Conversations with Virgin Mary
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Do I look like chopped liver?
The narrator shares an afternoon with Jorge, discussing personal growth and the importance of sharing one’s creative work, particularly with family. They reflect on the narrator’s mother’s resilience amid illness. Jorge urges the narrator to send meaningful letters and serve as a reminder of the value found in overlooked, humble experiences.
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A Massage For Your Scalp
Conversations with Virgin Mary Everything I plan refuses to end as planned. I have been sending applications to every open call where I believe my work belongs, and the results have been the same: rejection. I have grown so accustomed to rejection letters that they no longer surprise me. I don’t ask why anymore. I…
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This is not a drill
Conversations with Virgin Mary “You should wait until I arrive. This task is hard for one person,” I tell Jorge as I watch him halfway up a ladder, a drill in his right hand, balancing. “I waited for you,” he says without turning. “You said five. It’s almost six-thirty.” “I sent you a message. Didn’t…
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The Drawer of the Forgotten Objects
Conversations with Virgin Mary Fourteen days after sending the bill proposal, the reply arrived. Not from the Member of Parliament himself, but from the system surrounding him. Good day, Thank you for reaching out to MP Jacob Mantle with your concerns. This message confirms that our office has received your correspondence. Due to the high…
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Waxing a wooden floor is a simple task
In a conversation about proposals, a character expresses disappointment over a rejection from the David Suzuki Foundation, while remaining hopeful about alternatives. They explore the complexities of advocacy, drawing parallels between life and waxing floors. Through connection and persistence, they emphasize the importance of understanding one’s path, leading to unexpected opportunities.
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Algebra and Brussels Sprouts
Conversations with Virgin Mary I showed up at Jorge’s on a Saturday morning. The sun was out and the snow was starting to melt. Virgo was on the porch again, stretched in a warm spot like she had been waiting for the weather to change. Seeing her there felt like a small sign that winter…
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Slowness
The conversation between Jorge and the narrator explores the contrasting modes of thinking: fast, automatic responses versus slower, analytical reasoning. Jorge emphasizes the importance of taking time to slow down and appreciate complexity, cautioning against the dangers of quick, superficial answers. The journey itself, rather than swift arrivals, holds true meaning and depth.
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God is a Swimming Pool
In a contemplative conversation over Turkish coffee, Jorge and the speaker explore the nature of God and faith. Jorge argues that God should not be perceived as a judgmental figure but as a realm of existence and structure. He encourages embracing comprehension over traditional doctrines, advocating for a redefined understanding of spirituality grounded in reality.
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Let’s Bake
Conversations with Virgin Mary Tuesday, February 17 This letter will be different from my previous lessons. This isn’t about messengers or tasks. I need you to understand the process to become, to be transformed, to see why you’re here. Life is full of ingredients. Every event, every moment, is like an ingredient in a meal.…
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How to Read While Riding a Bicycle
The text explores the concept of learning through experience, using the metaphor of riding a bicycle without a manual. It emphasizes that life, like cycling, involves falling and getting back up. The dialogue between two characters highlights the importance of perseverance and seeking support, even in the face of fear and potential failure.
Carlos Fentanes 