Embajadora de Buena Voluntad en Acción

Foto cortesía Mi Libro Hispano

Para celebrar la jornada cultural de la Celebración Internacional del Mes del Libro Hispano, (del 15 de Sept. al 15 de Oct.)  la escritora, poeta, y promotora cultural, Maritza Martínez Mejía realiza el siguiente plan para la difusión de la literatura bilingüe en su zona.

Primero, lograr que los estudiantes con raíces hispanas, aprendan a leer y hablar en español. Ella les recalca, “Ser bilingüe es una ventaja muy valiosa para el futuro. No se avergüencen de hablar en casa con sus padres y abuelitos en español. En la escuela esfuércense por leer y escribir muy bien en inglés”.

Segundo, proveer libros bilingües no solo en los salones de clase, pero en la biblioteca de cada escuela que dicte clases de español. En su visita a un salón de español durante el Día Multicultural para niños, Mrs. Mejía, como los estudiantes la llaman, les hizo énfasis en sus metas y les leyó Vainilla y Chocolate en español.

Tercero, crear un área dedicada a la literatura bilingüe o en español. Las escuelas cuentan con libros bilingües porque los profesores los compran o los consiguen a bajo precio en las Ferias de Libro y los tienen en sus salones de clase. No todas las bibliotecas escolares cuentan con un área dedicada a la literatura bilingüe o en español. Esto hace que los estudiantes no lean en español.

NUESTRA META 2017: SPANISH ISLE

Como embajadora de buena voluntad de Mi Libro Hispano, la educadora y autora, Maritza Martínez Mejía ha logrado no sólo colocar sus libros en varias escuelas y bibliotecas del Contado Santa Lucia y Miami Dade, pero también de proveer un área de español para que los estudiantes puedan leer y disfrutar de la literatura bilingüe.

¡Di NO a la piratería!

Mrs. Mejía agradece a todos los que han apoyado ésta campaña, a la Celebración del Mes del Libro Hispano, y la organizadora Pilar Vélez Zamparelli, quien me han acogido como Embajadora de buena voluntad.

 ¡Tú también puedes ayudar!

Puede contactar a Maritza Martínez Mejía:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 
Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Maritza M. Mejia on TeachingBooks.net

Maritza Martinez Mejia

    Audio Name Pronunciation: 
http://www.teachingbooks.net/pronounce.cgi?aid=25763

Dear Educators and Student, You can find my books on TeachingBooks.net

Visit: http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?aid=25763&s=n

Maritza M. Mejia Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luzdelmes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes/

Amazon :http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW

August Spotlight Interview with Liana Fornier De Serres

FINALIST of the Latino Book Awards 2017

The Largest Awards in the USA Celebrating Achievements 

in Latino Literature

Liana Fornier De Serres at Altamira Libros

This month I present to you Liana Fornier De Serres   from Uruguay living in the United States, nominated to the International Latino Book Awards for Most Inspirational Children's Picture Book. Book available: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14641175.Liana_Fornier_De_Serres

Liana Fornier De Serres at LuzDelMes Spotlight

Welcome Liana to Spotlight Interview!

Este mes he seleccionado a la autora Liana Fornier De Serres 
y su cuento Arturo, El Nino Fantasma  para la entrevista de LuzDelMes. 

Mis comentarios acerca del cuento:

Arturo, el niño fantasma 

by Liana Fornier De Serres
Cinco Estrellas -  5.0 

it was amazing

Con vivas y alegres ilustraciones, Arturo, el niño fantasma describe la capacidad de imaginación de un niño. Es una emotiva historia sobre un niño de seis años que vive una mágica amistad con un pequeño fantasma quien le ayuda a cumplir su más deseado sueño. Recomiendo esta historia para niños y adultos amantes de la fantasía. ¡Felicitaciones a la autora!
Pero conozcamos de la escritora que opina ella al respecto. Cuéntame Liana, 

1.  ¿Qué te motivó a escribir el libro?

El amor a mi madre. Durante mi niñez, cuando yo enfermaba con las enfermedades propias de los niños, ella inventaba aventuras de un pequeño sapito al que ella  llamó GLO GLO GLO. Todos los días me contaba una aventura diferente hasta que yo sanaba.  

Cuando ella, bastante mayor, estuvo al borde de la muerte con una enfermedad pulmonar, yo inventé a el niño fantasma recordando mi niñez. Todos los días le contaba una aventura diferente de este personaje y ella comenzó a sonreír, y sanó.

2. ¿Cuál fue tu reacción al recibir el premio Latino Book Awards?

Mi reacción fue, lógicamente, una gran alegría.  Creo que los grandes ganadores de los certámenes son los propios libros. De ellos recibimos y dejamos el conocimiento, la sensibilidad y el dolor compartido como también la alegría. Esto perdura más que nosotros mismos. Es un legado que debo y debemos agradecer, por lo que recibimos y por lo que dejamos.

