- How Nev Sees It
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- The Battle For The Heart Of The City
I Do This For My Culture
WELCOME FRIENDS
Welcome to How Nev Sees It!
In each issue, you can look forward to three engaging sections that offer a glimpse into my world:
Short Story - Dive into the first part of a 4-part reimagining of a classic story or movie, set against the vibrant backdrop of NYC. Get ready for a fresh take that blends nostalgia with modern flair!
My Founder’s Journey - Join me as I document my entrepreneurial adventure, sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between. I’ll open up about my biggest pitfalls, with the hope that my experiences can help you navigate your own path.
Reflections - Think of this as my public journal, where I candidly reflect on the week gone by. It’s a space for me to process thoughts, insights, and lessons learned.
For today’s issue…
SHORT STORY
The Battle For The Heart Of The City
The search for Malinda led Aurora and Jack to the heart of the city’s oldest and most secretive magical community, hidden in plain sight within the historic Greenwich Village. Here, among the ancient cobblestone streets and ivy-covered buildings, they found Malinda living in a secret enclave for those who practiced the arcane arts. Malinda’s retreat was a place of knowledge and power, where she had been gathering allies and preparing for the inevitable confrontation with Selene.
Aurora was both relieved and furious when she found her aunt. “Why did you leave me?” she demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and relief.
Malinda, her eyes weary but filled with determination, explained, “I had to find a way to break the curse without endangering you further. Selene’s power is vast, and she won’t stop until she gets what she wants.”
Aurora felt a wave of conflicting emotions. She understood her aunt’s reasoning but couldn’t shake the feeling of abandonment. Nonetheless, they had to focus on the task at hand. Selene’s threat loomed larger than ever, and they needed a plan.
With the help of Malinda’s network, they learned that Selene’s power source was an ancient relic known as the Shadow Heart, hidden deep within the catacombs beneath the city. This artifact not only granted immense power but also allowed control over time, explaining Selene’s obsession with it. If they could find and destroy the Shadow Heart, Selene’s hold over the city and Aurora would be broken.
As they descended into the catacombs, the air grew colder, and the darkness seemed to pulse with malevolence. The catacombs were a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, filled with the remnants of the city’s forgotten past. Aurora, Jack, and Malinda navigated the treacherous paths with caution, their senses heightened by the oppressive atmosphere.
Finally, they reached a massive, ancient chamber where the Shadow Heart was kept. The relic floated above a stone pedestal, surrounded by a protective barrier of dark energy. Selene was already there, her presence dominating the room. She turned to face them, her eyes blazing with fury and triumph.
“You should have stayed in your little boutique, Aurora,” Selene sneered. “You have no idea what you’re up against.”
Aurora stepped forward, her resolve unwavering. “I know exactly what I’m up against. And I’m not afraid of you.”
With a fierce battle cry, Malinda unleashed a barrage of spells, attempting to weaken the barrier around the Shadow Heart. Jack, armed with an enchanted blade, moved to protect Aurora from Selene’s attacks. The room erupted into chaos as magical energies clashed, and the air crackled with power.
Aurora focused on the Shadow Heart, trying to find a way to destroy it. She remembered Malinda’s teachings about the strength of will and heart, realizing that her own inner power might be the key. Closing her eyes, she reached deep within herself, summoning all her courage and determination.
As the barrier flickered and weakened under Malinda’s assault, Aurora felt a surge of energy coursing through her. She stepped forward, her hand outstretched, and touched the Shadow Heart. A blinding light enveloped her, and she felt a connection to the artifact’s power. She focused on her love for Jack, her determination to protect her family, and her desire to free herself from Selene’s curse.
The Shadow Heart pulsed with a dark, malevolent energy, but Aurora’s resolve was stronger. She poured her emotions into the artifact, willing it to shatter. With a final, defiant cry, the Shadow Heart exploded into a burst of light, and the dark energy dissipated.
Selene screamed in rage as her power source was destroyed. The chamber trembled, and the catacombs began to collapse. Malinda grabbed Aurora’s hand, and they ran for their lives, with Jack close behind. The ground shook beneath them, and debris fell around them as they narrowly escaped the collapsing tunnels.
Emerging into the daylight, Aurora felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The curse was broken, and Selene’s power was no more. The city seemed brighter, more alive, as if it, too, had been freed from a dark cloud.
In the aftermath, Aurora, Jack, and Malinda returned to the boutique. Aurora’s heart swelled with gratitude for her family and friends, and she vowed to protect them and the city she loved. She knew that there would always be challenges, but she had faced the darkness and emerged stronger.
Read part 3 here.
