Humbled at recognition

I took a week off and now I’m back. Spent last weekend in New York City visiting my son Michael. It was the first time my husband Vance, son Nicholas, daughter Elizabeth and I all flew together. It was a great trip and we had a fantastic time. Packed a lot in and also got to see my niece Elena which was wonderful.

This week I’m very humbled at the recognition my high school friend Gaby Alcantara-Diaz bestowed on me for my work. Gaby is the founder of SEMILLA Multicultural Creative Agency where she works to empower women, multicultural women, in all facets of their lives. So when she reached out wanting to put me in the spotlight I was honored. Click here to read her beautiful words on LinkedIn. Thank you so much Gaby.

I was also thrilled to see that The Miami Herald wrote about the adorable bookstore/wine shop in North Miami Paradis Books & Bread, which I pitched to the Food Editor. Herald writer Connie Ogle wrote a wonderful article. Check out Paradis B&B’s Instagram page where they mention the article.

And after many, many months of wanting to check out Bookleggers Library at Wynwood’s Bakehouse Art Complex a large space with dozens of artists studios, I finally made it there. The Bookleggers section at Bakehouse is only open on Tuesdays from noon to 5 p.m. which is why I kept missing it but I FINALLY made it! It’s a fun, quirky space FILLED with all types of books. I love that when you visit you receive one free book. Any book thereafter is $2. I mentioned them in this blog a few weeks ago. I’m a big fan of Bookleggers’ Thursday night IG Live Storytime for Grownups. Check out their website (link above) where you can find out all about them and their other location on Miami Beach (which I’ve yet to visit but will some day and I’ll write about it here!)

Free book I picked up at Bookleggers Library at the Bakehouse Art Complex, where I’m sure I’ll be returning soon.

While I was at the Bakehouse, meandering through and checking out the many artists studios, I got to meet local artist Najja Moon who I’ve interviewed several times for my Artburst Miami articles. It was nice to meet her in person. By the way, her public art piece is now on display at the MOCA Plaza in North Miami and it’s a beauty. If you’re in Miami you should definitely check it out. Click here to read my article about those public art installations.

That’s all for this week. See you back here next Friday with more observations and hopefully some news on those personal stories I need to get around to writing.

Have a great long weekend and thanks for reading.