tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87215865786913382662024-03-14T11:30:23.889-04:00Come What MayMay Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-79129996126432521282014-10-27T21:09:00.000-04:002014-10-27T21:09:03.702-04:00My second book, Kindred Spirits is celebrating its first bookaversary! On Halloween help me celebrate by downloading it FREE! Just one day only!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48pj3weVOmfQqv4vJpFFKIn-JbL0jJpq0ByBoSZ1p6nBSlWFqgmrSYJnrzGsyGmI34dVYiPj3NTy5is5Q6daZ3JNr_8lkf2p9tpDvHzxJrkFC2RKtc2gS88E0tcGjrkMIsva1dMWtgdgY/s1600/FreeKindred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48pj3weVOmfQqv4vJpFFKIn-JbL0jJpq0ByBoSZ1p6nBSlWFqgmrSYJnrzGsyGmI34dVYiPj3NTy5is5Q6daZ3JNr_8lkf2p9tpDvHzxJrkFC2RKtc2gS88E0tcGjrkMIsva1dMWtgdgY/s1600/FreeKindred.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-14811098463271044452013-12-11T14:33:00.001-05:002013-12-11T14:33:49.723-05:00Happy EndingsNo, it's not what you think. I'm talking happy endings as in books, movies, TV shows etc. How important is it to you? Do you feel like every story should have a happy ending? I struggled with this very topic in my first book, <a href="http://touchepublishers.wix.com/enchanted-island#!book">Enchanted Island</a>. I originally intended to have one of my characters die, and then had a change of heart. I thought it would have a negative impact on the younger readers. I consulted with my friend and fellow author on it, and then decided not to kill the character off. Now in hindsight I'm wondering if I could have stuck with my original plan. Either way, I'm proud of the story and the readers enjoy, as is.<br />
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This topic crossed my mind today because a few weeks ago I finally started watching the television series, <a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/soa">Sons of Anarchy</a>. My son had been on me to tune in but I was so many seasons behind, 5 1/2 to be exact. I didn't feel like I had time or the patience to catch up to the current season. But one day I gave it a shot and watched the first episode. (Thanks Netflix) I was hooked! Addicted was more like it. I ended up watching the entire 5 1/2 seasons in one week's time. I binge watched the hell out of the show! I even left my son in the dust, who had not yet watched the current season. So anyway, season 6 concluded last night. It did not have a happy ending. I was okay with it. I thought it was fantastic.<br />
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A number of viewers have expressed their deep hatred of the season finale and vowed never to tune in again. (lies!) A major character was killed off in a brutal manner; one I had no idea had this much of a following. I personally disliked this character which is why I'm unfazed by their departure. But even when one of my beloved characters was killed off in an earlier season, I didn't feel a need to stop watching the show. Every story can't have a happy ending, can it?<br />
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It made for a compelling story line. It was heartbreaking and exquisitely delivered by the actors involved. It made a serious impression on me. I was compelled to keep watching because this character's death catapulted the story ahead. I wanted to keep watching. No, I needed to keep watching. I needed to witness the vengeance that was sure to come. I got my satisfaction when my beloved character's death was avenged! I'm not sure why the viewers who vowed to stop watching don't see it this way.<br />
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You don't watch Sons of Anarchy for sunshine and rainbows. This is a show about outlaws. I'm not 100% certain, as I don't know any outlaws, but I'm pretty sure that their lives are not glamorous or has many happy endings. It seems like the way of this world for innocent people to get caught in the cross hairs. Would an unhappy ending ruin a book, movie or TV series for you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZSYKMGceT1YviOUhAr9iyyk4UgBfqgOBotY2E6yxLX7D3lIpiXGhPUzKQDLvBdRjl58TPS4Z0un8KQ29uEPr6PW5Fy-N4aSQjBbTaVqN4v00gfOgrvB2yT3BxGro0GALnjZTkJp8b33Q/s1600/And_they_lived_happily_ever_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZSYKMGceT1YviOUhAr9iyyk4UgBfqgOBotY2E6yxLX7D3lIpiXGhPUzKQDLvBdRjl58TPS4Z0un8KQ29uEPr6PW5Fy-N4aSQjBbTaVqN4v00gfOgrvB2yT3BxGro0GALnjZTkJp8b33Q/s400/And_they_lived_happily_ever_after.jpg" /></a></div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-74171094186850813612013-09-27T19:04:00.001-04:002013-09-27T19:05:02.733-04:00Kindred Spirits - Extended TrailerHere is the trailer for my upcoming release--Kindred Spirits!<br />
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<br />May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-40680280675977576912013-09-09T14:28:00.000-04:002013-09-09T14:28:45.465-04:00Kindred Spirits TeaserHere's a quick teaser for my upcoming short story collection, Kindred Spirits.<br />
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<br />May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-63477116585763361852013-08-30T11:52:00.000-04:002013-08-30T11:52:07.863-04:00Coming Soon--Halloween 2013Just a quick post about my upcoming release. It's a series of short stories woven into one complete story. I'm putting the finishing touches on it but thought I'd let you see what the front cover will look like. The cover was designed by Hi-Rise Visions. Check them out! And here it is, the cover for my next release:
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKgGKnjVAiE0c0WRnBPDFLer3I6_ArdlVA_MXrLrjprtVTh3WvRRYe7Pdp2dfCu1QbgUp6m_KT-3v3MOJx6uhqDoqP7ZS73eesgU6reZJooCfc9FtFhM7dJGYGlgPqsji4lsIIsl18US_/s1600/KindredSpiritsCoverFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKgGKnjVAiE0c0WRnBPDFLer3I6_ArdlVA_MXrLrjprtVTh3WvRRYe7Pdp2dfCu1QbgUp6m_KT-3v3MOJx6uhqDoqP7ZS73eesgU6reZJooCfc9FtFhM7dJGYGlgPqsji4lsIIsl18US_/s320/KindredSpiritsCoverFront.jpg" /></a>May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-81096475647344725452013-08-17T21:01:00.000-04:002013-08-17T21:01:42.504-04:00Press Release<div class="rpuEmbedCode">
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<script src="https://1.rp-api.com/rjs/repost-article.js?3" type="text/javascript" data-cfasync="false"></script><a href="http://s.tt/1IplP" class="rpuThumb" rel="norewrite"><img src="//img.1.rp-api.com/thumb/6502006" style="float:left;margin-right:10px;" /></a><a href="http://s.tt/1IplP" class="rpuTitle" rel="norewrite"><strong>Enchanted Island: Uplifting Debut Novel by May Torres Set to Inspire America's Latino Youth</strong></a> (via <a href="http://s.tt/1IplP" class="rpuHost" rel="norewrite">SBWire</a>)<p class="rpuSnip">
Depicting an ‘average’ Puerto Rican girl from New York who finds she is anything but average, ‘Enchanted Island’ sends a strong and empowering message to young Latino girls everywhere. Driving them to read more, better themselves and realize…
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</div>May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-53150720285282357312013-07-13T17:20:00.000-04:002013-07-13T17:20:09.600-04:00An Invitation To Fellow Writers<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 19px;">
For the past four weeks I've been running my Enchanted Summer Games. There's a little over half a dozen players. Not quite as many as I would have liked but these players have come back every week to participate. I designed these games as a way for me too meet new people and for people to get to know me. It has been a great experience so far. I post daily activities which help you advance on your opponents in decathlon-style events. It's so much fun playing the actual online track and field games themselves. (<span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;"><strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.addictinggames.com/sports-games/stickathlon-high-jump-game.jsp" href="http://www.addictinggames.com/sports-games/stickathlon-high-jump-game.jsp"><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Here's the current event, the High Jump</span></a></strong></span>) Then there's the daily activities you must complete to advance on fellow players.</div>
