The beginning of June was a happy for me. I had a birthday and received hugs, kisses, presents, calls, and messages from all the people I love. But, in the celebrity world, it was a sad. Kate Spade, famous clothing designer, and Anthony Bourdain, re-known chef and TV host, took their life last Tuesday, June 5th and Thursday, June 8th, respectively.

According to the results of a comprehensive study between 2001 and 2015 published by the CDC  on June 8th, the suicide rate in the United States increased more than 30% in half the states of the union, and the age group with the highest rate spike were adults between 45 and 64, across all urbanization levels. Continue reading “Brokenhearted” →

On March 25th I published a blog titled Generosity is a Synonym for Tolerance, in which I referenced the political discourse in America and how similar it is to my home country’s current state amid the presidential elections.

Since 1991, the reformed Colombian Constitution set up a two-round (also known as the second ballot) electoral system. Based on this, last May 27th, out of the five candidates competing for the presidency, none achieved more than 50% of the votes cast. Continue reading “Better Honey than Vinegar” →

When my son started Pre-k (known as VPK in Florida) in August 2016, my husband and I enrolled him in one of the private K-8 Catholic schools in St Johns, following the tradition of our upbringings.

However, a couple of friends convinced us, half way through Kindergarten, to try the county elementary school, not only for its good reputation, but also to give our son the chance to make friends around the neighborhood.

It has been almost two years, and I can’t be happier with our decision to change schools. At Timberlin Creek Elementary, our son found the perfect space to grow and thrive as a child, while learning from the best in St Johns County. Continue reading “Giving back to public school” →

This upcoming Sunday, May 27th, will be my first time to vote in the presidential elections of my home country, Colombia. With shame, I must admit that I have been part of the 50% of the population that has failed to be part of the democracy. However, in my defense, it wasn’t only because of lack of interest, but also logistics.

I turned 18 in the 1998 elections, but I didn’t receive my official ID to vote on time. In 2002, I forgot to register to vote in my neighborhood, so I was supposed to go to the main hub of the capital. But the night before, I had a party that extended well into the wee hours. Needless to say, the hangover incapacitated me. Continue reading “Colombia’s Nerve-wrecking Elections” →

Twelve years ago I found my dog Rusty at the Petsmart in Altamonte Springs, Florida. It was a Saturday afternoon in May, and the humane organization Pet Rescue By Judy was holding an adoption event.

When I walked into the building, there were a row of crates with dogs barking and jumping nervously. However, there was one little guy who kept his cool and remained comfortable laying down. That was Rusty. Continue reading “My Friend Rusty” →

NOTE: I want to share this story with the more than 1,000 new followers I gained in the past 12 months. I published it last year for Mother’s Day and as it is pure soul food. For your information, the main character of this story is in great health, and I see him every week.

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Last Monday, I was in a cashier line at the supermarket, distracted. As I placed my items on the transporting band, a familiar voice startled me from behind. His name is Juan. He is the kindest kid who bags groceries, he is from my home town in Colombia, and he had told me he was on a waiting list for a kidney transplant.

The last time I saw him was before Christmas Eve. My husband and I were leaving the store, and we saw him in the parking lot pushing a bunch or carts. He was pale and seemed tired, and yet he waved and smiled at everybody.

A couple of weeks later, my mom showed me a post on the Publix Facebook page about Juan’s successful surgery. She likes to follow the page for the recipes. The manager mentioned in the post that his positive attitude had marveled the medical team in charge of his care. Continue reading “A Gift for a Mother” →

Last week I was a little sick, so I had the opportunity to stay home and do one of my favorite things: reading the news. During my search, I found an interview with one of the most important minds in the neuroscience field worldwide, Dr. Rodolfo Llinas.

This Colombian is Chairman Emeritus, Physiology and Neuroscience of the NYU School of Medicine. He has dedicated his entire life to the study of the most complex organ in the human body, the brain. Yet, his retirement plans are rooted in the simplicity of the country life, the foundation of the education revolution he wants to spear in our home country, Colombia.

Continue reading “Country Love” →