12.10.2016 / alan garcia, alianza lima, chapecoense, copa america, family, futbol, new york, new york city, peru, peruvian, soccer
De La Victoria A La Gloria
Rimaykullayki!
*por si acaso, esta es mi primera vez escribiendo en español despues de mucho tiempo **
*por si acaso, esta es mi primera vez escribiendo en español despues de mucho tiempo **
La gente de Alianza Lima se va, se va...
Hace una semana todo el mundo amaneció con la devastadora
noticia que el avión que tenía el equipo brasileño, Chapecoense, y también muchos
periodistas brasileños, había estrellado. Nomás sobrevivieron 6 personas, 3 de
ellas jugadores del equipo, y al cielo se fueron sus compañeros de la vida.
En este avión fallecieron jugadores con un futuro muy brillante en el
futbol que se murieron con los ánimos en alto para jugar la final Copa Sudamericana
con Atlético Nacional de Medellín, Colombia. No habrán
podido jugar ese partido tan esperado, pero salieron triunfadores. Al fin
ganaron la Copa Sudamericana y más importante, se ganaron los corazones
del mundo entero. Nunca los olvidaremos, igual que nosotros los peruanos nunca olvidaremos a los potrillos de Alianza Lima que también tuvieron ese trágico
destino igual que el Chapecoense.
Y sobre el cielo de Lima, llegaron hasta
la cima, y sobre el cielo de Lima se quedarán...
Hace dos días fueron 29 años, que en un día como el 8 de diciembre,
el Perú fue impactado por unas de las tragedias mas conmovedores en toda su
historia, El día en el que todo el equipo de Alianza Lima, con su entrenador y cuerpo técnico que estaban en el Fokker (un
avión de la marina de guerra del Perú), fallecieron. Nomás hubo un solo sobreviviente,
el piloto que estrello el avión quien ahora dicen que vive en Australia. Al
cielo se fueron jugadores que hacían parte de una de las mejores generaciones del futbol peruano que querían llevarnos a
otro mundial después del 1982 y un entrenador increíble. Marcos Calderón, quien fue el
entrenador del equipo peruano que ganaron la Copa
América en 1975. Ese día... también
se fueron esas alegrías que alumbraban al Perú en unos tiempos bien oscuros políticamente.
No volverán, no volverán...
En 1987 el Perú estaba bajo el gobierno de Alan García, quien con su gobierno aprista y corrupta inspiro a muchos peruanos como mis padres de irse del Perú. Trajo al Perú en una gran recesión económica donde la gente ya ni tenía suficiente para comprarse un pan o taro de leche por la inflación. Mi padre, quien era ingeniero en esos tiempos, tuvo que trabajar como policía también porque el dinero no era suficiente. La gente, quien estaba con el alma caída por estos tiempos de frustración encontraban felicidad al ver su equipo triunfar. Eso es lo maravilloso y mágico del futbol y los deportes en general (pero más el futbol). En tiempos oscuros, como en aquellos tiempos en el Perú, estos chicos se rompían el alma en la cancha para traer esa felicidad tan necesitada para su gente. Ellos no les debían nada al Perú, pero ellos se ponían ese peso en sus espaldas y por eso siempre valdrán un Perú.
En 1987 el Perú estaba bajo el gobierno de Alan García, quien con su gobierno aprista y corrupta inspiro a muchos peruanos como mis padres de irse del Perú. Trajo al Perú en una gran recesión económica donde la gente ya ni tenía suficiente para comprarse un pan o taro de leche por la inflación. Mi padre, quien era ingeniero en esos tiempos, tuvo que trabajar como policía también porque el dinero no era suficiente. La gente, quien estaba con el alma caída por estos tiempos de frustración encontraban felicidad al ver su equipo triunfar. Eso es lo maravilloso y mágico del futbol y los deportes en general (pero más el futbol). En tiempos oscuros, como en aquellos tiempos en el Perú, estos chicos se rompían el alma en la cancha para traer esa felicidad tan necesitada para su gente. Ellos no les debían nada al Perú, pero ellos se ponían ese peso en sus espaldas y por eso siempre valdrán un Perú.
Cuando la gente venía con el alma caída a casa después de
ganar una miseria que era común en aquellos tiempos, en el 75’ con Francisco Morales Bermúdez y en el 87’
con Alan García, ¡nuestro equipo
peruano nos daba la vida! En los 70's
el
Perú era el país que hacía temblar a los grandes como Brasil, Uruguay,
y Argentina. Mi padre, con
mucha alegría que se transmite por el brillo en sus ojos, me cuenta como era
vivir en esos años dorados. Los años
dorados que inspiraron una generación de chicos para que ellos también sean
grandes y lleven el nombre del Perú en alto.
y al vernos llorar por
ellos, pidieron permiso al cielo, y con los negritos nuevos
regresaran...
Al perder básicamente todo el equipo, excepto 4 que
no habían bordado por estar lesionados y cosas de la vida, ya no se veía un
futuro promovedor para el Perú. La Alianza Lima era uno de los mejores equipos peruano,
pero ese día hinchas del Sporting
Cristal como mi padre (¡y yo!), del Universitario, del Melgar, todos se unieron al dolor de los aliancistas. Ese día todos fueron uno y la
solidaridad que es una de las características más hermosas y humanas que
existe, se veo en los gestos de muchos clubs en el Perú y también a nivel
mundial. La U, quien es el gran rival de la Alianza, fueron uno de los primeros
en ofrecerse en dar algunos jugadores para que tengan un equipo de 11. Otra
gran sorpresa fue del equipo chileno, el Colo
Colo, quien presto a 4 de sus
mejores jugadores, y con este gran acto de solidaridad de un país que es el eterno
rival del Perú todavía se aprecia hasta hoy y los Aliancistas le hicieron una canción.
Alianza Lima y Colo Colo, simplemente uno solo...
Y nomas dos años después, Alianza Lima pudo levantar otra
copa Sudamericana como lo hubieran hecho en 1987. Otra vez alegrando a su
gente, y aunque ahora no estén pasando por sus mejores momentos, este equipo sabe
que nuevamente podran ser gloriosos.
y volverán, y volverán...
Y con esto quiero concretar que tengo la FE que el equipo Chapecoense, que está
pasando por unos de los momentos más dolorosos en su historia, volverán a
alegrar a sus hinchas que les serán fieles por toda la vida, generación a generación.
Con diferentes jugadores que jugaran a todo dar, a sudar y llevar en alto la
camiseta que llevan puesta y con jugadores en el cielo que los estarán guiando
por toda una eternidad.
También, tengo la fe que algún día voy a
poder gozar al ver a mi Perú darlo todo en un mundial, igual que mi padre. Que
gritare y los alentare igual cuando fui a verlos jugar en Foxborough,
Massachusetts para la Copa América contra Brasil. Nunca olvidare ese día tan
especial, el primer partido que fui a ver con mi papa y fue un partido HISTORICO. Esta es la magia del
futbol, una magia que existe hasta en los momentos más dolorosos para
alegrarnos la vida.
Que tengan una bendecida y feliz fin de semana.
