July 2018 Newsletter: Spend Your Summer with Puerto Rico

July 2018 Newsletter: Spend Your Summer with Puerto Rico!

7/5/2018

Hola Mi Gente,

Summer is in full swing, and I’ve been thinking a lot about my childhood summers in Puerto Rico, living at our grandparents’ house and running around with my brother and crazy cousins.

Those were the days!

Wrapped in blankets of humidity, we splashed under the cold water shooting out of my abuela’s manguera.

We chased legartijos and ate quenepas and sorullitos like they were going out of style because in a way they were; once we returned to NYC we wouldn't have them at our ready disposal.

On the weekends our Titis & Tíos took us on excursions around the island.

We also got bored. . . a lot. . . and learned the valuable lesson of figuring it out!

My summers in Puerto Rico were probably one of the greatest gifts our parents gave us. Not only did we grow up with two languages, we also built deep relationships with our elders and extended family members.

I’m heading down to Puerto Rico later this summer—for the first time since Hurricane María—and I can’t capture in either language how eager I am to hold my parents and grandparents in my arms.

Since I know many of you can’t spend your summer in Puerto Rico, I thought I’d bring a little bit of Puerto Rico into your summer, through—what else—books!

Follow the blog this month for two lists of great Puerto Rican summer reads—one for adults and one for the comelibritos (little bookworms) in your life. I'll also share a list of podcast episodes dedicated to Puerto Rico. Check out a preview at the end of this e-mail.

I also couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who has already donated to Puerto Rico's Taller Salud.

In one month we've raised over half of the $2,500 goal!

If you haven’t already donated, please give $25 or $50 today to help me reach the $2,500 goal. And please continue to SHARE this campaign.

Finally Like & Follow my Facebook Author Page! I post notifications when my blog posts go live and I regularly share posts related to Creativity & Cultura & Comunidad.

If you're Creative or Puerto Rican or invested in social justice through Building Comunidad---or all of the above, my Facebook page is the place for YOU!

Let's stay connected: Like & Follow my Facebook Author Page today!

In the Newsletter:

Stay Tuned: July Blog Preview
In Case You Missed It: June Blog Round Up
Before You Go...

Abrazos Fuertes,

Li Yun

PS Full Disclosure:

As always, I encourage you to support your local bookstores and libraries; if they don't already carry the books I recommend, please be sure to request that they order them today!

If, however, you plan to purchase any of these books online, please use my links; as an Amazon associate I will earn a small commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Stay Tuned: July Blog Preview
Throughout July, I'll share books and podcasts featuring Puerto Rico!

In today’s preview here are three must haves for a summer with Puerto Rico:

1. Any Baseball fans in the house?

If so, then you must order my uncle's book:

Roberto Alomar: A Special Player / Roberto Alomar: Un Pelotero Especial.

Available in both English and Spanish editions, this book is a large glossy archive of all things Roberto Alomar. In addition to a biography that spans from Alomar's childhood to his journey towards Cooperstown and beyond, the book includes photographs, stats, interviews, copies of primary sources, and even a collection of Alomar's baseball cards.

This is the definitive guide to Roberto Alomar's life and career compiled by Alomar family friend, baseball historian, and my uncle Jossie Alvarado.

2. Comelibritos' Corner / Little Bookworms' Corner

For the comelibritos in your life, I highly recommend the picture book:

Shake it Morena! and other folklore from Puerto Rico.

The classic Puerto Rican games, riddles, and songs will make you immediately nostalgic for summers in Puerto Rico (even if you never spent one there!), and Lulu Delacre's stunning illustrations make you feel like you have stepped onto the island.

3. Do you like Podcasts?

Latino Rebels Radio has done an excellent job covering Puerto Rico and Hurricane María. Here is a recent episode discussing the death count in Puerto Rico:

Latino Rebels Radio June 10, 2018:
The Death Count in Puerto Rico After Hurricane María: What's Really Missing

In Case You Missed It: June Blog Roundup

June was a doozy.

In response to everything happening in the news, I shared two posts:
1. Concrete Ways You Can Help Families on the Border
2. Picture Books for This Political Climate

On a brighter note, I also planned and executed my first post-baby DIY Writing & Strategic Planning Retreat in June. You can read all about the retreat and planning your own in my three part series:

Mami Needs to Write!
Part 1: Preparing my First Post-Baby DIY Writing & Strategic Planning Retreat
Part 2: Results of My First Post-Baby DIY Writing & Strategic Planning Retreat
Part 3: 10 Tips for Creating Your Own Writing & Strategic Planning Retreat

Finally, at the end of the month I shared my June 2018 Writing Wins! As I share in that post, I make a habit of checking in and celebrating all the wins--big and small--that move my writing goals forward.

What were your wins in June? What do you have in store for summer?
Hit reply and let me know what you're up to!

Before you go...

Please Give $25 or $50 to Puerto Rico's Taller Salud

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Abrazos Fuertes Always,

Li Yun