A Mexican Love Affair....

¡Felices Pascuas de Resurrección!

It begins with a desire, a yearning to experience Easter in Mexico.

Oh how I look forward to the many people who come out in droves to mass over the course of Semana Santa. I am not Catholic, but I am completely fascinated with the strong Catholic faith that resides within the Mexican people and have a deep respect for its ceremonious affections and firm sense of community.

During my travels to Mexico, I make a point of visiting the local churches and taking a moment to give thanks for my charmed life. I look forward to the day that I witness the Passion parade and participate in the Easter week celebrations. I anticipate participating in this Easter celebration will be a moving experience....perhaps even a "religious experience"... Happy Easter!

"A religious experience is a life-changing, ongoing experience and relationship (Philippians 1:6). It is a transformation (Romans 12:1-3) where the Holy Spirit dwells within and brings a sense of peace"

Everyone has three lives?

I believe Gabriel Garcia Marquez once wrote everyone has three lives....."A public life, a private life and a secret life."

Public life = everyday living (career, school, domestic life)

Private life = life that is intimate, tucked away and secluded from most other people

Secret life = a life hidden and not revealed

I must admit, I find this all somewhat intriguing...

Do all three lives serendipitously weave themselves together? Are peoples public and private lives simply products of what guides and governs them - external forces, their values, environment? Is it true that our secret life is really where our heart is, where our real motives are - our ultimate desires?

If so, my secret life is a simple....a life shared with people I love, a life that offers plenty of warmth and happiness...and of course, en mi casa en México....

Thought I would share this song sung by a favorite artist of mine
Katie Melua (a Leonard Cohen song) "In my Secret Life" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnEpc0D5AKc

A time to reflect...

I must admit I have been extremely busy with work over the last few weeks. I have been heavily involved in pandemic planning and busy opening assessment clinics. My work day starts early in the morning and ends late into the evening. As a result, I have not had much time to post or do much of anything. But I did have some time to reflect........

Early Friday morning, my phone rang at home. I immediately thought the phone call had something to do with work. The voice on the other end of the call was a familiar. A very close friend of mine... she was crying and began sharing some very tragic news....her Father passed away early Friday morning. A dark and sad life moment.....

Her parents were just a year short of celebrating 65 years of marriage. The family was busy planning his birthday celebrations - Thursday, November 12. Somehow, this just wasn't meant to be....no more birthdays, no more anniversaries.

Early Friday morning, he gently embraced his loving wife's hand and told her that he was sick and was suffering a terrible headache - he told her he was going to die. She responded by saying he couldn't die she needed him. Moments later he took his last breath.

Tomorrow, we will celebrate his life and say a tearful goodbye. At 11am tomorrow, please join us in taking a moment to reflect on the important things in life.......everyday is a gift!

~ A death amongst men is a wedding feast amongst angels - Indian proverb

El Día de los Muertos

El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is fast approaching.

El Día de los Muertos celebrations occur during the first days of November. Joyful celebrations occur - people throw parties, celebrations and parades. Families travel to graveside with memories of those who have died to have picnics with favorite foods and music. Typically, there are two celebrations honoring the memory of loved ones who have died. On November 1st, the souls of the children are honored and on November 2nd the souls of the adults are remembered.

I became fascinated with this holiday and the customs that surround this celebration. I decided to share a recipe for a semisweet yeast bread that is commonly found on the altars or ofrendas - Pan de Muertos. The bread itself can be decorated with strips of dough that replicate bones and at the top you may find skull.

Pan de Muertos

Note: Please do not try to hurry this dough along; the flavor will develop better with slow rising. Also, another important note is to use an electric mixer with dough hook, this dough can be rather messy to handle.

The starter

1 pound (450g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for bowl and working surface
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Unsalted butter, for greasing bowl

The dough

1 cup sugar
7 ounces unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing baking sheets
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for board and bowl
8 egg yolks, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water
About 1/4 cup water
grated rind of 1 orange

The glaze

4 egg yolks, well beaten
About 1/4 cup melted, unsalted butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar

For the starter: Put the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast into a mixing bowl and gradually beat in the water and eggs. Continue beating until the dough forms a cohesive mass around the dough hook. It should be sticky, elastic, and shiny, about 5 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a floured board and form into a round cushion. Butter a clean bowl and sprinkle well with flour. Place the dough into it, cover with greased waxed paper and a towel, and set aside in a warm place—ideally about 70°F until the dough has doubled in volume, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

For the dough:
Tear the starter into pieces and put it, the sugar, and the butter into the bowl of a mixer and mix well with the dough hook, gradually beating in the flour alternately with the yolks. Beat in the water and flavoring—you should have a slightly sticky, smooth, shiny dough that just holds its shape. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and form into a round cushion shape.

Butter a clean bowl and dust well with flour and place the dough in it. Cover with greased waxed paper and a towel, and set aside in a warm place, about 70°F, until it is almost doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Liberally grease four baking sheets—two for main "bodies" and two for the "heads and bones." Turn the dough out onto a floured board and divide into two equal pieces. Set one piece aside under plastic wrap while you work with the first.

