Spiral Alchemy

Tag: journal

  • A Server’s Tale

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in

    “Bars are the places where life in the city reveals itself…where ordinary people go have a drink, ponder the weather, and are always ready for a chat. Buy a newspaper and enjoy the ebb and flow of people.” -Paulo Coelho Ah, the ebb and flow of people. Simultaneously enchanting and monotonous, especially from the perspective…

  • Film Review: Eighth Grade

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in ,

    I’m no film expert or critic. I’m not exactly in the position to preach anything about the cinematic experience, about what makes something artistically “good” or “bad” – although I’ve done that before and will most likely do it again (refer to my Stealing Beauty movie review from many moons ago). Instead of trying to get…

  • Sunsets and Writing Tips

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in ,

    There’s something about 8:00pm that always calms my spirit — the gentle setting of the sun, the quiet comfort in knowing that neighbors and friends have returned from work and can let go. It’s in this moment when day and night touch, when their separate sounds and colors come together, that something tugs at my…

  • Listen to Yourself: On Achieving Self-Discipline

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in , ,

    “The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.” When was the last time you sat in silence and felt yourself slip into nothing? Do you ever tune out the noise around you and pay attention to what happens next? If the answer is ‘yes’ and you’ve allowed yourself moments to stall out, this cryptic message…

  • Slowing Down

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in

    Thoughts written on the back of specials menus during a late night serving shift It shouldn’t be lonely to be alone. Resilience is knowing this,                      living without relying.                                  Something…

  • A Guy and a Gal in Galway (Part 2)

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in ,

    A vibrant tale about a couples’ first adventure abroad in a city where the Guinness flows like water and the locals are as friendly as the sheep The second leg of our journey begins in the heart of Galway’s city center (or centre) with freshly poured beers in hand, watching from the patio of a…

  • A Guy and a Gal in Galway (Part 1)

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in ,

    A vibrant tale about a couples’ first adventure abroad in a city where the Guinness flows like water and the locals are as friendly as the sheep On May 2nd 2018, my boyfriend, Richard, and I embarked on our first adventure abroad together to Galway, Ireland. Where my anxious brain might’ve expected drunken arguments in…

  • Luminescence

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in

    I don’t believe in God, but sometimes I talk to the Moon. If I’m alone and listen carefully, it whispers to me. I usually begin with a question. “Am I going to be okay?” You’ll see, with time. Deep breath in “But will I be happy?” I hope so. Exhale Never a concrete answer At…

  • Kitty

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in ,

    I spent my first five-dollar bill on a stuffed kitten. We had just moved to The States and were rummaging through the toy aisle at Target when Papa slipped me some cash. “Pick something special to bring home.” On my quest, I spotted a striped orange cat with almond eyes and clear plastic whiskers poking…

  • Kitty

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in

    I spent my first five dollar bill on you. I held your striped paw in one hand and gripped Papa’s calloused finger in the other. Sometimes you were “she”, sometimes “he”, “it” even. I named you Ashley for a day after watching an Olsen twins film. That didn’t suit you at all. Sorry for smothering…