Reflections From the Heart

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A Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes

Well, the day had finally arrived. A special day filled with prepping for my first professional headshot. I am very mindful of my followers and supporters and that I am not alone on this incredible journey. So, here I share with you some behind-the-scenes moments from my day (and not all are glamorous). Lol.

After conducting some research and making appointments weeks in advance, I started the day early for my first appointment at Hair International Day Spa. My youngest daughter, Angela, wouldn’t miss it for the world. Everything I needed to do today was right up her alley, so she met me at the hair salon.

I decided to step it up a notch and do something different with my hair. Hopefully, it pans out.

Hmmmm, how short should I go?

A rare photo for all the world to see – and may be the last one I ever post! ((meh))

I have chosen Chelsea to be my hairstylist and makeup artist. I trust her, knowing I am in capable hands.

Okay. I think we’re on a roll.

Getting in the groove.

“Mom …,” my daughter whispered, “there’s a lot of your hair on the floor.” Yep, 7-inches – gone!

The finishing touch – hairspray!

My new Bob cut.

Chelsea did a fantastic job! I just love her!

Next appointment … to the photographer. (No time for lunch!)

I located this place by searching the internet, and after reading the reviews, I decided to call them. After speaking with Mary, she answered all my questions to my satisfaction. I was able to coordinate a time with her, not long after my hair and makeup session.

The studio, situated in the Museum District, is housed in a historic home in Houston. The husband-and-wife team, Tom and Mary, were friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere, charmingly odd, had an old-fashioned feel, and I immediately felt at ease. After changing outfits in complete privacy, show time!

Angela stood near the photographer, and as the instructions began on how to turn my head and lean forward or back, look to the right or left, I saw my daughter’s thumbs up in my peripheral vision. I knew things were going okay with every click of the camera.

And so, ladies and gentlemen, faithful followers and fellow bloggers, click here to see my untouched photos. I posted these on my Facebook page, and the votes were cast. I have three favorites, and we will be working on them to use professionally.

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey; many more to come. After so many years, I am beginning to look and feel like a published author.

22 Comments

October 28, 2014 · 9:02 PM

October 25, 2014 · 6:57 PM

Time to Vote

Today was a big day for hair/makeup/photo shoot!

Please visit link below (courtesy of Click Photography) and cast your vote for your favorite headshot!
http://clickphotog.com/galleries/runninginheels/

19 Comments

Filed under Author, vote for photo

Tagged as headshot, new author, photo shoot, pictures

October 24, 2014 · 1:44 PM

My One Lovely Blog Award

I am honored to receive the One Lovely Blog Award. This award recognizes up-and-coming bloggers who share their stories, thoughts, or content in a visually appealing manner that resonates with their viewers and followers. The goal of the award is to recognize newer, up-and-coming bloggers and help them reach a wider audience.

Thank you, LaTanya Davis and Clara Freeman, for nominating my blog! I had fun sharing a little about myself and reading your blogs! Click here . . .

17 Comments

Filed under Award

Tagged as bloggers, One Lovely Blog Award

October 14, 2014 · 8:27 PM

Forever Mama

As I mentioned in a previous post, Mama’s and my relationship and communication skills are a work in progress. This is good because we are so much better than we were before. You see, I missed out on doing the everyday mother-and-daughter things with her when I was a child. But as an adult, I am blessed because I get to do some things for her that she never could for me. That’s not necessarily a bad deal. I feel fortunate enough to know that there is enough stability in my life, although it hasn’t always been this way.

I enjoy taking Mama out to dinner and a movie on occasion because these simple outings mean a great deal to her. I remember taking her to her first musical about a couple of years ago to see “Annie.” I knew there would be a lot of walking; therefore, I insisted that we bring a wheelchair (instead of her walker). In more ways than one, that turned out to be a smart move. We were given great seats, close to the stage. As I watched those talented girls performing in the musical along with Annie, I commented to Mama on which ones were my favorites. But Mama’s interest centered on one thing. And one thing only. On Sandy the dog. “What a smart dog!” she’d say. “Isn’t that dog smart?” she’d ask. “Well, yes, but look at the little girl, the youngest one there,” I pointed out. “Isn’t she something?” “Yeah, but can’t you see how animals are so smart?” she squealed. “Oooh, I want to take him home with me!”

Okay, so Mama and I don’t always see eye to eye or agree on everything. What may mean a big deal to me won’t necessarily be a big deal to her, and what may seem mundane to me isn’t to her. However, we are working on improving our communication and understanding. We really are!

Just a few days ago, we celebrated Mama’s 80th birthday. Family and friends surrounded her with their presence, delicious food (at a Cuban restaurant), birthday cake, and showered her with several cards and gifts. She seemed more comfortable having pictures taken. I’m glad she’s still a part of my life. I’m glad she will forever be my mama!

Please visit She’s My Mama – posted last year.

12 Comments

Filed under communication, Memoir

Tagged as Annie, birthday gal, Communication, Mama, memoir, personal, relationship

October 5, 2014 · 9:01 PM

News Flash

Dear Friends, Family, Followers, and Fans:

I am super excited to announce: “Running in Heels” has landed a publishing home with Chart House Press. Please read all about this in the link below, posted just today, while waiting in the lobby of a movie theater and sipping on a milk shake. Minutes later, I chatted with a lady whom I had never met before, and upon hearing what my memoir was about, she said, “Women like me need this. Honey, congratulations! I want to go to your book signing.”

Thank you for your continual support. Our journey has just begun.