Con mucho cariño,
Karen
-The Chic Engiruvian
Un video de lo que sucedio el 8 de diciembre:
12.06.2016 / dancember, family, gratitude, immigration, itsjudyslife, pencils for promise, peru, peruvian-american, unhcr
Count Your Blessings
Hello there,
It's finally December! Christmas is just around the corner (as well as finals week but lets get our minds off that just for a bit) and I know many people that have their mind set on all the gifts they yet have to buy for their friends and loved ones. I think we should also take some time to reflect on the billions of people in this world that have their minds set on how they're going to make it through the next day. I was actually going to write millions when I then decided to google how many people in this world are living in poverty and it's really heartbreaking to see the statistics that are part of our reality. Just a little over three billion people live on less than $2.50 a day and at least 80% of our world population lives on less than $10 a day...and to think that there's that 1% of individuals that owns 50% of the world's total wealth.
Knowing this makes me feel so thankful and full of gratitude for the circumstances I was born into which is better than 80% of the world. Escaping from the inflation and terrorism that was occurring in Peru, my parents didn't have much in the beginning and we were very humble yet very rich. Very rich for the simple fact that we had a roof over our heads, running water, yummy food to fill our bellies, and to be living in a nation where my sister and I had many freedoms and opportunities we would've been deprived of if my parents stayed in Peru.
We have the tools and laws in this great nation where with an education and hard work, you can make what you dreamed as a child a reality. There's so many children who wish to have the luxury of being able to go to school and become the person they envision themselves to be, and it's so important for us to not take that for granted. To not take for granted whatever tools we have here in this country, because by simply having access to the internet and by simply owning an electronic device, you are so much far ahead and wealthier than over half the population in this world!
Every single person in this world, as our brothers and sisters, deserve to have the right to every single life necessity. No one should be sleeping tonight on an empty stomach which happens very often for example in Yemen where their children are currently suffering with severe malnutrition. Every child deserves the chance to make their dreams come true and have the right to an education and not have to drop out to start working at very young ages. We have the means to restore faith in so many people around the world and an impact so much greater than a Huda Beauty Rose Gold palette for a make-up lover can for Christmas and it doesn't take much!
I don't have much, but I know for certain that the little amount I can give to some charities has contributed in making a difference in someone's life. And that by little by little, when we all come together, that 20% of us (especially that 1% on the top), we can make a great impact and monumental step forward in helping eradicate the severe poverty that is still existent. My mom always tells me,
It's finally December! Christmas is just around the corner (as well as finals week but lets get our minds off that just for a bit) and I know many people that have their mind set on all the gifts they yet have to buy for their friends and loved ones. I think we should also take some time to reflect on the billions of people in this world that have their minds set on how they're going to make it through the next day. I was actually going to write millions when I then decided to google how many people in this world are living in poverty and it's really heartbreaking to see the statistics that are part of our reality. Just a little over three billion people live on less than $2.50 a day and at least 80% of our world population lives on less than $10 a day...and to think that there's that 1% of individuals that owns 50% of the world's total wealth.
Knowing this makes me feel so thankful and full of gratitude for the circumstances I was born into which is better than 80% of the world. Escaping from the inflation and terrorism that was occurring in Peru, my parents didn't have much in the beginning and we were very humble yet very rich. Very rich for the simple fact that we had a roof over our heads, running water, yummy food to fill our bellies, and to be living in a nation where my sister and I had many freedoms and opportunities we would've been deprived of if my parents stayed in Peru.
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| My loves |
Every single person in this world, as our brothers and sisters, deserve to have the right to every single life necessity. No one should be sleeping tonight on an empty stomach which happens very often for example in Yemen where their children are currently suffering with severe malnutrition. Every child deserves the chance to make their dreams come true and have the right to an education and not have to drop out to start working at very young ages. We have the means to restore faith in so many people around the world and an impact so much greater than a Huda Beauty Rose Gold palette for a make-up lover can for Christmas and it doesn't take much!
I don't have much, but I know for certain that the little amount I can give to some charities has contributed in making a difference in someone's life. And that by little by little, when we all come together, that 20% of us (especially that 1% on the top), we can make a great impact and monumental step forward in helping eradicate the severe poverty that is still existent. My mom always tells me,
"Lo ultimo que se puerde perder es la fe" ~ "Faith is the last thing we can lose"We CANNOT allow them to lose hope in a better tomorrow. Here are some charities that are my favorite and where donations will be great Christmas gifts to give:
- itsjudyslife and benjimantv with their Dancember movement. Every December, they dance every year for their viewers in order to raise money for the charity of their choice. Other Youtubers also tend to tag along and I know this year is supposed to be HUGE! The charity of their choice for 2016 is feedONE, a Convey of Hope initiative where they plan to raise $500,000 to feed children in poverty.
- Angelina Jolie with USA for UNHCR, a charity that focuses on providing aid to dislocated people, refugees, where sadly the numbers keep increasing. They help those who are fleeing Aleppo and Mosul as well as many other places.
- Pencils of Promise where since 2009 they have been able to build 380 schools. It takes $35,000 to build a school, so if just the people of NYC each gave one dollar to this charity, and in NYC there's 8.4 million people, that would make 250 schools. Just one city with 1 dollar.
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| Gotta add a Mulan quote up in here because Disney can be deep. |
Count your blessings this holiday season and try to give the gift of opportunity and faith to those who need it so much. So little can do SO much.
With lots of love,
Karen
-The Chic Engiruvian
11.27.2016 / changes, dreams, eleanor roosevelt, fearless, gratitude, los angeles, peruvian, peruvian-american
Fearless Changes
Hello there,
Don't be scared to go with your gut feeling and what your heart is calling for. Don't be afraid to try new things, whether it be a new vegetable or a new hobby. Don't be judging to get to know someone just because of their appearance or religion or sexual orientation. Being scared, afraid, and judging are all fears, fears that are stopping you from being open to experiences in your life that you may come to love and value. I know so many people who have these fears ingrained in them and they are deprived of so many wonderful experiences.
A few years ago I was very fearful of many things, of thinking in a different way and leaving someone I was used to be around always. I was afraid of change because I was so comfortable with where I was. Little did I know, that this mindset and this person didn't go in sync with the kind of person I wanted to become. The decision to make this change in my life suddenly happened and I'm no longer the person I was when I started college and that itself has been very rewarding to me. I now care more about what I need to do to achieve the goals I've set for myself and what I can do to better myself in order to help out my community with my heart and soul. To be surrounded by only people who truly love and care about me, no matter how few of them it can be and to try new things that will lead me to enriching experiences. I became exposed to new places and new opportunities that I wouldn't have known of if I didn't make these changes.
If you are in a position where you're afraid of change and feel fearful of the unknown and uncertain, just know that, "Things happen for a reason"(life motto). What would've happened to the bird in the nest if it decided to stay comfortably and safe in there? It would've never learned to fly and discovered all the incredible places in this beautiful world of ours. Every mistake you may make comes with a lesson that will make you a wiser and better version of yourself. Every experience in life, whether it be bad or good, is intended to bring you closer to your dreams and purpose in life.
I believe that we are all destined to do something great in our lifetime, with a special gift that no one but YOU has. Destined to live life fully and this is only possible if we are courageous to overcome the fears that live in our mind and stop you from making the changes in your life that will lead you to your life purpose.
