tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53082782288825602742024-03-05T10:48:38.269-08:00It's Always Sunny in NorthsideMusings of a poet mixed with a little bit of this, a little bit of that, a sprinkle of rain, but mostly sunshine...NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-21197278381040082772017-09-19T18:47:00.001-07:002017-09-19T18:54:28.573-07:00Faults<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">I don't make the healthiest choices all the time - mentally, emotionally, health-wise. Procrastination is my friend and I make many excuses for him, and for a lot of other things in my life. I'm at times lazy, doubtful. I question myself and my decisions more often than I should. I have a mental vault filled with all of the hurtful things people have ever said to me, and on a bad day, I convince myself to believe them. I'm impatient. I'm effortlessly, annoyingly dramatic sometimes. I'm anxious. I'm always late. I spend too much money. I give too many chances to the wrong people. I give too little chances to the right people. I hold annoyances and anger inside and then one day out of nowhere I explode, leaving some clueless and catching others off guard. I avoid confrontation and let people "win" just because I know it makes them feel good about themselves. I could be in love with you and you wouldn't even know. I allow my fears and my comfort zones to hold me back. I hold deep insecurities regarding my status in life. I worry that remaining "single and childless" makes me selfish. I compare my achievements to others. I worry how others view me. I beat myself up when I spend a whole day being unproductive, then go back to doing nothing the next day and feel worse. It's a vicious mental cycle. I have many faults. I understand we all do. But, with all my shit laid out on the table, and as much as I take ownership of every bit of this, still my faults aren't who I am. The "real me" is none of those things. And neither are you. I won't make an excuse for any of them. They are mine, I own all of them. Yet, every morning I awake and I choose to work on them, against them, through them, and despite them. Because I know what's behind all those thoughts and emotions is something I'm still trying to understand. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Who am I if I'm not all the titles, the good and the bad? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Who are you?</span>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-28774456076512288842017-08-19T08:04:00.004-07:002017-08-19T08:04:57.426-07:00True #GoalsPeace of mind is true #Goals...<br />
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This is my personal wave lately. Your energy is fragile. Keep it. Secure it. Maintain it. Some will test it, or interrupt it. Don't let someone's bs seep through. And understand that what you have, your gifts, aren't for everyone. It's ok to be selective because you can't create peace for others if you haven't created peace for yourself first. And you can't be a vessel of light and guidance for someone who continuously chooses the dark. It's exhausting. Don't compete with that if it begins to affect your energy. Step back a little. Because your energy is priceless. You can buy anything in the world, but peace of mind has no value. It's all work and time and effort on your inner self, every....single....day.<br />
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Commit to it.NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-85950658405538820022017-08-06T21:03:00.001-07:002017-08-06T21:03:24.390-07:00Update.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so happy to finally post on here and announce that my third collection, <i>Coming</i>, is now available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Coming-N-V-Torres/dp/1365744841/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502077837&sr=8-1&keywords=nv+torres+coming" target="_blank">Amazon</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGffQjhCKGhpLhyphenhyphenoh6pWkee5zRhI7qw0Ou363ueISniQZRnI1h3Ic7PN4igeLidAp08lKeRvSDOvBZKcX3tiT7kzRcZd223CkqsKgO7Fa8phiEjAKUZUx-0rxb7I7rY7MdN-_5iGiHMl0/s1600/Coming+Front+Cover2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGffQjhCKGhpLhyphenhyphenoh6pWkee5zRhI7qw0Ou363ueISniQZRnI1h3Ic7PN4igeLidAp08lKeRvSDOvBZKcX3tiT7kzRcZd223CkqsKgO7Fa8phiEjAKUZUx-0rxb7I7rY7MdN-_5iGiHMl0/s320/Coming+Front+Cover2.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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For more information or to keep up to date with me follow me on Instagram (@northside_nilla), <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nvtorres215" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/nillahoney" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.nvtorres.com/">www.NVTorres.com</a>.</div>
<br />NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-71235846540440920432014-07-14T21:05:00.002-07:002014-07-14T21:26:37.810-07:00If you are still with me...<div>
If you are still with me, I would like to say hello and I am sorry for being away for so long. I have been busy with school and working full-time as a preschool teacher. I have neglected this beautiful space, yet I have missed it tremendously. Yes, life has kept me away. However, every now and then I do think about this blog and all my ramblings. Well, I think I may be back...</div>
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The truth is, up until recently, I have not written. Anything. And as a result, I have felt there was no purpose in blogging. I honestly tried, but everything I wrote seemed forced and disingenuous. I was uncomfortable with posting anything that did not feel real to me, as I take this space very seriously and I care greatly about the content I share on here. From my heart to this screen, my words are my weapon and my truest evidence of my mark in this word. So, what I write does matter.</div>
