GABRIELA YARELIZ

The Perfect Day Trip: Lambertville, NJ

Photos are mine and taken by me unless stated otherwise.

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I am a sucker for magazines. Always have been; always will be. These days, when I read a Southern Living or Country Living (clearly, if “Living” is part of the name, there is a great likelihood I will subscribe), I pass it along to my fiancé, so he can enjoy the cool articles and photography. We often swap magazines, articles and cartoons. I get a little thrill out of it.

After a particularly stressful set of weeks, where I had been trying to mute a tension headache that had me on the verge of bashing my head against those painted white block walls that often make up high school hallways, he surprised me with a day trip. It was a trip to an autumn location featured in Country Living that wasn’t too far away– Lambertville, NJ.

Lambertville is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s quaint, charming and makes you feel like you are in an episode of Gilmore Girls. From the minute we stepped out of the car, locals were saying ‘hi’ to us, asking us where we were from (others, eavesdropping, would join in conversation to share that their sister-in-law was from New York). The place was so kind that when we were rushing to feed the meter (word to the wise: have a ton of quarters for the meters), we came to discover someone had fed it for us, giving us a free hour. (If that isn’t a reminder that God is always looking out for us, what is?)

Here’s the deal– there is so much to explore in this area. (We noticed the town really loves art. There are a ton of galleries). It’s impossible to see it all in one day, but I will share with you some of the highlights that we got to experience. Safe to say that when we got there and stepped out into the blustery day that was, (which Winnie the Pooh would have loved!), my tension headache went away.

What to see:

Sneddon’s Luncheonette

Naturally, when we got there, we were hungry. I am always hungry like a little caterpillar. We saw this cute diner looking place and went in. Everyone here knows each other. The kitchen is right there in the open, so you see your food as it is being prepared. And the prices… you can’t beat those prices. Tip: Check the specials board on the wall. Also, check out the children cutout portraits behind the counter. Unique.

Lambertville Trading Co.

So, this coffee shop was heavily featured in the magazine. It’s dim (ambience) and small. It sells chocolate and other treats. There is a gift wrapping station in the back, which was interesting.

The coffee is pump-it-yourself and go.

Honorable Mention: Union Coffee (They had a nice spiced apple cider). There is a typewriter in the back where you can leave a little message. Flower arrangements and kombucha get an A+.

The Delaware River Canal

This area has lovely trails along the water. There are bridges over little man-made waterfalls and lots of cute ducks.

The Shops

There are a ton of thrift and antique shops. There was also a neat rare and used bookstore. Space is tight in the bookstore, but it’s interesting. There is a records section in the back with people who are way too cool for me. No idea who 90% of them are….

There are antique shops that look very Architectural Digest… You could find a pair of oars to nail to the wall in a boy’s room, à la Pottery Barn Kids. Make sure you go in without bulky stuff on you. There are a lot of tight spaces and fragile items.

The Houses

The streets look like they were ripped right out of a magazine. Beauty, as Virginia Woolf wrote, is everywhere. Just a quick stroll leaves you inspired. Don’t forget to just stroll around, agendaless.

Rustic vibes everywhere… The mart on Main Street sells bandanas, magazines, flowers, food… no guns though. We checked.

The little pink knit heart you see is in honor of people lost to suicide, I believe. Coffee shops have them in little baskets in New Hope, PA. Free to take.

We visited just before Halloween, so decor was everywhere.

In these stressful times, don’t forget to explore new places and old. Let the wind tangle your hair, and sip a cozy drink. You may just find magic (or another state, which happened to us when we crossed a small bridge. The sign welcomed us to Pennsylvania). Never stop being curious. Never stop being free.

The Anatomy of a Sabbath Meal

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Happy Sabbath to any and all who may be reading this shortly after my posting. Sabbath is characterized as a day of rest. In my words, a huge sigh of relief.

Work has been all too consuming lately (but grateful for it), but all of the recent commotion, tensions and transitions have made me long for more time to organize myself and my home, specifically. (Maybe it’s the change of season? I love a deep seasonal clean). The other day, I stayed up late bringing down my sweaters from the closet and putting away my summer garments. It was one of those now-or-never moments. I didn’t have my sweaters, and it was 39F. I had put it off enough because I couldn’t find a window of time where I would just be free to do the whole ordeal.

