My Shades of Emerald is a blog about LIFE and its many facets, particularly, family, lifestyle, relationships, and more, for those who are over 50 years old. My name is Esmeralda Muñoz, (thus the “Emerald” on my blog title or name), and I run this blog. I am now in the league of the “Golden Girls,” and I want to write and share about anything and everything about family, lifestyle, relationships, and more in this era of the “millennials.” I am by no means an “expert.” I am just an ordinary person living every day life with challenges and struggles of an average person, but my experiences may help learn how ordinary people like me deal with how life treats us and how we rise above these struggles and challenges.
My Family
My family is blended and multi-cultural (Mexican-American and Filipino- American). My husband and I are blessed with two beautiful and amazing teenage daughters, and my husband has two adult children from a previous relationship. We have six grandchildren altogether (courtesy of my stepdaughters), and it’s funny how my teenage daughters are aunts to our grandchildren ages one month to fifteen years old. With our family dynamics, our experiences are unique to us, and the many surprises that come along with it are indeed riveting.
Where I Came From
I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines during the time of then President Ferdinand Marcos. I studied in one of the most prestigious schools, Maryknoll College (now known as Miriam College). I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and worked at a bank for 11 years before moving to the United States.
Leaving Manila was bittersweet, but I looked forward to a new beginning in a country that was so much different from my own. I met my now husband only months after I came to the United States and the rest, as they say, is history.
My Purpose
When my first daughter was born, I knew right there and then that the purpose of my life is to be a guardian, a nurturer, a provider and a mother. I believe that being a mother is a way of loving and worshipping my God. My children ARE the purpose of my life. I live for them and will definitely die for them.
Let’s Do This
I have always wanted to write. I may not be the best writer and may even confuse you with wrong grammar or spelling, but, I believe that with sincerity, all the right messages will and can be conveyed. Therefore, in this blog, I will be the primary writer, and I will share with you my thoughts. I have also invited my 16-year-old daughter who is an excellent writer to contribute her poems, stories, and other writings. My 13-year-old daughter will do photography, and my husband will provide the snacks! Kidding aside, my husband will definitely share his views, too!
With our concerted effort, we will discuss family, lifestyle, relationships, and so much more. As you visit my blog, I am hoping that you can relate to it, learn from it, be inspired by it, and know that you are not alone in the journey of life.
Thank you for taking time to read my blog.
NOW, join me and let us learn and inspire each other…
