a recipe for magic

This year I’ve been told ‘no’ a lot, so I’ve been saying ‘yes’ to possibility. That’s how I ended up at a bookish party in Chicago where I was asked why on earth I live in Rockford, Illinois.

I took the opportunity to geek out about my city. It’s so cheap! We have a lively art and music scene! The county has over forty forest preserves!

But I missed plugging my favorite part: the people. Rockford is full of visionaries and doers. People who want to make a difference and know that takes community and collaboration. 

Exhibit A: Somnium, an interdisciplinary art production presented by Mentes Extremófilas and created by Eddaviel Montero and Emily Klonicki. A new community mural was painted and months of work by both Dominican and local creators — as well as a summer arts camp for local high schoolers — culminated into a magical interactive experience that incorporated music, animation, film, dance, writing, and flow arts. The international collaboration was an incredible feat. I can’t wait to see what they cook up next year. 

The mural where Somnium took place

As an extension of the project, Mentes Extremófilas published a book that combines photos, the production script, and Somnium-inspired writing. I was one of the writers invited to contribute, and last weekend was the book release party. I’ll admit I’m not wild about what I wrote (I’m terrible with prompts and writing for a specific theme), but it was extremely cool to be part of this project — and fun to give a reading in a local bookstore. 

Somnium is a testament to what’s possible when creative people come together. 

Rockford could be a metaphor for a writer who keeps going against the odds. The city gets plenty of rejection, but that doesn’t stop people from continuing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. We’re not idle dreamers; we make things happen. We show up and support each other. And the result, like Somnium, is spellbinding. 

Maybe the recipe for magic is that simple — showing up, putting in the work, and supporting others. Add a dash of saying yes to possibility. Stir and simmer. And when we do all that? Anything can happen. 

Reading Recommendations

Online: Tara Isabel Zambrano’s story White Ash will break your heart and put it back together. 

Golden Shovel with José and my Tarot Deck, a poem by Czaerra Galicinao Ucol, is very short, but very lovely. 

Books: 

Recently read:  I really enjoyed Nicole Mitchell Gantt’s imaginative hybrid book, The Mandorla Letters: for the hopeful. (My review for Chicago Review of Books will be live on Thursday.) 

Currently reading: I’ve had Sue Mell’s beautiful debut novel, Provenance, since it came out in July, but I’m finally getting around to reading it. 

Up next: I learned about Erika R. Wurth’s White Horse in a plug to read Indigenous writers this month. Can’t wait to dig into what’s been called “heavy metal horror.” 

Also, an event recommendation: Split Lip Magazine is hosting a virtual reading on 11/15 to celebrate their 10 year anniversary! YAY. 

Wishing you a magical week! <3