Understanding

Domed Stairway
Hacienda Jaral de Berrio
San Felipe, GTO, Mexico

When you walk through life you often stumble upon things that don't make sense. Objects which don't seem to match expectations. As I walked through the infinite rooms of Hacienda Jaral de Berrio one object in particular perplexed me. It sat in a corner but it had all the trappings of a confessional.

A confessional in someone's house is an odd thing even for Catholic Mexico. Upon a closer examination, I discovered that the mysterious corner object was a dome to cover a wooden staircase which lead to a downstairs parlor and conceivable ballroom. It was built for the safety of guests and to keep with the sophistication of the era.

Must say that we don't always get things right the first time we see them. It's a wonder we don't have more conflicts based on misperceptions between people. How often we perceive some thing one way yet its quite another. Our cognition may not be accurate, its a function of our prior experiences and tainted by our beliefs. At times, we need guidance from other sources or fresh views and a distinct perspective.

www.photographybyalhernandez.com

Looking Up

Firework Nebula over San Miguel de Allende
Celebración del Arc Angel de San Miguel
San Miguel de Allende, GTO, MX

 

Complaining about the clanging bells and whistling fireworks of San Miguel de Allende is pointless because undoubtedly you will enjoy the stirring commotion of a real community united by celebrations. During the day, San Miguel is about colonial buildings and cobblestone streets and color. As sunset beckons, the mood changes as church bells remind worshipers and revelers alike that evening is nigh. Soon crowds gather in the plaza known as La Parroquia in front of la Catedral.

Carnival de Arc Angel de San Miguel

Merchants gather with toys, hats, and food to sell, while parents and their children flock to admire the church and the enjoy the pleasant shade of the manicured ficus trees. Lovers of all ages hold hands and sit on benches trying to find secluded spots of privacy to chat, kiss, and dream. You can't help but notice all the stages and phases of the life which surrounds and pulsates around you.

Like a play the lights dim and evening curtains draws and a new scene unfolds before your eyes. Bells clamor again and distant firecrackers and drums collude announcing the advent of the main drama: fireworks. The rapid burst of firecrackers pop pop pop catching your attention. Fireworks begin to spin on spindles circling in front of you whirling and whistling all the while shining their colorful bright lights.  It's night time in San Miguel and the dawn of celebration.

It's all around you a life you've may have forgotten or lost at a carnival somewhere in your youth. There you have it, San Miguel is a carnival come alive at dusk.

www.photographybyalhernandez.com

Looking Back

Window and Silos
Hacienda de Jaral de Berrio
San Felipe, Guanajuato, MX

Spent a full day studying all of the massive rooms of Hacienda de Jaral de Berrio. Each room had splendid details and its own character. Each with its own story. At times, I found myself transfixed and transcended to a different era. Within its walls opulence existed at the expense of those that maintained it. Unfortunately, the revolutions that ended the era did not bring about the promises of a better life.

This could very well explain why the poor cling on to the only thing that they do have. Faith and hope remain and sustain the poor left behind. Dreams were replaced by nightmares.

The town surrounding the faded opulence is comprised of nearly 200 inhabitants descendants of those who tended to the needs of the Marques and his descendants. Although left behind, each day they walk past reminders of an era of prosperity they helped create with their labor. You can't help but wonder about what was and what might have been. At least I do.

www.photographybyalhernandez.com

A Man's Home Is...

Moorish Room
Hacienda San Diego de Jaral de Berrio
San Felipe, GTO, MX

Off the beaten path about an hour's drive from San Miguel de Allende in the town of San Felipe, Guanajuato, you will find one of the largest abandoned hacienda in all of Mexico: Hacienda San Diego de Jaral de Berrio. You might recognize the facade itself from the movie Mariachi starring Antonio Banderas.

It's hard to describe the magnificent opulence that this Hacienda represents. Even today in its abandoned state, it makes you wonder what life was like was for the gentrified and for the nearly 6,500 people serving them. This hacienda is more like a beautiful fortress and a self contained city.

