Earth Mother Voices All Women’s Open Mic~

“Farm FRESH at La Finca Del Sur” presents:

Earth Mother Voices All Women’s Open Mic

Hosted by Maria Aponte – Gonzalez

Featured Authors: Peggy Robles-Alvarado & Alicia Anabel Santos


ABOUT PEGGRY ROBLES-ALVARADO




Author of Conversations With My Skin

Peggy Robles- Alvarado is a Puerto Rican and Dominican educator and writer whose inspires triumph and embodies strength. Becoming a mother at the age of fifteen, overcoming relationship abuse, earning a Master's degree in elementary education with a bilingual extension, teaching in the South Bronx since 2001, and healing through poetry and prose have all served as creative catalysts for this profound petite powerhouse who has published her first book of poetry titled Conversations With My Skin. Click link: Conversations With My Skin on AMAZON.COM



ABOUT ALICIA ANABEL SANTOS



Alicia Anabel Santos is a Latina Writer, Producer and Playwright. She is a New York-born Dominican who is passionate about writing works that empower and inspire women to find their voices. Currently, she is completing her historical fiction novel titled, The Daughters of the Revolution. She is the Founder of the New York City Latina Writers Group. Santos has been traveling for three years working on the documentary Afrolatinos: The Untaught Story (WWW.AFROLATINOS.TV) and her play I WAS BORN was chosen as part of the ONE Festival in NYC, where she takes you through the labyrinth of Latin America where seven brave women tell you their stories. Alicia lives in Harlem, NYC with her daughter Courtniana. She works as a freelance writer and activist against sexual and physical abuse towards women and children. She attended New York University and Rhode Island College. Alicia recently published her first book a memoir, Finding Your Force A Journey to Love~ Click link: Finding Your Force on AMAZON.COM


Friday Sept 30th 2011
6:30pm to 8:30pm
138th Street & Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY.


Ladies – Bring your Poetry, Stories, Songs & Dance! Family & Friends welcomed!
Refreshments will be served.

La Finca Del Sur is located at 138th Street and Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY.

Directly across the street from the 138th Street & Grand Concourse stop on the 4/5 train.

Funded by a grant from Poets & Writers.

Creative consultant and co-producer: Bobby Gonzalez

Rhode Island writer returns for a reading~

It's the late 1980's, I was so angry with my parents. I graduated High School June 1990 (barely graduating) and I'm living in Warwick, Rhode Island. The transition from my beloved New York City to suburban aka "the sticks" Warwick felt like I was living in the country. RI was a hard transition to make. The nights were filled with crickets, tranquility, clean streets, green grass and peaceful quiet. Living there scared the hell out of me. I missed the comforting sound of gun shots, horns honking in congested traffic and mad chaos.

Two years after graduating High School I would become a mother and this is where my journey to Finding Your Force begins.

I hope you will join me in what will be one of the most special readings of my life because a large chunk of my memoir and who I am today was formed in Rhode Island.

Venue: Roots@Providence Inner City Arts
Thursday, September 29th
7:00-10:00 PM
276 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903




We would like to invite you to a special reading of FindingYour Force A Journey to Love by Alicia Anabel Santos this Thursday, September29th in Providence, RI and possibly having Finding Your Force, A Journey to Love housed in your bookstore. Alicia will have books available evening of event.

