NFAND CODA XXXI | Golden Jubilee
Selfie. No make up with vivid cool filter. December 2020. Bronx, New York.
Thank you to those who write asking me when I’ll share again. Since the eve of the election, I’ve not been up to it. But I’m not stopping. Just needed a breather. Know I’ve not been idle, but rather, aside from the day-to-day work life, reading voraciously and thinking deep and long about everything and everyone. And what a year it has been, hasn’t it, an unforgettable one for all of us.
Amidst the savagery of the year 2020, it has been unavoidable not to reflect, at least for me. And today, I turn 50 years young, so a lot has been on my mind as of late—the bad, the ugly, the good and noble, and the comic too because I find it hilarious that I can start enjoying AARP benefits. But, back to reflection. I’ve come to terms with the fact that alone time can be extraordinarily fortifying and equally terrifying. Some days and nights have been so silent that journeying within has been the only option.
My cup runneth over, and one of the many privileges of this year for me was to be in the virtual presence of Dr. Tomas Ybarra-Fausto through the NALAC Leadership Institute this past summer. Tears streamed out of my eyes and down my face through his entire story, made to inspire us to action forward always in the name of culture, but it was the lifetime take-away that I’ll never forget. Three questions that claim my nights with thoughts: ¿Quien soy? ¿De donde vengo? ¿A donde voy? | Who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going?
I’ve been asking myself these questions almost daily since July. They are available to you now also. And I’m sharing my answers of today, December 13, 2020, which equal a chunk of my heart.
Who am I?
I’m part of the good and noble, kind, real, generous, a caregiver, a dancer, a lost poet, a passionate being, a deep feeling woman, an observer, a reader, a thinker, a creative type, and at times a sinner.
Where do I come from?
From the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Puerto Rico, the conquest, but also from love, philosophy, humanity, standing by principles, committed artists, music, the theater, show business, and the imagination of the heavens.
Where am I going?
Carrying on supporting artists and welcoming 2021 as I stand today, defeated in some ways, triumphant in others, but definitely game to embrace my maturity in its sincere and vulnerable way, as it comes.
I wish you all, health and well-being.
Live long and prosper,
Sol