There are times when I take a path that leads to failure and with failure comes shame. You know what I mean, face flushed and sometimes, the ears are a deep red.
I have listened to them all, but by God's will, I try not to focus on my faults. Well, maybe a little pity party and then I try to move on and think about how I would have done it in another way. Learning from my mistakes is an important part of evolving towards a better self. But people can be cruel, the people around us are the ones who criticize the most. The usual comments ... Why are you doing this? ... You never finish anything ... I would never do that ... Oh! And the one I listen to most: money wasted, and time poorly spent. Why?
Negativity cultivates failure, sometimes people forget that a flower grows with water and nutrients, but humans need much more even as adults. We grow with water and nutrients, but humans from the moment of their birth need a lot of love and understanding, and no negativity, since it atrophies the mind, the very soul of a growing child. Does it stop there, of course not?
Preparing them for school and the outside world is a difficult task. Unfortunately, we cannot protect them against everything. Bullies come in all sizes, from the child Bully to the teenage Bully to the cruel adult Bully who uses his words to launch a guillotine hit.
The intimidation and laughter of people is everywhere in our society, from Trump on Twitter to possibly you. We need a cultural movement to reverse this damaging trend that is inflicted every minute of the day around the world.
COLOR ME RED AGAIN!
Marie M. Rivera aka Maguida
First Published 7/2/2019
Hay momentos en que tomó un camino que conduce al fracaso y con el fracaso llega la vergüenza. Ya sabes a qué me refiero, cara enrojecida y, a veces, las orejas son de un rojo intenso.
Los he escuchado a todos, pero por la voluntad de Dios, trato de no enfocarme en mis fallas. Bueno, tal vez una pequeña fiesta de lástima y luego trato de seguir adelante y pensar en cómo lo habría hecho de otra manera. Aprender de mis errores es una parte importante de evolucionar hacia un mejor yo. Pero las personas pueden ser crueles, las personas que te rodean son las que más critican. Los comentarios habituales ... ¿Por qué haces esto? ... Nunca terminas nada ... Nunca haría eso ... ¡Oh! Y a la que más escucho: dinero desperdiciado y tiempo mal gastado. ¿Por qué?
La negatividad cultiva el fracaso, a veces las personas olvidamos que una flor crece con agua y nutrientes, pero los humanos necesitan mucho más incluso como adultos. Crecemos con agua y nutrientes, pero los humanos desde el momento de su nacimiento necesitan mucho amor y comprensión, y nada de negatividad, ya que atrofian la mente, el alma misma de un niño en crecimiento. ¿Se detiene ahí, por supuesto que no?
Prepararlos para la escuela y el mundo exterior es una tarea difícil. Desafortunadamente, no podemos protegerlos contra todo. Los acosadores vienen en todos los tamaños, desde el acosador de niños hasta el acosador de adolescentes hasta el acosador de adultos cruel que usa su voz para lanzar un golpe de guillotina.
La intimidación y la risa de las personas está en todas partes de nuestra sociedad, desde Trump en Twitter hasta posiblemente usted. Necesitamos un movimiento cultural para revertir esta tendencia dañina que se inflige cada minuto del día en todo el mundo.
¡Coloréame de rojo otra vez!
Marie M. Rivera aka Maguida
First Published 7/2/2019
Life is always throwing me curve balls and sometimes it feels more like stones.
I have had a website under my name MaguidaRivera for many years which I purchased as a .com when I started my website with VistaPrint.
Unfortunately, I have been having technical problems for a long time and no matter how many times they bump up the problem to the next text level, it never got resolved.
To my surprise last year, I found out that VistaPrint would not release the domain name which I imagine is a tactic to imprison a website client. Yet Bluehost and other host companies have a clear transaction, you pay the domain name separately and when you leave, you can transfer it to another web host company.
This crazy situation got to the point that I chose to move on and lost my .com domain name. So that is why now I just maintain one website: ArtReviewPR.com.
