Mona Rodriguez's Blog, page 6

May 24, 2013

Welcome back to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday



Welcome back to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday, where writers come together to share 8 sentences of whatever they wish. This is Week 5 for me. 
The story continues from FORTY YEARS IN A DAY. To recap, Victoria and her four small children had been granted passage on a steamship from Italy to America. There was a terrible storm, and they were hoisted onto a lifeboat before the ship went down. Well, for those of you who were worried for the safety of Victoria and her children, they did make it to Ellis Island! Yay!
__________________________________

Nervously, Victoria took out a piece of paper showing her brother’s name and address, and the impatient man informed her that she would have to wait for him to be notified. Now thousands of miles away from home, she was faced with a litany of unending misgivings.
After progressing through the dubious day, they were given a canvas cot in one of the narrow dormitories that ran along the balconies of the registry room—its capacity was stretched tenfold. Victoria settled the children on the flimsy padding. Their bodies were huddled together and their four small sets of feet were intertwined in the middle, creating a pile of jumbled limbs. The cold, tiled floor was the only spot for Victoria, and she sat down wearily. Her stiff joints ached, and she shifted awkwardly, searching for comfort. Tucking her legs tightly to her chest, she rested her head on the edge of the cot. It had been an endless day of interrogations, examinations, and patient waiting, and her contorted body was grateful for even the slightest reprieve._________________________________
Thank you for your readership and comments!
Mona
 


 
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Published on May 24, 2013 12:28

May 18, 2013

Welcome back to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sund...

Welcome back to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday, where writers come together to share 8 sentences of whatever they wish. This is Week 4 for me.

The story continues from FORTY YEARS IN A DAY. In last week’s scene, Victoria and her four small children had been granted passage on a steamship to America. I couldn't resist posting this excerpt.


“Abandon ship! Abandon ship!” a crewman bellowed down to steerage. “She’s taken on too much water—the captain says she won’t hold up much longer!”
Wading ankle deep in the sloshing bilge, Victoria carried Catherina and Gabriella with the strength of a desperate parent while propelling Gennaro and Vincenzo behind the others toward the ladder. Her adrenaline battled the rushing waters as she hoisted her children one at a time into the grasping arms of two crewmen. The rain came down in torrents, obscuring her vision as she forged her way skyward.
When she stood on the deck, wind and water hurled through the air, further chilling Victoria’s sodden skin. She squinted against the pandemonium as waves pounded the ship, dropping it like a toy into the bowels of the foaming sea and thrusting it up to repeat the endless badger. Her arms laden with the girls, she had left their possessions behind except for a satchel tied to her waist containing their most treasured belongings. Vincenzo and Gennaro gripped tightly onto her saturated dress, banding together to navigate the menacing motion of the floundering ship as it listed to starboard. One by one, they were hoisted onto a careening lifeboat with the might of several sailors.

Thanks again for visiting!
Mona
 

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Published on May 18, 2013 09:37

May 16, 2013

Counting my sweet blessings...

Every day I try to count my blessings, one of which is that I work from home. I can work in my pajamas. I don’t have to comb my hair. I’m on my own schedule; no accountability, no rules. How lucky am I? To add icing to the cake, I live next door to this little French lady who loves to bake. This week’s confections consisted of warm peanut butter cookies, lovely little lemony muffins, and today, a creamy tray of tiramisu. Seriously, this is true. It’s like living next door to my private bakery. Her delivery method is always the same. She’ll call me on the phone, and in a rushed French accent, she asks, “Mona, do you like tiramisu? I just made it.”

I think to myself for a moment, is there really someone out there that would say no?  Before I can answer, she says, “I’ll be right there.” 
“I’m on a diet,” I stammer, but I hear a click.
She is in her late 80s, but has more energy than I do, because what seems like seconds after she hangs up the phone, my doorbell rings. I narrow my eyes and look down at her (she’s less than 5 feet tall), shaking my head in protest. She smiles at me devilishly and hands me my treat, fresh out of the oven. “Oh,” I moan, inhaling its sugary aroma, “It smells so good.”
“This recipe is from Bon Appetit,” she states casually. “Let me know if you like it.”
I want to yell at her and kiss her at the same time, but before I can make up my mind, she pivots around and flutters on her way, giggling to herself.
“Thanks,” I yell after her. “You’re crazy!” If I didn’t know better, I would think she’s trying to kill me one sweet delicacy at a time.
With my gift in hand, I head to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee.
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Published on May 16, 2013 07:17

May 11, 2013

Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday.

Welcome back to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday, where writers come together to share 8 sentences of whatever they wish. 
 