Suppose for the Marques de Berrio and his descendants, a man's home was his castle. The Marques received his grant from the king and quickly amassed land and wealth. He and his defendants prospered at the expense of the indigenous people who toiled the land and managed the estate. It was a good life to be privileged back then. 

Today in America, in nearly a decade of time, the disparity between rich and poor is once again beginning to surface. Unfortunately those of us in the middle whose incomes have dwindled fail to realize that in that same period of time, the very wealthy's income level has quadrupled while the middle class has barely kept pace or now earns less for the same amount of work.

There's nothing wrong with wealth. There is something wrong with not asking questions about the causes of income inequality in a society that prides itself in democracy and the notion that all men are created equal. We are again becoming a nation where some of us are less equal and our votes are becoming less meaningful as they are purchased by the very wealthy to support their lifestyles.

www.photographybyalhernandez.com

Mexican Notes

Statue at Hacienda Jaral de Berrios
San Felipe, GTO, Mexico

SMA was a cacophony of whistling fireworks and clanging church bells performing into the wee hours of dawn. It took on a life onto its own without the cares of the complex city life. This past weekend a carnival atmosphere took hold on both citizens and visitors from the surrounding areas including Mexico City, Guanajuato, and San Luis, it was a time to festejar simply festejando. Colorful merchants selling even more colorful wares ranging from balloons to dolls while the aroma of fresh food from street vendors filled the air with happy yet unfamiliar scents that would make the curious succumb.

All of this was a welcome relief from the stress of my week's business travel.  You do have to be prepared for contingencies. In Mexico anything can happen to think otherwise is sheer reckless optimism. Routine is less than routine in Mexico but nonetheless taken in stride.

Upon our arrival in Mexico City on Wednesday, we rented a car which we never should have accepted. We had difficulty closing the trunk but the rental agent cajoled the lock with ease and showed us that it was fine at least by Mexico automotive standards. When we arrived at our hotel our faith proved optimistic. No amount of effort could bring the latch to work.

But in Mexico, there's always a plan B through Z. The hotel manager had a solution straight from Tim the Toolman Taylor: duct tape. No worries an out of the box universal male solution.

Second business day, Thursday was relatively uneventful. As we approached our hotel I saw a water truck pumping potable water to our hotel. Our always ready hotel proprietor had a prepackaged solution to a water main break. Thanks to him we had water to bathe with and for our toilets. Again we were reminded not to take things for granted. There's nothing routine in Mexico.

By Friday, work was over and I took a 40 minute cab ride from Queretaro to SMA for R&R. Got to my hotel to find out that the front half of the hotel had been repossessed! Had to enter hotel through the side door. Not a problem, I had a room near the main plaza right at the center of SMA life.

That evening the city was packed  because of the celebration of the city's namesake, the arch angel San Miguel. This celebration of parades, fireworks, and church bells lasted until about 3 am when I'm sure the last musician and mariachi finally ran out steam and or music. This is Mexico always celebrating some part of life.

The next day there was no need for alarms to awaken me. The church bells rang on cue like a gleeful father waking up children for school. They rang without mercy for the already sleep deprived.

Wide awake I figured a good hot shower would put me in a great mood to offset my sleep deprivation a form of torture that could easily replace water boarding. (Note to self, send message to Geneva Convention regarding clanging church bells and fireworks.) Again I assumed incorrectly as I was jolted by a cold shower. Although I managed to shampoo my hair I didn't have the stamina to let the cold water chill my back. Suppose I wasn't in the mood for that kind of awakening or just my sorry ass was sensitive.

Hastily gathered gear and off to grab a cab and meet with other photographers to photograph the old abandoned Hacienda jaral de Berrios in San Felipe. Our guide pleasantly stressed good behavior and that she recently had to handle an unruly crowd because the local children had been falsely accused of stealing what turned out to be a misplaced camera. More drama to start my journey. Do not piss off the natives. 

Fortunately one of the photographers accompanying us that day was a retired psychoanalyst so I did my best I have this friend who...all without the benefit of a couch.