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For example, in yesterday's daily task list there was a Fact or Fiction exercise. What each player had to do was list three facts about them. One was to be false. Fellow players had to guess which one was false. I learned new things about people I'm actually quite familiar with already. And in turn they learned something new about me. These are how I set up the games. It's all about breaking the ice.</div>
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I encourage fellow writers to come and join in. As you compete for prizes, readers will get to know you and vice versa. When people get to know what you're about they're more inclined to invest in your dreams. And writers dream about getting read, no? At the least, you will have so much fun laughing at the friendly competition. You'll win fun prizes, not a million dollars, but still fun :).</div>
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You have nothing to lose and a few things to gain. What you gain may be worth more than you think. Take a chance.</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/14NKt8s" href="http://bit.ly/14NKt8s">Enchanted Summer Games</a></div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-38464653402463690512013-07-12T12:39:00.001-04:002013-07-12T12:39:22.879-04:00Look What's Up For Grabs This Week...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's what's up for grabs this week in the Enchanted Summer Games. Join us for some fun across social media. Meet new people and win cool prizes. >>> <a href="http://maykingithappen.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/fourth-event-of-the-enchanted-summer-games-high-jump/">Enchanted Summer Games</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v1ddp1a_Dc953qnZJjtFjgPfnz065Y4p45LMCj_9LHN2RY6ugwwvCL1JalEHlpUwWKDPwolLJz1Khf-Oy9m9qelM6O7U_Gu8jq4CY8MClER-VRu_AYUmW0ldF0mEDWxxIk7S8uQkOOW3/s1600/lp+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v1ddp1a_Dc953qnZJjtFjgPfnz065Y4p45LMCj_9LHN2RY6ugwwvCL1JalEHlpUwWKDPwolLJz1Khf-Oy9m9qelM6O7U_Gu8jq4CY8MClER-VRu_AYUmW0ldF0mEDWxxIk7S8uQkOOW3/s320/lp+(2).jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<br /><br />May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-87773049278018707792013-07-03T09:48:00.000-04:002013-07-03T09:48:39.350-04:00Hooray! For Second Chances<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 19px;">
So, here's what's happening. A few years ago I published my first novel, <a data-mce-href="http://amzn.to/19T00JA" href="http://amzn.to/19T00JA">Enchanted Island.</a> Fast forward a few years and I'm re-releasing the book. I made a few mistakes the first time around which I'm correcting now. You see, I passively marketed while secretly hoping my family and friends would lend a helping hand. I must say a handful, and I mean one hand, did actually purchase and read the book. Those people will always be remembered and appreciated. My only problems is I have close to 300 friends on my personal Facebook page and just under 10 of them jumped on board to support me. It's true they don't really owe me anything. But still, isn't it nice to have the support of your peers? I think so.</div>
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Time went on and I saw that they weren't particularly interested in anything I had to say regarding my book. I was so proud of myself for stepping up and seeing this thing through. Most people don't. I know whenever I see a friend or even a distant acquaintance involved in something cool, that I'm so thrilled for them. I jump right in and support however I can. My mistake was wishing that people would do the same for me. I was wrong. When the book was just coasting along with trickling sales here and there every month, I resigned myself to the fact that, I'm not going to make it. I became resentful and even stopped writing for a while.</div>
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Every now and then I'd get a burst of inspiration and resume my feeble effort to market my work. There came a point in time nearly two months ago where I got this fire in my belly once again. I finally came to terms with the fact that I couldn't really count on my inner circle to help me get to the next level. When I saw everyone around me taking care of themselves, even the ones I helped at some point in time, I just had had enough.</div>
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It came time for me to get out there and mingle. I needed to connect with people so they could get to know what I'm all about. It's important for me that people see who I am and what I'm about. I came up with a fun way to help make this happen. To celebrate the new look for my book I have a summer-long contest going. If you follow my blog you know about the Enchanted Summer Games. The games are a way for the readers to get to know me and a little about my book. I received the proof yesterday and gave it a once over. I'm happy to say, Enchanted Island is now available in paperback with the new cover and also for Kindle devices. Hooray! For second chances.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://maytorres72.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/942301_387616911357983_844797014_n.jpg" href="http://maytorres72.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/942301_387616911357983_844797014_n.jpg"><img alt="942301_387616911357983_844797014_n" class="size-medium wp-image-2544" data-mce-src="http://maytorres72.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/942301_387616911357983_844797014_n.jpg?w=224" height="300" src="http://maytorres72.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/942301_387616911357983_844797014_n.jpg?w=224" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="224" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Enchanted Island with new cover and new attitude<span data-mce-style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">.</span></dd></dl>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 13px;">Paperback copies of Enchanted Island are available <a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/1cKpWmJ" href="http://bit.ly/1cKpWmJ"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;"><strong>here</strong> </span></a>with a limited time discount code <strong>D8PG38CH</strong></span> </div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-20126720043518172182013-06-13T14:07:00.000-04:002013-06-13T14:12:40.952-04:00Come Play The Enchanted Summer GamesStarting June 21st you can join the celebration for the re-release of my first book, Enchanted Island. I'm hosting a decathlon-style contest over the summer. There are plenty of chances to win, 10 to be exact. As if that wasn't cool enough, there will be bigger prizes at the close of the games. That's if you've competed like a boss! There's no purchase necessary so don't worry. You have plenty of chances to win for doing things you do online anyway. So why not join in the fun? Get your friends involved, and get a little friendly competition going. The more friends you get to play the better your chances are at winning one of those final prizes.<br />
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<a href="http://maykingithappen.wordpress.com/enchanted-summer-games/"><br /></a></div>
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Now that you've decided to play, (and I know you have :-D) here are the details:</div>
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<b><a href="http://maykingithappen.wordpress.com/enchanted-summer-games/">Enchanted Summer Games</a> </b></div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-65275265637751506852013-06-12T22:06:00.001-04:002013-06-12T22:06:43.113-04:00Meet Another One Of The Judges Of The Enchanted Summer Games<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