This is another excerpt from FORTY YEARS IN A DAY. In last week’s scene, Victoria sneaks out of her home located in a small village in Italy with her four small children. In this scene, they have reached the seaport in Naples, Italy and are granted passage on a steamship to America. They are directed down a ladder to the cramped, windowless, steerage dormitories. Metal-framed, triple-tiered bunks lined the confining compartments that extended the length of the ship.


            They were entitled to three bunks for the five of them, and Victoria piled their belongings at the base. A wall of woolen blankets draped over a rope and narrow tables lined with benches, separated the men from the women and children.      
          Acclimating to the creaking, compartmentalized quarters, Victoria thought it was eerily quiet for the number of passengers who were crammed into the small area. She knew some were fortunate to be joining family in America, while others had no guarantee there would be a bed or a roof over their heads. Exhausted and bewildered, she sat with her children on the bottom bunk, absorbing what was happening around them. Her mind twisted apprehensively as she reflected on all that she had just left behind. She was suddenly struck with amazement how she had come this far, but simultaneously, she felt alarmingly alone in a room full of people. Hugging her children, she tried to draw strength from their naiveté.         
          The engines vibrated, and the ship lurched forward, signaling the beginning of their lengthy passage across the Atlantic Ocean.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mona
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Published on May 11, 2013 07:40

May 3, 2013

Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday...and Tidbit Tuesday!


Welcome back to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday, where writers come together to share 8 sentences of whatever they wish.  Also adding Tidbit Tuesday!
 This is another excerpt from FORTY YEARS IN A DAY.  In last week’s scene, Angelina, with much trepidation, told her husband, Alfredo, that their daughter had already left for America. This week I decided to back it up a bit and post the scene where Victoria actually leaves for America with her four small children while her husband is in an alcohol induced sleep.
Italy, 1906
Never changing into her bedclothes, Victoria packed away their usual breakfast, bread and milk, along with other staples needed for their travels, and nervously paced away the rest of the seemingly endless hours. In the eerie black essence of the night, she nudged the children awake before the village stirred and dawn could shed light on her scheme.           
           Opening his droopy eyes, Vincenzo sat up and looked at the large sack and basket by the door. When he started to speak, Victoria shushed him with a finger to her lips and handed him his clothes. “Don’t wake Papa, and dress quickly.”

Vincenzo fumbled with sleepiness as he put on his knickers. He tied his shoes and helped Gennaro while Victoria swiftly dressed Catherina and Gabriella.
With Gabriella dozing in her arms, she quietly ushered the children out of the house, maneuvering them around the squeaky boards that led to the front door. Stepping out into the early-morning fog, they were enveloped in a cloud of heat and humidity.
As she gently closed the door behind them, Vincenzo asked, “Isn’t Papa coming with us?”
“I’ll explain later. We’re going on an adventure.” Victoria kept her voice low and calm.
“Where?”
“America, Vincenzo, to America.” Thanks for stopping by!Mona 
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Published on May 03, 2013 16:29

Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday


Welcome back to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday, where writers come together to share 8 sentences of whatever they wish.  
 This is another excerpt from FORTY YEARS IN A DAY.  In last week’s scene, Angelina, with much trepidation, told her husband, Alfredo, that their daughter had already left for America. This week I decided to back it up a bit and post the scene where Victoria actually leaves for America with her four small children while her husband is in an alcohol induced sleep.
Italy, 1906
Never changing into her bedclothes, Victoria packed away their usual breakfast, bread and milk, along with other staples needed for their travels, and nervously paced away the rest of the seemingly endless hours. In the eerie black essence of the night, she nudged the children awake before the village stirred and dawn could shed light on her scheme.           
           Opening his droopy eyes, Vincenzo sat up and looked at the large sack and basket by the door. When he started to speak, Victoria shushed him with a finger to her lips and handed him his clothes. “Don’t wake Papa, and dress quickly.”

Vincenzo fumbled with sleepiness as he put on his knickers. He tied his shoes and helped Gennaro while Victoria swiftly dressed Catherina and Gabriella.
With Gabriella dozing in her arms, she quietly ushered the children out of the house, maneuvering them around the squeaky boards that led to the front door. Stepping out into the early-morning fog, they were enveloped in a cloud of heat and humidity.
As she gently closed the door behind them, Vincenzo asked, “Isn’t Papa coming with us?”
“I’ll explain later. We’re going on an adventure.” Victoria kept her voice low and calm.
“Where?”
“America, Vincenzo, to America.” Thanks for stopping by!Mona 
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Published on May 03, 2013 16:29

April 27, 2013

Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday


           Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday (links below) where writers come together to share snippets (8  sentences) of their current projects.
           This excerpt is from Forty Years in a Day . The scene takes place in Italy, 1906. Angela must tell her husband, Alfredo, that their daughter has left for America.
 
