Last night, I have a reading in support of my book, Journey to Aztlan, at a bookstore in Santa Fe called Op Cit. While I can’t say it was standing room only, I can say that the area set up for the reading was full. I’m always humbled and amazed when people show up to my gigs. Each time I get up in front of people to share my vision of Aztlan I feel like I am the most blessed person on the Earth.
Some people jump out of planes or ride zip-lines to get a rush. Not me; first of all, I’m probably too chicken; for the life of me, I don’t understand why someone would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane and riding a thin wire of death above jagged sounds more like a death wish than a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Rather, reading from my book and hearing an audience laugh at just the right time is how I get my kicks. I’m beginning to lose doubt that Journey to Aztlan delivers just the right message that I’ve always wanted to communicate. It’s among my life’s joys to share something that has been such a life-affirming and healing concept for me.
I believe with al my heart and soul that all people are innately good. I know that evil does walk this planet in its search to dehumanize anyone it can. And I know that there’s a lot of bad juju floating around and causing fear and suffering. But, last night, I was blessed with the privilege to stand before a group of people and teach about goodness and healing and overcoming life’s wretched obstacles.
The audience shared their energy; I could feel it. For an hour and a half, we shared what I felt was positive time and space and in that domain, we were safe to believe that bad juju had nothing over us. I am blessed that people listened to me and I am grateful to all who attended and to the gracious people at Op Cit. Teaching is both the mission and great privilege of my life ad last night was a great time.
January 26, 2014 at 6:37 pm
All people being inherently good is something that I agree on, too! I may be of a different faith (I’m Roman Catholic, by the way), but even those of different beliefs can be friends, too! Look at the bright side, and friendship for the win, alright!
January 31, 2014 at 9:50 pm
I was one of the ones lucky enough to be at this very reading. I bought one of your books (and you graciously gave me another book to put in our high school library). I have read your book and I am so grateful for the beauty and power of your words and experience. Thank you for writing this! I can’t wait to share it with my students!
February 1, 2014 at 7:14 am
I can’t thank you enough for the work you do. It takes commitment and hope and courage to teach as you do. I appreciate your encouraging words and it there’s anything with which i can help, please let me know.
In the meantime, please keep me posted as to your students’ thoughts…thanks, again!!
February 18, 2014 at 2:12 am
Juan:
Have you considered placing your work on the SMASHWORDS.COM site? Maybe you have already? Anyway it allows you to manage all distribution through a single dashboard while keeping more of the revenue. If interested in finding out more about SW–Go to the site and download the free style guide. Then, follow the recommendations and when approved you will have your distribution network established across all of the major e-book sellers (including libraries and other upcoming platforms). Best wishes, KEN
February 23, 2014 at 1:33 pm
That sounds like another really meaningful, awesome event! Congratulations on reaching and touching so many people 🙂