ARROZ CON LECHE

Usually I make my own from scratch, but I haven't in a long time and today I had a craving. So, when I saw this at the store I thought I'd try it out and see just how "authentic" it is. I gotta say it's pretty good and it immediately made me feel nostalgic because this was a staple from my childhood as it is for so many Latin American kids. It also made me think of one of my best friends and the first friend I made shortly after I arrived in the U.S. from El Salvador when I was barely 4 years old. Her entire clan became my extended family. When Rita's Cuban mother (My Tia Violeta) passed away, at her memorial service reception everyone was treated to so many yummy Cuban dishes and, of course, arroz con leche was included, of which I had multiple servings until I felt like I would burst.

But Rita Lee (I like to call her by both her first and middle names because it's fun to say when you really lean into rolling the R combined with the long E sound. Just like how she often calls me Patrrrricia.) is more than just my friend. She's like my sister and has known me almost my entire life, which is pretty rare for someone who isn't blood related, don't you think?

I am often asked how much of my novels is based on my life. My answer is always, "Well, first of all, it's FICTION, but yes - the main character, Frankie is loosely based on my 20-something year old self. I am getting ready to record two chapters in my second audiobook, JOURNEYS, with a wonderful actor who will be reading a portion that is probably the most autobiographical. I experienced some difficult and unpleasant moments in my childhood and Rita is one of very few people who knows those stories. This all has got me thinking and appreciating how wonderful it is to have at least one person in your life know the deepest and truest essence of who you are. To have known you as a child and see you become and overcome all it took for you to evolve into the person you are now. I love you, Rita Lee!