Monique's Testimonies

Do you believe that you have to lose to gain? Do you have to give up something to get something in return? Life is a continuous cycle of "give and take". I believe that is true in all things.  In adulthood, you have to give up the childhood feeling of invincibility to function as a safe and well-established adult in life.  In marriage, you have to develop your sense of individuality to incorporate the choices and decisions of your lifelong partner. And no, I don't mean giving up your entire  identity. You have to form it to include the family you have chosen to start a new life with. It's a life with another person. Every thought and decision can't be just about you. That's a one-way ticket to divorce-town (I've been married for 7 years, I have a leg to stand on regarding this topic). You can still choose to follow your dreams, just don't leave your partner behind, bring them along for the ride! In a job or career, you have to give up this sense of ind...

In middle school, I wrote a delectably horrendous horror story, full of blood and gore, beautifully detailing the character and the events of these marble/orbs that were violent (if my memory serves correctly, I wish I still had the original copy).  My family was freaked out. My teacher  loved  it. She even asked me to read the story to an 8th-grade class. I remember the nerves sitting atop the wooden barstool at the front of the class of big-kid students staring up at me expectantly (I was a short 6th grader). I remember my back tightening and my arms shaking as I cleared my throat and began reading. Afterwards, there was applause, and then I went back to class.  It was the proudest moment in my young writing career! I've always been obsessed with storytelling, from the intricate details to the overarching plot. What makes a character tick? Why would the story be told this way? What is the reason behind the antagonist's motives? I loved watching the stories unfold o...

God is Good, All the Time! He blessed me with my copyright! You guys, I'm so thankful! It may be one step, but it's one step closer to the future publication!  You guys heard it here first! A new romance drama that you won't be able to put down.  It's a story one year in the making, and my pride and joy as my debut novel! So without further ado, and thank you Lord for blessing me with my copyright, I introduce to you:      GLASS HALF EMPTY Two lives. One past. Can love overcome the will of time? Glass Half Empty is a dual-perspective, contemporary drama/romance of healing, faith, and second chances, set in Albuquerque, New Mexico .  Through the eyes of Xavier Caldero, a real estate agent grappling with regret and routine, and Emilia Garcia, a politically-minded dance instructor struggling to rise above past trauma, the novel follows the complexity of adulthood of those who have an unhealed past. Their shared history haunts them—until fate brings them back t...

An Ode to Summer As a teacher, Summer Break is a time to pause. That's it. Pause.  No, it's not "paid time", so really, we're pausing unemployed, which results in teachers picking up side jobs or additional training/ professional development that would help develop their craft the following school year.  For me, I get to embrace the life of a stay-at-home mom.  This year, I plan to do more with my ever-growing 5-year-old energizer bunny of a daughter. So far, she's gone to an amusement park and demonstrated bravery on some of the larger rides. I'm so proud :') She will take swim lessons and maybe even attend a soccer camp. Utilizing the free pass to our local museum, swim time with family at the pool, and trips to the library will also fill our days.  But right now?  It's day 2 of my break (I had a training at the beginning of the week, thus a work day). I used my time yesterday to write. And wow, does it feel good! I've been struggling to desc...