The last presentation of the FILEY was an extraordinary end to an enriching week of events.
A panel of five presenters spoke about their love of reading and how much it can resonate in our lives.
Silvia Molina read her story of unfulfilled love during the Revolutionary days. Monica Lavin treated us to her “So Far, yet Near.” Elmer Mendoza told us how “The Never-ending Story,” had dared him to dream, Sandra Lorenzano to us that books had been the first victims during a military coup in her native Argentina. Sara Sefchovich explained how books were to blame for her “inconsistent” lifestyle, and as an added treat, Beatriz Mariscal, the panel’s moderator, read an essay sent by Elena Poniatowska who could not attend the FILEY because of health issues.
I believe that books awaken the little gypsy – that quiet but insistent voice we all have inside… the one that challenges us to be more than we are.
The little gypsy tells us we should paint, act on stage, or write books or learn to Tango. If we don’t pay her heed, she makes us feel dissatisfied.
When we listen to her, she opens up our hearts and souls, and gives us the unique experiences that we forever after repeat, relive and relish. For the rest of our lives, we are changed.
And the little gypsy loves México. Here, where its warm, where music swirls all around, where bold color is the only kind of color and sensuous textures surround us… she whispers from the pages of a book… and waits for us to listen and let her out.
Perhaps these writers, featured in the link below, are listening to their “little gypsies” as well!
As one can see, there are so many variations to the theme of “why one writes”. That’s a great metaphor, Joanna.
(I was going to post this link elsewhere, but I’m going to squeeze it in here, though it’s a tiny bit off-topic.)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/why-these-famous-authors-write—and-why-you-should/2013/03/15/8cb5df44-8b61-11e2-9f54-f3fdd70acad2_gallery.html?hpid=z6
And then, this is for parents:
http://www.ted.com/talksshane_koyczan_to_this_day_for_the_bullied_and_beautiful.html
The latter TED.com piece captures so much for many of us! It covers a lot, including the role of parenting in encouraging the gypsies within us–parents who ask what the child wants to be when they grow up, and then promptly tell them that that their hope is an unrealistic one. Gypsy killing?
Unfortunately the little gypsies have a hard time making themselves heard. Between parents hushing them and bill collectors who come calling, the poor things are an endangered species. Fortunately they have spokespeople. The people on the final panel of the FILEY hollared out loud and clear.
I so enjoyed meeting you at the book signing and decided to look up your other books. I decided to buy ” Magic in Mexico” ebook and am reading it first. I am so there with you as I was living in Mexico City almost at the same time but not with a Mexican husband, but an Irish one!! I leave soon but look forward to seeing you again next year. I have been coming to this lovely country now for 30 years and only discovered the Yucatan last year! I do wish I had seen the Mayan Riviera back then! Our beach holidays were concentrated on the Pacific side!
As you can see I have subscribed to your blog and look forward to staying in touch with what is going on here via it!
Cheers Andrea
Andrea, thank you so much. It always thrills me to know that readers enjoy my books. You made my morning! I’m glad you’ve suscribed to the blog, we’ll keep in touch.
Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog in Firefox, it looks fine
but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great blog!
Thank you. I use Firefox and have no idea as to how to fix a problem on Explorer. Do you know what to do?