or my upcoming<a data-mce-href="http://maykingithappen.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/126/" href="http://maykingithappen.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/126/"> Enchanted Summer Games</a> I've elected to use judges in the event that there is a tie in one of the games. There will also be games in which the best submission will be selected as a winner. I will then look to the judges to make the call. I have chosen people who I think will be fair when it comes to making these decisions. So without further ado, here is my second selection.</div>
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<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Coletta Teske</strong></em></span></div>
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I have chosen a great lady who I came across on Facebook. While I haven't actually met her in real life, we have a hell of a good time shooting the breeze online. <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/beartale" href="https://www.facebook.com/beartale">Coletta Teske </a>is a freelance writer of many interesting articles but I'll get to that in a minute. It's when I discovered her wonderfully creative <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/crydders" href="https://www.facebook.com/crydders">Huckaberry Cryptic Crydders</a>, that I got hooked. For me to try to describe what these little gems are, would do them no justice. You must go check out these unique sculptures, they're absolutely incredible. I gave her an idea of what I wanted and she produced this amazing one-of-a-kind sculpture. You can see it pictured below. That is custom-made, folks!</div>
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Now back to her writing. If you want to know about gardening and get the best tips, you need to read her articles. Coletta has infinite knowledge on the subject. She writes articles about useful things and just makes you wish she was your neighbor. So make sure you find Coletta on Facebook, <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/BearTale" href="https://twitter.com/BearTale">Twitter</a> and even<a data-mce-href="http://pinterest.com/colettat/" href="http://pinterest.com/colettat/"> Pinterest</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP-esq-_eIkE7TPdThgLbUXwwJiHOl-JW1o86ubLq0wzWjo3QfgCTe6L5GfRG8LV6OCmxHHjEwzN81Zst4CQvJgaRZ1Q7ULmvCMxlhcBsJQpYalLmr8L6uYH-KKn8w7c06QxoHBZjy_50/s1600/AztecOwlCrydder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP-esq-_eIkE7TPdThgLbUXwwJiHOl-JW1o86ubLq0wzWjo3QfgCTe6L5GfRG8LV6OCmxHHjEwzN81Zst4CQvJgaRZ1Q7ULmvCMxlhcBsJQpYalLmr8L6uYH-KKn8w7c06QxoHBZjy_50/s320/AztecOwlCrydder.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-55197051233418080342013-06-12T21:58:00.000-04:002013-06-12T21:58:06.422-04:00Meet My First Judge Of The Enchanted Summer Games <div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
For my upcoming<a data-mce-href="http://maykingithappen.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/126/" href="http://maykingithappen.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/126/"> Enchanted Summer Games</a> I've elected to use judges in the event that there is a tie in one of the games. There will also be games in which the best submission will be selected as a winner. I will then look to the judges to make the call. I have chosen people who I think will be fair when it comes to making these decisions. So without further ado, here is my first selection.</div>
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First, I've chosen a wonderful friend of mine, Jen. She heads up one of my favorite sites on the internet,<a data-mce-href="http://www.morethanmidtown.com/" href="http://www.morethanmidtown.com/"> Unseen NYC</a>. It's such a great resource for people interested in visiting the New York City area, as well as its residents. What's great about it though, is that it doesn't concentrate on just Manhattan like every other tour guide. There's so much more to New York City than Manhattan. You must take a bigger bite of the Apple and Jen will help you every step of the way. If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting the site, you must! You can find Unseen NYC on <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/UnseenNYC" href="https://twitter.com/UnseenNYC">Twitter</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/UnseenNYC" href="https://www.facebook.com/UnseenNYC">Facebook</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://pinterest.com/unseennyc/" href="http://pinterest.com/unseennyc/">Pinterest </a>and <a data-mce-href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50758379@N06/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50758379@N06/">Flickr </a>.</div>
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Here's a screenshot of the site. Now hurry on over and take a look! I'm confident Jen will make a fine judge.</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/unseennyc.png" href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/unseennyc.png"><img alt="UnseenNYC" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-157" data-mce-src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/unseennyc.png?w=519" height="147" src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/unseennyc.png?w=519" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></a></div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-29245275685242345892013-06-12T01:00:00.000-04:002013-06-12T01:17:38.723-04:00The Prizes Have Arrived!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
While I'm still making a few preparations for the upcoming Enchanted Summer Games, there's one thing I can cross off my list. The Prizes! The box of goodies arrived today and just made it all real! The excitement keeps building as well as my hopes of people participating! I would hate to have to keep all these cool prizes to myself. Speaking of prizes, here they are:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carry your Enchanted Island<br /> book in here ;-)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwr9aF2Oyzsu1jykZde-f9jBOKxy63TUDlLVUyURqojNRtshojODiBap9A8sWGuHjcTMqbD90oR3jomLUX-pOUm5t4DwELEdgxnmE09tx_wsO9SHATOCU8TvRKFZ3hT9JIfSgTffTtCac/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwr9aF2Oyzsu1jykZde-f9jBOKxy63TUDlLVUyURqojNRtshojODiBap9A8sWGuHjcTMqbD90oR3jomLUX-pOUm5t4DwELEdgxnmE09tx_wsO9SHATOCU8TvRKFZ3hT9JIfSgTffTtCac/s320/photo+(4).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notepad, pens, sticky notes<br />key chains<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-Shirt</td></tr>
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May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-20385491652852351872013-05-29T14:18:00.000-04:002013-06-12T11:10:27.397-04:00A Look At The Prizes<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/summergames.png" href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/summergames.png"><img alt="SummerGames" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-137 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/summergames.png?w=300" height="300" src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/summergames.png?w=300" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a><br />
