essays from the heart; among other things
heartfelt essays on life, politics, & relationships, with music, poetry, & sparks of humor mixed in. a personal blog reflecting personal views.
what's this all about?
hey there! i'm edgard portela (“eddy”). this is my little corner of the internet where i spill my thoughts, feelings, and occasionally my coffee (oops) onto the digital page.
"essays from the heart; among other things" is exactly what it says on the tin - a space where i share deeply personal reflections on various aspects of life. from navigating the choppy waters of relationships to exploring the wild jungle of politics, this blog is a blend of heartfelt stories & commentary that i hope will resonate with you.
rooted in the vibrant communities of hillcrest & university heights in san diego, ca, my writing offers a unique lens on local issues while connecting to broader human experiences. think of it as a love letter to life, with a san diego postmark.
what can you expect?
essays: the heart of this blog. deeply personal content & opinions, often shedding light on different facets of my life story and experiences. sometimes funny, sometimes serious, always honest.
political and social commentary: thoughtful analysis on current issues, exploring topics like justice, equity, and the ripple effects of policy decisions. i promise to make it more digestible than your average political science textbook.
music and art: updates about my original music, peeks into my creative process, & features on artists that light my fire. exclusive releases & behind-the-scenes looks at upcoming projects included!
local focus: stories highlighting the unique flavor of hillcrest and university heights in san diego, ca. expect tales of local characters, neighborhood gems, and reflections on what makes these communities special.
puerto rican pride: content related to my puerto rican heritage, culture, and knowledge. i love puerto rico and love to share mi isla with everyone i know.
essays - deep dives - hillcrest,sd - one queer thing - sparks - music - poetry - archive
who am i?
i am edgard - you can call me eddy. my pronouns are they/him, and i use them interchangeably.
i'm a writer, singer-songwriter, educator, & community activist with a passion for storytelling & bringing people together. my creations are deeply influenced by my experiences as a puerto rican, queer, and non-binary individual.
i've lived more places than a rolling stone - puerto rico, michigan, vermont, & washington, dc - before finding my home in sunny san diego in 2021. these experiences have shaped my worldview and fuel my writing.
i currently work full time and go to school part-time for a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration. i am also involved in several community organizations such as kiwanis, hillcrest town council, hillcrest neighborhood association, and the collective coalition.
with a growing following on social media (nearly 20k on tiktok!), i'm all about authentic storytelling and creating content that makes you think, feel, and maybe snort-laugh a little.
so, why stick around?
✨ my motto is simple: to inspire, to inform, and to love. ✨
it's not just a catchy phrase – it's the heartbeat of everything i do here.
i want my words to light a fire in your soul, to make you see the world a little differently. i'm here to share knowledge, to challenge assumptions, to make you go "huh, i never thought of it that way."
most importantly, i'm here to spread love. love for ourselves, for each other, for our communities. because in this wild, sometimes scary world, a little love can go a long way.
so if you're looking for a place to be inspired, to learn, and to feel the love, stick around. we're in this together, and i'm so glad you're here.
through this blog, i aim to:
spark thoughtful conversations
inspire meaningful connections
share stories that make you feel seen
offer a fresh, informed, and fair perspective on issues
occasionally serenade you with original tunes or covers
how to join the journey
ready to dive deeper into this wild ride of essays, music, and heartfelt musings? i've got options for everyone, whether you're just dipping your toes in or ready to cannonball into the deep end. your involvement means the world to me - it's what keeps this blog thriving and my creativity flowing. think of it like joining a quirky, loving family where everyone's invited to the dinner table.
free subscribers:
access to selected content
comment on free posts
free posts, weekly newsletter with highlights
paid subscribers ($8/month or $80/year):
full access to all content
early & exclusive access to music releases
guaranteed replies to your comments
invitations to exclusive events
occasional discounts on merch & tickets
founding members:
all paid subscriber benefits
first access to new music
personalized thank you & feature on the blog
recognition as a founding member
periodic gifts & direct communication opportunities
your support, at any level, helps keep this blog alive and kicking. it's like watering a plant, except the plant is my creativity, and instead of leaves, it produces essays and songs.
let's connect!
find me (@eddyplolz) on social media:
tiktok: @eddyplolz (17.1k followers)
instagram: @eddyplolz
twitter or X: @eddyplolz
substack:
facebook: facebook.com/eddyplolz
i invite you to join me on this journey - to connect, share, and grow together. let's turn this monologue into a dialogue.
your voice, your stories, your perspectives are welcome here.
thank you for being part of this adventure. here's to the essays yet to be written, the songs yet to be sung, and the connections yet to be made.
welcome to "essays from the heart; among other things."
i have a feeling this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship…
