Elaine Frenett

YES, Wednesdays Post did follow Thursdays ...

2012-03-05T18:05:00.001-08:00

I'm certain you all will understand . . . how I could get my posts flipped . . . hopefully . . .

The Retreat Wednesday to Remember

2012-03-01T18:16:00.015-08:00

Wednesday blossomed with glorious sunshine and dancin’ cumulus clouds. Finally, with the ground dry enough, we actually were able to do our yoga on the quiet lake shore. With a breakfast of Cheesy Spinach & Chicken Frittatas from Chef Izzy rounding our tummies, we are ready for the day.

Our morning processes were inward looking. We began with a calming, centering Buddhist Meditation on the warm deck. Ahhhhhhhhh, the sheer pleasure to one’s senses just relaxing into the fresh mountain air.

Next, Jean led us in the “Cut Up Memory Walk”. In silence, we all move to secluded areas we select outside then, return to finish up the experience in our journals. Jean, as usual, is having fun here! We also catch our Chef Izzy, who was in our adjacent cabin and had apparently completed lunch prep, allowing her some relaxing horizonal time on the deck.

The completed journal pieces varied in deliciousness. With mine, I’d saved all my recent birthday cards and incorporated them into this process. One of the “expressions” I’d used that felt particulary inventive was the golden colored thread weaving thru the air. What this represented in my experience outside was the scent of curry, as Chef Izzy simmered our evening curry sauce!!

This lil' fish sequence formulated at the last minute. I found this piece of bark that so much looked like a fish and that stirred my memory of smiling over Cookie's collection (which she'd offered up to all of us) of teeny lil' creatures - - I remembered the tiny fish. He had to be eaten my my "big fish". You'll also see a teeny moose up near the mountains, top left. Again, this page evolved as it only could have at the retreat with the very special mix of women there.

With a fabulous lunch of Grilled Chicken, Chickpea, Cauliflower and Spinach Salad, tossed with Smoked Salmon and Vegan Caesar Dressing fueling us, we launced into a rather complicated exercise, “Stitching into Journals”. I gave more extensive examples of sewing flat, embroidered or here, 3-dimensional objects into your journal. This was a piece I’d made ahead of time, so the stitiching could go quickly in the demo. Notice the numerous pages I need to cut “windows” thru so that my piece wouldn’t have pressure upon it when the journal pages closed.

Our evening relaxed into satisifaction as re-lived the day, chattered about processes and, of course, relished that “Tofu Curry” over your selection of Steamed Brown Rice or Udon Noodles. What a yummy day!

Thursday's Retreat Heads Over the Ridge

2012-02-28T16:09:00.028-08:00

This glistening Thursday shown with turquoise blue skies and warm sunshine. After our mornin’ yoga and a savory breakfast, we bustle, getting ready for our hike. We’d put of this hike to Thursday, waiting for more perfect weather – and today was just that!

By 10am we were and trekking over the ridge, dropping down into the lovely valley with Duck Lake resting in the palm of granite and green. After poking through the fascinating crumbling cabins of yester-year (great aged wood!) we weave through my beloved aspens groves. I just adore this area. The pristine surroundings, the sparkling lake, the sensual undulating granite!! Just to the left of Duck Lake are these waves of rock. We crawl like ants, poking and prodding from different vantage points in response to an exercise Jean has assigned us. Our aim was to simplify and then, later when we had time to peruse the quick sketches - - take one of our images to full color. Here's my completed page.
By now, it was lunch time and we find cozy dining upon rounded rocks to relish the elegant lunch our Izzy had packed and carried in pack, our “Roasted Vegetable & Goat Cheese Wraps with Romesco Dip, Apple and Chocolate Chip & Cocoa Nib Cookie and a homemade Protein Bar too”. Lovely, eh? And so sophisticated for a back-packed lunch!

Following lunch we proceed with one word exercise and then launch into some free time to start sketching. We love counting the catfish skittering below us in the shallow end but, also begin counting the plumpness of the cumulus clouds beginning to multiply over the ridge. To be wise and avoid being caught in any possible rain storm, we gather ourselves up and braid our way back up to ridge, homeward. It still allowed us silly time, like digging mushrooms (Izzy is a whizz at this!) and also great at being “a tree among trees”.

Once back to the cabins, we relax and refresh, ready for one more creative endeavor: Stamp Making. Subject suggested was something that depicts/epitomizes who “you” are. Here’s Kitty deep in the process and one result.

Our evening was not a let down compared to the already dynamite day … because it was our Finale’ Farewell Dinner. Izzy reached her peak of presentation and flavors and we playfully dished up "Roast Salmon with Israeli Whole Wheat Pearl Cous Cous and Summer Ratatouille (stewed Kale, Chard, Chickpeas and Squash)” and desserted with “Green Cardamom Flan”. She’d truly outdone herself and we fancied every moment of it!

Just another day in “Journaling Retreat” heaven and no relief in sight!

Tuesday at the Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat

2012-02-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

Our Tuesday morn was chilly but with a whisper of warm sun hovering. Our yoga rocks were still too wet for our mornin' yoga by the lake, but following our hearty breakfast (Strawberry, Peach, Blueberry Greek Yogurt with House-made Coconut Granola) we were anxious for the day.

We moved into our creative time over at the Sequoia Cabin, playfully. I've discovered this fascinating material, Paperclay, which I've started using in my journals. But this morn we were individually sculpting personal amulets expressing a private yearning. Here's mine without it's sealing layer and then, coat of dark brown to bring out an aged appearance.

Next on the agenda was Jean leading a Contour/Intuition Process. We hiked down to a comfy picnic table near the lakes edge to add nature to our process.

My experience with this process was fascinating. Between closed eyes for meditiation, where I became keenly aware of smells, sounds and air movement, I'd ink in my contour drawing of first, this small tortured tree. As my process deepened I moved into the background and finally, came in touch with the energy of many Miwok Indians (known to live in summer in this mountainous area). To illustrate the ethereal quality of the Indian spirits, I kept their edges soft, transparent. I love this method of interpretation and many of the participants had differing experiences.

After the lunch break, where we feasted upon Chef Izzy's Vegan Minestrone & Lentil Stew, we return to an exercise coming from inside out. Creating an animal mandala also from a very personal space gifted me with (of all things) a tomato worm. With some resistance I sketched in my chubby green worm ~ the magical gift came after I was home and a friend suggested I look up what a tomato worm turns into. There I was introduced to a hawk moth ~ and they are lovely along with being one of three species that hovers like hummingbirds. NOW I began to see a deeper meaning to my mandala and created this loose, floating hawk moth to hover above my mandala.

Our final afternoon project was a fun and colorful writing process. Again, I'm intrigued by the diversity and imagination of each beautiful individual.

As the shadows grow long, we all traverse the Lake Alpine grounds, to the "dining cabin" and we are not disappointed. Izzy has crafted two meal options, one for the vegan/vegetarian, Vegan Chili (to die for, by the way!) or more for more conventional tastes, Pork Meatballs, both accompanied by the Spicy Jalapeno Cornbread with Lime Compound Butter.

What a savory day, one that gave us new media to play with and inner revelations to ponder. Slumber was easy, deep with the crisp air!

Monday at the Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat

2012-01-26T17:18:00.001-08:00

The Monday morn began crisp and grey, but following the delicious-ness of Chef Izzy’s fresh lemon-blueberry scones, fresh fruit & steaming scrambled eggs, we were bright-eyed and ready to work. We’d skipped our mornin’ yoga because of moisture & chill. Following presentations from both Jean & I on our viewpoints and process of journaling, we all dug into our first hands-on assignment, “Words with Molding Paste”.

Under Jean’s direction, suggesting we select a word to illustrate in conjunction with two various types of molding paste. One is the “Soft” version, and the other a more “Coarse” paste. These pastes adhere to paper and create an interesting absorbent medium. Here you see my page “harmony”. I played with the two pastes, in my mind thinking the two would start out separate and contrary, but come together (bottom right) in ‘harmony’. Using our trusty dictionary, I detailed the definition of harmony and playing with various pigments and wax crayons attempted to “flow” into a glowing concert. If you look closely, you’ll see the word “h-a-r-m-o-n-y” carved into the paste medium and lettered in black. I have to admit my favorite part of the entire experiment was JudiKins, “MicaGloss-Metalli Effects Ink-Chocolate”. The dark granulation coupled with the coppery sparkle “made” my page.

After Izzy's "scrumpous" lunch (Arugula, celery heart leaf, chive, shallot and almond salad with strawberry balsamic viniagrette), we ventured more into the world of watercolor. With a loose suggestion of painting an image that represented “you”, each individual participant, conjured up a sort of “self-portrait”. This took on many meanings, some were idealized by their relationship to animals, special relationships, etc, – and – we were to interpret our feelings in that portrait. We could include fabric, found objects, anything we visualized as an accurate expression of our feelings.

Intitally, I began cutting out fabric to use in the dark values. As I progressed with my watercolor and wax crayon self-portrait - I was so pleased with the quick painting, I couldn't cover it with the fabric. So, just to honor the original idea, I glued on the fabric - it definately captures part of my ole' "hippie" generation personality :)

With evening upon us, we are treated to another savor meal. Izzy has crafted up Whole wheat pesto pasta with herb-infused cherry tomatoes and braised kale. Then, she topped it off with this elegant Challah bread . . . to die for. Round and very siatiated, we relax into comfy women's conversations . . . then, slumber.

Sunday at the 2011 Women's Retreat ~ September 11th

2012-01-21T17:52:00.001-08:00

Sunday morn, we all were up early, anxious to be ready and have everything in order for the arriving participants. But the "giving nature" of our precious Chef, Izzy Leas, began to show as she requested she make us breakfast this morning (even tho her commitment to prepare food for us didn't begn until that evening). The warming sun streamed across out breakfast table ~ and so the day began!

Jean and I, your Tandem-Teachers, spent much of the day in preparation. With the moist ground we went in search of a

dry spot to do our morning yoga. In our travels around the edge of the lake we discovered the lovely outcropping where the previous day’s wedding had taken place. Scattered across the ground we saw the rose and lily petals from the celebration.

Of course, they went into my journal (this lily petal was allowed to dry overnight, painted with matte medium on both sides to preserve it and then, again with matte medium, painted down to my journal page). The afternoon was hustling to get the second cabin, the Sequoia, open, furniture removed and then set up with six working stations

(tables and lights we’d brought along) for us artists. Oh my, realizing what we’d forgotten and also,getting all the lights plugged into old cabin electrical receptacles was a challenge. But, TAH-DAH, by 3pm we were all set up for the next mornings processes (here it is in use!).

As everyone arrived to fill out our retreat places, we all introduced, chattered and, the final glue to stick us together, gathered to eat a fabulous "Welcome Dinner" of Summer bean, mushroom and squash Ragu. Think we are having a great time?

The Start to My 2011 Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat

2012-01-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

September 10th began with an early rising for me. Up at 4am to finalize packing in the car and head out on my eight-hour trek from Southern Oregon to reach my beautiful Lake Alpine Resort destination. As I neared Angels Camp, California, the excitement amplified. I began receiving phone calls from our Culinary Coordinator, Izzy, and my tandem teacher, Jean Warren, all of whom were en route too.

It was a brisk, autumn day when I pulled into the bustling resort parking lot. I remembered the resort owner, Gigi, had spoken of a wedding taking place that very afternoon and that celebration added joy and frivolity to the scene. Izzy had already arrived and was unpacking all our fresh, lush food into the kitchen. Shortly, Jean and Kitty, one of our retreat participants, arrived, anxious to get settled. Once landed in our places, thoughts of a warm meal began to tease us. Down in the restaurant, the wedding reception was just concluding and the happy bride greeted us at our table near the cozy fireplace, to offer us all champagne. “Why, of course, we’ll join in your celebration!” we all chimed in! Dinner was just what we wanted and conversation lively, as we got to know each other.

Open here, in the cabin for us all to relish (notice the colorful fruit Izzy had provided for us all) and learn from, is one of the special treats I’d brought along, the amazing journal of Elinor Peace Bailey. I’d stumbled upon this woman when taking a writing class and an image of her with her dolls was one of the writing ”prompts”. With Elinor Peace Bailey’s complete trust, she mailed me her journal to pursue and I’d requested bringing it to this retreat. Our evening was spentsavoring her pages and the creativity present in all of us, just waiting to be unleashed.

With dreams of vivid journal pages dancing in our heads . . . we all nestled into our warm beds for slumber.

Birthday Collage Blossomed at the Women's Retreat

2011-12-26T17:44:00.000-08:00

This is an annual tradition that I have taken to doing for my birthday. You know how you never want to throw away (well, at least I do) those precious birthday cards and personal comments from your friends? To save those, I have been doing a colorful collage from the cards to commemorate their thoughtful endorsements.

This year I'd saved a portion of the page to do my collage during my upcoming "Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat". I knew one of the exercises my brilliant tandem teacher, Jean Warren, was planning, the "Cut-up Memory Walk" would be perfect for my birthday process. So the instructions were to go outside, without notepad or camera, only your senses to focus on the diverse impressions nature offers up. Then, return to the workspace to replicate or comment with collage what you'd experienced outside. When I went outside, I settled upon a tiny plot of land, just down from the cabin and bordered by the parking lot. As I nestled in to observe, first I noticed the deep dark shadows that actually created the visuals of the rocks, then emerged an entire lil' ecosystem. There were ants and beetles busying between rocks and dirt, then, bees all among the blossoming flowers. As I buried my thoughts in this balanced, beautiful interaction, I began thinking of my loving, supportive friends who provide just such a thriving environment for my life. I saw the parallels and metaphors between this tiny Alpine world and my life. Just as I was memorized in deep appreciation and awe, I was brought back to the current moment with an intense aroma . . . our fabulous Chef Izzy Leas, was busy at work in the kitchen simmering a rich curry meal for dinner. My senses were fascinated . . . so this is the scene I took into the studio to depict in collage - from my birthday cards.

Creating items to combine for the collage was first. I began cutting up the cards, words or florals or shapes for shadows etc. I'd collected this delicate grass, with seeds still attached and (from a hike my hubby & puppy had taken for my actual birthday day) brought along the limey-colored moss. I worked up the rocks first with texture, and cut out shadows. Words cut in long, stem-like shapes became the stems for dancing flowers and from fabric I cut out the brilliant sun! It was a delicious frenzy of stuff . . . I'd also picked up this cool piece of bark that looked SO much like a fish - and that sparked the memory of some teeny lil' critters one of the fun participants, Cookie, had offered up to share - and one critter was a tiny fish. Looking thru the critters, I grabbed the fish and spied a moose. Ok, I'll add mountains and the moose too!!! Grief, now how could I add the curry floating thru the air - - ahhhhhhhhhh - - with golden yellow thread threaded thru the air. And - - WELLAH - I think I'm done with my "Cut-up Memory Walk"!

The remainder of my favored birthday card images traveled to the right, creating a segway over into the second page where I'd sketched my vision from an art showing I'd done the evening of my actual birthday day. It's an active, but memory filled page . . . and actually visually pretty satisfying.

Love to hear how you celebrate your birthday in your journal or painting . . .

Kids in Creek ~ Playful Journal Page Demo

2011-12-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

The was a fun assignment I gave myself. So, of course, I chose one of my favorite and most playful images. This happy image came from a combining of several photos from children playing in the Ashland Lithia Park Creek. I was doing a purely demo class, illustrating some of the techniques we'd be using at my upcoming Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat, hoping to entice anyone interested.

To prepare for the class, I did start early. I applied some "Light Molding Paste", a medium by Golden to add dimension to the upper green leaves (see the dimension in this angled photo?). With this product you can build up absorbant layers. I've never used more than one layer, since I'm primarily working in my journal, but it is fun, flexible and dries spongy yet, holds shapes. I tried to replicate some leaf-like textures in the upper left and top of the image.

I'd created the stamp earlier too, thinking "what would the children be playing with?". I loved the simplicity of the toy boat and specifically selected colors of joy and colors that would unite the entire double-page spread of my open journal. I did apply the stamps very last to my page, when I could see where my text ended and how much visual space I had.

When class finally conviened, I worked from the large blown up image, so the class could see from what I was working. First, I establish the whites, with my wax crayons, that are to be solid or rather scumbled in effect for the water reflections and some on the highlights of rocks. Next, I work in strong yellows to add glow behind the leaves and the brilliant colors of the clothing. While some of the yellow is still moist, I begin dropping in leaf colors in that Molding Paste area. Only when the yellow is dry do I glaze in delicate transparent layers of orange and pink of the children's outfits. And thirdly, I work up the water, it's reflections (cuz I already have those greens on my palette), rock detail and lastly, the final touchs to the wee-ones playing.

I loved the effect of everything together, feeling it absolutely represented the spirit I felt when I was watching those silly kids parade and play in the creek, coupled with the outrageousness of my Elinor page (see previous post). What you think?

To Celebrate and Emulate ~ Elinor Peace Bailey

2011-11-24T11:31:00.001-08:00

Some of you may have heard the serendipitous tale of how I met this amazing woman ~ Elinor Peace Bailey (although I believe she prefers "elinor peace bailey"). While taking a writing class, you often receive "writing prompts". This was the visual I picked. Isn't it just a riot? That "write" was one of my most fun and frivolous ever ~ but that's another story.

With this image in hand, I noticed the woman's name in the corner and proceeded to "google" her. I emailed her letting her know how I admired her spirit and (since I love to tandem teach) even suggested doing a class or possible retreat together sometime.

We actually talked on the phone and she volunteered to mail me her very own personal journal (YES, she journals too!! HOW exciting is this?). Even when I tried to refuse her journal, she shipped it anyway. Her journal blew me away. Bold, playful, bodacious, personal, sensitive and profound - - and more. She privileged me more by allowing me to take her journal for my Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat's participants to explore. Such trust!

And NOW - we have scheduled a tandem-taught 3-day Workshop, July 12-14th, of next year in Portland. We're still in the planning stages, but looks like we'll meet Wednesday night, July 11th, to go over materials and rub shoulders. First full day, will be all Elinor's in her Portland Studio and second day, mine - up on the Columbia River Gorge. Final day - a combo and summation. For upcoming promotions we have started teaming up in a journal - here's one of the pages she's sent me which she started in only black and white pen work. I've added all the color. The class will be a hoot!! Let me know if you are interested in updates and details!

But in the midst of meeting and getting to know this jubilant, dynamic woman I had to create a journal page in an attempt to emulate and honor her. So here's my page with a shot at her "in-journal" doll/people portraits (p.s. the legs, feet, arms and hands move as they are attached to the page with tiny brads). The wacky fuzzy fabric so gave life to this portrait and I used an existing stamp I'd made for his head. I still may add some furry hair . . . and yes, those are buttons for hands! Another detail from Elinor! And then, of course, I had to record one of my favorite journal pages from Elinor's. This is my best replica . . . but by no means as bold or brilliant! It's a happy, playful page . . . it seems she brings that out in me and I'm enjoying it.

I just so savor meeting and digging into the intriguing spirits and talents and personalities of other women artists (sorry guys). There's an honesty and a freshness that bounds out of established, powerful creativity that moves me to the core - - my solar plexus tighten and heave, near to tears. I'm so honored to see and feel that baring of soul . . . it's truly a privilege. And I remain humble.

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving

Mistakes Stirring Invention

2011-11-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

Any of you who journal, or paint, or create . . . Oh heck . . . if you're alive . . . know we make errors! And one of my greatest joys in the spontaneity of journaling is the way our creative minds show us solutions (and some, better than the original plan!). These next couple of pages are examples of exactly that!

