30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Someone I wish could forgive me...(Day 13)

Dear Self,

I wish you could forgive me. The past, the decisions you have made, the set-ups and down falls, the negative thoughts, intentional bodily harm, the heartache and torture - I wish you could forgive me for all of it. You are my responsibility. In the beginning of the year, I promised myself that I would take better care of you. I promised that I would love you and be kind to your body, emotions, dreams and spirit. I promised that you, my goddess, would be untouchable. There are days when I struggle to keep it together. And there are days when I think I have failed at keeping my promise. Please forgive me for those days. In the end, you are the only one for me. I am nothing without you.

With everlasting and unconditional love,
Me

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Person that I hate/caused me pain...(Day 12)

Dear Poverty,

I've known you since I was born. Before I even knew you existed, you were apart of my life - you were already apart of my history. When will you disappear? So many suffer because of you. So many people who lack basic everyday necessities (shelter, food, clean water, etc..) go without it. Do you understand how difficult life is without healthcare and a quality education? Some say poverty is a mindset, but I believe it's a reality that we must, first, take in and second, take action against. We must recognize you exist. I wish people would stop sugar-coating your effect on the living. They say we are where we are because of our poor decisions. Truth is we were born into you. We are oppressed by you. How can we come up when resources are constantly taken away? How can we come up when we are forced to attend the poorest schools? How can we escape from your strong grip when we are too weak from illness and hunger. You are unjust and hurtful. No one deserves to suffer in your name.

Tell your friends to spread the wealth around the world. Bring back basic human rights. I promise, your greed will be forgiven.

Sincerely,
Freedom Fighter

Let the Dollar Circulate by Billy Paul

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Deceased person I wish I could talk to...(Day 11)

Felipe Ortiz

July 27, 1926 - June 2, 2006

Dear Welo,

This is actually my second letter to you. I left the first letter in your hands the day we said our final goodbye. Nothing has been the same since you passed that rainy Friday morning. Wela hasn't been the same. The family is still struggling to take care of her. She has Alzheimer's now (your suspicions were right), and she is battling breast cancer. This year has been a tough one for our family, but we are getting through it. Did you know it rained the whole week leading up to your burial? Just thought you should know. You are missed so much every day. Going to the house that you shared with Wela for over 40 years doesn't quite feel the same. Whenever I am there, I know in my heart something is missing. Your presence. Perhaps I got too accustomed to entering, walking over to your favorite chair and greeting you with a kiss and a "Bendición". I wish I could hear you sing that little song you used to sing when I was around. You remember, the song with my name? It's funny and unfortunate how the little things seem to only matter when they are greatly missed. I think I just expected you to always be there. Did I truly believe you would always be there when I came through that door? I think part of me did. But the other part knew you wouldn't, especially when I realized your health was fading. I was in denial. It took me a while to acknowledge the fact that you were sick because I couldn't stand the reality of losing you. There was so much I wanted to say to you. There was so much I wanted to ask you. There was so much I wanted to know about you and Wela and your life together in Puerto Rico; your life before the seven children. I wanted to hear in your own words where you met and the exact song that was playing when you first saw her. I wanted you to tell me about your time in Korea and how it changed your view on the world. A young Puerto Rican man who had never left the island, I am sure the war rocked your entire world. I still want to know, and the pain of possibly never knowing is paralyzing. I regret that we never really talked about your amazing life and it hurts so much that I will never get to really know the man who is my grandfather.

You had a wonderful life. You had great children, a beautiful wife who loved you so much. You were always surrounded by family and friends. You ate good. Drank good. I am at peace because I know we made your life great and worthwhile, and at the end, that's all that matters. I love you. I hope that you are resting peacefully, Welo.

Love always,
your granddaughter Vanessa


Ps: I was told that this was your favorite song because it was the song that was playing when you first met Wela. I listen to it whenever I am missing you.

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Someone I don’t talk to as much as I’d like to...(Day 10)

Dear S (aka Reesecup),

I don't think I've ever told you how amazing you are. Well, here is my chance to tell you. Since I was eleven, you have been a streak of positive light in my life. You have a love for life and adventure that I've never seen in anyone. Even after all that you've been through, you still manage to keep a smile, playful attitude, and generous heart. At times I wish I was more like you. I've always admired your strength and wisdom. You taught me the true meaning of friendship. Because of you, I've learned to love life a little more. I learned to appreciate the little things. Because of you, I've learned how to take in those special moments. I'll never forget the blizzard of '96, singing along to your mom's Green Day Dookie album, and the late night Snick adventures. Some of my happiest memories include you. There are times when I want to go back, but you've taught me how to cherish the memories and move forward.

The last conversation we had in May made me realize how much I really miss talking to you. It's crazy how we can just pick up like nothing and ignore the months in between. You already know I don't need to pick up the phone to let you know I am thinking about you. I think about you all the time. And I know you think about me. I know I will have you forever, and for that I am grateful. I can't wait until we hang out again.