Time lingered as we toiled our way through the endless hacienda. Finally after a day broken up by a wonderful arrachera buffet, we headed back home.

We hailed cab from the Mega supermarket on the SMA outskirts but a routine trip home was detoured by the revelry of an endless parade and cordoned off streets. In Mexico it's entertainment first.

Finally had to ask the cab driver to drop me off within a mile of my hotel. Had no other alternative. Bravely fight my way back through the throngs of spectators and dancing Indians twirling to the deafening bass drums. Made it safely back to my room where I made sure that there was no repeat of the hot water debacle. Argued for a lower rate too.

Hungry I thought I would grab a bite to ameliorate my throbbing headache but folks were to busy looking at fireworks and listening to bands. Resigned, I too joined the masses and took in the fireworks in between the claps of thunder and flashes of lightening. I sought the refuge of ample umbrella like ficus trees in the plaza near the gazebo and in front of the splendidly lit cathedral. Was able to enjoy about 45 minutes before threats were no longer and raindrops transformed into torrential rains. Most of the masses dispersed. However diehards and optimists continued the party through the night.

My driver reached me late that evening and we agreed upon a time to leave one that included enough time for contingencies. We had been through many drills before during over a decade of travels from SMA and Leon's airport.

The next morning my driver called to let me know that my hotel was on a direct collision course with the parade. The agreed upon location would not work. Perhaps we didn't have ample time after all. I found myself lugging my luggage and back back down cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks and at times strolling with feathered Indians and crossing their paths weaving in and out between the throngs and parade participants. Finally at the intersection of Zacateros and Pila Seca across from the fountain I headed south to find my smiling help. I boarded his 4x4, a white F-150, smiled and said good bye to a city, an adventure, and a country.

Arrived at the airport in plenty of time. Long enough to have to wait an inordinate amount of time with other sojourners making their way back home to the states some with makeshift suitcase overstuffed.

All was good and after about a 30 minute wait headed to our gate where I fiddled with my iPhone and jotted notes of my travel travails. Gate call and some nervousness set in as I saw an attentive a security agent with latex gloves which reminded me of my dreaded annual position B exam. What else could happen in Mexico? 

www.photographybyalhernandez.com

Journey's Eve

San Miguel Stroll
San Miguel de Allende, GTO, MX

They said Enoch walked with God. Like Enoch, my father also tried all his life to walk in the path of the righteous. He had his shortcomings but he has inspired many with his work and deep caring friendships. My Dad till this day is surrounded by friendships made over decades.

Dad has often joked with me and addressed his own mortality and fears. "No one leaves this earth alive." He says. How true this is. It's not morbid but rather a statement of fact. We all must die. We make room so others might live. The cycle of life continues long after we are gone.

It may very well be that my father will be like his grandfather and bounce back from illness, I don't know. What I do know is this. That whatever my father wants, he deserves. If he is tired, then I will not get in his way. We will see what is in store for him, but for now, I would like to see my Dad walking a few more days and enjoying the life he has until he's ready to meet his maker, preferably in his sleep.

www.photographybyalhernandez.com

Back Again

Arch Angel San Miguel
San Miguel de Allende, GTO, MX

Lately, I've been working on  new ways of interpreting my subjects both animate and inanimate. The single most frustration, I face is that while I can visualize art, I can't paint or draw to save my life. My brain while sensitively designed with the desire to paint has  no painterly capacity whatsoever. To that extent, I depend on the lens to capture my subject. Afterwards, I rely on my Photoshop skills to render my interpretation of both how I saw something and how it moved me.

The single most image, I've seen throughout my visits to San Miguel de Allende is the likeness of the angel warrior the Arch San Miguel, the guardian and protector of the city. With wings outstretched and a blazing sword in his hand he is a formidable champion. It's easy to see why so many are drawn to his likeness and what he represents.

