So Long, Farewell, Goodbye 2021

 

As 2021 comes to an end, it gives me the opportunity to look back at the major events of the year; good or bad; sad or happy.

                The year started off with my mom staying here with me until the end of February recovering from a major surgery she had undergone. There were good days and there were bad ones too. But in the end, we ended up getting a bit closer and she is in remission.

                Online teaching all year round was my only option. While my colleagues were getting vaccinated in the first couple of weeks of the new year, my doctors were still figuring out whether or not I had the thumbs-up to get mine. Finally in July I got an ok, however, it would be a great gamble. At this time, my colleagues were getting their second shot and then everyone would return to school – teachers and students – in August, except for me and a few other teachers who gradually ended up returning. Prior to this, there had been a rotation in groups attending the face-to-face classes. Not to mention those weeks when the whole class had to go home and join the online classes due to those students who had tested positive for covid. It was not an easy period and it took on toll on everyone´s mental wellbeing.

                As those colleagues who were also hybrid teaching returned to the classroom, I finally got my second shot in October and had to wait for the doctor´s ok once again. By this time, I had learned a few tricks to teaching these classes - not easy at all. Nonetheless, I did my best and am grateful for all of those teachers who assisted me in the classroom setting up the equipment, bringing tests and papers for me to grade at home, in addition to helping out with class management. I can´t wait to meet some of them in person and see again those whom I already know after these two years in isolation.

                Sadly, covid is still around and I need to live as if I had never taken the vaccine with a lot of precaution. People are still dying and being infected by the variants. My stress level is something I still haven´t mastered. When the pandemic started, I had taken up meditation Sunday to Sunday; however, from July onwards, I haven´t been able to. It is something that I need to work on.

                About friends and family, well, I saw them very little, but mainly via video calls. I realize that some do not understand what is happening to me healthwise and sometimes I get tired of explaining. So, I just say that everything is a-okay. One day at a time has been my mantra this year.

                Besides teaching and taking care of my health, I also grew as a writer in 2021.

                In July, I became a member of the Brazilian Writer´s Union. They meet online weekly interviewing other Brazilian writers all around the country and abroad. I can affirm that no matter how tired I was, it was an event that I looked forward to attending and have learned so much from. Not to mention all the reading I did because after each interview, I bought the writer´s most popular book to get to know him or her through their work. 

                By the way, I have joined another book club. This time connected to Japanese literature. I have been part of a book club called Legere for 11 years now. I managed to read all the books. I have not counted but I have read close to 50 books this year. Besides the book club books, I have read a few that other people have suggested, especially my students. I like to read what they are reading; it keeps me young and up-to-date.

                Charlie the Fish, my first book published in 2018, took me to 4 meet-the-author events; two in the first semester and the other two in the second. These events were hybrid and they certainly made my heart smile. They were 7^th graders who had the most interesting questions and comments. Their level of English was amazing. I am truly grateful for the teachers who worked with the book and the material I supplied in their busy schedules.

                In October, I launched my 4^th book, 3^rd in Portuguese called “Dois Gatinhos” (Two Little Cats) text and watercolor illustrations by me. The launch was online. Many people attended, and once again my heart smiled.

                In addition to launching this book, I took part in three anthology launches with other authors, being one of only women poets from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. I am so honored with all of these opportunities. My Portuguese has improved also and so has my shyness in reading what I write to large groups.

                Through my editor, I also conducted a few online events; introducing other writers at poetry readings or talking about future events connected to the editorial group. Because of these events, I came out twice in a magazine called Voo Livre, once about the books I have written for children and another time the poem I wrote for the female anthology from Minas Gerais was printed.

                At the end of the day, or year in this case, 2021 was a tough but fruitful year.

                Thanks for reading and a very happy 2022 to everyone 😊

 

Written: December 31, 2021

Photo: Meire Marion ( New Year´s Eve 2021 - mom and I)

Photo: Meire Marion ( the books I read in January)

Photo: Meire Marion ( new book arrived)

Photo: Meire Marion ( Anthology , female poets)

Photo: Meire Marion ( Voo Livre Magazine)

Photo: Meire Marion ( Voo Livre Magazine)

Photo: Meire Marion ( Voo Livre Magazine)

Photo: Meire Marion ( Voo Livre Magazine)
My poem

Photo: Meire Marion ( Voo Livre Magazine)

Photo: Meire Marion

Photo: Meire Marion

Photo: Meire Marion ( December anthology, Scortecci)

Photo: Meire Marion

Photo: Meire Marion ( 1st semester Anthology, Scortecci)

