Marlena, would you ever consider writing a novel and populating it with people from soy somos? I'd love to read a story that takes us back to Germán Chino's flower shop.
Such a wonderful story. Germán has a warmth to him that comes across beautifully in this interview. I love the brief moments were given of the interactions with his wife and children. Also the immigrant journey is so fascinating, no two people have the same tale. Thank you, Marlena!
My grandfather and father were both florists. My grandfather came here as a boy. He was very poor, quite neglected by his family, but white.
So some things would be similar and some very different. I can identify with German Chino negotiating for a job. I remember telling my future employers that we could part ways, no hard feelings, if it didn't work out. I offered them rights they already had. It worked!
It demonstrates confidence and grit. I am wondering if your dad was happy in his business. I can’t imagine too many jobs as wonderful—though hard—surrounded by besutiful living things.
My father loved the beauty, the extravagance. He worked for a fancy company that paid horribly but that let him do things like put orchids all over a ceiling for a party. Later he worked for an extremely generous, appreciative man who had more ordinary work. They loved weddings and funerals because you could use up flowers that wouldn't last more than a day--they wouldn't have to!
Another eloquent, engaging story from Marlena! Such a joy to read your pieces. Your own voice grows ever stronger. And congratulations to the enchanting German Chino!
Thank you MC. Your reaction and that of others keeps me going. I am looking for a Latino poet to interview!
Thank you so much, Patricia. You give me energy to keep going.
Such a nice and gifted person and I love the way he says that you have to be able to see the opportunities.
Marlena, would you ever consider writing a novel and populating it with people from soy somos? I'd love to read a story that takes us back to Germán Chino's flower shop.
hmm, what an interesting idea....
Such a wonderful story. Germán has a warmth to him that comes across beautifully in this interview. I love the brief moments were given of the interactions with his wife and children. Also the immigrant journey is so fascinating, no two people have the same tale. Thank you, Marlena!
Such a heartwarming story and what an interesting man! Such determination! Thanks, Marlena!
Wonderful story, I took some passages and sent them to our employees
I feel I know this man, thanks to you!
My grandfather and father were both florists. My grandfather came here as a boy. He was very poor, quite neglected by his family, but white.
So some things would be similar and some very different. I can identify with German Chino negotiating for a job. I remember telling my future employers that we could part ways, no hard feelings, if it didn't work out. I offered them rights they already had. It worked!
Thank you for this great profile.
It demonstrates confidence and grit. I am wondering if your dad was happy in his business. I can’t imagine too many jobs as wonderful—though hard—surrounded by besutiful living things.
My father loved the beauty, the extravagance. He worked for a fancy company that paid horribly but that let him do things like put orchids all over a ceiling for a party. Later he worked for an extremely generous, appreciative man who had more ordinary work. They loved weddings and funerals because you could use up flowers that wouldn't last more than a day--they wouldn't have to!
A lot of artists work as florists.
Another beautiful and touching story. Thank you, Marlena and thank you German.
Lovely man and inspiring story.
It's a joy to experience the world around us.
Another inspiring story, Marlena!!Brava.MCBOLSTER
Another eloquent, engaging story from Marlena! Such a joy to read your pieces. Your own voice grows ever stronger. And congratulations to the enchanting German Chino!
How wonderful! If I could live another life, I’d live a large portion of it in a flower shop.
Love what you heard in this tale, Henry, and there were other family stories that I was not able to fit in.
Tremendous drive alongside kindness. Thank you, Jacqueline.