Reflecting on 2009

 

 

 

 

It's appropriate that the last photos I took on my recent trip to the USA and West Virginia would be the sunrise. A symbol for new beginnings. As we all look forward to 2010 and better times, I like that my trip ended on this positive note.

This time last year I was in the hospital convinced that I was going to die from whooping cough. Luckily I didn't. This year has really been an adventure. Those of you who read with regularity know the journey. It's been disappointing at times, but fun at others. I've learned a LOT! I'm ending the year with a light heart, a happy smile and great anticipation for what the future will bring - not only for me, but for all of us.

Isn't that the way many of us feel at year's end - optimistic, hopeful and usually filled with anticipation? I know for all of us too, there have been years when we were just grateful that that year was over - with a loud sign and a "Whew!" we have moved on.............

So, with that thought in mind, I say - "Let's get ready for more adventure and another roller coaster ride of fun and laughter".

Thanks for all of your comments over the last year. It has added much to the joy of my life!

Heading Home to Mexico

 

 

 

I'm heading home tomorrow morning, reluctantly, from a delightful "discovery time" in West Virginia. Just as San Miguel has an intrinsic quiet beauty, this place does also. I've enjoyed riding the back roads through little towns such as Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Uvilla and yesterday, Harper's Ferry. Lovely rolling hills and old farm homes. Crops grown in this area are apples and corn. Of course right now nothing is growing.

But, I'll leave all this to return home long enough to get a different suitcase and head to the beach. Melaque here I come. Life is good and I've volunteered to be the one to enjoy it. Someone has to do it - it might as well be me - and hopefully all of you.

Happy 2010!

Shopping Maul

 

One cannot always stay in peace and tranquility hidden from every day life. So, out to the mall we went for this and that in the last couple of days. It IS hard to leave the ideal setting and existence of a house in the woods with nothing but beauty around it. But, leave it we did for slush, ice on the roads and the zillions of cars approaching malls and shopping centers this week of Christmas. It is a frenzy everywhere.
No Christmas presents need to be bought. Luckily all of that was taken care of in Mexico. This is just food items for cooking and a few other things -
and don't laugh, snow boots for me.

Oh, they are SO cute. Black suede with fur around the rims, just like Santa's. Mine are black with black fur, of course, his are white. I haven't had a pair of real snow boots since I was a child in Chicago. I like these a lot. But, probably not enough to want to replace my sandals that I wear in Mexico. At least not permanently.

It has been fun to observe the fray without having to be part of it. Just looking is my modus operandi. It's better that way and much more enjoyable.

The photo at the top of this blog was taken as we drove into the area that I'm staying in the mountains of West Virginia.

Exquisite Beauty

 

 

 

 

These photos aren't intended to be black and white but because of the beauty of the snow and the setting, it appears and IS black and white. Isn't it absolutely beautiful?

This is the scene that greeted me this morning when the curtains were opened in West Virginia. It started snowing at about 4AM and by 7:30, this is how much had fallen. It has been snowing steadily all day and the snow is more then twice as high now, but I'm NOT going back out there to photograph until it stops.

I'm snuggled warmly in a chalet style house in the mountains about an hour west of Dulles airport in the Shenandoah Valley. Behind me is an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Twenty miles east of here is the confluence of the Shenenadoah and the Potomac. The beauty of San Miguel always fills my soul. Well, I must admit this has an incredible beauty also that has left me breathless.

Standing outside on the porch this morning to take these photos was unlike anything that I can remember experiencing in a long, long time. Utter silence. Not a whisper or murmur of anything except hearing a slight wisp of the glistening flakes falling. I don't think I'll ever forget this.

Purity - simple, but exquisite beauty. It occurred to me that I have not seen a snowfall of this magnitude in almost sixty years. I was a child. I didn't appreciate the nuiances of the shapes on the limbs or the quietness. At that point in life, I wanted to get on a sled and go down the hills. Well, maybe I'll get to do even that in the next few days! I bought snow boots yesterday........and brought a parka and mittens. Even bought a hat and earmuffs last night in preparation. Woo hoo.