Those of you familiar with the progress of my previous journal page with the fun paperclay 3-d frame, know my plan now would include leaving the following journal page blank where I needed to place my big letter "B". Right?

So immediately, the next day I went onsite with a private student venturing out into her first plein air adventure . . . and you guessed it! Where did I paint? Right in the space I needed to save. Here's the gurgling Lithia Park Creek, sitting right where I wanted to have white space. I fretted and pondered about cutting out the image, inserting a full page and on and on.

Rather than add a full page, I decided insert a small, almost "footnote like" page with, of course, my big "B" the first item on the lil' page. Next to my "B" I practiced a print from a self-portrait tile I'd recently carved. I like printing two times, yellow first to add warmth to the human skin then, a darker color (here, I've used Brown Madder). On the back of my mini-page, I found this beautiful business card from a peer watercolorist, Marni Marnee (http://www.marnimaree.com/), complimented all the colors on these pages. And I added how we'd met when she pass thru the Ashland Art Center where my studio is.

I continued my journal sequentially, with the sketch from a "Plein Air Workshop" I was teaching. Top left on the full page, is a sketch of my dear painter friend, Silvia Trujillo (http://www.silviatrujillo.com/), (who'd instructed the oil students) posing her hand to crop a portion of a student's painting during critique. Farther down the page is one of my watercolor students busy at work.

So I can attest to the fact that mistakes can make me more creative and inventive. Honestly, I have to say I've not gotten to the point where I celebrate errors, but I DO aim to get there some day. Another goal to aim at . . . it keeps me going and getting more comfy with myself.

I suggest "Celebrate Your Errors!"?

New Journal ~ Starring Paper Clay

2011-10-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so, after my informative and experiential class with Cathy Dorris (the "Queen of PaperClay"), I'm ready to get started in my brand-spankin' new journal.

My first plan is to use the "frame" I've created out of paperclay to frame my "illuminated letter" with which I start my page entries. I'm so in love with stitching things into my journal - that of course that's how I plan to insert my paperclay frame. I did push a small hole into the edges of the paperclay before I dried and painted it - but when I try to pull a threaded needle thru my teeny holes - I find the holes are too small. I once again work thru a pin to enlarge my holes, and in the process, tear the edges of the paperclay. I use my "Yes" glue to gently glue it back together, then let dry. Finally I get my "frame" stitched into place with brown button-hole twist. I liked how it accented the brown undertones in my paperclay piece.

I love how the frame boarders my letter and move on to elaborate more about the paper clay process (and actually, to honor my paperclay teacher). So I replicate, as best I can, Cathy Dorris' marvelous "Mermaid" piece and then, her "Ram's Head". I'm pretty happy with the page layout, but still find myself scratching my head, pondering how to invite readers and introduce them with my very beginning page.

BING!!! I remembered another fascinating yet, delicate piece from Cathy's Studio that would "dance" my viewers into this new journal. Cathy makes these charming wall dolls with playful metal hooks attaching their arms, legs and feet. I'd portray those happy, colorful feet, tap, tap, tappin' right into my new journal.

This set of pages just brings a smile to my face ~ playful, joyful and elegant. Love to hear your impressions - oh, and any questions you have about paperclay!

In Preparation for a New Journal ~ Paper Clay

2011-10-15T11:00:00.001-07:00

Usually, I don't put alot of effort into planning a new journal ~ but this one I had something new and exciting (for me anyway): paper clay!! For me it's one of the coolest media on the planet right now. If you've worked with polymer clay you know the succlent colors and diverse things you can do with it, right? Well, as far as I'm concerned, paper clay is even more perfect as it doesn't require baking and it's completely organic! Yep, it's safe/good for our planet!

With this idea of incorporating paper clay into my journal, I took a private class from the Queen of Paper Clay (again, in my estimation!), Cathy Dorris (http://cathydorris.com/). She's warm, playful and an endless source of info on paper clay. Both of these pieces, the mermaid and ram's head are pieces from Cathy's studio. Doesn't she do fabulous work? So, here's the mess I created in just a couple hours in her studio and here's the resulting small pieces Cathy coached me in making.

You'll have to tune in for the next blog post to see what adventures I created with these lil objects. It's pretty diverse media - I encourage you to check it out for additons to your journals, your 2d paintings and heck, even sculpture!

Journal Ends ~ Rocks 'n Mountains

2011-10-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

When the ending of one journal comes ~ I like to close with a quiet image but lofty thoughts. This particular two page spread does just that.

These two images were created in sheer joy. Working, well, more like play actually with my dear friend who pays me the compliment of taking private watercolor lessons from me had requested we work on rocks and mountains. Two of my all time favorites (maybe along with clouds and flora)!!

She'd selected an English rock wall that we started upon ~ and it turned into hilarity. We both developed the shapes with drawing and textures, aided with wax crayons. When we examined our paintings, hers only lacked in darkening the grout between the large rocks. What began with me just wetting the "trail of grout" between her rocks ended with her chasing my wet paintbrush with her heavily pigment loaded paintbrush - - like a game of cat and mouse. We both ended laughing near tears!!!

The rigid mountain peaks were a different story. On one ridge we used a white wax crayon, the other just discipline of "saving the white". The afternoon wained and so did our energy. We were most pleased with the wax crayon peak, as it leaves a fuzzy edge, more appropriate with a distant ridge. But what really helped was adding the closest, shadowy mountain, which helped establish the foreground of the far-away scene.

Ending my journal entry, my mind wandered in gratitude for such a precious friend and all I've learned from her and then, to a bumper sticker I'd recently seen and loved, "The more you know, the less you need."And on, to the next journal . . .

Returning ~ A Friend's Visit Unfolds To Kid's Camp

2011-10-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

OH MY ... I clearly have been missing. I send apologies, for I have not forgotten all you loyal followers nor my discipline (and pleasure) in keeping my personal blog going. But as some of you know, my now Annual Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat (http://visualartjournaling.wordpress.com/alpine-retreat/itinerary-2/ordpress.com/alpine-retreat/itinerary-2/) crept upon me late August. Then, the very day I returned (from an incidentally, FANTASTIC retreat) our visiting guest, the Mexican Artist, Efren Gonzalez (http://efrengonzalez.com.mx/), arrived at our home for a near two week stay. But, w-h-e-w, I'm nearly back and partially collected. So, let us return to where I disappeared!

Last day of June a delightful friend (a previous Alpine Retreat attendee from last year) was in town visiting. She too loves to paint plein air so I set up a paint date with her and I to nest into my neighbor Mary's full bloom garden. We settled in with this upward vantage of poppies. With a lovely day and good friend chatter, I end up with this loose but happy sketch.

Later that evening we meet other friends. Following a breezy picnic, we head for the opening show at a local small theatre. If any of you have seen "Sweeney Todd" you may understand why I chose to split the ticket and position it rather uncomfortably disjointed. That was how I felt after the performance ~ an experience to remember. Well, maybe to forget ...

The adjacent page picks up in mood ~ ~ and invention. A mom who'd long ago purchased a "3-Lesson Series" Christmas gift for her daughter returned, pushing me to invent a "Kid's Camp", five days of focusing on drawing skills with some fun mixed in. Ok, I'll brave something new and challenging.

Each of the days we work on different segments of drawing (contour, value, shapes, gesture etc.) and for fun, I plan the creation of a paper doll, for which she'll invent and paint outfits/costumes. Each day I'd bring home her creations and cut them out with my exactco knife.I'm unclear who learned most from this Kid's Camp experience but my student surely looked forward to the paper doll part of the day.

When our week together was all done, I was at home picking up my workstation ... and deliberated with what to do with the very cool negative images created from the cut-out costumes. ZING!!! What if I added them to my journal as part of the daily dialogue of the week. And so this is how this page evolved ... I'm actually very pleased with it.

What you all think? Isn't it beyond belief what amazing invention is channeled thru us when we are open. That must be that "gift that keeps on giving" thing?!?!

Growth, Relaxation & a Lil' Amish too!

2011-08-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

More delight of Summer dance across my journal pages. Here I traverse opening my mind and heart then, opening my senses and spirit.

My first sketch was to commemorate and also, jingle my memory of a remarkable man and his work around healing and personal growth. Dr. Michael Ryce visited our church for a week - - a week of free workshops from forgiveness to personal relationships to "Why is this Happening to me Again?" (the name of his first book). I won't go into his process here, but I found it astutely revealing for my life. And even had me roping in friends and family to come examine their hearts 'n minds. If you get the chance to see/hear or experience his teaching, I'd recommend exposing your "open-minded" self to it. He spent hours at the board writing memorable ideas and examples . . . here he is . . .

This odd addition to my journal page is pretty much a graceful weed. Actually, it is an enemy we constantly find invading our rugs and socks, usually brought in by our Golden Retriever. But this one was still intact and had a lovely curve to it's spine. I had to save it and . . . just in time . . . our neighbor came over to have my hubby help her program her new cell phone. And in the refuse she left behind was this perfect black backing for my graceful weed. I love serendipity!

The right side of this open journal is from the refreshing camping trip up to one of our favorite quiet camping areas, Lake Lemolo. I won't detail this adventure because I did do a previous blog post on June28th (http://elainefrenett.blogspot.com/2011/06/hike-from-heaven.html) with descriptions of a heavenly hike and other juicy parts. But DID want to re-share the lovely calm lake view and the adorable, peaceful Amish women we saw in the Rogue Gorge parking lot.

I choose to just sketch the simplicity of them . . . and the accompanying thoughtfulness that came with seeing them and perusing what I imagine their lives to be. It still brings me a stillness. And I'll take all of those I can get . . .

Start 'O Summer & Music Celebrations

2011-08-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

The birthing of Summer for me comes with the diversity of activities suddenly available here. This full page double spread epitomizes just that.

First, we visit the Grand Opening of the Britt Festival in Jacksonville. In the last two years Britt has joined hands with the City of Jacksonville to celebrate it's opening city wide. Throughout town is music, antique cars, food and beverage samplings and, of course, art. Our local Jacksonville "Art Presence" took part in the festivities sprinkling a variety of artists in their booths along the closed portion of 3rd Street's north side. My booth was just back from the main street, California Street (I know, I always wondered why an Oregon town would have as it's main street "California" ... but, I digress) and I watched close on the merriment of bouncing balloons (some adorable photos of children reaching for the blue 'n yellow), the Victorian outfitted patrons along side their antique cars and later in the day, as the heat increased, an argument between motor vehicle drivers. I did start this sketch right there on site . . . was plunking right along with the painting of my sketch . . . then suddenly looked up . . . and my antique car was gone!! How rude ~ did they even ask me? Anyway, that part I had to finish at home from the digital photo I've learned to snap just for these situations.

Just in front of me, right on the corner of the main street was Dolores Schwalb. A spirited 80 year old (I believe) who had written most of her life and was showing off her several books written about local life in the area from years ago. We exchanged fun stories and she gave me this postcard promotional. I loved the photo of her as a young girl on the farm.

Later into Summer, I had the pleasure of finally dropping into a neighborhood cafe/bar in Ashland to hear one of my watercolor student's musical group perform. She'd been inviting me for months! I was determined to go this month because her performance coincided with an event at the Ashland Art Center. The Art Center had been presenting free art movies with popcorn too.

This month the movie was "Wasteland", a movie about a professional photographer who traveled, and produced this documentary of "pickers" at the Rio de Janiero garbage dump. He ended up doing personal "portraits" of specific "pickers" with them helping. They created the "portrait" in a giant warehouse's floor using actual garbage, then photoing it from above. AMAZING!! Now, you have to watch it to see what happened to the images and the "pickers" too.

Anyway, the musical interlude at the "Wild Goose" Cafe & Bar was a delightful contrast to the content of the movie. My friend Beth, her hubby and several other talented musicians entertained us til the evening drew late. I love the dark, atmospheric background that brings out the musicians in my sketch - oh yes, I did it later too, from that same digital reservoir.

Don't you just love the energy of Summer as it brings a vitality and energy of so many aspects to life? Savor the gifts nature and humanity offer up . . . we all live with such miracles around us!

Wacky Weather and Loose Trees

2011-07-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

With two special days to celebrate between my hubby and I, we headed up to sunny Portland for festivities. Originally we'd chewed on going camping. As we watched to weather in Oregon, it continued to be chilly and rainy. Shoot! Ok, we'll head south, to sunny California. We researched the weather near beautiful Burney Falls. But ~ alas ~ rainy there too. So, heck we'll go check out the totally the opposite direction where its usually rainy, Portland, Oregon. And, you guessed it. Sunny and in the 90s.

Roland made reservations overlooking the rolling park at the river's edge at the "RiverPlace Hotel". Now we have to take Cody, our Golden Retriever, and the hotel is great, even offer us "puppy sitting" options for when we dined at the restaurant. We refreshed with the "Strawberry-Cucumber Water" available in the lobby and ride up to our room. Once unpacked and settled in, we set out to enjoy the glow of the sun and greeness of the park.

When we return from our walk along the sparkling river, in our room we find a "breakfast-in-bed" tray with two dog bowls resting on it, accompanied by this autumn-ish card ~ for Cody. Inside it read, "Welcome Cody! We are delighted that your parents have brought you to stay with us at RiverPlace. Your comfort is of the utmost importance to us. If there is anything we can do to enhance your stay please let us know." Signed "RiverPlace Hotel Staff". Roland and I smiled at their attentativeness and Cody, well, he enjoyed the biscuits from the bowl!

This was the sweeping view we had from a corner room on the 9th floor. Portland is a yummy city ... we stumbled upon their "Rose Celebration" with parades in the evening and amusement park rides along the river by day. As always, went we head home, we stop by the delicious "Pearl Bakery" to pick up fresh bread and treats for us and our neighbor, Mary, who loves good baked good almost as much as we do. And a fond g'bye to Portland we wave.

Perched adjacent to our Portland visit is a playful and colorful demonstration I worked up for one of my private students. Her request was to learn "trees" . . . so I did a quick rather abstract rendition on the left, then replicated a more detailed sample for her on the right. You'll notice how much of the shaping of the trees is established with shadows and negative painting around the highlighted front trees. For the trees on the right I used some white wax crayon to save those "sky window" holes and also, used a mist-er to squirt a sprinkled, random water pattern, into which I dropped a variety of greens. The mist-er technique is an easy way to create a leafy pattern with colors running into one another.

I'm learning to live life as loosely as these trees were paiinted, but I'm probably more effective in that with the trees :) At least I have a visual example . . . and plenty of patient friends.

Any feedback, my wise and worldly audience?

First the Ranch . . . then an "Art Amble"

2011-07-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

For years now, I'd been wanting to go visit and paint at this lovely couple's ranch. I see Carolyn & Rob nearly every Ashland First Friday Artwalk as they cruise thru the Art Center and stop at my studio. Last year I even had a date to go out . . . but something came up. This year I actually made the 30 mile round trip out past Ruch (a tiny town in the Applegate Valley) and on to Buncom (a deserted mining town) ~ and on to the Ranch. What spacious rolling greenery, dotted with rustic buildings and wildflowers! Plopping down admist the long grass and wondering group of cows (who found me very intriguing), I selected the ole' barn and the first building homesteaded in 1865. I love the colors/textures in the wood against the cool greens of the trees 'n grass. Of course, I didn't get it finished but polished up the sky and details at home in my studio. The visit only made me thirsty to return for more plein air time.

The adjacent journal page records an onsite sketch and event in Jacksonville. The local art group, Art Presence, in Jacksonville has finally mustered the interest and energy to support the revival of our Third Friday Art Amble. Several businesses have agreed to show various artists at their stores and artists offer up their works and possibly some refreshments. This image was from the first of the Art Ambles and I was located at the Applecellar Bakery. It was a well attended chance to bring the public into local stores, see local artists and even see them demo their process.

I choose to work in my very portable journal, of course. This picturesque setup of bread loaves, wheat in a charming wrough iron basket sat in the corner of the wooden-floored shoppe full of yummy breads and bakery goods. I sketched as patrons came in to buy goodies or just peek at the art work.

The Art Presence business card actually complimented the subject matter that I'd selected for my sketch . . . so I included it, nestled just below my windows for previous butterfly and pink rose inserts.

I always go back to my "illuminated letters" which begin my page text to fill in the colors. I think of how to harmonize the entire wide-open double page spread. For the left page I brought in rusts and ambers from the Art Presence business card and bread crusts, and from the left side, I used the greens and brown madders of the barn and scenery over to the right journal letter. Color . . . can things get any more juicy :) ?!?!

Social Media & Newbies

2011-07-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

I indulged in a bit of educational pursuit ~ both absorbing and giving with these journal entries.

On the left I'd taken a "Social Media Class" with Betsy Lewis (http://betsylewis.blogspot.com/). It was a quick paced presentation with introductions (I loved hearing every one's "dream" life), a run thru our fears of Social Media, then perusing a lengthily handout encompassing ALL the areas an artist needs to complete to be "on track" with a professional art career. Next we had to go thru and select where we were lacking and which of those we'd need to do in the next month! Whew! Fascinating and informative - but I did a hurried contour drawing and grabbed one quick photo of Betsy, which I later could not even find! So here, I've whipped up my memory of Betsy, filling the contour drawing with color.

I've been wanting to experiment with a new stamp making medium and decided to create floating sheets of paper for a border. I've been using erasures for my stamps but want to move into a more reliable system (last time I used erasures, they ended up have a dimensional logo which appeared in ALL the stamped images!). This Speedball sheet seemed my answer. I'd traced my simple "floating paper sheet" onto the pliable printing surface and begun with my ole' system of cutting out the image with an exacto knife. But I found I could not bend the "Speedy-cut" printing sheet without it breaking off - yikes! Heck, I decided to use it anyway, holding together to cracked off corner (see bottom right cracks coming off the central image cut-out).

Again, using my usual watercolor paints, I slurped my purple across the printing surface - only to find it would not adhere to the surface. After fumbling with acrylic, I went back to a straight-out-of-the-tube watercolor pigment. I did get the pigment to stay on the surface. And dotted my image around the border of my journal page . . . whew!

I also scanned, then printed out small, the pages of the handout - they were valuable info and this always helps keep me from loosing class notes or handouts. I've attached all the pages with one of my lil' brass brads. Quite a lesson . . .

Next page is a demo I did while teaching my "Watercolor Exploration for Newbies". This class blossomed out of my "Basis in Watercolor Journaling" Class when students wanted more focus on watercolor techniques. This quick demo was to simplify a landscape. And once again, I'm not certain if it was I or the students who learned more :) But it was a jolly class and although we wrestled thru some frustration, students got plenty of practice at new techniques.

It's all learning . . . and aren't we blessed to be able to keep doing it and stretching ourselves our entire life . . . if we choose to do so?!?!

Happy Stretching!!! . . . if you're brave enough . . .

Marionberry Cobbler & Ducks Butts

2011-07-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

This journal entry waxes from laughter to growth spurts.

The page on the left is dedicated to my new Business Coach. We met very serendipitously, she walking by my Ashland Art Studio where I was working, where we then struck up a conversation. Ultimately, she offered a free consultation and we agreed to meet. Since she was new in the area, I knew one thing I had to introduce her to: the Marionberry Cobbler at the Standing Stone Brewery (http://www.standingstonebrewing.com/)!! Not only are they one of the greenest companies in the area but their Marionberry Cobbler is to die for. I swear, it's the must do on my birthday every year!!! So we had our consultation and a very animated, fun conversation. The relationship has grown and we've not only spurred me onto bigger things business-wise (that I'd never have invented myself) but has morphed into a friendship in it's developing stages. A couple of months later, I was perusing thru my DayTimer and found these two pages stuck together with a gooey, purplish stuff with particulates in it. WHAT in the world is this stuff? Examining the page I realized it was on the page I'd taken notes from my meeting with Anne and was, of course, marionberry cobbler! Naturally, in between giggles, I had to install it into my journal page with Anne's portrait!