This week, challenge yourself and do something different everyday, BIG or small.
With love,
Karen
-The Chic Engiruvian
Long time no see! I've been a bit busy these past few days with assignments, work, and catching up with my sister who lives in Massachusetts and was back for Thanksgiving break. I've also been pretty pensive...can you believe that this week it'll be December, the last month of the year?! It blows my mind how quickly this year went by and also all the things I was able to do that I had my mind set on doing back in 2015. Many of these goals I achieved wouldn't have been possible if I wasn't fearless and accepted making some changes in life. Without overcoming whichever fear you may have, you will never see the change you want to see in you...in your life. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt:
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences."This quote happens to be my reflection of the day in my beloved National Geographic book, Daily Gratitude: 365 Days of Reflection (click on the title if you are interested in purchasing it). Through being fearless and accepting change, I've had wonderful experiences this year that have been enriching to my soul and have helped me in discovering who I am. Helping me to become the very best version of myself.
 |
| Overlooking Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory. Always a dream of mine to go here at night. |
A few years ago I was very fearful of many things, of thinking in a different way and leaving someone I was used to be around always. I was afraid of change because I was so comfortable with where I was. Little did I know, that this mindset and this person didn't go in sync with the kind of person I wanted to become. The decision to make this change in my life suddenly happened and I'm no longer the person I was when I started college and that itself has been very rewarding to me. I now care more about what I need to do to achieve the goals I've set for myself and what I can do to better myself in order to help out my community with my heart and soul. To be surrounded by only people who truly love and care about me, no matter how few of them it can be and to try new things that will lead me to enriching experiences. I became exposed to new places and new opportunities that I wouldn't have known of if I didn't make these changes.
If you are in a position where you're afraid of change and feel fearful of the unknown and uncertain, just know that, "Things happen for a reason"(life motto). What would've happened to the bird in the nest if it decided to stay comfortably and safe in there? It would've never learned to fly and discovered all the incredible places in this beautiful world of ours. Every mistake you may make comes with a lesson that will make you a wiser and better version of yourself. Every experience in life, whether it be bad or good, is intended to bring you closer to your dreams and purpose in life.
I believe that we are all destined to do something great in our lifetime, with a special gift that no one but YOU has. Destined to live life fully and this is only possible if we are courageous to overcome the fears that live in our mind and stop you from making the changes in your life that will lead you to your life purpose.
 |
| With the sister at LACMA clinging for dear life. |
With love,
Karen
-The Chic Engiruvian
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| Wearing aviators while leaning on an aviator mural. |
11.15.2016 / civil engineering, cornell university, earthquakes, engineering, family, geophysics, gratitude, jean-baptiste massieu, minority, new york city, peru, stem fields, tio
In Your Memory, Tio Felix
Good morning, good evening, or good afternoon...wherever you are,
In the words of Jean-Baptiste Massieu:
This passion became your passport to several opportunities that took you to many places around the world. You were one of the first Peruvians to travel to Antarctica on an expedition to research the tectonic plates that shake this planet we all call home. You were also invited to Japan to share your research in the movement of tectonic plates where you bought me a kimono, a kimono I still have with me 20 years later and greatly treasure. From Japan you were invited by Cornell University to speak to the Geophysics Department there to share your knowledge. If it weren't for this invitation where you needed to travel to the United States for the first time, I wouldn't have met you, and this is something I'm so thankful for.
When you passed away, aside from grief, I felt a great sense of regret and frustration, frustrated that I was never able to see you again after that one visit because of our past circumstances and regret that I never got to share with you my passion for the sciences and the way things work, the same way you did (as well as my father and Tio Moises, both engineers). Now that I'm older, I feel so grateful for the few memories I got to make with you, from that visit when I was 2 years old in which my mother tells me that before even greeting them after not seeing them for so many years, you said "No, no, a donde esta la princesita?!" and that's when you carried me into your arms for the first time. And let me tell you, I was very picky, and it was an amazing thing to see me greet you with such ease and trust...la sangre llama. Throughout the years, I got to speak with you on the phone a couple times and I always remember you telling me to continue excelling in school and to be the best student I can be. Education was emphasized greatly in our family, you being a testament to how far an education can take one.These few memories I reminiscence them with happiness, eternally grateful for the moments I got to spend and speak with you.
I'm grateful for being your niece and having followed your footsteps in fields very similar to each other, you'd be surprised to see how similar geophysics and civil engineering are and the fruits from merging them together. I struggled so much my last year of high school figuring out what I wanted to major in when I realized being a doctor was not something I felt that was my calling. When I discovered civil engineering and how much I connected with this profession since it included my three loves which are science, math, and helping others...I immediately thought of you. I realized how much I can help others and I know it was you that helped me out and looking out for me from above.
Studying engineering has been incredibly more challenging than I expected and I made many mistakes (emphasis on many haha), but besides my parents, I would think of you and how much I wanted to become a person that will make you proud the same way you have inspired me and the rest of the family. Whenever I would feel discouraged which has happened many times and there was a time I almost entirely gave up, the thought of you would eventually come into my head. Even though you're not physically here, I feel those pushes of encouragement from above during these low times. It would've been awesome to have you be my partner in the projects I will be doing as a civil engineer in the coming years which one of them will definitely be helping the impoverished communities of Peru that are continuously promised schools by the government and ultimately aren't built, but I know from above you'll be guiding me into the right path, through the ups and downs.
You've taught me that when it comes to your goals, there are no limits, especially when you really want it. To push through the boundaries that have been imposed to me as a double minority in my field, being both a Latina and female, and to do all that I can to help others using my profession.
All that I do, I do for my parents, family, and few loved ones who are my biggest fans, but I also do it thinking of you. Knowing how much more important it is to do something that will bring you the wealth of helping others instead of material/monetary wealth. It is this type of wealth that I find truly more rewarding and I know you did as well.
Feliz cumpleaños Tio Felix, always in our hearts and thoughts, siempre en nuestros corazones y pensamientos. Although dead, you're more alive than ever with every memory of you. Aunque ya no estes con nosotros, estas mas vivo que nunca, con cada recuerdo, revives en mi corazon.
-Karen
The Chic Engiruvian
Btw, here's a video of him speaking to our family, giving us life advice like always:
In the words of Jean-Baptiste Massieu:
"Gratitude is the memory of the heart"This was my quote of the day in my National Geographic, 365 Days of Reflection book, and I couldn't help but think of you. Today also happens to be your birthday, another birthday without you, another year of feeling that same knot in my throat I felt 12 years ago on the day we found out you had gone on to a more peaceful place...to a paradise where you no longer felt any pain and where you're now more alive than ever. It is also another year of reminiscing all the many accomplishments you achieved in the few years we had you with us. Despite the humble beginnings and struggles you experienced from being the second oldest from a family of 7 children, you as well as the rest of my 6 uncles and aunt, including my father, are all college educated, graduating from some of the best universities in Peru. Your interest in the way our Earth is composed of and the effects of the many earthquakes that strike Peru sparked a passion for physics and geography...geophysics.