Take three-fourths of the dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Press it out to a circle about 8 inches in diameter—it should be about 1 inch thick. Press around the edge of the dough to form a narrow ridge of about 1 inch —like the brim of a hat—and transfer to one of the baking sheets. Cover loosely with greased waxed paper and set aside in a warm place, about 70°F to rise about half its size again, about 1 hour.

Divide the remaining one-quarter of dough into four equal parts. Roll one piece into a smooth ball—that will be the head. Roll out the other three pieces into strips about 8 inches long, forming knobs as you do it. Place these onto a second tray, cover as before, and set aside to rise for about 1 hour. Repeat the steps to form the second bread.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). At the end of the rising period, place the three bones at regular intervals across the dough with the round ball in the middle and make two indentations for eyes. Brush the surface of the dough with the beaten eggs and bake until well browned and springy to the touch, 15 to 20 minutes. Turn the heat off, open the oven door, and let the breads sit for about 5 minutes.

Transfer the breads to racks, brush with the melted butter, and sprinkle well with the sugar. It is best to let the breads cool off for about 2 hours before eating. If well stored, they will keep soft for several days and, in fact, improve in flavor.

Quien con la esperanza vive, alegre muere.

Cold Days and a bowl of Warm Albondigas Soup

Well, the cold weather is here in Alberta. In fact, we have snow on the ground!

I decided to pull out my big soup pot and make some Albondigas soup.
I thought I would share my version ...curl up and stay warm!

ALBONDIGAS SOUP

Soup

1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
6 cups of homemade chicken stock
1 cup of carrots
1 stalk of celery, diced
2 potatoes, chopped
1 can of crushed tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
pinch of cumin seeds
pinch of red pepper flakes

Meatballs

1 lb of lean ground beef
1 cup of par-boiled rice
1/4 cup of bread crumbs
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of oregano
1extra large egg
1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped

Begin by preparing the meatballs. Mix ground beef, rice, bread crumbs, garlic, oregano together with the egg and cilantro. Form this mixture into medium sized meatballs and place in pot to sear with a touch of olive oil until brown. Set aside.

Prepare slicing and dicing your vegetables. In the soup pot, saute onions, garlic, celery and carrots until onion is transparent and slightly golden brown. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, potatoes, bay leaf, cumin, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for 30 minutes and then add meatballs and continue cooking for another for 30 minutes.

Serve with fresh lime, warm tortillas a cozy blanket and a great book....enjoy

A Journey

Every fall, huge numbers of Monarch Butterflies gather in Canada to migrate over 3,000 kilometers some of these butterflies congregate in Michoacan.

Several hundred Monarch Butterflies were released from the Magic Wings conservatory located in Deerfield MA. The conservatory was participating in the annual Monarch Butterfly migration south to Mexico and Central America.

This has been a particularly slow year for the egg laying process as a result of a cold and rainy summer. This means there are less Monarchs in the wild.

If you are interesting, this link will allow you to follow their journey.

I can only imagine what a beautiful life moment that is...
hundreds of spectacular and somewhat magical Monarch butterflies emerging from their cocoons.....a liberating moment!

Flyer Beware - Big Fees for Baggage

Get ready travelers... apparently some of the big U.S. airlines are changing baggage fees on some flights.

A few things you may like to investigate with your airline prior to your departure:

Continental Airlines - Beginning September 14, 2009 travelers with a second bag will be charged $25.00 for travel between the US, Mexico, Central and South America - exception Brazil.

Delta Air Lines - $30.00 to check that second bag for flights to Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America - exception Brazil. Tickets purchased September 19 for travel beginning October 13.

United Airlines - A fee of $27.00 for a second bag US, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean

Supposedly, some airlines are offering discounts to travelers if they pay the baggage charge online instead of at the airport.

I have always enjoyed bringing back my second bag filled with all my "little treasures". I guess I still can, only for a price....

"Our battered suitcases were piles on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life." ~ Jack Kerouac

Mt Angel Oktoberfest

Well, just got back from Oregon. I attend my first Mt Angel Oktoberfest. My family heritage is German. The weather was beautiful and the event was well attended.

Beer, Saurerkraut and Bratwurst were all on the menu. People dressed the part and entertainment was included in our adventure.

The centerpiece in the above photo was beautifully decorated with hops and apples.

The picture I took below includes a pub called Frank-N-Steins. Many people wandering the streets with beer steins attached to belt loops.

All in all, a great adventure and eine wunderbare Zeit von allen!

The Seduction

Music can be powerful...it has been know to stir emotions within us. These feelings can be intriguing maybe even irresistible. Music can influence moods and perceptions...it can also awaken past life memories and experiences. It has the ability to touch our deep hushed magical wells of emotions - a lasting impression that can only be felt. It is one of those inexplicable experiences that nourish the listener aesthetically and intellectually. Music is created from the soul....a moment in life...perhaps an inner urge...it is pure seduction.