We all need champions in our hearts that will fight the super villains that life throws our way. These villains: death, disease, drought, famine, and poverty have yet to relinquish their grip on us. Since our upright origins, man has consequently let his imagination create images to help overcome his natural fear. In essence,  he created images that were larger than and sufficient to intimidate fear. He created art of these images as archival reminders to both himself and to for the comfort of others.

Now and Then

La Parroquia
San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mx

Every now and then, I have to remind myself of the simple joys that make life worth breathing for. Breathing in and out of itself is a simple miracle that we experience, on average, 23,000 times per day. Whether I am physically or spiritually present in San Miguel de Allende, it seems that I am acutely aware of my joy by 23,000 times. It seems that in that state of mind my joy and gratefulness is heightened.

Fray de San Miguel de Allende
Silhouette and Church
San Miguel de Allende

Like many Mexican towns the church is the heart of the city. If you observe it, you will see its vascular circulation as parishioners and visitors stream in and out of its chambers. In so doing, you witness life itself. Equally, you can enjoy both being in the stream or being a voyeur on a nearby park bench underneath neatly manicured ficus trees.

Doing is great but having or making the opportunity to enjoy what is around you is equally splendid. It too brings rewards. This morning as I ponder all that I have to do now to earn my keep, I am reminded of the why. Photography is not just a job, I do it also for the passion I enjoy and at times I know that I can experience it at least half of my awake time. On a good day, that could be 11,500 times or more.

It's important to enjoy the very simple details of living. It may not always be the way you want or even the way you have dreamt, but it nonetheless provides joy. Learning to be receptive to all of the experiences around you is a difficult lesson to learn. We are accustomed to striving and achieving, few of us have learned the lessons of receiving and enjoying. As I journey, I need to learn to be thankful for all 23,000 times each day. Don't want to be caught short of breath.

Success: Keeping Score

Sarcerdote
San Miguel del Allende, GTO, MX

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." 

Winston Churchill 

If you hit a log jam, the only thing that you can do do is to get up and fix it. It requires action, nothing complicated. Started thinking again about San Miguel and its bells. The bells awaken and beckon me to participate in a very vibrant life. 

It could very well be that this log jam is more than about being stuck. The jam provides me time to reassess what counts and gives my life meaning. The part I've been stuck on has to do more with defining the measure my own success. My realization is that it can hold you back. I want to do and just be without keeping score. Just want to have the opportunity to continue to create and meet fascinating people along the way. 

It's not about winning or losing its about engaging and living life. For me, It boils down to living a life filled with action verbs. Success for me is more about doing and less about the score.

Spring & Summer Sale

"Joie de Vivre"

Some of you have commented that you would like to purchase my artwork but that it's not within your budget. So for a limited time, I am offering you an opportunity to purchase 6x9 prints on 8.5x11 watercolor stock for $75 plus shipping and tax (where applicable). These images make great house warming gifts for your friends and family.

For those of you practicing even more fiscal restraint, I am also selling box sets of five art cards with matching envelopes (all hand signed by me) for $25 plus shipping and tax (where applicable). Just pick any image you like that's been posted on my blog or here and contact me.

As a special bonus incentive, if you purchase four 6x9 prints or 4 box sets of cards, you will get a fifth one free. Please contact me for details; I accept all major credit cards and PayPal. This special bonus incentive ends July 30th.

Don't Worry

Mitzvah en San Miguel de Allende

Woke up this morning feeling a little more tense than usual. Searched for something that would put me in the right frame of mind: images and music. Found two very distinct things, a little Bob Marley (Three Little Birds) and my image, Mitzvah en San Miguel de Allende.

Old habits are hard to break. We get comfortable with them like an old security blanket. We can change them if we are willing to put forth the effort. Worry is a complete waste of energy. So today, I crank up the "Marley" and let go. Already, there's a good feeling brewing inside of me.

There's a whole lot of life to experience outside. The weather is changing and I think I will mix up my day and take my camera for a walk and "Stir It Up." Going to create something today. I can sense it inside of me. It's going to be a great day; I am going to compose it to my liking. It's time for me to give something back and to share.