This passion became your passport to several opportunities that took you to many places around the world. You were one of the first Peruvians to travel to Antarctica on an expedition to research the tectonic plates that shake this planet we all call home. You were also invited to Japan to share your research in the movement of tectonic plates where you bought me a kimono, a kimono I still have with me 20 years later and greatly treasure. From Japan you were invited by Cornell University to speak to the Geophysics Department there to share your knowledge. If it weren't for this invitation where you needed to travel to the United States for the first time, I wouldn't have met you, and this is something I'm so thankful for.
 |
| Clearly always eating haha |
I'm grateful for being your niece and having followed your footsteps in fields very similar to each other, you'd be surprised to see how similar geophysics and civil engineering are and the fruits from merging them together. I struggled so much my last year of high school figuring out what I wanted to major in when I realized being a doctor was not something I felt that was my calling. When I discovered civil engineering and how much I connected with this profession since it included my three loves which are science, math, and helping others...I immediately thought of you. I realized how much I can help others and I know it was you that helped me out and looking out for me from above.
Studying engineering has been incredibly more challenging than I expected and I made many mistakes (emphasis on many haha), but besides my parents, I would think of you and how much I wanted to become a person that will make you proud the same way you have inspired me and the rest of the family. Whenever I would feel discouraged which has happened many times and there was a time I almost entirely gave up, the thought of you would eventually come into my head. Even though you're not physically here, I feel those pushes of encouragement from above during these low times. It would've been awesome to have you be my partner in the projects I will be doing as a civil engineer in the coming years which one of them will definitely be helping the impoverished communities of Peru that are continuously promised schools by the government and ultimately aren't built, but I know from above you'll be guiding me into the right path, through the ups and downs.
You've taught me that when it comes to your goals, there are no limits, especially when you really want it. To push through the boundaries that have been imposed to me as a double minority in my field, being both a Latina and female, and to do all that I can to help others using my profession.
All that I do, I do for my parents, family, and few loved ones who are my biggest fans, but I also do it thinking of you. Knowing how much more important it is to do something that will bring you the wealth of helping others instead of material/monetary wealth. It is this type of wealth that I find truly more rewarding and I know you did as well.
Feliz cumpleaños Tio Felix, always in our hearts and thoughts, siempre en nuestros corazones y pensamientos. Although dead, you're more alive than ever with every memory of you. Aunque ya no estes con nosotros, estas mas vivo que nunca, con cada recuerdo, revives en mi corazon.
-Karen
The Chic Engiruvian
Btw, here's a video of him speaking to our family, giving us life advice like always:
Always remember to fight for what you truly believe in, no matter how absurd everyone else may think, your faith in yourself is all that matters.
11.07.2016 / beauty, book recommendations, diane guerrero, immigrants, immigration, influenster, october favorites, peru, peruvian, peruvian-american, skin care, voxbox, wet n' wild
~ October Favorites ~
Hello there,
The first week of November has quickly gone by and I'm sure most of us cannot wait for this week to be over with already. To sort of get my mind away from all this election drama (btw, PLEASE vote!) I've decided to make a list of my ultimate favorite items for the month of October. Some of these items have made a huge impact in my life and I know that they also would to my readers so I couldn't help but share them with you. If you happen to be interested in any of these items, I will be including links to purchase these 11 products. I hope you all had a productive and positive Monday and a wonderful rest of the week and once again, PLEASE vote tomorrow.
The first week of November has quickly gone by and I'm sure most of us cannot wait for this week to be over with already. To sort of get my mind away from all this election drama (btw, PLEASE vote!) I've decided to make a list of my ultimate favorite items for the month of October. Some of these items have made a huge impact in my life and I know that they also would to my readers so I couldn't help but share them with you. If you happen to be interested in any of these items, I will be including links to purchase these 11 products. I hope you all had a productive and positive Monday and a wonderful rest of the week and once again, PLEASE vote tomorrow.
11.02.2016 / alfajores, catholic, el señor de los milagros, immigrants, mes morado, new york, new york city, peru, peruvian-american, picarones, san benito, the lord of the miracles
Mes Morado in NYC
Wuynas nuchis!
Besides June (birthday is on June 11 btw) and December, a month I eagerly look forward to every year is October. In Peru, October is known as Mes Morado aka The Purple Month (cue Purple Rain please) and this month is filled with stunning processions every Sunday honoring El Señor de los Milagros ~ The Lord of Miracles, as well as eating yummy turrones and picarones with their orange scented honey. I'm about 3,648 miles from Lima,Peru but this doesn't stop my family and I from celebrating this very special month for millions of Peruvians all around the world.
We had the opportunity to attend two processions here in New York City and eat all the things that we would traditionally eat in Peru. That's the magic of New York City, there's people from all over the world, making sure to do all they can to keep their traditions alive despite being thousands of miles away. I hope that this past month, New Yorkers, regardless of their beliefs, were able to feel the moving devotion that can be felt from the fervorous chants of the women with white veils carrying the incense that perfumes the air for blocks, to the tears of gratitude in the eyes of the 32 men and the many others around there, overwhelmed by the sense of hope this image gives us, for the many hardships many of us have to deal with by immigrating to this land of opportunities.
This procession is extremely special, it's the largest procession that takes place by the Catholic community, every year. Peruvians that have immigrated to other countries have continued this tradition in their new homes for their children and later generations, and now there's processions in over 260 cities worldwide. I had the chance to attend two in NYC, one at Saint Patrick's Cathedral on October 16th and another at Saint Paul the Apostle Church on October 23rd , both were done by a group known as Hermandad de Cargadores y Sahumadoras del Señor de Los Milagros de NY, INC. (you can read about them here). New Yorkers have been able to witness processions that were once very small in the initial beginnings of the group on September 30th, 1971 and now thousands of Peruvians attend, in full faith that el Señor de los Milagros will be by their side in the most difficult of times and thanking Him for his miraculous blessings.
As a first-generation Peruvian-American, this experience has always been very overwhelming to me, especially when I see my mother's eyes filled with tears, year after year, through our roller coaster adventure in this country. Despite it being pretty emotional seeing so many people in tears. there's a sense of beauty in seeing all these immigrants, from all over Peru (mostly Lima though) come together. Seeing parents talk to their young ones explaining what makes this christ so miraculous and special to us (you can read about how the Lord of the Miracles came to be here) and the sense of enjoyment in seeing all these "entrepreneurs" selling Peruvian goodies like alfajores, tamales, Sublimes, Besos de Mosa, turrones, picarones, etc etc and finding the best ones and bargaining for the best prices of course!
I definitely look forward to sharing this tradition with my children just like my parents did with my sister and I, no matter where in the world I may find myself. We are the ones in charge of keeping our culture and traditions alive and the ones responsible to stand up for them. Without them, we would all be the same. This is what makes us unique, our fingerprint. We are a nation of immigrants, with thousands of traditions and cultures to share and embrace, how much luckier can we get?! If only we all had this same mindset, what a beautiful place this would be.