I must comment on the grocery store last night. It was pandemonium. It reminded me of all the times prior to a hurricane when the milk cooler and the bread aisles were stripped bare. The storm warnings were out here for this snow storm. At the time, I smiled in remembrance, but now I understand the earnest looks on the people's faces. This storm has brought everything to a virtual standstill just like a hurricane.

Except this is gentle. A hurricane never is.

The "Discovery" Window

 

I start my day with this view almost every morning. I meditate looking out at the sunrise. It is very soothing and helps me to be centered. I love this view. So much happens at this window.

The seasons change. The types of birds that migrate through here change. At a certain time of year chartreuse colored birds come through and stay for a few days eating the berries on the chinaberry tree outside this window. Their plumage is exquisite.

Once in a while, just to be funny and surprise me, I'll see Velcro on a limb trying, hopefully without success, to catch a bird.

All of it is a type of discovery. A nice way to start the day with meditation, reflection and gratefulness.

Imagine my surprise last Friday morning as I was sitting there when one of the tall pines began to sway. I looked up at the eucalyptis tree in the distance to see if the wind was blowing. Nope, no wind. How curious. THEN the pine disappeared from view. I was astonished. It caused me to get up to go closer to the window to see what was going on. Men in the school yard at the kindergarten below were cutting down some of the trees. OH NO! Why? These are old trees. Probably the age of the school. At least forty years old, or older.

Well, before they were done, they had cut down at least ten big trees. Cleared the space for about eight to ten feet from the school building. My guess is that they are going to add on to the school. But, who knows? I've learned to just wait and see.

The delightful positive surprise for me is that now, looking straight out that window, I can see San Miguel down the hill in a way I couldn't before and I can see the peak of a mountain in the far, far distance. Oh and I can see the sunset straight ahead rather then looking to the northwest. How divine!

Another narrow path of discovery.

The "Dating" Game!

I debated whether to write this post or not, but then I said, "What the heck? It's among friends". So here it is.........

It started about a year ago. I didn't approach it as a game, but as another of life's adventures. I decided, after walking through the dark tunnel of grief, that it was time to find the right person to share the rest of my life with.......

So, I joined E-Harmony. So many men, so little time. I was surprised and overwhelmed by how many men in my age range were looking for someone, hopefully to share their life with also. It didn't turn out that way in all instances. But, there is always the "delete" button. I learned to use it judiciously when the karma or qualities weren't right.

I did meet two very different men - one from Alaska and the Sea of Cortez - another from Vancouver. Those didn't work out for various reasons. In the meantime, I met delightfully interesting people who I learned a lot from and enjoyed corresponding with - even at long distances. One man, an ex-pat was in China. Talk about geographically impossible! But, all in all it has been a fascinating experience.
One that I would encourage anyone seeking a partner to try. There are many sites. I would not go back on E-Harmony or Mexican Cupid. I did find Senior People Meet to be the most appropriate for me.

Of course common sense should prevail. In the case of those of you still in the USA, obviously it would be much easier to meet people in your geographic area. Not the case for me.

However, I have met someone. I consider myself now to be "in a relationship". And, if and when the time comes, I'll tell you more. Right now I just want to bask in the joy and delight of it all. It has been going on for a while.

I'd like to offer this bit that someone sent to me and I love. "LIFE is short. BREAK the rules. FORGIVE quickly. KISS slowly. LOVE truly. LAUGH uncontrollably. And NEVER regret anything that made you smile!"

The Future of the Book

 

 

There are a couple of publications that I subscribe to that are not part of the usual list of periodicals and publications that the general public seems to hear about. I thought I would tell you about two of my favorites.

Wilson Quarterly's major story this month is on "The Future of the Book". Thought provoking. With the increase of people reading on the internet along with the decline of people reading at all, it is an upward climb. I can't imagine not reading books and magazines, but there ARE those who never do. I often wonder about that. Wilson Quarterly is published by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. It covers so many intersting topics. For instance, In Essence, is a section in the magazine that has a compilation of articles from other journals and magazines. There is always a section on Current Books which I find extremely helpful in deciding if or what I'll buy.