Finding Your Force: A Journey to Love is a memoir written inthe form of a love letter to a daughter. In this intimate conversation wejourney into the darkest parts of Alicia’s soul. We walk with her as she digsdeep underneath the ruins where all her secrets are kept. Santos is beingcalled on an excavation to stop running and face those moments that havetransformed her from surviving rape, healing through loss and coming out as alesbian. This is a journey about life, death and rebirth. Alicia tells herdaughter a story that is raw and heart wrenching. It is not a love story butdefinitely a story of love. The book is available on Amazon for $19.99. Copieswill also be available for sale at the event.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alicia Anabel Santos is a Latina Writer, Producer and Playwright. She is a NewYork-born Dominican raised in Rhode Island who is passionate about writingworks that empower and inspire women to find their voices. Currently, she iscompleting her historical fiction novel titled, The Daughters of theRevolution. She is the Founder of the New York City Latina Writers Group.Santos has been traveling for three years working on the documentaryAfrolatinos: The Untaught Story (WWW.AFROLATINOS.TV) andher play I WAS BORN was chosen as part of the ONE Festival in NYC, where shetakes you through the labyrinth of Latin America where seven brave women tellyou their stories. Alicia lives in Harlem, NYC with her daughter Courtniana.She works as a freelance writer and activist against sexual and physical abusetowards women and children. She attended New York University and Rhode IslandCollege.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

“I have so much respect for your spirit, strength and sincerity. Many peoplearen’t able to survive the kind of trauma that you are writing about.”

“I am so proud of you for standing up for your words, for realizing your worth,over and over again. I’m happy that you show your humanness and allow yourreaders to see where you hurt and to see you revive and gain strength again.People respond because you initiate -dialogue, thoughts, words! You also showwhat you won't tolerate, the non-negotiable. Part of that involves the spacethat no one is allowed to enter unless you give them access, which shows youare still in control. How do you stay strong? By staying true to all that youare now and all that you are growing to become!”

EVENT DETAILS

Sofrito Entertainment, Isis Storm, and Providence Inner CityArts Presents: Alicia Anabel Santos at Native Tongues & Spoken Words: BilingualPoetry Night and Open Mic in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Thursday,September 29, 7:00-10:00 PM. Venue: Roots Café @ Providence Inner City Artslocated @ 276 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903.

Author can booked for speaking engagements by emailing Emma Diaz @ findingyourforce@gmail.com.

When it's crumbling around us~ Spirit check-in!

How are you today?

How are you today? I am thinking about all the people who will say that to someone today.

“How are you?” Can you imagine if you went around asking someone this question and they actually told us the truth - - told us everything.

“How are you?” And then they hit us with every single issue, problem, drama, feeling and emotion that plagues them.

“How are you?” And they tell that they are doing FANTASTIC! When really they are feeling completely depressed and their world is crumbling around them.

“How are you today? I am asking myself… HOW AM I TODAY? HOW IS ALICIA ANABEL TODAY?

To tell you the truth I’m feeling kind of sad today… there is a lot going on in the universe, in the world, around me, to the people I know, to people I don’t know… so much of what is happening is making the people around me feel BROKEN… there are a lot of people in PAIN right now. Sadness is felt in the air. So today I write a letter to those people are feeling a little broken who want nothing more than to actually tell people HOW THEY’RE REALLY FEELING today… empty… alone… with issues that feel all consuming and often unbearable to take… saying to themselves…

I can’t do this anymore!
I want something else!
I feel empty!
I feel so alone!
I don’t want to be here!
I don’t know what I want!
No one cares!

Excerpt from: Finding Your Force A Journey to Love

I wasn’t able to face myself. I didn’t want to look at my life, my mistakes and poor choices. I didn’t want to believe what my life had become. I didn’t want to accept the choices that I had made. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t strong enough. I didn’t want to face the truth.

The person I am today is better equipped. I can now look at the wounds and peel away at the layers of my skin. I can look at the wounds and dissect them. I am ready to really go deep down into all of it and pull the skin up and look at the truth of each experience.


I don’t remember being a child… something changed in my life. I can’t pin point the exact date. All of it is a complete blur. It’s as if the clock stopped. I’m frozen in time. All the beatings felt like one beating. I was little, 6 or 7 years old. My book bag was lying on the floor in my bedroom. It made your abuelo so angry. I was in bed when he started yelling, “How many times have I told you to pick up your shit?” For every word he yelled he hit me over the head with the bag. I started screaming and crying. My head was bleeding. The buckle on the bag had a hook like one from a belt… the hook went through my scalp.