Love always,
Vanessa (aka Caramel)

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Someone I wish I could meet...(Day 09)

Photo: ©2009-2010 *meppol

Dear Future Husband,

I know it seems kind of weird that I am writing this letter to you, but I want to take this opportunity to let you know a few things.

You may already know this before even meeting me, but I am not perfect. I worry...a lot. I am impatient at times. My past has caused me to keep my guard up. I've been hurt so there are times when I may need a little reassurance - just let me know you still love me. I am indecisive. When something is bothering me I tend to shutdown. I am sensitive. I am emotional. And I over think too much.

However, I will be your biggest fan. I believe in supporting one another's dreams and seeing that we hold each other accountable for our goals and aspirations. I am loving and considerate. I would do anything for the ones I love. I am a great listener. I am an admirer and lover of the simple and little things in life. It doesn't take much to make me happy. I am a dreamer, but I keep it real. I would love your family and friends no matter how crazy they are. I love people - I appreciate and respect different personalities types. I know how to compromise. I hate arguments and do my best to avoid them. I believe communication is the key to a lasting relationship with anyone. Most importantly, I would give you everything, but I expect everything from you. I give what I receive.

I wish I could meet you...soon (that's me being impatient), but I know time will bring you to me. I just ask that you do right by me. Don't do me wrong. Take care of me at my weakest. Be patient with me during the hard times. And love me always.

With love,
Future Wifey

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Internet Friend...(Day 08)

Dear K,

I think you are a great writer. And I've always told you not to worry, if continue writing and NEVER stop, you will get to where you want to go with your writing. But you have to be patient, disciplined, and willing to work at it even in those moments where you feel discouraged. You already know I've been there and you have helped and supported me in those times when I needed inspiration and a push.

You are young, talented and smart. This journey of finding your voice in poetry isn't going to be easy. I think it will never get easy. But you already have the talent and drive to keep going. I always expect greatness from you, and I'm happy to have witness your growth in the past three years. You came a long way from the Writer's Cafe. You are a great friend.

Love,
NV

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Ex-boyfriend...(Day 07)

Dear D,

Like our relationship, this will be short. I just want to thank you for helping me realize everything I want in a relationship. We were a mistake. There's no denying that, but the lessons I learned from our time together is valuable to me in ways I can not even describe. Truly.

So I won't waste my time by remembering the times you loved me, and the many times you physically and emotionally hurt me. I won't reminisce on the good and bad times. All you need to know from me is...we possessed those moments, and then we let them go. Only the lessons are meant to stay. And that's the way it goes...the way it's suppose to be.

I'll see you around.

Love,
Vanessa

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Stranger...(Day 06)

Dear Young girl on the 57 bus tonight,

You are loved. You are already everything you need in this world. Has anyone ever told you that you are beautiful even without the make-up, the short shorts, and belly baring t-shirt? I wish I had the courage to reach out to you and ease your discomfort from the stares of the older man sitting across the aisle. But the breaking of my heart as I watched you reciprocate a desperate stare kept me in my place - I was just a stranger who should mind her own business.

It's not fair. You are just a girl. Where did we go wrong as women? When did we stop helping our young girls discover the real beauty that lies inside of them - the beauty in the place where no man can ever reach? I wish I could tell you that clothes do not make you a woman, nor do they make you sexy. Male attention does not justify womanhood or true sexiness. Womanhood is confidence, self-awareness, experience, and wisdom. True sexiness is unseen. It is unspoken. It's not what we see or hear. It's a feeling that comes from loving ourselves - the good and the bad. I pray that you learn this someday.

Love,
Lady in the purple blouse, 3rd row window seat

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Dreams...(Day 05)

Photo: © 2010 =oO-Rein-Oo

Dear Dreams,

There are days where I can feel you manifesting in the palm of my hand. And on those days, anything is possible. But there are also days where you seem miles away like a long distant lover. I want to bring you closer. I want to feel you bloom. I want you all to myself. It has nothing to do with money, fame, or glory. But it has everything to do with my own happiness, personal fulfillment, and peace of mind. You are so simple, yet every day I wonder if I will ever have the opportunity to see you come true. Still, I will never let you down. I will never give you up to the wind. You will always belong to me as long as I believe. Be patient with me, dreams. I am on my way.

Love,
The Dreamer

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Sibling...(Day 04)

Dear "Knarf",

You are the only person who can make me laugh one minute, and curse you out five minutes later. Throughout your 22 years on this earth, you have definitely mastered the art of knowing what buttons to push. Nevertheless, like I said, you make me laugh and you do have a sweet and childlike heart that I pray you always keep. Being the two youngest in the family, you and I always stood together. Wherever I went, you went. My friends were yours, and yours were mine. Of course that changed as we got older. And even though you tend to forget sometimes that you are the little brother and I am the big sister, I thank you for always looking out for me and mom. I'm forever grateful to have you as a brother. I love you, dork.

