If you are still with me...

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...

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.

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, Northside Cries and Lullabies. 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 Coming,  is way overdue!

Coming 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. 

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. 

Just wait on it, xoxo.

-nv

In my words: One year later... Teaching.

Today marks the one year anniversary of my teaching career.

Yes, I survived my first year. Do I have any more years left in me? Definitely.

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.

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, "This too shall pass." Like everything else in life, teaching has it's pros, cons, ups, and downs.

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.

Are you there Blog? It's me, NV...

I have been a very, very bad blogger. I know.

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 -->

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!

I can honestly say that at this moment in my life I am receiving an almost overwhelming abundance of blessings.

Another year...

Hello World!

I'm trying to enjoy the rest of my summer and do the whole school thing, all while trying to blog and write more. Forgive me. And, in case you were wondering, I did not post all of my letters from last month's 30 Day Letter Challenge because it was getting too personal. Sorry!

Anyway, I celebrated another year of life last week :) It was truly one of the best weekends ever! I had a great time with family and friends. Check the flicks...

I'd like to make a very special SHOUT OUT out to all the new subscribers to my blog, as well as the new followers on Twitter! Much love and sunshine to you all!!!!

I hope you are all taking the time to enjoy this crazy summer :) Be safe and good!

xox

Book Signing Update!...con fotos!

Hello good people! Well, I know its been a while since my last blog post. To be honest I really don't have an excuse since I have been out of school since mid-May. However I go back mid-July, which means I will make it my duty to blog as much as possible before my brain goes back into school mode. Promise.

I just want to share a few photos from my book signing last month, which was a complete success by the way! I was really nervous about turn-out, but everything came along very well that night with the support of my family, friends, and the night's awesome host, YTG - fellow poet (I'm a lucky girl).

Anyway, I usually get really nervous before any show, but some reason I was really dreading having to speak and read at this event. I think the nerves were a combination of it being my first book signing event, and the fact that I would be reading in front of family and friends, some who have never seen me read before. However, I have to say that because of their presence, I actually felt really comfortable up there. I felt more at ease than usual :)It was definitely a night to remember! I remember having a much needed drink with my friends afterwards over at the bar area and feeling so...accomplished! I remember my friend Helen saying with a smile, "take it all in, sweetheart". And I remember trying really hard to take in the moment and the feeling, and part of me did. But the other part of me was ready to move along and take on more. I think the book signing was exactly what I needed to keep pushing along this crazy journey I got myself into. I'll keep pushing for myself, for Northside, and for every person who was there to support me and my poetry. More than ever, I am ready to do more and to be more.

So while I leave you all to prepare myself for my next "thing", I will leave you with a small glimpse of that special night...

Ps: As far as writing goes, things are looking a little....dry. Just a little bit. So I decided I'm going to pick up a few poetry books to read over the summer. Any suggestions??

Book Release PARRRRTAY!

Come join me welcome as I celebrate the release of my second collection of poetry, Northside Cries and Lullabies!!

Friday May 28th, @ Sin City nightclub

258 E Allegheny Ave (B & Allegheny)

Philadelphia, PA 19134

8-10 pm

Book signing and reading followed by open mic and an after party celebration!
Free refreshments and cash bar available.
For questions/more info: goodbyegirlnv@gmail.com

Northside Cries and Lullabies is the second collection of poetry and prose by poet N.V. Torres. The book is a poetic exploration into the growth and struggles of a woman living on the northside of Philadelphia.

You can purchase and advanced copy of her book for 12.99 at:
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/northside-cries-and-lullabies/6408946

About the Author:

N.V. Torres is a Puerto Rican poet and artist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in North Philly, she has been writing poetry since the age of eleven with her very first poem being a love poem for her best friend. Northside Cries and Lullabies is her second collection of poetry and prose. In 2007, she self-published her first collection of poems entitled I Know All The Right Things To Say.

http://www.nvtorres.webs.com/

http://www.itsalwayssunnyinnorthside.blogspot.com/

Now Available: Northside Cries & Lullabies by N.V. Torres

Northside Cries and Lullabies is the second collection of poetry and prose by poet N.V. Torres. The book is a poetic exploration into the growth and struggles of a woman living on the northside of Philadelphia.

Excerpt:
"Once upon a time, I was in love with the world and the world was infallible in my young eyes. War and Crime were not guest at my tea parties. Inequity was irrelevant. On summer afternoons in the omnipresence of chaos, drugs and violence, I was a little girl sitting on hot pavement - ants in my hand as they wandered the mounts of my palm. According to my 6 year old self, all was good in the world. Sometimes I feel like I will never see that little girl again."

Northside Cries & Lullabies (2010)
ISBN: 978-0-578-05067-6
Goodbye Publishing House
Paperback, 113 pages

Now Available on Lulu.com! Click the link for a preview!