~ The original image of El Señor de los Milagros can be found at the Santuario de las Nazarenas in Lima, Peru. The mural was painted by an Angolan slave in 1651 and the image is still intact after several devastating earthquakes and the Spaniards who tried to destroy it were never able to do so.~
With lots of love,
Karen
- The Chic Engiruvian
P.S: A link to a video about how a procession in Peru looks like, click here
Besides June (birthday is on June 11 btw) and December, a month I eagerly look forward to every year is October. In Peru, October is known as Mes Morado aka The Purple Month (cue Purple Rain please) and this month is filled with stunning processions every Sunday honoring El Señor de los Milagros ~ The Lord of Miracles, as well as eating yummy turrones and picarones with their orange scented honey. I'm about 3,648 miles from Lima,Peru but this doesn't stop my family and I from celebrating this very special month for millions of Peruvians all around the world.
We had the opportunity to attend two processions here in New York City and eat all the things that we would traditionally eat in Peru. That's the magic of New York City, there's people from all over the world, making sure to do all they can to keep their traditions alive despite being thousands of miles away. I hope that this past month, New Yorkers, regardless of their beliefs, were able to feel the moving devotion that can be felt from the fervorous chants of the women with white veils carrying the incense that perfumes the air for blocks, to the tears of gratitude in the eyes of the 32 men and the many others around there, overwhelmed by the sense of hope this image gives us, for the many hardships many of us have to deal with by immigrating to this land of opportunities.
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| Carrying the image around Rockerfeller Center |
As a first-generation Peruvian-American, this experience has always been very overwhelming to me, especially when I see my mother's eyes filled with tears, year after year, through our roller coaster adventure in this country. Despite it being pretty emotional seeing so many people in tears. there's a sense of beauty in seeing all these immigrants, from all over Peru (mostly Lima though) come together. Seeing parents talk to their young ones explaining what makes this christ so miraculous and special to us (you can read about how the Lord of the Miracles came to be here) and the sense of enjoyment in seeing all these "entrepreneurs" selling Peruvian goodies like alfajores, tamales, Sublimes, Besos de Mosa, turrones, picarones, etc etc and finding the best ones and bargaining for the best prices of course!
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| Picarones |
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| Alfajores |
~ The original image of El Señor de los Milagros can be found at the Santuario de las Nazarenas in Lima, Peru. The mural was painted by an Angolan slave in 1651 and the image is still intact after several devastating earthquakes and the Spaniards who tried to destroy it were never able to do so.~
With lots of love,
Karen
- The Chic Engiruvian
P.S: A link to a video about how a procession in Peru looks like, click here
10.23.2016 / familiy, gratitude, peru
Heart of a Fighter - The Sacrifices of Volunteer Firefighters in Peru
Good morning, good evening, or good afternoon,
This year I was blessed to spend my New Years in Lima, Peru for the first time with my huge family and warm next door neighbors which you can watch part of that experience in my Peru vlog to get a glimpse of it. Well, a tradition that is typically done to bring in the new year is something that's known as La Quema de los Munecos, dolls that are made up of old clothes and burned. This is done in representation of letting go of negative energy and bad luck. As you can imagine, this is dangerous because of how flammable clothes is and how easily the flames can get out of control.
Sadly, this very nightmare occurred that night a block from me when some kids had placed fireworks in their muneco (smh) and the sparks got into the school nearby .Luckily we had a firefighter among our neighbors. While the fire truck was coming, he first screamed out to see if anyone was in there and luckily there wasn't and then he stormed into his house and asked the neighbors to get buckets of water to help ease the fire. Without any hesitation, he climbed over the gates of the school and did all he can to end the fire. The firefighters soon came afterwords and in the end there were very minimal burns to the school which could've been a whole other story if it wasn't for the quick actions of our neighbor the firefighter who btw was definitely not even in his 20's.
This situation quickly replayed in my head as I watched the news earlier this week in shock over the disappearance of three firefighters who had gone in to try to rescue a man trapped in the inferno of a fire that occurred in La Agustino where there was a shoe factory and a health government building (which was going to be checked for corruption reasons). I was even more devastated when they were found dead.
In the United Stated, firefighters are paid well, have all the latest material and gear, and are given several benefits; deserving for risking their lives everyday to save ours, the utmost sacrifice. In Peru, that's not the case. Becoming a firefighter there is like being initiated in a beautiful brotherhood where they VOLUNTARILY sacrifice their life everyday, and they wouldn't even want to be a firefighter anymore if it meant that they had to get paid. It's still incredulous to me that these men go through so many ordeals, but to them it's still a complete honor to be able to serve others. This has been going on since 1860 and many times you see entire families that have been involved in this brotherhood for generations, their own legacy.
These men, who are asked of so much...are given so little. You would think...hey, if you're not getting paid for protecting and saving the lives of those in danger, might as well allocate money in order to provide them with the necessary equipment. Also, wouldn't you think that these heroes AT LEAST deserve a proper pension after retiring or health insurance benefits when they're injured from putting their life on the line? Unfortunately, nope. Peru is a country where politicians that spend their time in Congress playing PokemonGO and sleeping are paid WAY too much money, money that can be used to benefit the lives of many, even their own.
On average per week, there are 190 fires and 1,050 car accidents (how surprising) that goes on in Lima and in the whole country, there are only 12,000 firefighters that carry this heavy weight. They are only given one bunker gear, an oxygen tank that lasts only between ~ 30-40 minutes, and one pair of boots. The boots are typically worn out quickly so they then have to resort on using old ones from others which can many times not even adequately fit them. The firetrucks are very outdated, for the past 80 years, some of their equipment and gear has been renovated only 3 times so eveyone does their part in taking really good care of everything. They don't have an adequate health insurance, many times injured firefighters have been dismissed and turned down from hospitals for this very reason. They aren't given a pension after they're 70 years old, money is only given if they DIE and in that case, their families can be given at most...only 68,000 soles, about 22,250 dollars, that's if they die.
So many sacrifices on their behalf and it's so disheartening to me that the government and the people themselves don't take the action of doing something to help these heroes out, they need our help. I've seen first hand the passion these men and women have in this job where they are willing to give what's most sacred to us, our life. They have kids and loved ones waiting for them at home with great pride in what they do, even if it means not seeing them ever again. They don't ask for any monetary pay, only for money to go into getting the material they need to save as many lives as possible and also a proper health care and pension which they are SO DESERVING OF!
I've realized that true happiness is not found in seeking things of monetary value, those things don't come in the tomb with you. True happiness is found when you can make an impact in someone's life, leaving memories that no one can ever take away from you. This is exactly the reward for these heroes, los Bomberos Voluntarios del Peru.
How will you impact someone's life today?
Karen Monge
-The Chic Engiruvian
This year I was blessed to spend my New Years in Lima, Peru for the first time with my huge family and warm next door neighbors which you can watch part of that experience in my Peru vlog to get a glimpse of it. Well, a tradition that is typically done to bring in the new year is something that's known as La Quema de los Munecos, dolls that are made up of old clothes and burned. This is done in representation of letting go of negative energy and bad luck. As you can imagine, this is dangerous because of how flammable clothes is and how easily the flames can get out of control.
Sadly, this very nightmare occurred that night a block from me when some kids had placed fireworks in their muneco (smh) and the sparks got into the school nearby .Luckily we had a firefighter among our neighbors. While the fire truck was coming, he first screamed out to see if anyone was in there and luckily there wasn't and then he stormed into his house and asked the neighbors to get buckets of water to help ease the fire. Without any hesitation, he climbed over the gates of the school and did all he can to end the fire. The firefighters soon came afterwords and in the end there were very minimal burns to the school which could've been a whole other story if it wasn't for the quick actions of our neighbor the firefighter who btw was definitely not even in his 20's.