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As of late, however, I have been writing. In fact, I am currently working on a third collection of poetry. It is a small collection, but nonetheless, it is a collection and I am super excited about it! It has been over four years since I released my last collection, <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/nv-torres/northside-cries-and-lullabies/paperback/product-6408946.html" target="_blank">Northside Cries and Lullabies</a>. And in those four years I have struggled creatively, going back and forth with my decisions to publish again or not. However, with a little encouragement from a friend, I decided it was time. This next collection, entitled <i>Coming</i>, is way overdue!</div>
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<i>Coming </i>is a small, pocket poetry collection of short poems (or as I like to call them, "shorties".) The idea of writing a collection of short poems came from my love of short and simple poetry. I have always loved the idea of someone taking less than a minute out of their busy lives to appreciate a single piece of poetry. I do not believe poetry has to be long. So much can be said - so much can be felt in very few words. And to be frank, I have survived off of short poems in the duration of my four year hiatus. Writing short poems helped me stay creative without committing too much time. It was kinda like, you write a few lines, and then you carry on. </div>
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And that is exactly what I have been doing - carrying on. And carrying all of my readers in my heart while I have been away. I do have lovely things planned for us in the next couple of months. </div>
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Just wait on it, xoxo.</div>
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-nv</div>
NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-35405715182554768902013-02-05T21:15:00.001-08:002013-02-05T21:43:06.436-08:00Questions.My good friend Angel shared an inspiring article with me today. It talks about life and how we must find the value in our own lives and not the lives of others. The message is that every life on earth has a purpose, value, and a meaning. There is no general meaning to life because we are all very different. Our mission is to find the meaning of our own lives, and use it to move forward. It got me thinking a lot about the decisions we all make every day that bring us closer to the place we are suppose to be. Lately I've found myself questioning the moves I have made thus far in my twenty-something years of existence. I question almost every aspect of my life, especially career and love.<br />
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<i>Why am I here? Where am I going next? Is there any fire left inside of me?</i></div>
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Whenever I ask myself these kinds of questions, immediately I hear my friend Jay's voice in my head reminding me how blessed I am. And I am blessed. I am also grateful. But who am I if I am not the poet who questions? Who am I if I can't look behind sometimes? After all, the past is the back bone of my work and the person who I am today.<br />
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I write this to let you know - yes, You, little eager soul whose hands are still too soft and clean to hold the meaning of your life - You have to create your own answer, purpose, and meaning. When we were given this life, our purpose was not written in the sky for all to see. We did not get a copy of God's individual plan for our lives. You have to find it in the words you use, and in the things you do.<br />
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Get out there....and search.NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-12481814256452778172012-06-18T22:18:00.001-07:002012-06-18T22:26:25.852-07:00First Love.My little sister and I were talking yesterday while we were visiting our dad on father's day. I always enjoy those moments where she and I can just talk about anything. Although she and I have completely different personalities (I am reserved and quiet; she is....not), she reminds me a lot of myself when I was her age. We had the same views and priorities (school, the future, friends, family). Well, one subject we touched base on was the subject of love. She is 15 years old and is currently in her first ever relationship. Somewhere in the conversation she confided in me that she was in love with this boy.<br />
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At first I thought, of course she would feel this way. He is, after all, her first real boyfriend. So I asked her..."<i>How do you even know you're in love?</i>". She told me there are many signs that tell her it is love. One is the feeling she gets in her stomach when she sees him or thinks about him. He is always on her mind. Another sign is the urge to go anywhere and do anything for him. She expressed to me that he will be joining the military after high school, and if they are still together, she will definitely follow him. And last, she said the sure sign that she is in love is in his kiss. She said that every kiss, even the short and sweet ones, are literally breathtaking.</div>
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As she told me this, my heart swelled with love for my little sister, her innocence, and this wonderful and exciting time of her young life. </div>