Two articles of interest to me this month was one on the prelude to the Berlin Wall coming down and another on the proposal for high speed rail in the USA. I enjoy magazines that take me out of my comfort zone and cause me to think about the problems and possible solutions. They remind me of how little I know! Here is the website if you want to learn more about this magazine, www.WilsonQuarterly.com

Saudi Aramco World is a publication that can be received for free. It has been published for sixty years. Initially it was started as an information pamphlet for ex-pats who worked for Saudi Aramco but it has become so much more. It is published in Houston. I have learned so much about the Middle East and Central Asia in the articles about the peoples and customs of that area. It has a teacher's section in the magazine for use for educational purposes. It is stellar.
And, the good news is the publication can be read online if you don't want a subscription. Go to www.saudiaramcoworld.com. I haven't gone to the website because I receive the magazine, but I'm sure you can subscribe on the website.

They include a calendar each year in the publication. Last year's calendar was photographs of all the beautiful textiles from the various countries such as Kilims from Turkey; Suzani needlework from Uzbekistan; and, last but not least, Kashmir shawls. I'll never get rid of this calendar. The photos are exquisite. It reminds me of the beauty of the people and not of the hostility of their governments. Again, this publication reminds me in each issue of the inaccuracies we read about these peoples and how little I know and how much more I need to read.

All Atwitter in Houston

I have been receiving emails from friends all over Texas, but mostly in Houston, about the anticipation of snow there today and tonight! It's hilarious. I laughed out loud this morning. I had coffee cup in hand and decided to turn on the Weather Channel to see the weather. THERE in blazing color was Jim Cantore, THE weather man, standing in downtown Houston to broadcast from there! Good gosh, he's only there for a hurricane.
Isn't that hysterically funny? I think so.........

I know everyone, adults and kids alike, are excited about the prospect of snow today. This is beyond early - last year, without warning, it snowed on December 10th. I was there and was so surprised. I said it all in that blog, so click on the bar on the side for December 2008 and share all the funny stories of snow in Houston that I wrote then. There was a poignant snow. I wrote about that also.

So, "let it snow" is my motto today. As long as I'm in warm and sunny San Miguel. Anyone for sunbathing on the roof this afternoon? Next week we're supposed to have four days of temperatures in the 80's! YEAH

Nostalgia Has Taken Over

 

I'm not planning on being in San Miguel for Christmas, so I'm not putting up the myriad of old Christmas decorations. They are all stored in the bodega and I have a LOT of them. Many from when I was a child. In the 50's and 60's. Those beautiful old German glass ones that are hand painted. I do love to take them out and just marvel at their delicateness. But, not this year.

Instead I only found the Nativity Set that I bought in 1974 in Mexico City. It isn't particularly unique. Not at all. It is the memories attached to it that give it prominence for me. Thirty five years ago - WOW. What a time! A long time.

That was the first time I flew into Mexico City. I was captivated immediately looking down on the colors of the buildings. My oh my, I had never seen purple, fuscia, gold, and blue houses. It looked like a string of jewels on the ground. I flew in, not for shopping, but because I was managing a US State Dept contract that was based in the city at the airport.

I was enchanted. Still am. I stayed in the Zona Rosa for $8 US a night in a luxurious hotel. Regretfully I don't remember the name of it. I traveled by subway to the airport on a daily basis and marveled at the people and faces I saw on those daily trips. My first time to observe the indigenous peoples of Mexico. Their faces of such character.

I digress. This blog is about nostalgia and the Nativity Set. I don't remember who took me shopping in Mexico City. The only thing I bought was this Nativity Set. Carefully wrapped by the store, I brought it home to my family. It became part of the tradition each and every year.

It usually sat on a coffee table. Center stage. Children and then grandchildren loved arranging it.........or in some cases rearranging it. One grandchild ALWAYS rearranged the donkies and animals and circled them around the Baby Jesus. I could count on it. I never commented. I would wait til he left and walk in and just smile. How special for me to see.

The Nativity Set has moved many, many times in 35 years. If it could talk, whew, it would have a lot of tales to tell. I think it is so appropriate that somehow it has come home to celebrate its last years back where it was made. If anyone had told me thirty five years ago that I would end up living in Mexico, I would have been astonished. Aren't the mysteries and adventures of life fun to experience?

