Journaling, Yes, Journaling!!

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 . . .

Giving Thanks . . .

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.