tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53067286937583795462024-02-18T21:21:25.062-08:00Naomi B. AvendanoA blog about living in Mexico and Chicago, writing, family and whatever else pops into my mind.Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-21631648669767417862013-10-07T09:41:00.001-07:002013-10-07T09:41:47.458-07:00Chicago and La Llorona Art Gallery's opening ExhibitionWe have been home in Chicago for two weeks now and I've enjoyed almost every minute of it. Well, maybe not all of the unpacking, rearranging furniture, etc. but for the most part it's been great. I find myself missing some of my life back in Mexico City but I know we will go back there for several months next year. I love being able to see my daughters and while I haven't seen Diana yet it is much easier for us to talk on the phone than it was to skype. The dogs seem comfortable here although Citlali is still crazy and follows me around - not nearly as much as she does in Mexico though.<br />
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We are busy getting the house back into its former dual purposed gallery/home state. Arturo has been working hard and we are excited to have the first show scheduled to open on Friday, October 25! It will feature the exhibition "Endless Death" (Muerte sin fin), a selection of pen and ink drawings, some quirky or whimsical, some serious, even dramatic, that the artist Felipe Ehrenberg created over a thirty six year time span. Ehrenberg lived many years in Brazil as the cultural ambassador of Mexico. Besides being an artist, he is a writer, activist, editor, diplomat, actor, politician and the list goes on. Here is the link to the <a href="http://us7.campaign-archive2.com/?u=95355371e79e16602fe86268f&id=f0b14e0ebd">press release</a> and these are a few examples of his work:<br />
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If you are in the Chicago area on October 25th we would love to see you! The opening starts at 6 p.m. and goes until midnight. Updates will be posted on the Gallery's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lalloronagallery">Facebook page</a>. Hope to see you there!<br />
Naomi<br />
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<br />Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-55096632662497227502013-09-18T09:43:00.000-07:002013-09-18T09:43:05.987-07:00Mexican Independence Day, Patzcuaro and Farewell for now from MexicoThis will be my last blog entry from Mexico for the time being anyway. I'm not sure yet if I will continue the blog once we return to Chicago on Saturday, nor am I sure when we are returning to Mexico. The last six months have been wonderful but it's time to go on to some other projects now. We will reopen the art gallery in late October and we have a lot of work to do to get that going again. I'm going to open two more Etsy stores and stock the apron shop for Christmas. I want to reorganize the house in Chicago and set up my own writing/crafts room as well as get rid of tons of junk. So until I decide what to do with the blog, I'll leave you with our trip to Patzcuaro last weekend with Arturo's Uncle Arturo and Aunt Maria Elena. Despite the relentless rain we had a great time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A church had dozens of these hand-embroidered banners.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Arturo and Aunt Maria Elena on a boat ride through the rain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rain stopped long enough for the Independence Day Parade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Citlali enjoying the parade.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The horses were my favorites!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This horse was dancing but the photo doesn't capture it well. </td></tr>
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And one last one - at least for now - from our bedroom window. Talk to you later!<br />
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Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-16005163717958363422013-09-12T09:42:00.000-07:002013-09-12T09:42:22.971-07:00What I'll miss about MexicoTomorrow we leave for Patzcuaro for a few days and when we return on Monday, we will only have four more days here before we go back to Chicago. I'm not sure when I'll spend another six months at a stretch in Mexico as we have a lot of things to do in Chicago. Like work for one. So now I'm becoming more aware of Mexico and what I'll miss while we're gone. We will be back early next year but it will be different. So here is some of what I'll miss and it is in no particular order:<br />
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1. The view outside our bedroom window. I've bored you with enough pictures of it, but I never tire of looking out that window. <br />
2. All the mountains that surround Mexico City. Chicago is great but it just doesn't have the same landscape as Mexico.<br />
3. Family and friends that we have here.<br />
4. Vegetarians beware - I'll miss the terrific meat at the neighborhood butcher's little shop. I am trying to eat less meat but this butcher shop is the best.<br />
5. Going to La Lagunilla on Sundays with Arturo and the dogs. Besides looking at all the vintage goods and antiques, they have the best quesadillas there. Can you tell that food is a big part of my life?<br />
6. Walking downtown amongst modern buildings that are side by side with colonial architecture from the 1500s. I prefer the colonial buildings. It's a part of history that we don't have in the Midwest and I love all of it. The churches built hundreds of years ago are spectacular.<br />
7. Patzcuaro. Going to the plaza there and sitting with a cup of coffee in one of the little outside restaurants watching the kids and dogs play in the huge plaza. We walk around the plaza chatting and watching while getting some exercise as it is about a quarter of a mile around. I never tire of that plaza.<br />
8. Walking the dogs up and down the hills around our house. Poukie knows where all the dogs live and he stops to bark at some of them. I have no idea what his criteria is as to which dogs he chooses to bark at but his routine doesn't vary.<br />