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It reminded me so much of my first love. I was 11 years old. The boy I was in love with was a neighborhood kid who I went to school with. He was kind of a bad boy, but he was sweet, funny, and a talented singer. We were good friends and talked on the phone constantly. That was usually the times he serenaded me with a song. I will never forget the first song he ever sang to me (If I ever Fall in Love by Shai). The very first poems I wrote were about this boy, and at the time I felt my fire for him was very strong and intense. Which is why I related to my sister's situation so well. I suppose us Torres girls are more in tune with our inner feelings. When it's love, they tend to float quickly to the surface, and we just know.</div>
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Whatever it is my sister is feeling, I'm really happy that she is experiencing it. I asked her if she was afraid to fall out of love - afraid of the pain that would surely follow - and she said no. Her exact words as she shrugged her shoulders were, "<i>YOLO</i>."</div>
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Gotta lover her :)</div>
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God has given us many gifts. But the gift of loving, and receiving love is one of the greatest gifts of all. Everyone is born with a talent. Some of us are blessed with many. But the one thing God has blessed us all with is the ability to love. </div>
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I am writing this in case someone out there has forgotten, I will remind you...</div>
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how to love...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">1. Speak.</span><br />
Speak kind, positive, and encouraging words. Words have the ability to heal, or cause sickness. They can inspire growth, or hesitation. Form your words carefully.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">2. Touch.</span><br />
Do not underestimate the power of a kiss or a hug. Love can be translated into many forms of physical gestures. When words fail, action saves the day...and a life.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">3. Relate.</span><br />
Show compassion and grace. Understand the long and hard journey of those before you. Everyone has a different story, but our paths are few and familiar.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">4. Receive.</span><br />
Open up and accept love when it is given. Love has the incredible ability to build you up and make you strong, even when you feel vulnerable and weak.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">5. Forgive.</span><br />
Let go of all debts and bitterness. Loving is choosing to accept an imperfect person in a world that strives for perfection. Love can not be without forgiveness. Seeds of resentment will stall love in turn stalling your peace of mind and heart.<br />
<br />NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-20694566698058884042012-06-06T21:03:00.000-07:002012-06-06T21:17:29.465-07:00In my words: One year later... Teaching.Today marks the one year anniversary of my teaching career.<br />
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Yes, I survived my first year. Do I have any more years left in me? Definitely.<br />
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It is common knowledge that teaching is one of the most demanding jobs around. On a daily basis, I find myself wearing not only a teacher hat, but also a mother, nurse, social worker, janitor, and referee hat. Although, carrying all of these titles daily seem a bit overwhelming, I find myself enjoying the hustle and bustle of teaching pre-k at a non-profit agency that has served families for many years. Even when I'm overwhelmed, at the end of the day, I really do feel a sense of fulfillment. I would describe the feeling as running a marathon for eight hours straight. Once you hit that finish line, you're exhausted, probably a little cranky, but you're also overcome by this feeling of accomplishment. However, there are those days where you don't feel so great and accomplished. Somedays it truly feels like I ran an eight hour long marathon. I feel rundown, unappreciated, overworked, and just plain ol' tired.<br />
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Just recently, I've been having a hard time finding that enjoyment I once had in teaching. Some transitions were made that shook up my world, and to be honest, I am having a hard time coping. These circumstances are making it difficult for me to teach and manage my classroom in a way that allows me to actually enjoy my job as a teacher. However, I know this is something that I have to get through. I have to man up, accept these changes and keep telling myself, "<i>This too shall pass.</i>" Like everything else in life, teaching has it's pros, cons, ups, and downs.<br />
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One thing is certain... I know this is the field of work I belong in. Putting my current feelings aside, I feel a great sense of duty and pride in teaching children, opening up the world to them, and teaching them the foundations that will help them become descent, educated, independent, conscious members of their communities. I am hopeful because of them. Always.NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-54409095009679836882012-06-05T21:57:00.001-07:002012-06-06T21:39:44.325-07:00My favorite things about summer...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Block parties.</span><br />
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Poolside view while the sun browns my skin.<br />
Which means, hello freckles...goodbye pale legs.<br />
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Outdoor movie screening at Penn's Landing (Definitely doing it this year!)</div>
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Rain after many days of scorching heat.</div>