Adjacent to Anne is a tale from my hubby's travels, literally and figuratively. For a couple months now Roland had talked about taking a camping trip just he and Cody, our Golden Retriever. Finally he charted his agenda and location ~~ and the boys took off for a near week of solitude and exploration.

His first stop was just east of Redding, but the campgrounds were stark and winds were disconcerting. Next he tried in Redding and spent the next few days there befriending the local ducks. When he decided to travel home and was just unloading one of our friends dropped by and that's the image I replicated here. The lil' clipping of the duck's butts is from a sweet card Ro left me which said, "I'd follow you anywhere, the view from behind is great ... " which was especially endearing to me (who has had a "rear view image" issue all my life). Needless to say, I was pleased to have my boys home . . . but we both grew from being apart.

And that's a good thing . . .

A Hike from Heaven . . .

2011-06-28T19:54:00.001-07:00

Or ... was it a hike to heaven? Never-the-less, Roland at last convinced me to get away for a few days to one of our favorite camping sites. He left three days before me and I drove up Sunday afternoon to join him.

En route I travel towards Crater Lake and Mt. Theilsen (seen here) with my destination, Lake Lemolo. A quite, discreet area on that highway that is home to six or so lovely waterfalls, either just off the highway or hike-able. The days have been beautiful blue-skyed and warm. Our campsite gives us this breath-taking view of the other side of Mt. Theilsen.

Our sparkling view from our camp picnic bench peeks across Lake Lemolo to the tiny island. Cody of course, loves poking into the water and sniffing area's smells. The water is gorgeous turquoise blue and I actually coax Roland into diving in along side me!

On Monday morn, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack for our day hike. We'd hoped to find the trail we took before which took us to the bottom of Lemolo Falls. We discovered that all the directional signs were gone and after seven miles in, we gave up. Still searching for a hike, we had heard tale of a trail that lead to the upper portion of the same falls, trailing along the North Umpqua River. Hurrah, we easily find this trail head and easily meander downward along the beautiful green trail to the surging river.

The entire hike was lush green, with moist little cascade percolating out of rock clusters. Wild flowers were everywhere and you could just see that snow had recently melted in this area. Along with this rich growth came freshly hungry mosquitoes. But we'd found a new "Off" that was non-oily and non-fragranced and seemed pretty effective. The Lemolo Falls were robust but not nearly as thrilling looking over the rim as being at the base amongst the mist and roar. We plopped on nearby rocks for lunch then headed back up the mile and a half to the car.

Envigorated, we meander back to camp for dinner and later that evening for a visit to the Lemolo Lake Lodge for peach-pie-ala-mode.

During the night strong sprinkles pelt our roof and mornin' dawns wet and grey. But we enjoy the misty view over steamy coffee and some reading from Pema Chodron. We nest loose items into their appropriate places and head off back home, traveling in our separate vehicles.

I wasn't surprised when I saw Roland pull off into the Rogue Gorge parking lot, it's one of his favorite spots in Oregon. And right now with all the rain we've received in this late arriving summer, the gorge was just roaring. I found a sweet contrast when we were in the parking lot and I caught site of this calm, subdued and peaceful Amish group visiting from Pennsylvania.

I love the dynamic contrasts we find in nature and in humans. My aim is to savor and remain centered amidst all of it. Yep, it's a life of lessons ... and learning. And I'd not have it any other way ...

Park Butterflies Then, a Daffodil Celebration

2011-06-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

This is one of my very favorite journal entries!! For several reasons: 1) right in the midst of designing the page, a "creative spark" took place, gifting me a new, delightful idea 2) the day at the park was one day I actually let my child have a free day playing in the park with a new friend and 3) the farm scene expressed more how I felt about the day than how it would have "photographed".

My day in Lithia Park (a divine mile long strip of gorgeous Ashland park that follows the Lithia Creek up into a valley) with my playful new friend Bettina, culminated a walk that ended up with us laying on top a picnic bench. We lay there for quite some time watching the trees sway and our conversations meander where ever they took us! Quite fascinating and freeing. I mean, how long ago has it been since YOU laid out on a picnic table? I had to capture the view we experienced and wanted to incorporate this colorful card my friend had given me. At first I was going to just glue in the card in the bottom left corner but ~ SPARK ~ the idea, "why don't you cut out the butterflies and allow them to fly all over the page?" OK!!!! And to surprise, when I did that, I also created these fascinatingly shaped windows thru which to see the trees and even more butterflies created by the negative spaces. Thanks Spirit!

A few days later, I was invited to a Daffodil Fest. This was not only to honor the flowers now in bloom (hurrah Spring!) but to pay tribute to my precious mentor student (see my "The Joy of Mentoring" post, December 16, 2009), Kiri's, granma. Seems Granma had an incredible collection of daffodils back east and some of them had traveled here to be planted in rich Oregon soil. And now they were in bloom! So I joined the gathering at my mentor student's parents home and enjoyed meeting the cast of neighbors (who discussed the visiting neighborhood black bear). I was given a tour and so loved the barn and animals that they became the theme for my sunny, animal-sprinkling of a journal entry.

Don't you just love it when creativity is out of your hands and turns out even better than you could have imagined, because of that? Isn't it just divine to be creative?

From the Tango . . . to Chickens

2011-06-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I'm a closet dancer (well, it doesn't mean I dance in the closet). It's just that once upon a time I was one of those who loved line dancing and now it's evolved to a fan of, yes, "Dancing with the Stars". But nothing is more beautiful than two bodies weaving together with amazing grace and agility. So when we saw "Tango Inferno" at the local theatre, we got tickets. It was a chilly night but, the flair and professionalism of this team was on fire. And since they won't allow photos ... this couple danced out the of program to my journal pages.

The adjacent page was a sampling from my "Basics for Watercolor Journaling" Class. I'd broken it up into 3 sessions one week apart giving time for my participants to apply their new information during the week. What a great group with enthusiasm and dedication. We toured thru basic drawing and ended up exploring the color wheel.

Seems pages like these are rich and playful ... a sweet way to experience this growing lesson called life. Relish the moment ...

My First "First Friday Artwalk" Back Home

2011-06-15T10:29:00.001-07:00

This was a jubilant entry ... with the beginning of February come two of my favorite things: 1) Ashland's First Friday Artwalk and 2) Valentine's Day.

With this being my first Friday Artwalk back in my Ashland Art Center Studio since I'd been home from Mexico ... it felt like a personal welcome home celebration! The Art Center had selected as a theme for February, the Rabbit, in honor of the Chinese New Year! I would love to have had time to whip up some playful lil' bunnies ... but my amazing friend and peer Art Center assemblage artist, Dale Muir, punched out these fun rabbits from Cherrio boxes. Isn't he just darned cute? This rabbit sat on one of my painting frames and watched people pass by. Several dear friends passed by and I got hugs hello. This colorful sketch is the view into my new neighbor, Joann Manzone, chatting in her next door studio. Yes, there really was a tall fellow wearing that fur coat and hat. He was quite noticeable!! By the end of the evening I felt embraced, cuddled back into my community and it was so grounding after "floating around for three months", Mexico or not.

Valentine's day popped upon the scene, catching me almost unawares. I found the perfect card for Roland several days ahead but, Roland had outdone himself. I was home that day and received this fresh bouquet of lovely pink and white flowers, accompanying card had this soft pink petaled flower on the front. I cut round holes in the following journal pages and, with my exacto knife, carved out a concave hole in which to glue my 3-d flower. Roland forwarned me we had a dinner date that evening too. Keeping the destination a secret, he tucked me in the car and we drove into Ashland. Finally, parking behind the Ashland Springs Hotel, he revealed that "Larks" was our destination. An adventure in eating, since neither of us had stopped in there before, the atmosphere was casual, nice, the food, probably not what we'd go back to. But it was sweet walking Cody after dinner amidst the crisp evening air and returning to our fire-cozy home.

How solid I feel being back at home ... savoring the blessing around us here ... "there's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home"! Yes, Dorothy ~ ~ you were right.

Arriving Home & Heartbreak

2011-05-29T18:02:00.001-07:00

The final entry, ending our Mexico travels . . . brings me, at long last, home. Awwwwwwwwwww, home. Such a simple word, but how very much it holds with in those four letters. Little does one value nor realize what "home" really feels like until you are away ... for a good length of time.

We left Redding, nesting along familiar routes and sites. Often we travel south from Jacksonville towards California so it's like seeing ole' friends driving this road. As we pass the agricultural fields freckled with olive trees, some cherries and stretching fields, one of my hallmark sites is Mt. Shasta (can you see it there, far in the distant horizon?), her first sighting here in this sketch, top left. Once weaving thru the mountains and over the Siskiyou Pass, we coast down into the Rogue Valley. My heart begins to relax, soften. An anxiety begins to disappear. Sights like the pink mornin' fog across the valley from Ashland, makes me smile. We stop in Medford and unhook the RV from the PT Cruiser, thinking it would be easier to quickly back in the RV into our driveway. This affords me a quiet, wide vantage point and I nearly cry seeing the joyful giant poppies crafted and planted by Cheryl Garcia (http://www.greatmetalwork.com/Exhibits.aspx) in the South Stage Cellars vineyards just south of Jacksonville. Of course, this view went into my journal! I'm happily home.

The adjacent page is a less joyful statement. Some conversations about Mexico and the possibility of moving there have caused some tension and very personal introspect for my hubby and I. This illustration hopefully gives you a "feeling" for my experience. I relish these kinds of emotional posts (not the painful part) but the invention of how to express outwardly, my inner. You can see I've incorporated an actual needle and (from my wonderful "Assemblage Artist Friend, Dale Muir) an actual porcupine quill! Love to hear what you, my readers take away from the image - to see if I was successful.

I remain . . . blessed and loving being home. Appreciate your traveling all the way to Mexico and back with me. Now my daily adventures here in Southern Oregon begin. You see . . . the lessons n-e-v-e-r end :)

Nor do I want them to . . .

At Home Garden Planting ~ Finally

2011-05-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

Those of you avidly following my trek back home to Oregon from Mexico, I'm sorry, I just have to do a current post of life here in J-ville, Oregon.

Its been a long time coming, seemingly, this thing called "Spring"! We continue to get teased ... one day beautiful like these photos, then the next is "light-a-fire-in-the-wood-burning stove" chilly and grey and wet! For a week we've been aching to get outside and get to our Hanley Farm Garden plot #10 to dig in the dirt. At long last, the day came.

We'd collected all our plants. Some basil, tomatoes, peppers, okra, melon and eggplant with protective marigolds interspersed to fend off bugs! We head out with all our tools and green kids, and arrive at our plot.

One additional thrill at being in the garden is that adjacent to Hanley Farm is another large plot of land where beautiful horses run free. Today, this spirited blond ran up and down the fence, whinnying. At first we thought she was welcoming us. But as time went by, we noticed she was unsettled and looking for someone, anyone at the gate. Later, when all of her friends were being returned to the pasture to join her, she calmed down. She'd just been lonely.

But we get busy, amend the soil and dig lil' holes for the wee, green ones, tucking them into their nice, neat rows. Next we put in the water system, timers and the soaker hoses. We test it out and all seems a "go"! As we clean up, putting tools back into the car and stretching tall, we look around. It just takes our breath away ~ LOOK at the beauty all around us!!

Indeed, it is so grounding to be home and soaking in the freshness of Spring! Hope you get out to remember all the gifts our planet Earth offers us on a daily basis. Now, if we'd only see . . .

Next Step Home ~ Thru the Desert

2011-05-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Once we've left Marana we are headed past Tuscon early in the morn and into the desert. That word "desert" always makes me think of my mom. She said the way she remembered the difference between "desert" and "dessert" spelling ... was that you always wanted two of the "dessert" ... therefore the two "ss"! The farther we got into the desert, I knew for certain, that I did not want two of this! There was subtle vegetation changes but still endless, arid stretches with hardly distinguishable variety in the color of the hills. Somewhere near midway across we stop at the exit hosting the "Desert Fox" Museum and are nearly blow over by the powerful wind. Forget it, I'm staying in the RV. Returning to the freeway I catch sight of these once-upon-a-time Palm trees. Look at the poor things ... their green parts were totally blown away. Literally!!! My attempt at finding a pretty side of the desert emerged with this lil' sketch ... that's the best I could do.

Finally we begin seeing signs of humanity. Actually, more signage was one of the first signs, then eventually, one of my favorite sights of welcoming, the friendly, waving wind turbines! They seem to be just so glad to see you they have to stand up and wave "hello"! Went painting the scene, I just couldn't help myself from continuing the colorful road directional all along, forming a partial border on my page!

After a rather dismal nights stay at a "not-to-be-revisted" RV resort in Cathedral City we head north. After Mexico and the desert (with one "s"), the extravagance and commercialism of the LA area is overwhelming. We hasten thru the smog, the Grapevine, and finally landing near Los Banos. There we have contacted a dear friend who drives over to have dinner with us. What a treat ... so I end this page with the three of us hugging as we exited the restaurant. Another quiet night of slumber in a large parking lot.

Our Next Step Leaving Mexico and into US Borders

2011-05-01T15:35:00.001-07:00

Next step in my Mexico journal, takes our last footprint in Mexico and travels us back into the US Borders.

This last page of Mexico images bids a fond, but relieved g'bye. This odd out-of-focus bird was one I'd struggled to photo all along the highway south of the US border. Finally, I'd gotten a decent image to work from . . . like an obsession finally satisfied. Another sweet idiosyncrasy we noticed more and more in the state of Sonora, were these roadside chapels. This was the most elaborate we viewed and I had to record it. That night, we made to San Carlos, exactly where we'd stayed on our trek down into Mexico. This was the lovely sunset that warm, balmy evening. The last to be spent in Mexico.

Next morn, we travel thru what seemed a plethora of small villages. All with numerous speed bumps and characteristic vendors at those bumps. Finally, we start seeing announcements of surrendering vehicle permits and then, over a long down hill decline, we form in line at the back of the Border crossing into the United States. Here's the sunny, concrete surroundings at the crossing. Although we had to move into an adjacent parking lot and have a US Border Guard kindly tour our RV, we passed into our sweet borders with a sigh, and a smile. We pull off in Nogales, to have our favorite Starbucks Chai and travel on into Arizona.

Once traversed across Arizona, we had aimed at Marana for our overnight site. We'd stayed in this lovely, well, at least convenient Walmart parking lot and knew all the ropes. I trekked over to the nearby Post Office to mail some letters picked up from RVers in San Carlos - to go to US addresses and then, relaxed til dinner. We did the most "American" think we could do there, eat at the "Chilies" across the street. It actually, was decadently delicious and we loved joking with the amiable register assistant. I was overjoyed, and unbelievably relieved to be back in the States.

The evening melted into nightfall and we savored the pink glowing sunset above the quiet parking lot. Silly as it may sound, it was "Home, Sweet Home". And we nestled into a restful slumber.

May Watercolor Class: "Watercolor Exploration for Newbies"

2011-04-24T19:53:00.001-07:00

Just to take a break from "our return from Mexico" via my journal ... back here in beautiful, spring blossoming Oregon, I'm warming up for a season of outdoor painting and journaling.

Having just recently taught a "Watercolor Journaling Basics" in March, I'm answering the call to have a continuing class.

During this 3-session class we will explore basic watercolor techniques, revisiting value/volume, color theory (more info on "color temperature") and improving illustrative skills (with some attention to creating surface textures). Our agenda looks like this:

Dates:
All Wednesdays, 5-8pm, May 11th, May 18th and May 25th.

Location:
The Ashland Art Center's Main Classroom, 357 E. Main Street, Ashland, Oregon. The second class hopefully, will offer up a 'plein air' experience weather permitting.

Fee:
$110-

Registrations & Materials:
To register, contact me in Studio 13, upstairs at the Ashland Art Center (there is a registration sheet right as you pass my studio), email me at: elainefrenett@live.com or give me a phone call at: 541-944-2196. The "Materials List" will be provided upon Registration.

Come on you all, let's get out our paintbrushes, ready for summer, vacations and memory sketching!

The Beginning of our Trek Home

2011-04-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Although the preceding days felt like a drum roll . . . the early morn leaving Lake Chapala felt sadly quiet. We were pulling out just as the daylight broke so as not to run into anything maneuvering out of our snug neighborhood. Our hostess was up at dawn, directing us out of the gate and our neighbor followed us up to where we stopped to attach the RV to the to-be-towed vehicle. Foggy grey waves bid us g'byes.

Once again we were to take that short cut towards west Guadalajara. The sun was just coming up over the lake when we reached the end of the paved highway and Roland was pointed down the steep, rocky dirt road leading to the northbound highway. I just couldn't take the angle, the fear and the thrashing around I knew was going to go on in the RV taking that dive. Me? and Cody? we got out and walked ahead. I caught this shot of the nearly vertical RV ~ yikes!! Once the RV landed at the bottom of the hill, I re-boarded and we were on our way.

We'd planned for our first nights stay in Mazatlan this time. It was an RV park right on the ocean, south of Mazatlan. We'd gotten exact and clear directions from the owner, a couple of lefts, a right and then almost nine miles along the same road. Sounds easy enough? Yep, save the fact that that nine miles was a washboard dirt road. I was still vibrating when we finally arrived at "Tres Amigos" RV Park. Sunshine, warm neighbors and the ocean sand greeted us. Whew!

Even the challenge we had with the braking system on the towed vehicle, our PT Cruiser, did not keep us from enjoying a spare day on the beach. Ro, mechanically inclined as he is, mended the problem and we took off very early that next morn. We'd decided I would drive the PT and Ro would drive the RV, hoping to cut down on vibration, bumps and dust. It did all those things and, it provided me the opportunity to get some dreamy photos and visions of the morning sun filtered thru the palm-treed fog. Lovely.

I enjoyed trying to merge these two "Tres Amigos" images. Bumping them into one another where their compliments, connected yet separated them. I was most pleased with the mornin' fog image.

That evening we made it all the way to inland Los Mochis. We "camped" in the Sam's parking lot, nothing fascinating to paint. Once up and headed out in the morning, we found the inland valleys here in Mexico the be much like the inland valleys in California and Oregon . . . slathered with mornin' fog. But it softened the harshness of the city and soon we were again on the Highway 15D, headed north and homeward.

Final Mexico Sidetrip ~ Mazamitla

2011-04-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

Our time down in Mexico was drawing to an end . . . and we had one more fun side trip planned. We'd be traveling west to the end of Lake Chapala, then south back around the other end of the lake and up into the mountainous area. Our destination was Mazamitla, a settlement dominated by German immigrants. We'd heard a variety of responses to the city and were anxious for our own experience.

When we turned into the city of Mazamitla, much to my surprise - I was thrilled!! Not only was I actually seeing lovely evergreen trees, more green grass lawns but also, wood!!! I saw wood banisters, wooden doors, wood door and window trim. Even wood signage. I'd not realized how very much I'd been missing the presence of wood in the Mexico cities we'd been visiting. Look, right in the middle of the town square was a wooden gazebo!!! This "mountain girl" was feeling more at ease. The streets were wider with elevated, substantial rock walkways with a more flatten, fitted stone pattern ~ much easier to walk on. Just off the town square was a pedestrian walk walk, void of cars and sprinkled with bakeries, paper shops and several nurseries. We entered one, charmed by the spotlight of sun flooding the colorful potted flowers in it's enclosed patio. Up another path in that patio was another shop, fine art prints, books and paper goods. You know I was headed there! I purchased two handmade unusual books for Christmas gifts (next year in 2011) and relished seeing local fine artwork!!

