Book Review: The Veins of the Ocean by Patricia Engel

I recently became the city coordinator for the local chapter of Las Comadres & Friends Latino Book Club. Every month there is a new main book, and one other book to read. The main book for November happened to be this book I had been wanting to read.
This is not Patricia Engel's first book she has a few other books out Vida, and It's Not Love, It's Just Paris are two of them.  The Veins of the Ocean was named a New York Times Editors' Choice.
When I received  The Veins of the Ocean in the mail I started reading it immediately. It took me awhile to read only because I stretched it out. I was afraid of the ending. It follows the sad and emotional story of Reina Castillo. Reina was born in Colombia, and carries many of the traditional beliefs and omens about her life. She feels the obligation of family suffering, she was the baby born after the death of another baby. She harbors guilt over a murder he beloved brother Carlito committed. After another family tragedy she sets to the road in Florida. She leaves her mother to her life, and is hoping to feel free from the prison of her mind and family legacy.
She meets man a bit older than her named Nesto. He is a refugee from Cuba with his own burdens and sadness. He is trying to escape the hardships of his past, while still living in the sadness of it. He has children in Cuba. Nesto feels he can not truly move forward in life without them with him. While he tries to help free Reina of her sadness and guilt they agree they will live for today. Neither one feel they can truly belong to each other, with the weight of their families wrapped around them.
This book was written so elegantly and does have so much sadness in it. The characters are so real. The settings are so vivid with the words that Patricia Engel uses. You will visit different parts of Florida, Colombia, and Cuba in this book. Through the characters and their process of becoming you will find out the meaning of the ocean and how she is a multifaceted goddess. You will see indigenous beliefs weaved in with Catholicism, you will see what is beneath the surface.


To purchase this book on Amazon:  click here
Patricia Engel's Goodreads Page

Recent Finds

I will start out what I found at Walgreens on my last trip. I love going and looking around Walgreens, earning my points and using coupons.  They have Covergirl lipsticks BOGO 50% off. So of course even though the Katy Kat Matte wasn't marked, I asked. You know it is a Covergirl line, and it was part of the sale. As of writing this it still is.
I picked up these two glitter eyeshadows from Wet n' Wild. They seems be put out more around the holidays. I could be wrong and maybe I just notice them more at the holiday time. of course I got a new large eyeshadow brush.

Next we have my $1 clearance hoops from Kmart. These things are huge. You must keep an eye out on Kmart jewelry sales of all types. I am a fan of hoops. gold or silver. My dream is to find some rose gold hoops, big and thick. Keep your eyes out for me and let me know if you find anything.

Black Dresses For You & Me

Dress By Niki Minaj for Kmart

Shoes are Self Esteem Footwear from Ross

 

 Dress is Joe Boxer from Kmart

 Dress Joe Boxer for Kmart

 Dress is by Niki Minaj for Kmart

 Dress is by Torrid from The Goodwill

Top is Torrid (from my cousin)

Skirt is a random Goodwill find

I promise more future full body pictures

Book Review: Slicky Boys by Martin Limón

So long, farewell my friend. I know we've only known each other a short while, but you invaded my life. I stretched out reading you so that I could have your words linger a little longer. We met at local library association book store, it's like you lept out straight into my hands.

Your words were written to keep me on my toes, while not being out of the realm of possible. Sgt. Sueño and Sgt. Bascon are two of my favorite book characters no. I think Martin Limón is now my favorite author.

Dear Reader,

This book takes you through the life of two detectives in the US Army living in Korea. These two detectives are on the hunt for a murder of a British soldier, and to find out the reason he was murdered. They meet many people leading lives involved in petty crime, Korean high up brass and sometimes information falls into their lap when they board the USD Kitty Hawk. More lives are lost, some are nearly lost. In the end...you'll just have to find out. Go out and find yourself a copy.

Purchase here from Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2ff21oM

Book Review: Ethan and Michelle

Ethan and Michelle

By Giselle Walko

I got Ethan and Michelle on Thursday afternoon, I figured it might take me a couple days to read as I am knee deep in another book and participating in NANOWRIMO this year. I was wrong, as soon as I started I could not put it down, I had to though a couple times.  On to the book..... I honestly can say I really enjoyed this book. The book follows the immediate attraction of two young college students in the 90's. They become friends as one of them is already attached to someone else, but over time feelings develop. I don't want to giveaway too much, but I will say it's not one of those perfect Hallmark love stories however it's not a bad one either.
While reading this book I was talking to myself out loud, I even laughed out loud. You are sure ti enjoy this book about an interracial relationship that is sure to stand the test of time. Go grab a drink and a snack so you can dive right in.


You may purchase this book at Amazon. Here is the link.

















***Ethan and Michelle came to me in an ebook from LibraryThings Member Giveways. In return for the book I agreed to write a review. No monetary compensation

OOTD: All Black Everything

 Long vest with pockets :Torrid (clearance)

 Cat Pin: Picked Up At I.E.ZineFest

 Black Shirt: LOLOL (second hand)

Cat Leggings: Torrid (clearance)

Watch: FitBit

Glasses:Zenni Optical

Book Review: Book Fiesta by Pat Mora

Book Fiesta

by Pat Mora

Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

This book is intended for pre-school to early elementary aged children. In my home our six children range in age from three years old to sixteen years old. I read this book to myself initially part of the October books for Las Comadres  book club.

