Reflection

The author is sitting at her desk, the fan humming by her side. It’s hot upstairs. She sips on electrolyte water, typing words she hopes are filled with wisdom, and wondering—just wondering.

Today is one of those days I look back at my last 365 days and think: What happened? Am I a failure? The last year of my life has been physically hard as I struggle to pursue my dream from inside what feels like a broken body. Right now, I find it hard to enjoy my career as an author. How many people out there are pushing through? Are you one of them?

So Much Pressure

There are so many expectations placed on women: housekeeping, childcare, career fulfillment, cooking, and so on. And on top of that: stay pretty, stay happy, stay sane, and stay healthy.

The real struggle comes when problems pile up like a stack of dirty dishes—so high that the Leaning Tower of Pisa becomes a permanent mental image. Will it fall?

I just finished reading The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, which made me think about how women around the world suffer from a lack of freedom. Do I take my freedom for granted? Sometimes I do.

I remember when I lived in Cuba and struggled with the lack of freedom, feeling the vulnerability of being a woman under a dictatorial regime. Marjan’s book brought back memories I had buried—times when I was harassed by the police, watched, and my phone line was bugged. Marjan reminded me that those things are still happening to people around the world while I’m sitting here dreaming of book signings.

The Book by My Side

Last night, I picked up a new book by Ella Dodson, God is Harder on Girls. Today, I got to listen to Ella read from her book and sing her songs featured in it at the Golden Fig bookstore. I love an author who can pull the reader into their narrative through humor. After all, life is a comic book, right? It’s full of vivid imagery. We had better laugh while we hack our way through the thick brush. Ella’s novel makes me smile, imagine songs, and feel what it was like to be young and experience the things young girls go through. This is a must-read, friends.

Last Weekend

There is a city that always inspires me: Richmond, VA. If you haven’t been, please go. The architecture, the parks, the museums, the restaurants, and the people-watching are fantastic. Here is a gallery to give you a taste!

Upcoming Events

August 8th is right around the corner! If you are in Beaufort, NC, come see me at the Olde Beaufort Farmers Market. I will be selling my books and crafts from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. [Visit this link] to check out all my upcoming events.

Au Revoir

Thanks for joining me today on this day of aches and pains. I made it to the end of my post, and so did you! I am so thankful for your time, and I hope my post brings a little insight to your day.

If you’re wondering what I’m working on, mostly I’m trying to regain my energy and health. The illustrations for my second book are still on the workbench in Cuba. My poetry book is waiting for the editor—hopefully, I’ll have the manuscript back soon. I would love to have it ready by Christmas. High stakes, right?

If you want to keep up with my carousel of stories and colors, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where I post three times a week!

Anechy Padrón