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Quote from a Classic Author: Oscar Wilde.

6/29/2026

by emma ugarelli

This quote by Oscar Wilde reflects one of the essential characteristics of literature: it does not merely copy life—it interprets it. Literature often anticipates reality by imagining possibilities before they become part of our world. It creates new realities, parallel worlds, and fresh ways of understanding the human experience.
Rather than simply representing life, literature is an expression of the writer's imagination, thoughts, emotions, and vision. Every story, poem, or novel is a unique interpretation of the world, inviting readers to see familiar experiences through a different lens. In this way, literature has the power not only to reflect society but also to inspire change, challenge assumptions, and shape the future.
That is why great works of literature continue to resonate across generations: they reveal not only the world as it is, but also the world as it could be.

Esta cita de Oscar Wilde refleja una de las características esenciales de la literatura: no se limita a copiar la vida, sino que la interpreta. La literatura suele anticiparse a la realidad al imaginar posibilidades antes de que formen parte de nuestro mundo. Crea nuevas realidades, mundos paralelos y nuevas formas de comprender la experiencia humana.
Más que representar la vida tal como es, la literatura expresa la imaginación, los pensamientos, las emociones y la visión del escritor. Cada cuento, poema o novela constituye una interpretación única del mundo, invitando al lector a contemplar experiencias familiares desde una perspectiva diferente. De este modo, la literatura no solo refleja la sociedad, sino que también tiene el poder de inspirar cambios, cuestionar nuestras creencias y dar forma al futuro.
Por eso las grandes obras literarias siguen trascendiendo el paso del tiempo y continúan conmoviendo a generaciones de lectores: porque no solo nos muestran el mundo tal como es, sino también el mundo tal como podría llegar a ser.

More Fun and Fascinating Writers Facts

6/26/2026

by emma ugarelli

Behind every great book lies a writer—and behind every writer lies a life often stranger, richer, and more complex than fiction itself.
This collection of fascinating writer facts explores the hidden, unusual, and sometimes mysterious lives of literary figures who shaped world literature. From lost manuscripts and secret identities to radical life choices and unanswered mysteries, these stories reveal that creativity is deeply human—messy, unpredictable, and extraordinary.
Because sometimes, the most compelling story is not the one written on the page, but the one lived behind it.

One month. Many cities. One solo journey through Europe.

6/25/2026

This is not just a travel guide. It is a personal diary of movement, discovery, exhaustion, joy, and solitude—written one city at a time.

by emma ugarelli

I am beginning the story of my one-month trip through Europe as a travel diary. Each entry will capture not only the cities I visited, but also what I saw, what I felt, what I tasted, and the full experience of traveling alone. I will also reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of solo travel, and how I planned this journey from beginning to end.
Before the trip, I carefully designed my itinerary. I chose how many days to spend in each city—usually two or three—in order to get a real taste of each place rather than rushing through it. I used ChatGPT to help me structure each day hour by hour, planning which places to visit and selecting hotels within walking distance of the main attractions. I also used online apps to reserve accommodations and book attractions in advance.
To move between cities, I combined trains and flights. Within each city, I relied on walking, public transportation, and ride apps like Uber. I compared distances and travel times to decide the best way to connect each destination.
Before leaving, I prepared physically as well. Although I consider myself an active person, I had spent more than a year without regular exercise—no gym, no biking, and little walking, as I focused mainly on my work and writing projects. Once I realized the intensity of my itinerary, I decided to take action. For almost two months before the trip, I trained by walking one to two hours daily. It became a discipline that helped me rebuild stamina and lose weight. I also made dietary changes, even giving up my beloved chocolate.
Packing was another important part of the preparation. I traveled with a backpack and compression packing cubes to fit clothing for a full month, planning to do laundry in at least two cities, especially for undergarments and comfortable outfits. I brought two pairs of walking sneakers, a small laptop, and my phone with a hands-free strap so I would never have to leave it unattended. I also carried a small document bag with my passports, cards, and essentials, always kept close to me. Google Maps, Google Translate, downloaded payment cards, and travel insurance were all essential tools throughout the journey.
The cities I visited included London, Paris, Lisbon, Sintra, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome and Vatican City, Florence, Pisa, Milan, Turin, Novara, Isola Bella, Venice, Murano, Feltre (my grandfather’s hometown), Berlin, and Vienna.
Although I traveled mostly alone, I did meet a friend in Paris for a few hours, and later in Milan, Novara, Turin, and Isola Bella I spent time with my dear friend Luz and her family. One of the most meaningful moments of my journey was in Feltre, where I met my grandfather’s family for the first time. It was deeply emotional and a moment of great happiness to connect with my Italian roots and meet my cousins.
For the rest of the journey, I traveled independently. Even though I occasionally shared conversations with people I met on trains, planes, and boats, I experienced the trip on my own. I am proud of that. It was an incredible adventure, and I would do it again.
Of course, there were moments when I missed the company of my husband, my children, or close friends. But traveling alone gave me something different: freedom. I could go wherever I wanted, eat what I wanted, and move at my own rhythm and pace.
This journal will continue city by city, with honest reflections—without sugarcoating anything. I will write things as I felt them, including what I would change if I were to do it again.