Just like seasonal changes, Sabbath rest requires preparation. Since I was a child, I was in the routine of cleaning, and then we would make/eat dinner. When I was in Florida, I would clean and then often make a simple Italian dinner (usually, ravioli). In law school, I don’t know what the heck I ate. Maybe those box Indian meals that were so spicy I had to eat them over the course of days. (I was an idiot). Maybe cereal? I think once sundown happened, I would just pass out on my futon from exhaustion, surrounded by open law textbooks. Lately, I feel sort of out of a routine. My cleaning day differs, and I don’t always eat dinner (because I am not hungry).

Maybe it’s because I live alone or because I am a woman, but sometimes, falling short of my own expectations gives me a little twinge of guilt. I would say anxiety, but it’s more like guilt. I want to wipe down every last shelf and dust every blind. Meh. None of that happened today.

Lydia Millen, my inspiration for the home.

Women, a lot is expected of us. And that’s not to say it isn’t good or enjoyable. Hell, I wish I was a Lydia Millen type. (I admire her a great deal). She is lovely. Impeccably dressed– always, even at home. She makes chutney and puts it into little sanitized jars to gift to people (probably tied with a gorgeous ribbon, because she is Lydia Millen). Her home is always put together. Her dog, always cute. This woman is a brand. And a beautiful one. This is a compliment paragraph to Lydia Millen. I love her and all she stands for. She exudes a gorgeous femininity. She is #goals.

So, I have been thinking… what do I need to do to get there? And this is not in jealousy but aspirational– you know, like Goop. (I am not a jealous person. I like to think of all people have done as inspiration not aggravation). I need the comeback of the routine– maybe a go-to meal; A new cleaning day that isn’t Friday, so I don’t feel like trash when I walk in, drop my bag and dive, nose first, into the couch.

I got home today, twinged with some familiar light guilt. A list of everything I left undone. My mother and Liz had to talk me out of a legalistic meltdown. I opened Instagram one last time and saw that sister Bonnie Gray had tagged me in a post. Bonnie Gray is an incredible author I did an interview with. I will link it here. She wrote Sweet Like Jasmine. My author interview was different with her. We clicked. She wasn’t arrogant, and she didn’t distance herself, like some do, when I do these interviews. She was warm, authentic and made space for me, too. Back to the post– she wrote in the caption, “Don’t neglect yourself. Take care of yourself, beloved. You’re worthy of beauty. You’re worthy of love. When you feel weary, rather than push yourself harder, ask yourself– what feels beautiful, peaceful or joyful to you?” It continued, but you get the gist. I sat there, and acknowledged the all too familiar feeling we all feel at one time or another, men and women. We sometimes find ourselves feeling inadequate or falling short of what we hoped, but it’s ok. Sabbath never demands perfection from us. It isn’t like those etiquette classes where you see the instructor measuring the distance between plates and cups and cutlery. No, Sabbath is a gift and an invitation to rest.

Jesus said, Come, and I will give you soul rest, as Bonnie Gray said.

So, what is the anatomy of a Sabbath meal? The truth is I am not sure yet. (I know, I am sorry. Made it all the way to the end, only to see I’ve got nothing). I am still figuring it out. Today, I sat on the couch and ate some ravioli, for old times sake. Next week, my space will be neater and more prepared. Someday, I will be able to run a household like Lydia Millen. (Lydia, if you read this, I am such a fan). But today? Today, I am just going to sit here and stare at the wall with my candle burning. And for today, that is more than enough.

Freedom, Faith and Virtue

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I had the opportunity to listen to Eric Metaxas the other day, through a livestreamed event about his latest book, Is Atheism Dead? His discussion was on freedom, faith and virtue, and how they are all intertwined. Metaxas has written many best selling books, including one on William Wilberforce, Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery (he is a personal hero of mine) and Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. I am not sure where he was speaking (I just got lucky that IG handle ‘rooted.wings’ whom I follow was livestreaming it for the rest of us). He was sitting in a comfortable chair discussing how a free society, for it to function well, requires virtue, and how virtue is a derivative of faith.

He spoke about some profound things that have been spinning in my head, ever since. One of the things that caught my attention was his discussion on Bonhoeffer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor who was extremely vocal against the Nazi regime during its reign of terror. He was a resistor who was arrested, imprisoned and hanged by the Nazis. When I say resistor, he was someone who was vocal and kept calling out the church for its complicity in the Nazi reign. The “church” was a powerful force (still is) and had it stood up to the Nazis, history would have been very different, but it did not. We know that there were many Christians who did stand up to evil and broke laws by hiding and helping their Jewish friends and neighbors, but the shame is that the majority did not. They were not willing to risk their jobs, their reputations or status, or their lives. Many resistors paid with their lives (see The Hiding Place and the story of Corrie Ten Boom). Bonhoeffer saw the church’s failing and called it out and constantly called it to action. He was a part of plots to smuggle Jews into neutral Switzerland. He spoke out and took action.