I have read through it several times already to my younger children ages 3, 7, and 10. they like the ideas in the book on how to celebrate both El Dia de Los Ninos and El Dia de Los Libros.  In the book you will see children of different ages, and shades of brown reading in different places. You will see them smiling in worlds that books take them.

The book is beautifully written and even more beautifully illustrated. As you can see in the photos that the book is bilingual, both in English and Spanish. The book is great for both English and Spanish learners. I wish I could have prints of the art to hang throughout my house.

*click on book title to purchase from Amazon. I am an Amazon Affiliate.

Book and Product Review : As My Mother Would Say

As My Mother Would Say: Como Decia Mi Mama by Judith Valles

I picked this book up after reading about about in a random Google search for authors in my city of San Bernardino. Judith Valles was the first Latina mayor of San Bernardino, her family has a long history of fighting against the racism and segregation of the brown people in San Bernardino. She tells you a little about that in this book of dichos her mom would say. She doesn't just translate these dichos, she will give you context. It's a little book, but these dichos (proverbs) will have you thinking.  It's a good read that you can pick up and read through more than once. 

Savor Malibu Coffee and Tea Infuser 12oz

I want to like this tumbler more than I do. It leaks a bit, and that is not what I am looking for. It does keep the water at a good temperature for a bit. I am going to keep it and maybe give it some more time and see if I can learn to drink my tea more delicately with it.

CeSunlight Rechargeable LED Book Light

I really love this light. I needed something to help[ me read at night since my house is old with old lighting. It has not had to be recharged yet, even though my kids have been playing it it. It's flexible and has more than one setting. It's worth the price and I may have to gift one to someone soon.

Friday I'm In Love: Photo Story

 Stitches In Time: Quits and Coverlets

 

Volcanoes, Riots, Wrecks, & Nudes: The Art of Edward Hagedorn

Journey to the Beyond: Ancient Egyptians in the Pursuit of Eternity

San Manuel Pow Wow

Self Care

Update
I have been terrible at blogging as of late. Forgive me. Since my last post here are two of my favorite outfits I have worn. I have been on some adventures since mu last post, hosting an art workshop for 'tweens and teens, trips with my kids, now I will be starting a volunteer position at my local library. I always wanted to be a librarian.
Tomorrow my oldest son will accompany me to an exhibit opening at a museum that is local to us, I am so excited!  have been waiting quite some tome for this exhibit. Last month I joined Las Comadres Bookclub, I can not wait for this months discussion. You should check it out!
Currently I am looking at my options to study Chicano/a Studies and maybe getting a degree. It is something I am very passionate about, I might have to add Native American studies into the mix. It's kind of funny-sad how I fell into self educating myself on these subjects. That is a story for another day.

Lately I have toned down my TV time and have taken to listening to more music. I have refallen in love with Third Eye Blind's first album.  I splurged last month and got in on Vinyl.  I have decided when I do NANOWRIMO this year it will be my muse. I have my idea mostly sorted out and my kids will probably know all the songs at the end of next month.
These things I have been doing are all part of my self care.
Self Care is very important to keep your sanity. It is not selfish or a luxury.

 




Self Care Weekly Goals (Friday-Friday)

• Quilt Exhibit and Art
•  Egyptain Exhibit Opening
• Free Writing
• Indian Tacos from Pow Wow
• See Metalachi
• Go to Mass at least twice
• New lipstick
• Two OOTD posts
• Pachuca Prsentation
• Tacos with Carol
• Tacos with Natalie
• Finish two books

Outfit Breakdown
Top Outfit
Dress-Davids Bridal (Goodwill)
Shoes- TUK Footwear via Amazon

Bottom Outfit
Dress- Torrid
Hat-Unknown Maker (Goodwill)
Shoes TUK Footwear via Amazon

Glasses in both from Zenni Optical  



 Books and Music I am Loving Right Now


 

Runs Deep

This was my OOTD yesterday. My oldest son took this photo, and I fell in love with it. My blouse is Lane Bryant bought at the Goodwill, my skirt is also from the Goodwill. My lipstick and chipped nail polish are Wet n' Wild. My glasses are Zenni Optical.

I keep looking at this photo. I've never seen one of my profile. For my entire life I've avoided pictures with them. When I was younger I wanted a silhouette picture, I was told no. Not just a simple no, but the reasoning was I had a flat big nose with no profile. So I believed it. I blelieved that many other lies that stole my self esteem. I was told the way I pronounced words was wrong, sent to classes to "correct" (colonize) the way in which I learned to speak. I'm told my skin is too dark. 

I was told my head and hood were too big. I was told to sit in the back of class. I was told boys don't like smart girls, that wasn't pretty so I should learn to cook. I was told I'd never succeed, that I was weak. I was told to show my body and to hide it. I was told I was lazy, and u wasn't worth it. I'm told boys will be boys, and have to learn people will always make excuses.

I'm told I'm fat, lazy, a bad mom and wife. I'm told I've wasted my life and what I should of been and could of been. I'm still being told I'm not enough. 

All these things and more shaped me more than I had realized. Now I'm a forty years old...and I start to recover.  Also, I'm enough, I'm beautiful and anyone worth it will like a smart woman who challenges them. I can roll my r's and say my name the way it's meant.