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Sporadic BBQs = A great excuse to eat, drink, and play<br />
dominos/board games/bingo with family and friends.<br />
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Two words - Jersey Shore (and no, not the show).<br />
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Cherry water ice and the red stain it leaves on my lips and tongue.</div>
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My birthday (August 12th).<br />
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Easy, casual summer dresses.</div>
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Melting ice cubes against my skin for relief on really hot days.</div>
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These are a few of my favorite summer things. </div>
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What are yours?</div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-68774220192351920662012-06-04T20:44:00.000-07:002012-06-04T20:46:38.599-07:00Set my night on fire...<div>
Words can't explain how relevant this song is to my life right now. I discovered this gem months ago and I haven't stopped listening since. His voice, the words - everything is just...</div>
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</div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-80240568824988516332012-05-21T19:30:00.003-07:002012-05-21T19:30:52.786-07:00I'm alive...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-47834858145891580992012-01-21T17:36:00.000-08:002012-01-21T17:36:50.391-08:00Letter to an ex...If things between you and I worked out, you wouldn't be marrying the girl of your dreams right now. You would probably still be with.....me. God is funny. I'm happy for you.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
The One That Got AwayNV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-45112734239030915832012-01-03T03:33:00.000-08:002012-01-03T03:43:16.045-08:00Sleepless in Northside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First of all, I want to wish all of you a happy new year. May 2012 bring many blessings into your life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second, I'm writing this morning because I have been up all night. Yes, another sleepless night here in northside. So I figured since I am going to be up, I might as well do something productive with my time. And that's when I decided to record and post this little video of me reading a poem. Just something a little different for the new year. Let me know if you want more of this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyRH0nsQKao6M6jUouWAnJDrMKa7MGWpS5BBF9P4xgwFyyPT2wdjZ3JgMPaCDENNhVwRZ7i5OpLLYI4fqtZ_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-42801994900615618422011-10-04T01:14:00.000-07:002011-10-04T01:35:12.419-07:00For the man who loves my pilgrim soul...It was after dusk when the mosquito tweeted<br />
I must have felt the blood leaving <br />
I must have sensed a piece of myself <br />
lusted by something uninvited - a nomad of the night<br />
<br />
The sudden twitch of my body woke you<br />
With one hand under my nightgown,<br />
you searched my back for the small opening of life released<br />
It's itchy aftermath<br />
<br />
But you found it<br />
And like the perfect host,<br />
you rubbed the wound <br />
until sleep came without a fight<br />
<br />
It was dawn <br />
when I noticed the shape of your beard <br />
and the divine nature of your eyes meeting the winking sun<br />
You left me breathless<br />
<br />
I kissed your native lips <br />
to catch your breath,<br />
and to muster enough heart to request one last beautiful sleep<br />
for the road.<br />
<br />NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-78197470649437962202011-08-08T22:15:00.000-07:002011-08-08T22:15:24.921-07:00Three Films...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrek6zbqBbEBPwgEpbtfbxMuFhyphenhyphenaV32yVYxA8BdCjnogQZlbIqzgwKATU6yUfnzZdRGOftqpGqx7u8K8-gPU8MZnInw415XfzyjQv_E9OEj8N9mob4zC3WgRFFUGJAkkXVvGQz6sEudN4/s1600/10-days-you-challenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrek6zbqBbEBPwgEpbtfbxMuFhyphenhyphenaV32yVYxA8BdCjnogQZlbIqzgwKATU6yUfnzZdRGOftqpGqx7u8K8-gPU8MZnInw415XfzyjQv_E9OEj8N9mob4zC3WgRFFUGJAkkXVvGQz6sEudN4/s1600/10-days-you-challenge.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Day 3...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Three</span> Films</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cRdxXPV9GNQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;">Avatar</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aside from it bringing back fond memories, this film is, graphically, by far one of the best films I've ever seen. I also love the storyline. As a society, we can learn so much from this film.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2DLGwlkvaKM?rel=0" width="480"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;">My Girl</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This movie pretty much defined me as a child. I could so relate to Vada.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DPaqpjtIDTc?rel=0" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;">Raising Victor Vargas</div><div style="text-align: center;">This movie is everything. I always rave about this film because of it's content and it's raw and realistic depiction of urban living. Love this film.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-15496755844708975582011-08-02T21:18:00.000-07:002011-08-02T21:36:32.772-07:00Two Songs...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuWNPk51qUSvt52TbHWrqLuq8BDuXWhMI-4_ZqU6igOIiY1a7ayYDynObIZWhXU5uMKdbjoVZK_JZHGwdjJjjhLguFvamKwTWp4H9Ny8qd2cYSrEP33z1CUvk692DYA2xyvpt1gye1vM/s1600/10-days-you-challenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuWNPk51qUSvt52TbHWrqLuq8BDuXWhMI-4_ZqU6igOIiY1a7ayYDynObIZWhXU5uMKdbjoVZK_JZHGwdjJjjhLguFvamKwTWp4H9Ny8qd2cYSrEP33z1CUvk692DYA2xyvpt1gye1vM/s1600/10-days-you-challenge.png" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Day 2...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Two</span> songs</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V8fBwBCGnk0?rel=0" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