How do you heal from all that abuse? Where do you put it? I have very strong feelings about parents who put their hands on their children it fills me with rage. It is a fury that is indescribable. Parents have no fucking idea what they do to these defenseless / innocent children. They have no idea what they have done to us! How they have damaged us!

There is residue that is left behind when a parent raises their hands to a child. A child left broken and scarred will become the child who is either shy and never learns to speak up for themselves and might grow up to take abuse from bosses, husbands, wives, lovers, bullies, and any other figure of authority. Or they might become the abuser themselves taking out their frustrations on others. Doing what was done to them. Or they will turn out like me be a scarred, frightened, beautifully broken child in a grown woman’s body. A woman who works tirelessly everyday to break the cycle of abuse and leave a mark – A DIFFERENT MARK - not from beatings - - but from LOVE.

I was finally let out of this cage. My self imposed prison that I didn’t event know I was living in. I had everyone fooled including me. I had convinced myself that my past had no affect on my future. Ignoring it didn’t make it go away. It takes a tremendous amount of strength to not only look at the events of my past but also to relive all of it. Allowing it all to rise to the surface in the name of exploration and expansion. I was ready to look at each letter closely. I was ready to look at the lies. I was ready to look at the truth and learn what the gifts were from those moments. I wanted to acknowledge their arrival so that I could release all of it.

Letter to reader… the human family needs constant healing and love. We can’t do this alone. We need each other. We need help. When we are feeling, helpless, hopeless, scared, alone or depressed we must reach out to someone for help. Do the work to release those things that no longer serve. These emotions can feel like poison chipping away at our spirits. It takes time, commitment to do the work and faith that your force will get you through anything.


CLICK LINK:

Finding Your Force is available on AMAZON.COM

Center Authors presents Finding Your Force: A Journey to Love

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community Center author reading series presents: Finding Your Force A Journey to Love, by Alicia Anabel Santos

Event Date
Wednesday, September 28 2011

Time
6:30pm – 8:30pm

Location
The Center 208 West 13th Street, NY NY 10011

Reception 6:30PM
Program 7PM



For More Information and to REGISTER

LGBT Center: Yojani Hernandez, yhernandez@gaycenter.org, 212-620-7310

You are worth it!

You are worth it. Your story is worth telling. You are important in this world. There is a reason you were born. Find your Force. Do the work. Darkness can be scary but also can hold all the answers for the things we are searching for. Hopelessness... fear .... are emotions that can be released. Do the work. Fight for your life. You are worth it and you are loved.

NOCHE CLANDESTINA!

Come enjoy spoken word, dance, and music in Art for Change’s basement gallery to celebrate the role of underground art and social movements throughout history held in basements, garages, galleries, and theaters around the world that have created
revolutionary fuel for social action.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!
MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Marrero at 917-951-9924 or lesjacs@gmail.com

NOCHE CLANDESTINA!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 7-11PM
Art for Change, 1699 Lexington Avenue, Lower Level
Directions: 6 train to 103rd St or 110th St
$5 Suggested Donation (no one will be turned away!)

Art for Change is pleased to present Noche Clandestina, featuring
performances by local artists Mari Fue, Jazebel Jade (from Brown
Girl’s Burlesque), Katalay, Maria Rivas, and Alicia Anabel Santos,
PLUS open mic! Come enjoy spoken word, dance, and music in Art for
Change’s basement gallery to celebrate the role of underground art and
social movements throughout history held in basements, garages,
galleries, and theaters around the world that have created
revolutionary fuel for social action. Noche Clandestina is in
conjunction with the current exhibition on display at Art for Change,
"Millennial Yell!," a group art exhibition which explores the distinct
characteristics of a new wave of revolution sweeping across the globe
sparked by youth of the Millennial generation.