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I'm starting to get really excited about the Enchanted Summer Games. The games will last throughout the summer in celebration of the re-release of <a data-mce-href="http://touchepublishers.wix.com/enchanted-island#!book" href="http://touchepublishers.wix.com/enchanted-island#!book">Enchanted Island </a>. The book is being cleaned up and given a new look. I didn't think I could be more excited than when the book was first released, but I am! Sadly, I didn't do much in the way of marketing the first time around, so here I am learning from my mistakes. I want people to be as enthused as I am. My main goal is to attract new readers and have them hang in there with me as I journey into the world of writing. I've always been a bit of an introvert, okay maybe more than a bit, but I'd like to change that. These games will hopefully help me gain exposure, but more importantly, allow people to get to know me. So please, come and play! Tell your friends, it will pay off :)</div>
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Ideally, I'd like people to play until the end and intend to reward those who do. There will be a new game every week and will last for 10 weeks. The more games you participate in the better your chances at winning multiple prizes. For instance, if you play the game scheduled for week #1 and don't win, you can play in week #2 and not only win the prize for that week, but also the previous week's prize! So it pays to stick around and keep trying! At the conclusion of the games, there will also be "The All-Around" Gold, Silver, and Bronze prize awarded to those who participated in all the games from start to finish.</div>
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So you see, there are plenty of reasons to come and join the fun. Purchasing the book increases your chances of winning but not necessarily a requirement. So please don't fret. Tell your friends, share the link with the info, because there's also a prize for that ;-) Stay tuned!</div>
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While I continue to hammer out all the details of the games you can feast your eyes on a few of things up for grabs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy6WEw_vSAeW89TBhI7R5ZKUIlnvLDMn4KX6xxNDk7JpKC-g18HTvSEk49VovhZzFexQA5AXUPflMekNByL_J2up_o84qBpqywxXk7uXkUOayygd6HmOwUjxEYRrRxYHnicspGPYRtugG/s1600/designall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy6WEw_vSAeW89TBhI7R5ZKUIlnvLDMn4KX6xxNDk7JpKC-g18HTvSEk49VovhZzFexQA5AXUPflMekNByL_J2up_o84qBpqywxXk7uXkUOayygd6HmOwUjxEYRrRxYHnicspGPYRtugG/s320/designall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMK_IbgxIKA4LoGR-aq1MygDzxmZ-ttTL0pRNlCLFHltxbnR6aZACROD7o5UfA7J_Rt343ZP4A6wa8-JCiQbgUr4X6sLbMxrKxu0I5dgfz-0Z40DZ5fyGxpsjQRK0Z2Q-AlgjvlujDkB3_/s1600/tshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMK_IbgxIKA4LoGR-aq1MygDzxmZ-ttTL0pRNlCLFHltxbnR6aZACROD7o5UfA7J_Rt343ZP4A6wa8-JCiQbgUr4X6sLbMxrKxu0I5dgfz-0Z40DZ5fyGxpsjQRK0Z2Q-AlgjvlujDkB3_/s1600/tshirt.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have other goodies but will save them for another<br />
post as I keep you updated on the upcoming Enchanted Summer Games.</div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-66598472573248824882013-05-27T13:00:00.001-04:002013-05-27T13:03:07.226-04:00A Look Into My Short Story Compilation<br />
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I'm currently putting together a short story collection slated for a Halloween release. Each story can stand alone but are intertwined with each other. Make sense? :)</div>
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Here's a little snippet from the rough draft of the first story.</div>
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<strong>Thursday Night</strong></div>
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It was Thursday night, which meant that Morgan’s ex-husband had come for the children. Her face lit up when she opened the door. After lingering on the doorstep, her shoulders dropped as she headed back inside, alone. Nestling deep into the loveseat, she wrapped herself up in her favorite throw blanket. With a click of a button she settled in to watch her favorite hospital drama. As she sipped on a glass of chardonnay, she combed her fingers through her honeysuckle locks. Every few minutes she let out a deep sigh then quickly swallowed down her wine.</div>
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Having watched her over several weeks, he knew she would soak in a bubble bath next. For exactly 23 minutes he would get to know her intimately. His fixed his eyes on her form as she slowly undressed. His pulse quickened instantly, for Morgan was quite exquisite. While she didn’t have the model physique seen on covers of magazines, she was perfect in his eyes--scars and all. He loved how her ample bosoms were just barely visible through the mounds of bubbles in the tub. He gulped hard as she began her bathing ritual. These next moments were the ones he believed they connected on a spiritual level.</div>
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He marveled at how comfortable she was caressing her own body. As always, he joined her from afar. So many times he felt like he would finish first, but in time conditioned himself to hold back. It wasn’t easy when her every move was made with total awareness of what pleased her. By now he knew the exact moment she would release. After a few attempts he was able to time it perfectly so they could share in the moment together. Each time they did, he felt closer to her. He convinced himself that she muttered his name each time. She was made for him, of this he was certain.</div>
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He waited for her to dry off and slip into bed before entering her home. In his eyes, a woman like Morgan needed to be with him. What he learned by tracking her every move, was how freely she gave of herself. The time had come for him to collect. He formulated different scenarios on how he would get her to go with him voluntarily. However, he was fully prepared to take her against her will. Whatever it took, he would have her...</div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-45047768833743976002013-05-27T12:53:00.001-04:002013-05-27T13:01:05.358-04:00Are You Ready For Some... Enchanted Summer Games?<br />
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Nearly four years ago I wrote a book and then dipped my toes into the social media pool. It was big and scary at first but then I got the hang of it. I still enjoy my time chatting with folks from all over. I've gotten familiar with a variety of writers and those associated with other aspects of the book publishing industry. However, I did take a very passive approach to branding myself online and have reaped the rewards accordingly. As I stated in an earlier post, I'm not very good at selling. I am the least pushy person when it comes to advertising myself and tooting my own horn. So it stands to reason that I've only made a tiny ripple when I should have made a big belly flop of a splash.<br />
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When I put my first book out, I was so proud of my story. I believed the book would be enjoyed if given half the chance. Then it happened. I was horror-stricken when I found errors in the printed copies. I had so many of them and had spent money getting them printed. But people started buying them anyway. I got positive feedback and people were kind enough not to mention the errors. (Phew!) In hindsight, it was probably the reason why I didn't push the books so hard. Fast forward and now I'm ready to re-emerge, stronger and better. The book has gotten a new design and the errors are being cleaned up. Once again, I'm anxious to share my story. I want to form a connection with the everyday reader so they may get to know me and in turn fall in love with the stories that I tell. That brings me to my plans for the summer.<br />