9. Sitting up in my little "office" working on my book or sewing with Citlali curled up sleeping on top of Diana's and Laura's old crib that we filled with who knows what stuff.<br />
10. Our house and backyard that Arturo has worked so much on. If finally feels like a home to me. And I'll miss the vibrant, beautiful bouganvillea that is everywhere.<br />
11. Polanco. I love everything about it. The park, the restaurants, the architecture, the total "aliveness" of that neighborhood.<br />
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There are many other things I'll miss and even more that I want to do next time we come here. Including having more people visit us! We loved having Tom and Goya here and we enjoy showing off the city so start making your plans!<br />
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Next week I'll post my favorite pictures and places.<br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
<span id="goog_595042668"></span><span id="goog_595042669"></span><br />Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-36662755087166434092013-09-06T13:30:00.000-07:002013-09-06T13:30:40.455-07:00The kitchen is done - pretty much anyway!Before I get to the kitchen, I just want to say that I hope the teachers who are protesting daily here in Mexico City finish and go home before September 21st. I don't think this has made the news much in the U.S. but the teachers here in Mexico are upset over reforms the federal government is imposing on them. They will have to take exams every few years to keep their jobs and a few other things that have them very upset. For the last several weeks a large contingent of them have camped out in the Zocalo and each day they block traffic by marching down the main streets of the City, causing chaos and headaches for those who live and work in the City. Twice now they have blocked access to the International Airport - yesterday being the second time. All I'm saying is that they had better not be there at the airport on the 21st! And of course, I want them to go back to the now empty classrooms where their students are waiting for them. <br />
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So, the kitchen. It started out like this about 30 years ago. It needed a remake.<br />
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Then it looked like this for most of the summer after we tore down the old kitchen:<br />
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And now it looks like this!<br />
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I'm happy! We are going for a retro look and there is more to the kitchen but I like this picture the best. I have to make new curtains - the ones hanging are from 1985 - and one wall that you can't see here is a bright red/pink. We worked about 10 hours yesterday to finish. Actually, I suppose that Arturo did most of the work and we used my weight to cut boards - meaning that I would stand on a board while he used a jigsaw and I have to say that thing passed by really too close to my toes. Happily I still have all ten of them.<br />
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Have a great weekend!Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-89098199246877038592013-08-30T09:48:00.000-07:002013-08-30T09:48:24.185-07:00ListsA couple of days ago, when I was thoroughly fed up with them, I thought I would do a post on the necessity and the danger of making to do lists. I didn't get around to it but then on two successive days, two of the bloggers that I follow both complained about the anxiety that lists can cause, but also that they can't live without them. And so it is.<br />
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I have a master yearly list, a monthly list, a weekly list and a daily list. I read somewhere that you should always be striving to do more than what you think you can accomplish in a day, otherwise it is cheating to just put on the list the things you know you can cross off at the end of the day. So I follow that advice and most of the time it works. I do push to go that extra mile, and even if I don't scratch off all the items at the end of the day, at least I did something on each one that pushes me forward. My problem is that by following that advice, I put too many things on each list and as I refer to the lists during the day, week, month, year to see how I'm doing, well, I'm always way behind schedule. And that makes me a bit crazy. <br />
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Like now. I made a list when we arrived in Mexico that covered everything I wanted to do during the six months we are here. We are down to the last three weeks and I don't even have half of the list completed. The crazy part of me says that if I don't sleep for the next three weeks I can cross off a lot of those unfinished projects. But that's insane and I know it. (One item was pushed off to Arturo who is now painting our bathroom. I'm going to take credit for it though because I had to work a bit to get him to do it. Or better stated, to do it using the color that I picked out. That counts). <br />
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My solution? I've started a list of projects I want to do while we are in Chicago. I feel better now.<br />
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Here is a project that Arturo has pretty much finished. This is the before picture - I should have taken it with the tree still there. (I'll show you my half-finished projects before we leave on Sept. 21st. Gives me a bit more time).<br />
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And this is the now picture. He still has some grass to plant but it looks much better!<br />
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Of course he doesn't have to make dinner everyday. (Those of us who can't finish our to-do lists have to make excuses for ourselves!)<br />
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Have a great Labor Day weekend!<br />
NaomiNaomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-60869638926472180792013-08-23T10:25:00.001-07:002013-08-23T10:25:11.991-07:00Los Remedios - National Park and the VirgenClose to our home, nestled in the mountains, you will find Los Remedios National Park. This is still a gorgeous setting despite all the houses sprouting all over the mountains. It is the place where a colonial church was built on a spot where the Spanish supposedly fought the Aztecs in the 1500s, and perhaps more importantly, it is the residence of the Virgen of Los Remedios. This Virgen is a small statute of the Virgen Mary that is believed to have been brought to Mexico by the Spanish Conquistadores in the 1500s. It was kept in the Mexico City Cathedral until the outbreak of the War of Independence. At that time the Spanish moved it to its current location and proclaimed her the "guardian of the Spanish Army." This move was done to counter Miguel Hidalgo's use of the Virgen of Guadalupe as the symbol of the movement for independence. We know how that turned out.<br />
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We went there yesterday with my mother-in-law and here are some of the photos:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Archangel Michael at the entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the Virgen of Los Remedios</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arturo and my mother-in-law in the patio</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are walls filled with these "retablos'</td></tr>
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Have a great weekend!<br />
NaomiNaomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-31481959429344648282013-08-21T08:56:00.001-07:002013-08-21T08:56:12.779-07:00Are you a worrier?Do you have the problem that your mind is never still and is rarely at peace with itself and with you? If you once felt that way but have since found a way to live life in tranquility even though you have problems and responsibilities, please let me know! I think one way to achieve that elusive peace is to stop the incessant worrying. It's not liking worrying will change any outcome, and instead all it does is destroy your enjoyment of the present. The thing is that it is easy to diagnose worrying as being a useless, stupid use of your life, but the hard part is the cure. I know it's out there though because I am fortunate to know people who are able to take life as it comes, deal with it, and not worry about what may or may not happen next. So my quest will not end. And I have to say that knitting helps!<br />
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I know I've posted pictures from our balcony before, but I love the way each one is different. This would be more impressive if I took exactly the same shot every time but that just isn't the way my mind works. I always think of things like that after I'm done taking all the pictures.<br />
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And here are a couple of pictures that just make me smile.<br />
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I have reserved our return tickets home for September 21st. One month from today. In the meantime I'll try to take some new pictures!<br />
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xoxoNaomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-47534889367171504412013-08-16T10:23:00.002-07:002013-08-16T10:23:43.124-07:00Starting to think of homeNow that we have about a month left of our current stay here in Mexico City, my thoughts are turning to going home to Chicago. I have started the airline tickets search as well as making a partial list of what will go back to Chicago with us and what will stay here for when we return next year. I'm planning where I want to eat with my family when we get back, and I can't wait to visit Barnes and Noble and Joann Fabrics. I want to have a backyard bbq with friends and family and I want to take long walka with the dogs through our neighborhood. My limit for a stay here in Mexico seems to be five months. Longer than that and I get too lonely for Chicago and especially for my family. By the time we leave in September we will have been here for almost six months.<br />
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And our time here in Mexico City has been good. We've traveled with friends to Patzcuaro, visited so many beautiful and fun neighborhoods in Mexico City, and we have visited with our family here. We have had backyard bbqs with family and friends and have thoroughly enjoyed the garden that Arturo has worked so hard on, as well as the glorious view of the mountains from our bedroom balcony. We have created a daily routine here that I will miss when we are back in Chicago. Mexico has been good to us during these months. If my family lived here with us it would be close to perfect. But they don't, and that is why my heart can never be completely content when we are in Mexico. <br />
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The last two weeks we have been so lucky to have our good friends from Chicago, Tom and Goya, here in Mexico. They have been staying in the Condesa neighborhood in a super lovely condo. We have spent good days and evenings with them going through Mexico City's neighborhoods and eating at fun places. They leave tomorrow and we will miss them very much but it is easier because we will see them again in a month. Next week I'll post a blog about one of the visits we made with Tom and Goya to see the great Mexican artists Rina Lazo and Arturo Garcia Bustos. That was a super day!<br />
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In the meantime, here are a few photos but I have to say that I have not taken many pictures at all during the last two weeks. Instead, I've been too busy talking with Goya. I'm hoping Tom can send me some of the ones he has taken when they get back to Chicago!<br />
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Have a great weekend!Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-49871902458997637372013-08-05T14:47:00.004-07:002013-08-05T14:47:50.894-07:00Simple ThingsI can't remember for sure from which book I copied these words, "Simplicity, serenity and spirituality" but I try to think of each one everyday and practice them. I know some people who actively live the concept behind each of those words and I have to say that they are happy, content people. At least from what I can see. So I will keep working on it.<br />