Interested performers or for more information, please contact Leslie
Marrero: 917-951-9924 or lesjacs@gmail.com

Art for Change is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides a
forum for creating innovative art and media programs that inspire
people to take an active role in social justice. Please visit:
www.artforchange.org

Reading @ the Brooklyn Book Festival Sep. 18th

Writers, activists, and cultural producers Alicia Anabel Santos and Charlie Vázquez will be making appearances at this year’s Brooklyn Book Festival to promote their new books; Santos’ "Finding Your Force," a soul-searching and often gritty memoir written by mother to daughter, and Vázquez’s "Meditations/Meditaciones – Bronx/Salsa," a collection of bilingual poems based on his earliest memories of the quintessential Nuyorican borough and sound.


Las Comadres/La Casa Azul Bookstore, Booth #125


Alicia Anabel Santos will be reading and signing books at 12:00 PM (noon).


For more info on Alicia Anabel Santos:
http://findingyourforce.blogspot.com/


Charlie Vázquez will be reading and signing books at 2:00PM.


For more info on Charlie Vázquez:
http://www.firekingpress.com/



Las Comadres Para Las Americas and La Casa Azul Bookstore are joining forces to celebrate Hispanic/Latino authors at the Brooklyn Book Festival on September 18, 2011. The Brooklyn Book Festival is the largest free literary event in New York City presenting an array of literary stars and emerging authors who represent the exciting world of literature today. One of America’s premier book festivals, this hip, smart, diverse gathering attracts thousands of book lovers of all ages.


And remember, books make great gifts!



AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING SCHEDULE


12:00pm – 2:00pm
Alicia Anabel Santos
Dahlma Llanos Figueroa
Sergio Troncoso
Torrey Maldonado


2:00pm - 3:30pm
Caridad Pineiro
Carmen Mojica Fabian
Charlie Vazquez
Daisy Martinez


3:30-5:00pm
Gloria Ramirez
Peggy Robles Alvarado

(others to follow)


Public Transportation: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall; R to Court Street A, C, F to Jay Street/Borough Hall


Brooklyn Book Festival
http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/

Las Comadres Para Las Americas
http://www.lascomadres.org/

La Casa Azul Bookstore
http://www.lacasaazulbookstore.com/

Global Drumbeat Radio Interview TODAY @ 2pm EST

Tune in to 89.3FM @ 2:00pm today for an interview LIVE regarding AFROLATINOS on http://www.wrfg.org/

Also available via live stream: 89.3 FM Click listen now!


Today's show: The Tambor on Global Drumbeat

The show shares: African, Latin, American, Caribbean Music, News, Views & Interviews
(2pm - 4pm)

AFROLATINOS: The Untaught Story

Afrolatinos “The Untaught Story” is a documentary television series independently produced by Creador Pictures, LLC. This is the story of the estimated 150 million invisible afrodescendants currently living in Latin America. Afrolatinos is a seven part series in English and Spanish, that shows the rich culture and shares the contributions of the enslaved Africans who arrived to the Caribbean, Central and South America.

The program aims to better understand religious connections and distinctions between the Catholic Church as well as the Yoruba and Voodoo traditions. We learn about the influence of Africa through dance and music. The drum is a very significant instrument used in Latin music but how many people know its history? We also have a segment on Afro-Latino gastronomy, which will show the many dishes with African influence seen in every day life. Identity and racial discrimination are just a few of the many social issues affecting Afrolatinos. We interview people from the U.S to Argentina about issues such as self-hate this idea of good hair, bad hair), interracial marriages, oppression and exploitation.

This documentary takes you on a journey to meet Afrolatinos throughout Spanish speaking nations, and we include Haiti and Brazil. Our mission is to teach the uninformed and initiate social change throughout Latin America.

Please spread the word! Our Indiegogo Campaign ends in FIVE days and we need your help.

For more information click on: AFRICA Lives in Latin America


Visit: Afrolatinos: The Untaught Story at WWW.AFROLATINOS.TV

Thanks so much for your continued support.

