I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had been offered a proposal to write a book for Hallmark. The tentative title is SOUTH BEACH LOVE and the story is set in the South Beach/Miami area. The hero and heroine are competing chefs who are helping out family to plan the most spectacular quinceañeras anyone has ever seen and I’m excited to be able to work with this kind of story. For starters if I wasn’t a writer I’d love to be a chef so I can vicariously fulfill that dream. Plus I had a blast planning my daughter’s quince and keeping alive that tradition. I’m looking forward to sharing it with all of you. Finally, I’ve laid out some of the scenes in my fav places in the Miami area, like the Miami Seaquarium. We visited many times as kids and as adults we took my daughter there. Today I’m sharing a photo from one of those visits! Have a great Thursday!
#ThrowbackThursday – My Grandmother Nieves
My grandmother has been on my mind a lot lately. Much like my mom, she was a capable and determined woman who ruled the house with a strong hand and love. I remember summer months when she’d cook me up some of my favorite peppers, home-grown of course, or indulge my cravings with a plate of fried eggs and rice. I have simple tastes most of the time, but don’t tell hubby that! Even in her late 80s my abuela could pick up a cast iron pan filled with a dozen eggs and flip it one-handed, something I can’t even do with both hands. She was an amazing cook and she held our family together when my mom was off at work. The funny thing is that this capable, strong, and determined woman was afraid of frogs. We didn’t discover that until one summer in Levittown when we had an explosion of them due to heavy rains. You can’t imagine the shriek she gave when we brought some home to show her! LOL! I’m actually named after my grandma since my “real” first name is Caridad de las Nieves, but when I became a citizen I had to change that because there’s no such thing as compound names in America. So my first name became Caridad and my middle name became Nieves. How about your grandma? Share something about her that you remember!
#ThrowbackThursday – My Best Friend
My daughter is my best bud and I am so so proud of how she’s growing up and how she’s handling all the changes in her life. I know last year was bittersweet for her for a number of reasons, but she handled it well and now things are looking good for her. We have so much fun when we get together and I’m looking forward to many many more years of joy with her! This photo was taken at one of her soccer games when she was about 4 and half. Love the smiles on both of us!
#ThrowbackThursday – My mom and big bro
My mom has been on my mind a lot lately, especially because of my daughter’s upcoming wedding. It saddens me that she died so young and didn’t get to see so many things. My sis graduating from college and my going to law school. Seeing us get degrees was such a big dream for her. Seeing all our weddings and our children. Her great-grandchildren. So sad and such a loss for her and for our kids who will never get to know such an amazing and accomplished woman. And why? Because she smoked. So my PSA for today: If you smoke please think about quitting, if not for you, for everyone who will miss you when you’re gone. This photo is of my mother and brother in Cuba, way before “las niñas” (the girls) came along.
#ThrowbackThursday – Dreaming of South Beach
I’m going to have some very exciting news to share with you soon and it involves South Beach! Yeah! I’ve set a number stories in this area in the past and am really looking forward to revisiting it for what’s coming up in the future. More soon, but for now, a collage of photos from my last South Beach trip (OMG back in 2008!)
#ThrowbackThursday – Jersey Shore Summer
This is a throwback to one of my first summers on the Jersey Shore. I love taking strolls along the boardwalk and also taking my bike out for a spin. So do a lot of other people as you can tell from these bikes lined up along the boardwalk railing. I’m counting the minutes until I can get the bike out and take a nice long ride!
#ThrowbackThursday – RT Book Lovers Convention
Today’s throwback is to Mr. Romance and the 2012 RT Book Lovers Convention! I know, I know. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it! LOL! It was sad to see the convention come to an end, which is why I’m looking forward to the new Book Lovers Con in May! I hope it will be as much fun and look forward to seeing old friends there and making new ones. Maybe you’ll even be able to come and if so, please let me know so we can get together. For more info on the convention, please visit https://www.bookloverscon.com/.