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In a previous post titled, <a href="http://missmaytorres.blogspot.com/2013/05/enchanted-summer-games.html">Enchanted Summer Games</a>, I spoke about how I had an idea of holding a summer-long contest. So far I've gotten a stir of interest which led me to elaborating a little more. I thought it would be fun to hold games and contests to get people interested in Enchanted Island. I love the story and I want others to as well. Let's be for real for a moment, what better way to try to get people interested than to offer incentives? I want to attract new readers by creating a fun atmosphere free of the "hard-sell." Of course I would absolutely love for people to rush out and read my book, but what I want most is for people to stick around and take this wonderful ride with me. Writing can be a lonely journey! I just want to be able to know that I'm producing something that brings enjoyment into people's lives.<br />
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As for the Enchanted Summer Games, I'm planning a decathlon style contest. The games will run 10 weeks with a different event each week. That means there will be prizes up for grabs the whole summer long! During that time I'm hoping to foster relationships with readers that will last through time. I don't want the games to be all about having to buy my book, so there will be chances for everyone to participate. Even if they never pick up my book! I enjoy writing, but for so long I kept my stories to myself. It's about time I start sharing. After all, didn't I hear someone say, "Sharing is caring?"</div>
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As a bigger interest builds, I will provide more information regarding the upcoming games.</div>
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May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-70793301746452207682013-05-20T00:16:00.000-04:002013-05-20T00:16:24.233-04:00My Name Is May Torres and I'm A Writer<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/megaphone-clipart-8.jpg" href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/megaphone-clipart-8.jpg"><img alt="megaphone-clipart-8" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-93 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/megaphone-clipart-8.jpg" height="252" src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/megaphone-clipart-8.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></div>
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Nearly seven years ago I found myself struggling to start my life over in a new place. I was born and raised in New York City and through no fault of my own had to pick up and leave. I headed up to the countryside of Upstate New York. For a city girl at heart it was a culture shock to say the least. I was used to fast-paced living, tall buildings and<span style="color: red;"> <a data-mce-href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bodega" href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bodega"><span class="mceItemHidden" style="color: red;"><span class="hiddenSpellError" pre="">bodegas</span> </span></a></span>on the corner. Where I came from you could either walk where you needed to go or take a bus. A car was nice to have but not necessary. The complete opposite is true for the area I live in now. A car is a necessity if you plan on eating. The lifestyle is a lot slower and there's not much in the way of things to do. It's been seven years and I still haven't gotten the hang of country living.</div>
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<span class="mceItemHidden">When I first arrived in the country I took on a daycare job. I had been in the childcare industry for many years before so it was easy to find work. It wasn't too long before that familiar struggle to keep my head above water started rearing its head. I can't remember a time when my life wasn't about struggle. Being in an new place only amplified it for me. I was becoming desperate so I decided it was time to go into business for myself. That's when <span class="hiddenGrammarError" pre="when ">i</span> started my own daycare business from my home. It was slow going at first, but then I hit my stride. I was comfortable but still not where I needed to be financially. My kids were getting older. Prom and graduations were approaching and of course, college. I haven't mentioned that I've been a single mother since my youngest was about 4 years old.</span></div>
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It was then that I started to think of other ways to supplement my income. I was working 12 hour days at my daycare business which really didn't leave much time to get an additional part-time job. I probably could have done it but there's that tiny problem of needing sleep. I was desperate. I looked to see if I could find any legitimate work-at-home opportunities but nothing really turned up. Then it hit me. I had started a business doing something I love, so why the heck couldn't I do it again? Writing popped into my head immediately. I always loved writing but never dared to share my work. I told myself that it was the time to cut that crap out! So I started writing. I told no one. As time went on I decided to confide in a friend of mine. Turns out she actually enjoyed the beginnings of my story. I really didn't expect that.</div>
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One thing led to another and here I am with one published book under my belt and another few works in progress. I've joined the world of social networking and admit to taking a laid back approach. You see, I'm not such a great salesperson nor am I big on tooting my own horn. I realized that that was a recipe for going nowhere in a hurry. After a few years of passively telling people about my work and hoping for the best, I've decided to make a bigger effort. I've learned that when it really comes down to it, as much as you wish people would become invested in your dreams, they mostly don't. I am on my own when it comes to reaching for that brass ring. It is up to me, myself and I, to get noticed. So allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is May Torres and I'm a writer.</div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-87704560937495544502013-05-14T10:10:00.000-04:002013-05-14T10:10:40.968-04:00Enchanted Summer Games<br />
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This is my baby. My firstborn. She was born in 2010 and she means so much to me. Of course I think she's the most beautiful. As we learn through life, our babies grow up to have a mind of their own. And my baby, Enchanted Island, wants to change her look. She's currently under construction to freshen up.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" data-mce-style="display: inline!important;" style="display: inline !important;"><a data-mce-href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/18566_103943749635810_100000605563735_104122_6367175_n.jpg" href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/18566_103943749635810_100000605563735_104122_6367175_n.jpg"><img alt="18566_103943749635810_100000605563735_104122_6367175_n" class="size-medium wp-image-66" data-mce-src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/18566_103943749635810_100000605563735_104122_6367175_n.jpg?w=195" height="300" src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/18566_103943749635810_100000605563735_104122_6367175_n.jpg?w=195" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="195" /></a></dt>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/enchanted-island1.jpg" href="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/enchanted-island1.jpg"><img alt="enchanted-island" class="size-medium wp-image-3" data-mce-src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/enchanted-island1.jpg?w=200" height="300" src="http://maykingithappen.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/enchanted-island1.jpg?w=200" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="200" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">This is what my baby will look like after construction</dd></dl>
