, since it's comforting to imagine world peace by us holding hands in one big circle while our fears of one another dissipate. But the reality is complicated. Most people have a tendency to focus on the past or future and I'm no different. I've tried the zen thing but it's never worked for me. To those who have achieved staying in the present, I respect you deeply. For the rest of us, we are constantly remembering what happened before or forecasting the future, all in the name of protecting ourselves from our fears. And this all-consuming thought leaves little room for others. But what I've noticed is that interactions with people, whether negative or positive, forces us to pause and deal with our lives in the present. Interacting with other people is a reminder that the world isn't just for us. A classic example is the acknowledgment of a baby's mere presence. That recognition has the power to potentially remove our fear of one another, but that can only happen if we are in close proximity of well, each other. So for now, I'll risk my people fears by sharing the road with other drivers, walking outside where others can see me, trying to better understand my friend's triggers and forgiving my family member for their misconceptions. Interacting with others forces me to stay in the present so I can remember what's frightened me in the past and assess what needs change in the future. Read Bodega News and about Buen Provecho, because knowing a phrase in another language helps us feel less afraid. My Spanish Phrase: Buen Provecho translates to Enjoy your mealWhen I was in my teens, that's when I remember hearing the phrase, "Buen Provecho" at the start of a meal. Even if one was not partaking in the meal, people would say it as they passed you by. It was a simple phrase of acknowledgement, like you matter or you belong. What I remember most about this phrase was that when someone new joined our family and friends, "buen provecho" felt like an act of kindness and a deep leaning into community. It was and still is a phrase that makes others feel welcome and in turn makes us feel less alone and less afraid. Bodega News
Until next month...Stay tuned Brujas! |
Bodega Botanica Tales Monthly Newsletter
I write about the supernatural, the unexpected and the phenomenal. My stories are inspired by the bilingual, multicultural world that shaped me. I'm the author of the Bodega Botanica Tales series, an adult coming-of age six-part novella series; I host a short story podcast by the same name. This newsletter is about my personal questions and insights to this unpredictable, complicated and magical world, one Spanish word at a time. I'd be honored and grateful if you signed up.
Volume 2; Issue 12; September 2026 Hola! Do you set boundaries? I do. This past month, I left an event early due to weather conditions, canceled a meeting when I was not feeling my best and declined invitations due to commitment overload. These are not the classic boundaries pertaining to mental and physical space, which generally deserve respect without further explanation, but rather boundaries rooted in personal choice. Over time, I've learned that boundaries carry unintended consequences,...
Volume 2; Issue 11, August 2026 Hola! Ever feel hopeless? I have. This past month, after completing my responsibilities, I still had set-backs in my health, my artistic projects and even my personal life. This got me thinking. What's left after hope fails? Hope is wanting something, and that something is an outcome that, in my opinion, is usually self-serving. Common examples include, "I hope it doesn't rain for my event," "I hope my team wins, and "I hope my loved-one gets better, because I...
Volume 2; Issue 9; June 2026 Hola! Do you wish for more time? I do. This past month, I took time to celebrate a birthday and graduation, cheer at a dance recital, and even pay my respects at a funeral. Yet, I still hoped I could declutter my closet, accompany a friend to an event, and get more writing done, but I had, well, no time. This got me thinking. Does time demand our respect? Basic human needs, like sleeping, eating, and moving requires time. If we fail to take the time to do these...