Farther up the mountainside we discovered a local restaurant, also tucked in a sunlight patio hidden through an open-doored, long dark hallway. At the nearby bar, where I smiled at this "cowboy boot" planter, we watched them create our fresh "Limade" squeezing many fresh limes into a giant Martguerita-like glasses. Ahhhhh, how refreshing - - and our friendly server had lived in the United States and visited much of it. We limped along some conversation with all of our "minimal" language skills ~ plenty of laughter. Lunch was yummy and the young man's elder Uncle came out to help us with our Spanish. All in all a fun, relaxed day surrounded by wood.

Our drive home landed us back in the Lake Chapala area early evening. We'd noticed numerous new signs mentioning "Rosca del Reyes" and we stopped at one such sign, outside a bakery to ask. Roland came out with what we learned was a special cake, baked for this particular day. Epiphany, a day which celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to the manger, by drawing together families enjoying this fruited cake with a chocolate layer. The fun addition is that there, buried somewhere within the cake, is a Baby Jesus. And the person who gets that piece, is required to have a February 2nd party with tamales and hot chocolate.

You can guess ~ yes, I got the Baby!! Here he is peeking out of the cake upside down, and of course, I had to keep him in my journal. I admit I had to not only cut off the back of his head and sand off his "bottom" to get him to lay flat in my journal for gluing. But he seems pretty happy and comfy here in his new home. I just adore how his sweet presence now pops into my every journal page ~ clear to the end of my journal!

What a delightful, fun-filled day this final side trip furnished us . . . now the prospect of heading home will flood our time and energies.

Sheer Joy ... People, Teaching & Children ... in Mexico

2011-03-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

This full spread page is all about the people experience of being in Mexico. We just found not only the Mexican people, but the ex-pats too, were all of exceptional warmth and caring. These images just portray just a snippet of our experiences there!

While in Mexico, I wanted to find a way to teach and share my beloved watercolor journaling process. Early on I discovered the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) which is a hub of ex-patriot activity including classes, a library, a cafe, extensive garden and plenty of off campus activities too. Of course, I quickly joined the LCS ranks and planned an early January "Watercolor Journaling Class". Advertising at the LCS Center, online and at several local bulletin boards around Ajijic reached a few people.

When I arrived to set up my class there was a lovely young woman and her two beautiful boys playing on my assigned tables. She said they'd move on by the time my class arrived. But on that first day of class, the two women who'd talked of coming, had complications and didn't come. Then, out of the bushes, returns this lovely mom, asking if she could take the class if we could occupy the boys. "Of course!!" I rely. So we start working on drawing and ends up the two boys model for us and do a great job of it. They return for the second class, showing off all the journal work they'd enjoyed in between. Even the boys had gotten into it using paper punches, one of which was tiny little angel shapes! This second class we focused on color theory and the boys brought along their own paints with which to play. When the class comes to a close, they bring me an apple pie treat and bid g'byes because they were leaving town and wouldn't make the third class. I felt like I'd made friends with this wonderful family and adored the precious boys!!

Then, I was all set up for the last class, waiting for students, when, looking amongst the green grass, I spied a perfectly white lil' angel ... it was like my sweet family was there in spirit.

Earlier in the week, New Year's Eve to be exact, we'd been invited by artist friends (a couple I'd met at that Art Club meeting) over to their home for an early dinner or late lunch, depending upon how one viewed it. It was like a "treasure hunt" finding their spot but it was worth the hunt. The six homes arranged in graduated distances apart, three on each side of the central grassy path and turquoise blue pool, so that each had views out onto the lake. Cody was in heaven, since this was the first grass he was freely invited to roll, stretch and lounge upon. Us humans were equally happy, dining on fresh made bread, avocado soup (fresh from the nearby trees) and yummy shrimp salads!! Our friends chattered about their experience moving to Mexico (from Golden, Colorado, my ole' stomping grounds, of all places!!) and livin' in Ajijic. They were generous with their info and their sweet home, really making us feel at home. It was greatly appreciated during these holiday times being away from home.

Over and over again the hospitality and kindnesses paid to us were above generous and really touched our hearts. We found the world really is a small place if one opens ones heart :)

Journaling Mexico Christmas ... in March

2011-03-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Many of you know from my previous photo blog entries of our Christmas pleasures in Mexico.
Here, I've plucked my very favorites to illustrate.

A Mexican Christmas tradition is the neighborhood "Posadas". I'd even had my dear friend, Cheryl, require of us to "not miss the Posada Parades thru the neighborhoods. We'd noticed days before Christmas, children, musicians and adults leading, as they sang and processioned down each street. Each street around us did one and the huge honor was bestowed upon us, when we were invited to partake in the Posada of our street!! We were overjoyed to accept!

Roland and I were to be "Zacharia & Isabella" (I Americanized it to "Zac & Izzie") and we were welcoming Joseph & Mary at our entryway. The troupe of children singing intertwined with explanations read by the adults meandered past us and when done, we joined at the back of the group. My favorite "scene" on our street was the precious children kneeling as angels. Aren't they just divine? It was so special following the procession all the way to the church yard where they celebrated with their families.

The next day was Christmas and with the kind heart of our hostess, Connie, she included us in her "orphan" brunch. It included three other couples and a gentlemen, all Canadian, all whom have stayed at Connie's sweet casitas at some time. Our brunch took place at "Mannix", a popular Mexican family owned restaurant in downtown Ajijic. Roland and I'd visited there earlier in the week to double check that it would be appropriate for Cody (our sweet Golden Retriever) to dine with us - and yes, it was (the Mexican perspective is so much more realistic and down-to-earth regarding people and their pets). Cody nestled between Roland and my chairs and we all enjoyed savory eats. Conversation was around every one's experiences in Mexico and their homelands too. Very interesting and a wide, diverse spectrum of experiences and personalities. Here, I've captured several of us at the dessert table, trying to decide what to take and, oh heck, just getting them all! A great, family-felt gathering thanks to Connie!

My armadillo image is very special ... my Christmas gift from Roland. When we'd first arrived in Ajijic, I saw a street vendor with furniture and this character for sale on the main street. I mentioned how I loved the lil guy and Roland, with his usual memory for remembering things I love and secretly getting it for me, noted this! On Christmas Eve day, he and Cody walked all the way downtown to try and nab my favorite armadillo, but, alas, the vendor wasn't there. Then a couple day belated, Ro proudly marches into the RV, requesting I close my eyes and he hands me, you guessed it, my armadillo. I was charmed ... he now greets everyone who enters our Oregon home. We've searched for a name for him, thinking "rascal" is appropriate as he has this very mischievous smile. But have had difficulty getting the accurate word in Spanish. So anyone with suggestions, please send them my way.

It's nice to remember Christmas, even in March ... counting our blessings is never out of date!

From Guadalajara Art Store ... to an Orphanage

2011-03-14T20:01:00.001-07:00

These pages cover a wide range of experiences in the Lake Chapala area. All the way from what we thought would be a fun trip to Guadalajara to check out art stores back down to nearby orphanages. Sit back and I'll give you guided tour.

I'd asked around local artists to check out available art supplies and was told the two best sources were two art stores in Guadalajara. Now we should have gotten a clue about how the search would go when we found neither of the stores had street addresses, only one street name. We'd also been given the "last resort" suggestion to get to the big city and hire a cab to take us to both stores. Ro had an address on the same street and attempted to follow the street around to the art store, but the street ended, abruptly. We tried running the shopping center location of one art store in the GPS "Points of Interest" and - WHELLAH - it took us there!!! This store, of the two suggested, was said to have everything. So, I was jazzed, hoping to find quality watercolor materials . . . but, nope. Still only student grade Winsor-Newton pigments, a WC paper of "acid-free" quality (those of us who have experienced "100% rag" can never go back), and brushes that don't even come to a point (and that was the very best brush they had). By the time we'd found the store, gotten something to eat and had a toasty warm coffee, we surely had no time nor energy to look for the second store. As quickly as possible we exited the big city . . . and beat feet quick, back to Ajijic!

As Christmas day approached, Roland and I were percolating into what or to whom we would dedicate our "annual holiday gifting" this year. Usually we invest in an animal or group of animals from Heifer International. And if you aren't familiar with this fantastic group, I strongly suggest you check it out: http://www.heifer.org/

But this year we wanted our gift to go somewhere in Mexico, local, here. We'd talked about selecting one of the native peoples who consistently ask for donations in the streets or the neighboring people on our street. But I wondered how we could explain to them what/why we were doing what we wanted to do. These are a very proud people and I surely didn't want to offend anyone!

I had noticed an ad in the local English-speaking monthly magazine that requested that the five orphanages not be forgotten in everyone's holiday giving. I offered up the page for Ro to examine, and we narrowed it down to the closest facility, and one we could easily find to visit in person. The "Centro Amor En Accion" won out!! We used our trusty GPS with the address, and yes, that got us to the street. We stopped the car where the street number should have been. But, as we've learned . . . street numbers do not go in sequence here in Mexico. Oh my.

Well, once again we are blessed with the kindness of the Mexican people. This lovely woman walking home detects were are looking for something we're not finding and looks at our magazine page for the address. She points us down the street "by that blue car there" and there we found the orphanage. We were greeted at the gate by a gentleman who got in touch with the director. This bi-lingual lady chattered with us as we asked about her children, how many, how long may they live here (up to when they are children and even some may stay past when they are out in the working world). There were beautifully kept grounds, numerous buildings and smiling children sprinkled around.

I yearned to take photos, but wanted to honor the dignity of these special children, so didn't. The smiling faces I've used in my journal are from the magazine page ad . . . and it well represents those precious young spirits. We left there smiling too ~ knowing how blessed we really are.

The Start of a New Journal Book . . . at Ajijic Art Club

2011-03-09T11:08:00.000-08:00

Some of us are frightened with the start of a fresh, new, virgin journal ... oh GRIEF ... it has to be a dynamic start for this first page to the entire journal or I might as well not even begin!!! Right?!? My advice is ... just to start. One of my favorite artists, Judy Morris, begins her travel journals with great research. She'll do a small map of the area, with delicious illustrations around the map of her favorite places. Oh, and did I mention, she'll also select specialized text using a font that is theme specific (Mexican style for a trip to Mazatlan, Southwest for Arizona, etc.)? Goodness, I would LOVE to do that. But, honestly, I just am not that organized, pre-planned or extensive. Now, I don't expect everyone to know this ... this insight has just come over time with my continued journaling. If I want to continue consistently with my journal work ... I need to be realistic with what I will keep up with. And, beginning a new journal has become easier ... I just treat it as another page entry. And so this start to 2011 begins ...

One of the most exciting discoveries while in Ajijic, Mexico was their outrageously active "Ajijic Society for the Arts" group. I became aware of them in the first couple of weeks we were there and dedicated my first Friday's of December and January to attending their 10am meetings. Not only was I impressed with their numerous activities (hey, a bus ride into Guadalajara and having the Mayor of Tonola tour them thru the ceramic artisans was one) but their enthusiasm and inclusion of all media too, was titillating. Every meeting carried the gift of a talk, presentation and/or demo by an artist. HOW delicious ... my lil' creative juices were just oozing!!!

But blessed with my "wandering eye" - not on the opposite sex - but on the wonder of visuals, I couldn't help but be excited by the view across the room. The early morn clear lighting flooded at a slant across the glowing colors in the interior of the room. Dappled patterns danced where the outside leaves created shadows. When I decided to enter this image in my journal, I pondered whether or not to go dark blue with the surrounding room value and color. And I'm still toying with "blue-ing" it - it would possibly be stronger with the compliments butting up against one another, but I like the warmth this color creates in the room. I don't know . . . anyone have an opinion?

At the second ASA meeting, the professional presentation was by a gentleman artist, Frank - - -, (anyone pleeeeeeeeeeaaasssee help with Frank's last name). He's been doing high fire beautiful work all his life and was at ease, even humorous during his demo. I enjoyed the sequence of how the lump of clay, touched by Frank's expertise, was coaxed into a graceful balanced vessel. Of course, I had to remember it in a sketch!

After I'd finished the sketches and text on this journal page . . . I wanted something on that big blank adjacent page and realized a third poinsettia, placed just like it was in the next window sill would be a colorful introduction to the page . . . and into the fresh year "2011". I'm pleased with how it all came together.

More of San Miguel, then Ratindra Das Watercolor Workshop

2011-03-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

These final pages in this particular journal book travel thru our final day in San Miguel de Allende and then into the learning experience with Ratindra Das' Watercolor Workshop in Ajijic, Mexico.

The time spent in San Miguel was even more rich amplified by fascinating new acquaintances and beautiful architecture. The charming La Maison del Bosque, our place of lodging, offered both breakfast and dinners served right there in a cozy dining room. When we took advantage of the evening meal, we savored not only the food but the pleasure of mixing with diverse guests also staying there. One couple in particular enriched my experience there ... their business cards reside in the top left corner of my page. A delightful couple that lead an annual retreat here in San Miguel (and have for 15 years) working around spirit expansion and awakening the individual. I wanted to take their retreat!! But on to our day around and about San Miguel. Numerous are the churches here, but one I found most beautiful was the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri Church out of the main square but, glorious in it's glowing coral and yellow hues for this artist! But this city offers a plethora of picturesque structures ~ I just couldn't paint nor photo fast enough.

My opposite journal page is in honor of a wonderful gentle man and refreshing artist, Ratindra Das (www.RatindraDas.net). I knew I was at home in his workshop when he opens saying he doesn't want us to take everything he says as an absolute ... that it is what works for him and to just try what he suggests and keep it if it works for you! His soft sense of humor complimented his passion for mixing pure pigments right out of the tube ~ and the brilliance that came from that made us aim to replicate. But few of us in the workshop mimicked accurately. He was a master and he showed us his entire process, from sketchbooks, to transfer to completion of painting. Here, I've caught him in his beginning stages of painting, still looking back at his sketchbook in his left hand. I love that I've captured him visually, sort of in this dance with the women in one of Efren Gonzales' large oil paintings. I have to admit that I've simplified Efren's image some to keep the focus and interest mainly on Ratindra. I saved the class notes and materials list in an envelope here to the right. But it all brings back many fond memories of the two days spent in the Efren Gonzales Art Center under the tutelage of Ratindra.

Stay tuned for more from my Mexico journal pages ...

From Ajijic Art Show to San Miguel de Allende . . .

2011-02-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

These journal pages cover some mileage . . . we visually trek from the lakeside Mexico town of Ajijic, over a six hour drive to the mountain city of San Miguel de Allende. So, come along . . .

I'd seen great advertising for this show from nearly the time we arrived in the Lake Chapala, Mexico area. There were magazine ads, street banners and then, mention at that local artist's club meeting too ~ for the "Art + Ajijic" Show. So when the dates finally arrived, I was anxious. Now I knew it was at the soccer field and everyone kept directing us just to this particular street crossing, but darned if we could find it. We were on foot and it was getting a tad frustrating, until I saw a flow of people and some vendors set up outside. The tented area was huge, probably 100 feet square, with 10 x 10 foot spaces for the artists running both directions and a food/drink hub in the center (yes, a vodka sampling booth!) Entry required $50 pecos, giving me entrance, a drawing for a piece of art (by the participating artists, this was a required donation, I later learned) and a quality color program. It listed the artist, their bio and a sample of their work. As I traveled thru the maze of creativity, I picked up several business cards from my favorite artists. Displaying all these cards so I can turn some of them over, yet keep them all together was perplexing . . . the solution came as I noticed the dangling blue thread (from the previous page where I tied the receipt into the page). How about I just knot them together and let them add some motion to this page? Tah-Dah!! I was most impressed with the polished presentation here under this giant tent, calculating how I could be a part of this in the future. But, having access to the artist's viewpoint when I next visited the art club, I heard the fellow who organized the entire show, was showing scoundrel characteristics . . . like not paying the artists. Hummmm . . . more to consider.

For quite awhile, we'd planned to travel to San Miguel. Our reservations were all in order and we had only to sludge thru southern Guadalajara and swing east and then up into the higher mountains. Our lodging for the two night stay was Ruth Hyba's "La Mansion del Bosque" just down Calle Aldama, walking distance from the main square. The charming stacked adobe like cluster of rooms offered many intriguing little shelves. This was my very favorite nook, a narrow shelf featuring an earthenware kneeling woman diligently working of some chore. I loved how the light bounced off her bottom and onto the wall ~ delicious colors! The next day we poked around the mosaic of rolling streets and I finally settled on this scene in the main plaza to sit and sketch. This was the only plein air sketch I was able to complete during our trip. But I'm happy with the richness of color glow. The final illustration from San Miguel is from one of the streets we usually took to reach our lodging. But on one of the final late afternoons we were there, our pathway caught the late sun setting off to the west (the right in the image) which set the opposite side of this street on fire with sunlight, just setting aglow this opposite side of the street and it's buildings.

For a more detailed photo tour of San Miguel please check out my previous entry: http://elainefrenett.blogspot.com/2010/12/our-san-miguel-de-allende-adventure.html

Journal Memories ~ Tlaquapaque and Getting Well

2011-02-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

These journal entries of reminiscent of two, well, nearly opposite happenings while we were in Mexico. The first what the wonderful trip up to Tlaquepaque (http://elainefrenett.blogspot.com/2010/12/tlaquepaque-lunch-explosive-taste.html and http://elainefrenett.blogspot.com/2010/12/sumptous-feast-for-eyes-in-tlaquepaque.html mptous-feast-for-eyes-in-tlaquepaque.html), then, the other, what it's like being sick in Mexico.

The tall, graceful ceramic piece is from one of Tlaquepaque's best galleries, The Bustamante Gallery. This incredible artist does ceramics, metal and jewelry. I was most impressed with him and his talents. Later that afternoon after all the galleries, we stopped for the most sumptuous lunch Roland had the entire trip. In fact, he continued attempting to replicate the rest of our time in Mexico, but never did. It was his "Chile En Nogada" which I tried to capture here.

The final sketch on the opposite page recalls my experience with a sinus infection and it's treatment. First, of course, I sought out traditional medicine at the local clinic in Ajijic. This lil' stool was representative of the l-l-l-l-l-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-n-g wait I had at the clinic, and I've tied the receipt for the two different antibiotics I was prescribed. After thirteen days on the antibiotics, my sinuses were surging back with a vengeance and rather than return to the clinic, a friend recommended a homeopathic doctor in the area. I went ~ and in one day I was much better, day two, I felt wonderful. You know where I'll go next time - - the first time! The business cards are to remind me of where to go to avoid the pharmaceuticals I'd prefer to stay away from in the future.

Approaching Thanksgiving & Beyond . . . via Journal Pages

2011-02-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

These days illustrate a sort of "becoming acquainted and comfortable" in our new Mexico area. One must, of course, take trips and tours and wanderings thru many and various neighborhoods. Early on we toured the city of Lake Chapala. To me this felt much bigger, more "citified" than most of the village-like towns we'd seen before. The main street, wide with giant trees lining the median and all the government buildings standing tall, firm up next to the substantial church in the square was impressive. After our walk along the concrete walkway bordering the lake we passed by the church where a wedding was finalizing and I caught this sweet girl playing amongst the pigeons. But I also noticed the strong familial trio standing prideful and protective very nearby.