"Here" by Aslyn. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This song kept playing over and over in my head the night before my grandfather passed away. My family and I were gathered around him by his bed at the hospital. I remember not wanting to leave him and being in denial. I didn't think it would be the last time I would see him alive. But it was. He passed away the following morning.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AFO46grxLJ0?rel=0" width="480"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Daydreamin" by Lupe Fiasco</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is one of my favorite songs of all time! There's something about this song that gives me the chills every time I hear it. Maybe it's the beat, or Jill Scott's voice. Whatever it is, this song excites me.</div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-87383202040011192022011-08-01T04:02:00.000-07:002011-08-01T04:05:27.762-07:00Allow me to re-introduce myself, my name is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfogl9nJvcnBVWEhV__XG43PXI0eb4gl6hGKmRAlElBRqacd7qvqo6COWLxs1KrSoTVMRCVj23EEaWemkWajvhOoFFhucCW2cGKp6ZxzigolxVBd_EXo8_peGNdymOFNmbzCzyzlstMok/s1600/10-days-you-challenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfogl9nJvcnBVWEhV__XG43PXI0eb4gl6hGKmRAlElBRqacd7qvqo6COWLxs1KrSoTVMRCVj23EEaWemkWajvhOoFFhucCW2cGKp6ZxzigolxVBd_EXo8_peGNdymOFNmbzCzyzlstMok/s1600/10-days-you-challenge.png" /></a></div><br />
Since I have been away, I have gotten a few subscribers (thank you!). And since we are now in the month of August, which happens to be my birth month, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to take part in the <i>10 Day You Challenge</i>. It will give my new readers to get to know me a little better - re-introduce myself as the girl behind the poetry. <br />
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<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Day 1 of the 10 Day You Challenge...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">One</span> picture of yourself</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWIeEWE48fCamCy0la8g9g-gQuyHm70dkkV_BhEed6MCzPtl_7YZ18R4xvoGGATO64AJqr2SaQxDUYhF59oYRUAQG_3UuYgE5rWz6zuWsmQVV-WC7hf1-fO_0Em-SPMnlXiCOEB6fuAw/s1600/tumblr_loxaz5dMr11qfybwao1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWIeEWE48fCamCy0la8g9g-gQuyHm70dkkV_BhEed6MCzPtl_7YZ18R4xvoGGATO64AJqr2SaQxDUYhF59oYRUAQG_3UuYgE5rWz6zuWsmQVV-WC7hf1-fO_0Em-SPMnlXiCOEB6fuAw/s1600/tumblr_loxaz5dMr11qfybwao1_500.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This photo was taken about a week ago. </div><div style="text-align: center;">For years, I struggled to love my curly, unruly hair. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is me finally embracing my curly tresses. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this photo. I will love it for a very long time.</div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-68082117058696914612011-07-27T20:24:00.000-07:002011-07-27T20:24:31.986-07:00Dear Amy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ8bwckWjogowfVA0lxBZ7-1xXP6AFBmRbBjDjncQXwcBUEr3oL6XZuofeuXP9KWyqb4gj6sDX5UwB2vheziaMQ4WPlW9hwNYN3l9UPfTZDRqMIBFDX3cYsFpQQqFmEBR2RYSUwYL8ac/s1600/amy_winehouse_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ8bwckWjogowfVA0lxBZ7-1xXP6AFBmRbBjDjncQXwcBUEr3oL6XZuofeuXP9KWyqb4gj6sDX5UwB2vheziaMQ4WPlW9hwNYN3l9UPfTZDRqMIBFDX3cYsFpQQqFmEBR2RYSUwYL8ac/s400/amy_winehouse_2011.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your voice had our ears. Your lyrics had our hearts. You had us...praying. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We prayed you would grow the strength to battle the demons that stucked you in night. We prayed because you had us. And we had you...even if for a little while.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
We love you Amy. We hope you are at peace now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fQTOGTV9_BA?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-52976399980878120992011-07-16T15:59:00.000-07:002011-07-16T15:59:30.026-07:00The grip of Love...I came across this picture the other day on <a href="http://nillahoneydips.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>. It is from the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0199725/">Love & Basketball</a>. The way he is embracing her, the placement of his hands, and the expression on his face is everything. It's almost as if he is holding her up. The gentle way his fingers are spread says that he wants her to feel the wholeness of his embrace, and at the same time he is trying not to let an inch of her being slip through his fingers. To me, this photo represents not only love, but the genuine need and want of another individual. I hope everyone is embraced this way at least once in their lifetime.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-mQPscSv55leJwYcwzEYPYZI7FCUHeI-N2_q0okQK9FOouPNWC_OobFNhMIfUHBX5r_182xwvpY7rtXsuvPa0-LgJ8Q7m7WGPfvmsgMORgw8ImnpR1bM92qG2Gqr8fmjgOTtPO30_ew/s1600/tumblr_loar32j4w11qmytwgo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-mQPscSv55leJwYcwzEYPYZI7FCUHeI-N2_q0okQK9FOouPNWC_OobFNhMIfUHBX5r_182xwvpY7rtXsuvPa0-LgJ8Q7m7WGPfvmsgMORgw8ImnpR1bM92qG2Gqr8fmjgOTtPO30_ew/s640/tumblr_loar32j4w11qmytwgo1_500.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-45049632921192391422011-07-08T00:18:00.000-07:002011-07-18T11:42:51.893-07:00Are you there Blog? It's me, NV...I have been a very, very bad blogger. I know.<br />