Part 4 coming next week…
Santana
MY FOUNDER’S JOURNEY
The Santana Company - Upcoming Releases
I’m excited to be working on several projects for The Santana Company. Balancing multiple plates at the same time isn’t easy, but 2025 is going to be an exciting year of production.
Here are some releases I’m excited about:
Last Breath Play - Last Breath is getting converted into a play. NYC will be the main city where you can see the play, with other cities in the works.
Expected Release: Q4 2025Last Breath Painting Auction - You’ll find the Last Breath painting in the picture above. This piece was painted by Pratiksha Muir. It will go on auction while the play is open to audiences.
Expected Auction Start Date: Q4 2025Maf1a Special Edition - Mario Garcia’s story is coming together. This is getting pushed out to 2026. I’ve realized that there is still much work to be done with Last Breath and I just don’t have the resources necessary to balance Last Breath releases AND Maf1a releases.
Expected Release Date: Q4 2025Maf1a Pop-Ups - Maf1a is inspired by the game, Mafia. My hope is to have pop-ups throughout 4 cities: NYC, Chicago, DC, and Atlanta. You’ll be able to bring your friends and families to play the game with a moderator/narrator.
Expected Release Date: Q1 202612-Part Memoir - I’ve been compelled to tell my story to everyone. While this newsletter is a way for me to share more about myself, especially in the reflections section, I’ve been feeling that I should share more of my life in a 12-part series. Initially, I was going to rush this and try to get everything written, recorded, and produced by January 11th (my birthday), 2025. After careful consideration, I’m taking my time. I’ll spend all of 2025 writing, recording, and producing.
Expected Release Date: January 11, 2026
REFLECTIONS
Letter To Myself
This past week I was more reflective than I have been in a while. It’s probably because of my 37th birthday coming up in three and a half weeks.
Over the weekend I started working as a waiter at my friend’s Puerto Rican restaurant (La Fonda). It’s been fun and I’m finally getting an excuse to flex all the Spanish I learned in college (I double majored in Marketing and Spanish Studies).
My perspective over the years has changed, but I’ve been reminded of the type of person I’ve always wanted to be. During one of my shifts, I took a quick break outside and a lot of thoughts ran through my head. They felt overwhelming at first, but after sorting through them in my mind, I felt grateful for my position.
Here are my reflections, plus a letter I wrote to myself this morning:
Stability In An Unstable World - “The one constant thing in life is change”. While change is constant, I believe it’s important to have some stability surrounding you amongst all of the changing parts. I’m a the point in my life where I’m looking for my stability.
Intentionality - I’ve been more active on social media than I have been for about a year or so. It’s because I’ve been feeling inspired lately and I’ve been wanting to share updates with everyone. I’ve also slowly been going through my Instagram and unfollowing accounts. I’m talking like… a lot of accounts. I was following over 3,000 accounts before and am down to under 1,000 now. I want to be more intentional with what I’m focusing on. This isn’t only for social media, but it’s important to give time and attention to the people and things that will help me fulfill my goals.
Ain’t Too Proud - I grew up with humble beginnings. The last child of a single mother who worked hard in an underserved community. At some point, I believe I forgot that. I became a little too proud and felt way more entitled for my liking. I never want to lose my appreciation for people and what we all have to go through to live in this world. I pray I never lose touch with that reality.
You’re turning 37 soon. Life isn’t what you thought it would be when you pictured it back at 21.
You’ve met and spread joy to many people. You’ve been able to travel and follow your deepest passions. You may not have been able to accomplish all of the goals you wrote down, but you’ve had some epic wins along the way.
You’re not young anymore though, and it’s time for you to slow things down. Your decisions must be made with the greater picture in mind. Remember, you have a purpose here on this earth. Don’t forget your upbringing, and never forget who you are. A man of God and integrity. Full of character, love, and discipline.
Choose wealth over money and love over lust. Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you. Give what you can, but never give what you can’t.
Love a woman with the same love God has shown you. Raise children with the integrity your mother instilled in you. Provide for yourself and others with the determination of a Samaritan.
I’m counting on you to be the best you can be. Your loved ones look to you for guidance, and you’re continuously growing to be the man you’re meant to be.
Although many won’t understand your hustle and determination, it’s good to remember that it’s better to walk with a few than to walk with many.
I almost forgot - thank you. You’ve been through a lot through the years. But when you look in the mirror, you’ll find a man that has never given up. A man who has followed his dreams. A man that may have bent, but still won’t break. You’ve kept running when others thought you’d crawl. You may have strayed, but have always found your way home.
Keep going!
Santana