Another town we visited more frequently (and personally more to my tastes) was Ajijic. It was a long but do-able walk along the Boulevard (called the "Caraterra") but usually we chose to drive. We'd heard most expats closed up their doors and stayed home night but, we didn't pick up anything to feel fearful of. So we'd walk Cody most nights right along the arterial road heading to downtown Ajijic and one brave night, we heard the patron saint of Ajijic was being celebrated. And we braved the darkness of night to discover a lovely atmosphere there. Wandering to the square, where the streets were blocked off to set up the children's carnival rides and street vendors for the adults, the wall murals and magically lite streets were compelling. We viewed the early preparations and then stopped at our favorite coffee shop, listening to mass being held just across the street. We learned the Ajijic streets were fascinating, safe (well, save for one wacky cowboy on horseback) and alluring ~ no more stayin' in once evening approached!

The adjacent image comes from our Thanksgiving celebration. When we'd discovered La Nueva Posada, an old historic hotel/restaurant for a previous lunch, we saw advertised their traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. We had no particular plans, so got reservations. The lovely part of Mexico is that they allow dogs to accompany you dining, usually out on the patio. Well, look at the divine patio area ~ lounging under a huge rubber tree with a view of the lake before us. And we have to add ~ that the turkey was THE very best we've ever had from a restaurant!!

We took walks before our Thanksgiving dinner and again after (of necessity!) and eventually settled back home at the RV. We'd both written out "gratitude lists" to share with one another (that's whats in the envelope showing off the hand made table placard) and nestled in to read them aloud. Smiles and laughter came with some of the entries . . . but, the overview? How VERY much we have to be grateful for. Humbly we turn . . . to the next journal page . . .

Journaling, Yes, Journaling!!

2011-02-09T17:09:00.000-08:00

Yipppppppppppie . . . I've nearly caught up my journal from the Mexico trip. Sorry, but if you were following that trip with just my journal entries, I believe I left you up somewhere in the mountains above Guadalajara. Hope you've stayed warm all these winter nights, but now . . . I'll begin to bring you at least up to the present.

These pages are from November 17, 2010. The upper left image was a lovely memory of a day trip we took to the west end of Lake Chapala,

where a supposedly large RV campground named "Roca Azul" was located. We'd considered staying at this location when we were "interviewing" places in the area. But as we drove into the development - we were more and more grateful we landed where we landed. The property was a big development with a housing area first before you reached the RV area, which huddled up against the lake. Decent houses, but so many were run down and/or vacant that it just didn't make up for the nicely kept ones. Once we reached the RV grounds, we were impressed with the "potential" that was originally there, lovely community rooms, restaurants, volleyball courts, swimming pools and picturesque grounds. But with lack of occupancy left an eerie feeling to this attractive area. The sketch I chose here, was a charming walk way leading around the lake with cool turquoise wrought iron benches gazing at a concrete peer and it's lookout tower. We were entertained by grey herons and egrets aplenty. We left with almost a sadness that this place hadn't "taken off", it had such a marvelous location and grounds.

My next entry was one of total respect. These are replications of the Ajijic artist, Efren Gonzales, whom I stumbled upon early in our Lake Chapala stay. We parked in front of his Art Center and, of course, went in. Amiable, personable, warm and talented, we talked about art, his philosophies and he handed me this "business card" which he wrote out on a scrap of matte board. Later, my mind had an idea of getting Efren up to Oregon to instruct at the Ashland Art Center. So, that is in the works now. And, as I sketched these portions from his works, I just became more impressed with the underlying skill and development therein. Then, the more conversations I had with this gentleman, the more I admired him. Not only is his artwork captivating, but the way he leads his life is such that I want every artist, every person to hear it. He talks about following his talents and his inner direction despite outer influences. His soft confidence that what he needs will be provided fulfills spiritual teachings I yearn to emulate. The one quote from his mother which he lives by, that so touched me is scribbled down and stuck on my journal page, "Life should be indebted to me because of all I give"! How many of us are living with that thought? So here is my humble tribute to Efren Gonzales.

The final entry was from the lovely garden at the La Nueva Posada Hotel and Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of downtown Ajijic, this historic and charming hotel was the lunch meeting place. It was one of the serendipitous event on this trip . . . a dear friend who moved from the Bay Area of California about the same time I did, ended up traveling to Lake Chapala at the very same time Roland and I were going. So, naturally, we met for lunch. The patio of this hotel is fronted by the shimmering Lake Chapala and sprinkled with sculpture and gardens. For hours we sat and shared Mexico experiences and just caught up on life with this gracious statue peering over our table. Just another day in paradise . . .

Stay tuned for more of my journal entries . . .

The Nesting of a Heart . . .

2011-02-07T14:48:00.001-08:00

As you notice by the date, it's taken awhile for me to gather myself all back together and start participating in my juicy, enriching life here in Oregon. But, it has finally begun and I'm feeling grounded once more.

You know all the standard stuff, laundry, unpacking, going thru the mail and touching base with precious friends has made me feel so supported and loved. Aren't friends just the "best-est" thing on the planet?

I went back to my sweet studio space in the Ashland Art Center and wiggled back into my chair, beginning to paint and update my journal. It feels SO GOOD!!! Reconnecting with my artists peers and catching up on all the goings on at the Art Center (like the big fund raiser in March with demos and more and more!!!) The year of 2011 has been declared the "Year of Paper" at the Art Center and there was created a playful, fascinating hanging 'mobile' of sorts. It dangles on movable threads in the open space above the stairs - located just in my horizon when I look up from my desk. Love the patterns formed by the afternoon light on the paper objects!!! Also, I have new neighbors, whose names I'm still learning (blush) that I caught here, chatting to the public at our February "First Friday Artwalk". Now, upon request, I'm starting to plan a "Watercolor Basics for Journaling" class . . . hopefully starting in March. I love my Art Center home :)

And then there's my sweet "home, sweet home" too. As both Roland and I walked into our cozy, cheery abode, we looked at each other saying, "We love this lil home, tell me again why we want to move to Mexico?" Even without encouragement or tender care, our adorable teeny white Snowdrop blossoms have popped up all around our home and meekly peek out when we have a sunny afternoon. Inside, I'm surrounded by all the earthy, rich wood that I so much appreciate (having realized that, when we visited Mazamitla, remember?) and my treasured lil' green wood burning stove. Two of my favorite times of day are: 1) in the early morn, when Roland has just stoked the golden fire and we sit with our coffee mugs and read our daily selection from Buddhist or other spiritual encouragements, and then, 2) at night, when it's frosty cold out and the fire warms our spirits and 'cockles' after our nightly walk.

Roland is busy again. Currently, he's modernizing our second bedroom's closet door and has placed our 28 foot RV and the PT Cruiser (that we towed) up for sale. We've decided we'd probably not drive back down to Mexico in the RV again and selling the duo would make sense, since they are so nicely paired up with the custom hitch and braking system. And right now, he's mustering up a yummy pasta dinner (wanna drop by?).

Seems life is moving and changing . . . as always. Despite my attempt to freeze the "perfect" things in my life . . . I'm still learning that change IS the perfection. My ~ the lessons never do end, I guess, if you want to stay vibrantly alive, eh?

So, for now . . . my heart is all nested back into it's home . . . can you hear it purring?

Arriving HOME . . .

2011-01-25T15:21:00.001-08:00

We'd reached Redding, California and decided to stay, rather than push a day that was aggravated by strong headwinds and side gusts. We nested in a Starbucks parking lot after shopping at the nearby Trader Joes. And slept well.

You could feel it in the air when I woke up . . . we were goin' home today!!! I even skipped some of my exercises to get us on the road quickly. But the day emotionally spiked with an early, disarming sound. CRASH - SCREECH - CRUNCH - THUD ! ! ! I jumped up to throw open the curtain of the RV to see what was crashing thru things. Way on the other side of the parking lot, was a vehicle careening over, thru and across all the small concrete islands, then, down the landscaped hill to the street, slamming into the asphalt and continuing across the lanes, smashing into the front of an apartment building on the other side of the street. Oh MY WORD!!!! When I finished my yoga, I walked over to see how the clean up was going with all the police, ambulance and tow trucks. One lady, apparently the one who's apartment now had a giant hole in the wall was out front wrapped in her bed quilt. These situations always pop me back into gratitude. Thankful it wasn't me and prayerful for those involved to learn the highest lesson from their experience. Made me think even more, "get me home, get me home".

Leaving Redding in the pale mornin' fog soon warmed to hazy California sunshine. The classic cows dotting the green fields in front of the white ranch/farm houses made me smile. Farther and farther up Highway 5, the fields change from cows to olive trees and, then we start to see key hallmarks of our "home" getting closer. This was the first shot where I could clearly make out Mt. Shasta . . . see it w-a-a-a-a-y in the distance? Soon, we began climbing, passing Lake Shasta, who's water level was up from when we'd left in November.

We are seriously approaching the Oregon border when we get a close-up view of snow capped Mt. Shasta. I can feel excitement growing! Around another corner I see the Crag Rocks off to the left, poking into the sky surrounded by lush evergreens and cloud fluff. Once over the Siskiyou Pass, with it''s clear roads and blue sky, strewn with white clouds, I could just take "home". The pale, moist haze hung over the barns and wide spans of grazing meadows around Ashland.

At Exit 24, we pull off to unhitch the RV and the vehicle. I'll drive the car home and Roland can just back the RV safely into it's spot next to the house. I'm tailing the RV shooting photos and smilin' at the familiar. Those giant Golden Poppies int the South Stage Vineyards are the fine craftsmanship (or would that be craftwomanship?) of local Jacksonville Cheryl Garcia (http://greatmetalwork.com/). As we meander into the green corner of the Rogue Valley where Jacksonville is nestled, you can see the old Jacksonville red brick high school in the distance. Still trailing Roland in the RV, we breathe in our hometown . . . with all it's historic charm . . . and turn left up Third Street. At the first "Bump" sign we stop, I pause as Roland backs in, then, I pull in to his right. Engines off. We are HOME!!!

Following some basic unloading, the afternoon brings sunshine and I snap a shot of our precious abode. How can I thank you for following my travels and supporting this adventure from the comfortable chairs in your cozy homes? I had so many friends, new and, more 'seasoned', who have sent me love and trusted in our safe return. I thank you all, because your energy was absolutely with me. I'm humbled . . . and home. :)

A Palm Springs Sleep Leading to a Los Banos Reunion

2011-01-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

From Marana in Arizona, we have plans to stay in Palm Springs. We head out early across the l-o-o-o-o-n-n-n-g-g-g desert trek. This is the most agonizing drive just because of it's emptiness. I did try to appreciate the simple, subtle changes of mountain colors, the "Desert Fox" museum and the abstract pattern of these way past dead palm trees that had tried to make in the arid, brutal landscape, but failed. Leaving the desert we catch a view of the mountains above Palm Springs (burrr) and the GPS directs us to our RV "resort" (not quite certain what helped it qualify for "resort) in uneventful Palm Springs. If feels odd seeing this opulent, exaggerated lifestyle present in this area after the stark desert and the unencumbered culture in Mexico. I was uncomfortable . . .

In the crisp morn we pass the quiet, but majestic Wind Energy generating wind mills and several even "wave" greetings. The path thru the Los Angeles area is so very active, populated with people and stores and cars and a dull haze gazing down to the LA area. Up and up and up we grind heading over the "Grapevine". I'm pleased to head finally downhill but am astonished to see the haze down in the agricultural valley, darker than LA!! But as we moved onto the languid green valley, we could see it was fog and it burned off. Boy, was I relieved!

The gradual ebb and change of the California landscape is delicious. We moved from citrus to nuts to cherry trees and I love watching the variety. Our evening destination has "become" Los Banos. With the aid of the internet and Facebook, I've caught a note from a dear friend of ours who we've not seen in probably eight years or so. She offered up meeting somewhere as we traveled thru if it worked for us. Thank goodness she gave us her phone, because we were able to arrange the exact restaurant meeting spot in Los Banos. She was willing to drive the foggy and windy road up Pacheco Pass over Highway 152 to meet us! What a sweet reunion we had . . . dinner was invisible (sorry the practice of "being totally with the food you eat" went out the window) but conversation was lively and peppered with laughter!!

We waved g'bye to our friend and returned to our friendly Walmart lot for our last "sleep" before we arrive home to our own bed. G'nite all . . . zzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZ . . .

Crossing the Border . . . and on to Marana

2011-01-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

The dark night still swirls with the night fog when we get up to do morning stretches, breakfast and leave by 6am. Our hope it to get to the border crossing before mid-day heat and when our energy levels are ready for whatever the inspections require. Squeaking and bumping along (see that "tope" speed bump there?), we sneak out from our RV campsite and hit the road.

The only other large Mexico city we pass thru is Hermosillo, proceeded by a smaller "Navajo". I was still a bit confused at seeing this great example of Native Indian graphic when we were leaving Hermosillo rather than, "Navajo" (which is actually a city where the Navajo Indians had settled). Also, along this stretch of highway we saw more and more small shrines which became more and more elaborate. This sweet lil' one was probably one of the most complex we saw. The number of trucks seemed to increase too, just look at this "corral" of semi-trucks we found ourselves in, at a stop light in Hermosillo. It can be quite intimidating - at least for me - my testosterone levels aren't the highest!!

So, after miles of "topes" and watching out for wild dogs at each gas station . . . we finally approach the US Border crossing. It's near 1pm and there's a fair line at the crossing, trucks are direction-ed off to the far right. When we get to the guard, we present our passports, they ask if we have any plants, dirt, seeds, meat, or animals. We hand them the papers for Cody (he had to have a health exam by a Mexican Vet before we reach the crossing) and for some reason (who knows) they move us into a parking lot for further inspection. A gentle guard comes aboard, greets Cody and peeks into some of our drawers and closet. Finally, he gives us the "Ok" to proceed across into the US and off we go!! This was so much easier than I'd envisioned . . . I imagined them going thru all our belongings, asking to declare how much and what we'd purchased in Mexico. Nope . . . none of that.

We do stop in Nogales to pick up some groceries and then, back on Interstate 10 towards Tuscon. This is familiar territory from before and we know the Marana Walmart lot that will be our bedroom for the evening. We pull into the lot around 3pm, ready for a nice long walk. I'm in search of a Post Office, as several Coloradoians in the San Carlos RV Park had given me letters to post for them and I had a completed 5x7 inch entry for my "Traveling Conversations" artist comittment to mail too. Just less than a block to our right, we find the Post Office and send the envelopes off. For our internet connection we sit in front of the nearby Starbucks, sipping our favorite "Chai" teas and watching the pinkness of desert sunsets take over the sky.

After dinner our evening walk around the lot is playful and comfortable. Roland sites an interesting visual pun with the street lights as the near full moon positioned itself, just like a third light bulb on the pole. With a sigh of relief, we nest into our Arizona bed . . . already feeling closer to the reality of being home in our Oregon nest.

Leaving Los Mochias and Clumsily into San Carlos

2011-01-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

I won't share with you any lovely visuals of our drive to, arrival nor the stay in the Los Mochias Sam's/Walmart parking lot. I did experience a slight level of discomfort as we'd as the security guards about the appropriateness of staying over night in their lot . . . them with no English and us with . . . well, less that proficient Spanish.

Then, added to that, Roland was out side the RV and a fellow walks up. Now Roland is amiable as the fellow inquires about polishing up the front RV light plexiglass covers (part of our problem with the dim driving lights, remember?). With some bargaining, Ro get him down to a reasonable price and in conversation, finds out he was exported from the US because the attempted killing someone. Swell, the fellow even knows the death row inmate who'd moved into Buddhist beliefs and whose book we'd been reading ("Finding Freedom", by Jarvis Mathews). I'm not excited about attracting ex-prison friends . . . but "we're all the same inside", right, I'm thinking. Anyway, we make it thru the night and are up early to head out. But, in the inner valleys, the winter mornings offer fog to feel your way thru.

Once the fog lifts, the burst thru sunny and clear. The countyside, as I've mentioned, now that we are in the State of Sonora, has little agriculture and we begin seeing more and more cattle. Some who are herded right along the highway . . . hopefully with well behaved and obedient animals. We wind thru some mountains and veer back over towards the coast for our next evenings lodging.

We have had good recommendations and yearnings too, to try out staying at Guaymas, just a little down from San Carlos, where we'd stayed on the Sea of Cortez on our way down. One of our friends had suggested this great old hotel on the beach, quiet and romantic she'd said. That was our aim . . . but unfortunately, our internet connection for specific directions hadn't gotten to her in time so, we were sort of aimlessly wandering past the sparkling juts of land on the coast. But we got to the city of Guaymas, finding it much larger and more sophisticated (lots of references with Native motifs) than we'd expected.

Since, once again, we are now 45 feet long and don't want to chance getting stuck in small beach navigation, we opt to continue driving up the coast and return to San Carlos. We weren't disappointed, sliding into the RV space we knew we could just quietly slither out at early hours without disturbing all the others still sleeping. I was dedicated to getting a blog post up and cleaning the RV some (between the Cody fir, the road dust and the sand now added - I just had to vaccuum and sweep - and most of you know how much I love cleaning!!). So that's what I did while Ro and Cody went for a dip.

Following dinner, we all took a relaxing walk way down into town where we'd not ventured before. We noticed the early fog, turning pink and sneaking in along the peninsula and savored a pair of pelicans taking turns diving for dinner. Loud "Creedence Clearwater Revival" music was blaring out of the local bar/eatery, "Froggy's" and we walked in pace to the beat. Very nice homes/condos lined the arterial road we followed, again, many for sale or rent. Once we'd turned around and headed back to the RV campsites, we were reminded of the beautiful, glowing full moon watching our moves.

I'm resistant to head in to go to bed for our early rising . . . it's so warm and lovely out. But soon, logic swallows up my romancing and we all nest in for the night. Early travel is more palatable with the alluring motivation that - - tomorrow we will cross over the Border, finally back in the US!!!

A Beach Day at the Isla de la Piedra, before Departure

2011-01-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness, Roland has many skills. Beyond being a retired, skilled electrical contractor, he's incredibly handy with fixing . . . well, just about anything. So he took to solving the PT Cruiser's towing challenge (remember, the brake line had pulled thru the front bumper?) actually, lying in bed the night we arrived! And by Sunday morn, he was going to fix it by borrowing some materials, buying some from neighboring RVers and - POOF - by noon, he'd repaired it himself and called off the next day's mechanic visit!

While he's been working vigilantly, I've been inside the RV working in my journal. But out the front windows I've watching this lil' RV park function and the actual little functioning village it is here within itself. I watched the "water" delivery man come thru, then the fellow selling various plants and finally, the truck with all the fresh veggies and fruits you could possibly want for the day. It all made me smile.

So we had the rest of the day to recuperate on the beach. Down the beach we strolled, catching the locals at their usual activities. Some rent horses on the beach, others offer boat rides in the bay and restaurants readying for lunch and evening meals. When we walked to the end of the bay we went over the road leading farther out the landing, only to see a water taxi across the water way to the bigger part of Mazatlan. We decided to have an early dinner on the beach and during the time waiting for our final check, we were, of course, visited by many beach vendors. Well, there was one lovely Mexican woman offering up hand embroidered works and we fell in love with one blouse. But finding we didn't bring enough denaro to pay what she wanted (we did bargain with her!) we hurriedly walked back to the RV to get her remaining balance. And, soft hearted Roland . . . even gave her more for walking all that way down the beach with us!! We'd heard there was an entire village, Isla de la Piedra, and took the car for a spin into that village, finding very confusing street layout in which we proceeded to get lost but, DID see some charming parts too!

