* Did you say Nicho Party?

Yes, that's what I said.  Inspired by my friend Wendy, who holds Nicho Parties regularly, I invited a few women over to explore this creative medium, make a mess, and get caught up with each others lives.  I set the party up outside in the shade.  How good is that.  Sitting outside, with friends who also love to create, chattering, laughing, getting caught up on the 'gossip', creating something lovely.  It was such FUN.  A great way to spend a day.  I liked it so much I definitely will do it again.  It does not have to be Nichos, it could be any creative activity.  I actually wanted to have a Valentine Card Making party, however I knew I didn't have enough 'stuff' to play with.  Next year I will plan for it.

Champagne was the first order of the day and we toasted each other, life, friends, Quinta de Luz, and of course Nichos.  We nibbled on fresh guacamole, cheese, crackers and freshly baked ginger bread cookies Wendy brought.  I hadn't seen Jen and Isabella for awhile and it was lovely to catch up with them.  They had never made a Nicho before.  Pat, from Aparicio days came ... also new to Nicho making.  Kathleen, who has wanted to make Nichos for years, and in fact has carted blank Nicho's home, which are still blank, made THREE Nicho's today and is so inspired will probably take an entire suitcase of them home with her this year.  She has plans for making them with her granddaughter.  Wendy, the Nicho Queen, brought samples of her glitzie style with her so the Nicho Virgins could behold and be inspired.  Yes, we had a blast. 

Everyone brought a nicho and an object to put in it.  I got out all my paints, brushes, glue, and decorative elements to play with.

It was nice and neat.

Soon, it looked like this.  Everyone lost in 'the zone', trying different colours, different designs, different ways of embellishing.

We look happy.  We are.

Pat's first time Nicho.  Very cool.

Jen's first time Nichos.  Gorgeous I think.

Isabella's is lovely as well.  Very antique looking.  She's a photographer.  Cropping one of her own photos and using that as the insert was brilliant.

Kathleen is ready for more.  I love what she created.

I love the Nicho with the little doors.  Wendy loves doing Nicho's with Our Lady of Guadalaupe in them.

A day spent with friends is always a day will spent.

* A PURE BLISS day and a little Mail Art.

It was a beautiful day in San Miguel.  The sun was shining.  It was neither too hot nor too cold ... it was just right.  Kathleen came to de Luz and we spent the afternoon together.  Kathleen arranged for an aesthetician to come to de Luz.  We sat on the covered terrace while our hands and feet were soaked, snipped, rubbed and polished. It was a Bliss day.  We laughed, we had tears in our eyes, we dreamed, we philosophized, and wiled away the hours in the warmth of the Mexican sun.  We dined on fresh sandwiches and drank agua ... it was delicious.  Our feet and our hands are happy.  Our hearts are full.  We deepened our friendship.  Kathleen treated me to this beautiful 'spa day'.  Ah yes, life does not get any better than this!

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.-- Anonymous

* Happy Valentines Day in San Miguel

Personalize your own greeting More VAleNtiNE LoVE ThoUGhTs  have arrived from Chicago for #44 and 3/8ths.  Dear friends, 7/10ths (twins) and a  relative, another #44, have sent their love and a family photograph to remind you they are thinking of you and miss you. Isn't it WONDERFUL! Happy Valentines Day, Ivan and Kathleen.  It's so very lovely to have you close to me.  To all my friends in Canada, the United States, Australia, my special people enjoying the warmth of Maui at the moment,  Anne and Karen and your families, I hope you have a LoVeLy LoVe dAY.  I'll be thinking of you all.  XxXOoo "If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand." -Unknown

* It Happened Last Night

It was delightful to watch.  No. 44 and 3/8's together again for the first time in nearly a year.  Clothed in his new outfit, designed especially for his first trip to Mexico, No. 44 proudly wore his new sarape and straw hat.  It was indeed a delight to see them together again.

No. 44 and 3/8's reunited in San Miguel.

The day was enjoyed by the entire family.  Shopping, a little tour of some of San Miguel, and then back to Quinta de Luz for a 'slow' dinner of fresh guacamole, stir fry with huge prawns, absolutely immoral brownies with crema, and fresh melon.  

It was noted that 3/8s shed a couple of tears when 44 left for the evening.  

Friends are the sunshine of life.