Joie de Vivre

Joie de Vivre
San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico

My journey has taken me through both the peaks and valleys of life. There have been periods wasted as I attempted to discover what it takes to truly live. The answers found were in places remote and obscure. At times, I mined within. The answers have baffled me. It seems that there's an inverse relation between simplicity and happiness. Happiness requires less not more. It requires letting go.

Simplicity seems to bring uncomplicated joy to most. Children can be happy playing with sticks and balls. Mature adults seem to enjoy conversation over coffee at an outdoor cafe with a few friends. The many times I've travelled to Mexico, I've noticed how energy gets replenished even though the amount of sleep diminishes.

Days filled with very mundane things such as watching people stroll pass and listening to church bells ring, mute all other disruptions thereby shifting focus to the present and the joy of now. Today is it. It's the only day we've got. Living becomes as, if not more important, than simply doing. We live when we insure that our soul gets nourished  To this extent, living is about quality and not quantity.

A cup of coffee or a glass of wine with a good friend is an exercise in a different form of spiritual "holy communion". We share in the body of our humanity both our joys and our suffering. To live we must learn to drink from its cup. Ironically some of us must learn to pause and look so that we can live. If we fail to do so, life with certainty and swiftness will pass us by.

To my new found friends, Devesh and Corrine, let me thank you for reminding me of "joie de vivre". This is what I've been searching for many years. To my new friends from France, bonjour, welcome to my Daily Journey.

Tempus Fugit: Time Flies

Tiempo Mexicano
San Miguel de Allende, GTO, MX

Have you ever noticed how long twenty or thirty seconds seems when you stare at the clock? Put something in the microwave, punch in the time and just stare at the clock. Try it. The tick of each second seems like an eternity gone wild. The end doesn't seem to come quick enough.

Now remove yourself from the clock. Do the same exercise, but this time step away from the clock. Go and sit somewhere and forget the clock. By the time you sit and get comfortable, the timer will go off.

Each time that we eagerly wait for something to happen the same occurs. Time lingers while we wait. It really doesn't does it? It's the same measure but our perception is what is different. If we remove or provide ourselves with "distance", time flies. This is not a new concept. The Romans even had an expression for this: "tempus fugit, momento mori". Loosely translated this means: time flies remember your mortality.

Regardless of whether your stare at time or you ignore it, time marches on. What appears to be an eternity is simply a matter of distorted perception. Time measured in terms of our lives is not forever. Keep this in mind the next time you choose to stare at the clock. You would be better served to do something else in between the clicks and tocks or the LED movements.

Acquisitions and Dispositions: "Forget You"

Niño con Paleta
San Miguel de Allende, GTO, MX

We live in a society that thrives on and encourages lifetimes of acquisitions. For a brief moment, during the Christmas season, the focus shifts to dispositions, not simply of gifts, but of making smiles. While many of us can think of what we don't have few of us truly live in misery.


A couple, I know called me each separately within the same week. Their tune was the same. They both gloated about their fantastic tropical vacation and how good they have it. The husband talked about how wonderful his new year was going to start with some fantastic big deal. When I switched gears and talked about how Congress appears to lack compassion like the C in Christmas. He took offense. It's all Obama's fault he said.


No this is not about politics. I was simply talking about caring and showing compassion and consideration for our fellow human beings. I argued this is not about right or wrong ideology, this is about doing what is right.  We do not have the underprivileged solely so we can say that they are "blessed and shall inherit the kingdom of God." There's more to it than this.


The wife was equally at fault telling me about her indulgence and how their vacation was well deserved. Given her ebullience, I asked her for a very simple favor. I could sense by her verbal dance that the answer was no. Before she could finish, I told her that unlike the similar favor I did for her where my $2,000 lens was stolen, I would pay her for assisting me. The answer was filled with excuses and I withdrew curtly my request.


