isa traverso-burger

When I was graduating from high school in Caracas, I wrote my thesis (paper) about my great-great aunt Conny Méndez.
the reason I chose her as the subject is simply because she proclaimed that “faith can move mountains”. That, among many other significant, positive, uplifting revelations that I discovered through her words/work; including her memoir “Memorias de Una Loca“.
Conny, who died even before the 80′s, was proclaiming what the book and movie: THE SECRET claims. She said things like: piensa lo bueno y se te dará (think good thoughts and they’ll happen).
If you haven’t read anything by this talented, spontaneous, ahead-of-her time woman, please do so.
Recently, I remembered her and smiled. I was going to walk the dog one night. I could have killed for a piece of something sweet, and of course I forgot my wallet at home. A few minutes later, when I walked by the doorman -to whom I never revealed my craving- he handed me a bag filled with wafer cookies. I couldn’t believe it…Well, after reading so much Conny you learn to accept that EVERYTHING is possible… when you believe.
Next time you have a few minutes, read a few lines by Conny Méndez; I’m sure you’ll find her not only funny, but interesting and colloquial. You may find answers, truths, revelations…just like I did. You may be find yourself saying, “I knew this already”. If so, good for you.

Until next time, be well, be good, be true, be you.

No Comments | In: i blog | tags: caracas, conny, conny mendez, faith, metafisica, metaphysics, oligarca, positive thoughts, reading, self-help, the secret, venezuela. | #

If you are anything like me, before you gave birth you swore: “no tv for my baby”. And then, the Baby Einstein Collection appeared out of nowhere to soothe a lot of moments intensified by tears.
Yes, it worked for me. 30 minutes a day before bedtime calmed the little one down. Now at 14-months old, he still likes Baby Einstein from time to time, but he is addicted to Dora The Explorer and her cousin Diego -although I hate for him to watch it.

My concern with Dora and Diego is that their pronunciation of words in Spanish is not the best one. Also, they are loud and repetitive; but most of all, the voice over (dubbing) is terrible because they all seem to have the same person impersonating… You get it? I never know when is the map or the backpack talking, or Boots… the two shows have the same people doing the dubbing and I believe that HAS to be confusing for children.

The same thing happens when I watch other shows with him. I find Syd The Science Kid is great, although not for his age, but again the dubbing is not realistic. In my opinion, Franklin has the best voice over talent, they sound like…well, real kids. Plus the stories are interesting and fun.

Blues Clues seems to be educating as well, and Jack’s Big Music Show used to be his favorite at 9-months old. Sesame Street is a classic, nothing wrong with that. And he shows a huge smile with Ni Hao Kailan every time. I am a fan of Olivia the pig myself but he’s not too much into it yet, even when her brother is called Ian like him.

Well, maybe my son is not like every other baby, but maybe this will help mommies who gave in into having their kids watch TV. I promise that he never watches more than 1 hour a day, and there are days when he doesn’t even want the TV. But, he has started developing a love for trains ‘tren’, and cars ‘cacos’… So Thomas the Train is perfect for the routine after his bath…he stays still for once. And he can watch F1 with his dad too.

I’ll keep you posted with TV news for babies, but listen to the dubbing (voice overs) and tell me I’m not right. Hopefully, my sister will get a job doing just that and then kids will be able to differentiate characters by listening to their voices only. I know I can’t.

No Comments | In: i blog | tags: babies, baby einstein, diego, dora the explorer, dubbing, franklin, kids tv, ni hao kailan, olivia the pig, spanish voiceover, tv cartoons. | #

Without pointing fingers I must say that Americans have the worst table manners I’ve ever seen. I was flipping through channels when I saw a celebrity eating at a restaurant and although she is beautiful and well dressed, she cut her pancakes in a way that made me feel sorry for her.

I’m here to help Hollywood celebrities. You guys are always under constant surveillance, the least you can do is learn etiquette; how you eat is really important because it determines your social status.

Please let me help you. I’ll do it for free just so I don’t encounter anymore horrible table manners. I can’t do anything about the people I come across everyday in restaurants but to watch it on TV, that’s too much.

No Comments | In: i blog | tags: celebrity manners, eating habits, etiquette, hollywood celebrities table manners, indecent behavior. | #

Un día me llamaste y dijiste
“me muero por verte”,
y hasta ahí supe de ti.

Una tarde caminando
me acordé de tí y
resucitaste para dolerme.

Una mañana me escribiste melodías en palabras
y me imaginé cuentos de hadas.

Una madrugada desperté temblando
por un viento de melancolía.

Una noche me llamaste y dijiste,
“me muero por verte”,
y hasta ahí supe de tí;
hoy detesto ese día.

No Comments | In: i blog | tags: abandono, falsedad, ilusión., poema, poesía. | #