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I present this to you because I feel a celebration is in order. My baby, Enchanted Island, will have a new look and new attitude. I want to thank my early readers and attract a fresh new batch. So to make this happen I'm thinking of holding summer games. Not just any summer games but, Enchanted Summer Games. I'm throwing around some ideas. If I can drum up enough interest I may just go ahead with it!</div>
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I'm looking to start it on the first day of summer, which is June 21st and ending on Labor Day. There'll be prizes and giveaways and all that good stuff. Mostly I just want people to have fun, get to know me and all about my firstborn. Who doesn't like winning stuff? I think it'll be a lot of fun. So this blog post is my first experiment. If enough people bite I'll provide more details.</div>
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This will all be about interaction and participation. If you're reading this and think you and your friends would like to partake in the fun and games, drop me a line :)</div>
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<a data-mce-href="Maytorres72@gmail.com" href="http://maykingithappen.wordpress.com/wp-admin/Maytorres72@gmail.com">M</a>ayTorres72@gmail.com</div>
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<a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/AuthorMayTorres" href="https://twitter.com/AuthorMayTorres">Twitter</a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/May.torresNY" href="https://www.facebook.com/May.torresNY">Facebook</a></div>
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And of course here on my blog.</div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-19036137704491903272013-05-14T10:07:00.000-04:002013-05-14T10:10:57.141-04:00And Now I'm 41<br />
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It's been so very long since I've updated this blog. I was out there living out my 40th year on this Earth. It was the most amazing year of my life. I embraced turning 40. I looked forward to it and mapped out how my year was going to unfold. I did so many wonderful things from taking an extravagant vacation to Miami to attending an Alanis Morissette concert with my best girl, my daughter. I was generous with myself, which was long overdue. I took more vacations in that year than I ever have. I kept up with the weeding out of people and things that weren't supportive to my growth and well-being.</div>
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As I began putting this milestone behind me and welcoming 41, another epiphany struck, just as it did as I neared 40. Last year at this time I realized that I really needed to treat myself as well as I treated others. As another birthday approached something else became clear. It actually expanded upon the lesson from the previous year. Which is, that I really need to put myself above all others. That's right, even if it means family and friends. Damn waiting around for scraps to fall from the dinner table. I'm totally seating myself at the head of that table. Though my kids will always be number one in my heart, they are in their adulthood now and it's time for them to spread their own wings. They are the only people on this planet who will never lose a place in my heart. But now it's okay for mom to be selfish.</div>
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I came across this quote the other day and it resonated with me.</div>
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"I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent.<br />
Caring for myself is an act of survival"--Audre Lorde</blockquote>
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This is absolutely vital to me right now. At this point in my life there's nobody who's going to look after me better than I will. No one will be invested in my life and dreams when there's nothing in it for them. It's not the way I've lived my life all these years but I have accepted that fact. I've had countless conversations about this recently and I can't even get angry about it anymore. It is what it is. In a world where people have this "I'm getting mine, fuck anybody else" mentality, you have to step up and be your own advocate and cheerleader.</div>
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I've been taught through experience that giving the slightest bit more to others takes away from me evolving to where I need to be. I don't mean that you should turn a blind eye to others. It just means that they get the leftovers when I'm done giving to myself first. It's like the safety instructions on an airplane, you must first administer the oxygen to yourself before trying to help anyone else. I lived, learned, and loved my way to 40 and now I'm 41.</div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-18291710900466679512013-05-14T10:03:00.001-04:002013-05-14T10:11:29.811-04:00My Life List– 40 Things I Want to See, Learn, Accomplish In My Lifetime.<br />
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After just celebrating the day I was born, I thought it might be fun to come up with a life list. Some people call it a bucket list. So here it goes in no particular order-- a list of forty things I want to accomplish in my lifetime.</div>
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<li><strong><span data-mce-style="line-height: 13px;" style="line-height: 13px;">Visit each continent</span></strong></li>
<li><strong>See the pyramids </strong></li>
<li><strong>Dance in the rain</strong></li>
<li><strong>Meet my great-grand kids</strong></li>
<li><strong>Fall in love</strong></li>
<li><strong>Have at least one "forever" relationship with a person</strong></li>
<li><strong>Be owner of a successful business</strong></li>
<li><strong>Swim with the dolphins (Ok maybe just get in the water with one)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Own a home</strong></li>
<li><strong>Have a best-seller</strong></li>
<li><strong>Hug Dwayne Johnson</strong></li>
<li><strong>Witness everyone having equal rights</strong></li>
<li><strong>See a female president of the U.S. in office</strong></li>
<li><strong>Have a wedding</strong></li>
<li><strong>Meet Alanis Morissette</strong></li>
<li><strong>Be a dress size 8</strong></li>
<li><strong>Learn how to swim</strong></li>
<li><strong>Speak more than two languages</strong></li>
<li><strong>Learn to play a musical instrument</strong></li>
<li><strong>Write a song</strong></li>
<li><strong>Drive on Germany's autobahn network</strong></li>
<li><strong>Have a romantic kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower</strong></li>
<li><strong>See all of the United States</strong></li>
<li><strong>Have a gelato in Italy</strong></li>
<li><strong>Go to the ballet and Opera</strong></li>
<li><strong>Befriend someone famous</strong></li>
<li><strong>Get a degree</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ride in a helicopter</strong></li>
<li><strong>Have a paintball war</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ride a mechanical bull</strong></li>
<li><strong>Beat my stage fright</strong></li>
<li><strong>Be a YouTube sensation for a week</strong></li>
<li><strong>Heal my butterfly phobia</strong></li>
<li><strong>Own a 1970's Stingray Corvette</strong></li>
<li><strong>Be influential</strong></li>
<li><strong>Make a difference</strong></li>
<li><strong>Create a charitable organization</strong></li>
<li><strong>See the cures for many diseases</strong></li>
<li><strong>Witness a collective evolution of man</strong></li>
<li><strong>Get a kiss from Alicia Keys</strong></li>
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What's on your list?</div>