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Nonetheless, it is about 2:30 am here in the heart of Northside and once again I am up, surfing the web when I realized that this thing is way overdue for a post and update, sooo..an update --> <br />
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I recently finished up my third semester of school, started a new job, and now I am entering my fourth (and final) semester at my college and I cannot wait! Also, I am in the very early stages of writing my third collection of poetry. And like before, I have no real deadline for publication. You know how I roll ;) Other than that, la vida es grand!<br />
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I can honestly say that at this moment in my life I am receiving an almost overwhelming abundance of blessings. <br />
<a name='more'></a>Though I have closed a couple chapters in my life in the past couple of months, it was all for the better. They say all is well that ends well, and they are right. The closing of those chapters have made way for other opportunities to flourish. Lately, I have felt more secure and more aware of the things I need to live by my own standards. I am making better decisions and learning to listen to that inner voice that I ignored for so long. I am being completely selfish with my time and energy, and for once I do not feel guilty about it. I have not felt this free in a while. I can see my life building upon itself and for the first time in a very long time, all the blocks and pieces are starting to make sense again. I am starting to see the pay off of my hard work and efforts, which has rejuvenated me. It has motivated me to keep things moving while allowing God and the sun to come through. Best of all, I realized that I have to allow this little space that I have created here to be the vessel in which the sun shines through. Which means that I will continue to utilize this blog as the keeper of my words. Trust when I say, there is definitely more sunshine to come.<br />
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I hope you are all enjoying your summer. Also, thank you to my new subscribers and to those who have shown my blog some good old lovin' while I was gone. I truly appreciate you all and your comments. Thank you! <br />
Follow my <a href="http://nillahoneydips.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/NillaHoney">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nillaandhoney">Facebook</a> if you have not already.<br />
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Off to my date with Mr. Sandman I go...<br />
Peace & Sunshine.NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-81855234553814497622011-04-23T23:43:00.000-07:002011-07-18T11:38:19.801-07:00Strangers, freckles, and a window seat...I had a really nice conversation with a man the other day on my way to school.<br />
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I was on the bus, and it was crowded and hot. I was already in a bad mood because I was stressed over school work... and the bus was late, so when it pulled up and I saw there were no seats available for me to set my heavy school bag, I was quickly annoyed. So there I am, forcing my way through the front crowd. Apparently, there is a bus monster of some sort that will eat your toes if you step to the back of the bus so everyone crowds the front (did I mention I hate public transportation and people). Anyway, I finally make it to back and a man offers me the window seat next to him. I guess he could see the annoyed expression on my face. Now, usually I would opt to stand the whole ride (I wasn't going that far), but for some reason I took the seat. I was in a bad mood, my bag was really heavy, so what the hell. Now the guy starts talking to me. Great.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
He started making small talk and asked me how I was doing, "Are you going to work?", "What's a pretty girl like you doing in this neighborhood?"...yada yada yada. I wasn't feeling it. When I told him I was on my way to school, he went on about how he had went to college and got a degree in Sociology. He told me my freckles reminded him of his sister and his mother who he cared for deeply. He said he had a passion for helping people and how a string of bad decisions had strayed him away from a lifestyle he hoped to get back to. Instantly, my mood started to change. I related to him, and for a second I felt like it was just me and him on the bus. Have you ever met someone like that? Someone who can just engage you into a conversation where you almost forget your surroundings? I mean, this guy wasn't the most handsome or polish looking. He was scruffy, and I could tell he was going through a rough moment in life. I think he just wanted someone to talk to that morning. He's telling me about a job he lost, and next thing you know, I'm one stop away from my school. I told him I had to get off, but it was really nice talking. Then, he looked me right in my eyes and told me to keep dreaming, never give up, and that he wished me nothing but the best. I wished him good luck and a pleasant day. And I meant it.<br />
<br />