Remember, there are always option and with this in mind I have sidestepping the pitfalls and hope you will continue to follow me on this website.
Have a good one,
Maguida
7/1/2019
Marie M Rivera aka Maguida
What is a poem?
by Pedro J. Sepulveda & Maguida Rivera
A poem can be about you or me.
A poem can be about Ninja Turtles or Lego's.
A poem can be about learning English in school.
And a poem can also be about Star Wars.
Come play with me, you can be Luke Skywalker,
a good guy and a great Jedi fighter.
I can be the evil Darth Vada,
once a Jedi Knight, now on the dark side.
.
Yes, this poem is really about a boy.
Yes, he is an adventurer and a dreamer.
Yes, this boy is me reaching for the sky.
And yes, I will be tomorrow's astronaut.
An original poem for my 2nd grade English class
What is a poem?
Pedro Sepulveda Caraballo
Marie M. Rivera aka Maguida
Published October 16, 2016
The tradition in Puerto Rico to celebrate promises to Los Reyes was born in the countryside. The Promise was initiated by the peasants who lived in the hills and is based on a deep Christian faith. Like when you go to church, and prayer help you ask the Lord for the recovery of a patient.
On January 6, the feast of the Epiphany is celebrated, and many families celebrate paying tribute in the form of a Promise, recognizing the Magi's who traveled from afar to see the newborn king, baby Jesus to honor him and present him with valuable gifts.
The celebration of "La Promesa de Los Santos Reyes" ("The Promise of The Three Kings") in Puerto Rico is by a person or family seeking in prayer the recovery of a sick person or to improve their living conditions or to help when there was not enough food to feed the whole family. Once granted they were blessed with the completion of their petition, they hold a celebration as promised with prayers and aguinaldo's (carol's) honoring the saint and Baby Jesus.
These carols are sung in a particular style not like a carol you hear in church. During the celebration which usually starts with the chanting of the rosary followed by the aguinaldo's (carol's). Then in the middle of the scheduled carol's, the host serves food and drink to the visitors and afterwards they continue with the songs of praise. Way back and I do mean, way back, the Promesa started on January 5th and ended way into the morning hours of January 6th.
This beautiful tradition that reflects Puerto Rican folklore is also a special time for the kids. Vienen Los Reyes, has the same anticipation as when they are waiting for Santa Clause to arrive. When my mother, Picola was a little girl she would put a box under her bed with straw or grass, this way the camels would stop on their journey to eat the straw and Los Reyes would leave her a gift. So sweet and no matter how poor the family was there was always something from Los Reyes. This tradition of the children receiving gifts on the Epiphany stems from the original gifts bestowed on Baby Jesus by the Three Magi Kings. Parents still keep the tradition so even in a pandemic they want to make sure their children receive a gift on the Feast of the Three Kings. And the best part is that there is no school and work on this holiday.
Sadly, for hundreds of years the Catholic Church considered this a pagan tradition practiced by the people in the countryside and the Church did not support it publicly.
This video La Promesa is about a promise that Irizarry family began around the late 1800's. First started by José Luis Irizarry grandmother, then the promise was passed to his daughter and then Patria Irizarry, sister of Jose Luis. Patria continued the tradition for 27 years. When Patria got sick, José Luis came to the rescue and has continued the family Promise to the Kings for the past 27 years but 2020 is different.
Promise in the video was held on January 5, 2015 consisted of a string of nine aguinaldo's (carol's) thanking The Holy Three Kings and praising the Virgin Mary. They also had a chest where people deposit their requests to Los Santos Reyes and the next morning, they would burn the papers with the wishes so they would go to the heavens.
The Promise of Los Santos Reyes
Marie M. Rivera aka Maguida
First Published: January 9, 2015
Updated January 2020
If I had a magic wand this new year, I would shower you with…
Serenity to bring you inner peace.