John Hay

* A Day in Queretaro

Santiago de Queretaro, or Queretaro as it is commonly known is the principal city in the Mexican State of Queretaro, about an hours drive from San Miguel de Allende.  Wonderul Wendy and her Wonderful Car took us there through the Wonderful hills and small villages of the country side.

Queretaro was settled by the Aztecs, and a population of 1500 lived in this area as early as 200 AD.  Today, having endured battles and critical historic events, Queretaro is a city of industry and one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico.

Much of early Queretaro has been obliterated by wars and battles, leaving the visible historical structures no earlier than the 1500's.  The historic centro area is truly a treat.  Colonial architecture, an abundance of plazas and trees, small streets around the main plaza which are closed to traffic and many wonderful outdoor restaurants where you can sit and watch the world go by without the noise of traffic.  A great place to shop if you are so inclined, Queretaro offers unique independent shops in the central area, as well as the 'big box' stores like Costco in the outlying districts.  Underground parking is available smack dab in the middle of town, so you can save your energy and enjoy strolling through the shops, cafes, and historical sites.    What struck me most is the 'small town' feel which exists in centro.  Sitting on a quiet street in a lovely restaurant or strolling in the no traffic areas and plazas, I forgot I was in a bustling city of over a million inhabitants.

Naturally, we itched to hit the craft shops in search of any creative goodies we could find, so for a couple of hours we went our separate ways to explore and see what we could find.  We met back at the main plaza and Wendy took us to one of her favorite outdoor restaurants, with live music, and a five course meal, which by the way, was incredibly delicious, for about $7.00 each.  We had a fruit drink (sorry can't remember the name of the tiny fruit), which they place whole in a blender and it makes a beautiful accompaniment to a meal.  The fabric which is available here is also incredible.  With all the traditional celebrations and fiestas, sparkle and glitz is the thing to wear.  No lack .... I spied material in a shop yesterday which literally took my breath away ... I gasped when I saw it.

Wouldn't any young woman be thrilled to wear one of these.  This calibre of formal attire is the norm here.

An incredible old colonial casa, now a first class hotel.

Row upon row of ribbon in the craft shop.  The amount shown here does not hold a candle to the stock they carry in a large fabric shop.

San Francisco church and one of the main plazas.

An incredible sculpture representing a runner in traditional Aztec attire.

Do we look like we are enjoying ourselves or what!?

The dog fountain.  I love it.  A dog on each corner!

A courtyard restaurant to wile away the hours.

A romantic little corner overlooking the courtyard in an old hotel.  How lovely to stay there.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” ~ Mark Twain

* Afternoon Tea and Happiness Cushions

Kathleen and Ivan asked me if there was anything I would like them to bring which I couldn't get in Mexico.  My thoughts immediately drifted to tea.  A good old fashioned 'British Cuppa'.  Hmmmm.  Images of tea pots and gorgeous tea cups came to mind.  I remembered the afternoon teas we had at home.  Every afternoon at 3:00 pm.  Tea ... and a little something delicious.  Papa often wanted a little piece of Mama's special 'christmas cake' which somehow lasted all year.  Memories of my time in England flooded back.  Tea on the "Flying Scotsman", traveling from London to Glasgow.  Those were the days ... silver service tea and cakes served to you on the train.  I remembered one particularly lovely afternoon spent with my Mama at a great play in the west end of London.  I had ordered tea as a surprise for her.  It came at intermission, to our seats.  Full silver service ... tea and cakes.  How we enjoyed that.   And then there were the tea trolly's in friends homes in England.  Laden with cucumber sandwiches and petit fours, they would be wheeled in on a moments notice to share as part of a wonderful afternoon with friends.  Ahhh, I have been blessed to experience all these lovely things.

I adore tea pots and tea cups.  I have my parents silver tea pot with me, however, for whatever reason it's turning black on the top shelf.  I have a feeling if I took it down and polished it, I might be tempted to use it.  My good china tea set survived the breakage disaster of moving, so I could be using that as well.

At the moment, I boil the kettle, plop a tea bag in a cup and pour.  Not very genteel .... :o).

I digress.  Back to the story at hand.  So .... when K & I asked me the 'what would you like' question, I immediately said "Tea please."  Tea in Mexico is herbal.  Tons of the stuff everywhere.  The negra (black) tea is a mere shadow of it's British relative.  I want BLACK.  I want STRONG.  I want RICH.  I want ENGLISH BREAKFAST TEA ... just like the Queen, please!

