Born in the Bronx, raised in Miami, and relocated to Houston – I am of Puerto Rican descent – A.K.A. a “Nuyorican.” I am blessed to be the mother to four grown children, “Mimi” to a couple of gorgeous grandkids, and now a great-grandma to a precious great-granddaughter! I am happily married (the second time around) to a phenomenal man for nearly thirty years. We are owners of an orange tabby named Rascal. (Yes, he lives up to his name.)
Life is not always easy (and I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth). When you’re going through struggles, you sometimes feel you are all alone. The pain is real. The hurt feels as though your insides will burst, and in your brokenness, you feel hopeless, like it will never end. Instead of reaching out, you become a shut-in … medicate yourself with either alcohol, drugs, or sometimes even food. But God gives us life, and life is precious and worth living.
Even before attempting to blog, I had begun to write about my childhood journeys into adulthood. At first, I thought it would be something for my kids one day. But then I’d been told I have a story worth sharing so that others may hear and become inspired.
So what exactly do I share? I share about life’s lessons through some hardships, but also how it is possible to confront your past, live in the present, and look forward to the future. ¡Wepa!
Within the past few years of writing, I joined a writers guild and attended weekly critique groups. The end result: I completed an 88,500-word manuscript and sought representation for publication … God began opening doors! In 2015, I found Megan LaFollett, Director of Publishing at Chart House Press who introduced me to Jeff Hastings, President of Chart House Press, LLC.
By popular request – I am so excited to announce a Spanish version of my book coming soon!!!
UPDATE: I am honored and proud to say that in May 2016, “Running in Heels” is in its new expanded, Second Edition with Ella Ritchie and Stellar Communications Houston. I look forward with great anticipation to our newfound journey together to build an exciting working relationship. Check out her awesome interview with me on her blog here.
“Running in Heels” is more than a memoir. This is a promise of hope and survival to anyone who woke up hungry and went to bed hungrier every day, for anyone who was abandoned as a child or an adult, for every wife who has loved a husband who left bruises on her heart and on her body.
“Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace” is When I was Puerto Rican meets Glass Castle. This memoir is the journey of a coming-of-age Puerto Rican girl seeking love and security with her difficult mother in an impoverished home who becomes a teenage bride to an abusive man twice her age. Can she overcome insurmountable obstacles of poverty, racism, alcoholism, violence, and abandonment while hope is shattered time after time?
Please find my e-book, paperback, hardcover, or audio on Barnes & Noble or Amazon. (BREAKING NEWS: I am so excited to announce that my memoir is being translated into Spanish for my Latino gente!) I’m told once you pick up “Running in Heels” you can’t put it down. After you have read it, please leave a review on either Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or Goodreads. I LOVE hearing from you!
THANK YOU for visiting. Please follow my blog by entering your email address and clicking on the “Sign Me Up!” button. Or click the “Follow” button located at the lower right-hand side of your screen. Enter your email address and click the “Sign Me Up” button. But please check your email to CONFIRM. Once done correctly, I will see your name. You will then receive weekly updates via email.
Come join me on this journey of blogging about current and past events ~ dear to the heart!
Reflections From the Heart 
Hi Mary, thanks so much for liking my blog, I am so happy to find yours. Congratulations on rising above your circumstances, your healing, and finding your voice to share. Congratulations on the publishing of your books. I sure look forward to reading them. Many blessings to you 💜
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Awwwe thanks Mindy! Many blessings to you as well. Looking forward to more of your work.
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Dear Mary,
I stumbled on your website while searching for a poem my mother left behind (hard copy) when she died in 2019. I found the poem “Morning will Come” on your website and copy/paste saved me from typing it up.
I will share it with a friend who recently lost his son in a car crash.
Will keep your site in my favourites!
Thank you, Mary. God bless you.
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Dear Heather – Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share with me what my post has meant. I am delighted that the poem that spoke volumes to me, has now resonated within you! I have taken somewhat of a sabbatical from writing because of all the uncertainties these days … but rest assured, I shall be back! Hugs!
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Dear Heather – thanks for letting me know. I am glad to help bring comfort during times of sadness or confusion which we all face from time to time. Thanks again for visiting my blog.
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Congratulations on the success of your book!! Great about Statement. Looking forward to your posts!
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It’s inspiring to see women following their dreams. Thank you for being one! in lak’ech, Debra
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Thank you for stopping by 🙂
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Lovely blog. Interesting and drived from passion. Keep the great work up!
