Maria's Journal

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 gift...

  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  

  Photo by Louis from  Pexels Hello,   It's Christmas! As my previous blogposts indicated, the holiday season provided me an opportunity to do some self-reflection. Below are topics that I wish to share with you -- my readers. December 4 th What does the holiday season mean to me? December 11 th What is the driving force in my writer's life? December 18 th In what area/s do I need to improve self-discipline? December 25 th What do I wish for today? After a long year when we've endured so much despair, I think it's only befitting to wish for the Coronavirus vaccine to reach as many people  as possible.  There's a rising concern about the U.S. receiving adequate dosages for all 50 states and surely, with the worldwide demand for the medicine, this is just cause for alarm. However, I trust that local and state governments are taking the necessary steps to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets it. As the vaccine continues to be rolled out cross country I can't he...

Photo by Louis from  Pexels Hello,   7 days till Christmas folks!  As my previous blogpost indicated, now that  the holiday season is officially here, I see this as an opportunity to do some self-reflection. Below are topics that I wish to share with you -- my readers. December 4 th What does the holiday season mean to me? December 11 th What is the driving force in my writer's life? December 18 th In what area/s do I need to improve self-discipline? This year I have really struggled with writing. In fact, I found inventive ways to avoid writing altogether: my car's trunk is a mess, I seriously need to re-arrange it, and my bathroom, well I just got it remodeled, surely I need to find the most perfect bathroom accessories, and what about my dear friend in Colorado, for pete's sake, I haven't talked to her in over a month, must call her tonight. Argh..so many excuses! So, in what area do I need to improve self-discipline? In the 'butt in chair' routine....