We're nestled in our cozy RV early, ready to get a "reasonably" good nights sleep and be off early in the morn. I'm up before the sun and we pull out just as the sun is coming up. To save the wear on the hitch, I'm driving the PT Cruiser, Ro the RV. I'm lovin' the images as the sun streams thru the fog. This gentleman on his bicycle heading into town was "classic" and g'thing I was driving slow . . . I snapped the photo! After we arrived back on asphalt, Roland hooks up the PT Crusier behind our RV and you can see how filthy it's gotten just with the drive out those bumpy 8.5 miles. But finally, we are on our happy way . . . destined for Los Mochias and their Walmart parking lot.

Adios . . . til the next internet connection . . .

Leaving Ajijic, Heading Homeward

2011-01-15T18:56:00.001-08:00

It is a bitter sweet time . . . time for us to depart Ajijic, Mexico and head back to our Oregon home. The two months we'd planned have lapsed and although Roland is ready to stay, I have some wonderful commitments to return and continue. So we've spent the last few days, re-organizing the cupboards (padding glass and then, placing dividers or in boxes other loose items) and taking down the patio canopy. And finally all our connecting lines, electric, water and waste.

We took our last evening walk along the long, tree-lined Careterra with the quiet arterial of nice homes. Some we'd watched progress of remodels or made friends of different small businesses along the route. One of our favorite is a little cafe with yummy "coffee ice cream" for Roland and they've even personalized my double "Chai tea" drink with cinammon-y foam.

Roland has especially become attached to our horses, the mom and baby, we early on befriended. Each night he'd bring them carrots and tonight as a special g'bye, he brought their favorite, an apple. When I caught up to him, the horse had already eaten the apple and Roland had tears rolling down his cheek. He told me how he'd told her it was their "last treat, that we were leaving" and after the apple, she'd given his nose a g'bye nuzzle, turned, and walk away. I love his gentle "animal heart"!

Early the next mornin' we are up and breakfasted. In order to drive out of our snug lil' RV pad, we have had to request neighbors in the street don't park adjacent to the gate and have our two casita friends to move their cars out at 6:45am. Our dear neighbor, Michael, followed us up to the place where we were to hitch the RV to the car and got this fun shot before we pulled out.

We were told about this short cut up an newly developed by-pass that would avoid the city of Jocotepec. It takes you up above the road leading around Lake Chapala and offered us this lovely view of the sunrise coming up over the water! We'd driven this route before . . . only to find the road is complete, until you get to the bridge where you'd drive over and then merge onto the highway below. The road just stops, bluntly, just where a bridge would start ~ no signs! Roland checked out the construction road off to the right, steep, rocky and bumpy ~ and thinks the RV will travel down it fine. Me? I'm walkin'!!! Cody and I waited at the bottom of the vertical incline. Watching was not as bad as the ride I'm sure . . . but he did make it!

Once on Mexico's Highway 15D (love "D", it's the toll road, but beautifully maintained for the most part and safe) the trip's a breeze. We meander back up thru Guadalajara (but the west end, less pollution and traffic) and over the big mountains north. I'd forgotten how lovely the checker board agriculture fields just outside of Tepic were, one field sugar cane, the other another different green. Then the fields start alternating with corn as we near Mazatlan, and we begin looking out for our evening's planned lodging.

After having such a harrowing experience in Mazatlan coming down, we'd wanted to have our "ducks more in a row" if that is possible in Mexico travel. So we'd emailed and gotten both a confirmation and a map from an RV park, "Tres Amigos", just south of the city of Mazatlan on the beach. We took the turn off just after Villa Union, heading toward the airport. After a couple other turns noted on the map, we make our last turn onto an eight and a half mile stretch (not noted on the map was the fact that it was . . . ) of wash-board dirt and rock road. It was a miserable road, but we stiffed it out gritting our teeth for 45 minutes. When we finally reach "Tres Amigos" someone stops us quick, telling us the car we are towing's front wheels aren't turning in the deep sand!! So we have to disconnect the car which gives Roland a chance to see that the special brake system on the towed vehicle has pulled thru the front bumper and our license plate. So now, when we find a mechanic to fix that, he can't arrive til Monday. Ok, at least we may stop vibrating from the road by that time!

We get hooked up, change to beach clothes and head to the salt water to rejuvenate! We locate a local eatery on the beach and settle in for a light meal. Calmed from the "thrill" of the drive, we saunter back from dinner and had timed it just right to catch is beautiful sunset.

We nest in to read for awhile before bed, pleased at the quiet and distant breaking of the waves. Suddenly, we hear "uno, dos, tres" over a loud sound system. The new flash is - - that there's a dancing/live music facility just 50 yards down from us - - and it is Saturday night! Oh well, we've mastered going to sleep with roosters, firecrackers and Om-pah bands nearby . . . what's a little dance music?

G'nite for now . . . our travels continue . . .

"Dia del los Reyes"

2011-01-11T12:06:00.001-08:00

As we were returning to Ajijic from our trip to Mazamitla, we'd seen these signs at bakeries "Rosca de Reyes". Out of curiosity, we stopped to inquire and Roland came back to the car with this colorful wreath of bread! Now you know, we'd had an early dinner already, so dessert was still a possibility. When we arrived back to the RV with our "Rosca de Reyes" in hand we had to Google the occasion to find it's true meaning!

Apparently the Spaniards brought with them the "Epiphany" celebration, or Three Kings Day. It commemorates January 6th as the day the three wise men or kings made it to bring the baby Jesus his gifts.

This Epiphany rings a bell for me (and possibly to several other precious friends) because many years ago the seven or eight of us would do our regular Christmas with others. But save this special date on our calendars for us to gather and exchange time, gifts, possibly a hike and inevitably, a meal. So I could see the bread relevance here right away :)

So, back to the Mexican tradition . . . this beautifully decorated wreath is not only delicious, but it holds a hidden treasure. Somewhere in the bread is a lil' baby Jesus, symbolizing "a safe place where Jesus could be born") and the knife which cuts the bread shows the extreme danger that was involved with keeping Jesus hidden from King Herad.

We of course, launch into the eating part of the celebration and Roland convinces me to fourths, giving big portions away to our hostess, our two casita friends and the crazy but sweet gentleman who lives across the street from us (remember the mild mannered fellow who had the campfire out front his house on Christmas Eve?). This leaves us dessert now and a bit saved for future.

The other part of the tradition that goes along with this is, that the person who ends up with the baby Jesus in their serving, must host a party on February 2nd, with all current attendees as guests, to tie up the final celebration of Christmas with tamales and hot chocolate.

We wrap up the gift portions in clear wrap and launch into our slices, served with yummy vanilla soy milk. I'm munching away, taking conscious bits with my fork, so as not to chomp down on Jesus, should he be in my slice. "SSSSSSSssscrunch", I hear a strange sound with the penetration of my next fork . . . and - tah dah - yep, there he is, "lil' plastic Jesus".

He held still, even upside down, while I took photos for you guys to see. And now, I'm eyeing how to put him in my journal . . . he is kinda thick headed tho. And it will probably have to wait til we are safely home in Oregon anyway (since we leave here this Saturday, early) . . . but, now I need to have a tamale/hot chocolate party on February 2nd.

Anyone want to come?

Our Trip to Manzamitla

2011-01-08T16:09:00.002-08:00

This delightful side trip, probably the last of our "discovery" visits before we head homeward, turned out to be one of our very best . . . Mazamitla!!! This settling up in the higher mountains south of Lake Chapala, has a strong German influence and nests among conifers and evergreens. I was having visions of my Colorado forests and feeling very excited.

The 2 hour drive took us first thru Jocotepec at the west end of the lake then, east past a speckling of small towns and finally south up into the hills. Most of the undulating terrain is dried foliage and dusty . . . but we began climbing futher and further . . . and I began seeing green. First a sprinkling of evergreens and then rolling hillside of green grass. Quite lovely since we are in the winter dry season down at lake altitude. And wood, I repeat w-o-o-d, that grainy, earthy stuff trees are made of, I began to see wood. I didn't realize how I'd missed seeing, feeling it.

We parked in the wide, rock lined streets and began sampling this tourist oriented village. The town square with it's white facaded church and wooden gazebo was charming, clean. The two story store fronts bordering the square had wood rails and wooden doors. One of the adjacent blocks was a pedestrian walkway and offered nurseries or potted flowering plants.

Shortly, we decided to have a late lunch and skip dinner (who knew when we'd get home) and poked our head into a short corridor of a restaurant. It opened into a sunlit patio, with tables and a bar (don't you love the actual cowboy boots as a planter on the bar?), then adjacent rooms with more seating and the kitchen. A young man came to take our order and made the best "limenade" to quench our thirst. Look at the size of the glasses! Another treat we keep running into is the size of the poinsettias here in Mexico. I'm used to the tiny ones that you can "perhaps" get to blossoms next Christmas if you're lucky. But here, look at the size of the bush behind our table here. Yes, it's a poinsettia!! Lunch was interesting, I'll say, my favorite part was the "limenade". But our server had lived in Michigan for several months and we all tried one another's language, with spurts of laughter inbetween.

The remainder of the afternoon, we wandered the opposite side of town, more westerly. They are doing major improvement in the street and plumbing of the city so many streets were in chaos. But we poked into the sides and interior of the large church and noticed the remaining Christmas decorations still up in streets and in buildings. It was interesting that rather than the traditional red and green holiday colors, in Mazamitla, their colors were pale blue and pink. And just before we board for our drive home we partake in a rich cup of coffee in the cozy, wood-lined cafe that gave us a view of the square and the distant church facade. As we are leaving town, again we get a shot of the strong German influence here in this quaint mountain community.

Winding back down the highway towards Lake Chapala, we get a clear view of the wide, narrow water. As we turn west, along the perimeter of the lake to travel thru the small villages there, we hit a detour. Now we never really did find out what the detour was for, but it took us off the main road down the streets of San Luis Souyatlan, past their town square and domed church. Again, we turned along the lake, traveling along the town park and locals fishing. Truly, the flavor of life along more removed villages along the lake.

It had been a full, luscious day ~ we talked of taking an extended stay over in the differing flavor of Mazamitla next time we are here.

But the day is still young and, after all, it IS "Dia del Reyes". Stay tuned for the experience of another of Mexico's fascinating traditions.

Our Cracker Box Home, Learning to Live Small

2011-01-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

This post occured to me when I was observing how Roland and I've developed lil' systems that seem to have evoloved, out of necessity, for us to operate in this succinct space. We are exactly 8 feet by 28 feet and we need an artist's studio, a guy's "cave", a puppy's sanctuary, a kitchen with healthy food and room to store all the stuff that goes into those compartments.

I watched how my small, but personal art studio was established. With on the dining room table as an operations for food consumption, computer/Skype operations, and business/travel organization, I noticed early on, that my attempt to have my permanent studio set up there was a problem. I'd just get set up, start painting and - poof - I'd have to move it for dinner prep, or banking entrees. When we were driving down here, since I was usually the passenger, I'd set up an arrangement where I could at least write in my journal while Roland drove. And this became my permanent studio.

It was kind of a process. Roland dug in the garbage when we were having a new battery installed in Palm Springs, confiscating the perfect 6 x 10 x 11 inch sized cardboard box. It works as an ottoman sitting under my feet (see my bare feet under the plexi, top, left corner?) making the perfectly slanted "table" out of the 17.5 x 22.5 inch piece of plexiglass which I'd brought along. The remainder of my studio makings are a part of my "journal kit" (which I carry with me all the time in my backpack): the metal palette, brushes, pencils/sharpies/micron pens and my trusty kneaded eraser. The newest addition you can see here are the "jello&peach fruit cups" Roland brought along with us, originally filled with Jell-o tho. Up on the ample dashboard, I divided the stack of books we have into two, just the width where, inbetween, I could sit art supplies and where I could move the plexi from my lap and sit it like a shelf, level on the two stacks of books. There was a "drink holder" on the door to my right and that's now where my pens/pencils/erasure/mist-er now reside. I'd also brought along my favorite and best full spectrum light, which we've bungie-corded between a cupboard handle and another wooden cabinet (to bear the brunt of the weight). All in all, making a dandy studio ~ and no one makes me move my stuff :) !

Then, there's the need for the "man cave". Roland has always liked an escape into the great outdoors, at home in Oregon, it's the garage and work bench. Here, it's become the patio formed by our RV canopy and the two chairs and table we brought along. He's added decorator touches like a small basil plant we needed for the gourment kitchen (we got the plant at the Organic Farmers Market - on Wednesdays, incase you want to come). The bigness of his heart was evident when he rescued an aloe and jade plant a neighborhood resident had tossed in the street for garbage, and stuck it in a plastic bottle with water for the "table center piece". His tools are all stored in the under belly of the RV so he can access them easily when needed - or - if he wants to play. Often when I'm in at the studio, his "cave" is his resort where he has his afternoon beer or margarita.

Cody, here, has claimed the couch as his "penthouse". It gives him a view of all outside activity (here he is fixated at his first sighting of the rooster from next door - and - notice the fun armadillo we've added to the family!) and a great place to snooze with a cool breeze coming across his back. Also, he can leap to grab any food should we drop it. All his bases are covered from this spot.

Storage ... well, it happens in the strangest places!! Roland and I are pretty organized, thank goodness, but we found we were without a place to shore big, bulky food things. Scouring the entire kitchen area (I mean, we already put anything flat and long in the oven) and realized ~ tah-dah ~ the microwave was still empty! Not any more. Also, we've found a new use for the shower. At first, Roland was so pleased to have a shower. But since we are blessed to have our very own bathroom here where we are staying, the shower has become our second hanging closet and (in the floor of the shower - I'll skip photos of this) is our dirty clothes. Hey, it's efficiency not decor, right?

I wanted to share some of the blessings and curses of Mexican fresh food. We are adoring the ongoing availability of fresh berries here. Our favorite is the big juicy black berries (divine in protein drinks or on cereal), but there's raspberries and strawberries everywhere too. Often at the farmer's market we pick up organic kale and mustard greens (one of our favorites, sauteed with garlic and beans!!), green beans and beautiful tomatoes. You DO need to was them in a disinfectant wash before eating . . . but we've gotten used to that. It's 5 drops to a quart of water and then, spin dry in our "lettuce spinner" and it's ready to cook whenever you want!

So, we've remained "friends" and "happily married" in this lil' box. It's helped that we both are working on total acceptance of our partner (reading some inspiring Buddhist books and Thich Nhat Hanh's audiobooks). But it's shown me how frugally I can live and still feel comfortable. It's revealed how most of society focuses on collecting more and more and find less and less joy in just the moment. This adventure to Mexico had proved to also be a voyage into looking more deeply into my values and accessing how closely I live by them.

Who knew that a physical trip would transform into a spiritual one? . . . and you thought this blog post was about Mexico's veggies? :)

Getting Sick In Mexico . . .

2011-01-02T13:36:00.001-08:00

All our Mexico adventures have not been fun ones. So I thought I'd toss in a reality entry to balance out the picture.

About three weeks into arriving here in the Lake Chapala area, both of us started showing signs of illness. Roland's usual was a broncial cough/cold, and mine (which I'd not had in years) likes to manifest as a sinus infection. For days I doubled my netti pot treatment up and gargled with saltwater too. When, on the third day I started seeing signs of what I recognized as a urinary tract infection, I followed Roland's visit to the lil' blue "Hospital Clinic Ajijic". Dr. Rodriguez (spelling?) was a gentle, soft-spoken man who interviewed me, jotted down my symptoms, gathered a specimen for lab testing and wrote me a prescription for antibiotics. I wasn't pleased with antibiotics but, thought it might be what would serve me best. Each visit was $200 pecos (under $17US dollars) and when I came back for the lab results, another $60 pecos and $200 pecos for the second visit. I was given a second prescription for additional anitbiotics (now I'd be on them for 30 days). The prices on the antibiotics, too, are in pecos (just for your information).

We learned this facility was built by the doctor who runs and works full time there. During the week he has specialists in eye, heart etc. visit and speciality patients can make appointments with them. Nice 2 story, clean building and open 24/7!!

So for about thirteen days I continued on my medication. The tract infection symptoms went away within days and slowly, the sinus symptoms diminished. Then, BOOM!!! - the sinus pain came back with a vengance, even my eyes were beginning to swell!! I was on my way down to the clinic again when, our neighbor suggested I try the homeopath whose talk we'd attended recently. She treats such things. I was fed up with the antibiotics NOT working and made a U-turn, heading to the Homeopath, Barbara Rotthaler (www.chapalahealth.com) just blocks away from us. She too interviewed me, some symptom questions, but more in the realm of personality and current emotional state. She mentioned that when symptoms stay past the antibiotic treatment time (usually 10 days in my experience) that it is because of emotional reasons. When we talked about the possible move here to Mexico and emotions of fear/saddness that I was harboring ... tears came to my eyes. I was given some teeny lil' pills immediately, then two drops to be taken 3 times daily, 15 minutes apart - and stopped the antibiotics! Within two days, I felt fantastic!!!

My poor husband held his mouth as I did this treatment. But I'm swearing by it now and have recommended Barbara to several other new aquaintences with health issues! Love to hear your experiences with homeopaths . . .

New Years Eve Delights

2011-01-01T13:53:00.001-08:00

One of the pleasures we have found abundant here in the Lake Chapala area is the open friendliness of nearly all the English speaking locals. It was explained to me that, "since most everyone who moves here leaves behind friends and/or family and are very willing to open their hearts and homes to create new relationships". We have certainly experienced this and to the ultimate with one warm couple I first met at the local "Ajijic Socity for the Arts" meeting I attended. Then, we shared palettes, so to speak, at Ratindra Das' Watercolor Workshop that I attended and finally, was invited to a lunch on New Year's Eve at their home.

We had NO vision in mind for food nor camaraderie, and were overwhelmed with both. Finding their home was an adventure. We'd attempted earlier in the week to locate their address so we'd not be late, but failed. This time we took the cell phone and were guided in with our hostess coming out into the parking lot directing us inward! The area was misleading . . . with dirt road and a clothesline all we could see . . . well, behind the line of parked cars, we entered into a lovely grass space. Their home was in a community of 6 homes, all facing the lake (and small pool) with the gently widening area between each tandem pair of houses, allowing all abodes to have a lake view!

After a quick and sweet tour of the 2 bedroom, 2 bath and 2 fireplace hacienda, we quickly headed (our hostess was starving - no problem with us - we love to eat) to the beautifully set table on the patio. Our light lunch consisted of a chilled cream of avocado soup (made from avocado trees right there on the grounds) and fresh shrimp salad with a lime/chili pepper dressing! I'm sorry the photo doesn't show the luscious non-gluten bread freshly out of the oven! The meal was delicious, each plate had special, differing flavors ('specially the various hot spices added). We were quickly stuffed with pleasure.

In between mouthfuls, we inquired on their process of moving to Mexico and purchasing their home (which they'd not planned to do). So many serendipitous things happened to them and they shared names and places of great contacts too, saving us much pain and stress (thank you, thank you, thank you!).

Another link I thoroughly enjoyed was that our host and hostess were from Colorado ('member I'm from Denver?). So I got updates on the area and shared silly lil' in common places and history.