The "Hogan Six Pack"

 

I often talk about the Gypsy Kids in Colorado. Here is the rest of the family in Texas (escept for little Christopher. My daughter Julie, her husband and all the kids. Julie dubbed the family "The Hogan Six Pack" and I just love that. It works.

I didn't get to talk to them on Thanksgiving so imagine my delight when my granddaughter Jessica posted this photo on Facebook. I was and am thrilled. At first I thought they were sitting in the backyard on the deck, but, on closer inspection, this is taken on the roof outside one of the bedrooms!

I presume they were all up there to hang the Christmas lights on the house - a family tradition. As I have looked at this photo many times since Friday, I have relished the thought of all the traditions that my daughter has established for her family and all the joy they all have in sharing those times. Baking the Christmas cookies and making a gingerbread house is usually one of those. I too enjoy baking for the holidays and for friends.

I love to go to Julie's house during the holidays. She decorates every room in such a creative and clever way. It's always fun to see. So, although I won't be sharing the holidays with them this year, I know they will be enjoying their family traditions. And, so life goes on! Isn't it wonderful?

An Afternoon of Love and Affection

 

 

Keith moved here about five or six years ago from Houston. Never having been in the food business, he opened a little tent covered place in a parking lot and started serving the best darn brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage. I mean darn good - Texas good. He had about eight tables to start. He also served homemade potato salad, coleslaw and pinto beans. What else could you need? Oh, and brownies for those with a sweet tooth. He stuck it out. Built a reputation. Prepared briskets for those having parties. I tell you, it is not easy being in the food business in Mexico. It's hard enough in the USA where everything is delivered to your door, but here it is schlepping all over the place for purveyors, ingredients, you name it. I admire anyone who is that committed. He kept his prices low and has continued to do so.

Keith had always wanted to do this. He told me this on a trip to Texas when he rode back to Houston with me several years ago. I secretly thought that he had little chance of success since he had never done such a thing, but, I kept my mouth shut. Luckily, he has made it - big time.

He moved to a much larger location about a year ago. A brick and mortar building! He started out in half the building - and now has knocked out the walls and taken over the whole building. Good for him. All this in about three years. Amazing.

Yesterday was Keith's birthday. The big 6-0! Many in the ex-pat community turned out to celebrate and honor him on his day. I think he was overwhelmed. In fact, I KNOW he was overwhelmed. We had to almost drag him from the end of the bar to get him to circulate. As usual he was making sure that all the staff was serving everyone the free wine, beer and margaritas that they could possibly drink. And, that all the free food would come out perfectly on time to feed all that had joined him for this awesome day.

It started at 3PM and, I hear, went on til after 10PM with music and dancing. The hat was passed. Not to reimburse Keith, but to provide more funds for Creciemento which is a program for special needs kids. It's dear to Keith's big heart. In fact, several years ago Keith had a little BBQ cookoff in the adjacent parking lot to his locale. It was so successful that it is now held at a huge facility and is sanctioned as a Cookoff location by the powers that be in the USA. It's now held every year and all funds go to Creciemento.

Don't ever believe that one man can't make a difference - a huge difference. And this man is having so much fun doing it. There are few who don't know him. There is no one who has a bad word to say. And, he certainly will have the memories of yesterday filled with love and admiration to remember for the rest of his life.

Happy Birthday Keith.

Chasing Clouds

 

 

 

 

My good friend Gayle lives in Mineral de Pozos which is about forty-five minutes from here. Basically an old semi-abandoned mining town at 7400 ft elevation. It's a cool place. I was over there last March, I think, and blogged and posted photos at that time of some of the town.

Gayle bought one of the original houses on the main street for around $60,000 and put less then $20,000 into it and has created this oasis of a Moroccan flavored home. She is so creative having owned two vintage clothing stores in Northern California in addition to having been a professional dancer. Needless to say her home is very theatrical and wonderful.

Now her creativity is revealed in another way with quirky delightful assemblages that are selling like hot cakes in a gallery in Pozos. I've posted a few photos. In order they are "Recycled Belle" (see the cow bell for the skirt?), Mother Nature, Heart in the Balance and Cleo's Asp. All extremely well priced.

Gayle also has a blog called Chasing Clouds that she has just started. I'm encouraging her. Her viewpoints aren't typical and lordy, don't we need another perspective?