The truth is that I no longer have the time nor the resolve to put up with people who feel that compassion is not their responsibility. Some feel that its the responsibility of United Way, some churches, and a select few agencies God forbid government. They are simply too busy enjoying their borrowed opulence and borrowed time. To those I apologize and say like Celo Green: "forget you." Keep your money to yourself but please don't ask me for a favor. I am too busy trying to make a difference but don't ask me for a favor down the road. 


The same that argue about saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, overlook making them Merry or Happy for their friends and neighbors. That's the guilt burden than many in our society must share. It's a shame that it has come to this. Do what is right based on your heart's conviction. This is independent from your political and religious ideology.

Carpe Diem

Taking It In
San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mx

It's been a year since I last set foot in San Miguel de Allende. It's a place that I enjoy for a myriad of reasons. San Miguel for me is a transcendental place. An oasis in the high desert for all of my senses. It provides me the fortune of not thinking and simply enjoying everything and everyone around me.

Entrada

Whether I am sitting at the plaza waiting for the church bells to ring or for passersby to join me underneath the full shade of ficus trees, I feel at home. I take it all in the simple joy of watching life. The mornings I find full of the awakening sounds of street sweepers, cooing pigeons, and the aroma of coffee in the square. Usually, I find a spot in a nearby cafe, sit and gaze while I sip infinite amounts of coffee.  I repeat the ritual every day as long as I am there as if it were mass.


Sitting is not the best activity in San Miguel but it deafens the noises I have grown accustomed to north of the border. The best activity is simply walking. Walking is the preferred mode of transportation. You actually get to see more on foot. Each street has special surprises. San Miguel is a place to keep your eyes wide open. You don't want to miss anything at any time. The treasures are available everywhere.

Works of Mercy

Mitzvah
San Miguel de Allende, Gto, Mx

We hand folks over to God's mercy, and show none ourselves. 

George Eliot

Most recently, the American people were subjected to needless stress by the egos and blind ideologies of their Congressmen. Those elected to protect the people and the US Constitution instead saw fit to seize the bully pulpit to extol the views of their corporate benefactors. In the final analysis, none of us was in the equation.  You see most of us do not fit in to that cozy five percent who are extremely wealthy and choose not to pay more taxes.  The vary same responsible for the global financial disaster predicated on greed's cousin avarice do not want to share the burden of the wars and financial ruin they precipitated.  It's not a pleasant reflection on our society and government.

Today, however, I experienced a glimmer of hope. As I was standing in the express grocery lane, I saw something unusual; it gave my jaded heart hope and made me fight back tears.  There I was standing in line with only two items, sponges, and the lady in front of me had many items including a bouquet of flowers.  In my mind she was slowing up the process; I was indignant and impatient.  

There had to be a reason for all of this. Then I started to put the pieces together. On the other side of her, past the cashier loading up their cart was a middle aged lady in a wheel chair, her child, and her husband helping her.  The lady in front of me swiped her debit card but I noticed that it was not for her own bill.  She was paying for the groceries of this needy couple.

When I got to the cashier, I asked:  "Did that lady, just pay the groceries for those folks?"

"Yes", the cashier from India responded.  She added, "that lady doesn't even know them."  "God will bless this lady many times over."

There's something fundamentally wrong with a government that chooses not to demonstrate mercy towards its own people.  However, there is something truly right about what I witnessed today.  I wish I could say that the story ended at the store, but it didn't.  As I walked out, I saw the unidentified lady approach the couple again and gave them her bouquet of flowers she had intended for herself.

What would happen if each of us took it upon himself/herself to engage in random acts of mercy?  How would this change your perception of our world? What if you started to do more than just what was expected of you? What would happen if you actually demonstrated that you cared rather than just say I am sorry? Actions really do speak louder than words.

Try Again

One who fears failure limits his activities.

Failure is only the opportunity to more

intelligently begin again.

Henry Ford

One of my favorite pass times in both Santa Fe, NM and in San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico is photographing doors.  The doors all have different characters, color, textures, hardware and stories.

In time, as we progress along our journey, we also encounter many doors;   most appear to be shut, few are wide open.  Shut or open, we will never know unless we put forth the effort, approach the doors and turn their door knobs and handles.  Those that are indeed closed may have codes and keys that lie underneath not to distant doormats.  You will never know unless you try.  What do you have to lose?