Now we needed to move around before we popped! Cody was in heaven, as finally, he was able to wander on the lawn, lay splayed out on the cool green shade and just inhale the breeze. At the beginning of the lake, was a wall and stairway, leading down to fruit trees and another grasses area. Herons, egrets and many other bird just hung out and off to the left was a smoldering fireplace with a giant soup pot a'boiling. In answer to our question, the permanent caretakers, gardeners, and handy man's family that lived on the grounds, was making a puffed corn soup (we forgot the name) for new year's eve. And also, you can see in the middle, down by the water, a pile of wood - - (remember our Mexican neighbor who stoked up a campfire in our street for Christmas Eve?) well, apparently, it's traditional for New Year's Eve too!

Soon it was time to bid adieu to our dear, kind host & hostess, and wander home. Our hearts were filled with their kindness and well, you know about our tummies! As we waved g'bye, they offered us another visit so that Cody could get his "grass fix" before we start our long drive home.

Isn't the planet just sprinkled with the most generous, fun and sincere people?

A Sidetrip to Tonola . . .

2010-12-30T18:21:00.001-08:00

I promised you a lil' side trip to Tonala as we came home from San Miguel de Allende. Last time we got lost on our way thru southern Guadalajara, I was looking frantically for how to to get us back to the Interstate. And Roland was ,apparently, enjoying the scenery (notice a slight difference in our personalities?) Because as we neared Guadalajara, he inquired, "Want to take a jaunt back to Tonala?" I claimed we'd not been there, but as he turned off the Interstate and into the town of Tonola, he pointed out landmarks that even I recalled. We turned away from the central part of town and found a place to park along the plethora of ceramics shops there.

Where we'd stopped there were mainly large to giant sized pots. We just eyed them, much to big to take home in our RV, so we crossed the street where more small sized pieces lay in wait. In 'n out we poked thru various long, deep isles, as most of the shops were, enjoying the colorful Mexican patterns and variety.

Finally, I stumbled across some small pots (actually they were to hold collections of small things in the RV like keys, cell phones or change - sorry, it's the "organizer" in me) that would double as lovely potted plant vessels later on. With all my best haggling approach, I was unable to talk the vendor down from 30pecos to 25pecos ... well, until she said I could get the 25peco price if I bought 3 of them. Ok, guess who won? Yes, she sold three that day :)

As it was late afternoon, Roland stomach calls out more frequentlly than mine, and we begin looking for what would be our lunch-dinner. Opposite the direction of the car, we find a pleasant place which would accept Cody out in the back patio. Whoa - it was a green, sweeping yard, double the interior, with fountain, sculptures, this magnificent Saguro Cactus and even a cage of magnificently colored pheasants (which took the entire time we were there for us to get a translation for what kind of bird they were (on - get this - a "Blackberry"). And, I was happy to see, dangling just above our table, a pomegranate tree full of the beautifully ripe fruits that had so pleasured Roland on his Tlaquepaque entree. Anyway, the setting was better than the lunch . . . but a fun adventure.

Once we get back to the car, we're getting seat-belted in and arranged. As I'd mentioned, the shop where we parked had giant ceramic pieces, like the row of 5 foot "chimineas" lining the street. One of the workers had just walked around to do something behind that front row and then, in - slow - motion we watched of the the biggest specimens slowly tilt towards the street and then crash into pieces on the asphalt. It was like a weird movie scene as several other men came running out to pick up the pieces . . . and then, just carry on.

We have plans to return to Tonola the last Saturday before we start our way home. I've heard the most exquisite craftsmen will be on exhibit in the main town square and I'm excited to see the comparison and quality of more of the artists here, since ceramics are for what Tonola is known.

Lil' Update of the Journal . . .

2010-12-27T14:33:00.000-08:00

These few images covering these pages are basically a window into our first few days here in Ajijic, Mexico.

The upper left image is our first dinner just up the street at an outdoor seafood place. What I loved more than the inexpensive prices was watching the Mexican families as they dined and played with their children. No one seems to have such reverence and patience with their wee-ones as Mexican families. I watched one large, macho-looking man continue his dinner talking with his wife as their lil' boy crawled over dad like monkey bars.

The next fond sketch is of the horses we have befriended just at the corner field. It's a mom and her baby ... we now have a practice/agreement that we bring mom a carrot or some treat each evening as we begin our walk. We were concerned for the mother, seeing how her hip bones stick out and our "carrot feast" is our way of hopefully helpin' mom and thus, the baby too.

I have a fresh new romance with all the vivid colors here in Mexico and this rich, coral colored home was one of the first we passed in our neighborhood with one of our first walks.

Now, the large street scene was a must for me to paint! Not only did it have the flavor of the regular street traffic with the bicycles, the Coldwell Banker RealEstate sign and the dramatic white mansion on the hill but, it also was the day we walked to our first organic farmers market. We were surprised to see so many English-speaking people, just an introduction to just how many ex-pats there are here. I enjoyed seeing some of the local native people with unusual items for sale too, like Mexican cheeses and bread, organic eggs and organic kale.

A collection of "first impressions" is what these sketches reflect. And you can see they all echo fresh, friendly and, of course, colorful. I mean, we are in Mexico!

An Honored "Posada" Invitation for Christmas

2010-12-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

For evenings now, we'd been catching glimpses of the local Holiday tradition of "Posadas" in the streets of our town, San Antonio. If I understand the tradition right, on the nine nights previous to Christmas, each street arranges various "scenes" portraying where Joseph and Mary stopped en search of lodging, or the Three Magi or different elements that make up the Christmas story. All the children gather, moving from scene to scene, singing and honoring the different stages. We could tell the devotion and intensity that went into creating these, not only were the costumes 'the very best', mostly authentic but also, they used real babies in the Nativity scenes! The dark haired and skinned children glowed with excitement in their beautiful white outfits and costumes (you don't know how much time I used attempting to get photos of the girl angel with white fuzzy wings). We'd followed some of the streets "Posadas" holding dear the sweet images of these children and various scenes portrayed.

I'm in town doing some gallery viewing and when I call Roland he's more excited than a kid with a new pony!! "I've got some exciting news I can't wait to tell you, hurry home" he spurts!!! It was Christmas Eve and our hostess approached Roland asking if we'd like to participate in our Calle Colon's street "Posada". We asked if more of her "guests" had played a part in the Christmas "Posadas" and she answered, "No". WOW ~ we were astonished ... us white, alien gringos ... invited to be part of the neighborhood's celebration. We didn't know what we'd done ... but of course, we'd take part ... just tell us what to do!

Just in front of the guest gate of our complex the neighborhood women set up a small stage for us. Table with various household trappings, a rug and blinking poinsetteas strung behind with real potted big begonias to each side.

We are to be the first stop on the street and the first place Mary and Joseph inquired for lodging, we'll be "Isabele y Zacarias". I'm just to wear a long skirt and get all ready, sporting my trusty tennis shoes (for ankle support when we later follow the procession down the rest of our street). I need a costume change, "sandals please". Now, Roland really looks the part of an Arab with the scarf wrapping they put on his head and white sheet shirt he dons. Not alot of acting required ... only holding out our hands in welcome. And soon, the procession comes before our little stage. Unfortunately, we can't understand but a few words and just smile our be "welcoming" smile in English. After the singing, they proceed down the street and a few English speaking participants tell us "an Academy Award Nomination, for sure!" But we didn't need any validation ... our lil hearts were just so warmed at being accepted on some level by these gracious, kind people whose guests we are.

The remainder of Christmas Eve we followed the procession down the streets culminating at the church. There was more ceremony with baloons and music and before the endings, we turned and meandered homeward. Streets were a-bustle, sweet bent over g'mas heading towards the church, darling ninos munching candy and ole cowboy-hatted senors gathering on the corners ... we felt at home, quiet in our inner musings.

As we came up our street, we discovered another apparent tradition. The gentle grampa (who lives almost directly across from us, who is daily out watering his lovely narrow garden he's created along the sidewalk, who always smiles and waves even as he's putting up all the Christmas decorations) is now out front his door. And compiled on the street cobble stones just behind his vehicle ... is a campfire!! Yep, right in the street and he's smiling, G'ma's there too grinning into the flames. Every once in awhile he throws a firecracker into the heat and dances around when it explodes. We wave and gently close our gate.

Inside our tiny cracker-box home we put on our hometown live streaming "Christmas Eve Program" and after all the carols we humm along to, the night ends with the diminishing melody of "Silent Night". I wouldn't call it a silent night here, but the well wishes for all our family and friends, and the prayers for inner and world peace are there.

May your holidays, where ever you may be, find you with a grateful heart and attitude of love & tolerance for all. Namaste'

Our San Miguel de Allende Adventure

2010-12-19T13:41:00.001-08:00

This was a tangent we'd both been very looking forward to ~ our trip to San Miguel de Allende! We had reservations for two evenings at Ruth Hyba's "La Mansion del Bosque" just down Calle Aldama from the main square. Our drive there was another gallant attempt at following the GPS with varied results. My favorite was in southern Guadalajara when we were being led to the main Highway 15. Our "girlfriend" on the GPS took us down some industrial neighborhood streets and on her map, said turn right after the underpass to enter the highway. Little did our "girsfriend" know that we were faced with green, extensive scaffolding filling up the entire passage under the overpass. And we turned around, madly searching for an alternate "recalculation".

Aside from those tales of lost wandering, we arrive in San Miguel (as we learned the locals call it) around 3:30pm. Ruth's charming adobe structures have warm sienna/coral colors (depending upon the light of the day) and intriguing pockets at every turn swarming with lush blossoming plants. Shadows were already growing long and many streets were exhibiting stricking shadows and color contrasts. As soon as we could get registered and in our room, we put on our tennies and hit the lovely cobble-stoned streets.

The lodging arrangement furnished breakfast and lunch in group style if you choose. So we took a brief trek thru the winding ways. We toured the central plaza with it's elegant pink cathedral functioning as the hub of the city. With unorganized (at least American organization) streets moving out from the tree-ed square we discovered cozy doorways leading into quaint, richly decored restaurants or coffee houses. In the main plaza we checked out a gallery, the owner of which we met who was from Missouri and very kind, offering many suggestions for this town he loved. The artwork he had was eclectic, my favorite . . . t'was difficult to pick between 1) these small villages, carved, stamped out and then painted to represent various Mexican villages, then mounted and framed - or - 2) the large format exquisite figurative work (done by 3 generations of one classical painting family, the newest generation now moving a bit toward looseness and expression).

We arrived back just in time for dinner being served at the "La Mansion del Bosque". Around the family-style table we enjoyed Ruth, of course (who had come from Pittsburg, PA - I think - to take an art class, fell in love with her Mexican husband and lived out the rest of her life in San Miguel), her daughter, Elena and son, and then, an intriguing couple from Sedona. For thirteen years they have been bringing their retreat groups for vision, dreams and process work to this very place. Eduardo and Kim filled the room with laughter and serendipitious stories that had transpired over the San Miguel years. I was fasciniated - and most of you know my love affair with Sedona and the Southwest. Following a tasteful dinner of light salad, delicately prepared Talapia, a squash (which we thought was cacti and were in heaven), then, pumpkin pie for dessert, we waddled out into the cold evening for Cody's walk.

Next day was our full day in fascinating San Miguel. I made my request to finally have a chance to sketch in my journal and just "be", which "my boys" agreed to, knowing they'd follow, then, take off on their own. I found myself stopping nearlly each block appreciating the small sculptures either nested in their concave shelves or braving it on the rooftop cornices. The scene I'd envisioned painting didn't work - as I learned, in the sun I was scalded and in the shade, frozen. After much wandering, I landed in the Centro Square, sketching this sundrenced wall with local silhouettes (I was relocating continually along the edge of the sun). We treked up and down many streets later, discovering the lovely library of San Miguel that winds it's book shelved walls thru a cafe, then into this courtyard with murals above the shelves. I wanted to move into the library!! Eventually, we wind our way back to our room as the sun began to cast glowing bounced light against shadowed walls. Roland had researched the restaurants in town who served the best "Chile en Nagades", hoping to replicate his meal in Tlaquepaque (see previous post).

The three of us cozy into a big room at "Bugambillia" where they light the big open fireplace just next to us. The patio room we could see off to our right glowed warm crimson as animated families chattered. How romantic! There's like an excitement as we wait for the delivery of our special meals . . . then, tah-da . . . well, it didn't live up to the advertisements nor the drum roll. In fact, Roland didn't like his "Chile en Nagades" wondering even if there was something bad in the mixture . Disappointed, we still, enjoyed the holiday feeling dancing in the streets and we wandered, peering in windows active with diners or tourists in shops. Then, we nest into our room (after Roland takes an 'alka-seltzer'), resting up for our departure the next morn.

I'd hoped to see our Sedona friends once more before we left, but said our early g'byes and headed homeward. Our plans were to travel just west to Guanajuato, which we'd even programmed into our GPS, but, seems the GPS didn't like the road between San Miguel and Guanajuato, and took us way south again. From that route we'd have to again travel a distance north and decided just to aim homeward to Lake Chapala.

But, do you think that trips discoveries are over . . . tune in for a brief stop in Tonola.

Tlaquepaque Lunch ~ An Explosive Taste Experience

2010-12-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

While meandering the rich sites visually in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico (southern part of Guadalajara), we, of course, had to feed ourselves. What we've been trying to do is eat a substantial lunch then, skip dinner for a light snack. So we perused menus, I'm not a red meat eater and Roland eats it rarely. It took us awhile to find a restaurant that fit both our palettes (not the pigments this time) and I'm sorry to say I don't recall the name. But logistically, it was just south a block or so from the Bustamante Gallery ~ because I can not recommend any restaurant as highly as this one. Go eat there!

We sat outside so Cody could join us and relished the sculptures. Yes, we were right near the horses butt, but I just was amazed at the accuracy and strength expressed with each ripple I could experience. My visit to the bathroom whistered to me that we were in for a treat. I mean, look at the elegant, tasteful stone and tile. Sort of Art Deco Contemporary.

I ordered a bean soup with (I believe) rice, carrots and feta cheese, topped with fresh avocado. The presentation was beautiful, unusual ~ on a plate. And quite good!

Now, Roland ventured into the exotic . . . "Chiles en Nagada". He was most intrigued with the sauce "creamy walnut sauce with pomegranate seeds". When his lunch arrived it was magnificent . . . the white sauce decorated with festive holiday red sprinkles on one half, walnuts, the other. Inside was a large pablano pepper stuffed with raisins, pineapple, beef and pork (as we can best remember) and Roland, who loves multi-layered flavors in gourmet foods, was just in heaven. Honestly (and almost embarassingly), moaning with each bite!!!! All the various flavors popping up at different times, then blending together. Later, thru research and word-of-mouth we learned this dish is a season speciality ~ ONLY available around Christmas time when the pomegranates are ripe! It also carries some Christian meaning, appropriate to the season "The fruit, broken or bursting open, is a symbol of the fullness of Jesus' suffering and resurrection" (from Wikipedia, "A Pomegranate for All Religions" by Nancy Haught, Religious News Service). Roland had lucked upon a Mexican delightful tradition!

Of course, with Roland being an amazing chef in his own right (he won't admit it of course) ~ his mind went to how he could make this. He's been collecting recipes (thank you Erna!) and is concocting his version. Because all of us in the family don't eat red meat nor pork, he'll have to develop the stuffing with alternatives, maybe chicken, etc. But, if I can pry it from his imagination once we try it (he's one of those, you know, who never writes anything down ~ very frustrating to us "measurers") I'll type out his recipe.

Anyway, can you tell our time in Tlaquepaque filled our every sense with pleasurable encounter . . . and we'll be going back! Another place we have our eye on . . . just down the "street" so to speak, is Tonola, know for it's exquisite tradition in ceramics. And discovery continues . . . thanks for traveling along with me!

Sumptous Feast for the Eyes in Tlaquepaque

2010-12-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

Our visit to Tlaquepaque, in southern Guadalajara still brings a smile to my face. The only unpleasant part of the day was driving thru the traffic and thick pollution of the industrial section en route. But once we got parked and began our wanderings, I forgot all about the trip to arrive.

We entered on the northern most end of the Tlaquepaque pedestrian walkway. Early we were greeted by exquisite metal sculptures, these a marching group of victors of the revolution. Dotted throughout the streets were other sculpture gracing the lovely historic, as well as some incredibly contemporary, buildings. Peering into each door or walkway was a delight for one's eyes. I was saddened to see some signs posted "No Photos" but, I snapped where appropriate. This one interior design and furniture store we entered had massive, exotic pieces. I mean, look at this granite and metal table. Do you have a place for this in your bedroom? Alot of the furnishings and furniture felt very masculine.

Of course, I was looking for paintings and found few, but the quality was impeccible. I don't believe I saw one watercolor (are you surprised?) but, there was one portrait artist whose work of native Indian people took my breath away. There too, was a sampling of abstract work.

But I have to admit, my favorite was the genius artist Bustamante. He shows all over the world with ceramics, metal sculpture, jewelry, and paintings too. His whimsy, his color use, his imagination, his sensitivity and his delicacy just touched me. As I wandered from room to room, to outdoor water garden, then the sculpture garden, I never stopped feeling wonder. And yes, he has an entire gallery dedicated to his work. I'm hoping the shots I got give you a hint of his talent.

Then, of course, were the artists that just plain made my heart smile. Another fellow who had an entire gallery offered up rotund subjects and my favorite was this stairway railing. Can you see all the different and fun bicyclists peddling up the stair rail? One of the last buildings that caught my eye as we were leaving that afternoon, was a large historic facade that housed local crafts people. Just at the entry was a gentleman with these adorable teeny, tiny villages, which he'd carved by hand. Now, most of you know I love and appreciate detail ~ so his bitty lil street scenes caught my eye. As I looked closer, I realized the material from which he'd etched his scenes was this intriguing tree that I'd previously photographed. It was a tree that looked like it's trunk was covered with barnacles. When I realized it was these barnacles that formed the lil village roofs I was holding ~ I had to have one!! Isn't it just amazing?

So, that was the visual feast we had while at Tlaquepaque. Next blog entry will talk about the lunch that nearly rocked Roland right out of his seat. But, that's the next story . . .

Arriving at Destination ~ Ajijic, Mexico

2010-12-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

Leaving behind the nightmare of Mazatlan, we were headed a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l the way to our final resting place. You may laugh at my pun "last resting place" but I felt close to that after what we left behind us. Once thru Tepic, we began our climb up the mountains surrounding Guadalajara. This was the most pleased and excited I'd felt about the country side I'd seen since entering Mexico. Lovely rolling hills, multi-colored agriculture fields, flowered meadows, sunlit plateaus and dark, evergreen creeks!! Here's one of those verigated agricultural views.

Then, by the twist of fate, or our mistake, you choose which to call it, we traveled along the 2-lane, winding Highway 15 (rather than the luxury toll Highway 15D) and ended up coming out in the picutresque and grandly tourist ridden town of Tequila! Every turn encountered the image of the blue agave graphic. And the town was charming, with lots of tequila manufacturing factories to tour. You can guess, my favorite part of Tequila was the brilliant blue agave fields sprinkling the hillsides (as you can see here)!

T'was another heartpounding adventure, traveling thru Guadalajara at night. Remember, we have no brake lights and they have us detouring off the main highway right into the bustling streets of Saturday night. Coping with the fact that our driving lights were nearly impossible to see with, we limped into Ajijic and found our night's rest at the lovely and welcome site of the Walmart parking lot.

Next day, we contact the place we have reserved and just after noon, manage to wiggle (and I DO mean wiggle - the story of going around the block to back into our pad was a trip) into our RV nesting spot. We are surrounded on one side by an orange blossoming vine that covers a wall and tall palm trees that offer some privacy, yet shafts of sunlite to stream thru too. Out our dining room window we see the mountains and an amazing garden of the lady next door. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, we have finally arrived home!!!

