Surprising things on a Sunday evening - I was looking on Google for a Wikipedia article on Siberian Huskies that included my book in the index as a resource of information, (which is very strange to me - cool, but strange), and found that a story I wrote for the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series many years ago in a book called Chocolate Caliente Para el Alma e Las Madres which translates into "Hot Chocolate for the Soul of Mother's"I think it was Mother's Soul 2 because the title of the story was "Crecer" which translates "To Grow." I have a story about my mother entitled "Growing Up" (Publishers often choose titles and this story was one of my earliest ones. As time went on I was allowed to choose my own titles and do more of my own editing.)
I wonder why hot chocolate for Spanish speaking mothers? Does soup not mean the same thing? Is soup perceived as less soothing as it is in the English speaking parts of the world? Maybe the reputation for chicken soup helping all ills is one that is significant only in certain parts of the world. I, for one, would definitely find hot chocolate pretty soothing, or at least as comforting as chicken soup. I happen to find soft vanilla ice cream sundaes with hot fudge and home made whipped cream topped with a cherry very soothing. Can you imagine that title having to be translated into multiple languages and cultures?
Knowing that people all over the world can read about my mother in their native language, about the obstacles she faced and her amazing courage - along with the ability she possessed to ensure our lives were as normal as possible even though this must've been so incredibly difficult, is so profound to me.
I didn't totally appreciate or understand this until I had children of my own, but isn't that the way it is with most of the really important things in life? You realize things in hindsight so much clearer than when you're in the midst of it.
So, if you happen to be in Argentina, check out the Biblioteca del Congreso de la Nacion Argentina. It's in Buenos Aires and looks like an absolutely beautiful building with multiple activities to get involved with.
Hasta la próxima vez - y me comprometo a comenzar realmente a terminar la secuela. Estoy casi ahí. El amor para todos!
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