3. ¿Cuál es tu próximo proyecto? Conferencia acerca de la musicalidad en la escritura. Tema que se me ha pedido y realizaré en poco tiempo.

4. ¿Cómo te sientes de ser un escritor en USA?

Siento que es apasionante. Es como nacer nuevamente en la búsqueda de un lenguaje. Hurgar en éste y descubrir la historia.  Es buscar muchas veces la etimología de cada palabra en pos del enriquecimiento. ¡Apasionante!

Gracias por ser parte de LuzDelMes Spotlight Interview.

Libro disponible en: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1545456283/ 

Maritza M. Mejia at Author’s Talk Book Show

Maritza M. Mejia participated at the prestigious book store Books & Books, in Coral Gables at the fantastic event Author's Talk Book Show organized by Maria Salvadora Perry. 

She shared with local authors and audience, her award-winning books, Hazel Eyes and Poems, Thoughts and More. Her memoir received the Latino Book Awards 2016 for BEST translation English to Spanish, and her poems, the VCB Poetry Award 2015.

Maritza Martínez Mejía, AWA en Author’s Talk Book Show presentando Ojos Avellana y libro de Poesías. Organiza Maria Salvadora Perry. Entrada libre.

Fotos del Evento #LuzDelMes

South Florida Writers

 Author's Talk Book Show and  Books & Books Certificate

Music - Books - Bilingual Authors

Thank you for your support!

¡Gracias por el apoyo a la literatura y las artes!

Maritza M. Mejia Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luzdelmes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes/

Amazon :http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW       

Completed 24 Hour Poetry Marathon!

I signed for the half marathon, but  completed the 24 hours marathon. Thanking Caitlin and Jacob Jans for such an amazing experience. Also congrats to all my fellow marathoners.

My lovely certificate

Next year Be part of the Poetry Marathon Challenge 

visit: http://thepoetrymarathon.com/

Maritza M. Mejia Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luzdelmes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes/

Amazon :http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW

Must Read at Southern Writer Online

Lessons for Living at Must Read  - by Maritza Martinez Mejia 

http://www.southernwritersonline.com/must-read-tv.html

VISIT
  Gallery of Stars
http://authors.southernwritersmagazine.com/maritza-martinez-mejia.html

Contact Maritza M. Mejia:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Thorny Journey by Maritza M. Mejia

FAU - Share Your Story -

Thorny Journey 

by Maritza M. Mejia

http://www.fau.edu/fiftieth/stories3.php#mejia

After decades of trying to obtain a professional degree not only in my native country, but also in the United States, it has become a thorny journey in my life. I recognize that titles do not make professionals, but professionals need the title to receive recognition and respect. 

During my twenties, due to economic factors in Colombia, I was not able to study for the career I wanted ever since I finished high school; instead, I studied for a technical degree, Commerce and Languages, for which I thankfully obtained a scholarship. Later, during my thirties, I decided to accomplish my dream in Florida, thanks to my husband who provided the money I needed to start the career I have wanted since my teenage years. I successfully graduated with highest honors and obtained an Associate of Arts degree in Travel Industry Management. However, when I tried to finish my Bachelor of Arts degree at FIU, it was impossible to coordinate classes and be a full-time mother and wife. For that reason, I postponed my studies for a decade. As a result, now, in my forties, I have to work as a paraprofessional due to the unfinished degree. 

One day, someone at work yelled at me: "You are just a paraprofessional!… Those words had a profound impact on my life, but also I realized I needed to finish my career in order to be called "professional." I know that titles do not make professionals, and it sounds silly, but you never know how some words can influence the destiny of one's life. I am totally sure the person who criticized me a few years ago because of my professional background had no intention to send me back to school. Subsequently, I decided to start a long journey to pursue my bachelor's degree in Tourism. 

My journey began with my decision to apply to Florida Atlantic University (FAU). I needed to submit transcripts from previous institutions, my high school diploma, all of those documents with official translation and evaluation from approved offices in the United States. The admission process, which I consider important and necessary, was not only tedious work, but also extremely hard to accomplish. Fortunately, I did not give up! It took me six months to obtain all the paperwork from my country, plus cover all the high expenses and fees to accomplish the first milestone of enrollment. But it was not enough! 

The second step was to complete 15 credit hours in general knowledge classes in any department in order to be able to enter FAU. I could not understand the reasons that Admissions gave me because I graduated in Florida from a community college. In addition, I was incredibly overwhelmed to have yet to complete all those credits; however, I did not give up. I enrolled for the first time in my life to take two online classes in order to finish as fast I could, yet, it did not turn out as I planned. 