That conversation was exactly what I needed that morning. It goes to show how much we can offer each other, if we just take the time to listen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCygCoI3tf81L49aEUxfNOBa2oFOhxksnMuebHiAXKPivoT229X-UtVOXGjfTE3lojhOfcYa1vIsNMCSjwhAD0KleEYsGshdhq8FjJzUb5kBauFq-QY-vTV_NXf-3g0w8ObwF0663Ws2U/s1600/3414seats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCygCoI3tf81L49aEUxfNOBa2oFOhxksnMuebHiAXKPivoT229X-UtVOXGjfTE3lojhOfcYa1vIsNMCSjwhAD0KleEYsGshdhq8FjJzUb5kBauFq-QY-vTV_NXf-3g0w8ObwF0663Ws2U/s400/3414seats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-65513345965006152222011-04-22T04:06:00.000-07:002011-07-18T11:31:58.344-07:00foto booth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcb808Vd7lVJe4gxSSkJTFSTzhTTvcd6LeE59upFrffk7hAr4ZvBh-g-G__I39WXgXhHN3a152BiBfTMzVNwf7KRyRZoi4J4sYN_bBPg2z7D9rga_gxwh0ti99QkotIhJk6eJNkL4M1k/s400/IMAG0918.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAIqDZYNwU2QfKyqY8fMYGOvaunJpFvvS_6kV9DaMSyTjWsgyQQJzPVvozqrGZM9DgTCItwnifiS0utYO_VAsf_oGZLPySrZwr4yKYZ3HYDYy-vv_BeR92CNyN8aPllW_Cpe66FV8yFA/s400/IMAG0709.jpg" width="400" /></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYfMHLF0x3sarQEnXIma__nZqz_b3-W4HhNXD5Kq8s0fVUQOFaoyzgOnAmL09GYUMIOVcN4F_ai_OvFOgQw8YiImxknU92dRJz__NeCArw4BudR7IPdEKtxc0LCa0VDRMtX5AquBdYaE/s400/IMAG0636.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTN-5GP9puc2k9Ym6wZEPC75HQjskmBFxPQopRurrhvkApNFFxHajbuiJvVcxZ1gzB8rU69ibZyIAPWkmuflGSf_LRzTMABBB_cRe-Ergh8fZ9tV5ftDbadQ9l08tszvVsX3LbGox-Qk/s400/IMAG0640.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhwut5HCniFvvbJd869IYmZsriy3cbJfx1gp70G51hXtgruK-kPBuyCToONjGUBFg811F8bvXIvdgVwTSKtQZxz8DwCYmSXUJgBU0FeXqvK7-m2-VCL3F3kLcfxbebuU9uvo9bPpK0YI/s400/IMAG0693.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDSP7gWinou1-FpQlW7dO-KjtQtGNJie6VBEz0XF2XPn8FDmALr9OYGIYsSo29EC9joij8dI2nU-hRMm7SHRoJdMR0DbEdMF8A_WzyeNzFQN3lyqma_YoT6tr-WfiyL7Du2DENqQMf5s/s400/IMAG0827.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXFs6371uqCz-sKKIaWlmZ0e3SC9vjJKs2sbQDy-q0pDKy5WXdIub4Njv0uUB_e0dQhDDl-J7k4y-hI22cWcvmnjKXcPTvLTe3dOr-rs35JKfAWbaMGm4d_t0qYlgTlm-HXcp7l5UuB8/s400/IMAG0917.jpg" width="400" /></div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-48598589334753354392011-04-19T23:35:00.000-07:002011-07-18T11:40:35.163-07:00To receive everything...<div style="text-align: center;"><i>“To receive everything, one must open one’s hands and give.” – Taisen Deshimaru </i></div><br />
They say hands are tools we use to give, to lend, to make love, and to make hate. Some time ago, I dated a guy who loved holding my hand. He once proclaimed that he could hold my hand all day if possible. And he did. All through the city, he led me. Our hands tightly clamped to each other and our arms just swinging into the wind. For a while, I thought he had a hand fetish (which I probably would have been okay with - to each it's own, right?). Well, it turned out he just really liked holding hands. However, for some reason his constant desire to hold my hand made me uncomfortable. While I appreciated the gesture, the combination of our sweat accumulating into a warm puddle in the middle of our palms made me cringe. It sounds gross, but that was the way it played out in my mind. I knew I was wrong and I felt awful for feeling this way.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Really, who the heck was I to deny myself a friendly hand? A harmless, single, lonely touch? I denied myself a simple connection with another human being because...? Nonetheless, it did not work out between us. It went beyond the hand holding, although it still bothers me that I could not even accept that tiny slice of intimacy. I was so closed off then. Hurting. <br />
<br />
If you are wondering why I am sharing this it's because there is a lesson to be learned here. I learned something while reflecting back on this isolated moment in my life. We can not deny ourselves the good things. Hands are our connection to each other. Because of them, we are able to give and receive. If someone reaches for your hand, your help, or your love, stretch yourself and grab theirs. In this world today, we shouldn't waste our time fearing, judging, and over-thinking. I learned that it's got to be love from here on out. So, if another gentleman appears out of the blue and asks if he could hold my hand, I would let him...all day if he liked. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JeBm46WJOxQ" title="YouTube video player" width="425"></iframe> </div>NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-69445527548648437202011-04-01T09:03:00.000-07:002011-04-01T09:05:47.740-07:00Hope and I hustle on the same block...It's been a while since I posted poetry so here you go...written this morning so I'm posting as is. <br />
PS. Happy National Poetry Month!<br />
<br />
<b>Hope and I Hustle on the Same Block</b><br />
<br />
I am<br />
an abomination of everything you once thought was real<br />
I am a dreamer<br />
I am everything good that you thought had flown away with the helicopters in your ghetto of dreams<br />
Didn’t you notice?<br />
I am the earnest voice you couldn’t hear over the bullets<br />
I am NOT the slick movement behind closed doors -<br />
The shade that conceals the other side of the window<br />
They don’t call me sunshine for nothing…<br />
<br />
My love<br />
I am NOT your baby’s mama –<br />
Your sole piece of drama<br />
I am NOT the warm, cozy and tight little<br />
hole of the night that you can’t find the energy to hold<br />
I am NOT your landlord<br />
Your dreams can live within me rent-free as long as they grow<br />
I am that photo of Parisian lights that you come back to every now and then<br />
just to assure yourself that you too will one day come alive in its luminosity<br />
<br />
I am NOT your mother<br />
With me, nothing is easy<br />
and unconditional love is a limited time offer<br />
I am the best of you<br />
You are not the best parts of me<br />
Nor will my body part for you and your forces..…yet.<br />
<br />
See,<br />
I’m hard like Monday<br />
But in the core, I am truly Friday<br />
I am the break at the end of a hard week that<br />
you have to earn and<br />
work for<br />
<br />
But I don’t own slaves<br />
I am NOT your global leader<br />
I am your pusher<br />
Your pen<br />
