NaNoWriMo 2013 Winner

NaNoWriMo 2013

This was an emotionally draining piece but hey ... it is done!

Story Excerpt: Medio Cocos - Nanowrimo 2013

Session 001

Everyone has baby books, they have photographs. What did I have? Foggy memories, confused timelines and hidden images. 

Dr. Salvador insisted that I speak of something, anything, a piece of me that I had not repeatedly written during our sessions over the few months. I could shrug and just thought of how my earliest memory was demanding eggs on a kitchen table. I was four with raven curls on my head in a tank top and shorts smacking a spoon on a table. He sighed and closed his notebook. He rubbed the bridge of his nose where his glasses laid. 

“Ysabel” 

I nodded for him to continue and instead he shut his eyes. “Your insurance won’t pay for anymore sessions if I cannot diagnosis you. You will not afford to attend this clinic”.  Looking down at my feet I noticed my pinky toe was sticking out my black flats. 

“Ysabel I want you to take these pills. They will help with your sleeping problems for now but soon … soon we either need to diagnosis your or you find a new doctor.” He passed the translucent orange bottle that had about ten pills. Slipping the pills into my shoulder bag I stood to my feet.

“Ysabel I like you, I think you a nice young lady but if I am the problem you may speak about it, maybe a female doctor-“ 

I spoke for the first time in six months. 

“No”

With that I walked out the room and into the waiting room. Eyes stared at me, wondering what issue I portrayed. What did I have, what was wrong? I craved to know those answers as well. I could hear Dr. Salvador calling back for me, the hope of a break through in his voice. Pushing past people out into the street I breathed out. My lungs had felt like they were filling with water and my oxygen was dissipating. 

Loud sounds of traffic brought me back to reality. A taxi cab driver was screaming at a delivery truck for cutting him off as the light turned yellow. He slammed his hands against his steering wheel as the delivery truck continued its way. Rubbing my eyes and taking a deep breathe; relaxation came over me.

Fall in New York City 2013

Dragonfly

Trees

NYC Subway

Washington Heights

Full Moon

Quotes: Buddha Post

"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear" - #Buddha

National Novel Writing Month

It's that time of the year. November :) and we are not talking about Turkey Time.

My Region is New York City and with the subway its a great way to meet other writers. Tonight we have the first event of the month which is the Kick Off. Everyone comes together discuss each others novel, network and have a great time with new friends. The kick off is at

Lily Obriens

67 Murray St New York, NY 10007
First Floor @ 6:00 PM

Subway Stations

Chambers Street: 1, 2, 3

Brooklyn Hall 4,5,6

If you come great if not thats ok just dont give up writing. Also any other Nano-ers (if thats a word lol) you guys can add me as a writing buddy! 

Phoenix-Trinity  

Story Excerpt: Grow up!

A short story I wrote for a contest about three years ago.

Did not win but it was something different for me as I cannot finish a story!

Grow Up

My parents always told me to never rush growing up. They would say play, have fun and smile at any chance that I have. I didn’t listen, I never do, and I never ever listen. I mean they scold me and say ‘Eat your vegetables, they taste good and will make you big and strong’. I give those disgusting green broccoli trees to Lucy my lovable golden retriever.

Like I said I never listen, never will and forcing me to be a kid forever is pointless.

========

She brushed her curls into a haphazard ponytail and sighed. The faded pink walls were her reminder that it was her mother’s choice of color. The reminder that it will always be her mother’s choice in whatever she wants. Glancing at the muted yellow taffeta dress hanging in her doorway she cringed. It was her fifth grade homecoming dance so why was her mother making the choices.

Biting her lip she tiptoed to her doorway and noticed the hallway was clear of others. Smiling she ran to her room and grabbed the white teddy bear that had red nail polish spilled on it. Behind its neck was a small hole where hidden inside was lipstick, mascara and eyeliner. It was forbidden for someone her age to be wearing this type of makeup or any makeup.  Shoving the makeup into her sports bra and fixed the clumps it made.

It was time for another day at Fredrick’s Elementary and learning about well anything. Snatching her flower power backpack off her doorknob leaving behind the muted pink room and went down to the kitchen. Having a picturesque family made it seem they came out of a Home Goods Magazine. Dad was a business man, Mom was a homemaker, and older brother was a sophomore in high school.