Photo: Taken at the publisher´s

Photo: Launching of an anthology

Photo: Meire Marion ( Scortecci)

Photo: Book launching of Dois Gatinhos

Photo: Meire Marion ( meet-the-author 1st semester 1)

Photo: Meire Marion ( meet-the-author 1st semester 2)

Photo: Elas anthology

Photo: Meire Marion ( meet-the-author 2nd semester 1)

Photo: Meire Marion ( meet-the-author 2nd semester 2)

Photo: Meire Marion ( Voo Livre Magazine)

Photo: Meire Marion ( Voo Livre Magazine)

Photo: Meire Marion ( Voo Livre Magazine)

Rice & Beans

 

The national dish of Brazil; rice and beans.

Yummy and nutritious!

Even if you cannot afford side dishes,

Alone this dish is simply delicious.

 

A pressure cooker, I do not own.

I am afraid of using one.

In a few minutes, the dish is done.

Should I consider a loan?

 

A dear friend of mine

Offered to cook the beans for me

That way, I just need to unfreeze.

I am ready now to dine.

 

Gratitude fills my heart.

Rice and beans fill my tummy.

So yummy!

 

December 29, 2021

 

 

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Friend or Foe?

 

         Having been friends for over thirty years, when she called to say that she wanted to pay me and my husband a visit, I immediately fixed up the guestroom so that our guest would feel right at home. We hadn´t seen each other since I had moved to another state, just a fifty-minute flight away.

         Counting down the days for her arrival, my husband and I insisted on picking her up at the airport, which is about a thirty-minute drive from our home. We couldn´t let her spend that taxi money. Besides the ride would give us a good opportunity to catch up on life.

         The days went by and as the cordial hosts that we are, in addition to being retired, we drove her to all the sights in our city. We do live in a famous touristic city. We went to the art museums, the parks – a different one in each neighborhood-, the famous monuments, did a lot of shopping and we even took her to a party we had previously been invited to.

         During our outings, I thought some of the topics she brought up were quite peculiar and only at the party all the pieces of the puzzle fit. She was always talking about intimacy with her ex-husbands, she had three, and besides that she was always touching my husband. At first, I thought it was a custom she picked up during upbringing or a simple way of being nice and showing affection, though she did not touch me as much. However, at the party, when our song (my husband´s and mine) started to play, she split us up and asked to dance with him. I felt awkward, but she was our guest and was just standing there, so I stepped aside. To my horror, she started rubbing her body a bit too much on his and whispered in his ear words that later on I got to know. My husband left her on the dance floor. He was clearly disgruntled.

         That same night, we called her a cab and sent her to a hotel where she could await her flight back to where she came from. She was no friend at all.

 

Written: December 28, 2021

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The Jackhammer

 

Digging, breaking stones, opening up a hole, beeping trucks loaded with sand, cement trucks turning, 7 am the symphony at the construction site next door, towards my bedroom window, has begun on the dot. It is a concert that no one has gone through the hassle to buy the tickets to but have to attend whether you like it or not. Today the jackhammer is standing out due to the fact that it hasn´t been used before.

You´d think that they would take a break being that it is the week before Christmas and New Year´s therefore many people have the week off which means not having to wake up early. Since I usually wake up at 5:30 be it a work day or not, waking up at 7 is not such a bad deal. These poor workers only get Sunday off.

The lot of land is huge and it will be filled with buildings, which means that this will go on for who knows how long. They are supposed to be common apartments for the lower class, which is wonderful if they give those who have lost their home a shelter. But can those who live on the streets afford to pay for these apartments? So far, they have put up six buildings all different heights, I guess that means different prices too. I have read several articles about it and t will be filled with stress, markets, hair saloons and other small business so the people that live their do not need to go far. I just keep thinking of how much traffic there will be around the lot in the future.

The symphony needs to be tuned. Some of its musicians are playing of beat, especially the jackhammer that cannot play for the length of the piece, for this reason, it stands out, just like a soloist who just hasn´t been practicing.

Written: December 29, 2021

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A Simple Lasagna

Times have been rough. Prices are sky high and you do not need to be an economist to notice that the country is in dire straits. There are several families in need of food and shelter; results of a fascist government along with a pandemic which some people still deny its existence due to fear, ignorance, or selfishness.

Times have not been easy. Families need to make ends meet with a low income. There is a tight budget to stick to where you can only buy the basic necessities: rice, beans, eggs, vegetables and fruits that are in season. Many family members have lost their jobs or have had their wages reduced. All utility bills have increased.