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So here are some of yesterday's some simple pleasures:<br />
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We spent yesterday walking around the park at Polanco. <br />
Fifteen years ago today my dad died. He had lung cancer but it wasn't diagnosed until ten days before he died. He had just turned 67 and I was totally unprepared to live the rest of my life without him. I thought we still had a lot of time to spend together. So, hug your loved ones and don't take them for granted!<br />
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xoxoNaomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-69468835424367516352013-07-31T09:44:00.001-07:002013-07-31T09:44:24.718-07:00Dogs, Knitting and QuiltsAwhile back I said I was sent a copy of the free ebook "Love of Knitting" that shows easy lace knitting patterns. The plan was for me to give a review and to provide the link for any of you who like to knit. Well, I just started browsing through it and the patterns are truly lovely and the instructions are easy and clear to read. You should have some experience knitting to attempt them but you by no means have to be an expert knitter. I'm going to try knitting the "Cielo Shell" and I hope in a couple of weeks to have a photo of it in progress to show you. It really is a lovely book and you can get it for free right <a href="http://www.loveofknitting.com/free-easy-lace-knitting-patterns">here</a>!<br />
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Here are a couple of photos of two other projects in the making. I thought I would be much farther ahead on them but as usual, I'm falling behind my schedule. These are some of the blocks I'm making from apron fabric scraps that are intended to become twin sized quilts for that girls' orphanage in Patzcuaro that I wrote about awhile back. I need to make 45 quilts. Hah! Like that's going to happen during my lifetime! I'm serious though about 45 - it isn't right to just hand out a to a couple of girls. They all need one. So. Anyone volunteer to help?? I'm serious.<br />
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You can tell I haven't gotten very far. I have tons more fabric back in Chicago so it looks like this will be an ongoing project.<br />
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These other photos are for a quilt I'm making for a Christmas present. Looks like that will be Christmas of 2014 because not only is it not pieced yet, or even completely cut out, but I still have to hand quilt it once it is pieced. Or Christmas 2015.<br />
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In my defense on this one: there have been hundreds of pieces to cut out and sew together to form those blocks. I'm more than half done with the blocks then I need to cut out more panels and start sewing the strips. And then hand quilt it.<br />
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Finally, you know how much I love the non profit organization <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ItsAPittieRescue">It's a Pittie Rescue</a>. I've posted about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MamaPetunia?hc_location=stream">Mama Petunia</a> and puppy Caine. Well, their major fundraiser is on Saturday, August 3 and it looks like it will be a lot of fun. You can buy your tickets <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/176144752549743/">here</a> for $35 until tomorrow and $45 at the door. It is a casino night theme with lots of prizes, food and drinks. It's a great way to support this organization! Thanks!<br />
<br />Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-34445146902440182302013-07-29T08:26:00.000-07:002013-07-29T08:26:28.914-07:00For those who have shelter, food, clothing and moneyA couple of days ago a friend from Chicago shared on Facebook a story about "suspended" coffee and lunches. I then shared it on my page so many of you have probably already seen it but here it is again with the story:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #898f9c; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">This story will warm you better more than a coffee on a cold winter day...Please "Share" to spread the news x</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #898f9c; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #898f9c; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #898f9c; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">"We enter a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and give our order. While we're approaching our table two people come in and</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #898f9c; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"> they go to the counter -<br /><br />'Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended'<br /><br />They pay for their order, take the two and leave.<br />I ask my friend: 'What are those 'suspended' coffees ?' 'Wait for it and you will see' she replies...<br /><br />Some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made for three lawyers - three for them and four 'suspended'.<br /><br />While I still wonder what's the deal with those 'suspended' coffees I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the café.<br /><br />Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in through the door and kindly asks 'Do you have a suspended coffee ?'<br /><br />It's simple - people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage.<br /><br />The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal."</span><br />
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Then I started looking at some of the organizations to which people donate for whatever cause or reason and I saw many donations marked "anonymous". Then one of my cousins wrote in the comments section of Facebook, "Truly anonymous gift, double blind actually. Interesting." <br />
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I think that it is hard for most people to accept charity. They may feel anger, shame, sadness and many other emotions. But if it is a donation that is made anonymously, perhaps that makes it easier for them to accept. And we don't need the recognition of having donated. If we have that need, then we are giving for our own egos and not because we really care. <br />