Also, I decided to open an account on Formspring.me so you guys can submit any questions you may have about NC&L. Check it out! And I opened a NC&L Fan Page on Facebook! Make sure you add it! Shouts to everyone who already added themselves as fans :)

My next steps are to...

*Set up a few readings

*Promote, Promote, Promote!

*And maybe plan a small book release party? We'll see :)

I want to thank everyone who has helped me make this book happen...you all know who you are. Enjoy the book. It is not only 110% all me, but its also a dream come true to be able to leave my mark and produce something that will be around long after I'm gone. I'm humbled and proud. Gracias.

Almost there.

So, my proof copy of NC&L has arrived and I'm very pleased. I made some changes to the cover, for the better - at least I think so. Next step is to edit any mistakes I might have missed the first time around, and make a few minor edits to the front and back cover.

I'll be taking a short break away from the laptop to help chaperone a retreat in the Poconos this weekend. Still, I'm gonna try and get some editing (and homework!) done in my free time, and hopefully I could post the book up for purchase on Monday :)

R U Ready?

Yola (Yo + Hola) beautiful people ;)

I'm in good spirits this week. Do you know why? Because my baby, Northside Cries & Lullabies, is FINALLY going to be published at the end of this week! Yup, you heard right. And I must say, its coming along well with over 50 poems and featured collaborations with fellow poets Christian Alvarez, Kevon Crute, This_isjust_M, Rome, and Irwin Roman who recently published his first collection of dope poetry, Philadelphia Demeanor.

I'm hoping and praying for the nothing but dopeness and positive energy while the birth of this collection comes to an end.

I'm feeling...

*satisfied

*ready

*hype

*relieved

...but mostly excited to finally place this baby into your hands :)

In the meantime, I'll also be brainstorming ideas for the release and the promotion which we all know I suck at. So again, any ideas or resources for online and/or offline book marketing would REALLY help!

xo

Northside's Coming Out (the cover)

Ladies and Gents, here is the cover to my second collection of poetry....

Being that I am completely self-publishing this book, the cover was designed and created by me under Aslin V. Designs (yes, I wear many hats).

Besides what is printed on the pages, the book cover is one of the most important aspects of any book. It's the first thing the reader will see, so you have to make a great first impression. I choice this design because I think it is a perfect reflection of the poems I selected for this book. Many of the poems talk about the urban surroundings and struggles of my neighborhood in North Philly (Northside). The collection is really not only about my growth as a woman, lover, poet and artist, but it's also a tribute to the place where the growth happens - my neighborhood. I thought it would only be right that I put a shot of the Northside on the cover. Shout outs to Google Maps for providing me an aerial picture of my hood!

And...if you get a chance, please check out my WEBSITE.

Thanks for all the love & support. It means the world to me. I can't wait for you guys to read it!!!

xo

Me, Northside Cries and Lullabies, and a Pimp

Been a minute, huh?

First, I haven't been around much because (1) Having technical issues (aka my computer is down and my tech guy isn't really feeling me at the moment) (2) Writing has been put on the back burner for the last few weeks. I was busy doing some soul searching - talking to God, talking to myself and stuff. Yeah, and I'm in the process of going back to school in January for Early Childhood Education :)

Excuses, excuses...I know. However, since then I've been trying to get this train rolling on my second collection of poetry, Northside Cries & Lullabies. I know I keep pushing back the release date but it just doesn't feel ready yet. Every day a new idea hits me and I fall back into it like an ex-lover I can't let go of. So I decided not to rush it. It's done when it's done! sigh. That's the advantage of self-publishing.

But seriously, words fail to express how nervous and excited I am about releasing this collection...

Nerves: As a writer, most of my inspiration comes from my own real life and from the things and people around me. It isn't easy for me to put myself out there and there are a lot of personal pieces in this collection - true thoughts and feeling; real life experiences.

Excitement: Once again, putting myself back out into the universe and improving my skills in book marketing and self-promotion (which I SUCK at so ideas are always welcomed).

I'm also excited about the several collaborative poems I decided to add to the book. It was truly a last minute idea, but I think it's a good way to display some of my collaborations with the cool, talented poets I met via writing communities and open mics.

My new month resolutions (I know we're already a week into November, but work with me):

*Get a new tech guy
*Finish up collaborative poems, and editing.
*Develop a GOOD marketing plan (aye aye aye)
*Show my blog some more lovin' (blog more often)

November has brought me a whole new wave of positive energy. I think I'm finally learning that I have to put out what I want to receive :) I'm feeling good, ya'll! It's going to be a long ride for sure.
Hold tight!


In the mean time, you can enjoy this video blog by my MetroLine Media partner and homeskillet, Mr. Angel Lozada! Aside from his awesome sense of humor, dude is hella talented, smart and has a great future in telecommunications ahead of him. Make sure you subscribe to his BLOG and YouTube Channel.