Life is a journey without a specific destination, just a path we discover and create as we go. At least, that’s what life has been like for me.

Writing is a record of every step in the wilderness, every footprint imprinted on paper. It’s a way to help me appreciate what I went through to get here.

Years ago, I embarked on a college career. I worked hard toward my goal of earning a business degree, but in my spare time, I did comedy. Honestly, life on stage was more fun than sitting at a desk crunching numbers, so I switched gears.

First, I took a job as a clown, then as an actress and puppeteer in a theater. The stage became my path. With each performance, I unlocked a star. I was Super Mario for a while, leaping high on my path to the future.

I was happy, but things weren’t easy. Although I loved the job, I wasn’t making a good living. In Cuba, even a theater company was government-owned, and the pay was very low. I had to leave the stage to earn a living as a birthday party entertainer. Although I could still perform, it wasn’t the same. Soon, other plans demanded my attention: the plan was to follow my family to the United States.

As soon as I set foot in Florida, freedom welcomed me. However, I missed the theaters, my friends, and my audiences. Then I realized I might never perform again, and that made me very sad. To manage my nostalgia, I started writing about my daily life and publishing it on a blog I called AnechyNotes. No one read it, but I didn’t care. I was leaving traces I can return to and laugh about my thoughts during those years.

Today, I reflect on the last few years of that journey. Finally, I took my writing seriously, and in 2024, I published my first book.

The Adventures of Patti and Barci: The City of Cats was a learning experience, but it also became a passport that opened many doors for me. I’ve been invited to several events, including a Book Festival. Thanks to that, I met other Hispanic authors near my area. Today, I host a Tertulia (a literary open mic) where writers from all over come together to share their passion for literature. I also partnered with a nonprofit organization, and for three months I hosted a Facebook Live show to promote literature as a family activity. I’m also a literary ambassador for the Cumberland County Literacy Council.

I don’t know what the future will bring. I will continue to chart my story as I go. Like the spirit of Mr. Yes, I will say yes to everything that opens a door to creativity and self-expression, just as I did when I said yes to the invitation to write my book.

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