And so it was, they brought me tea.  Not just a little bit of tea either.  An ABUNDANCE of tea.  I feel RICH.  I feel like people must have felt in the Victorian era when they had an abundance of tea ... like I want to lock it up to protect it, to keep it safe.  ha ha!  Such a concept.  I am happy.  I am over the moon.  I have tea.  Tea to drink and Tea to share ... it doesn't get any better than this.  Thank you Kathleen and Ivan.

An Abundance of Tea.

Here are the beautiful cushions I bought at the fair.  They make me smile just looking at them.  I call them my happiness cushions!

 

AND ..... TA DAH .....  Lady Lovely herself ....

"My name my dear, is Senora RedWing, all one word.", she informed me yesterday.  "You may call me RedWing."  And so it is.  "Welcome, RedWing.  I know we shall have a long and wonderful relationship."  (Personally, I have a feeling she could be a little "RedWingie", if you get my meaning!  Who am I so say .... he he)

"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think.  Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.  ~A.A. Milne

A day at the Artisans Fair

Another exquisite day in San Miguel.  The sun was warm and the wind quiet. 

The Artisans Fair took place at Instituto Allende this weekend.  Kathleen and I spent a wonderful afternoon wandering, looking, chatting with vendors and friends, lunching on lovely Mexican appetizers, enjoying one of our favorite views of San Miguel while listening to music of the country. A very enjoyable day indeed.  Some photos follow.

Our first stop was at Sophies table.  Sophie is famous for her paper mache figures, especially her roosters.  They are incredible.  I have been wanting one of her women with wings, which is what I'm holding in my hands.  She has not told me her name as yet, she's still a little shy.  I'm sure in a few days we will be well acquainted.

Kathleen became acquainted with Sophie several years ago when she and Ivan adopted the most fabulous rooster who now lives with them in Chicago.

Peering  into one of the rooms where incense was burning, I photographed this.  Interestingly, the shape looks figure like.

Kathleen was teasing the senor that he chose the best place to sell hats, because it was in the sun.  You looked great in that hat, Kathleen!  Very sexy.

This hat out of some sort of pop can.  Cute, Kathleen.

I thought this woman looked so fabulous we asked if she would have her photo taken.  She happily obliged by striking this pose.  Had a lovely chat.  I think of her as Our Lady of San Miguel.

One of my favorite views in all San Miguel.  How can you not be in love with this.

After lunch - friends. 

The first woman you see in the photo is Lena Bartula.  She has organized a grass roots operation known as MARISPOSAS SAN MIGUEL.  The theme of the program is butterflies which symbolizes transformation and Leena's program wages peace through education to eliminate violence in the community.  The work being hand crafted by this group of women in the campos is world class art, dual purposed to be functional.  Bags, aprons, cushions, wall art, are among the pieces being hand crafted.  If you have a chance, seek them out.  The colours and designs alone are enough to put a smile on your face.  Kathleen and I both walked away with our bags full of goodies we couldn't resist. Hand emroidered on many of the pieces is "Imagine the world without violence."  Such a worthwhile vision to support.  The cushions I purchased for my Studio are absolutely delightful.  I will post them tomorrow. The beautiful Mexican woman standing by me is Angelena, the artisan who crafted my cushions.

“First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.” ~ Napoleon Hill

* Old Friends and New Mail Art

As you know, Kathleen and Ivan are here.  It's just nice to know they are in town.  Comforting to have them near.  Lovely to catch up with their lives and know what's going on 'inside'.  We, the three of us, go deep .... to a soul level.  It feels magical.  On this journey I cannot do that with everyone I meet.  This relationship is special.  It's healing. 

They were on the last flight out of O'Hare the day the storm hit.  I think I mentioned that.  The next night we went to a wonderful little restaurant that serves food from the Oaxaca region of Mexico.  We happened upon a very special day.  I will try and explain.  On January 6th, the Day of the Three Kings, bread is served with the festive meal.  If a person gets bread with a doll representing Baby Jesus in it, they have to cook tamales on February 2nd for all the people they were with on January 6th.  Well, the owner of the restaurant got Baby Jesus.  He had been cooking tamales since dawn and was actually behind in this tamale cooking.  He decided to serve tamales in the restaurant that evening.  We happened upon a special evening.