This situation quickly replayed in my head as I watched the news earlier this week in shock over the disappearance of three firefighters who had gone in to try to rescue a man trapped in the inferno of a fire that occurred in La Agustino where there was a shoe factory and a health government building (which was going to be checked for corruption reasons). I was even more devastated when they were found dead.
In the United Stated, firefighters are paid well, have all the latest material and gear, and are given several benefits; deserving for risking their lives everyday to save ours, the utmost sacrifice. In Peru, that's not the case. Becoming a firefighter there is like being initiated in a beautiful brotherhood where they VOLUNTARILY sacrifice their life everyday, and they wouldn't even want to be a firefighter anymore if it meant that they had to get paid. It's still incredulous to me that these men go through so many ordeals, but to them it's still a complete honor to be able to serve others. This has been going on since 1860 and many times you see entire families that have been involved in this brotherhood for generations, their own legacy.
These men, who are asked of so much...are given so little. You would think...hey, if you're not getting paid for protecting and saving the lives of those in danger, might as well allocate money in order to provide them with the necessary equipment. Also, wouldn't you think that these heroes AT LEAST deserve a proper pension after retiring or health insurance benefits when they're injured from putting their life on the line? Unfortunately, nope. Peru is a country where politicians that spend their time in Congress playing PokemonGO and sleeping are paid WAY too much money, money that can be used to benefit the lives of many, even their own.
On average per week, there are 190 fires and 1,050 car accidents (how surprising) that goes on in Lima and in the whole country, there are only 12,000 firefighters that carry this heavy weight. They are only given one bunker gear, an oxygen tank that lasts only between ~ 30-40 minutes, and one pair of boots. The boots are typically worn out quickly so they then have to resort on using old ones from others which can many times not even adequately fit them. The firetrucks are very outdated, for the past 80 years, some of their equipment and gear has been renovated only 3 times so eveyone does their part in taking really good care of everything. They don't have an adequate health insurance, many times injured firefighters have been dismissed and turned down from hospitals for this very reason. They aren't given a pension after they're 70 years old, money is only given if they DIE and in that case, their families can be given at most...only 68,000 soles, about 22,250 dollars, that's if they die.
So many sacrifices on their behalf and it's so disheartening to me that the government and the people themselves don't take the action of doing something to help these heroes out, they need our help. I've seen first hand the passion these men and women have in this job where they are willing to give what's most sacred to us, our life. They have kids and loved ones waiting for them at home with great pride in what they do, even if it means not seeing them ever again. They don't ask for any monetary pay, only for money to go into getting the material they need to save as many lives as possible and also a proper health care and pension which they are SO DESERVING OF!
I've realized that true happiness is not found in seeking things of monetary value, those things don't come in the tomb with you. True happiness is found when you can make an impact in someone's life, leaving memories that no one can ever take away from you. This is exactly the reward for these heroes, los Bomberos Voluntarios del Peru.
How will you impact someone's life today?
Karen Monge
-The Chic Engiruvian
10.18.2016 / book recommendations, gratitude, peru, peruvian-american
The Conquest to My Heritage and Manuela Saenz
Good evening or good morning, wherever you are,
First of all I would like to share my quote of the day in my "Daily Gratitude: 365 Days of Reflection" book which I love;
First of all I would like to share my quote of the day in my "Daily Gratitude: 365 Days of Reflection" book which I love;
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens;but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."
- Helen Keller
Just two days ago I finished reading an incredible book that by fate I randomly came across at my local library, Nuestras Vidas Son los Rios by Jaime Manrique, which in English translates to, Our Lives Are the Rivers which by the way, the book was originally written in English. I've recently become very engrossed on Latin American History, especially on Incan Civilization and the birth of La Ciudad de los Reyes, Lima. Why? Well because I've been tracing back my family tree, in particular my mother's side as of now and I've always been curious on my ancestry and my family's position in the early 1800's when Simon Bolivar was starting to liberate nations from the Spaniards.
In order to learn more about the history of Peru, I purchased the book History of the Conquest of Peru by William H. Prescott and this book is a treasure to me, especially since I was lucky to purchase a collector's edition for a great price! About 2 weeks after buying this book, after work I felt this desire to visit my library and I had no idea what kind of book to get but when I went to the Spanish section, the first book I saw was this one and after a quick read of the back of the book, I was hooked.
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| La Ciudad de los Reyes taken by moi. |
This book is a novela based on real life events that occurred in the life of Manuela Saenz, an Ecuadorian political activist who is most recognized for being known as La Libertadora del Libertador and to Simon Bolivar, Manuelita. She had a difficult childhood as an illegitimate daughter of am Ecuadorian mother who died when Manuelita was very young and a Spanish military officer who already had another family and didn't come into her life until many years later. She played a pivotal role in the liberation of Peru from Spain with the help of her beloved friend, Rosita Campuzano and because of her contributions she was awarded with the highest award that is bestowed in Peru, the Order of the Sun aka La Orden el Sol del Peru (#goals).
Not only that, but this brave woman actively participated and combated in battles alongside Simon Bolivar and the rebels like in the Battle of Junin and the Battle of Ayacucho (where my father's side is from, Larcay, Ayacucho) where her cleverness in the battles led her to being promoted to Colonel. This was in the 1820's, a time where women had very limited liberties, were not even entitled to an opinion, had to spend all day being modest and praying and here was Manuela Saenz, fighting and killing off Spaniards dressed in her soldier attire of red and blue!
Her very liberal views and her romantic love affair with Simon Bolivar who in the end was the love of her life and the force that pushed Bolivar to continue his fight against the Spaniards led to her heart breaking ending. She was forced out of Colombia, Ecuador, and most of Peru except Paita where she lived her last days reminiscing on her golden days with Bolivar.
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| Manuelita, la Libertadora del Libertador with the Order of the Sun #goalz |
I can see so much of my great-grandmother in this remarkable woman, two women who were way beyond their time. Manuelita is definitely a Latina to look up to, she was ridiculed for doing the right thing during her time and paid a harsh price for it, but I'm sure she's now proud to see that her sacrifices didn't go in vain and is admired by many women like me. I will definitely go to the museum that was made in honor of her in Quito, Ecuador.
Wuynas nuchis and I hope you make the best out of this new day.
-Karen
The Chic Engiruvian
10.14.2016
Catcalling is NOT A Compliment
Good evening,
I've been a bit busy with school, work and life in general, but something happened to me on Monday that inspired me to write about something I don't often like to talk about but I feel like sharing this would be important. I live nearby a police precinct so while walking home with my sister after a wonderful day, we were passing by there when suddenly one of the police men that are usually just standing outside (all.the.time) stopped me. I had noticed him staring at me right before walking past the precinct but I never imagined what he was going to do next. When he stopped he told me "Hey, I was just watching you walk and I love your style (signaling up and down), I REALLY like the way you're dressed". This was followed by an awkward "Thank you?" on my behalf and a wtf stare from my sister, the policeman next to him, and I. It is because of situations like these that I always second guess about what I'm going to wear, solely fearing about the remarks and catcalls I will get just because of the way I'm dressed. A compliment is followed by a positive response and a feeling of confidence...but every single time I'm catcalled, I feel belittled, embarrassed and disgusted and I'm sure every woman in NYC has felt this way.
