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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

11/30/2011

I didn't sleep much last night... Not too sure why. But, I'll feeling good right now.


For the past couple of weeks, I've been helping a friend write her biography. And, when I got up this morning, I began to work on it for her once again; compiling all the notes she'd given me and the voice recording that she's passed on to me, along with some odds and ends. As I rummage through it all, and began to type away, reading the material as I moved along. I came across a poem. And, it moved me to tears. I have a Special Needs child.  My son has severe Sabot-Autism, yet, for all those that know me, they know that he is my pride and joy; and even that is not enough to express how much I love, cherish and admire my son.


Yes; Admire! He's had many challenges and has won them all, and for his persistence, and determination, I admire him. Then as I worked my my friends project, I came across this poem. I can't out into words, how blessed I feel right now!






The Special Mother
A Poem By:
Erma Bombeck

Reprinted from “Motherhood, the second oldest profession”
Copyright 1985

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit.

This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting the instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

“Armstrong, Beth, son, Patron Saint, Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, Patron Saint, Cecelia. Rutledge, Carrie, twins, Patron Saint... give her Gerard. He's used to profanity.” Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, “Give her and handicapped child.”

The angel is curious, “Why this one God? She's so happy.”

“Exactly.”, smiles God. “Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel.”

“But, does she have patience?” asks the angel.

“I don't want her to have too much patience, or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She had that sense of self and independence that are too rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She had to make it live in her world and that's not going to be easy.”

“But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you.”

God smiles, “No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness.”

The angel gasps, “Selfishness? Is that a virtue?”

God nods. “If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a spoken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says 'Mama' for the first time she will be a witness to a miracle and know it. When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as a few people ever see my creations...

I will permit her to see clearly the things I see... Ignorance, cruelty, prejudice... and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side.”

“And what about her Patron Saint?” asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles, “A mirror will suffice.”

My Son, Gino :-)

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

11/29/2011

I heard once, "When you love what you do, you don't work a day in your life." - Author unknown.


I awoke with this thought in my mind today. It's so tiring having to get up day after day and work yourself to the bone, for what feels like no reason what so ever. Truthfully, there is a reason. That reason is that we all have bills to pay and need money to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. However, what a burden it is when you don't love what you do.


You see; I find myself in a predicament. I like what I do... And I'm speaking of my job, not my art. Besides being a Author, I am also a Preschool Teacher. I love those children. I really do. They are all very special to me. They know that I love them, and I can feel the love from them in return. However, as much as I love those children and teaching them, and spending time with them, as it almost feels rewarding; I do not LOVE what I do. What I do love, I for one reason or another do not have the privilege to dedicate myself to it fully. Honestly, I envy the people that have the pleasure of waking up every morning and dedicating themselves to their career of choice.


I know it's not just me, of course. I know that a very large percentage of the population is in the same predicament. And I am in fully solidarity with you, who every you are.


I personally am such a free spirit, a free bird, so this situation makes me feel extremely unhappy. I long to be able to "fly", if you will. And, by that I mean, wake up every morning with a large smile on my face with absolute knowledge that I will be dedicating that day to what I love to do. I, much like many of you out there, awake every morning feeling as though i need a tow-truck to lift me from bed, as I know what the outcome of the day is going to be... The same thing... The same monotonous, redundant, repetitive way of life.


Uh! Frustrating!


So there it is, "When you love what you do, you don't work a day in your life." my thought of the day... Until next time, my sweets. Please comment.


Y. Correa

Friday, November 25, 2011

11/25/2011




A typical Puerto Rican Holiday feast!























Hello All!! :-)


Yummy!
I had a pretty great Thanksgiving yesterday. It wasn't a big deal, but the great thing  was that it was special and that's what matters the most. We ate like mad men. It was fun, exhausting and a (what was the word, a friend of mine called it? Oh yes!) "Mouthgasmic" day. Lol



All Starch and Meat! Gotta love it!





Of course, I was the cook! Yay me! :-)




So, today I was trying to focus on getting some work done on my WIP, however, after only writing about 3 paragraphs, I was done. I just am not in the writing frame of mind. Yet, I've decided to take it slow with this current project. The most important thing at the moment it to keep promoting my 2 current finished pieces. 


Also, I think that I want to stop writing for a while, and start reading all over again. It seems like forever since I've actually blocked out the world and sat curled up on the couch with a good book on my lap. I recently picked up a great book called "Wrath and Remembrance" by John Walker... Good stuff! I'm very much enjoying it, even though I know it's only his first story, and there are very many more that follow. I'm actually looking forward to reading as many of them as I can.

Another focus that I've been having lately is the Cover for my WIP. I need a cover and I'm having trouble coming up with one. So if you guys have any suggestions, please go ahead and give me your 411. It's titled "Finding Death".