Quote from Modern Author: Haruki Murakami

6/24/2026

by emma ugarelli

Haruki Murakami is one of the most widely read contemporary authors in the world. Born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1949, he is known for his unique storytelling style that blends reality, imagination, dreams, and profound reflections on human emotions. His novels often explore themes such as loneliness, identity, personal transformation, love, loss, and the search for meaning.
Among his most celebrated works are Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and 1Q84. Murakami's writing resonates with readers across cultures because it captures the complexities of life and the inner journeys we all experience. His characters frequently face uncertainty, emotional struggles, and moments of profound change, making his stories both relatable and thought-provoking.
One of his most memorable quotes is: "And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through... but you will be different."
The meaning of this quote is that every storm in life eventually comes to an end. During difficult times, the pain, uncertainty, and challenges can feel overwhelming, and we may wonder how we will ever make it through. Yet, as time passes, we find the strength to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
When the storm is finally over, we may not remember every detail of how we survived it. We may not recall every tear, every fear, or every difficult decision we had to make. What we will remember, however, is the person we became because of that experience.
Painful moments have the power to transform us. They teach us resilience, patience, courage, and empathy. The way we face our struggles and overcome them leaves a lasting mark on our character. We emerge stronger, wiser, and more aware of our own inner strength.
Murakami's quote reminds us that hardships do not last forever. The storm will pass, and although we may never fully understand how we endured it, we will recognize the growth and change it brought into our lives. The experiences that challenge us most are often the ones that shape us forever.

Haruki Murakami es uno de los autores contemporáneos más leídos del mundo. Nacido en Kioto, Japón, en 1949, es conocido por su estilo narrativo único que combina la realidad, la imaginación, los sueños y profundas reflexiones sobre las emociones humanas. Sus novelas suelen explorar temas como la soledad, la identidad, la transformación personal, el amor, la pérdida y la búsqueda de sentido.
Entre sus obras más celebradas se encuentran Norwegian Wood, Kafka en la orilla y 1Q84. La escritura de Murakami conecta con lectores de diferentes culturas porque captura las complejidades de la vida y los viajes internos que todos experimentamos. Sus personajes a menudo enfrentan la incertidumbre, luchas emocionales y momentos de cambio profundo, lo que hace que sus historias sean tanto cercanas como reflexivas.
Una de sus citas más memorables es: “Y una vez que la tormenta haya pasado, no recordarás cómo lograste atravesarla… pero habrás cambiado.”
El significado de esta cita es que toda tormenta en la vida eventualmente llega a su fin. Durante los momentos difíciles, el dolor, la incertidumbre y los desafíos pueden sentirse abrumadores, y podemos preguntarnos cómo lograremos superarlos. Sin embargo, con el paso del tiempo, encontramos la fuerza para seguir adelante, paso a paso.
Cuando la tormenta finalmente termina, quizá no recordemos cada detalle de cómo sobrevivimos. Puede que no recordemos cada lágrima, cada miedo o cada decisión difícil que tuvimos que tomar. Lo que sí recordaremos, sin embargo, es la persona en la que nos convertimos gracias a esa experiencia.
Los momentos dolorosos tienen el poder de transformarnos. Nos enseñan resiliencia, paciencia, valentía y empatía. La forma en que enfrentamos nuestras dificultades y las superamos deja una huella profunda en nuestro carácter. Salimos más fuertes, más sabios y más conscientes de nuestra propia fortaleza interior.
La cita de Murakami nos recuerda que las dificultades no duran para siempre. La tormenta pasará, y aunque tal vez nunca comprendamos del todo cómo logramos atravesarla, sí reconoceremos el crecimiento y el cambio que dejó en nuestras vidas. Las experiencias que más nos desafían son, a menudo, las que más nos transforman para siempre.

"Can you think of a difficult experience that changed you for the better?"

