Cinco de Mayo

This past weekend was filled with more celebrating, eating, dancing and laughing than I've experienced in at least 4 months. Thankfully I survived and cannot wait for another friend and family filled holiday. XX- Moni

New April

A blog or two ago I mentioned that Winnie Au and I were working on a project for Working Class Magazine. Well, its finally up and viewable for all to see! Please click here to read.

This project has sparked all sorts of intrigue in my life. I can't explain most of it in words but what I can express is that now, more than ever, I know who I am.

This might sound strange but I feel it. Interviewing people and learning of their faith has only made me stronger in my Christian beliefs. And learning that I can be in different environments with such conflicting spiritual views and still exit having made several friends feels great.

I feel like an adult and a woman who is capable of listening. I also feel stronger and less fearful.

Up until recently, it'd been so easy to live in fear and uncertainty because of our current economic strife. But thankfully, I've become less scared and more excited. I'm doing my best to focus on positive outlets and do less complaining.

If we're at the bottom then the only way is up, right?

XO

No Pic

We just completed our 3rd day of sewing for sew MONI. I am tired and my back hurts so, so much. But the smile on my face is evident. Its real. I'm happy.

Because of my business endeavor, I've spent hours laughing, catching up and just being with family. Our house has been turned into a mini sweat shop with 3+ machines, cutting tables/stations, and an ironing station. Every day we wake up around 8am and begin at 9am. We eat all meals together and always schedule in desert and coffee breaks!

Presently my team is made up of my Mom, Dad, Aunt Cisi and Aunt Elena.

Aunt Elena is hearing impaired and speaks in broken words [most of which are Spanish] as well as sign language. At 70 years of age she is solid as a rock and pretty much dances circles around me---literally---she dances to Tejano around me during the day.

Aunt Cicelia is pure kindness. We've sewed side by side for hours and I greatly appreciate the advise and life wisdom she's shared during our countless sewing breaks. I also thinks its so cool that she likes HOUSE.

Mom and Pops are the base of this endeavor and each have spent countless hours cutting and sewing too. I get teary eyed just thinking about how much they believe in me. Its hard to express how much I love them and appreciate their efforts.

Not less than 5 months ago I truly thrived for the glitz and glam of NYC. Fashionable goods of yesterday and kisses of night were my idols. Now, all I want to do is live life remembering and valuing my heritage, family and talents.

I know and love to sew.
It brings me joy.
It speaks volumes of who I am and where I grew up.
This week has been a dream come true. I hope it never ends.

Back in Brooklyn

[Photo by Oliver]

I'm back in Brooklyn and jeepers its cold. TOO COLD!

Despite the cold and bitter walks to subway stops, I'm happy to be stoppin' in my regular stoppin' ground as well as meeting up with friends. I've only been back 3 days and already feel as if I've lived 10 weeks of Texas time.

Tonight, my friends and I are headed to the East Village for eats and hopefully dancing. But first we are going to The Elsa: a new bar on 3rd Street that has a sewing machine as a tap. Interesting right? Since sewing is literally my bread and butter I have to check this place out and get more info about the sewing machine. I wonder if it is a Singer 1950s model?

What else? I met up with Photographer Winnie Au yesterday at The Rabbithole in Greenpoint. She and I are teaming up on a project for Working Class Magazine. Our project will be a write up, along with photo journalistic photography about Ghosts and Faith in Brooklyn. We're looking for factual ghost stories from the area so if you have one send it to me and we can go from there.

Side Note: Prior to this project, I wouldn't even think to think about the paranormal. But since our talks and jaunts for research sake, I've been quite intrigued by the topic---so much so that we may even go ghost hunting within the coming weeks. BOO.

I think that's it for now. Till February.

xo

sew MONI

I've been dreaming of staring up a hand bag line and home goods line for years. I kept making excuses, putting it off or shying away due to fears of rejection.

This month, the excuses stopped and I did something about it. I picked up fabric, my trusty scissors and began to sew again. Boy does it feel good!

The results are sew MONI, a small line of unique Totes, Aprons, Pillows and more. I will also sell Vintage Finds that have inspired my creative process.

Take a peak at my webstie here: www.sewmoni.com

I'm hoping for the best and expecting the best. Honestly, this is a win win situation for me. I've already scuceeded a million times over and could not have done it without the support of God, family and friends.

xo

Moni

Spanish Calendar

Spanish

I'm 3rd generation Mexican American and my Spanish speaking skills are not so good. My R rolling capabilities are limited and my Spanish vocabulary is minimal too. I can understand most Spanish speakers and follow along in their conversation, but alas, I can't speak and well, its sad.

Year after year I've said "This year I will learn." Well, I'm saying it again and trying to do something about it.

Above are 2 Spanish vocabulary flash cards I made today. I'm starting with the basics.

xo