Introducing newly-signed #author Mary A. Perez: http://t.co/3QydaTdOUQ @MarysReflection

— Chart House Press (@ChartHousePress) October 5, 2014

27 Comments

Filed under Author, Blog

Tagged as Author, book, Grace, memoir, Running in Heels, writer

September 27, 2014 · 1:56 PM

Not That Girl

She is not the girl who scratched and clawed her way to the top. She is the girl who learned how to float to prevent her from sinking when life tried to weigh her down. Who walked on pebbles and used them as her stepping stones to get to higher ground. Who learned that childlike faith in the God above would blossom into something much greater than herself. She may have had father figures who were missing in action, but she found comfort in a Heavenly Father who never left her side.

Once dejected and rejected, she is no longer the sad little girl she once was. Don’t feel sorry for her. Applaud her, because it was during the dry seasons that she discovered an oasis. Rejoice with her, because in the darkness, she found a beacon of light. Admire her for rising above her crisis despite her circumstances. She may have started out in the valley, pecking along like a chicken digging for worms. But then the Ancient of Days taught her to spread her wings like an eagle and soar into the air over the mountaintop.

Don’t cry for her, feel sad for her, or grieve for her. If you’re looking for a lost and lonely child, she is not here. Misunderstood, she may be; a wonder to many, she may be. If you’re looking for perfection, she is not that girl. If you expect to see sophistication or to hear profound eloquence, you will be disappointed. Her past may want to dictate her future, the voices in her head play a broken song, and her name may even mean “bitter” — but she refuses to be that girl.

What kind of girl is she? A simple girl. A blessed girl. She is stronger today for everything she endured. She appreciates the beauty of living life one day at a time. She surrounds herself with those who encourage and genuinely care for her. She clothes herself with a garment of praise, amazed by the wonders of God’s grace.

Sad . . . alone . . . afraid.

Not that girl anymore.

“The past does not have to be your prison. You have a voice in your destiny. You have a say in your life. You have a choice in the path you take.” Max Lucado

12 Comments

Filed under Memoir, survival

Tagged as Faith, hardships, life's journeys, life's lessons, Max Lucado, memoir, overcoming, personal

September 11, 2014 · 10:50 AM

Remembering 9/11

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

Remembering 9/11

In the Thrill of It All

Once again, my birthday was planned by my beautiful and creative daughter, Anna Marie. She has always believed in and supported my writing endeavors, so I’ve started calling her my publicist. While I was on vacation, back home she rallied up my hubby, and her siblings, as well as secretly contacted my list of friends. (I believe she even hacked into my Facebook account, for goodness’ sake!) The outcome was a wonderful, surprise birthday celebration for yours truly.

To my delight, I realized that my daughter planned out a theme for my birthday this year to honor me. She centered the theme with “Running in Heels,” the working title of my completed memoir. She designed and printed out bookmarks, created a decorated donation box, and collected donations from donors who believe in my work.

This cloud-nine feeling of such love, support, and all that took place was surreal. I can’t imagine EVER getting used to having people who genuinely are fans and those who faithfully remain in my corner, cheering me onward toward the finish line. I have been deeply touched, and I am grateful. But my work is not yet over.

Yes, I am the author of this story. I lived and survived those years. I wrote the words on the pages through hours upon hours, throughout the night when sleep escaped me, and upon every available moment when at home in front of the computer or jotting down on a writing tablet. To my dear friends and family who have made this birthday gal feel loved and special, to the readers and fellow bloggers who’ve encouraged my work, and to my supporters who went and will continue to go above and beyond, words cannot express the gratitude that is in my heart. Together we shall make a difference. Together, we shall see this project completed.

From my heart to yours, one beat at a time.

16 Comments

Filed under Birthday, memoir book project

Tagged as #DonateToBookProject, #RIHBookProject, #RunningInHeels, birthday, book project, funding, memoir, writing

Video

Labor Day Tribute

The message to this wonderful video: We work, accumulate, toil, labor… for what? It is easy for our work to feel meaningless. This short video explores the tension and frustration that comes from defining our purpose at work. ‘Meaningless’ is a great short film for messages on Labor Day, rest, identity, and success. (Video by Notes From The Journey.)

2 Comments

August 30, 2014 · 8:29 AM

August 23, 2014 · 9:35 PM

Through My Lens

As I reflect on my vacation this year, I focus on the glitter of the glue in my family. The stuff that makes them glow through difficult circumstances, yet not fall apart. It is the Strength in their sails,
the Laughter through the tears, and the Light in the darkness. The waves may beat on the boat called Life, but their faith in God is the anchor that
keeps them from drifting afar.

Through my lens, I observed how one can remain playful and young at heart, laugh at themselves silly, and enjoy the simple things in life.
Through my lens, I saw how one so small can love so big; remain warm and engaging, lovable without reservations.

Through my lens, I noticed that when the going gets tough, the tough get going! They refuse to sit down, roll over, or give up on life. They know tomorrow is on the horizon, another day for new beginnings.

Through my lens, I observed that age is just a number; it doesn’t mean one ceases to exist, learn, or do.

Through my lens, I got to witness such amazing selfless love. The sacrifices and serving of others: putting themselves last, while thinking of others first.

I heard the cry of their heartbeat. Thump. Thump. Compassion. Thump. Thump. Forgiveness. Thump. Thump. Passion. Thump. Thump. Sincerity. Thump. Thump. Tenacity. Thump. Thump. Love. Thump. Thump. Puerto Rican heritage.

What did I learn in my ten days of vacation? If I can be just one example of what it means to love and to be loved, I’ll overcome what life may throw at me. I’ll face each trial with the certainty that God is still God of the ages and He continues to work on our behalf. No matter what.

Plans don’t always work the way we think they will. Situations may take a turn that differs from what we planned. We aren’t always prepared for the what-ifs. We aren’t perfect. But we are family. And the greatest gift of all is family.