Authors of the Americas: Laura Esquivel: Awakening the Light Within

6/20/2026

by emma ugarelli

Laura Esquivel (Mexico, 1950– ) is an acclaimed Mexican novelist, screenwriter, and politician best known for her internationally celebrated novel Like Water for Chocolate (Como agua para chocolate). Her works blend romance, family traditions, and magical realism while exploring themes of love, identity, and human emotions. Through her storytelling, Esquivel celebrates the richness of Mexican culture and the transformative power that exists within each person.
One of her most memorable quotes beautifully captures this belief:
"Each of us is born with a box of matches inside us." — Laura Esquivel
This quote reminds us that we are born with everything we need to bring light into our lives and into the lives of others. Within each of us lies energy, creativity, hope, and the power to make a difference. We do not need to search for these gifts outside ourselves or wait for others to provide them. They are already within us.
What we need is the courage and determination to strike those matches—to use our talents, nurture our passions, and let our inner light shine. When we recognize and embrace the strengths we already possess, we can illuminate our own world and inspire those around us.
Too often, we seek happiness, purpose, or validation from external sources, forgetting that some of our greatest treasures have been with us all along. Our passions, dreams, compassion, resilience, and capacity to love are sparks waiting to be ignited.
Sometimes, the greatest source of light is not something we find, but something we awaken within ourselves.
May we have the wisdom to recognize our inner gifts and the courage to let them shine, bringing warmth, hope, and inspiration to a world that greatly needs them.

Laura Esquivel (México, 1950– ) es una reconocida novelista, guionista y política mexicana, conocida principalmente por su célebre novela Como agua para chocolate. Sus obras combinan el romance, las tradiciones familiares y el realismo mágico, al tiempo que exploran temas como el amor, la identidad y las emociones humanas. A través de sus historias, Esquivel celebra la riqueza de la cultura mexicana y el poder transformador que existe dentro de cada persona.
Una de sus citas más memorables capta bellamente esta creencia:
«Cada uno de nosotros nace con una caja de cerillos en su interior.» — Laura Esquivel
Esta cita nos recuerda que nacemos con todo lo necesario para llevar luz a nuestras vidas y a las de los demás. Dentro de cada uno de nosotros residen la energía, la creatividad, la esperanza y el poder de marcar una diferencia. No necesitamos buscar estos dones fuera de nosotros ni esperar a que otros nos los proporcionen. Ya forman parte de nuestro ser.
Lo que necesitamos es el valor y la determinación para encender esos cerillos: utilizar nuestros talentos, cultivar nuestras pasiones y dejar que nuestra luz interior brille. Cuando reconocemos y abrazamos las fortalezas que ya poseemos, podemos iluminar nuestro propio mundo e inspirar a quienes nos rodean.
Con demasiada frecuencia buscamos la felicidad, el propósito o la aprobación en fuentes externas, olvidando que algunos de nuestros mayores tesoros nos han acompañado desde siempre. Nuestras pasiones, sueños, compasión, resiliencia y capacidad de amar son chispas que esperan ser encendidas.
A veces, la mayor fuente de luz no es algo que encontramos, sino algo que despertamos dentro de nosotros mismos.
Que tengamos la sabiduría para reconocer los dones que habitan en nuestro interior y el valor para dejarlos brillar, llevando calidez, esperanza e inspiración a un mundo que tanto las necesita.

Poetic Corner: My Dad

6/18/2026

by emma ugarelli

Poetic Corner — My Dad
This poem is a reflection of love, memories, and gratitude for a father who shaped my childhood, guided my growth, and remains present in every part of who I am today. Through each memory, I rediscover that love never truly leaves—it transforms and stays with us forever.
My Dad
A giant of my childhood, you were,
a deep voice that filled the air,
gentle hands that held ours.
A gentle giant you were--
protecting us, loving us.
Kites in the sky,
strings of childhood in your hands,
simple moments turned eternal,
memories that never fade
and still make me smile.
In my teenage years, I was rebellion and questions,
your strict rules.
“My dad is coming,” and my friends disappeared like a magic trick out of fear.
Now I smile,
because today I know: it was love.
Six children, one heart,
together with Mom, you taught us unity,
love spoken without needing words,
deep roots growing beneath us all.
Little money, yet a home full of sky,
growing under the same roof, so tight.
We never lacked love,
never lacked care,
never lacked each other. I
I must say.
Every birthday carried your tradition
gentle words we offered to one another,
seeds of kindness
growing
in the garden of our family.
And time moved on…
but you remained.
At games, at graduations,
in every milestone,
proud and present.
Not only a father,
but a guide--
and later, a friend.
You taught me values that do not break:
honesty, empathy, responsibility.
You were my protector,
my brake,
my counselor,
and finally, my steady friend.
What I am today
is your imprint,
a love without limits,
a life that still lives in me.