        She held on to the back of a chair for support and looked down at the table to avert his gaze. Her heart was pounding hard inside her chest, and she took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down. “There’s no easy way to tell you this,” she finally said.
       “What is it, Angelina?” he said, heaving a sigh of slight impatience.
       “I gave Victoria our savings so she could go to America and be with Dominick. She’ll be safe with her brother. He’ll take care of them.” As she spoke she saw her husband’s face twist into a knot of disbelief and rage, and panic descended upon her like darkness on a moonless night. “She was miserable. She was so unhappy…and the children. Believe me, Alfredo, it’s the only way they could get away from him.”
       Slamming his hand to his chest, he demanded, “Where are they?”
  Read more at about our story at FORTY YEARS IN A DAY | a novel
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Enjoy!
Mona




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Published on April 27, 2013 10:21

April 19, 2013

Words and Wisdom...Part 2

In response to my previous blog on April 17th - Words and Wisdom - I received quite a few responses via Facebook and wanted to share them.
"You've gotta' dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.
(And speak from the heart to be heard.)”
-William W. Purkey - author and college professor
Surround yourself with positive people that do their best. It keeps you on your toes and inspires you to do the same. -Kathy
Don't be lazy or expect anything to be handed to you. Do the work. Often the only way to get things done is to do it yourself. Keep at it - sometimes it takes a while to get where you need to be! All things that you can personally attest to. -KPW

Live, love and laugh ALOT. Life is way too short ,so don't sweat the small stuff and always follow your dream. -Tricia
We have to teach our children that they have the power to become whatever they want in life and that they are worthy if only just because they were born. If every High school had assemblies like the one that I went to there would be a lot less bullying, hatred, crime, etc.... Some children get a lot of positive reinforcment at home but some children do not get any. The answer is simple for me - Be kind to everyone you meet because you never know what their life is like and maybe you can make a difference in their day. –Emily


Life is like a tapestry…weave with your thoughts and actions every day! Enjoy every moment! -Maureen

If you believe...you can achieve anything. Always follow your heart and believe in yourself! -Margaret

Follow your heart and always do the right thing. –Theresa

They will ask you "How can I become a famous writer and make a fortune?" I encourage kids to write, write, write-and especially-to "write what they know." I encourage them to start with school papers, zines, anything like that. I tell them to persevere. You could give them an example-like J.K. Rowling...of how hard it was for her to get started. But-I would (and do, always) tell them that just because someone can write a sentence, it doesn't mean "they are a writer." -Cynthia

Carpe diem. Always seize the day. Writers, write. Singers, sing. Try to like what you do, and do what you like. I guess to impart a sense of wanderlust and creativity in your career/life. –Mara

Remember the five simple rules to be happy!
1. Free your heart from hatred – Forgive.2. Free your mind from worries – Most never happen.
3. Live simple and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.  
                                                               -Lisa

 
Thank you friends! I am grateful! -Mona

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Published on April 19, 2013 12:18

April 17, 2013

Words and wisdom...

I was asked to speak at a Career Connectons breakfast at a local high school, and I am sitting here wondering what words of wisdom I have to impart. I am asking, okay begging, for comments and ideas on what to say to high school students that could possibly help them in life. Who the heck am I to give advice? Then I thought more about it...and we all something to share…

-A friend just emailed me and said that her mantra is “every day is a gift.” Given the recent Boston tragedy, it is even more appropriate.

Any other thoughts???
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Published on April 17, 2013 07:28

April 1, 2013

Clichés and dreams…


          While writing FORTY YEARS IN A DAY, I had a dilemma about using clichés. Writers are taught not to use them at any expense because it makes their writing seem unoriginal, but sometimes I have to struggle to stay away from the cliché. Oh yes, some are ridiculous, like the cliché “everything has its place.” How does anyone agree with it, never mind repeat it. Everything does not have a place. I don’t see a place for war, for poverty, for sickness, for lack of educational opportunity, but they exist. So, yes, some cliché’s are senseless, and yet some are such that they say what you want to say the best and most concise way it can be said.            After much thought and consideration, I have come to the decision that some clichés definitely have a place, like the cliché “dreams really do come true.” I am not talking about the dreams you have when your eyes are closed and you’re fast asleep. The dreams I am referring to occur when the eyes are wide open and they churn in the mind for years, even decades, and sometimes even lifetimes. The thing is, when a dream comes to fruition, it becomes reality, and it metamorphoses into another dream that could not have been conceived without the culmination of the previous one, and only then do we begin to plan the next journey, relish in the possibilities, and believe in the outcome.

                                                                                                                                                    Mona
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Published on April 01, 2013 12:37