We took our own champagne and toasted to 'YES' several times over the evening.  Starters were jalapeneo peppers, the seeds removed, served hot stuffed with cheese and covered in Oaxacan mole.  YUM.  Next a wonderful salad was served with warm soft tortillas.  Then the tamales began to appear.  Tamales stuffed with chicken and mole, tamales stuffed with cheese, shrimp, almonds and who knows quite what else, then a very traditional Oaxaca tamale sweet and slow cooked in a banana leaf covered in that most delicious mole.  We were so FULL .... tamales seem to expand once they are in your tummy.  We enjoyed each others company during our two and one half hour dinner.  Re connecting and knowing being together for this two months is a gift.  Finally we were able to pull ourselves from the table, said our farewells to the very charming restaurant owner and wandered slowly, in the cool night air, to the jardin to enjoy sitting, chatting, and gazing at the beautiful old colonial surroundings.  The feeling is enchanting and magnetic. 

San Miguel is not her usual self for this time of year.  Tourism is down, and the town feels quiet and empty.  It can feel a little heavy, a little sad sometimes.  Like some of her energy is missing.

Yesterday we met at the Biblioteca (library) for breakfast.  We ran into friends.  Sylvia came and sat with us for a while, and on the way out, we stopped to talk with Wendy and Blanche ... so now they have met some of my friends.

After breakfast, which was about noon,  Ivan wandered over to the Jardin to sit and read the paper while Kathleen and I went shopping to the market for nichos and delightful trinkets to put into nichos, in preparation for our nicho party.  It will be fun.  Since Ivan has found out it is not a Nacho party .... for some odd reason he is no longer interested in coming.  ;o)

A lovely day was had.  We enjoyed a late lunch of my favorite -- gorditas, in a little Mexican restaurant. 

It was after 3:30 when I arrived home.  The painting is almost finished, although the painter will be back to do the floors next week and also some painting on the main level.  Hopefully the plumber and the electrician will be here next week ... then all that is left is the iron railings for the upstairs terrace and the two sets of stairs.  We also need a little more glass for the double doors in the studio.

Wendy popped over about 5:00 pm, bearing gifts of homemade cookies.  Tea and chatter was enjoyed for a couple of hours.

When Wendy left, naturally I was alone.  Something is 'afoot' when I'm alone these days.  Something is stirring within.  I'm restless.  I can't settle.  I feel edgy.  Things are bubbling up ... not sure what.  Not a particularly nice feeling.  Don't quite know what to do with it.  Just let it 'be'.

I did a piece of mail art the other day, so I'll share that with you.

We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.

- Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

* Today at Quinta de Luz

A busy day around la Luz today.  Maria is here busy cleaning.  Alvinino has climbed my tree in the back yard and is trimming it.  Jose is painting the side of the house.  Pedro is busy painting in the studio.

Can't wait for it to begin blooming and turning green.

Are you able to see the circles under the scallop edge?  Pedro is painting them all by hand ... so stencils happening here!

 

My friends arrived the night before last.  They were the last flight out of O'Hare (Chicago).  Last night had a wonderful dinner at Dona Diabla, a restaurant which cooks traditional food from the Oaxaca region of Mexico.  Very special to see them, and to know they will be here for the next couple of months.  I'll tell you more about the dinner tomorrow.   For now, Hasta Manana.

“Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there”

 

* Shrines, Nichos, Alters and Dream Boxes

The theme for February at ALTER IT MONTHLY  is Shrines, Nichos, Alters and Dream Boxes.  You may view my MoonBeam Babies and many other entries there. This month the entries are sponsored by ARTchix Studios,  one of my favorite and most fabulous places to shop for all things ArtFull! (Be patient ... this is the first day entries are being received.  It may take a little while for them to be posted)

My MoonBeam Babies are finally complete.  It's been a great project, trying to figure out what 'they really wanted'.

The housing project and redecoration proceeded with the Babies directing the entire procedure. See their lives evolve and read their history at "Babies Homeless",  Bossy Babies,  "Bought a New House"and Here at 'Moonbeam Manor'.

They are content and happy now in their new digs.  Comforted by the knowledge that they are loved and cared for, they are much like us .... the 'earth people' as they refer to me.  ;o)

 I thought this Irish Blessing might be appropriate for this post.


"May God grant you always ... A sunbeam to warm you, a MOONBEAM to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.  Laughter to cheer you.  Faithful friends near you.  And whenever you need to, Heaven to hear you."