Forever your daughter.
Emma Ugarelli

“Those we love never truly leave us; they live on in the values they taught us, the memories they gave us, and the love they planted in our hearts.”

Rincón Poético — Mi Papá
Este poema es una reflexión de amor, recuerdos y gratitud hacia un padre que formó mi infancia, guió mi crecimiento y permanece presente en cada parte de quien soy hoy. En cada recuerdo redescubro que el amor nunca se va realmente—se transforma y nos acompaña para siempre.
Mi Papá
El gigante de mi infancia eras,
con voz profunda que llenaba el aire,
manos que sostenían las nuestras.
protegiéndonos, amándonos.
Cometas en el cielo,
hilos de la infancia en tus manos,
momentos simples hechos eternos,
recuerdos que nunca se desvanecen
y en mi mente sonrien
En mi adolescencia convivi con
reglas estrictas.
«Ya viene mi papá» y mis amigos magicamente desaparecian por miedo.
Ahora sonrío,
porque entiendo, era amor.
Seis hijos, un solo corazón,
junto con mamá, nos enseñaste la unidad,
amor sin palabras,
raíces profundas entrelazadas
Debo decirlo,
poco dinero, pero un hogar, un refugio de amor,
creciendo bajo el mismo techo, unidos.
Nunca nos faltó amor,
nunca nos faltó cuidado,
nunca nos faltó el otro.
Cada cumpleaños traía tu tradición,
palabras suaves que nos dábamos unos a otros,
semillas de bondad
creciendo cada dia
en el jardín de nuestra familia.
Y el tiempo pasó…
y tú permaneciste.
En juegos, en graduaciones,
en cada logro,
orgulloso y presente.
No solo un padre,
sino un guía--
y un amigo.
Me enseñaste valores que no se rompen:
honestidad, empatía, responsabilidad.
Fuiste mi protector,
mi freno,
mi consejero,
y finalmente, mi amigo fiel.
Lo que soy hoy
es tu huella,
un amor sin límites,
una vida que aún vive en mí.

Por siempre, tu hija.
Emma Ugarelli
“Aquellos a quienes amamos nunca nos dejan realmente; viven en los valores que nos enseñaron, en los recuerdos que nos dieron y en el amor que sembraron en nuestros corazones.”

Classic Author's Quote: Franz Kafka

6/17/2026

Copy of Copy of Copy of Untitled Design by emma ugarelli

This powerful idea from Franz Kafka highlights the importance of reading and the profound impact books can have on our inner lives. Books are not passive objects; they move us emotionally, challenge our beliefs, and shape the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. Through reading, we encounter new ideas, gain insight into different experiences, and develop perspectives that expand our mental and emotional horizons.
That is what Kafka meant when he described a book as an axe capable of breaking the frozen sea within our mind and spirit. This metaphor suggests that literature has the power to disrupt our inner stillness, awaken dormant thoughts, and crack open spaces within us that we may not even know are closed. In doing so, books do not simply inform us—they transform us.
Over time, reading becomes a process of inner change, where each book contributes to a gradual thawing of that “frozen sea,” allowing clarity, empathy, and imagination to flow more freely.

Esta poderosa idea de Franz Kafka destaca la importancia de la lectura y el profundo impacto que los libros pueden tener en nuestra vida interior. Los libros no son objetos pasivos; nos conmueven emocionalmente, desafían nuestras creencias y moldean la forma en que nos entendemos a nosotros mismos y al mundo que nos rodea. A través de la lectura, encontramos nuevas ideas, obtenemos una visión más profunda de diferentes experiencias y desarrollamos perspectivas que amplían nuestros horizontes mentales y emocionales.
Eso es lo que Kafka quería decir cuando describió un libro como un hacha capaz de romper el mar helado dentro de nuestra mente y nuestro espíritu. Esta metáfora sugiere que la literatura tiene el poder de romper nuestra quietud interior, despertar pensamientos dormidos y abrir espacios dentro de nosotros que quizá ni siquiera sabíamos que estaban cerrados. De este modo, los libros no solo nos informan, sino que nos transforman.
Con el tiempo, la lectura se convierte en un proceso de cambio interior, donde cada libro contribuye a un deshielo gradual de ese “mar helado”, permitiendo que la claridad, la empatía y la imaginación fluyan con mayor libertad.

