Tania Lorena Rivera

My first personal essay ever published. I told the story of my second miscarriage.

I wrote this for my firstborn, who was knocking at puberty's door.

I am the only stay-at-home mom in my circle of family and friends. It can be an intimidating position to be in, and this is my take on it.

As a child, my house was always full of people. I welcomed the quietness that the pandemic brought to my house.

My parents were teenagers when the civil war erupted in my native country of El Salvador. That war shaped the parents they would become and, ultimately, the mother I would grow up to be.

The story about my nose scar.

Motherhood leaves its mark on a woman's body.

A chef and excellent cook raised me, but my parents took our mealtimes as the perfect occasion to dispense important information.

In the spring of 2020, I went into premature labor. For three days, the doctors tried to stop the contractions, and then, an emergency c-section was needed. I gave birth to a baby boy six weeks too early. He needed a NICU stay. This is a tiny glimpse into that moment in time.

I struggled with secondary infertility, and during that struggle, I developed an addiction to taking pregnancy tests.

My husband is a gamer. This is a glimpse into my life with him.

My take on learning the French language as an immigrant.

In the fall of 2021, my neighbors and I heard the sound of gunshots right in front of our houses. This is an essay about what happened.

My children's grandparents are not the people that raised me.

Reflection on my 15 years of marriage.

The article explores films like The 'Burbs and Disturbia, where ordinary neighborhoods become arenas of suspense, revealing the unsettling fear that danger might lurk next door.

This article highlights films where protagonists overcome significant odds outside the realm of sports. It features movies like Just Mercy (2019), The Rainmaker (1997), Dark Waters (2019), and Silkwood (1983), showcasing individuals who triumph over adversity in various contexts.

The piece celebrates the art of crafting unpredictable conclusions that redefine the narrative and make these films unforgettable.

These films were overlooked by critics but deserve recognition for their unique storytelling, strong performances, or creative twists. It sheds light on why these movies stood out during their era and explores their lasting appeal to horror enthusiasts.

Featuring names like Gabriel Byrne in End of Days, Al Pacino in The Devil's Advocate, and Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled, the piece explores how each actor brought charisma, menace, and complexity to this iconic role.

This article explores inspiring movies where characters face insurmountable odds and rise to the challenge. These films highlight how overcoming adversity leads to personal growth and success, offering powerful messages of hope and resilience.

The article highlights supporting movie characters whose story arcs outshined the main protagonists, offering greater depth and stealing the spotlight. These roles underscore the importance of secondary characters in enhancing storytelling.

The article highlights the funniest episodes of The X-Files that bring humor to the otherwise serious sci-fi series. These lighthearted episodes, such as "Bad Blood" and "Jose Chung's From Outer Space," showcase the show’s versatility and offer fans entertaining moments worth revisiting.

The article examines the cringeworthy yet endearing lines from the Twilight movies, celebrating their unique blend of awkwardness and charm. These quotes have become a hallmark of the franchise, offering fans memorable moments that are both unintentionally funny and iconic.

The article highlights how some secondary characters' deaths left lasting impacts on fans and the core cast, exploring the emotional and narrative consequences. These deaths, often unexpected, deepened the show's themes of love, loss, and the unpredictability of life in the medical field.

The article highlights secondary TV characters whose storylines often surpass the main characters' in intrigue and depth, capturing audience attention and enriching the narrative.

The article examines how Stranger Things draws inspiration from cult movies like E.T. and The Goonies, incorporating iconic scenes and themes into its storytelling. These references create a nostalgic connection for viewers while paying homage to 80s cinema.