Think about the doors in your life.  What appears to be obvious may not be as obvious as you think.  Try opening the closed doors.  Don't simply stop because it looks closed.  Remember doors are meant for opening and to pass through.

I Brake For Details

Puerta:  Casa Lajas

I don't know if it was my mother's garment industry background or if it's just my OCD nature, but since I was a child, I've always noticed the details.  This fascination serves me well as I spend time behind the view finder.  The whole simply is not as interesting to me as the details that make up the whole.

There's so much to notice in the details.  So much is obscured by looking at the whole.  The beauty is in the interrelationship between the detail and how it composes the whole.  The details are the links that make the picture complete.  There's no devil in the details. 

The details provide us not only with colors, but also with textures and contrasts that make the image appealing.  As we observe the details, we notice what makes that image truly unique.  We begin to comprehend why we are/were drawn to it.  The details are the soul of the image.  If we learn to manipulate the details, we can change the emotion of the image.  Details provide the depth or the added dimensions required to feel the image.

It's funny while I might not remember names, I certainly can recall the details about objects and people.  I will recall facial characteristics, birthmarks, quirks, and shoes.  More importantly, I notice how they are and observe how they think.      An image begins to form in my head.  Then again, I am a photographer, I am supposed to notice the details.

You will be surprised what you will notice if you only take the time to observe.  Add another dimension to your life.  Pay attention to what is happening all around you.  Open up your eyes and you will be surprised at what your soul will find and embrace.  A change of attitude and perspective will definitely follow.

On His Shoulders

Not that long ago, I sat on my father's shoulders and lap.  I never had to ask if he wanted me there.  It was a secure place.  A place where I knew I would not be allowed to fall down.  I was safe from injury, safe from the bugs that could attack me, safe from being trampled by the crowds.  His grasp was firm.  His love unconditional.  Regardless of what I did, he would be there for me.

Years passed and I remember being about eight years old;  we went to a local grocery store and I insisted on wanting bing cherries.  Cold bing cherries.  My dad said no but I managed to stuff my mouth and pockets full of  cherries.  As we checked out of the grocery store, my father noticed what I had done.  He asked me if I had taken the cherries.  My puffed out cheeks incriminated me.  My father made me confess to the store owner and he bought me the cherries.

The truth was my father couldn't afford to buy me the cherries.  He wanted to provide for me regardless and made a sacrifice that day for me.  Years have come and gone and when I eat the forbidden treasure, I pause, smile, and think of Dad.  Happy Father's Day.  Remember your Dad.

Invited to the Dance

To paraphrase Jesus, "many are called, but few are chosen" to dance.  In Mexico, life is the dance.    People from all over the world flock to it's beaches, it's vibrant cities, and revel in its art and culture.  It's a standing invitation but few choose to take the invitation to heart.

It requires listening and slowing down.  In order to dance you have to listen to the music.  The rhythms are happy and syncopated with the blare of trumpets and the strumming of guitars.  The participanta become dervishes of their own accord as mariachi melodies tells stories of love, heart break, and drunken pleasure.

Life's drama of unfurls with the each folkloric dance step.  The cadence is lively and upbeat.  It's a matter of time before I am completely enveloped by the blend of choreography and music.  It is dusk I notice, but I feel already the energy of my early morn.

It's been a while since I've danced or wanted to dance, but the music compels me.  I listen and give my soul permission to dance.  It graciously accepts the offer.  The mariachis, the dancers, and the evening all become one.  My worries become blurs like the skirts of the young senorita dancers.  A smile overcomes my face and reflects its light like a well lit summer's night moon.  My senses are alive and all I can think is how joyous it is to be alive.  I am in a San Miguel de Allende state of mind.  I will draw from this well many times in the days that lie ahead of me.  The singing and the dancing just never stop.  

When you hear the call, welcome the invitation and accept, "many are called, but few are chosen".