Fresh waters of spring to rejuvenate you
and wash your sorrows away.
Abundant tears of joy to bring you the essence of love.
And may you learn from any tears of sadness you encounter.
Abundant blessings from heaven to bring you laughter and joy.
And patience for those sour moments that may come your way.
Cherish your memories but open your heart to new adventures.
Cherish yesterday but embrace each new day with a kiss.
Cherish love, it is priceless, yet it has no value if not shared.
Love the moment that tomorrow brings and treat it with respect.
Love who you are today, you are a gifted child of God.
Love is fragile yet spirited, it is the nectar of life.
Rejoice in each new day, it brings surprises that keep you young.
Smile each new morning in the mirror of life, it may wink back.
Rejoice in the mysteries of life and seize each new day empowered.
Love is a nectar that must be given and received without condition.
Love those around you that you find easy to love.
Love those around you that have no nectar,
they too are a gifted child of God.
IF I HAD A MAGIC WAND…
Maguida M. Rivera de Morales aka Maguida
First Published 12/28/2014
Copyright 12-2014
Personal Note
My life has always been filled with a crossroads of events that sometimes open a bright door full of energy and knowledge that allows me to grow. In my search for the investigation of the Taíno Culture in Puerto Rico for my second book in the series The Adventures of Rellie and Tory, the Baby Dinosaur, I discovered an exciting rainbow, an opening in my heritage that was never mentioned to me when I was a child.
This curiosity about the Taino culture began in 2010, when I met the humble painter Santiago López, a Puerto Rican who has made a collection of beautiful paintings of Taino that includes a version of the first battle against the Spaniards. We talked about the research he had compiled that I found fascinating.
Now I find myself, like Santiago and Rafy Cuna doing research for my book and my website ArtReviewPR.com, in search of the truth as told by the Taíno Indians. Its heritage and culture are transmitted from one generation to another.
The University of Puerto Rico conducted an investigation on this subject a few years ago that included DNA tests. One of the places was a village in the mountains, and the results showed that all the members of that town were descendants of Taino. He also concluded that "... 65% of the population of Puerto Rico has Taino blood in their DNA ...". Mind Boggling!
In the coming months, the tribe of its history is heard in video interviews that this culture suffered and how they survived. During my research, I will also try to have my DNA tested, why? Well, there is a good chance that I could demonstrate Taino ancestry in my DNA, because my mother was born and raised in Jayuya, a town in the central mountain range of Puerto Rico, where the Taino culture still exists.
Until the next meeting!
Discovering Our Taíno Heritage
Marie M. Rivera aka Maguida
First Published 3/13/2014
Image NYC May 2017
Una nota personal
Mi vida siempre ha sido un cruce de los acontecimientos que a veces abren una puerta brillante llena de energía y conocimiento que me permiten crecer. En mi búsqueda para la investigación de la la Cultura Taína en Puerto Rico para mi segundo libro de la serie The Adventures of Rellie y Tory, el Bebé Dinosaurio, descubrí un arco iris emocionante, una abertura en mi herencia que nunca se me mencionó cuando era niña.
Esta curiosidad sobre la cultura Taína comenzó en 2010, cuando me encuentro con el humilde pintor Santiago López, un puertorriqueño que ha hecho una colección de pinturas hermosas del Taíno que incluye una versión de la primera batalla contra los españoles. Hablamos de la investigación que había compilado que me pareció fascinante.
Ahora me encuentro, al igual que Santiago y Rafy Cuna haciendo la investigación para mi libro y mi sitio web ArtReviewPR.com, en busca de la verdad según lo dicho por los indios Taínos. Su patrimonio y su cultura se transmiten de una generación a otra.
La Universidad de Puerto Rico llevó a cabo una investigación sobre este tema hace unos años atrás que incluyó pruebas de ADN. Uno de los lugares fue un pueblo en las montañas, y los resultados mostraron que todos los miembros de ese pueblo eran descendientes del Taíno. También concluyó que "... el 65% de la población de Puerto Rico tiene sangre Taína en su ADN ...". Alucinante!
