Homage to Mary

All over San Miguel, on Good Friday, altars are dedicated to Mary for the loss of her son. They are draped with camomile flowers and votive candles and oranges that represent her tears. This one was in the local tienda, on top of the soda cooler.

Local Doll Maker

I'm in hot pursuit of dolls made by a local doll maker. She's different from the others as she makes each one differently, doesn't seem to use a template and is whimsical with her materials. Unfortunately she lives in poverty and when she isn't making dolls, needs to resort to begging. I've found four so far, but I'd really like to find HER and reimburse her appropriately.

roof dogs

Here in Mexico, many dogs live on roofs. These two are a couple of my favorites as they rarely bark and just seem like street observers.

Con permiso, quiero sacar una foto, por favor?

The best thing about learning spanish is that I am now able to ask people politely and respectfully if I can take their photos. I am still embarrassed as I don't want to patronize them or lead them to believe that I think they're quaint, charming looking, etc. Which I DO of course. That's the point, but I'd rather they realize I appreciate their glow and vitality. THAT I can't say in spanish yet.

But these two I couldn't resist. They put their hands out for change when I asked and I was glad to give them the few pesos I had. However, the real treat was that I was able to print out this same photo immediately and carry it to them. They were thrilled. They hugged and kissed me and held my hand and spoke a bunch of spanish I didn't understand, except for "showing it to their grandchildren." It was not only the highlight of my day, but probably of my whole month here.

Waaah...I wanna take this home!

No way I could get a Mexican lawn chair home with me, but I ADORE this one!

Party Dog...looking for handouts

My energy these days is going into my sketchbook and spanish learning. I need another lifetime. and my renewal is up for this website. Should I? or shouldn't I?