I've lived in NYC my entire life and it's saddening to admit that I can remember being catcalled ever since I was in 6th grade. I still remember those first times of being catcalled being confusing and uncomfortable.Yea,when you're catcalled they don't physically touch you but part of your innocence dies when you realize that men are starting to look at you in a different set of eyes that they shouldn't be...especially towards young girls. It's around this age that one learns that you need to be more careful about the way you're dressed when instead young boys should learn that they should be respectful of women and treat them in the same way they would want their mothers and sisters to be treated.
Catcalling aka street harassment should be an issue that shouldn't be taken lightly like it unfortunately still is...I mean, a police officer thought it was okay to do it right in front of his precinct. It shouldn't be something that men can feel entitled to do in order to make women feel uncomfortable of their bodies. I've sort of learned to mute the catcalls since it happens way too often to me when I'm alone, but it's difficult to do so when it's followed by an insult for not responding back. And sadly, there have been cases where men don't stop at the insult but turn to physical and violent means in order to get the attention they wanted or in revenge which hasn't happened to me but I've read these scenarios many times in the news. It is because of these violent impulses that lead to these horrifying scenarios that one should 1. Once and for all understand why this is NOT a compliment and 2. Do all that you can to help eradicate this harassment that is affecting the lives of your sisters, mothers, girlfriends, aunts, cousins, etc.
Remember to keep your head up girls, SIEMPRE.
Karen
-The Chic Engiruvian
I've been a bit busy with school, work and life in general, but something happened to me on Monday that inspired me to write about something I don't often like to talk about but I feel like sharing this would be important. I live nearby a police precinct so while walking home with my sister after a wonderful day, we were passing by there when suddenly one of the police men that are usually just standing outside (all.the.time) stopped me. I had noticed him staring at me right before walking past the precinct but I never imagined what he was going to do next. When he stopped he told me "Hey, I was just watching you walk and I love your style (signaling up and down), I REALLY like the way you're dressed". This was followed by an awkward "Thank you?" on my behalf and a wtf stare from my sister, the policeman next to him, and I. It is because of situations like these that I always second guess about what I'm going to wear, solely fearing about the remarks and catcalls I will get just because of the way I'm dressed. A compliment is followed by a positive response and a feeling of confidence...but every single time I'm catcalled, I feel belittled, embarrassed and disgusted and I'm sure every woman in NYC has felt this way.
I've lived in NYC my entire life and it's saddening to admit that I can remember being catcalled ever since I was in 6th grade. I still remember those first times of being catcalled being confusing and uncomfortable.Yea,when you're catcalled they don't physically touch you but part of your innocence dies when you realize that men are starting to look at you in a different set of eyes that they shouldn't be...especially towards young girls. It's around this age that one learns that you need to be more careful about the way you're dressed when instead young boys should learn that they should be respectful of women and treat them in the same way they would want their mothers and sisters to be treated.
Catcalling aka street harassment should be an issue that shouldn't be taken lightly like it unfortunately still is...I mean, a police officer thought it was okay to do it right in front of his precinct. It shouldn't be something that men can feel entitled to do in order to make women feel uncomfortable of their bodies. I've sort of learned to mute the catcalls since it happens way too often to me when I'm alone, but it's difficult to do so when it's followed by an insult for not responding back. And sadly, there have been cases where men don't stop at the insult but turn to physical and violent means in order to get the attention they wanted or in revenge which hasn't happened to me but I've read these scenarios many times in the news. It is because of these violent impulses that lead to these horrifying scenarios that one should 1. Once and for all understand why this is NOT a compliment and 2. Do all that you can to help eradicate this harassment that is affecting the lives of your sisters, mothers, girlfriends, aunts, cousins, etc.
Remember to keep your head up girls, SIEMPRE.
Karen
-The Chic Engiruvian
10.11.2016
Las Matriarcas ~ The Matriarchs
~ in honor of my Tia Maria who is the trunk of her family and currently fighting for her life.
In my family, our mothers are the ones who have kept the family together. Many sacrifices were made by my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and my great-aunts and aunts throughout the years. The word impossible is non-existent to them, during the era of terrorism and corrupt governments when there was inflation and high unemployment.These women found every means to bring food to the table so that their children may never go to sleep on an empty stomach, even if it meant that they themselves, will. From these hardships came great wisdom, these women have learned how to do everything and I'm fortunate that in the few years I've had the chance to spend with them, they've passed down lessons to me that I'll always treasure.
My great-grandmother, Eduarda, who has lived a life filled with heart-breaking challenges, from becoming a mother at the age of 13 and a widow at 47 with 8 children, she had multiple jobs to provide for her family and with her strong character, she managed to do it with such ease. My mother has fond memories of going to her home and always having delicious food. Their home may have been humble but she always managed to have an abundance of seasoned meats stacked in her fridge, ready to be fried whenever someone came to her home. She was an amazing cook and she would plan family reunions often, setting an example to always keep the family together, because it is what she treasured most and what filled her heart with happiness. You see...my great-grandmother was an orphan, her mother died when she was very young and her dad wasn't in her life, an aunt took her in but treated her more like a servant than a niece. She never experienced the warmth or affection of someone until she met my great-grandfather who loved her more than anything in the world, and together they built together the family that would give her the unconditional love she always yearned for.
Before she passed away, my grandmother and mother made sure and promised her that they would keep this tradition of doing whatever it takes to keep the family together, in the good and in the bad. I live far away from my family members in Peru and we have family that have also left to other countries like United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, and Saudi Arabia to chase their dreams of a better life. Despite the miles, with the help of social media, we make sure we're always in contact and always supporting each other. I hope we're making her proud by doing this.
Despite the miles, always keep in contact with your family, especially your grand parents and the elders in your family.You have no idea how much a simple good morning greeting can make their day. Life is so short, you never know when it'll be the last time you'll get to hear their voice.
I was inspired to write this because another matriarch in my family, my tia Maria, is soon parting away to join my uncle who passed away a few years ago and whom she misses so much. She was the glue of her family tree, and through her sacrifices she succeeded in raising her 6 children, my aunts and uncles who are one of the most caring and sweet individuals you can ever meet.
It's fascinating, that in a country like Peru, where machismo is still very much prevalent, it's the hard-working women that hold the family together, las MATRIARCAS.
Sweet dreams.
Karen
- The Chic Engiruvian
In my family, our mothers are the ones who have kept the family together. Many sacrifices were made by my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and my great-aunts and aunts throughout the years. The word impossible is non-existent to them, during the era of terrorism and corrupt governments when there was inflation and high unemployment.These women found every means to bring food to the table so that their children may never go to sleep on an empty stomach, even if it meant that they themselves, will. From these hardships came great wisdom, these women have learned how to do everything and I'm fortunate that in the few years I've had the chance to spend with them, they've passed down lessons to me that I'll always treasure.