Alicia

Ten Years Ago Today

Ten years ago today I realized that my life would never be the same. And I'm a better human because of it. I credit my daughter and those who lost their lives on September 11th for my becoming a writer. Because of that moment in history I understand the importance of leaving a legacy, caring about community, and serving others.

Courtney I honor you for being the best thing I've ever done. And all those who are no longer with us.

Don't be afraid to extend a hand
Love each other more than once a year
Be open to the goodness of people

PeAce

TONIGHT~ Book reading and signing by Alicia Anabel Santos

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

Finding Your Force: A Journey to Love.

Book reading and signing by Alicia Anabel Santos

6:00pm - 8:00pm





Finding Your Force is a memoir written in the form of a love letter to a daughter. In this intimate conversation we journey into the darkest parts of Alicia's soul. We walk with her as she digs deep underneath the ruins where all her secrets are kept. This is a journey about life, death and rebirth. Alicia tells her daughter a story that is raw and heart wrenching. It is not a love story but definitely a story of love.



Alicia Anabel Santos is a Latina Writer, Producer and Playwright. She is a New York-born Dominican who is passionate about writing works that empower and inspire women to find their voices. Currently, she is completing her historical fiction novel titled, The Daughters of the Revolution. She is the Founder of the New York City Latina Writers Group.



LOCATION:

Hosted by Word Up Community Bookshop & La Casa Azul Bookstore

4157 Broadway @ 176 Street
Washington Heights, NY 10033
http://wordupbooks.wordpress.com

Visit: Casa Azul Bookstore

Host a Finding Your Force Book Party ~

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, mingle and have an intimate conversation with the author. Host a book party in your home, church or community center. Invite friends and family to your event (minimum 10 guests / maximum of 25).


Host receives: a complimentary copy of Finding Your Force: A Journey to Love





Finding Your Force is a memoir written in the form of a love letter to a daughter. In this intimate conversation we journey into the darkest parts of Alicia’s soul. We walk with her as she digs deep underneath the ruins where all her secrets are kept. Santos is being called on an excavation to stop running and face those moments that have transformed her from surviving rape, healing through loss and coming out as a lesbian. This is a journey about life, death and rebirth. Alicia tells her daughter a story that is raw and heart wrenching. It is not a love story but definitely a story of love.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alicia Anabel Santos is a Latina Writer, Producer and Playwright. She is a New York-born Dominican who is passionate about writing works that empower and inspire women to find their voices. Currently, she is completing her historical fiction novel titled, The Daughters of the Revolution. She is the Founder of the New York City Latina Writers Group. Santos has been traveling for three years working on the documentary Afrolatinos: The Untaught Story (WWW.AFROLATINOS.TV). She works as a freelance writer and activist against sexual and physical abuse towards women and children. She attended New York University and Rhode Island College. Alicia lives in Harlem, NYC with her daughter Courtniana.


To host a book party please email findingyourforce@gmail.com

A reading @ Word Up Community Bookshop~

Join us for a reading at:

Word Up Community Bookshop

Thursday, Sep. 8th @6:00pm
4157 Broadway @ 176 Street
Washington Heights, NY 10033
http://wordupbooks.wordpress.com/

www.lacasaazulbookstore.com

This event is a partnership between 2 independent bookstores: La Casa Azul Bookstore and Word Up Community Bookshop.

Finding Your Force is a memoir written in the form of a love letter to a daughter. In this intimate conversation we journey into the darkest parts of Alicia's soul. We walk with her as she digs deep underneath the ruins where all her secrets are kept. This is a journey about life, death and rebirth. Alicia tells her daughter a story that is raw and heart wrenching. It is not a love story but definitely a story of love.

Alicia Anabel Santos is a Latina Writer, Producer and Playwright. She is a New York-born Dominican who is passionate about writing works that empower and inspire women to find their voices. Currently, she is completing her historical fiction novel titled, The Daughters of the Revolution. She is the Founder of the New York City Latina Writers Group.

The South Bronx Finds their Force~

The South Bronx finds their force through reading!

