¡Hola, hola, mi gente hermosa! And a big, warm welcome to Vida Madre! My name is Anna Elaine, and I am so, so excited to finally be launching this space, a dream that’s been brewing in my heart for quite some time. If you’re here, chances are you, like me, run on a potent mix of amor, fe, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of café.
I’m a 36-year-old first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in the dusty, vibrant plains of Odessa, Texas. Growing up, our home was always filled with the aroma of frijoles, the sounds of cumbia, and the constant hum of my mamá’s chatter – a beautiful, sometimes chaotic, symphony of our culture. It was a life full of alegría, traditions, and the unconditional love of a Latina mother. My madrecita linda passed away in December of 2020, and every day I carry her spirit, her strength, and her enduring love with me. She taught me the true meaning of resiliencia and the beauty of our heritage.
In 2014, my life took a wonderful turn when I met and married my amazing Cuban husband. He was already living here in Missouri, and let’s just say he successfully me arrastró out of Odessa, Texas – jajaja! Now, we’re raising our incredibly bright and joyful 6-year-old son, who truly is the light of our lives. His laughter and curiosity fill our home with felicidad every single day.
Aquí en Vida Madre, I want to shine a light on what it means to be a woman in a Latino American household across the USA. Whether you’re Mexican American like me, Cuban American, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, or from any of our diverse and rich cultures, this is for you. We’ll talk about everything – from those classic sayings our abuelas used to hit us with, to the challenges and triumphs of raising our own little ones. Because, let’s face it, la vida de una madre is a rollercoaster, right? One minute you’re laughing so hard you cry, the next you’re wondering if you remembered to defrost the chicken for dinner.
You’ll find a lot of Spanglish here, because that’s just who I am! Being fluent in both Spanish and English isn’t just about language for me; it adds an extra layer of spice to everything. It’s a part of my identity, and I know many of you out there can relate. It’s the language of our homes, our hearts, and our everyday lives. Es la lengua de nuestras raíces y nuestro futuro.
My hope for Vida Madre is to create a true comunidad online. A safe and welcoming space where we, as mothers, daughters, tias, and grandmothers, can come together to laugh, cry, share our stories, and support one another. Think of us as your online family – a place where you can pull up a chair, grab a cafecito, and know you’re understood. We’re all just online hermanas, ready to listen, share, and offer a little wisdom (and maybe a lot of laughs!).
So, mija, join in! I encourage every single one of you to jump into the discussions, share your experiences, and make this space your own. Your story matters, and I can’t wait to hear it. ¿Están listas para construir esta familia juntas?
Con mucho amor y ganas,
Anna Elaine Founder of Vida Madre