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So, try to start and spread the word of "suspended" coffees and meals in your neighborhood. Or if you are eating lunch somewhere and you see someone there who is obviously in need, as you walk out of the restaurant, casually put a $5 or $10 bill by them without their seeing your face and just keep walking. There are a thousand things you can do without showing your face or giving your name. It is the small kindnesses that often make a huge difference to people. A bigger difference perhaps than what you can even imagine. And isn't that the whole point?<br />
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<br />Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-52318820803502303972013-07-26T07:23:00.001-07:002013-07-26T07:23:45.399-07:00Slowly learningAt times it's hard to believe that we are already two thirds of the way through our six months here in Mexico. It was hard for me to leave Chicago back in March - much more difficult than it was to leave in January, 2012. Maybe it was because I knew from past experience that I would miss my family, friends and familiar haunts. As well as Thai food, Chicago pizza and the Athenian Room. Mostly I was just being a big baby because Mexico is a beautiful country and I'm perfectly happy here. There are days when I get lonely but who doesn't? We have family and friends here in Mexico and we have spent many happy days with them. I miss them when I'm in Chicago. All in all I am very fortunate and I'm well aware of that.<br />
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So what is the point of this post you may be asking? I'm not really sure other than to say that I'm learning to enjoy life day by day and that actually is a hard lesson for me to master. I was so accustomed to fast paced, crazy days at work, then running home to start my second job - all the time frustrated because I didn't have time to do the things I longed to do or more time to spend with my family and friends. Then all of a sudden I have that time and I have to admit that it has taken me almost two years to get used to that. Sounds insane I know. But I'm getting there and part of that journey has taught me to sometimes just sit still and look at the scenery. To watch a bird hopping around our garden. To literally listen to the birds sing. I don't feel so guilty over "wasting time" doing those simple things because in the end, maybe they are more important for the soul than worrying about finishing the next article I'm working on. Being here in Mexico has helped me learn those little lessons. Like I said before, Mexico is a beautiful country.<br />
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Here are a few more pictures from Patzcuaro, el "Pueblo Magico" and the surrounding area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlJ5QKdBdfBdtUc3dJA0wNz8dQtKVHDFTr1HpofYwwbyIX9T4Hzgsa5ovYScF8v0wO3StTscAnr2YWBWhBBq3Gt9yTPJDWEGa_0lXq8PjOcQV-ld63rXMLla5O9bI4OrOG4E_c4pJ8Yz6/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlJ5QKdBdfBdtUc3dJA0wNz8dQtKVHDFTr1HpofYwwbyIX9T4Hzgsa5ovYScF8v0wO3StTscAnr2YWBWhBBq3Gt9yTPJDWEGa_0lXq8PjOcQV-ld63rXMLla5O9bI4OrOG4E_c4pJ8Yz6/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house of the "once patios" - eleven courtyards</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45LHu1u4g5sBskUHoV8EiyCudjIi3PTxuPMx4H4PIctFVwILuTfr94GWqyA3HjDYvcbNL0KLrapxHZTpSpyE3J2F8Dn_e47AB-VuqqkfWJREkmdIRoOuOGP_GcNOouZ7qgSj2-hBNI-sn/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45LHu1u4g5sBskUHoV8EiyCudjIi3PTxuPMx4H4PIctFVwILuTfr94GWqyA3HjDYvcbNL0KLrapxHZTpSpyE3J2F8Dn_e47AB-VuqqkfWJREkmdIRoOuOGP_GcNOouZ7qgSj2-hBNI-sn/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zirahuen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEife_hk8HbE9AoLwkfARKJWSI9JGB_0GwfCec63mQH1Y3uavn6xoow7crngtqoF28ISD9yyxj4ZEpz7R9GWkB5h7nwxI0IlTcMajpsJ1xmBifLfz-TwKmKI3ZVjEacFA6RqLhGcOnLXmlwk/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEife_hk8HbE9AoLwkfARKJWSI9JGB_0GwfCec63mQH1Y3uavn6xoow7crngtqoF28ISD9yyxj4ZEpz7R9GWkB5h7nwxI0IlTcMajpsJ1xmBifLfz-TwKmKI3ZVjEacFA6RqLhGcOnLXmlwk/s320/045.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patzcuaro through a courtyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zirahuen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFDI5xysKYDr_9c9x1GIa20EnZ6z5z5Oz1myMlycDw6OR-HcLv-ArjVCYTgax6Nml4cF5NmcatHg4eo8TenxjhK1PrM3cSLxylOJ2-zWzbXjoUxTiGMk4m1LdYzhQAnYLbwVru2LOuwXG/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFDI5xysKYDr_9c9x1GIa20EnZ6z5z5Oz1myMlycDw6OR-HcLv-ArjVCYTgax6Nml4cF5NmcatHg4eo8TenxjhK1PrM3cSLxylOJ2-zWzbXjoUxTiGMk4m1LdYzhQAnYLbwVru2LOuwXG/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church in Cuanajo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4QKtCLXLYkw5yytse913d2hkhYtPmL01ha0zjXs2JEsA5JVQHh19jMIlNRPnYmlExB1T99ziggQlnZm4_XnRn15e-oNIPq7RGHlK-Rbll0sHieqXFwc_z_aiuN9C-tUmU_Dtvfxj2KmB/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4QKtCLXLYkw5yytse913d2hkhYtPmL01ha0zjXs2JEsA5JVQHh19jMIlNRPnYmlExB1T99ziggQlnZm4_XnRn15e-oNIPq7RGHlK-Rbll0sHieqXFwc_z_aiuN9C-tUmU_Dtvfxj2KmB/s320/069.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our street at night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdrLupyUKA13nmmBdkg7PgHdWdakpho__nhW1VCrR0nbroEyEpFRQbmDoz239hSDtnOuAB5bqz1q5VGH1qYnbxavzF2P1X556hD-Fwcs1cyxMHTqE4L0sLuFbWryekYwMs3ybaOID5S4L/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdrLupyUKA13nmmBdkg7PgHdWdakpho__nhW1VCrR0nbroEyEpFRQbmDoz239hSDtnOuAB5bqz1q5VGH1qYnbxavzF2P1X556hD-Fwcs1cyxMHTqE4L0sLuFbWryekYwMs3ybaOID5S4L/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't remember which lake this is.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-_XxQadgNkckv9MHNQPHFAiEA8yhkl2IeCNTj6XMAPgznoAWpMxL0MgTfRhY_Ux1AtpryLXJetdVdYkdmRSY8LJSiuWYPjid-BysFT5dqCc31_Z1Ty2pomx0_5Sp3EAS7zEcvZWJXsfC/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-_XxQadgNkckv9MHNQPHFAiEA8yhkl2IeCNTj6XMAPgznoAWpMxL0MgTfRhY_Ux1AtpryLXJetdVdYkdmRSY8LJSiuWYPjid-BysFT5dqCc31_Z1Ty2pomx0_5Sp3EAS7zEcvZWJXsfC/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know this little guy</td></tr>
