Monday

Living Smart with Opera Star and the most important things in life

This Sunday April 19th at 3pm, (repeats friday April 24th at 10pm) Ana Maria Martinez one of the greatest Lyric Sopranos of our times will enlighten us with her knowledge of the value of music in our children's lives. Ana Maria who has sung in the greatest opera houses of the world remains humble and down to earth. She is extremely personable, talented and one of the smartest people I have ever interviewed. The only child of a psychoanalyst and an opera singer, Martinez grew up listening to music and trying to figure out the world alone. Now married to an opera singer and the mother of a two year old child, she knows first hand the value of music in children's brain development. I look forward to sharing this interview with Living Smart viewers.

This week I had the priviledge of reading one of my friend's books. Gloria Alcozer Thomas has written, "Feeding my Children. " She is considered a "Tejana" a word that can be interpreted and defined as she says in various ways. "For example as an Indian term of endearment, or secondly, as one of the first references to the indigenous people of the lower southwestern United States. Later it would identify as a whole the people of Texas. Gloria has lived all over the world and is a magnificent storyteller.

“Do you see my skin? It is a colour that leaves me in between I am not black or white Nor am I a race that other’s can easily categorize.” This is from one of the many poems written by Gloria Alkozer Thomas in her book. Does this sound like an American story? It is, with all its contradictions, ironies, and the confusion, pain and joy of being an American. Alcozer is the daughter of migrant workers. The book’s title describes her mother
mission and goal, who despite a very difficult life confronting poverty and intractable racism, succeeded in feeding her children in every way. At a time when readers beg to hear an authentic voice, my friend reminds us in her gripping and entertaining narrative, that in her journey to find herself, we learn to ask ourselves where we come from and why it matters.

On Sunday April 26th at 2:30pm Latina Voices Smart talk interviews a western medical doctor and a naturopath on how to achieve overall wellness. We also talk to Abel Garcia about his book, “Market Yourself Back to the Top.

Today, a door I wanted opened closed. I often hear from friends, when one door closes, many windows open and I truly believe that. I would like to share with you the latest e mail I got from a friend about "The Most Important Things in Life." I am translating

Falling in Love
Laughing so hard your face hurts
A hot bath
No lines in the supermarket
Getting mail
Lying down in bed while watching the rain
Finding your favorite outfit at half price
Chocolate ice cream
When someone tells you that you are beautiful
A long conversation with a friend
Waking up and still having time to sleep another 20 minutes
Finding a twenty dollar bill in your pocket
Your first kiss
Your first puppy
Great Dreams
Your first swing
Watching a great film with someone you love
Watching someone's face when they open a present they like
Winning a competition
Making chocolate chip cookies
Holding your lover's hand
Getting tickled
A surprise
Walking on the Beach
Watching the sunset

Please add yours. I am sure this made you think about it. Have a great blessed week!

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