Johanny Ortega | Have A Cup Of Johanny LLC

The Ordinary Bruja

For fans of Mexican Gothic and The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, The Ordinary Bruja is a psychological horror and magical realism novel about grief, ancestral secrets, Dominican brujería, and one woman’s fight to reclaim the magic her family tried to bury.

When strange messages appear in mirrors, and the scent of cigar smoke follows her through her small Ohio hometown, Marisol Espinal must confront the ghosts of her past, the truth about her mother’s death, and the family curse waiting for her on Hallowthorn Hill.

Her family buried the magic. Now it wants out.

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Throwback Thursday: Reflecting on My Biggest Fear as a Single Person


Looking back at this heartfelt blog post from December 25, 2013, I find myself both amazed and slightly envious of my past openness and vulnerability on such a public platform. I don’t know if it was the holiday season (as this was Christmas day) or perhaps having to go through another shitty breakup but I love the courage I displayed there. Sharing my deepest fears about love and life with the world took a level of bravery that I both admire and strive to maintain.

Openness on the Internet

It’s startling to realize how candid I was, laying bare my anxieties and hopes for all to see. This level of transparency is rare, and reflecting on it, I appreciate the courage it took to express such personal sentiments publicly. It was a form of liberation, that I now know I needed then. More so, I think freeing myself from internal burdens may have also helped others feel less alone in their struggles.

Admiration for Past Self

Revisiting these words, I feel a deep sense of pride for that version of me. Her honesty and boldness in sharing personal fears remind me of the strength found in vulnerability. It’s a reminder that our truths can resonate deeply with others and that expressing them can be profoundly cathartic. No lie, this motivates me to nurture the vulnerable side of me.

Keeping My Promise

I’m proud to say that I’ve kept the promises made to my past self. Despite numerous challenges in finding a partner who complements rather than complicates my life, I’ve remained true to my commitment to positivity and mental health. This journey has not only helped me maintain my sanity but also grow as an individual. My focus on mental health and forming healthy habits has been a cornerstone of my personal development.

Through this reflection, I celebrate the growth that has come from such openness and the journey that has shaped me into who I am today. Let this be a testament to the power of sharing our stories and the personal evolution it can foster. I hope that whoever reads this feels the courage to share their story, too.

And to read my very vulnerable post click on the title: Holding onto Hope: Embracing Love and Positivity Despite Heartbreak


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