Looking at the courage of those who stood up for right in the face of evil, discrimination, and authoritarianism has been interesting. It has made me think about how the global church has been complicit today in the face of so many lies, sanctioning the actions of tyranical governments that are hurting, oppressing and segregating people. It has sat idly by, while suffering has been very real. It fails to learn from its history. It seeks the benefits of its hand holding with governments. If the church were to stand up today for all people, what would the world look like? If it championed virtue, faith and freedom, what would we look like? Would we be here? For those of us who see the wrongs, (and to be honest many don’t–) what are we called to do?

Frederick Douglass once said, “God has no children whose rights may be safely tampled on.” (1854)

I look online and see alternate universes. I see people so complacent and comfortable, fighting to never lose that comfort in their lives, not fighting for others– disregarding others who may not be like them. We are satisfied when we are accepted, everyone else be damned. It’s part of the human condition.

Metaxas led with an important question, “Are you willing to follow the truth wherever it leads?” He continued saying, “People live in fear of losing something, and usually, whatever it is, it’s usually crap. God maneuvers us into situations where we can choose Him. He never forces us, but He tells you, ‘You know I won’t let you down.’ We can’t outgive Him.”

My mind races as I think of the brave men and women who are standing up for their convictions and what they believe is right. People who are willing to sacrifice so much to keep integrity and to fight for a freedom that belongs to all people.

I’ll be honest, the corporate church is finding itself on the wrong side of this unfolding of what will be history. After all, Candace Owens once wrote, “Can anybody point me to that one time in history where the side that was demanding censorship, segregation, propaganda, radical education, papers to move freely in society, plus government forces going door-to-door to demand compliance were the good guys?” The question is what side will we be on?

I am not going to lie, a lot of us are in a sort of freefall, right now. Our jobs are on the line. Literally. We are speaking, and we are acting. And for some of us, I truly think that this is only the beginning. I know for a fact that I am not doing enough. Freefalls are scary. Standing (what feels like) alone is scary. But this is what happens when you trust in something bigger than politics, arrogant people in what are supposed to be leadership roles, the movements in society that pretend to care but will turn around and burn you down if you dare step out of their lane for you. History nudges us to notice that freedom is not found in playing it safe or keeping your head down. I think what the stories of Martin Luther King, Jr., William Wilberforce and Dietrich Bonhoeffer remind us is Metaxas’ point, that “if you trust in Jesus, then you are truly free.” Freedom, faith and virtue need each other to survive and thrive. Hopefully, we can be people who embody all three.

What a Revolutionary Is Made Of

“Sometimes, the greatest safety can be found in taking the right risk. Whether it be an individual, a community or a country, when faced with tragedy or fearful uncertainty, we either become bigger and enter life more fully, or else we accept a diminished life and resign ourselves to a smaller way of being.”
Michael Meade

By: Gabriela Yareliz

We watched The Banker on Apple TV, today. I don’t do dramas well. I was sitting there, holding my breath, wondering what would go wrong at every turn. It was based on true events, after all. Don’t expect a fairytale there.

This whole post is a spoiler– you have been warned.

SPOILER ALERT: It was a film about two brilliant men (black entrepreneurs) who hire a white factory worker to partner with them and be the face of their real estate deals, as this takes place in the 60s in the US. They were determined to get paid for their talent; they did things legally in a time of rampant discrimination and at the same time opened doors for others and invested back into their own community. They become the nation’s two first African American bankers. Joe was experienced and distrustful; Bernard was an idealist and as Joe calls him– a “revolutionary.”

I think the most impactful part of the film is at the end, where they are about to be imprisoned for something they did not do. They could have lied and gone along with a political agenda that would have saved their butts (the white men around them urged them to go this route), but instead, they chose to speak truth to power, even though they had everything to lose (and did). They lost a lot personally, but their courage impacted an entire nation.

When Bernard Garrett testifies, we don’t know what will happen in the film. But he does the right thing. The truthful thing.

“Mr. Chairman, our nation’s founding documents declare that all men are created equal, and endeavor to create a society where citizens receive the equal protection of our laws. It’s a noble goal. But we all know, for many citizens it’s a lie.”
Bernard Garrett

As I watched this final scene– it sent chills up my spine. I believe it was three years later that the Fair Housing Act was passed– which changed so much for so many Americans. What is my point in giving you this final scene of this film? It blows my mind how we continue to celebrate these true heroes who sacrificed so much for equality, and yet we continue to design laws and regulations that discriminate against so many, even today, in real time. We are arrogant and petty little bastards who have lost all sense of decency, honor and brotherhood.

We live in a time when so many are losing their livelihoods and rights. Right now– under the governments of our time. This is especially ironic and sad when this country’s foundational documents remain the same. A beacon of light that enshrine a freedom and equal opportunity that make remarkable stories like these possible. This film was a reminder that while some may seem idealistic and out of touch with reality because of the risks they take and how they pursue their ideals– what this idealism does is it fuels a revolutionary spirit that effects real change. Change that makes things possible.

A revolutionary: sees the world as it should be and fights for that; is selfless enough to guarantee freedom and opportunity for all; has unbeatable work ethic; speaks truth to power; stands up when he/she is told to sit down; refuses to be used as a puppet in empty agendas; refuses coercion for personal gain; is generous and gives back to the community; lives with integrity, even when it comes with personal loss; and is often on a solitary road. Is a Christian called to anything less?

“Even a rigged game’s fun to play.”
Joe Morris

Real change never comes without sacrifice, without integrity, and without going against the grain. As we see in the day-to-day of our reality, perhaps it is the human fate to never understand this, but as shown in The Banker, only the few greats do.

Carried Home

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Recently, my fiancé (yes– you read that right!) and I were driving back from a farm outside of the city. Taconic State Parkway, y’all. Unwillingly crawling our way back into Gotham City. It was late, and it’s a dark highway. The only thing illuminating those narrow, dark winding roads was the occasional oncoming and flow traffic. When no one else was around, we were submerged in utter darkness. I would look into my side mirror to what was behind us, and it was a black hole abyss. We were driving on those roads like a blind man groping his way out.

These have been unmistakably strange and dark times. We treat those who don’t think like us as enemies, and we will sacrifice the livelihood of others for our own arrogance and illusion of safety. Logic has been kidnapped. We are led by cowards and informed by the corrupt (and I mean this on a global scale). For those of us who diligently study Scripture and prophecy, it has been a time of a lot of reflection. I heard recently, that knowledge without preparation and action around that knowledge is worth very little. It’s common sense, but few of us live in that way, truly.

When we see how things evolve, how quickly people are deceived and swept away in participating in behaviors and thought patterns based on their comforts, conveniences and fears– it’s alarming. It should cause us to look at ourselves. This ain’t nothing, yet, as they say. So this brings us to questions of introspection like, Am I ready for what is to come? Do I have the integrity to stand for something, though the heavens fall? What does it mean to listen to the conscience rather than to a fellow man?

I think we look at heroes of the past, and we glorify and romanticize their stories, failing to realize how hated they were, how ostracized they were, and how many of them became martyrs. We don’t understand that people were arrested, beaten, hosed down– people were killed for what they believed in. And in many places, they still are. We like the ideas of integrity, strength and ideals of freedom and respect but are often not willing to pay the price to keep or protect them.

Highways and country roads without lights are a thing. And let me tell you, in the fall and winter, it gets dark faster, yes, the days are shorter, but we also experience a whole different level of darkness in these colder seasons. The nights are not only longer, but they feel darker. Much darker. I was discussing this with my grandfather. He was telling me that on his long commute, he takes these dark, “wolf’s mouth” roads. He told me that despite having taken this route for years on end, the darkness can still feel disorienting. There are times where he isn’t sure if he is still going the right way. He told me that when he doubts, he tries to think of how it worked out in the past. His gut reassures him.

I think life can feel this way when it’s dark. I think we are all experiencing some kind of a dark fall and winter, whether we realize it or not. Some of us are very aware, while others proceed with an unease and dread, numbed by distraction. It feels like we are speeding through a dark road where we can’t even see two feet in front of us and what lies behind us looks like an abyss.

A car has its own lights, and even that can start to feel dull after awhile. What helps is when other cars with their own lights come and unite on the journey. More clarity comes.

My grandfather told me something interesting. You see, I told him I was sure winter was even more hellish, with all of the moist and glistening lake effect MI snow. He told me it was the opposite. This surprised me. He told me that on a winter night, when there was snow coating the ground, there was light everywhere. The snow acts as a reflector of the moon, if there is one, and all other minor lights around. He said that when it snows, a car with no lights could conceivably make it home okay because of the amplified brightness.