Now, the pleasure of relaxing into the Mexican people, sites, time and attitude may begin!

Journal Sights Entering Mexico

2010-12-06T19:42:00.001-08:00

This journal spread, travels us into Mexico. For those of you who've been reading the adventure in photos, previously, I won't repeat myself. Just a little narrative for you to know what the images are about.

As we wander in the 6am light, into Mexico, after about 17 miles we begin to signs of the border crossing. Now we'd long anticipated this ... with all the paper work, copies of all our vehicle titles, current update from Cody's vet and Mexican Insurance, all in order. Tah, duh, now came the ultimate test of if we'd gotten everything in order. The first border crossing was just preliminary, and is the visual here. They just asked where you were from and waved you on. Later, still under dark we underwent the more detail process. And - hurrah - passed into the country, heaving a huge sigh!

We were still caravaning with our RV companions and followed them til around 2-3pm. They knew of a lovely RV park right on the Sea of Cortez and we took the turn off as they headed there. I can't tell you how I was looking forward to that respite by the sea! We had a l-o-n-g interlude getting set up (pretty funny for all you well-practiced RVers) but we got settled in, and threw off clothes donning our swim suits and grabbing towels. Off to the beach!!! The water was azure and fairly warm. Ro, of course, dived right in and Cody and I romped, playing tag in the breaking water. When all of us were satiated, we all landed on the pebbly sand, gazing up the beach at about this angle, sifting thru the rocks and shells for fascinating treasures. I was 'recovered' and anxious slept, preparing for another 6am take-off time with our cohorts.

This time we left at 5:50am ... and this nearly night sky echos the early hours. We were tailing along with our others who lead, but told them we'd really not wanted to make another long day and rather than follow them all the way to Mazatlan, we'd drop off somewhere and camp by ourselves. Little did we know what we were inviting for our novice experience.

With three different alternatives for that evenings camp site, we never dreamed how we could miss them all (see November 17 & 19th previous posts)! But, we did :( And as much as we'd not wanted to drive the long trek to Mazatlan, we ended up there, just arriving at dark. As I'd mentioned in the previous blog entry, we heard this loud "th-wack", like hitting some part of the RV or the PT Crusier we towed, when we pulled into this large parking lot. The next morning, after the most horrendous night of the trip, Roland discovered this hinge, on the right side of the RV that works as an axis for when we open up our awning, was broken off. Lucky for Roland's handyman skills, he screwed new holes in with new screws and its holding up! This large storefront, the "Mega" (similar to Walmart) was the store whose parking lot functioned as our lodging for the previous evening. And I bow to the quiet saftey it afforded us.

Yes, we were glad to be taking off from our friendly "Mega" store and were a bit foggy (Roland hadn't slept at all, and I, with an emotional hangover from the situation) but, onward towards Lake Chapala. Things had to be looking up from here and off we go . . .

My Journaling Journey . . .

2010-12-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

Some of you may be wondering . . . what happened to my journaling during this trip to Mexico. Never fear, remember, it's my passion.

I tried to dabble in painting while we were driving down here. Actually, the olives were a successful demonstration of "how to paint while riding in an RV passenger seat". They actually brought up some interesting thoughts. Roland and I have read recently, a book we first say mentioned by Pima Chodron, entitled "That Bird Has My Wings" by Jarvis Jay Masters. He's a death row inmate who now practices Buddhism. While we were at this rest stop where we found the olives, a prison transit vehicle was also stopped. I watched as the women, chained together, used the restrooms and then boarded their vehicle. I took me back to tales Jarvis had told about prison life. My feelings bounced between compassion edged with fear and then perplexed by my emotions. Anyway, it's a fascinating book, rather enlightened us about other cultures actual life conditions. I'd recommend it. Back to the journaling, after time, I realized that I wasn't able to do the more complex paintings while en route. Also, my memory began to confuse the days if I didn't write down soon where and what was happening ~ therefore I just stuck with the writing while in transit. But as always, its helped me sort out my feelings and more exact words ~ good stuff for my brain and spirit.

So since we've arrived here in Ajijic, I've been busy my pigments and I . . . filling my pages. I'd left some space on each page for images I'd envisioned and sometimes I was pleased. Not always ... but this journal isn't about perfection ... and so on we go. I was to say too, that I'm having some difficulty getting good lighting when photoing these pages too. So pardon the dull colors, I'll next attempt shooting outside or in direct light.

This first image is a blend, from us leaving foggy, grey Jacksonville melting into the hills of Los Banos where we spent our first night. Have to admit it was the first night I've ever spent at a truck stop, but it was amiable. We first tried parking away from the hub of trucks but, were asked to move. In the morn, we had become sandwiched tight between trucks with their motors running (we guessed to for electricity ~ that began us imagining how much gas they could save if they used another method ~ but that's another story). I'd slept well, surprisingly. Guess the roar of the engines just turns into, what's it called, "Grey noise"? The sunrise thru the truck next door was lovely, don't you agree?

The next day we are off and travel all the way down to Palm Dessert. I always love coming into the Palm Springs area, all those happy, waving wind mills greeting you as you come around one particular bend. Roland has researched all the Walmarts, and we find this one and locate where to park for the evening. When we were trying to start the PT Cruiser that evening we found the battery dead. With this particular auxillary brake system we have on the PT, it might draw a little power.

So we hope that's the culprit and plan on going to Sears in the morning for a new battery. As we leave Palm Springs, I do a lil' contour drawing of the namesake for the area . . . palm trees. Simple but fun.

And here's the full page beginning to my journaling of this Mexico adventure. We're on to the next day . . .

The Village of Ajijic

2010-11-29T15:57:00.001-08:00

The town we are most near is Ajijic. As we leave our street and turn left on the Carrretera (main road around the lake), after we pass the Walmart, the "Boulevard" begins. Adjacent to both sides of the regular road are lush, huge trees lining each side and then a smaller cobblestone street that runs in front of the residences. We often walk there on our evening walks and there IS an ice cream shop that lures Roland that way too.

Once you come to the end of the "Boulevard" you are spit out right into the bustle of downtown Ajijic. There is a large church, of course, in the Centro where there's a large square with a gazebo. On every Wednesday, there is a large market partially along the "Boulevard". As you wonder the tiny side streets, every corner opens to a colorful new block and there's fascinating architecture at every turn. There's even tropic forest-like nursery's sprinkled in hidden places. I mean, look at the size of this stagehorn fern!!

We've even grown feeling safe enough to check out celebrations at night in Ajijic. Recently there was a celebration for St. Andrews, the patron saint of fishermen, alcoholics and Ajijic! Just my kind of people! So we decided to wander down ... the evening was lovely. What we found was that the entire town Centro was blocked off, setting up carnival rides for the wee ones and eating, art and gift vendors for the adults. We discovered a "Cultural Center" where we went in to view the art. T'was a variety of media ... some I was impressed with and also saw one oil from a local artist I'd met already (Efren Gonzales, who is more mentioned later in this post). The lovely interior mural which goes high up the wall are the walls to the bathrooms. Imagine "the bathrooms"!!!!Art seems to just pop up everywhere!! Which reeeeeeeeaally makes my lil heart sing! We took a seat at our favorite coffee shop across from the Centro church where Mass was taking place and then, watched the locals go fill the streets with celebration. One fellow on a horse just trotted up the street past us!

We'd heard this festive occassion was just a prelude to the upcoming 9 days commerating the Revolution and Independence. Since we aren't real partiers, we did hear that celebration from our home spot about a mile away from downtown. From before 6am and late into the night music, firecrackers, churchbells and, oh yes, the roosters were cheering on and on and on. Anyway, I digress ...

One of the first days we were in Ajijic, we parked and found we were right in front of Efran Gonzales Gallery and Studio. Of course, I went in. There he was working on a oil piece in the middle of the studio. Luckily, he spoke English well and we talked for some time. Not only were his oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor pieces amazing - - but he'd just recently tried ceramic work too! On the middle of the floor was a maybe, 8 x 10 foot mural, that was to be installed into one of the Ajijic City buildings soon. What most impressed me with this gentleman, was that he said daily children came in and he instructs them. He talked about how his son had talent but didn't want to be an artist. Efran had told him he still needs to honor "his gift" and educate himself in the arts as he may need it. What a beautiful way to view our talents and how we need respect them. When I asked for a card, he wrote me out one on a scrap of matt board, saying "my wife does all the publicity stuff". As I walked the streets, I saw more and more work of Efran's everywhere. I'm showing you two of his public pieces. Pretty strong, eh?

The town of Ajijic feels most stimulating to me. Lots of art, great markets (did I tell you we found both an organic as well as regular?), amiable locals, and I've discovered one women's group that just feels like I've arrived "home". Next Monday, I'm testing out the local art club to see how that feels. So, I'm voting for Ajijic as my favorite part of this area - - so far. Now Roland, he seems to be attracted to the city of Chapala. But . . . that will have to be another blogpost.

More from this seekers vantage point soon . . . stay tuned!

Giving Thanks . . .

2010-11-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

From where do I start? I guess the beginning of this special day would be appropriate, eh? A week previous, Ro and I'd met California friends here, a "La Nueva Posada" in Ajijic, for lunch, and we noticed the fliers for their Thanksgiving Dinner. They were serving an all traditional menu and we'd made our 2pm reservations that day.

So our morning was relaxed and quiet. I'd gotten an email from a fellow artist, one who is suffering with Stage 4 cancer and still sent out a lovely image of hands offering up food, with an attached note thanking those around her for their support and love. It brought me to tears to see her humility and gratitude in the midst of what she was so graciously dealing with.We decided to write out a list of things for which we are grateful and spend some of our quiet time doing that. Then, around 1:30pm we headed to downtown Ajijic.

This romantic and historical hotel drips with the old Spanish architecture and feeling. The outside echos rock and ivy work while the inside, embraces you with elegant yet strong appointments, sweeping grand areas and nature brought to life. We were lead outside to our table underneath the biggest rubber tree I've ever seen in my life. You can see how tiny I appear under the mammoth tree.

Not only did we prefer the patio, with a view that looks out over the lake, is surrounded by rich tile work and furnishes sculpture embellished with colorful landscape - but this way - Cody could sit with us too. The serving pace was slow, appetizers (veggies w/dip), a roasted red pepper soup, then, the best turkey (I'm not embellishing) I've ever had served from a restaurant!!

And, then we needed a walk down to the lake, and back, before we could consider the pumpkin pie 'n coffee. At the lakes edge, there are plentiful heron and other smaller species that I can't name (Floy, where are you?) and I loved catching the local fisherman out for their usual days work.

On the grounds is a giant bird cage with a pair of beautiful Macaws. We wondered why they had the cage nearly covered with a wrap as well as an umbrella overhead. Seems like these birds would be ok in the winter sun, but, not being a birder, perhaps some of you can enlighten us, please?

Midstream our meal, we can see a couple just a few yards from us talking to Cody. Just as I stand to take him over to meet them, they both stand up to come visit him. Animal-lovers unit any and everwhere! They'd not brought their dog as they weren't certain it was acceptable, but had become enamored with Cody. Come to find out they relocated here around 9 years ago and do mediating work here. She, has taken and supports the arts, avidly. So that when I told her I was an artist she filled my lil postem up with names to watch for and look up. I'm intrigued by these "serendipitious" meetings that seem to be occuring . . . I'm listening to the Universe. I AM remaining open. Anyway, another course interrupted our conversation and back to our respective tables.

Following our feast, a walk was required!! Down the end of the block is the lake so we meander that direction. There is never a lack of art or creative expression in any direction we turn and this stroll isn't lacking. Just look at the private display of gorgeous tile work coupled with the well behaved bamboo.

But the "icing on the cake" for the day, we wandered farther and come upon this gorgeous indigenous woman. Just the position in which she's sitting (probably ALL day) makes my back hurt, but she's contentedly at work. Above her are brilliant colored rugs and blankets draped from the white bellies of the sycamore trees create a painting just as she sits! Of course, she speaks only spanish and we with our meager conversational skills are unable to get across that, "we like this particular wall hanging, could she possibly weave us a longer version by mid-January?"

We solicit a nearby waiter hanging out in front of his restaurant and he comes to translate for us. Oh my, even he has a prolonged dialogue with her. We find out that the wall hanging we like is made by someone else and that the materials man would be in town Sunday. She could find out the cost of the materials and then we could talk further. Whew!! We were exhausted by the end of the meeting and told her we'd come by once again. I just loved standing there watching her dancing big brown eyes explain things and her sweet face move with kind authenticity. She was so down to earth and real, I just wanted to hug her. But, don't worry, I kept my respectful space.

Once home, we each read one another's gratitude lists with some of these items: for making it here safely, for our health, for love and support of our spouse, for the will and courage to make this trip, for inner peace/divinity, for my talents & gifts, for sensitive hearts, for music (including rooster's crows & firecrackers), for different cultures, and for my friends and family. And we have just scratched the surface.

Hope our Thanksgivings helped us all realize the bounty we have to share. Blessing to you all.

The Nesting of an RV

2010-11-23T14:25:00.001-08:00

We rose early, anxious to move into our final destination. We couldn't seem to locate Connie, our hostess' phone number (it was online, but without internet connection ...) so Roland walked over to the location and spoke with her in person. She thought that by 1pm she could get the 2 other renters to move their vehicles so we could back in.

Around 1:30pm we follow her instructions so that we can back into the RV pad and begin to go all the way around the block. Now, that may sound like a simple set of instructions but, as you can see the width of the streets we need to navigate, it didn't turn out so easy. We are successful going down one block, turning left and down the next street and then turn onto our street. As we continue we get wedged between a concrete electrical pole and a car from South Dakota. Remember that we can't back up, so while Roland begins un-hitching the PT Cruiser, I go ring the bell on adjacent doors. By now we have begun to provide entertainment for the neighborhood and people are poking their heads out of doors, one fellow encouraging Roland to just "keep going". By the time the car was off the hitch and pushed off to the side in a parking position, the owners of the South Dakota car had come out and managed to move their threatened vehicle.

Ok, we're all positioned and get the RV backed into our cozy lil nest. Ro begins hooking up all the various systems and I'm inside getting things out of boxes and into accessable spots. We realize we can't find the instructions for setting up the canopy for our porch and bumble along, both of us dancing with the akward, heavy poles until we make it work (later we found the instructions). I'm lovin' the scene out our dining room window view that is plush with flowers and a mountains too! Our patio opens onto the green lawn where three small casitas are also available for rent. We have a nice semi-privacy screen formed by just enough palms to allow sunshine to flood in.

Roland decides to take Cody for a walk around the neighborhood. In his travels, he runs across a small neighborhood store and decides to buy his first Mexican beer to enjoy on our patio. When he gets back and is all settled into his chair he realizes the Corona he purchase had the advertisement for Super Bowl 14. This would possibly make the beer (are you ready?) thirty years old. Oh well, so much for product dating at the small family stores!! He drank it anyway and seems no worse for the ware. He did go out and get the makings for Margaritas later in the week tho!

Later in the evening we take the full evening walk. Connie has given us directions to a "Super Lake" market that carries nearly anything we could want (and its true, the fellow drives daily to the US and brings back all the lil delights us ex-pats like). We also meet several of our neighbors. We DO have some furry ones. Roland immediately fell in love with the horses that reside in one of the fields near the street. There is just a mom and her sweet baby but, we given them all our carrots and lettuce cores. You might notice how "lean" mom is, as you can see her hip bones sticking out. :( In the other field we have cows and several horses. Sometimes we see the cowboy just trot down the streets ... it's such a wonderfully different world here.

So now that we are all nested in, we are ready for adventures. We've made a pact to not drive anywhere far for at least one full week. But I'm betting my "bullet" husband can't hold to that. All the trauma of where we will be sleeping and how safe is it, is over and I can feel myself calming, settling. I might even get some journal painting done soon! The weather is lovely, cool evenings for sleeping and clear, blue skied 80s for the days.

Another neighbor we have meet seems not to have been to "Rooster School" where they are taught to crow only at sunrise. But we are guests here in this warm, friendly country and I know we'll adapt. I came upon this trip to stretch my "envelope" and I'm so far, feeling I'm learning more about myself already.

I can't wait to see whats next . . . and I love having you all traveling along with me. Lets get going . . .

And You Thought Tequila is ONLY a Drink?

2010-11-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

Continuing on to Lake Chapala, we weave along the back Highway 15. I affords me taking plenty of photos and coaching Roland on passing attempts.

As the shadows get longer, I begin to see dots of pale blue fields among the other yellow-green crops. Knowing the fame of the Blue Agave plant for two-fold reasons: 1 the sugar substitute, Agave and, of course, 2 tequila, I recognize them. Plus I had the clue of knowing that one of the fun places here to tour is the town of Tequila, where the drink is manufactured. And possibly the sugar substitute too, but it's less promoted.

Eventually we curve into the small town of Tequila. From one end of the village to the other there was ever present the theme of the small blue plant. Down the center division of the road were lil' concrete renditions and on the buildings were logos of the plant. When we pulled into the Pemex on a bustling corner, we were adjacent to the town sculpture was of, guess what, YES, you are correct, the blue agave plant!! Actually, it was quite a tasteful piece.

Sitting in wait for the tank to be filled, I pulled my camera and caught a bunch of town characters. One of my favorite was the cowboy's truck parked across from us. The children traveling in the bed of the sunfaded turquoise pickup truck were spirited. The lil' boy eyed me suspiciously and his sister was more coy. Others were pushing carts of edibles, leaning up against the trees just leanin' and others anxiously on their way home.

Finally, we pull out of the gas station and travel thru the long shadows out of town. I catch some final shots of sunlit buildings and passing agave fields. As we make it into Guadalajara, it is dark. The large, turbulent city is five miles across and as things would have it, the main highway was under construction. So we bumble along the rush hour city streets, changing lanes at the wime of our lady on our GPS. She thinks we must be driving a compact with a spirited horsepower. I often wanted to yell at her reminding her, "We're in a thick billboard, bobbing on wheels and we are 45 feet long ~ ~ AND ~ ~ we have NO brake lights!!!" I want you to know one person did honk to catch our attention to let us know we had no brake lights, we just smiled and nodded. So I just trust. And we make onto the re-opened Highway 15 and get out of town.

Once with less traffic in outskirts, we pass the International Airport in Guadalajara and approach the turn off to Chapala. But . . . with less vehicles on this road, we notice how very dim are our head lights are. GRIEF!! Roland tries the brights and I had to laugh, even tho it wasn't funny. How were we going to see the road if we didn't have a car in front of us or coming at us? In a last ditch effort to find more light, we turn on the fog lights. God, will I be glad when we get to Lake Chapala.

Farther down the four lane, two-way highway, we were to turn off onto a smaller road leading into the town of Ajijic where we'd actually be staying. Darn, I just didn't notice it early enough to tell Ro to turn (or was my subconscious just making us travel the safer route?). Reaching the hoppin' town of Chapala, we found the streets well-lit with trees lining the streets and people everywhere. It was like watching a movie - but I was there. Guess I was too tired by then to participate.

But we'd made it. And we did it in such record time, that we were a day before our reservations for the RV pad were available. I didn't care . . . I was never so happy to pull into a Walmart parking lot in my life.

Roland asks if I want to walk over to see if we can find the place we will be staying. Oh my, I'm numb and he's excited. What a combo. But I hop onboard and fumble over the cobblestone streets to see the gate, gailey trimmed in warm yellow with vines dangling with orange trumpet clusters welcoming us. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, we have finally arrived.

Even with the main "Carretera" arterial just 40 feet from us . . . sleep came easy and gratefully . . .