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So, the point of this post is to take each day for the blessing it is. And although this is a non sequiter, pay it forward! <br />
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Have a great weekend!Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-70691143616735977472013-07-24T07:23:00.002-07:002013-07-24T07:23:52.186-07:00PatzcuaroWe got back Sunday night after spending ten days in Patzcuaro. During that time we hosted the opening reception for the "Viajeros" or the butterfly exhibit, and spent time with old and new friends traveling through the countryside and in Patzcuaro. It is the rainy season in Patzcuaro so the surrounding area was a beautiful canvas of green. When we were there in April it hadn't rained for awhile, it was hot and things were looking brown and dusty. Now it is the cool, rainy and gorgeous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsivNe2Gi2MyDHxU4VQdHaTg7WDtfgt4PLcwJG0rD67G2gmPcGSfU5hJwoNNLyn7l6giNgRUhyWuquffb1kpYkJPQxjylKAWbv4gI3KDdsjExWpe-bdHnnaM87pY3bUuEq5DeaPtvGquNh/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsivNe2Gi2MyDHxU4VQdHaTg7WDtfgt4PLcwJG0rD67G2gmPcGSfU5hJwoNNLyn7l6giNgRUhyWuquffb1kpYkJPQxjylKAWbv4gI3KDdsjExWpe-bdHnnaM87pY3bUuEq5DeaPtvGquNh/s320/095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Estribu - the top of a mountain where you look down into the valley. </td></tr>
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The people in the above photo are sitting on the edge of land with their legs dangling over hundreds of feet of nothing. I got close to the ledge but not quite that close.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfOmGtrl0Z6wV6ehJjo0qP2Bc5uKfo12mfSrXQCmOW5vFYupzRmG3eTL712LDgKSPQV_qCg3l5BVNni1ashCQ_oLnHwEl42qPqvCaH9pWHLOTlj_KGgh-QPZQgTK_xCXdI_SRvEdfBkbh/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfOmGtrl0Z6wV6ehJjo0qP2Bc5uKfo12mfSrXQCmOW5vFYupzRmG3eTL712LDgKSPQV_qCg3l5BVNni1ashCQ_oLnHwEl42qPqvCaH9pWHLOTlj_KGgh-QPZQgTK_xCXdI_SRvEdfBkbh/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the monastery in Tzintzuntzan</td></tr>
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This was taken one night from our roof after a rainstorm. The sun came out briefly and looked like this:<br />
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It almost looks like heaven opened up. <br />
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For the butterfly exhibit we had an author from Chicago in attendance, Victor Cortes; a musician who used to live in Chicago, Benjamin Anaya; and Elvira Arrellano, an activist for immigrants' rights to keep families together. A number of Americans from Patzcuaro and Morelia came by and I had a good time speaking in English for most of the night. I have realized that days will go by without me speaking in English unless I Skype with one of my daughters. Or talk to the dogs in English. I've been doing that a lot lately.<br />
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Anyway, back to the butterfly exhibit:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor Cortes and Gilda Solis</td></tr>
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More on Patzcuaro later. They are soon coming to tear up my patio to lay a new tile so I have to get some things ready. <br />
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<br />Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-67521147791925397152013-07-10T08:31:00.001-07:002013-07-10T08:31:22.792-07:00We are getting there!The constant pounding outside of my window has slowed down my blog writing. The headache doesn't help. But there is progress! As of Friday, I have a stove and sink again. Plus, the kitchen is all in one room as opposed to being scattered all over the house. It is all temporary because our plan is to buy new cabinets, stove, sink and put in counters. As of now I don't have counters so the kitchen table is doing double duty. So we have gone from this on Saturday:<br />
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(The dogs had to be tied up - they were getting into everything and ran the risk of being drilled).<br />
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To this:<br />
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Arturo was quite creative with the cabinets. We got the electricity in that room hooked up yesterday so now we are pretty much set for the moment. While it's not my dream kitchen, I'll tell you that it seems like one right now after not having anything for two weeks. Not having something puts the world in a better perspective.<br />
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When we get back from Patzcuaro we are going to paint and do a few other changes. They are still working on the patio but the house is no longer covered with concrete dust so we are much saner than what we were a week ago.<br />
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Tomorrow we leave for Patzcuaro for Arturo's <a href="http://www.naomibavendano.blogspot.mx/2013/07/mariposas-butterflies-exhibition-in.html">opening show</a> of his museum. We will have between 4-6 people staying with us for a bit over a week so it should be a lot of fun. I won't be online as we don't have any internet service in our house so I won't be around until after July 21st. Hopefully I'll have some good photos to post when I get back. Enjoy your July!<br />
NaomiNaomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-78208485468324208012013-07-05T14:32:00.001-07:002013-07-05T14:32:51.649-07:00Mariposas (Butterflies) Exhibition in Patzcuaro If you are in the neighborhood of Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico next Saturday, July 13th, stop on by for an exhibition of Mariposas:<br />
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On Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 5 p.m., the Museo de las
Comunidades Mexicanas en el Extranjero, located at Calle Lloreda #50,
Patzcuaro, invites you to attend “Viajeras”, a traveling art exhibition of
Mexican Painters. The show will exhibit
75 Mexican artists and 75 mixed medium butterflies they have created. Elvira Arrellano, President of the United
Latino Family, and symbol of the Mexican families living abroad, will open the
exhibition. Victor Cortes, an author
born in Michoacan, will also be present.