May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-13384485062384140822012-04-17T15:11:00.002-04:002012-08-30T20:13:49.903-04:00Not AnymoreIt’s been forever since I last posted a blog entry here. It’s not that I haven’t had anything to blog about. I was just so preoccupied with a trip I was taking at the tail end of March. Not just any trip. A trip of lifetime. A trip that I’ve waited to take since I was ten years old. I allowed myself this luxury, being that I will be turning 40 in less than a month. So you can see how this trip was long overdue. I have another blog where I chronicled <a href="http://operationwrestlemania.wordpress.com/">my journey</a>. My journey took me to my very first WrestleMania! Yes, I did type the word “WrestleMania“<br />
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The WWE has captured my attention as I said, since I was ten years old. I stopped watching for a short time. Then when my children were younger I tuned in again. When I tuned back in, it was the end of my sanity. For I was introduced to the man who always makes me lose my cool. I’m talking about, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. If you do not know who I speak of then you must Google him right away! I seriously need to dedicate an entire post to that man. *Sigh* Well okay, I actually did on my other<a href="http://operationwrestlemania.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/the-most-electrifying-man-in-sports-entertainment/"> blog </a>:-)</div>
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Anyhow, I have been basking in the afterglow of fulfilling one of my childhood dreams. The experience was unlike anything I’ve had the pleasure of indulging in. The theme of the trip was VIP. And it felt so good to experience a bit of decadence. I’m a single mother who has always put her children first. I have no regrets. Now that my children are entering adulthood, it’s time for me to give to myself. This trip was just the beginning.</div>
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I partied with the stars!</div>
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<i>One of my favorite WWE stars, Randy "The Viper" Orton</i></div>
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I saw my favorite male celebrity in the flesh! I even managed to grab hold of his hand as he passed by.</div>
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<i>Favorite male celebrity Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson</i></div>
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I went to my first WrestleMania!</div>
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<i>Sun Life Stadium for WrestleMania 28! April 1 2012</i></div>
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Things I thought would remain only in my daydreams. After this experience, I will put more effort into making my dreams come true. At times, I would tell myself that my dreams were too far out of reach. Not anymore. </div>
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May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-47200811966060594052012-01-18T12:44:00.000-05:002012-01-18T12:45:22.810-05:00I Wonder...<p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">I wonder if people are hesitant to pick up <a href="http://amzn.to/y3NlWP" href="http://amzn.to/y3NlWP">Enchanted Island</a> because they think that they wouldn't relate? Yes, there is a Puerto Rican flag on the cover. Yes, the heart of the story takes place in Puerto Rico. Yes, 3 of the 4 main characters are, indeed, Puerto Rican. Yes, you will learn the history of Puerto Rico. What you will also get is an adventure. You will follow along as four young people come of age. You will fall in love with these youngsters and watch their transformation into young-adulthood. They go through the same situations as any one of you.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Not that I was surprised, but I had people, not of Puerto Rican heritage, tell me that they could so relate to the main character, Gabby. We each have issues and circumstances that we wish we could change. Really, at the core, we are more alike than not. We mostly all want the same things out of this thing called life. We're all on this life journey together; sometimes facing horrendous situations that do not discriminate. No matter where you come from. No matter the language you speak or the color of your skin.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Some of us come from a warm loving family and some not so much. Everyone falls in love and we make and lose friends. We face obstacles and fight to overcome them. These are just some of the things that the characters in my book face. Will this persuade you to take a chance on Enchanted Island? I wonder...</p>May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-88709000888386411012012-01-16T12:57:00.001-05:002012-01-16T12:59:07.094-05:00Till The End of Time and Beyond--Gilberto Padilla<p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Guest post from Gilberto, Gabriella's love interest in Enchanted Island.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/miss-molly-sinclair/" href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/miss-molly-sinclair/">Molly</a></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/a-word-from-juan/" href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/a-word-from-juan/">Juan</a></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/gabriella-speaks/" href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/gabriella-speaks/">Gabriella</a></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/enchanted-islands-gilberto-padilla/" href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/enchanted-islands-gilberto-padilla/">Read May Torres' take on Gilberto Padilla</a></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Sometimes I still can't believe how fortunate I've been. I couldn't ask for a better life. I have the best parents in the world. And would you believe that I met my soul mate when I was only 11 years old? Moving to New York was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. You see, I met the most amazing girl. Only, she didn't know just how amazing. I walked into a classroom in a new school, to see this sweet girl sitting there. She looked like she had lost her puppy. She had her head down and looked like she wished she was anywhere but that classroom. I sat next to her and said hi. She was so cute, she looked around to see if I was talking to her. From that day on we were never apart.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">As a young boy I couldn't really express myself. I knew she made my stomach feel funny and my heart beat faster. I had no idea what was in store for me. I went and fell in love with her. And thankfully, she eventually fell in love with me. It doesn't seem like there are words good enough to describe her. I know that sounds corny but it's so true! Besides some unexplained pull I felt towards her, her humble nature is what attracted me. She is, of course, beyond beautiful. That's the icing on the cake.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">After everything that happened I have no problem saying that Gabriella is my hero! She's so smart and brave. I'm so proud to call her a friend. Once we crossed paths, there was no way my life would be the same without her. I will love her till the end of time and beyond. On our crazy adventure we found out just how true and meaningful those words are. You'll have to find out for yourself what all that means. It's a story you probably won't believe. But it's what happened and it was very real to us.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">My name is Gilberto, I'm Gabriella's best friend and boyfriend. I hope you'll enjoy our story. Oh yeah, there were some other people involved too. You already met Molly and Juan. Molly is most definitely a character. You can't help liking her. She gets under your skin, but her personal journey and cards she was dealt in life, make you go soft on her. Juan, he's another story. We were friends before I met the others. He's a decent guy. It's just that, I can't shake the feeling that he's interested in Gabriella. While we were stuck on Mona Island, I just feel like something went on that I don't know about. I hope I'm wrong.