En los próximos meses, se oye de la tribu de su historia en entrevistas de vídeo que sufrió esta cultura y cómo sobrevivieron. Durante el curso de mi investigación, yo también voy a tratar de que se hagan las pruebas a mi ADN, ¿Por qué? Bueno, hay una buena posibilidad de que pudiera demostrar la ascendencia Taína en mi ADN, porque mi madre nació y se crió en Jayuya, un pueblo en la cordillera central de Puerto Rico, donde aún existe la cultura Taína.
Hasta el próximo encuentro!
Descubriendo nuestro patrimonio - Taíno
Marie M. Rivera aka Maguida
First Published 3/13/2014
As I was shopping yesterday in the store a woman maneuvered around my cart and to my surprise, I noticed that the stroller she was pushing had a dog. Give me a break people! A dog instead of a baby, really.
The little white long-haired dog was as cute as a button and got hyper as she knew the attention was about her. After paying the woman a sincere complement on how cute the little dog was, I couldn't hold back a smile as I thought that complements of this nature were usually reserved for human babies. Oh! And I might add sometimes the babies aren't so cute but for the sake of the parents a nice compliment always follows. You know the expression, there is no such thing as an ugly baby.
Curiosity killed the cat they say but the answers I got really didn't bring him back. Yes, the stroller was designed for dogs, that way the dog can enjoy going out too. The reality is that shopping is a people thing vs. romping in the park or the yard which is a dog thing. And too much information as she whispered why the dog was wearing a pamper.
As I bid them goodbye, I saw NorDan looking up at me with a funny ha-ha smile. When you're under three years and still wearing pampers it must have been a little confusing seeing a puppy in pampers and in a stroller. NorDan was probably thinking "What! Now I've seen everything." My sentiments precisely.
Don't beat me up. I understand the void a pet fills in people’s lives. Empty nest syndrome, now who do you pamper or companionship that is missing when you don't have a partner. A pet will give you unconditional love and ask for very little in return. No need to wine and dine and hope you get nukie nukie tonight. No need to remember anniversaries or birthdays and God forbid you forget the flowers or candy. No, you won't get into an argument about spending too much on this or that. None of the annoying parts of a human relationship apply with a pet. Nope, just a loyal friend. OK, I understand that part but what I really don't get is when pets are elevated to a status usually reserved for people.
A couple of years ago, my ex-sister-in-law refused to join us at my daughter’s house for a Christmas Day celebration unless I also brought her large pet bird along in the car. I quickly said no and so she refused to join in the festivities. Sadly, enough she also denied her 94-year-old Mom the joy of sharing in the festivities and spending time with her granddaughter. This is clearly a case of elevating a pet to human status and actually depriving another human, her Mom of companionship.
Putting pets before people is not healthy and elevating them to human status is walking a thin line which could lead to losing touch with reality.
Love your pet, it is your friend but don't take it to an extreme. Have a healthy relationship with your pet and it may allow for some healthy human relationships to enter in your life.
Fulfilling The Void
Marie M. Rivera aka Maguida
Published 7/26/2009
Maguida, Photo by Isabel Rivera
Did you know that the pace of the day starts with your first thoughts in the morning when you wake up?
That's right, if you want to have an up-beat day with the sun shining within then take the time to smile and thank God for another beautiful day to enjoy. Oh! Don't forget to smile at yourself in the mirror just in case it's the only truly warm greeting of the day.
That is not true you might say but think about it. Those frequent days when you jump out of bed, run ...take a shower ... run ... get dressed ...hurry up ... bad traffic jam and so the day continues to be a blood rush and may even cause you anxiety.
But it does not have to be that way even if you are late for your appointment or work. Hey, just slow down the pace, think happy thoughts.