Love,

your big sis Vaness

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Parents...(Day 03)

Dear Mom,

There are no words to describe my love for you. You have supported me through everything, and if not for you, I wouldn't be able to do half of the things I have done. Every thing I do, every decision I make is meant to make you proud.

I often think back on my childhood and replay those moments where you sacrificed and worked hard to take care of all of us. The moments where you struggled to keep our family afloat. I recognize it mom, and I thank you. We didn't have the best things, and life wasn't exactly like the lives of those on those family TV shows we used to watch, but it was the best life that you could provide for us. I wouldn't trade a second of it.

Thank you for giving me your name. I try every day to wear it with pride because I know you gave it to me for a reason. One day, the whole world will know it, and we will shine together. I love you.

Love,

Your daughter Nilsa Vanessa

~---------------------~

Dear Dad,

Read this.

Love,

Vanessa

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Crush...(Day 02)

Dear M,

When faced with the challenge of having to write a letter to my crush, I was stuck. I didn't know who to write this letter for, but then I thought: Who is someone I truly, genuinely like right now? Some one who stirs up those long lost middle school crush feelings in me. And of course you were the first person to pop into my head. It wasn't that hard after all.

I've only known you for a little over a year, but we both knew since the moment we met that there was an instant connection and chemistry between us. I still haven't figured out what it is about you. You still haven't figured me out either. Something tells me that it's a combination of natural attraction and simply the way we motivate and encourage each other to chase down our dreams. I support your music, and you support my poetry.

Most people wouldn't understand our relationship to each other. We both aren't prepared to jump into a relationship for reasons only you and I know. However, our friendship belongs to us. Only we understand what it all means, and to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way. I learned a lot from you not only as friend, but also as a guy. Thank you for the lessons, for listening, and for encouraging me.

I got love for you. Always will.

Love,

Sunshine

30 Day Letter Challenge - Dear Best Friend...(Day 01)

Dear J,

You are my oldest friend. We've been friends since you were 3 and I was 4 years old. I was the shy, chubby new girl on the block, and you were a wild and carefree little thing. Opposites from the very beginning. We've seen each other through a lot...a fire, a divorce, and so much more. And although we don't talk or hang out as much as we used to (you have your babies, and I have...me), I want you to know when I look back on the life that I lived so far, most of the happiest moments include you. Sometimes I wish you knew that you have a thriving spirit inside of you that will carry you through the darkest of nights. It has gotten you this far, so trust in it.

Like a sister, you are someone who I know will always be in my life no matter what, and just knowing that makes me smile. I'm here always.

Love,

"Vinissa"

A Challenge - 30 Letters, 30 Days

I've been following a lot of interesting blogs lately, but mostly "fat-shion" blogs that are dedicated to plus-size fashion and curvy girl image acceptance. Being a plus-size girl myself, its interesting and I must admit empowering to see a community of women unite and support one another through blogs that promote positive body image, self-esteem, and of course, fashion.

But...this blog isn't about plus-size fashion. I will save that for another day:) This blog is about a challenge that I notice a lot of bloggers are doing and that is the 30 Day Letter Challenge! Basically how it works is everyday for 30 days you write a letter to a different person/thing in your life. Basic, simple, and fun.

I want to do this challenge because (1) I thought it would be cool to see what I can come up with for each day, (2) I don't ever participate in blog challenges so I think this will be good for me - gives me something to blog about, (3) I'm thirsty for inspiration. I'm hoping (and praying) this challenge will pull me out of the drought.

Here are the recipients of the letters for each day:

Day 1 — Your Best Friend
Day 2 — Your Crush
Day 3 — Your parents
Day 4 — Your sibling (or closest relative)

Day 5 — Your dreams

Day 6 — A stranger

Day 7 — Your Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/love/crush

Day 8 — Your favorite internet friend

Day 9 — Someone you wish you could meet

Day 10 — Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to

Day 11 — A Deceased person you wish you could talk to

Day 12 — The person you hate most/caused you a lot of pain

Day 13 — Someone you wish could forgive you

Day 14 — Someone you’ve drifted away from

Day 15 — The person you miss the most

Day 16 — Someone that’s not in your state/country

Day 17 — Someone from your childhood

Day 18 — The person that you wish you could be

Day 19 — Someone that pesters your mind—good or bad

Day 20 — The one that broke your heart the hardest

Day 21 — Someone you judged by their first impression

Day 22 — Someone you want to give a second chance to

Day 23 — The last person you kissed

Day 24 — The person that gave you your favorite memory

Day 25 — The person you know that is going through the worst of times

Day 26 — The last person you made a pinky promise to

Day 27 — The friendliest person you knew for only one day

Day 28 — Someone that changed your life

Day 29 — The person that you want tell everything to, but too afraid to

Day 30 — Your reflection in the mirror

First letter to my best friend will be up tomorrow! If you're down for the challenge, I also encourage you to give it a go.

Anyways...Have a great, safe weekend everyone and I will leave you with this song by Adele called "Make You Feel My Love". I am OBSESSED with this song!