</p>May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-58720700766261970892012-01-13T00:08:00.001-05:002012-01-13T00:11:48.004-05:00Gabriella Speaks<p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Another guest post from a character, the main character, from Enchanted Island. Check out Molly's and Juan's posts</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/miss-molly-sinclair/" href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/miss-molly-sinclair/">Molly</a></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/a-word-from-juan/" href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/a-word-from-juan/">Juan</a></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/live-from-new-york-its-gabriella-sanchez/" href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/live-from-new-york-its-gabriella-sanchez/">Read May Torres' take on Gabriella Sanchez</a></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">I see you've already met Molly and Juan. I hope you don't get turned off by Molly. She means well, she really does. Ever since we were younger she was always alone. She had Bethany, her nanny, but she was no substitute for her mother. If you let Molly tell it, she could care less about her mother ignoring her. I know better. Their relationship is nothing like the one I have with my mother. My mother is my hero, my everything. We may not have had the best things in life, but she always made sure I felt loved. She gives me things that just can't be measured. That's why I decided to befriend Molly. I saw that she didn't have what I had and, well, everyone deserves to feel loved.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">When I was younger, I didn't have any friends my age. I hung out with my elderly neighbor and she was actually my best friend. I just had more in common with her than anybody at school. My school mates used to tease me as soon as I opened my mouth to speak. I really didn't understand how they weren't interested in reading and all the other things that I loved. So I spent a lot of time by myself. That was okay because the stories in my books were far more interesting. That is, until I became friends with Molly Sinclaire. What a roller coaster ride!</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">The summer we became friends was so much fun. Somewhere towards the end of the summer I guess reality hit and she didn't want to be associated with her maid's daughter. It hurt me so bad but I forgave her. It was because I met the most amazing friend ever. Gilberto! He came along and he was just like me, as in, we both came from a Puerto Rican background. We instantly hit it off. I just thought he was perfect because he liked me just the way I was and allowed me to be myself. Little did I know that he actually had more than friendly feelings for me. When we got older we eventually explored our feelings. It wasn't without complications courtesy of Molly. Molly just envied all that I had. Which is really crazy because she was born into luxury. That goes to show you that the best things in life are free.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">If I'm being honest, Molly wasn't the only one who complicated matters. Enter Juan. Oh my goodness where do I begin? He's older than me for starters. My goodness, is he good-looking! Molly fell for him the minute she set eyes on him. I didn't really notice at first because Gilberto held a special place with me and I really couldn't see past him. But apparently Juan took a liking to me. And boy did that set Molly off. And me, I was in a state of confusion. Gilberto was my rock through it all. I'm not sure if he suspected anything. It was just a period of teenage drama and angst. But I tell you what, that was the easiest part of all. Our trip to my mother's native, Puerto Rico, was the end all be all.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">On my second voyage to Puerto Rico at age 15, I found out who I really was; literally. I went there as a young girl in love with a wonderful boy, but which one, really? I was surrounded by friends and a whole lot of adventure. It was both horrifying and exciting. I wouldn't change a thing that happened. Someday, there may be things that I have to answer for, But I'm not going to worry about that now. I hope you enjoy my coming of age tale. It truly changed my life.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W3UGTQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=06RETPGZ4ZFADDHAVKHF&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W3UGTQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=06RETPGZ4ZFADDHAVKHF&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846">Enchanted Island by May Torres </a></p>May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721586578691338266.post-66788530077196283722012-01-13T00:05:00.001-05:002012-01-13T00:06:55.703-05:00A Word From Juan<p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "></p><p style="font-size: 14px; ">Here's another guest post from one of the characters from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0984453202/ref=sc_pgp__m_A2MJJOYS05QI1U_2?ie=UTF8&m=A2MJJOYS05QI1U&n=&s=&v=glance">Enchanted Island</a>. Meet Juan.</p><p style="font-size: 14px; "><a href="http://maytorres72.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/a-little-about-juan-from-enchanted-island/">Read May Torres' take on Juan</a></p><p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">One summer I was minding my business when the people who own the house next to mine came with some of their friends from New York to visit. I live in Puerto Rico and almost every summer the Padilla family comes back to stay for a few weeks. The father got relocated a few times but now they call New York home. They didn't want to sell their house and I'm glad. They have a son, Gilberto, who I hang out with. Nice kid. He's a few years younger than me but we always got along.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">I'll never forget the summer I heard voices on the other side of my fence. I asked if I could come over and of course Gilberto said yes. When I walked up, there was the blonde girl that was trying so hard to get my attention. I pretended not to notice. I looked right over her to see the quiet girl with cool glasses trying to hide from me. It wasn't until I sat down to talk to them, that I noticed just how pretty she was. Gabby...</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">I knew she was younger than me but after talking to her that night, it was like she was so much better than the girls in my own grade. I couldn't even stop thinking about her when I went home that night. I felt kinda bad cus I could tell that my friend Gilberto really liked her. I didn't know if that was his girlfriend or what. I just knew that she was someone I wanted to get to know. We did share a moment that summer. And I will never forget it.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">I pretty much knew that Molly liked me. I just didn't feel the same way about her. She's okay but I never felt for her the way I felt about Gabby. As time went on things just got so complicated. I was in love with Gabby and so was Gilberto. Molly was in love with me and well...nobody was in love with Molly. And she didn't like that one bit. I knew that Gabby felt something for me. She also felt something for Gilberto. I hated that. I couldn't stand the fact that they lived near each other and I was so far from her.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Thinking about all that happened that first summer and everything after, I can't believe how lucky I am. My love for Gabby is so much stronger; we've been through a lot. I can't tell you what the future holds but I know I'm looking forward to it. After what went on, I can handle anything.</p>May Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099514005820943696noreply@blogger.com0