Bueno mis amigos,
Until next time!
YC

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

11/22/2011

As I awoke this morning, I sat and contemplated my Writing career... If you can call it that. As it has yet to seriously take off. I would lie if I sat here and said that I am a "famous writer"


However, as I thought about the details... 1,000 copies of "In Love With Death" read since it's release seven months ago; that being for a self-published author. And then approximately 500 copies read of "La Encantadora" since it's release 2 months ago; that also being self-published. As well as a handful of short stories, such as "Chamuel's Revelation" and "A Gypsy's Desire"... Well, I think that it's pretty good. Not all of them were purchased as some of them were free give away that I'd offered the public.


Nonetheless, it's a good start... Right?


Well, honestly, I don't know. However, it gives me something to look forward to. Something to plant my feet on. Something that says, "Ok Y. You're doing alright."


Be it for good, or for bad, I honestly don't know either. However, I stand happy and proud of myself for trying. Proud of myself for accomplishing something, that no one in my family ever has, or at least never had the nerve to say "I'm gonna try."


The truth is, that I constantly push myself, saying deep down inside of my heart "Y, that's not enough. You can do better. You need to do better!" But, in all actuality, how many people, can stand proud and say "I did it! I went for my dream and didn't let the crowd, tell me I couldn't"? Not many.


I'd once heard that everyone has a story to tell. Every human born, has something they want to say, be it truth or fiction. But, only a very particular few, actually do. I am glad to count myself in the midst of that "few".


Just thinking,
Y

Sunday, November 20, 2011

FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY (11/20/2011)

Hello All, 



For a limited time, I have opted to offer my stories, "In Love with Death" and "La Encantadora/The Enchantress" parts one and two of my Fate Books Collection, FOR FREE. 

If you enjoy and are interested in Young Adult Paranormal Fiction, you will enjoy my stories. Following are the links, where you can find them and download them: 

"In Love with Death" at Obooko: 


"La Encantadora/The Enchantress" at Obooko: 


Remember, the offer is LIMITED TIME ONLY, and it EXPIRES NOVEMBER 29, 2011 ~~~ Take advantage, and pass the word along! And, please, DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE FEEDBACK! Thanks a million 

Sincerely, 
Y. Correa 

Friday, November 18, 2011

11/18/2011

So, I'm really glad to be recently networking with a few different Authors. I've attached myself to a few different websites, and have met some of the most awesome, inspiring and informative people. Old pro's at the game of Writing. I'm really happy to have met them as we can all relate to each other and what it is like to be this type of Artist.

Reserving the name mentioning, I just want to take the time to give a little shout out to all of my new Author friends. You know who you are ;-)

It's a great thing. It makes me feel great, and it gives me something to look forward to. If I keep at it... if I keep trying... don't give up... push a little more everyday... I will make it. I will get to where I want to go, and that is to share my art with the world.

You know, I realize that there are millions of books and stories in the genre that I write in. However, just as I have said before. No two stories are exactly alike. Just as no two authors are exactly alike. Every story is as independent as the person that writes it.

My stories differ in that between the pages submerged in fantasy and fiction, to a certain extent, I tell the story of my life as well. My characters are a little piece of me. Just as every individual story written in the history of the written word, is a little piece of the person that wrote it.

I have great respect for the written word. Every word written, no matter how insignificant it might seem. Is more important than the world might know. Because at the end of the day... when all is said and done; the written word is the backbone of all society. It has been important since the beginning of the human age, and until the end of the human age, it shall always be important.

Everything that we write, is something that we have learned. And everything that we have learned is something that we teach. And everything that we teach is what forms the future of humanity....

Y. Correa
Author

Sunday, November 13, 2011

11/13/2011

Sometimes it's really hard to ignore the fact that most of the time I feel like my identity is split into several parts.

The working me; a teacher who loves kids and knowledge.

The mother me: the single mother that does what ever necessary to provide for her children, because her children are her life.

And the artistic me: the writer, author, and the imaginative person that I am.

I feel divided into who I want to be, who I should be and who I am. It really sucks. Why? Well for many reasons.

Firstly: I feel like to a certain extent the world doesn't take my art seriously. As if when I tell people that I'm an Author, they act as though they expected something else. Something better. Something supernatural. Thus, making them not take me seriously.

Secondly: It also seems as though my mind is constantly traveling to unexpected places, however, because I may be occupied with "life" at that moment, I am unable to sit and dedicate the time I'd like to my art. So, I live in a constant state of "daydream".

Thirdly: Most of the time, I feel like the person that is walking around in today's society is my representative. That the "real me" is dug deep down inside, somewhere, pounding at the walls of my soul, screaming to get out. Yet, unable to.