So, enjoy the photos, read Gayle's blog and if you find yourself in Pozos, go see Gayle's work (there are only a few galleries in Pozos, you can't miss)..........or contact her if you just have to have an assemblage for your casa.

Weird Thanksgiving

It's not that I didn't have turkey and dressing and all the traditional food items. That was delicious. But, with the exception of four people, I was with total strangers. WEIRD.

That has never happened before and if I have any way of preventing it, it will never happen again. I'm sorry but that is the one day that I either want to be with family and precluding that, long-time friends - like for 30 years or so.

I usually trek to Houston for my semi-annual pilgrimage of family, friends and food. This year I just didn't.........WEIRD. In addition I could have flown to Colorado to be with the Gypsy Kids. Instead we sat and talked on the webcam. Well that is cheaper and not nearly as exhausting as flying during the holidays. WEIRD

I'm promising myself that barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'll be in Colorado with the Gypsy Kids next year, cooking, baking and loving on TWO little babies, Matilda and the Baby Boy who is coming into this world on January 5th WOO HOO.

Lucky Seven - yes, this will be the seventh and probably the last grandbaby. The heck with turkey, I'll just want to snuggle and hold those precious little fingers and toes, read to Matilda and cook for the family.

I guess I'll never get over being a Mom and Grammy. Why should I?

My Dad

 

You would think that if I were going to write a post about my Dad that there would be a photo of him. No, this warming cover is more a portrait of my Dad then a photo would be.

It's a warming cover for food from World War II. It brings back the most delicious memories for me each time I see it. I use it often, especially on the weekends when I allow myself a large country breakfast.

Dad was in the Navy. He headed up the Cook and Baker's school in Portsmouth, NH. The base was a place where German prisoners were held during the war until they were released and returned home. My Dad always loved to cook and it is amaizng that during the time he was in the service he helped to provide nourishment for those who needed it so much.

After the war we always waited with great anticipation on the weekends for Dad's homemade biscuits. Oh my gosh. They were about two inches high. I have never been able to match his exquisite creations. But, as I eat my home made biscuits on the weekend and use the warming cover, he's there with me, each and every time. Dad's secret for fabulous biscuits was a teeny bit of beer .........he was in the "beer business" as he said after the service.

It's funny how one thing jogs all the memories. When Dad died, of his personal belongings, all I wanted was this Navy issued warming cover and the Readers Digest condensed books that he had accumulated. In my mind's eye I remember him falling asleep at night reading these books. Others might have wanted jewelry or something of value, but I must say each time I look up at the bookshelves and see those books or use the warming tray on the weekends, my memories of my Dad are as strong as ever. They are treasures and priceless.

Do you have something from loved ones or friends that jog your memory on a regular basis? Isn't it wonderful?

Spam on the Blog

There has been an "anonymous" poster in the past few weeks who is posting ads on my blog. Even in Japanese........or Chinese.
Unfortunately I don't remember HOW to remove these nuisance posts. So, could someone remind me...........darn it.
And, in the meantime I've added back the need to post those silly little letters when you DO want to leave a real comment. Just til I "weed out" this irritating person who is posting.
Thanks for your understanding and help.

Scenario Quatro - A Little Bit of Paradise

 

 

 

 

For those quick witted, intellectually curious readers who realized yesterday that I had not written Scenario Four, here it is. I had to interrupt the series to post the adorable (in my humble opinion) photos of the munchkins on parade.

So, it is sort of anticlimatic to publish these serene, but beautiful photos. As I reclined on the chaise last Sunday after watching the field cleaning, wood hauling, shuttle bugging antics, I settled down and looked around at the beauty surrounding me. Up on the roof is the best. It restores me. It mellows me. It makes me grateful for my existence. It also allows me to realize that there was a time when I couldn't even see this beauty and now I revel in it.

I love to share it with all of you. Happy Days.

The future of Mexico!

 

 

 

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, "One MUST be flexible to live in Mexico". I thought this last evening and I saw it in action today, over and over again.