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😀
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Hi Mary, I found your blog through your post on 9/11 on David Snape and friends. Does your book come in audible format as well? I can no longer read print but the book sounds fascinating. I can’t wait to read more of your blog. ~Steph
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Hey Steph! So glad for the connection. Two things I have yet to do regarding my book: Have it audio format and translated into Spanish. We’ll see how soon we can do them 🙂 By the way, love your blog! You are a trooper! Hugs!
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Well Hello Mary, thank you so much for responding to my comment. I hope you’ll be able to do the audio and Spanish versions (that’d be awesome). I may be able to read the Kindle version on my big screen. Unfortunately it’s become a major pain trying to read on my tablet (not enough real estate) but I’d like to be inspired by your story.
Thank you for your kind words regarding my blog. ❤ ~Steph
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Hey Steph! Remember me? LOL I hope this message finds you well. Wanted to let you know that I have my book on audio like you had asked about! It can still be purchased on Amazon! And we are in the process of also having the book translated in Spanish! Hope to hear from you again! Take care 🙂
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Hi Mary, Thanks for visiting and following my blog. I find yours very inspiring. Your way of relating stories and connecting them to faith and trust in God seems as natural as breathing. Blessings! 🙂
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Hi Hildegard, thank you for connecting with me. I love that we hold a common theme.
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Keep it up sister
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Thanks for checking out my blog. I wish you all the best on your writing. Your book sounds very interesting 🙂
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Thanks for dropping by Laura 🙂
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I put your book on my wish list at Amazon. After reading the little bit Amazon gave, I’m sure I’m going to like this story.
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Glynis, you’re a doll. Thank you for reaching out and letting me know. I’m told once you start, it’s hard to put down!
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How exciting! Feb. 1st is just days away now. Congratulations!
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Lol Pinch me!!!!! Thanks Glynis 😀
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Hello Mary! You have very excellent blog! I enjoy it! Continue also! The best regards! – Vlad
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Be inspired!
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Thanks for following me back, Mary. I look forward to walking with you and reading your posts on this virtual journey we are sharing.
I notice that we have several mutual friends and I rejoice in the community that is building about us.
Have a blessed day, Mary Adrienne
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Mary, I’m so impressed by your courage and strength. I can’t wait to read your book (and find out if you chose the photo I voted for, Lol.) I couldn’t help adding you to my Heroes garden! http://healingbeyondsurvival.wordpress.com/my-heros/
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Mandy, what a sweet thing to do! I love this idea and I am honored to be a part of your garden 😉
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Your story sounds a lot like mine. I never thought I’d tell my story mainly because I thought I was the only one that had a “difficult” mother. After all these years, its finally safe for us to tell our stories.
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LaTanya, thank you so much for sharing this. That’s the point, isn’t it? We tell our stories so that others going through similar circumstances will know that they are not alone. Blessings! 🙂
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Thanks for connecting with the Phone Tree Bible Study Group. I pray that you have been edified. May God richly bless you and yours with His grace.
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Mary, I was unable to access your very inspiring blogger award page. Any suggestions? Joy! Anne
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Oops, try the link again.
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Hi Mary, thank you for stopping by my blog. I have just scratched the surface of your blog and have enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading more and hopefully seeing more of you around my blog as well. Again, thank you. ~ Tilly
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Tilly, thanks for YOUR support 🙂
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Thank you for liking and your visit Mary. Look forward to reading your posts. Keep up the great work. I hear your passion through your writing! 🙂
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Thanks Catherine 🙂
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Hello Mary – a great post. I look forward to reading more. Thank you for finding me and for the follow. 😀
cate b
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Thank you for YOUR support, Cate 🙂
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Thank you for joining up with us Mary, I see we have walked a similar road and yes it is very winding, like you I have found the narrow way and it is paved with Gold but not worldly, it’s value is beyond earthly reckoning.
Look forward to sharing with you again – Christian Love from both of us – Anne
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Love to you, Anne!
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Mary Ann, your writing comes from such a deep and holy place!! I can’t wait to read more!!
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Yay!!!!! \o/ \o/ \o/
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Your writing is lovely. I look forward to the book. I just recently started telling my story as well and your blog gives me hope that it will become easier. At this time I am not officially owning it. I am writing it slowly, getting it out to the universe but I still hide who I am. I still feel ashamed and embarrassed of the past. You are definitely an inspiration to me.