Fourthly: I feel like the "mommy me" is not supposed to intermingle with the "author" me. Like they are born enemies. And, the mother fights to be dedicated to her family and duties, while the author fights to let herself be known as well.

Fifth: I hate feeling like I am constantly at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Like I am always wandering off to the wrong places. As if I should be someplace else entirely.

The only time, I ever really feel like the person that I am meant to be, is when my mind get's trapped up into the places it, itself constructs. Or when I am watching movies that allow me to go to far away and distant lands. When I am reading. When I am sleeping, because I tend to dream of my stories and all those things therein. Or, when I am talking of those such things.

I truly wish that I had the ability to surround myself with like minded people. With people that saw the world in all it's magnificent glory. Full of vivid color and majesty. Full of myths and legends that may or may not be true, but either way, it doesn't matter because it's fun to dream of them anyway. I wish I could be closer surrounded by people that could appreciate my mind, and all the treasures therein. I wish I knew more people like me. That lived life with fervent passion, wanting more, desiring more, thriving to get more.

However, my life is trapped in a place that allows me not, to be the real me. Nor to accomplish my goals. But, much rather, what the world expects me to be. It is tiring. It brings down my spirits. It makes me feel like I do not belong. And, it really sucks. It's a terrible feeling, when you feel as though your life is not your own. And, even worse when you feel as though, you have no opportunity to change that.

I want more. I want to be able to put all the pieces of the puzzle that is my soul together and make it a perfect home inside of my heart. So that everyday I awaken content in the possibility at looking at the world differently today, than how I saw it yesterday. I look forward to being able to sew together all those pieces and making a whole canvas of what should be me.

When (if at all) will that happen? Please comment, if you feel the same or a similar way. It's nice to know that you are not the only alien on earth... If you know what I mean.

YC

Saturday, November 12, 2011

11/12/2011 (Work In Progress)

MY DEAR FRIENDS, FOLLOWERS AND READERS,
FOLLOWING IS A SAMPLE (PREVIEW) OF THE STORY I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON, WHICH I HAVE TITLED “FINDING DEATH”. THIS IS A PORTION OF THE STORY THAT I HAVE CHOSEN TO SHARE WITH YOU, IN ORDER TO ENTICE YOUR IMAGINATION. I TRULY HOPE YOU ENJOY IT. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO FINISHING THE STORY, SO THAT YOU CAN READ THE WHOLE THING. PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK AND TELL ME HOW YOU LIKE IT SO FAR...

"FINDING DEATH"
COPYRIGHT  Y. CORREA
2011


My heavy breathing thudded in my ear. I could hear the echo of it captured in my chest. The walls that surrounded me seemed to be closing in on me. It was a nightmare. I was being held prisoner within my own mind. I lay captive to my inner most thoughts.
I wanted to run. Leave this place where I've been stuck in for way too long. What's the point in life, if you can't live? What's the point in anything, if you cannot enjoy it? The vacant solitude suffocated me. It asphyxiated and drowned me in a pointless void of desolation. I was tired of it! Exhausted of the monotony and redundancy of the inescapable! Frustrated with people’s opinions and my own needs! I was tired of needing what I couldn’t get and getting what I didn’t need!
I wanted to scream, “AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!” I yelled in my head, “SOMEONE, ANYONE, LET ME OUT!!!” I wanted... needed out of this situation. I wanted run! I needed run! Be set free! Intake pure air in my lungs! Get away... go away...
Trapped. Claustrophobic. Ambushed by life. Captured by poverty. Cornered by the need to be set free. Yet, with no ability to do so. The four walls that surrounded me, made me want to cry. The figurative four walls were dark and lonely. Empty and redundant. The unchanging scene that was my life, made by the situation, unattainable freedom. I craved the independence to do what I wanted, when I wanted to do it.
Again, I could feel the walls moving around me. Spinning yet also, closing in. My mind was playing tricks on me, which I could not get away from. My breathing was now being controlled by my nervousness. It was unsteady, uneven. Shaky. Yet, my ears heard nothing but the heaving of my chest.
PLEASE! FOR WHAT EVER IT'S WORTH... SOMEONE LET ME OUT OF THE GODFROSAKEN PLACE!” I yelled at the top of my lungs, and no one heard me. I screamed. I hollered. I pleased... and still no one answered.
Was it a dream? Was it real? I could no longer distinguish reality from imagination. I could no longer see the difference. Either way I was somewhere I didn't want to be, in a position I didn't want to be in. So, my day and night ran together, like a blotchy painting, a mosaic form of art that did not allow me to distinguish the difference. No beginning and no end. The sun did nothing to lighten my days. And, the moon did nothing to clear my nights.
The people that surrounded me did not understand me. I spoke and they did not hear me, I yelled and they did not see me. I was a tenuous phantom, a misty ghost, that no one even knew was there. My prison? My own home. My incarceration? My own life. Who would free me from that? Who would help me get away? NO ONE!
No meaning. No purpose. No drive.... nothing. Just nothing. How could I then escape? There was no way. No way out. My last plea, my last attempt at becoming a free bird, “Please... for whatever it's worth... please someone... anyone... get me out of here...” I said out loud with absolutely no will power behind my words.
***********
Since the beginning of life, we have come to existence, every one of us with a different calling and purpose. Within our species are sub-species. This chronicle will serve as a guide to help you understand who and what we are.
In the Middle Ground of heavens exists a podium which hold on it twelve thrones. Seated upon those thrones is the Hierarchy of Angels. Six Arch’s and one of each other breed of angel. They are as follows:
The seven breeds of angels are; Archangel, Angels, Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, and Virtues. Besides the Arch’s who total six seated at the thrones of the Hierarchy there is also one of each other breed; each one a leader of its kind. Each angel breed has its functions.
The Hierarchy Members are as follows; An angel, a seraphim, a cherubim, a throne, a dominion, a virtue, Metatron, Sandolphon, Michael, Raphael, me Alec – Gabriel’s replacement, and finally Azriel.