I was supposed to go to Pozos today to visit my friend Gayle and to see her newest assemblages. They are selling in galleries now and going faster then the proverbial hotcakes, so I wanted to see them before they are all sold. Well at about 8PM last night THAT plan changed and the trip was moved to Saturday.

Ok, no problem. I had a list of "things to do" and I could always do those. Then this morning while getting ready to head down the hill, the phone rang and a delightful friend is in town from Sarasota. We talked and made plans to meet at Aurora for lunch to catch up on the last three years.........

Ok, no problem. I DO head down the hill and as I come around the corner at the intersection of Nunez and Mesones, a policeman pulls his motorcycle up and doesn't allow any traffic onto Mesones, one of the main streets into centro. What the heck? Then I looked farther on down the street and there were buses for as far as I could see. I said to him, "Desfile?" and he rolled his eyes and said, "Si".

I had asked and asked and been told the kindergarten parade of the wee ones dressed up as revolutionaries was scheduled for Friday. Obviously I was not the only one with the wrong information. The bus passengers were all bailing out of the buses and standing on the street to see what was going on.

I turned another corner and lo and behold.........there they were, all the mini revolutionaries. The future of Mexico.
A gaggle of little ones. I have to talk to myself when I see them. I say "You have enough photos from previous years (an understatement)" and "just keep walking". Ha, it never works. I'm out there bending down and taking photos one right after the other. It's a good thing my Picasa blogger site only allows me to post 4 photos per blog or ya'll would often be inundated with many more photos. Especially when it comes to the kids.

So, I was way laid, got photos for almost an hour and then went about my errands. SO glad I had my camera!

It certainly wasn't the day I had planned BUT that is the joy of living in the moment, Mexican style. Viva Mexico!

Scenario Tres

 

THIS scenario is quite funny, to me anyway, and interesting, if not astonishing. Whatever this creature is on the bottom, it walked along the wall all the time that I was photographying scenarios one and two. I mean it plodded and paced the top of the wall like a father in the waiting room anticipating the birth of a newborn.

The first time I saw this creature going east on the wall, I was interested. But, when it turned around and came all the way back, I became mesmerized in whatever was going on. A ritual? A mating dance? Or a worried bug? Heck if I know.

To me it looked like the spaceship Columbia with the shuttle on top when it used to dip over NASA. This occurred every time it had to land in California and then be trasported back to Florida for the next launch. It would fly low over the area we lived in across from NASA. Many, many families would come out of their homes, stand in the front yard and wave. It always made my heart swell with pride.

So my "shuttle bug" just kept on with its mission. Five times this bug made the long trek from end to end of the wall.

Anyone have any idea what it is and why it was doing that?

Just one of the many things I saw on Sunday while enjoying the roof terrace..........life is a trip, isn't it?

Scenario Dos - Hauling the Wood

 

 

 

 

As I peeked over the wall from the roof terrace yesterday afternoon to see if the parents had finished cleaning up the side yard of the school, I thought it interesting to see four piles of wood neatly stacked. I knew something or someone was coming for that precious wood. We live in the alto plano with limited large trees. Many of the families still cook over woodburning stoves. I knew it would not be wasted.

I was right. Shortly the woman from down the hill appeared ready to haul off the wood. I think she is the same woman where the goat herd lived before it disappeared. No, the goats didn't live in her yard, but, rather they went inside her house every night when they came up from the canyon floor. She would milk them and sell the goat milk. About a year ago the goats disappeared. Lock stock and barrel. Along with the crippled shepherd. I missed them so much for a while and have often wondered what happened to them. I also wondered how this woman survived without the money from the goat milk.

So, I watched with fascination as she trudged carefully down the hill with the first batch of wood. If it had been me, it would have been four trips. But no, she combined all the wood into two piles. Her second trip up to the school she had either a neighbor child or a grandson with her to help carry the bigger pieces down with her.

She hoisted this second bundle, bigger then the first, onto her shoulder and determinedly headed back home. The young boy was carrying one of the bigger logs on his shoulders. The last picture of them walking down the hill is slightly out of focus, but I just had to include it because to me it says so much.

It's the other side of San Miguel. Not the part that is photographed over and over by all the photographers who come here for pretty pictures, but the "real" life of San Miguel.

Every day is another segment of the "real" life of San Miguel.