The young girl´s best friend and family have been living this way; her best friend being the only breadwinner at this time. Each month the family budget has been controlled cent by cent. However, they have managed to keep their spirits high and have also helped those less fortunate. A cup of rice goes a long way for those who are hungry. Nonetheless, they have needed to cut out some of the family´s favorite dishes from their daily meals; especially the son´s - lasagna.

Many ingredients are needed to make lasagna and with the same amount of money spent on these items you can buy rice, beans and eggs which will give you more meals than just one meal of lasagna.

Knowing that her friend´s son had had a yearning for lasagna for a while, the young girl decided to go the market, buy all the ingredients, deliver it and ask the friend to treat her family to this special meal. The smile in the best friend´s eyes was the best.

An act of kindness warms the heart!

Written: December 27, 2021

 

Google Image

 

The Little Old Asian Woman

 

Stopped at a red light just observing, I noticed a little old Asian woman getting ready to cross the street. She did not realize that the light had turned red and it was her turn to cross. In her mind, the cars stooped just for her to cross. Despite wearing a mask, I noticed her smile.

A head covered in short white hair and a touch of youthfulness; bangs. A thin fragile body that leaned forward as she walked due to a curved spinal cord. As I watched her, I guessed she was around 90. Her clothes looked as if they had survived many eras and her shoes were worn out.

As she started her long journey, many thoughts ran through my mind. She looked as if she was going to tumble and fall during her crossing. I wanted to get out of the car and help. I wanted some one to cross along and help her to the other side. I kept praying for her not to trip. It was as if my positive vibration was holding her up and guiding her. I also prayed that a gust of wind would not come along and knock her over; she looked frail.

For those observing, she was walking slowly, but for her she was running. When she reached the other side, she turned to the cars and gave us drivers a thumbs up, thanking us for waiting patiently. To get on the sidewalk, she held on to a sign post. She stopped and waited for her breath to catch up with her.

She was carrying an empty shopping bag. I sighed with relief and said a little prayer for her to reach her final destination safe and sound. It looked like she was more courageous crossing the street; on the sidewalk she took a few steps and stopped. That went on until the light turned green.

 

Written: December 27, 2021 ( I should have taken a picture)

Google Images

 

 

Fireworks at Christmas?!?

 

         A tradition in Brazil is to set off fireworks at midnight on Christmas Eve. I´ve always questioned why people do this. They just go off for at least an hour because the clocks are not synchronized. Having been brought up in Massachusetts, it took me a while to get used to a tropical Brazilian celebration. No snow, no sleigh, no chestnuts roasting on an open fire and no matching pajamas or ugly sweaters.

On Christmas Eve families get together for dinner, usually eaten at midnight, or near that time, unless there is someone with a dietary restriction. However, the food is laid out so you practically nibble all night long. Afterwards it is time to exchange gifts, hug and wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

On Christmas day, the family gather once again to eat the leftovers for lunch. There are some families that prefer barbeques and recycle the leftovers during the week. It is a lot of food, too much.

This year, due to many reasons but the main one being my health and covid, I stayed home with my cats. Not that I have covid, it is just a precaution because at the family Christmas party there were more families united.

It was a blessed evening and I got to wear my pjs instead of getting all dressed up for the occasion. For dinner, around 7pm, I ate a plate of fruit and cheese and homemade gluten free crackers. It was yummy and looked very festive. Obviously, there was a video call with the family to wish me a Merry Christmas. From 8pm to 11pm, I watched a few episodes of “The Chosen”. What a gift that was!

Although I was sleepy when midnight struck, I am glad I was home to be with my cats that get pretty scared due to the fireworks. The noise just hurts their ears. It went on until 1am, but slowly as I dosed off into sleep, the noise became more and more distant.

Whichever way you spent your Christmas Eve, I hope it made you happy. I know mine made my heart smile.

 

Written: December 25, 2021

Google Images

Christmas Poem

 

I wanted to write a poem

Short and sweet about this festive time

I searched for the right words

But none have come to mind.

 

Some sing “Oh holy night”

While others sing “Jingle Bells”

There is no need to fight

The ideologies are parallels.

 

Checking out the web for word facilitators

Notifications pop up with joyful wishes

Decorating and cooking is up to the commemorators

Concocting and creating delicious festive dishes.

 

Whatever tune you may sing,

Jesus is love!

And so is Saint Nick.

Celebrate with those you love!

 

Merry Christmas to all!

