Maria Rodriguez Bross is an author and playwright delving into the fictional world of all things bodegas, botanicas and creative tales of the supernatural, the unexpected and the phenomenal. Stay tuned Brujas!
Welcome to the Bodega Botanica! Volume 1, Issue 1: October 2024
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Hola! Do you believe in signs? I do. As I’ve prepared to launch this very first issue, I’ve been telling many of my friends and family that I've had a shift in my life. Like the moon cycles, I'm in a new phase. I've had more time to pause, reflect, and discover. This process has been an invitation to dig deeper and reconnect with parts of myself that, in the busyness of life, went overlooked. On my recent visit to Spain, I came across an old business sign that read La "Bodega" Bohemia. Many people don't know that I'm secretly fascinated by bodegas (now they know), and the bodegas in Spain seem to serve wine- how nice. I marveled at the old building, its structure and the sign so much that I literally stopped in my tracks to take a selfie. Anyone who knows me understands that I'm terrible at taking selfies, but I thought this one (pictured below) was pretty good. (Okay, maybe I still haven’t quite figured it out, lol.) Here's the thing. Signs, besides being literal markers, can be hints pointing us towards our goals and reminders of where we’ve been. In an unpredictable and overwhelming world, it’s easy to feel lost or confused, but every once in a while, a brief interaction with a person, a fleeting visual image, or a literal sign can let us know whether we are on the right path. What signs have you noticed in your personal life lately? E-mail me at mariarbross@bodegabotanicatales.com or message me on Instagram @bodegabotanicatales. Also be sure to check out my latest blogpost- click button below. My Blogpost: Click on Button
Spanish Word of the Month:Bruja - The literal English translation is "Witch", but I'd like to add that this word has carried a negative connotation. In this newsletter, I'm reclaiming "bruja", reshaping its meaning, and redefining it as a term of endearment. Words evolve, and it’s time we give this one a fresh, positive spin. So in honor of this Halloween, join me in transforming it into something empowering and warm, something that brings us together rather than tearing us apart. Let’s make it a Spanish word of connection and respect. So with that sentiment... Until next month...Stay tuned Brujas! Other Magical Tales You Might Like: |
Bodega Botanica Tales
Maria Rodriguez Bross is an author and playwright delving into the fictional world of all things bodegas, botanicas and creative tales of the supernatural, the unexpected and the phenomenal. Stay tuned Brujas!
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...
Volume 1; Issue 10: August 2025 Hola! Do you ever vent? I do. This past month, I vented about everyone and I mean literally everyone in my life. (I apologize to those reading this who perhaps may wonder if I'm talking about them). Anyway, I have to admit that after I vent, I feel terrible; it literally sucks the energy out of me. This got me thinking. Am I inadvertently spreading "bonchinche (gossip)" about, well, myself? Let me explain. When I vent, I'm literally talking out loud about my...
Volume 1; Issue 9: July 2025 Hola, Do you ever cry? I do. This past month, I've been wanting to cry. Yes, you read that correctly; I wanted to, but I'm having a hard time of it, especially as I get older. You see, I used to cry all the time, not only when I was sad, but when I was scared, stressed, and even happy. This got me thinking. Whenever I had a good cry, I was able to sort out my thoughts about the emotion I was experiencing and that gave me clarity and peace. In other words, the...