Emma's Reflections: The Boy who cried Wolf. Alesson for modern times.

6/16/2026

by emma ugarelli

In the story The Boy Who Cried Wolf, a young shepherd repeatedly lies about a wolf attacking his flock. Eventually, when a real danger appears, no one believes him, and he suffers the consequences of his dishonesty.
In a modern interpretation, this story reflects something much deeper about society today: how lies can be used to distract, confuse, and distort truth for the purpose of manipulation.
In this updated version, the character is not simply a careless boy, but someone who believes he is smarter than everyone else. He is convinced that people will always believe him because he understands how to control perception. Over time, he becomes skilled at deception, using lies not only as jokes or mistakes, but as a deliberate strategy.
He mixes falsehoods with half-truths, making it difficult for others to separate reality from fiction. He presents himself differently depending on his audience, adapting his message like a performer using props on a stage. Sometimes he even uses other people as part of his narrative, encouraging them to reinforce his version of events. In his mind, truth is not absolute—it is flexible, something that can be reshaped depending on who is listening. He sees himself as the only one intelligent enough to interpret reality correctly.
However, this illusion of control is fragile. While manipulation may work for a time, it cannot last forever. Eventually, patterns emerge. Trust erodes. The contradictions become too visible to ignore.
In the end, the very system he built to elevate himself collapses. Those who once believed him begin to see clearly. The “master of interpretation” is no longer seen as intelligent, but as deceptive. He is left isolated, not because others are cruel, but because trust—once broken—cannot easily be rebuilt.
The modern lesson of this story is clear: when truth is constantly reshaped for personal gain, it eventually loses its power. And when truth disappears, so does credibility.

Quote From Modern Author: Maya Angelou

6/15/2026

by emma ugarelli\

Yes, in life we will face defeats, disappointments, and moments when things do not go as we had hoped. However, these setbacks do not have to define us or determine the course of our lives. Every challenge and every failure can become an opportunity to learn, grow, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
When we learn from our defeats and find the courage to try again, we refuse to let despair take root in our hearts. We do not give up on our dreams simply because the journey becomes difficult. Life continues to move forward, and with it come new opportunities, new lessons, and new beginnings.
Many of the people we admire most experienced failures before achieving their greatest successes. Their stories remind us that perseverance is often more important than perfection. What truly matters is not how many times we fall, but how many times we rise with greater wisdom, strength, and determination.
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.” Defeats may be temporary, but hope, resilience, and the willingness to keep moving forward can carry us farther than we ever imagined. Our dreams do not end with setbacks; they continue as long as we continue to believe, to learn, and to persevere.

Sí, en la vida enfrentaremos algunas derrotas, pero eso no significa que debamos permitir que ellas definan quiénes somos o nos hagan renunciar a nuestros sueños. Cada tropiezo y cada fracaso pueden convertirse en una oportunidad para aprender, crecer y adquirir una nueva perspectiva.
Si somos capaces de aprender de nuestras derrotas y volver a intentarlo, no dejaremos que nos hundan en la desesperación ni que apaguen nuestra esperanza. La vida continúa, y con ella también continúan nuestros sueños, nuestras metas y las posibilidades de un nuevo comienzo.
Las dificultades forman parte de la experiencia humana. Incluso las personas más admiradas han conocido el fracaso antes de alcanzar sus mayores logros. Lo importante no es cuántas veces caemos, sino cuántas veces encontramos la fuerza para levantarnos y seguir adelante con mayor sabiduría y determinación.
Como nos recuerda Maya Angelou: «En la vida enfrentarás muchas derrotas, pero nunca permitas que te derroten». Las derrotas son temporales, pero la perseverancia, la esperanza y el deseo de seguir luchando por aquello que amamos pueden llevarnos mucho más lejos de lo que imaginamos.

News: Adventure Time

4/30/2026

A Short Break for Renewal
I would like to share that I will be taking a break from social media for the next month as I go on vacation.
This time away is an opportunity to rest, explore new places, and connect with different people and cultures. As a writer and educator, I find that stepping away from routine often opens space for new ideas, deeper reflection, and creative inspiration.
I look forward to gathering experiences that will enrich my future writing and educational projects.
While I am away, you are warmly invited to explore my websites:

emmasplace.ca
eugarellibooks.com

Both sites offer free educational materials and resources for children, and will remain available during this time. You are also welcome to send me a message, and I will respond when I return.
Thank you sincerely for your ongoing support and connection. I look forward to returning refreshed and sharing new work with you.
See you soon

by emma ugarelli

Author

Emma 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.

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