Victor lives in Chicago, IL and he will share his most recent book “El
Sabor del Desden,” a novel based on the reality of the immigrants who risk
everything to arrive at the “promised” land. In addition, Benjamin Anaya Gonzalez, originally from Mexico City and who immigrated to the United States, will accompany us. Benjamin is a musician, poet and writer and he has organized many cultural and artistic events. </div>
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The Mexican Painters are interpreting the project “Mariposas
Migrantes”, a mural that the artist Hector Duarte created in his birthplace,
Caurio de Guadalupe, Michoacan. Hector’s
creation consists of hundreds of butterflies, created by artists of all
different nationalities and which has been installed throughout the town. It symbolizes the men and women who have
immigrated north in search of a better future for themselves and their families. The exhibit “Viajeras” has 75 of these
gorgeous butterflies created by 75 talented artists. This show started out in Chicago, traveled to
Mexico D.F., and then to Michoacan. It’s
final destination will be Caurio de Guadalupe, Michoacan.</div>
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It should be a lot of fun! </div>
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Have a great weekend!</div>
Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-58297807465567959662013-07-03T10:36:00.001-07:002013-07-03T10:36:50.309-07:00Barbara Kingsolver, author and knitter, and my sleeveSometimes it seems that a small number of people have the majority of the available talent on Earth. For example, not only is this person the author of literature to die for, but she is also an expert knitter and a gardener, plus many other things. Welcome to the life of <a href="http://www.kingsolver.com/index.html">Barbara Kingsolver</a>, one of the world's most beloved contemporary authors who has penned fourteen novels ranging from <i>The Bean Trees </i>to <i>The Poisonwood Bible</i> to her most recent, <i>Flight Behavior.</i> It seems that despite her fame and well earned fortune, Barbara Kingsolver is a down to earth individual who is devoted to her husband, daughters, the environment, and her community in southern Virginia. In addition, she helps new writers' voices be heard and published through the Bellwether Prize for Fiction, the nation's largest prize for an unpublished first novel which she established in 1998.<br />
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A few months ago I bought a copy of <a href="http://store.vogueknitting.com/p-2337-vogue-knitting-2012-holiday.aspx">Vogue Knitting</a> and was thrilled to see a feature article on Ms. Kingsolver. It turns out that she and her family live on a farm in southern Appalachia and guess what they raise? Icelandic sheep. And she knits. Really really well. If you like knitting, check out the article and the photos of two of the gorgeous sweaters she knit. One actually is a coat she knit for her teen aged daughter, and the other is a sweater she made for herself. What really would have sent me over the edge would have been the news that she sheers her sheep and then spins the yarn. Thankfully for my sanity she doesn't, BUT, she does hand dye the yarn that is sheered from her sheep and that she then sends out to be spun. She writes, hand dyes her own yarn, takes care of sheep, tends a garden, and travels all over the world promoting her books and doing research for future novels. What isn't ideal about that life? When you have talent, you have talent!<br />
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In the meantime, I was feeling rather proud of this cable I knit for the cuff of my red sweater that is scheduled to make its debut late this fall for the reopening of Arturo's art gallery in Chicago. I have the outfit all planned out in my head. All I have to do now is make the sweater so that it fits me, lose a few pounds so that I fit into the pants I have hanging in my closet, and we will be good to go.<br />
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It doesn't look all that impressive yet - but these are the most intricate cables I've attempted to knit yet and I think they came out okay. The front will be the same cable pattern. <br />
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The construction work is coming along. Arturo promises that we will have a working stove by tomorrow. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind if it takes a couple more days. I kind of like eating at the little restaurant right around the corner!<br />
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Happy 4th of July!!<br />
Naomi<br />
<br />Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-4051019838955448992013-07-01T09:45:00.002-07:002013-07-01T12:50:37.904-07:00KnotAPaperDoll - Etsy Shop of the Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I'm starting something new. Each month I am going to feature an Etsy shop on my blog. Maggie, from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll?ref=pr_shop_more">Knot-A-Paperdoll</a> graciously agreed to prepare a profile for me and she is the July store of the month. I love Maggie's shop and I know you will too! In addition to be an expert crafter, and a good businesswoman, Maggie also contributes parts of her profits to the Wounder Warriers Project, firefighters everywhere, and to Childhood Cancer Awareness. So here's a peek at Maggie's shop and a history of her beautiful creations:</div>
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My name is Maggie and I live in the beautiful Pacific NorthWest. I have three sons and six
grandchildren. I have always made dolls
and toys for my family and when they all grew too old I started making them for
