Virgin Mary
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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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Designing Your Own Rollercoaster
The passage reflects on the metaphor of life as a roller coaster, emphasizing the unpredictability and emotional challenges it presents. The author shares personal experiences with their mother, who recounts a difficult marriage with a mentally ill husband. Through listening deeply, the author explores themes of suffering, presence, and processing past trauma.
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Blaming the stove for your misfortune
In Guadalajara, the narrator visits their mother, whose health has improved after treatment for Parkinson’s. However, her mood fluctuates with family interactions, highlighting the emotional complexity of their relationships. A discovered folder contains letters suggesting that understanding family dynamics can lead to healing, much like learning to handle a stove safely.
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Ants!
The narrative explores the concept of jettisoning inherited roles and traditions, likening humans to ants that blindly follow established paths. As the author prepares for a unique Christmas with their mother, they embrace spontaneity, opting for new culinary experiences rather than tradition, emphasizing personal agency in shaping one’s journey and choices.
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Tilt!
Conversations with Virgin Mary Saturday May 29 “Oh no. Tilt.”The word flashes in red, and the ball goes limp—flippers locked, momentum gone. A moment earlier you thought you had the angle, the timing, the control. But the machine decided otherwise; one nudge too far, and everything you’d built—points, progress, the fragile sense of mastery—vanished with…
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Broken Heart Syndrome isn’t poetry—it’s diagnosis.
The narrative explores themes of personal grievances and the repetitive nature of life experiences, likening them to a soap opera. Characters grapple with unresolved family issues and the impact of belief on physical and emotional health. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of reshaping one’s mindset to unlock new perspectives and move forward.
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Don’t Wait Idly
Conversations with Virgin Mary Friday, May 26 Waiting idly is a waste of time. Use these moments for your benefit instead, try practising presence. Tonight, you’ll have guests, so you decided to make something special for supper, Tacos al Pastor: First the marinade—twenty-four hours soaking pork loin in dried chiles—then another twenty-four hours sous-viding, because…
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We Trade the Ticket for the Sugar Bag
The narrative centers on self-doubt, procrastination, and the struggle to pursue artistic ambitions. Through conversations with a friend named Jorge and reflections on personal experiences, the protagonist recognizes excuses tied to past grievances and fears. They confront their reluctance to take action, guided by messages that inspire self-acceptance and boldness.
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Are You Closer to Your Promised Land?
The narrative explores the speaker’s reflections on envy and self-comparison after receiving a letter from Jorge, inspired by Virgin Mary’s wisdom. Despite their initial intentions, they find themselves distracted by neighborly envy and digital comparisons, ultimately realizing that personal growth should focus on individual paths rather than others’ achievements.
Carlos Fentanes 