Spanish Connections

  The Importance of Reading and Its Connection to Christmas. Reading is a quiet gift that lights up the mind and warms the heart. Through books, we learn to imagine, understand different realities, and strengthen values such as empathy, patience, and reflection. Reading not only expands knowledge but also creates moments of calm in the midst of our busy lives. Christmas is a season that invites introspection, sharing, and reconnecting with what truly matters. In this spirit, reading becomes the perfect companion. A book read by the Christmas tree, with family, or in peaceful solitude can spark meaningful conversations, awaken memories, and plant seeds of hope. Giving a book at Christmas is giving time, dreams, and learning. It is a way of saying I care about you , I’m with you , and I believe in your growth . In this way, reading at Christmas reminds us that the best gifts are not always wrapped in paper, but in stories that stay in the heart long after the season ends. https://edi...

                                  Carlotaroa@ Atelier Manna: A Modern Sanctuary of Flavor and Culture in San Diego In the vibrant heart of San Diego, Atelier Manna rises like a quiet sanctuary—where modern cuisine, organic ingredients, and cultural memory converge in a harmony that feels almost sacred. This is not merely a restaurant; it is a place where food becomes a language, and every plate speaks in poetry. Atelier Manna’s philosophy begins with the earth. Their ingredients are fresh, organic, and thoughtfully sourced from local growers who embrace the same spirit of sustainability. In the hands of their chefs, these humble elements transform into dishes that feel both contemporary and deeply rooted—like stories retold with new light. The cuisine here bridges cultures. Ancient traditions whisper through modern techniques, creating flavors that honor heritage while daring to explore new terrain. Eac...

.                  CarlotaRoa@ Hay paisajes que no necesitan color para contar una historia. Cuando los observamos en blanco y negro, descubrimos una belleza distinta: silenciosa, profunda y eterna. La gradación entre luces y sombras se convierte en el verdadero protagonista. En este tipo de imágenes, el blanco ilumina lo esencial: una montaña que emerge como un suspiro, la neblina que abraza un bosque, o el brillo suave del agua en movimiento. El negro, en cambio, sostiene el misterio—marca las profundidades, define las líneas y guarda aquello que la luz no alcanza. Entre ambos extremos vive la magia: los grises. Son ellos los que construyen atmósferas, emociones y texturas. Gracias a esa delicada transición, un paisaje puede sentirse nostálgico, dramático o inmensamente sereno. La gradación en blanco y negro no solo transforma la imagen; transforma la forma en que la miramos. Nos invita a detenernos, a observar con calma, a descubrir ...

Reseña del Evento en Burrell School Winery Esta tarde de verano, Burrell School Winery brilló con un encanto especial. Bajo la cálida luz del sol y con la vista majestuosa de las montañas de Los Gatos, vivimos una experiencia verdaderamente inolvidable. Rodeados de un paisaje que parecía pintado, degustamos algunos de los vinos más exclusivos y únicos de la región, cada uno reflejando la dedicación y el arte vitivinícola de la casa. Tuvimos el honor de compartir este momento con el propietario y talentoso winemaker,  Dave , cuya hospitalidad y pasión por su oficio enriquecieron aún más la velada. También nos acompañaron el editor de la revista  Los Gatan  y varios miembros destacados de la comunidad de Los Gatos, así como integrantes del prestigioso  Club  quienes aportaron conversación, cultura y camaradería a la reunión. En este ambiente tan especial,  Carlota Roa  presentó su libro recientemente galardonado,  Calaveras Literarias , una obra qu...

A Poetic Review of Today’s Event at Burrell School Winery On this golden summer afternoon, Burrell School Winery opened its arms with the warmth of sunlight resting gently over the rolling Los Gatos mountains.  The landscape felt like a living painting—soft breezes, sprawling vines, and a horizon brushed with tranquility. Amid this natural beauty, we delighted in some of the region’s most unique and memorable wines, each glass carrying the careful craft and passion of the estate. We were graced with the company of Dave, the owner and gifted winemaker, whose presence added depth and heart to the gathering. Alongside him were the editor of Los Gatan magazine, cherished members of the Los Gatos community, and distinguished members of the prestigious Club, all sharing stories, laughter, and a love for culture. In this enchanting setting, Carlota Roa presented her recently awarded book, Calaveras Literarias, a work that honors tradition, artistry, and the vibrant spirit of Mexican liter...

  The book Calaveras Literarias by Carlota Roa has been honored with a Honorable Mention at the International Latino Book Awards , one of the most prestigious recognitions in Latino literature. This book is a true artistic treasure — a vibrant collection of literary calaveras filled with wit, color, and Mexican spirit.  Each poem blends humor, culture, and poetry, reminding us that death can also be celebrated with joy, art, and beauty. Calaveras Literarias not only honors a beloved tradition but revives it with a contemporary and deeply human touch. El libro Calaveras Literarias de Carlota Roa ha sido reconocido con una Mención Honorífica en los International Latino Book Awards , uno de los premios más importantes de la literatura latina. Este libro es una verdadera joya artística: un recorrido por las calaveras literarias más ingeniosas, coloridas y llenas de espíritu mexicano.  Cada poema combina humor, cultura y belleza, recordándonos que la muerte también p...