“An evil man will burn his own nation to the ground to rule over the ashes.” Sun Tzu Anywhere we see corruption, violence and a disregard for freedom and human life, we see what Sun Tzu was talking about— men who rule over the ashes. It certainly feels like these men have dominated the headlinesContinue reading “Ruling Over the Ashes”
Category Archives: culture
Subtraction and Other Kinds of Math
By: Gabriela Yareliz Words I have heard often tied to 2026: “subtraction”, “restraint”, “frugal”— it’s everywhere. Open a Substack, and play a game of bingo for every time one of these words pops up. #trending Allegedly, we need less so we can run with the horse (year of the horse)— whatever the hell that means.Continue reading “Subtraction and Other Kinds of Math”
Creation
“Bradley Cooper: Don’t you think if we’re doing our jobs properly, everything’s autobiographical? Guillermo Del Toro: People say, ‘Oh, you identify with the creature.’ In the past, yes. Now I identify with the creator. I’m the antagonist of my own story, as well as the protagonist.” On Frankenstein (Source) By: Gabriela Yareliz I heard somewhere that nothingContinue reading “Creation”
A Historic Day
By: Gabriela Yareliz I think we all woke up knowing the world was shifting right beneath our feet. I woke up to the headline below, and clicked into it wondering if this was real. (A sort of déjà vu for Latin America and those who know its history). Mandoka, a Venezuelan cookbook author based outContinue reading “A Historic Day”
Waldorf Glamour
By: Gabriela Yareliz Night fell on the Upper East Side. After a delicious raclette sandwich, we navigated the pockets of sidewalk ice and dark residential buildings. We passed the new JP Morgan Chase building, which is stunning (like a monument to capitalism— it stands there with the biggest Christmas wreaths I have ever seen, ‘HappyContinue reading “Waldorf Glamour”
Wintering Reminder
“Plants and animals don’t fight the winter; they don’t pretend it’s not happening and attempt to carry on the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt. They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through. But that’s where the transformation occurs. Once we stop wishing it were summer, winterContinue reading “Wintering Reminder”
Closing Out 2025
By: Gabriela Yareliz It’s cold and gray out here in NYC. Feels like 12F outside. It’s sick, but this is the price we pay for all seasons. Some slushy mountains of snow remain. The truth is, there are days when I can close my eyes and see the sunset at Cedar Key, salty air hittingContinue reading “Closing Out 2025”
My 2025 Library
By: Gabriela Yareliz It’s almost time to let go of the year. Before we do, I wanted to say ‘thank you’ to all of you for reading, the comments, and engagement this past year. Whether you are new this year to the site or you have been with me for the 16 (yes, crazy, 16)Continue reading “My 2025 Library”
Traditions
“Traditions carry hidden powers. They shape us, steady us, and teach us who we are. They’re worth maintaining. And when they eventually fade, they’re worth rebuilding.” Michael Easter By: Gabriela Yareliz I saw the funniest video of David Grutman on his stories the other day. I mean, “funny” and Grutman often go hand-in-hand. I haveContinue reading “Traditions”
Merry Christmas Eve
“It’s Christmas Eve, the night of miracles.” Sarah Ban Breathnach By: Gabriela Yareliz Merry Christmas Eve! Our advent calendars end tonight. (Mine has been a source of so much excitement this season). This break time has been a much-needed tension detox for me. What have I been up to? Some longs walks, cleaning and laundry,Continue reading “Merry Christmas Eve”
GABRIELA YARELIZ 