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Extreme Divide. Balance Unites.
In this reflection, I talk about one of the most difficult problems our modern society is facing. My purpose is to shed light on these issues that affect us all and put our future at risk. This is simply my opinion, shared with respect for the many beliefs that exist. I only seek to encourage common ground and invite you to reflect on how extremes not only hurt society but also harm each of us by planting seeds of hate and distrust. I don’t ask you to think like me. I only ask you to pause, look within, and reflect. ============ Los extremos dividen. El equilibrio une. En esta reflexión hablo sobre uno de los problemas más difíciles que enfrenta nuestra sociedad moderna. Mi propósito es arrojar luz sobre estos temas que nos afectan a todos y ponen en riesgo nuestro futuro. Esta es simplemente mi opinión, compartida con respeto hacia todas las creencias que existen. Solo busco invitar a encontrar un terreno común y a reflexionar sobre cómo los extremos no solo dañan a la sociedad, sino también a cada uno de nosotros al sembrar odio y desconfianza. No te pido que pienses como yo. Solo te invito a detenerte, mirar hacia dentro y reflexionar. ========================
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Writers are undoubtedly creative, but sometimes their personal rituals and habits are even more fascinating than the masterpieces they produce. Throughout history, many authors have relied on unusual practices to fuel their imagination and maintain discipline—routines that reveal as much about their personalities as their published works.
Take, for instance, Maya Angelou, who preferred to write in a stark hotel room furnished with nothing more than a Bible, a dictionary, and a bottle of sherry. Or Honoré de Balzac, whose legendary productivity was powered by an almost superhuman intake of coffee—sometimes up to fifty cups a day. Then there’s James Joyce, who donned a doctor’s coat while drafting his works and used colored crayons to mark his complex manuscripts. These habits may seem eccentric, even extreme, but they demonstrate a deeper truth: creativity often emerges from the rituals that help writers enter a particular mental state. For some, it is solitude and austerity; for others, stimulants or even symbolic attire. Such practices remind us that the act of writing is not only intellectual but also profoundly physical and psychological. Which author’s writing habit do you find the quirkiest—or perhaps the most relatable? Share your thoughts below!
Finding Your Own Creative RitualsWhile not all of us are writing novels, there’s a valuable lesson in these unusual habits: creativity thrives when we establish our own rituals—small, intentional practices that help us focus, enter a flow state, or spark imagination.
Whether it’s setting aside a quiet corner of your home to think, taking a walk to clear your mind, drinking a favorite tea, or even using colors or music to organize your thoughts, the key is to find what works for you. The quirky routines of Maya Angelou, Balzac, and James Joyce remind us that creativity isn’t just about talent; it’s about the environment, habits, and rituals that support it. So, take a moment today to ask yourself: What small habit could help you unlock your own creativity? Your next “masterpiece”—whether a story, a project, or a new idea—might just begin with the ritual you choose today.
What Readers Are Saying About My Books
There’s nothing more rewarding for an author than hearing from readers who connect with your stories. In this post, I’m sharing some of the wonderful reviews my books have received—words that encourage me to keep writing and creating for children and families. I am deeply grateful for every review, message, and bit of support. Each one inspires me to continue this journey of storytelling. Discover the reviews and find out where you can get your own copies of my books!
Poetic Corner:"Hope: The Little Bird in Our Soul"Esperanza: El Pajarito que Habita en el Alma"9/22/2025
Meet Avi, a green and funny witch who already had a blast on Halloween—but she doesn’t want the fun to last for just one night! Curious about what makes children so excited during other times of the year, Avi decides to discover the magic of Christmas.
With a clever plan, she disguises herself as a Christmas tree to experience the holiday magic up close and maybe even meet Santa at once. But as the hours pass and Santa doesn’t arrive, Avi grabs her broom and sets off to find out what happened. Will Avi find Santa? Can she save Christmas this year? This rhyming, funny story is full of adventure and has a warm message too: the true magic of Christmas is about giving and love.
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (1836–1870), born in Seville, Spain, is one of the most cherished voices of Spanish Romantic poetry. His work is known for its tender, intimate tone, exploring themes of love, longing, melancholy, and the subtle whispers of the heart. Bécquer’s poetry captures the fleeting moments of emotion and reflection, inviting readers to contemplate the delicate and ephemeral nature of human feelings.
One of his most famous works, Rima LIII, written around 1862 and part of his celebrated collection Rimas, exemplifies this sense of beauty and loss. The following stanza reflects the transient nature of love: Spanish: "Volverán las oscuras golondrinas en tu balcón sus nidos a colgar, pero aquellas que el vuelo refrenaban tu hermosura y mi dicha a contemplar, no volverán." English (poetic translation): "The dark swallows will return to hang their nests upon your balcony, but those that once paused in flight to gaze upon your beauty and my joy will never come back." In this stanza, Bécquer uses the metaphor of swallows returning to their nests to illustrate the passage of time and the impermanence of love. While some experiences may repeat, others—like a unique love or a cherished moment—cannot be reclaimed. The imagery evokes both melancholy and reflection, reminding us that love, like the swallows, can come and go, leaving behind only a delicate memory. Ultimately, the poem invites readers to cherish the fleeting moments of joy and passion, to recognize the beauty of what is temporary, and to understand that some experiences, no matter how intense, belong to the past. Bécquer’s work continues to resonate because it speaks to the universal human experience of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.
Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar." — Antonio Machado
Translation: "Traveler, there is no path; the path is made by walking." Sobre el autor / About the Author: Antonio Machado (1875–1939), poeta español, conocido por sus profundas reflexiones sobre la vida y el paso del tiempo. Antonio Machado (1875–1939), Spanish poet, known for his reflections on life and the passage of time. Mi interpretación / My Interpretation: Leí a Machado en español cuando era muy joven, y esta cita marcó mi vida. Me enseñó que solo uno es dueño de su propia vida y responsable de ella. Cada paso que damos, cada decisión que tomamos, nos pertenece, sin culpar a otros ni esperar una mano mágica. Claro que hay circunstancias fuera de nuestro control, pero somos nosotros quienes caminamos y quienes poseemos ese camino que decidimos seguir. I read Machado in Spanish when I was very young, and this quote marked my life. It taught me that we alone own our lives and are responsible for them. Every step we take, every decision we make, is ours, without blaming others or waiting for a magical hand. Of course, there are circumstances beyond our control, but it is we who walk and we who own the path we choose to take. Reflexión / Reflection ¿Qué camino estás creando hoy en tu vida? Comparte tu reflexión abajo. What path are you creating in your life today? Share your thoughts below. |
AuthorEmma Ugarelli is my name. I grew up in Lima, Peru and immigrated to Canada two decades ago. I have a Psychology degree from Peru, and I worked as a psychologist for fifteen years. In Canada, I pursued Early Childhood Education and I have been a daycare provider for the last twenty years. I became a writer in 2021 when I published my first children's book "Lou and his Mane". I reside in Kitsilano, Vancouver, with my family and cat Ricky. Archives
February 2026
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