They smiled at everything, ate breakfast together and even wore holiday clothes for cards. Sitting at the table she started at the routine breakfast of eggs, bacon and pancakes. She should be happy her mom worked hard for her to eat healthy and she just cringed at the food. Wanting to be like her friends she hoped to eat boxes of sugar filled cereal and watch cartoons before school.

Yet instead she poured the little syrup her mom allowed her to have on her pancakes and scarfed the food down. Her brother jeered on about his upcoming football game and father worried about his job. Complaining that today he was going to the highest floor today to meet with his boss. Fearing he was going to lose his job to her mother. Mother shook her head and reassured him that he would be fine.

Slurping down the delicious milk her mother placed the young girl burped. Her parents looked at her embarrassed but smiled as well. It was officially time to go to school as father had to drive all the way downtown before he was late. Hurrying the two children into the fancy car she sighed as she was placed in the front seat. The green trees blurred in front of the brown orbs in her face. Driving down the streets of the city was her favorite and she loved when the greens turned into greys and black.

Screeching filled the air as they pulled in front of a large building with many other teens standing in front of it. Slam, scuffing of converse on the concrete and she watched the teen of a brother join his friends. The ride began again and off to Elementary was her plan. Barely contain her happiness a bright smile fell upon her face. Today was tryouts for cheerleading, her friends were going to talk about homecoming dance and Jeffrey Battle was going to talk to her.

That is why the makeup was needed especially today. It was going to be the greatest day ever, today was going to be the day her life changed. The car gently pulled in front a small beige building and loud cheers and chatter filled the air. His voice was off in the air but the brown orbs were planted on where her friends were in the yard. Pushing the car door open she felt a hand grab her wrist. It was hugging time and she couldn’t hug her dad. He would feel the makeup and he would be very upset with her.

Instead she pulled away rushed a bye not including I love you and joined her friends. The screeching of his tires didn’t reach her ears and instead she heard her friends.

========

It was a great day, no it was beyond fantastic and nothing would ever change that. She waited for her brother in front of the school and groaned. He was late but that wasn’t going to ruin her day instead she took the time to write on her notebook. S + J, J loves S, S & J with many hearts adoring it.

She was officially growing up in her eyes! A boyfriend, fresh makeup on the face and made the cheerleading squad. Today was one for the history books for the world. She learned about her favorite animal tigers, ate two slices of pizza for lunch and learned that her dad worked in one of the tallest buildings in New York City. She wrote the day it was official that she was an adult.

Hearing her name she looked up and saw her mother with tears down her face.

Dropping the notebook onto the ground she looked at her mother with a puzzled look.

The notebook turned to it could be seen clearly.

S & J

September 11^th 2001

New York City: Little Free Library

August 26th 2013

While currently on vacation I decided to do something different. While my original plan was to soak up some sun rays at the beach! News 12 "fibbed" about oncoming showers and warned it would rain all day. 

While groaning that I would succumb to surf the interent and watch movies that was burned into my memory. Something sparked my interest and turned to the pile of books on my floor. Throwing books away felt like murdering someones chance of exploring an art. 

Googling [is that a term?] where these books can find a new home. Google gave me a present and it was called Little Free Library all over Manhattan. Grabbing my sketchbook, pencils and as usual a notebook I was off on my adventure into SOHO. Metrocard in hand I would venture around Manhattan for about two hours placing these books in new homes. 

Then there it was ... a book for me!

Snatching it and shoving it into my tote. 

This girl became a happy camper despite being lied to about the rain. 

Little Free Library

The concept creates an 'inhabitable' environment, where users can immerse themselves into the space, taking the time to browse through books and borrow or exchange them. The structure is built out of an inversed plastic tank and a wooden frame. Perforations around the volume allows visitors to peek inside and preview the interior configuration, which can be accessed by ducking under the yellow structure.

In a city where spaces are highly regimented in terms of use and accessibility, this Little Free Library is like an oasis of fresh air, breaking rigid patterns. The installation is up until September 2013; more information over at Stereotank and Little Free Library.

Prince Street

Little gem I found! Hardcover too 

What I was sketching on the Train

6 Train - NYC MTA

Summer 2013: New York City - Through My iPhone Lens

New York City Skyline from Staten Island Ferry - July 2013

Sun peeking through the clouds July 2013

Manhattan, New York July 2013

Bronx Zoo July 2013

Story Excerpt: Rebirth

Rebirth 

Growing up parents read children bed time stories and tuck them into warm beds. It was a sense of security when they laid a kiss onto foreheads and wished blessed dreams. Lullabies were of sweet gentle notes from the tongue of happiness. Holding a stuff animal was the safest thing in the world and your only worry was to make sure you woke up on time.