Unfortunately, I failed my first online class. It was an introduction to biology based on weekly study guides, on issues not covered in the textbook and a final exam that took me three hours to complete in front of the computer without any break. The only time that I was brave enough to enter to the discussion board to ask the professor why the study guides were not related to the text, he did not answer my question; instead he replied, "Do you need something else? It is late, I need to go to sleep." It was 9:45 p.m., the only time I was able to study after my children were asleep. I ended the communication without any explanation. But I did not give up! 

Encountering someone like him did not make me quit. I repeated the class with the same teacher; I needed to prove to myself that I was able to overcome obstacles. Finally, I got my 15 credits, which granted me the opportunity and privilege to enter Florida Atlantic University to finish my Bachelor of Arts degree – but it was not enough! 

The third step was to declare my major, which was Tourism. I started classes in spring 2008 and soon realized it would be impossible for me to travel to the Boca Raton campus. For that reason, I decided to change my major to Education and take classes at the Treasure Coast Campus, close to home. Education is an area I like, but I still needed to take pre-requisite courses, and take upper-level courses in Education. That combination would make my life very difficult to coordinate with my children's school hours and family needs. Nonetheless, I tried my best to accommodate those schedules, and I ventured into the education field with an excellent instructor, Dr. Ariza, and a great advisor, Mr. Gilbert, who advised me not to give up. At the end, it was very inconvenient to continue in the Education field. Nevertheless, I decided not to renounce my dream, but to register in the Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities program. Now, I am taking any class available in any subject area until I complete the credits to obtain an undergraduate degree. I know one day I will reach my dream! 

During fall 2008, it was my first time taking classes on campus. I was totally fascinated and scared at the same time at the idea of being a junior student in my forties, but I did not give up pursuing my dream. I tried my best to follow all directions and study as hard as everybody else half my age. I was fortunate to have Mrs. Calhoun as a teacher; she not only helped me gain confidence, but also I was able to succeed in her language arts class. It was not easy, but not impossible to earn an A. Nevertheless, the joy was short; I hit another red light: my transcripts were giving me problems again. The translation and evaluations were complex and hard to translate. As a result, I cannot continue my studies until I finish a one-credit lab as a college requirement. I stopped my plans for summer until I completed the biology lab. My husband decided to drive me to Broward College twice a week for three hours each round trip, but after six weeks, we accomplished the one-credit science lab goal. 

I went back to FAU to continue my studies in fall 2009 and spring 2010. Fortunately, I took two classes with Mrs. Hayden, an excellent art and music teacher who guided me well in all academic projects, as well as Mrs. Svetlana, who gave me assurance in the TESOL classes. Then I continued with writing classes over summer 2010. My expectations were so high, but the reality pushed me down to realize no matter how hard I try, there is always an obstacle regarding my lack of enough vocabulary or childish English or even complaints about my accent. Happily, in fall 2010 and spring and summer 2011, I took my last classes in Women's Studies with Professor Grossman, Dr. Njambi, Dr. Mancini and Dr. White, who gave me the courage to keep facing my challenges until the end and beyond. I am not the only woman who has gone through this "thorny journey," as I learned from their lectures about women's struggles and oppression in all times. 

The achievements for the duration of my college years erase all thorns I could experience: I participated in the ENLACE Florida Conferences in 2009 and 2010, plus I wrote and published my memoir in 2010 and in April 2011 I was a panelist at an event sponsored by the Florida Consortium for Women's Studies. My story will have a happy ending on my graduation day during the summer 2011 ceremonies, and this long path will have meaning in the lives of those who supported me until the end, especially my husband, son and daughter. 

Maritza Martinez Mejia 

College of Arts and Humanities

2011

Getting ready for The Poetry Marathon 2017

Photo cortesy: The Poetry Marathon

I participated in the Half-Poetry Marathon 2016 and Complete Poetry Marathon 2015. It is an exciting event!
The complete poetry challenge consists on writing 24 poems in 24 hours and the half-marathon:12 poems in 12 hours. 
Every hour, you receive a prompt with images or even music to inspire you to write your poem. 
This phenomenal event is organized by Caitlin Jans (Thomson) and Jacob Jans, two writers and web publishers living in the Pacific Northwest. 

Based on my experience, this is how I prepare for a Poetry Marathon Challenge

 1. Sleep well the night before. 
2. Join and follow Facebook Group Posts, days in advance. 
3. Check Prompt every hour and even create your own prompts
4. Work on a word document and edit before publish on the Poetry Website Event.
5. Best of all, Have FUN!

And What to do in between hours?
Prepare an easy meal, drink herbal tea, do yoga, even laundry,
and the most important, read other's participant poems!

What is you prepariton?,,,
Be part of the Poetry Marathon Challenge - August 5th, 2017

visit: http://thepoetrymarathon.com/

Maritza M. Mejia Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luzdelmes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes/

Amazon :http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW