Maria's Journal

Photo by  Kristina Paukshtite  from  Pexels The gifts have all been wrapped and now all there's to do is wait, and wait and...wait. In New York City the weather is getting cooler and cooler, almost feel like December :) Wherever you spend Christmas I wish for you and yours to be safe; please exercise precautions, Covid is still here folks. And if you're into traditional things, read all about the 12 Days of Christmas, here . Happy Holidays to all! Maria Cox

Photo by  Vlada Karpovich  from  Pexels Hello friends, New York City is trying desperately to go back to normal, but in a city of 10 million people back to normal isn't an easy feat. The transmission rate has decreased and if more people get vaccinated - particularly NYC - the governor will lift all remaining restrictions, and how wonderful it'd be to have our city back? To see Broadway lit up again? To see Times Square bustling with tourists (yeah, I did just say that)?  I am encouraged to know that soon New York will be back to its formal glory, though to be honest, I'll miss the quieter streets and subways, lol! I hope that wherever you call home, you feel safe and encouraged, as well. Be well!

Photo by Artem Podrez Friends, Climate change, pollution, water scarcity; these are just a few issues we face today as a society.  Below is a list of simple things we can do to celebrate Earth Day on a daily basis: Swap light bulbs Plant a tree Carry your own water bottle Switch to eco-friendly cleaning materials Bike-to-work or carpool For more ideas, please visit:  http://www.earthday.org/takeaction/campaigns.html Happy Earth Day! Maria Cox

https://www.internationalwomensday.com Hello friends,  On International Women’s Day we celebrate women who have made notable contributions to the betterment of society, locally and globally.   On a personal note, I want to pay tribute to the women in my life who helped shape who I am as an individual and who I am as a professional person. Take my mother, a strong-willed, proud woman, she always instilled in us (my sisters and I), good work ethics: be present, work hard, and do the best job you can, whatever your trade. My daughter – an ambitious and successful young woman – has in recent years served as a professional coach (what a proud moment!). And of course my youngest sister, a senior manager, herself, has been a mentor in many ways.  I'm not only fortunate, but blessed to have had strong female role models in my life. Who do you honor today? Maria Cox Source: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Virtual #Romance Readings! Come join @RWANYC as we host a Romantic Happy Hour on February 26th. Line up: @JeanJoachim @TeeOFallon @Ursula_Renee @Anna_DePalo For more information, please visit: http://www.rwanyc.com/romantic-happy-hour1.html . RWA/NYC is a diverse and multicultural romance writers group made up of published, pre-published, and new writers. Thank you, Maria Cox

Photo by  alleksana  from  Pexels It's early February but most drug stores here in New York City have been displaying Valentine’s Day paraphernalia since the first of January. For most of my adult life I have considered Valentine’s Day a holiday romantic in nature, but in recent years with the inclusion of friendship, I’ve come to appreciate Valentine’s Day as a general day of Love and Friendship. What is Galentine’s Day all about? Well, the terminology was introduced a few years back by Leslie Knope - a fictional character from the popular sitcom Parks and Recreation . Leslie declared, “Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.” What a great concept! So, in the spirit of Galentine’s Day here are three simple suggestions: Schedule a brunch date with g-pals (my own spin on the term) -  men and/or women :) Exchange gifts - who doesn’t want gifts? Consume fizzy drinks 

  Photo by  Olya Kobruseva  from  Pexels Hello friends, As pledged on Goodreads (GR), this year my goal is to read at least 12 books. And for anyone who follows my reviews , note that this year I won't be writing in-depth book reviews, I will only give book ratings.  In addition to my GRs goal, I will serve on the RWA/NYC Executive Board as Secretary  As I renew my commitment to being more involved with the chapter, I will also be in charge of coordinating RWA/NYC mid-month panels. Here's to a productive and healthy new year! Maria