Your brush<br />
I am a painter<br />
Sit for me<br />
and then,<br />
only then<br />
can I paint you<br />
a brave world.NV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308278228882560274.post-63045084350719917572011-03-10T13:08:00.000-08:002011-07-18T11:30:04.994-07:00Sharing is caring...<b style="color: #666666;"><i> </i>I found this online and absolutely loved it so much that I wanted to share it. Click <a href="http://therumpus.net/2011/02/dear-sugar-the-rumpus-advice-column-64/">HERE</a> for the original post.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Dear Sugar,<br />
<br />
I read your column religiously. I’m 22. From what I can tell by your writing, you’re in your early 40s. My question is short and sweet: what would you tell your 20-something self if you could talk to her now?<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Seeking Wisdom</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Seeking Wisdom,<br />
<br />
Stop worrying about whether you’re fat. You’re not fat. Or rather, you’re sometimes a little bit fat, but who gives a shit? There is nothing more boring and fruitless than a woman lamenting the fact that her stomach is round. Feed <br />
<a name='more'></a>yourself. Literally. The sort of people worthy of your love will love you more for this, sweet pea.<br />
<br />
In the middle of the night in the middle of your twenties when your best woman friend crawls naked into your bed, straddles you, and says, You should run away from me before I devour you, believe her.<br />
<br />
You are not a terrible person for wanting to break up with someone you love. You don’t need a reason to leave. Wanting to leave is enough. Leaving doesn’t mean you’re incapable of real love or that you’ll never love anyone else again. It doesn’t mean you’re morally bankrupt or psychologically demented or a nymphomaniac. It means you wish to change the terms of one particular relationship. That’s all. Be brave enough to break your own heart.<br />
<br />
When that really sweet but fucked up gay couple invites you over to their cool apartment to do ecstasy with them, say no.<br />
<br />
There are some things you can’t understand yet. Your life will be a great and continuous unfolding. It’s good you’ve worked hard to resolve childhood issues while in your twenties, but understand that what you resolve will need to be resolved again. And again. You will come to know things that can only be known with the wisdom of age and the grace of years. Most of those things will have to do with forgiveness.<br />
<br />
One evening you will be rolling around on the wooden floor of your apartment with a man who will tell you he doesn’t have a condom. You will smile in this spunky way that you think is hot and tell him to fuck you anyway. This will be a mistake for which you alone will pay.<br />
<br />
Don’t lament so much about how your career is going to turn out. You don’t have a career. You have a life. Do the work. Keep the faith. Be true blue. You are a writer because you write. Keep writing and quit your bitching. Your book has a birthday. You don’t know what it is yet.<br />
<br />
You cannot convince people to love you. This is an absolute rule. No one will ever give you love because you want him or her to give it. Real love moves freely in both directions. Don’t waste your time on anything else.<br />
<br />
Most things will be okay eventually, but not everything will be. Sometimes you’ll put up a good fight and lose. Sometimes you’ll hold on really hard and realize there is no choice but to let go. Acceptance is a small, quiet room.<br />
<br />
One hot afternoon during the era in which you’ve gotten yourself ridiculously tangled up with heroin you will be riding the bus and thinking what a worthless piece of crap you are when a little girl will get on the bus holding the strings of two purple balloons. She’ll offer you one of the balloons, but you won’t take it because you believe you no longer have a right to such tiny beautiful things. You’re wrong. You do.<br />
<br />
Your assumptions about the lives of others are in direct relation to your naïve pomposity. Many people you believe to be rich are not rich. Many people you think have it easy worked hard for what they got. Many people who seem to be gliding right along have suffered and are suffering. Many people who appear to you to be old and stupidly saddled down with kids and cars and houses were once every bit as hip and pompous as you.<br />
<br />
When you meet a man in the doorway of a Mexican restaurant who later kisses you while explaining that this kiss doesn’t “mean anything” because, much as he likes you, he is not interested in having a relationship with you or anyone right now, just laugh and kiss him back. Your daughter will have his sense of humor. Your son will have his eyes.<br />
<br />
The useless days will add up to something. The shitty waitressing jobs. The hours writing in your journal. The long meandering walks. The hours reading poetry and story collections and novels and dead people’s diaries and wondering about sex and God and whether you should shave under your arms or not. These things are your becoming.<br />
<br />
One Christmas at the very beginning of your twenties when your mother gives you a warm coat that she saved for months to buy, don’t look at her skeptically after she tells you she thought the coat was perfect for you. Don’t hold it up and say it’s longer than you like your coats to be and too puffy and possibly even too warm. Your mother will be dead by spring. That coat will be the last gift she gave you. You will regret the small thing you didn’t say for the rest of your life.<br />
<br />
Say thank you.<br />
<br />
Yours,<br />
SugarNV Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317829371135500031noreply@blogger.com0