Some of my favorites:

The First Time I saw your Face

Be tender with my love

One Love

What's going on

Gimme Shelter

Have I told you lately

If you leave me now

Miracles

Wild West End

Tiny Dancer

Mi Nina Lola

Love Sick

Tonight's the Night

Beware......disturbing

Today, I received an alarming email. This email was "sent" from a friend who resides in Mexico and is in her eighties. As I read the email, I immediately felt worried then became increasingly suspicious...was this a scam?

The email stated the following:

Subject: Urgent need

To: ___________@yahoo.com

Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2009, 5:19 PM

I am in a great sorrow writing you this note, Just wanted to inform you about something very important, i could barely think straight at this point, i hope you come to my aid because something very terrible is happening to me now, i need a favor from you now, I had a trip here in UK

Unfortunately for me all my money got stolen on my way to the hotel where i lodged along with my bag were my passport was And since then i have been without any money i am even owing the hotel here.

So i have limited access to emails for now,please i need you to lend me about $1400 so i can make arrangements and return back I am full of panic now,the police only asked me to write a statement about the incident and directed me to the embassy,i have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively,I will return the money back to you as soon as i get home,I am so confused right now.i wasn't injured because I complied immediately.

I will be waiting to hear from you since i can't access the internet always

Thank you again.

A quick phone confirmed that this was indeed a con. She was the victim of a phishing scam. After receiving many phone calls from concerned friends and acquaintances she posted the following message on her site:

Attention: please do not respond to any emails asking for money or wire transfer overseas. They are not authorized by me. It is a Phishing scheme using my email address, since someone has stolen my email account through Yahoo.I am in the process of generating a new email account.

All I can say is, I am grateful she is safe and out of harms way......

The Charm of Mexico

For me, Mexico is paradise. Few countries offer the diversity - modern cities, colonial towns, ancient ruins, serene natural landscapes, warm sea breezes and snow capped mountains. Mexico offers a fascinating contrast between old and new - a country that has held onto its authentic charms.

I know when I am "home". Well-known distractions - gears grinding, horns blowing, passing cars with music or bass that shake and rattle - people everywhere. The heat and humidity are immediately recognizable - the parched vegetation and that familiar feeling of being wrapped in warm, salty steam. The warm sun intimately touches my face. Bright colors and exotic smells like the fresh salt air and the strikingly fragrant and unusual flowers blooming and of course the proverbial lavanderias. Oh, the sweet splendor of being home!

Cultural diversity surrounds you. Families spending precious time together sharing and laughing with one another. Evenings end with the most magical sunsets - often witnessed with tired feet, which for a brief moment are forgotten as the sun sinks and daylight fades. These are the moments that still feel like the first time....paradise!

A New Look

I decided to try a new look for my blog. I still have to some improvements to make but would love to hear what you think....

Thought I would share the link in case some of you feel inspired!

The Heart of the City

Often referred to as the zócalo or Jardín, the town square/plaza is located in the middle of every village, town or city. They serve as the hub of life or the heart of the area. Many different types of functions can be found here - shopping, music, eating and of course one of my favorite places to people watch!

The zócalo is also very romantic. You will find people strolling hand in hand, dancing to the mariachi bands or maybe whispering feelings of the heart....magical

They also are the sight of numerous different types of demonstrations. I anticipate between midnight on September 15 and September 16 the squares will be filled with people celebrating Independence Day. Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1810. Mexican flags will be everywhere and people will be celebrating late into the night. It will be a time for Mexicans to demonstrate their national pride and cultural identity. Viva Mexico!

Just stop and watch the world go by....

Made in Oregon

Just back from a short but great trip to Portland Oregon. I always enjoy my time in Oregon. One thing I really appreciate is the laid back culture it offers.

I had the opportunity of seeing the great Al Green (Simply Beautiful - song from his new album) at McMenanmins Historic Edgefield Manor - a pretty intimate venue to see this legendary soul singer. The concert was absolutely fabulous as was the venue, weather and company! Some of Al Green's more well known songs include Let's Stay Together and For the Good Times.

Some of my pictures of Portland and area - enjoy!

Multnomah Falls

Wine Country

Portland

Seaside Beach

Religious Moments

No matter where I am while traveling in Mexico and no matter how small or remote the location, I am always drawn to each community center - the church. Most are lovely old stone buildings with bell towers. The churches are sometimes simple – lacking decoration or embellishment, still beautiful, but in a simple way. Sometimes elaborate - such as the city cathedrals in Morelia (below) and Guadalajara (above) – absolutely breathtaking!

Mexico remains predominantly Roman Catholic. In fact, I once read that the Pope isn't as Catholic as Mexico.

Religious symbolism and meanings are important in day to day lives. You will often see the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. These Catholic symbols and images can be found everywhere, from taxi cabs to restaurants and hotels. It becomes apparent just how important Catholicism is for many Mexicans.