 Written: December 24, 2021

Google Images

Giving

 

The phone rings, which rarely has this year, and the caller is a family member who hasn't spoken to you all year long. The person is calling not because he or she wants to know how you have been or interested whether you need any help. In fact, the relative wants to know whether you would be willing to make a donation to the charity he or she is donating to or helping out at the end of the year. The second fact that pops into your mind is that people need donations all year round; they do not only start at the end of the year.

For one moment your ego wants to speak up and just vent all the above into the receiver, nonetheless, your better half speaks up and asks how you can help after all. It's not that this is the only institution that you'll be helping this year, however, you do not go around spreading the information, do you? Just do what you can do. Remember that the giver is the one who receives much more in the long run. The giver gives from the heart and not to show off that he has given.

Helping others is heartwarming.

Written: December 18, 2021

Google Images

Christmas Theme

 

It's a holly, jolly season. Time to spread love and joy, lights blinking, trees trimmed, decorations are up. Malls are packed with busy shoppers trying to find the perfect gift to put a smile on the receiver´s face.

It's the time for Christmas songs to be played in stores, in TV commercials and sometimes on the radio. Although I'm starting to wonder whether people nowadays have Christmas playlists and how popular they are. Does it make sense to listen to these tunes at any other times of the year? I guess not.

On cable TV there are two channels that have been showing Christmas movies nonstop 24/7. There are days when I just turn on the TV and watch two or three in a row. Snow, hollies all over the place, stockings on the mantle, sleigh rides, people dressed in red and green, funny Christmas sweaters, gingerbread houses, cookies, nutmeg, lights, lights and more lights, wreaths, candles, snowball fights, and snowmen. In addition to all of this, in each of these movies if not all of them, there are broken relationships overdecorated homes in state cities overly happy people who see the cup half full and miraculously at Christmas time everything falls into place- people make up, fall in love, and resolve their issues.

The message is loud and clear. Christmas is the time for love and joy, a time to patch up loose ends and fix whatever was broken before the new year begins. I'm no expert in the subject, but it makes me question how people make amends just because it's Christmas. Don't get me wrong. I love what the day represents - the birth of baby Jesus. But then there is the hustle and bustle of gift giving , which is just the capitalist way of celebrating this holiday.

For many it is not such a happy occasion due to the loss of a loved one who will be missed even more during the festivities. During the gift giving, frustration and disappointment may arise because of an unwanted gift. Hugs that are exchanged but not felt. While some are surrounded by family and friends, others are alone. It's funny how when you choose to spend the holiday alone, for whatever reason it may be, people get upset about it. People go through phases, be it physically or mentally, and at those times being yourself is better than pretending to be different just because tis the season.

However you decide to spend the holiday, may it bring you peace.

Written December 18, 2021

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A Hiding Place

 

deep inside hearts

there lies a place

only visited by parts

whose stories can be traced.

 

back to the past

where emotions were touched

some feelings that last

others that are flushed.

 

to regain strength,

to heal injuries

maintain an arm’s length

from afflicting humanities.

 

my heart bleeds.

my thoughts hide.

my mind precedes.

my feelings abide

briskly to my hiding place.

 

Written: December 16, 2021

Google Images

 

The Mailbox

 

Snow was piling up on the sidewalks, the roof tops, simply everywhere making everything so bright and white just like whipped cream. All around people knew what time of the year it was. There was hope, joy, warm wishes, family, and soon the jolly old man would arrive.

The little children humbly lined up to mail their deepest wishes; to deposit those envelopes filled with most needed requests. Soon Saint Nick would be knocking on their doors, for these children did not have chimneys for the man in the red suit to slide down.

Smiley faces. Eager hands. One by one they used the chair to reach their goal to make sure the letter would arrive at its destination just in time for the much-awaited Christmas Eve. Knowing that they would only be able to check under their trees if they were naughty or nice.

What did they ask for? A doll? A ball? A truck? Some food? Shoes?  Something new to wear? To be adopted? A cure for a disease of a loved one? Peace and love for the world? Whatever each one desires in that envelope, `tis the season for it.

December 14, 2021

Photo: A friend of mine posted it on FB. I thought it was so inspiring. Congratulations to the photographer. 

I tried as hard as I could...

 

I tried as hard as I could…

All the assignments had been handed in.

However, the subject just didn't sink in.

What was I doing wrong?

How could I have not asked for help?

Is there any way that I could have been helped?

 

I tried as hard as I could…

Every morning the alarm clock went off.

Sometimes I attended class face to face,

But at other times online – Zoom, Google Meets, WhatsApp…

I really can't decide which method was better for me.