So, on an even darker night than a fall night, if there is a blanket of snow and the accompanying dormant silence of nature, all is bright to see. This reminded me that on the darkest of all nights, we can still find an abundance of light.

Sometimes, it takes utterly and completely dark moments to give us the clarity we need. On a night that may be filled with the impossibility that sometimes looks like feet of snow, the path can be revealed. We are no longer groping our way home but instead we are carried home by the light.

The Problem-Solver: Tata Harper

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Tata Harper began her eponymous clean skincare company when she started helping her stepfather, who was diagnosed with skin cancer, to make some lifestyle changes. She couldn’t find the products he needed, so she made them. She said, “No one should have to sacrifice their health for their beauty.” (Source) When she is not in the lab, she is with her kiddos.

She shared with Skincare.com: “Being a Latin woman definitely has not brought me any disadvantages. I think the one advantage it has given me is how beauty-oriented Latin culture is. I work in an industry that has been ingrained into every aspect of my life since I was a little girl in Colombia, so I was able to infuse that cultural passion for beauty into my company and everything we do.” (Source) Tata Harper is a problem-solver. It is because of this that she is an #orgullohispano.

The Representative: Nicole Malliotakis

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I am proud to feature my congress rep (11th Congressional District), Nicole Malliotakis. I have never been prouder of voting for someone than I have been with her. I have voted for her on multiple occasions (like when she ran for NYC mayor in 2017), and she has done a phenomenal job as our rep. Our half-Greek/half-Cuban rep is someone who deeply cares about the Brooklyn/Staten Island community and our veterans. She helps community members through the citizenship process, and just recently, she got a family out of Afghanistan. Ms. Malliotakis, thank you for your hard work, integrity and dedication. It is because of this that you are an #orgullohispano.

The Comedian: LeJuan James

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I am not really sure what I can say about half-Dominican/half-Puerto Rican LeJuan James. He is wickedly funny. He became famous through his YouTube Channel where he makes light of our culture’s quirks and imitates our mothers when they would lecture us. What Hispanic person hasn’t sent one of these videos to a friend or even their own family? He has this incredible ability to bring back nostalgia and all the right intonations that remind us of our childhood.

Despite the fun he pokes at our family/culture dynamics that are less than perfect, he is all about family. In his wigs, he always brings joy to a dark day– LeJuan James is an #orgullohispano.

The Attorney: Kimberly Guilfoyle

By: Gabriela Yareliz

When I first heard of Kimberly Guilfoyle, I’ll admit I judged her based on politics (as an Independent, both parties are fair game. Ha!) When I researched more about her, I realized that she was raised by a Puerto Rican mother who was a special education teacher. Her mother passed away due to cancer when Kimberly was 11. Despite her loss at such a young age, Kimberly later went on to law school, became a prosecutor, became an assistant district attorney in SF, then First Lady of SF, then she worked at Fox News from 2006 to 2018, and then became an adviser to the 45th President.

I read that as a kid, she tried out for a boys’ soccer team and made the team. I admire her go-getter attitude that has brought her very far. She works hard, no matter what you think about her politics.

The List wrote of her, “As an adviser to the White House, Guilfoyle has shown that with hard work and nurtured ambition, anything is possible.” #orgullohispano

Advice from Kimberly: “You better have thick skin, for sure, but you also need to laugh at yourself.” (Source)

The Fighters: Nikki and Brie Bella

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I am a HUGE Nikki and Brie Bella fan. Their beautiful book, Incomparable, details growing up with a young mom and dad who were in an abusive relationship, how they were a surprise to a teen mom, their difficult and almost nonexistent childhood, their parent’s divorce, rape, the death of a loved boyfriend, and then how they started the journey to become the WWE’s most famous “diva” faces and fighters.

From a small suburb of Scottsdale, Arizona to being on WWE, Total Divas, Total Bellas (on E!), their famous YouTube channel, owning Birdiebee, Nicole+Brizee Beauty, and their wine company— these half-Mexican women are expanding their empire with each passing year. What I love about them is how they represent our culture with so much strength and dignity. They are examples of fitness; through their YouTube channel and podcast they encourage education and learning (even if it’s by making fun of themselves in trivia games like Bella Brains); they have fostered a community that is amazing #BellaArmy; and have overcome many past obstacles and shown the rewards of hard work.

Nikki Bella is the longest individual reigning Diva Champion in WWE history. Nicole came back to the ring 7 months after she essentially broke her neck and had surgery. After retirement, both were recently inducted into the WWE hall of fame.

Nikki and Brie Bella are an example to young women everywhere. They are an #orgullohispano.