[Si] TV

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I was born in a medium sized town in the middle of Indiana called Bedford. My home life was very different than my life with the rest of my environment. My mother is from Costa Rica so our home was filled with the pride of being Costa Rican.....the outside world (school & friends) were so very American. This never really caused any confusion until people started telling me that because I am Latin that I wasn't American & the opposite: that because I grew up American that I was not Latin. Though in all, if you meet me, you will see that I am clearly a combination of both. I do speak & understand a little spanish, & I sing in Spanish, but  I don't speak fluently. 

The pride though.....this Tico pride I have. It's like sometimes I don't know why I have it because I did not grow up there. I think it's because I love my mother a lot. She was my idol growing up. I saw how important her heritage was to her. I LOVE being Costa Rican if it means to be everything I saw in my mother growing up. She has so much spirit & lots of fire too. The music, dancing, & all the homemade food. Costa Rica doesn't have too much of their own original foods, except gallo pinto, but you can't beat my mom's tortillas, her gallo pinto, or her arros con leche. Maybe the love of Arros con Leche makes me Tico...the love for arros con leche can make you latin on it's own.

I live in New York City. Yes there is a HUGE latin community, but it's still rare that you will find a Costa Rican in NYC. People ask me why they think that is. I ask, "Have you ever been to Costa Rica?". I'm serious when I say "there's not really a reason to leave". Even the national anthem is an ode to it's land, the respect of nature, & that the people will rise up with love & determination to protect it. It's not a violent national anthem like those that carry pride of killing & winning, or pride in taking a land away from it's original people.  

I have been to Costa Rica & am going again in April. I do love it & wow! what a feeling of home I feel when I'm there! Though, I only really get to see the city, my families land, & some touristy spots. I don't know what it is like to be part of the countries culture. I am an American. I take advantage of all things american. I try to stay close to my mother's influence through my art, & music. I visit Costa Rica as often as I can. So as you see the the confusion not only lies with others, but inside me as well. 

It's always nice to hear from you all, but if there are any Ticos out there please leave a comment.

Pura Vida, bobbyblue 

Check out my art & music at:

www.myspace.com/bobbybluenyc