My friends and I try to do a writing retreat every few years and I so miss doing them! I hope we can schedule one soon. One of the places we get together is Las Vegas because it’s easy to get to for most of us. Besides working on our stories, we take time to see some shows and to visit the fabulous Red Rock Canyon for some hikes. Today I’m sharing this picture I took the last time we were there for a visit.
We love Williamsburg, Virginia!
My family used to go to Williamsburg, Virginia pretty often. My mom was big on us knowing America’s history because she believed that was essential for us to be good citizens, especially since were truly blessed to be able to immigrate to the U.S. This Nation gave my family so much and for that, I am eternally grateful. Like my mom, I wanted my daughter to know American history and the gift that is America so we also have done a number of trips to Williamsburg and other historic places. But who says you can’t have some fun along the way although truth be told, I was worried that our daughter might not let us out of the stock! LOL! Have you been to Williamsburg or another historic location? Share your fav history place!
Happy Easters Over the Years with Caridad and Her Family
With Easter just days away I thought I’d share some photos of our family Easters over the years! As kids we always got dressed up and we often went into Manhattan to do the 5th Avenue Easter parade. One very special Easter we also went to Radio City Music Hall to see The Sound of Music. It was so exciting to do that and also very emotional since I deeply identified with the Von Trapp family as they made their escape from Austria over the Alps. It made me think about how my family had escaped Cuba to make it to the United States. So here goes with our Easter of the years with my sis, grandma, and mother.
Caridad’s Easter Family Photos
Caridad’s Grandmother Nieves #ThrowbackThursday
My grandmother Nieves was a strong woman. She had the courage to leave Spain for a better life in Cuba. She had even more courage to be the one to stay behind with us in Cuba when my parents had to escape to avoid Castro’s retribution. With my sister and me in tow, she traveled with us throughout Central America until we legally entered the U.S. Since my mom was a working mom, she was the one who took care of us when we weren’t in school and whatever my grandmother said, we did. She sounds tough, but she was also had great stories to tell and was an amazing cook. She was also a voracious reader which I guess is where I got to be such a big reader. I’m actually named after my grandmother since my real first name is Caridad de las Nieves. I had to change it when I became a citizen. I have to mention that my grandmother could not have done all those things without my grandfather who was truly a saint and a very loving and caring man.
International Woman’s Day – My mom and grandma #ThrowbackThursday
It was International Woman’s Day on Monday and today I want to share two of the most important women in my life: My mom and grandma. They were both strong, independent women and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. My mother was the one who worked hard to get us out of Cuba and to give us the ability to achieve the American dream. She was sure there was no country better than the USA and she was right. My grandmother was the one at her side, helping my mom raise her family so that my mom could work. Like her daughter, she was indefatigable and an amazing cook! She could make anything taste good. Both my mom and grandmother were also voracious readers and I picked up that trait from them. As you can imagine, being a big reader led me to also thinking about being a writer. Thank you mami and abuela for being who you were. I miss you every day! This is a picture of us at Easter.
A Visit with Winnie the Pooh #ThrowbackThursday
One of our favorite things to do during our annual Christmas trip to New York City is to visit the big library on 42nd Street. We always check out whatever new exhibit is happening, but also take a look at some of their standard collections. One of the collections is in the Children’s section, namely, the original dolls that inspired the Winnie the Pooh stories. Check out this picture of them!
My Grandmother #ThrowbackThursday
My grandmother Nieves was an amazing woman. Strong. Independent. Loving. When my parents had to leave my sister and me behind in Cuba, it was my grandparents who stayed with us and then traveled with us across various countries before we could legally enter the U.S. She was also an outstanding cook. She could take anything from the fridge and make an amazing meal. I am named after her since my first real name is Caridad de las Nieves. I had to change it when I was naturalized. This is a picture of my sister and me with her, I believe on the day I graduated law school.