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This is what keeps me going, writing, sharing! Readers such as you who not only read my words, but who comment on how it’s inspiring and encouraging them! May I suggest to keep writing, even if for no one else but for yourself. As you write, it will become easier. Just keep it real and honest. You stated, “I am lucky to have a wonderful marriage and a husband who is extremely supportive. He balances me …” Bravo! This is phenomenal! It’s been my husband (this is my 2nd marriage) who has always supported me and encouraged me to write and share. He knew my story, he knew my heart and he believed in me before I believed in myself. He knew my story would help others. You have put a 🙂 on my face!
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I hopped on your site from another site and you now have another “follower.” Your writing is just wonderful, coupled with messages that are sorely needed.
I love the title of your book and the excerpts I have read, and I hope you find a publisher. That said, have you thought of self-publishing through one of the “print on demand” companies?
What used to be called “vanity press” is now the vehicle by which perhaps millions of people (finally) get their words out without having to get stuck in the bottleneck of the traditional publishing route which has many down sides. Plus there is relatively little to no wait time and your royalties are vastly more than through the traditional route (traditional: usually only 10% for first time book authors).
I look forward to more of your story and to more of your posts. God bless.
Phyllis Nissila
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Hi Phyllis, I appreciate your kind words and the follow! While I am seeking representation the traditional route, I am not entirely closed to self-publishing, especially after what you have shared regarding POD companies. Let’s see what happens. The Lord’s blessing on you!
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I would like to say I love your blog and the wonderful and beautiful things you share as well as the inspiration and smiles you bring in doing so! Thank you for being you and I hope even if you do not accept awards you will accept the sentiment expressed as I honor you with one. There is no prize that comes with the award other than my appreciation and being grateful you are part of our world and making a difference by sharing in such a positive way…
I have posted the award and link to it here I hope you will accept it or at least the sentiment behind it! http://artisticlyxpressedthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/03/27/awards-and-shared-gifts/
With love,
Joe
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Thank you for liking my devotional “I Have Learned the Wondrous Secret”. May the Lord bless you in your writings and may you have much fruit from them!
Mikey
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I have nominated you for the Shauny Blogging Award. I hope you will accept it, and pass it along to other deserving blogs. Please visit the page below to read the details. Thanks for your great work!
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Wow! I am honored and will look into this as soon as time allows. Thank you 🙂
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You are most welcome!
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Your ease with words is remarkable I look forward to your continued success of having people enjoy your writing.
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Hi Ely! Thank you for commenting and welcome!
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Looking foward to following you on your journey and reading your wonderful writings..
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Hey Daphne – Welcome! I’m honored. Thank you 🙂
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Thank you for the follow. I look forward to reading more of your writings. God bless.
Mikey
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Thanks for liking my post, and i like your’s too, looking forward to read more of your post as i’m following you now. ~ and i like your name, my daughter is called Mary. 🙂 God bless!
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Hey there! I enjoyed your blog. I will be reading more. Thanks for the follow 🙂
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Hey tia, I personally think you are an amazing writer. You have a future in this, I would love to read a book my aunt wrote ! I read just about everything i see on your page… I love you tia! Keep it coming i wanna read more (:
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What a treat to see this from my beautiful niece! Love her very much 🙂
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Mary! I’m excited for you! I pray the Lord leads you in your endeavors to publish your memoirs! I will keep an eye out for it. I also wanted to stop by and let you know I nominated your blog for the Sunshine Award! Thank you for the work that you do! If you chose to accept the award, you can find the instructions here: http://createdbythepotter.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/sunshine-award/
Blessings in Christ!
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Oh, my! I covet those prayers, and I am honored to receive this nomination! Thank you. I will start reading the instructions at once!
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A wonderful story, Mary. Keep it up!
Hazel
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Thanks, Hazel! Hugs!!!
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Lets Support Our Own!! 🙂
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¡Wepa!
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WOW, this is so exciting. Can’t wait to read about what experiences made YOU,YOU!
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Welcome, Sandy!!!
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Mary, thanks for “liking” my blog post. It is lovely to hear from other Christians. I will be back and I hope you visit me again. Regards!
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🙂
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cool
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Hey, thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Thanks for following. I look forward to reading more from you. 🙂
\o/
Praise Jesus
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Thanks for the follow, Mary. I look forward to reading your posts.
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Hey all – Thanks for visiting, liking and following my blog! It’s folks like you that encourage and keep me going!!!
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