If you’ve noticed, Cozy Florida has a theme each week. This week’s theme is Potluck–meaning we will be blogging about whatever floats our boats. I thought I was going to write about a childhood memory of Parrot Jungle. But decided to save that for a Florida Fun post. Instead what I’m bring to you this week is a show and tell of my writing desk.
On my desk, I have a letter board that doubles as a display for my collection of enameled pins. The WRITE NOW message (Yes, that 2nd W is an upside down M.) is a reminder to myself not to wait for perfection. There will always be an excuse not to write. It’s too hot. There’s not enough time. I haven’t plotted that far. The only way to write a novel is to do it. Sit your fondillo in the chair and chip away at that word count goal. So, when I make an excuse not to write that sign shouts at me to sit down, boot up, and tap on the keyboard. 100 words in a session is 100 times better than zero words.
My pin collection is also a bit of a reminder, a reminder of my values and the things I want to share via my writing.
Starting from the top left:
The green Hola speech bubble. I lace my writing with Spanish words and phrases.
The neon Miami mi Amor because I do love Miami.
Cuban Bread. Cuban Bred. Yes and yes.
Smash the Patriarchy hammer. Too many harmful and oppressive institutions and systems have flourish due to patriarchy’s rule. It’s time for equality.
The purple Fabulosa bottle because that is the smell of clean if you are a Caribbean-Latinx/e/o/a.
The Botanica gallo– well you either know or you don’t know. Ashè
Jupiña is my favorite soda. The can looks like a pineapple. It is very specific to Miami and Cubans.
Walter Mercado- If you don’t know who he is then watch the documentary made by a Miami film team with Mucho Mucho Amor.
Latinx because I’m proud to align with others that come from Latin America and the Caribbean.
RIP Machismo – The stereotype and perpetuation of the macho man is dead and dying. I want this to be especially true for the Spanish speaking world.
The cafetera is because I love Cuban coffee.
The set of four little pins are about where I started and where I am. As a kid I was a library rat. I loved finding new adventures in the stacks. I always maxed my limit and I never returned a book late. The typewriter and coffee is where that love of reading led.
The Avid Reader is from an Indie bookstore in Athens, GA.
The pot and wooden spoon La Cazuela is about taking to the streets and being loud. It is used in times of celebration (New Years or when The Heat win the final. ) and in times of protest like in the streets of Old San Juan in 2019. It is a reminder to myself that my voice deserves to be heard.
Well that got a little deeper than I expected—
I hope you enjoyed getting to know me , Raquel V. Reyes You can find out more about me and my writing via these links.
