Prologue
June, 3rd, 2026, in Barcelona —
Starting from scratch no longer intimidates me. I’ve moved twice to a different country. I’ve learnt new languages and adapted to local ways of life and customs; I’ll do the same when I set foot on this new land I’ve chosen for myself: the artist’s life.
But before I begin, I wanted to reflect on the journey I’ve taken so far. I would never have been able to go out onto the street, set my paintbox down on the ground, and sell my work or paint in front of others if I hadn’t once been the ‘chica del gas’ (the girl who goes door-to-door reading gas meters). I would never have realised the importance of belonging to a community and of looking after one another, had it not been for all the concerts and challenges I took part in with Little Light, the gospel choir. Finally, I would never have dared to resign and set out on my own without the emotional and practical support of my loved ones, my colleagues and my family – the very people who I have often made feel like their support ‘doesn’t really count’, when deep down, they are the only ones that matter.
All these names, all these milestones must seem quite meaningless to anyone reading this for the first time, but I wanted to do this: turn the page with my hand on my heart. All those memories, those beautiful texts that taught me how to be, I’ve gathered together in a book. It was just for me, in the beginning, but for anyone who wants to understand: it’s all here. —
A 60-page e-book bringing together the texts, poems and illustrations that helped me overcome PTSD and find my way back to life after trauma.
What you’ll find:
Stories
Anecdotes
Poems
Original illustrations
This book is the foundation of everything I’ve done since.