Not for her … not for them … not for anyone

Anymore

######

It was crunching gravel underneath her black scuffed up boots and repeated water dripping from pipes that lulled her to sleep. The darkness was a friend and the softest thing was the family of rats that lay next to the warm fire from the trash can. She didn’t sleep so those things didn’t even matter to her anymore.

Leaning against the rusted trash can she took in the scent of burning wood. It was familiar and overwhelming. Standing to her feet she grabbed her duffle bag and began her trek away from her the others. That is how it worked she would crash with a pack for a few hours, rest, eat, warm up a little and then off into the night

.

Crunch!

It wasn’t her footsteps; it wasn’t someone else, someone larger and faster. She waited till it was a few feet from her before she swiftly turned around. Her leg roundhouse into a kick and the mysterious stalker fell to the ground with a thump. Her wrist turned easily as the knife flipped in between her fingers. The groaning assailant grabbed her ankle and pulled her down onto the gravel. Kicking the hand away she flipped into her standing position.

Wobbling and unsure of what was going on she haphazardly grabbed her knife and placed it onto the throat of her assailant. She was met with a mask and heavy breathing. Cold metal pressed deeper into the skin as she placed her knee into the chest. “You have one chance to explain why you are following me, speak wisely or I will slit your throat” Her voice was hoarse and filled with rage. It chuckled and she pressed hard enough where blood began to draw.

The chuckle began to become whimpers and cries of pain. She spoke with urgency and they didn’t take it with warning as with one hasty yank the skin ripped open. Blood splattered across her face as the head collided onto the ground. The sound of the skull cracking against the ground made her cringe but she stood up. Removing the mask she could see a young man about her age, fifth teen with wide pale blue eyes.

Kicking the body with her boot her thoughts were confirmed he was definitely dead. She searched the pockets finding a few dollar bills and a small pocket knife. Shoving her new found treasures into her pocket she pondered how to move the body. Placing her hand underneath her victim’s arms she dragged the body near the alley. Dropping the body with a loud thump she walked away without a second thought. This was about survival of the fittest.

Recipe: Zeppoles

July 4 2013

 So while everyone is out having a blast and enjoying fireworks[which I despise! They scare me and are way too loud for my eardrums]. I decided to try a new treat and make homemade zeppoles. I was terrified to make them but I did it and it was AWESOME!

I got the recipes off of wordpress and its so simple anyone can make it and just yummy!

 Homemade Zeppole Recipe from WordPress 

I did make some substitute in here :) Guys Try it 

Homemade Zeppole: Quick and Easy Italian Doughnuts Recipe

• 1 stick room temperature butter [1/2 cup]
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 3 eggs [2 large eggs]
• 1 egg yolk [didnt use]
• oil for frying

1. Combine first four ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a rolling boil. Boil it for 10 seconds then take off from the heat.
2. Stir the flour quickly and mix until it forms a dough. Bring the pan back on the heat for additional two minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time and stir until incorporated. Continue beating for five minutes until the dough becomes glossy and thick. Keep in the fridge for 15 minutes.
4. Get a saucepan on medium heat and fill it with oil for deep frying. Drop spoonfuls of the Zeppole batter and fry until golden and puffed. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
5. Transfer the cooked Zeppole on paper towels to drain then dunk them in the cinnamon sugar while still hot. Enjoy

Powdered Sugar

• 1/4 Cup of Granulated Sugar  

1. Pulse the sugar till it reaches a powdered state!

 

 

 

Bronx Gem * Orchard Beach

Sorry for such a delay but life has been very busy!

Here is July 3rd

July 3rd 2013

Orchard Beach is a public beach in the borough of the Bronx in New York City. The beach is part of Pelham Bay Park and is situated on the western end of Long Island Sound. Once referred to as "the Riviera of New York City" the 115-acre (0.47 km2), 1.1-mile (1.8 km)-long (1.77 km) park consists of a 13-section sandy beach, a hexagonal-block promenade, a central pavilion with food stores and specialty shops, two playgrounds, two picnic areas, a large parking lot, and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball. It is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

 It is most recognized for its unique crescent shape, and beautiful view of City Island, Bronx.

*

Here are some pictures of the beach that I was lucky to grow up with!

1936

2013

 

Orchard Beach July 3rd 2013