Have you notice how when romance is in your life you find yourself smiling for no reason. Well, you can do that even if love is still around the corner by having images in your mind that make you smile and give you a good feeling. You know which ones they are, try it.
Remember, smiles and Laughter are non-toxic free medications for the soul.
Just A Smile
Marie M. Rivera aka Maguida
First Published 7/22/2009
Today I am nursing the mother of all colds and thinking about "What if?".
What if one day you woke up and one of those keen senses disappeared? Duh! It can happen. If you don't use it, you lose it or maybe you never had it.
I know a darling little boy named NorDan who at the age of 34 months still has not developed his speech skills. But his other senses have kicked in full gear to survive in the jungle of life. He is smart, loving with a brilliant smile that melts your heart but that is just nature not survival skills. At the age of 2 he would go and open the refrigerator to pull out the Juice or bread and take it to his mother. Universal language "I'm hungry, feed me" and so he adapted. He can talk to you with his facial expressions and his made-up hand sign language. How smart is that?
So how about taking one of our senses or a skill we take for granted and pausing it for 12 to 24 hours. After which you can reflect on the impact. No cheating, if you only got as far as 6 hours it should be enough to appreciate your ability to speak or walk etc.
Let me know how it impacted you, even if you are such a vain person that nothing impresses you. I want to understand instead of feeling sorry for you.
Do it and I guaranteed you'll appreciate your gifts more and respect those who have lost them who may now speak slower or are in a wheel chair or are losing ground as their world becomes smaller and smaller.
What if?
Marie M. Rivera aka Maguida
First Published 7/20/2009
NorDan and Z, Photo by Marie M. Rivera
Today there is no empty room, actually, it was never empty, just lost at times. Little children holding hands not knowing what steps to take, next sit on the floor and wonder at the marvels all around, not different from today.
Sweet music in the wind flowing like branches in a tree extending their shade. The Base sends its beat to my heart setting the pace as the Sax whispers my secrets like a story. What story shouts the summer breeze, as the drummer silences the answer.
The Trumpet entices my heart to join the jam. Swaying, yes swaying like a dance on a moon lit River filling my veins with honey from the stars like a lover’s kiss. I, in ecstasy like a spin on a comets tail.
The River Breeze
Marie M. Rivera de Medina aka Maguida
First Published 6/29/2003 @2:30 PM
While at the Hudson River Museum’s Courtyard Jazz Concert.
OPIOID EPIDEMIC does not discriminate on race, creed, or economic status. You may already know someone that died from drugs, a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a mom or dad, an uncle or aunt, a friend or neighbor, it's all around us and we need to make a difference.
Read the booklet there is a need to flip addiction out of the Criminal Justice System and into the Primary Care System.
The picture shows my handsome and loving grandson Ben, not in my wildest dreams would I have thought drugs in the future would take him from us.
Ben and Grandma Marie
June 13th, 2022 @ 11:50am
“Take a minute, now to reflect and savor this moment in time, it will never come again. Close your eyes and listen or just transport yourself to that special place only you know.” Maguida Rivera
This I have done many times in my life, enjoying a happening or just an internal peaceful moment. But now it is a rude awakening, and the morning brings me to a stubborn fork in the road and leads me into a darken labyrinth.
Preaching always, that in life there are at least two choices, yet now, I must acknowledge that there may be two choices but they both lead to the lava streets of the Labyrinthian Tunnel, conceivably warped in time.
When I return, who will I be and for that matter, where will I be? A different person after the Labyrinthian tunnel but the big question will be can I still see the Magical Looking Glass of Life.
Maguida Rivera
June 13th, 2022 @ 11:50am
This Dama, makes her debut in the middle of the night toward early morning then she is gone.
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Life is just a wink in time, one minute your on the high of life and then without warning your under a gray cloud, but don't fret, stay positive.
The secret to bouncing back is to fill yourself with yourself. OK, sound silly but true. Let's discuss the happy side of Life or if you think otherwise.