Wom(y)n, Mothers and Daughters Find their Force by sharing their story!

Join CASA for a Back to School & End of Summer Book Release, Reading and Signing Celebration!

With Alicia Anabel Santos, author of the book: Finding Your Force - A Journey to Love

Casa Atabex Ache
When: Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Where: 471 East 140th Street, Bronx, NY

Time: 7:00pm

About the Book:
Finding Your Force is a memoir written in the form of a love letter to a daughter. In this intimate conversation we journey into the darkest parts of Alicia’s soul. We walk with her as she digs deep underneath the ruins where all her secrets are kept. Santos is being called on an excavation to stop running and face those moments that have transformed her from surviving rape, healing through loss and coming out as a lesbian. This is a journey about life, death and rebirth. Alicia tells her daughter a story that is raw and heart wrenching. It is not a love story but definitely a story of love.

I AM A WRITER ~ Workshop

DESCRIPTION

The first step is affirming the title of writer. That moment we put pen to paper we become writers. What brings us to the page? What keeps us from the page? We’ve heard the infamous quote “Writer’s Write!” and those who aren’t writing aren’t really writers. There are countless books on writing and thousands of websites with resources for writers but do they really get the writer to the page.

I AM A WRITER Workshop is designed to use multi-genres as a model for instruction. The end result is to prepare your work for publication, whether memoir, play, treatment, personal essay, magazine article or nonfiction. We will explore writing techniques such as narration, character development, description, dialogue and structure, as well as further developing OUR individual writing styles while tapping into our own voices. Alicia will work with writers to get to the core of the story. We will use the technique of surrendering to the process, releasing and untapping all that is uncomfortable to reach the truth of the stories we want to tell. Each week is designed to bring writers one-step closer to completing a project.

We must give ourselves permission to BE writers.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING~

“The author found her self-salvation through writing and art coming to the realization that salvation comes not from outward influences but inward reservoirs of hope, and that one is always destined to save one’s self, always with self-reliance, determination and tenacity to reach self-confidence. Santos’s revelation reflects many Latinas need for healing, self-acceptance and self-empowerment. Her story is not a new one but it is modern, lasting, revealing and in the end a victory lap run every day.” ~ MyLatinovoice, Robert Waddell

“Alicia shares her life with us in a way that may save a lot of people from some of the darkness that she has experienced in her lifetime…”

Workshop Dates: Sep. 24th, 25th, Oct. 2nd, 9th, Nov. 6th, 13th
Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: TBA

Cost: $300 (includes 24 hours of instruction, 6 writing sessions, 1 one-on-one session with the facilitator and handouts)

To reserve a spot email findingyourforce@gmail.com in the subject line write: I AM A WRITER.

There are need-based scholarships available. Please submit a letter explaining why you would like to be considered for a scholarship, why you are interested in participating in the workshop and what you hope to gain. Scholarship deadline is September 11th at midnight. Decisions will be made via email by September 14th.

Fee will be accepted in two payments email the facilitator for details.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Alicia Anabel Santos is a Writer, Producer and Playwright. She is a New York-born Dominican who is passionate about writing works that empower and inspire women to find their voices. Most recently she completed a memoir, Finding Your Force A Journey to Love. It is a memoir written in the form of a love letter to her daughter. The memoir is about how my life was transformed from surviving rape, healing through loss and coming out as a lesbian. Currently, she is completing her historical fiction novel titled, The Daughters of the Revolution. She is the Founder of the New York City Latina Writers Group. Santos has been traveling for three years working on the documentary Afrolatinos: The Untaught Story (WWW.AFROLATINOS.TV) and her play I WAS BORN was chosen as part of the ONE Festival in NYC, where she takes you through the labyrinth of Latin America where seven brave women tell you their stories. Alicia lives in Harlem, NYC with her daughter Courtniana. She works as a freelance writer and activist against sexual and physical abuse towards women and children. She attended New York University and Rhode Island College.