The Arch’s assigned to the Hierarchy are the most important of the species. The functions of the Hierarchy of Arch’s seated at the thrones are as follows:
Metatron holds the Book of Life and Death in his hand. He and Sandolphon are twins. Both created to complete one and other. Both one half of the other. Metatron alone knows who will be born and who shall die in a single day. It is his position to forward the list of the people that are to die to Azriel so that Azriel can collect the departed souls. He holds what can be considered a supervisory position. He is commissioned with those who are to be born and those who have departed. Such is his job; and the Higher Sources saw this to be good, and so it was.
Sandolphon is the Arch in charge of the earth and everything therein, and he is the Arch that carries the prayers of the just. Being the second half of Metatron, Sandolphon is charged with caring for humanity during life. Whereas Metatron is only present in the beginning and the end, Sandolphon is present during. In other words, the middle of life. Such is his job; and the Higher Sources saw this to be good, and so it was.
Michael is the Arch, also known as the right hand of the Creators. It was by his hand that Lucifer was cast from heaven and it is his function to ensure that heaven remains in perfect order. His will is strong and his arm powerful. Such is his job; and the Higher Sources saw this to be good, and so it was.
Raphael is the Arch, also known as the healer. The Alpha and Omega created him to heal the hurting. No matter what their pain; be it physical, mental of emotional. He is commissioned with healing and repairing the damages that humanity may have to endure. Such is his job; and the Higher Sources saw this to be good, and so it was.
I am Alec, I hold the position once given to Gabriel. I am commissioned with the protection of mankind. It is my occupation to ensure that man stays unharmed and functional. Though, man can hurt each other, I am to see to it that man does not annihilate each other entirely. I am to see that mankind does not cause its own extinction. Such is my job; and the Higher Sources saw this to be good, and so it shall be.
And finally, Azriel is the Arch in charge of collection departed souls and passing them onto their final destination. He is typically seen as a dark being. And this was a figment of mankind’s own imagination. Humans do not like to face death; therefore, they make death out to be an ugly and terrible thing. Yet, it is of the natural order that all that lives, must at some point die. Yet he too is an Arch and every bit as important and powerful as any other Arch. Such is his job; and the Higher Sources saw this to be good… yet, things change…

The throne of Azriel has been empty for three decades…
COPYRIGHT  Y. CORREA
2011

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

11/01/2011

Hello All,

Well, I thought that I was on a roll while writing "MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis", however, things have slowed down. I'm not sure why. So I've decided that I am going to put that project on hold.

Nonetheless, my creative juices have been flowing on the 3rd part of my "Fate Books Collection" and I am really truly excited about it. I was brain storming with my son just a little while ago and we came up with some very great and awesome ideas. He always helps me brain storm because his imagination is just as active as mine... however, my typing is faster. Lol... Love you Pipo!! Lol :-)

So, I will be starting that project very soon because I can't wait to put all those ideas on paper. You, my followers and readers, will  I think get a real kick out of this new and upcoming project. It will not be a romance, like the first two in the collection but it will demonstrate love... just a different kind. It's main theme will be "family love" My characters and hero's in this story, are going to be fantastic as well. It will be in the Paranormal/Fantasy/SciFi genre.

I'm really excited. Can you tell? Lol

Anywho, I don't wanna give away too much at this point, but I will keep you all posted with the progress. That is the newest and most recent news, my friends. Until next time!

Always,
Y Correa
Author