Poetry Scratch Work

This is a part of piece I was originally working on, which I'm actually scrapping, but still wanted to share. Scratch work is also worth sharing sometimes. 

(What did the Latina say?)

A algo real

That’s what the Latina said, I need to continue my blood

Calling me mamacita, when the the title is mom

Happy framed in the family but too grounded in man

Keep sacrificing for others, ever think of yourself?

Being selfish is alright sometimes

Your love was meant for only you at times

But yes, all are sister and brother

Flavor comes from our labor

Check this, amor is our savior at best

Inspired by Kendrick Lamar's Untitled 

Poetry Para Ti & Society

This is a quick piece I wrote in about 15-minutes when I thought I'd be performing for an open mic, which ended up getting cancelled. I thought I'd share since I haven't done that on here yet.

Cracked  

I look up when I am walking,

Because I have a lot to see

More awaits to meet my eyes than the cracks on the concrete 

Where the green still tries to grow, 

But will always be obstructed 

If you allow your eyes to wander enough, you may actually see something you appreciate 

I'm convinced that people look down to avoid eye contact, to avoid saying hello

And not have to be asked "how are you doing?"

We rarely answer that question with more than a "good and you?" anyway

Or maybe people look down because they think they will find what they are looking for

A chance that the green will grow through the crack 

But but our seeds weren't meant to grow here

This is not where they were meant to flourish 

Or be nurtured to become a life that matters

This is where it's leaves and vines assimilate to what already dominants 

You will not find what you are looking for looking down at our soil

I step on these cracks, this crack infested ground

Because that isn't what's cracking my mother's back

It's the hours she had to put in to make sure her children could achieve this so-called American Dream

The times she had to defend herself as a little girl, because she didn't speak inglés 

That's why they call this place a melting pot, because they want us to melt to be one thing
And strip away what actually ever gave this place some cultura 

This is a mosaic.
A place of ridged edges
Where we might just be lucky enough to not have our pieces cracked.

This is why you gotta look up and turn and smile
And say hello to the person who looks just like you.

Appreciate the people in the same section of your mosaic
Before they try to grow green from that too. 

Bus Stop Thoughts*

I run around all day and sometimes the only time I get to be in my thoughts is when I'm waiting for the bus or when I'm on the bus. Those few moments we get to actually listen to our own thoughts are ones I cherish. Here is a thread of some of the thoughts that stream through my mind (hopefully some resonante with you):

#1 

I spend entirely too much time thinking about men.

I don't know if I spend more time thinking about how I want one

Or how I don't need one.

#2

I am grateful.

Regardless of stress,

Regardless of the lowest days

Regardless of the mornings I miss the bus by one minute

Regardless of the pressures to be great,

God, it feels good to be here.

And I am able to stand here for three reasons:

God, my family, and friends that are family.

This is why I have to remind myself to follow

my "I love you" with a "thank you."

#3

The line between living and existing is much thicker than people make it out to be. 

People plot points on their timeline because they know its going to end.

If death did not exist, we would not care to ever truly live. 

#4 

We claim without understanding if it is ours

The only thing that belongs to me are my experiences

And those experiences may include people, objects, places, and probably gravity

But none of that is mine for the taking.

#5

You may be ready for love, but love may not be ready for you. 

Am I cliché yet?

*I hope you also enjoyed my shoes. 

It's What's on the Inside that Counts: Socks Uncovered

Layers are a practical and stylish way of taking on fall weather, but these layers go beyond a sweater and a vest. Have yourself covered from head to toe by combatting the struggle of cold feet with a dope pair of socks. Skip the simple white ankle socks that come in a pack of six and mix up the sock game. From socks to stockings to tights, what you have on your feet can add an extra pop. Even if your socks won't be visible to everyone, you can still smile to yourself knowing you may be wearing the coolest pair of socks in the room. It's truly what's on the inside that counts. Check out how some students on campus rock the fashion game with their socks.

Noah Feingold '16

LC Lloyd '17

Let's make sure to peep the different patterns we have going on here. Mixing a plaid shirt with a square-patterned sock is subtle contrast. Mixing camouflage pants with an Aztec print socks is even more bold.   And then there are my polka-dotted socks paired with my favorite green sweat pants. Yes, sweat pants aren't necessarily considered runway fashion, but a pair of polka dotted socks may make you feel like you can still have a little fun when you're on your way to study at the library. 

And that's me, hey hey

Speaking of socks, check out this amazing charitable organization, Love in the Mirror, started by 10-year old Jonas Corona. Their mission is provide the basic necessities for the disadvantaged youth and your families because the things we can take for granted can make the biggest difference in someone else's life, even a pair of socks. This year marks Love in the Mirror's 6th Annual Sock Drive! Clearly socks are an absolute essential.

You can find my blog post featured here on The Fashion Network's blog. The Fashion Network is the University of Illinois' newest fashion RSO for anyone interested in the fashion industry whether it's writing, designing, marketing, networking, event planning, or anything else you can think up, the Fashion Network has a place for you. If you're interested in learning more, visit the site or find us (and of course, like us) on Facebook.

Note: The pant cuffing going on in these photos are for sock emphasis purposes only and the patterned socks are simply for self-satisfaction and not the approval of others. 

The Newest Family Member: Meet Nala

Nala

About two weeks ago, my family welcomed a new member to the Maldonado fam. Of course everyone decided to make this new addition while I was away at college, so this weekend I came back home, finally getting to meet the lovely and precious (drumroll, please) Nala! She is a full-bred pit bull terrier and the most beautiful little lady. We adopted her from Chicago Canine Rescue and she has taken a hold of my heart in less than 24 hours. I would have never guessed my first blog post would be about a new pup, but I also didn't think I believed in love at first sight. 

Sista, sista