My great-grandmother, Eduarda, who has lived a life filled with heart-breaking challenges, from becoming a mother at the age of 13 and a widow at 47 with 8 children, she had multiple jobs to provide for her family and with her strong character, she managed to do it with such ease. My mother has fond memories of going to her home and always having delicious food. Their home may have been humble but she always managed to have an abundance of seasoned meats stacked in her fridge, ready to be fried whenever someone came to her home. She was an amazing cook and she would plan family reunions often, setting an example to always keep the family together, because it is what she treasured most and what filled her heart with happiness. You see...my great-grandmother was an orphan, her mother died when she was very young and her dad wasn't in her life, an aunt took her in but treated her more like a servant than a niece. She never experienced the warmth or affection of someone until she met my great-grandfather who loved her more than anything in the world, and together they built together the family that would give her the unconditional love she always yearned for.
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| My mamita Eduarda. |
Despite the miles, always keep in contact with your family, especially your grand parents and the elders in your family.You have no idea how much a simple good morning greeting can make their day. Life is so short, you never know when it'll be the last time you'll get to hear their voice.
 |
| My Tia Maria, in the middle and my grandmother, second to last to the right. |
I was inspired to write this because another matriarch in my family, my tia Maria, is soon parting away to join my uncle who passed away a few years ago and whom she misses so much. She was the glue of her family tree, and through her sacrifices she succeeded in raising her 6 children, my aunts and uncles who are one of the most caring and sweet individuals you can ever meet.
It's fascinating, that in a country like Peru, where machismo is still very much prevalent, it's the hard-working women that hold the family together, las MATRIARCAS.
Sweet dreams.
Karen
- The Chic Engiruvian
10.07.2016 / beauty, gratitude, peru
The Ikonn's
Wuynas Nuchis!,
If you read my The Power of Gratitude in My Life blog, you would know that two people that have been very inspirational in motivating me to achieve my life goals and passions are Mimi and Alex Ikonn. I started following Mimi and her sister Leyla four years in 2012 when I found their LuxyHair channel on Youtube and fell in love not only with their easy to follow intricate braids and hair styles but also with their personalities. Besides posting about fashion ( btw, Mimi taught me about Color Analysis and its been life changing!), hairstyles/haircare, and travel videos, they would post inspirational videos too. I loved their perspective in life and was thrilled to see that Mimi would post more motivational videos, some of my favorite are:
- My Failures
- How to Be Happy and
- How to Make Your Dreams/Goals A Reality
These videos have catapulted me into a path where I've become more disciplined with myself and to not be too harsh with myself when things don't go the way I envisioned them to be. Not only is she such an incredible woman, but she of course had to marry someone just as extraordinary as her, Alex Ikonn. Together they've decided to become business partners and have achieved great projects like The Five Minute Journal and The Productivity Planner, as well as books like The Bingo Theory which I hope to purchase soon. Alex also posts motivational videos that I'm sure every twenty-something year old like myself would appreciate, some of my favorite are:
- The Mindset You Need to Succeed
- My Top Life and Business Lessons of 2015
- Why You Shouldn't Settle and Keep Going
Well, I especially wanted to talk about them today because yesterday they finally welcomed their baby girl, Alexa Ikonn, and those 42 weeks seriously felt like an eternity for their loyal followers like myself. I can't wait to see them embark in this magical journey that is parenthood and seeing how they're going to show Alexa and the beautiful places they've visited around the world.
Also, today my aunt came to NYC from Lima, Peru to visit for two weeks and my grandma, who knows how much I love Peruvian handbags sent me a beautiful handbag that I'm sure will be my new fashion staple for the fall.
Remember, Positive Mind, Positive Vibes, Positive LIFE. Have a wonderful weekend!
Karen
- The Chic Engiruvian
If you read my The Power of Gratitude in My Life blog, you would know that two people that have been very inspirational in motivating me to achieve my life goals and passions are Mimi and Alex Ikonn. I started following Mimi and her sister Leyla four years in 2012 when I found their LuxyHair channel on Youtube and fell in love not only with their easy to follow intricate braids and hair styles but also with their personalities. Besides posting about fashion ( btw, Mimi taught me about Color Analysis and its been life changing!), hairstyles/haircare, and travel videos, they would post inspirational videos too. I loved their perspective in life and was thrilled to see that Mimi would post more motivational videos, some of my favorite are:
- My Failures
- How to Be Happy and
- How to Make Your Dreams/Goals A Reality
These videos have catapulted me into a path where I've become more disciplined with myself and to not be too harsh with myself when things don't go the way I envisioned them to be. Not only is she such an incredible woman, but she of course had to marry someone just as extraordinary as her, Alex Ikonn. Together they've decided to become business partners and have achieved great projects like The Five Minute Journal and The Productivity Planner, as well as books like The Bingo Theory which I hope to purchase soon. Alex also posts motivational videos that I'm sure every twenty-something year old like myself would appreciate, some of my favorite are:
- The Mindset You Need to Succeed
- My Top Life and Business Lessons of 2015
- Why You Shouldn't Settle and Keep Going
Well, I especially wanted to talk about them today because yesterday they finally welcomed their baby girl, Alexa Ikonn, and those 42 weeks seriously felt like an eternity for their loyal followers like myself. I can't wait to see them embark in this magical journey that is parenthood and seeing how they're going to show Alexa and the beautiful places they've visited around the world.
Also, today my aunt came to NYC from Lima, Peru to visit for two weeks and my grandma, who knows how much I love Peruvian handbags sent me a beautiful handbag that I'm sure will be my new fashion staple for the fall.
Remember, Positive Mind, Positive Vibes, Positive LIFE. Have a wonderful weekend!
Karen
- The Chic Engiruvian
Good evening my lovelies,
Earlier today while planning out the blog posts I will be writing out throughout the month of October, I decided that today I will talk about a charity that has been very dear to me for about a year already. Right now, while many of us all are worried about where we're going to go out tonight for "Thirsty Thursday", what the Kardashians next move will be, or on whether or not to splurge on those fluffy FENTY slippers from Puma...there's more than 21 million people who have been forced to leave their homes to flee from being killed, we have a Global Refugee Crisis.
People in countries like Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Iraq have had to leave it all behind to flee war and persecution. Everyday when I log into my Facebook account, I see videos of children in Syria, drenched in blood from missile strikes that have cost the lives of thousands of innocent people, especially children. We are heartbroken upon watching such inhumanity but besides reacting as "sad" to the video and sharing, we all can do something bring some light into their lives.
UNHCR, the United Nations High Commisioner for Refugees has been providing vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to. They've been doing this since 1950, working side by side with partners and communities to help millions of people to restart their lives and seek asylum and refuge in another country. They help provide shelter, medicine, and education to those who need it the most. It's these people, who have so little, that appreciate the most out of the things that many of us take for granted.
You can donate any amount that is most comfortable to you, but it is said that even a $30 donation can provide an emergency rescue kit for a family. That's less than HALF the price of a pair of fluffy slippers. I know it will feel so much more rewarding changing the life of someone forever.
You can donate via here (Btw, these are tax deductible).
~May your Friday morning be much better than your Monday morning's.
- Karen
The Chic Engiruvian
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