 

I tried as hard as I could…

Face- to- face there was warmth and looking in the eye.

Online there were days I just couldn't work,

the Internet crashed more often than I had wanted it to.

Not turning on the camera was an escape.

 

I tried as hard as I could…

There were days that I just wanted to scream my lungs out.

There were times when I wanted to fake a computer crash.

There were moments when no one noticed my tears.

Most of the times I kept silent.

 

I tried as hard as I could…

I guess that all my effort was not enough.

Nonetheless, I will not give up.

Success will come from this fall.

I will continue to try my best.

 

December 14, 2021

Google Images

 

 

The Waste

 

People from the dead-end street next door put out their trash in this bin at the corner of the street in front of the condominium I live in. Since it is a very narrow street, the garbage truck does not go in, so this bin is supposed to be for the dwellers in these 20 or so houses on this particular street to use.

Garbage trucks not come by every day if I am not mistaken it is every other day and at night. Knowing this does not help much because people still take out their trash on a daily basis. The garbage bags just sit there in all weather conditions- rain, hail, and the hot sun. Not to mention those pranksters who just like to make a mess.

Every morning the bags seem to be torn apart by hungry animals – dog, cats, birds - or adults and children who are hungry. More and more people are starving and homeless therefore, whatever they can get their hands on is a blessing. My grandmother always used to say, “one's trash is another's treasure”.

For this reason, I separate what can be reused or eaten and make the proper donations to the NGOs that will accept them. It seems to be a lot of work, but once you incorporate it into your routine, it becomes automatic like brushing your teeth.

The smile on people's faces when they receive the donation makes the heart smile. Nonetheless, remember to mend, wash, and fold the clothes before donating them. In addition, make sure that broken items are fixed simply because the donation bins are not trash cans.

Written December 13, 2021

Photo: Meire Marion

Rise & Shine

 

as I lay in my bed

I stare at the sky wondering

what the week will bring

as vacation arrives.

the sun has gone

from bright orange to light grey,

or is it the clouds

that are coming to stay?

gratitude fills my heart

for another day is starting to unfold

as “rise and shine” comes to mind,

I wonder if it is for me or the sun.

however fluffy the clouds may be,

rain they will bring certainly.

the words and feelings are all jumbled up

perhaps I will do as the sun- rise, shine and then hide behind the cotton fluff.

written December 13, 2021

Photo: Meire Marion

 

 

 

Look Up

 

On a gray day the sun had decided to take a break. She walked along the sidewalk desiring an end to her pain and suffering. Cowardly, she couldn't end it herself, so hoping for an end was all that was left. However, deep down inside, what she really wanted was to live life to its fullest. Dance, laugh, succeed, fall in love, start a family, be happy and be helpful.

On this gray day the clouds decided to shed the tears she couldn't. As the rain poured, she continued walking on the sidewalk watching every step; observing her feet splatter every puddle she stepped in. At other times she would look ahead, but today all she could do was look down.

 On this gray day, the rain stopped, the sun peeked through the clouds and a rainbow appeared. She knew she was not alone, and all this would pass.

Written: December 4, 2021

 

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Resilience Not Revenge

 

     When the houses were built, around 50 years ago, all the bushes, trees, grass, weeds - vegetation was destroyed by a series of violent yanks. The screams could be heard by those connected to nature for miles on end. While these killers worked hard at clearing the terrain, they forgot one root. One tiny little plant which hid its roots very deep in the soil that the weapons used for this slaughter couldn't reach.

The houses were built, and families came and went. The tiny plant grew between the buildings and shed seeds to the vacant lot next door. 50 years later the plant is still growing strong. Resilience. The houses are slowly being swallowed by the luxurious green leaves. The rooftops are starting to break. Not by the plant, though, it does not believe in revenge. Nonetheless, the birds that frequent this oasis are a bit clumsy and every now and then break a piece of the roof.

Those connected to nature can hear a loud and cheerful “Good morning!” when they open their apartment windows every morning.

In the end, the plants are winning the battle. Regaining what was rightfully theirs to begin with.

 

Written December 5,2021

 

Photo: Meire Marion

Fire Arrows

 

Fire Arrows

 

Not being able to withstand

Two or three stood

The words came shooting out

No protection, not even a hand

Confusion, faults, no one understood

Into range with each shot.

 

Each word pierced her heart

Each statement stung her passion

Each syllable made plans crumble

All the plans fell apart

The others watched without compassion

Each breath made the failure bumble.

 

Fire arrows

Piercing words

Spoiled brats

A pack of rug-rats!

Written: December 4, 2021

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