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i_zfZC7-rFcck3m5uqx3ednJyi8DvXX_Sf2rFRBuL_IxjwMr_5jP37eZAHg7hyphenhyphenRoa3mdW8WEoFWjBQ0GkQfAz0eFm20ciIm-qQxlbvt-fFK-EFFuGJ22pjEzfdtKnyKDc2dsJlJihMag/s421/insideboy2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i_zfZC7-rFcck3m5uqx3ednJyi8DvXX_Sf2rFRBuL_IxjwMr_5jP37eZAHg7hyphenhyphenRoa3mdW8WEoFWjBQ0GkQfAz0eFm20ciIm-qQxlbvt-fFK-EFFuGJ22pjEzfdtKnyKDc2dsJlJihMag/s320/insideboy2.JPG" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of Boy's Fort</td></tr>
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The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll?section_id=10641733">Knot-A-Paperdoll travel toy</a> was designed for my
grandkids when their father took them camping and fishing. They needed a toy that would entertain them
but not be big and bulky. They often backpacked/hiked in. The dollhouse whether it’s the girls Knot-A-Paperdoll or the Boys Fort work well
in cars, on trains, or airplanes. They
are also an excellent quiet book for doctors offices, dentists, etc. There is
one in the Bangkok Embassy for child entertainment. You choose house colors, doll, and two
activities. You can custom make the houses on my <a href="http://www.handmadedollsandtoys.com/">website handmadedollsandtoys</a> and then you can go back to my Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll">shop</a> shop to order them.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy's Fort</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgUCzCvMzvg8BGghBBvDzov3CNHRtfoGDQUQHjd-aqnQJvqpHXs0UdrhxeYDXxjmMcKL-lL5WDAQQmPHLhgcmffFFyl_TO4QqWELo7X_kRwzEH8l1ViOCE50QjPXswj9atYCysOaO5CZa/s444/pinkred+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgUCzCvMzvg8BGghBBvDzov3CNHRtfoGDQUQHjd-aqnQJvqpHXs0UdrhxeYDXxjmMcKL-lL5WDAQQmPHLhgcmffFFyl_TO4QqWELo7X_kRwzEH8l1ViOCE50QjPXswj9atYCysOaO5CZa/s320/pinkred+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of Dollhouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBPWxqtxf8YM0AfMIdoAbt5uPGhcfpOCpPag6TBfBc83CckYLInAB_PlXmpPPfq-SeIkQ1Um9GymTnCaujx3Wv3-1Iz_rDzY5qyfeas9wILd5UBvMToShfToCSDaiwMw7Yjas_KFGqhbn/s633/insideknot1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBPWxqtxf8YM0AfMIdoAbt5uPGhcfpOCpPag6TBfBc83CckYLInAB_PlXmpPPfq-SeIkQ1Um9GymTnCaujx3Wv3-1Iz_rDzY5qyfeas9wILd5UBvMToShfToCSDaiwMw7Yjas_KFGqhbn/s320/insideknot1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside view of Dollhouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll?section_id=7900211">New Friend rag dolls</a> are the huggable doll every child
needs. When you hug a rag doll it hugs you back. My dolls can be completely
undressed and redressed. The girls have a dress, pinafore, pantaloons shoes,
socks, and a hat with a flower on it. I crochet a wig cap and tie the hair to
it and then sew and glue it to the doll. This makes a durable doll. I fully
expect my dolls to be dragged through all the fun places a child goes in a day.
The doll is washable…the hair will be more limp afterwards (yarn is like that)
and the doll needs to be put in a bag first so arms and legs do not get caught
and torn off. The boy dolls have underwear, pants, shirt, shoes, socks, and a hat. Their hair is made the same way and they are ready for the rough and tumble.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll?section_id=10641741">Kancer Kids</a> are the same doll
but they are bald. They are companion dolls for the unfortunate children in the
hospital undergoing treatment. Most doctors and nurses will treat the doll as
well as the child and this means the child is not going through it alone. They
come with underwear, a gown, three hats and slippers. Sick children are hard to entertain…they do
not feel good… the doll is for the bad days and the hats and slippers are for
the better days. Each doll comes with a certificate for hair and clothing when
the child is cured the doll too is cured.
Unfortunately, I have only sent out one set of hair and clothes so far…
Yes, I have tears running down my face when making up the Kancer Kid package. I
will crochet any animal hat you desire, I will use any theme that you think will
entertain your child. The Kancer kids I show in my shop can be purchased as is
or you may take some ideas from several and I will make up a doll with your
choices. Each child is an individual.
Each child needs their own special favorites. All my dolls can be redressed to
fit the child they are going to. I have been told by many that their rag doll
was an important friend to them as a child. You can tell them anything and they
will never tell anyone else. If you hide, they will hide with you. If you cry,
they will absorb your tears and hug you back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX8vtn1hRb41IahjdR9cGHKgC7S66OqjaaOOZDdPuttdRpjumUbZieNsVDIbiNiV9reCTXt_nVW9-HpuZ6e8Tpeb97cJzzEWe7YbtwSthEOnnSF1MblDbFHaM2X8e0YA5LYuLj2ZJzpXC/s459/kancersit12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX8vtn1hRb41IahjdR9cGHKgC7S66OqjaaOOZDdPuttdRpjumUbZieNsVDIbiNiV9reCTXt_nVW9-HpuZ6e8Tpeb97cJzzEWe7YbtwSthEOnnSF1MblDbFHaM2X8e0YA5LYuLj2ZJzpXC/s400/kancersit12.JPG" width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kancer Kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And these are my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll?section_id=10327037">Harriet dolls.</a> Harriet is a stationary doll that sits on your dress and holds all your hair accessories. She has a print dress, an apron with pockets for hair bands, two long braids for barrettes and bows, a crocheted hat for clips, two long arms for headbands and two mittens to hold ribbons. She comes with some accessories but has saved room for you to add the ones you already have. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaOM2Fqo7lLBg04EnvB4Bhab8pt2imCp9Ri84YE-NvzPOKrMSJWAe7jgChDxP95B9FOJxWAkJySxpRuQXeTBk1j4swwlIEZfx6HbMbgSnppfXOmmeg_T_FgPNdHLLuMmbwP223Dt6bK55/s481/Harriet37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaOM2Fqo7lLBg04EnvB4Bhab8pt2imCp9Ri84YE-NvzPOKrMSJWAe7jgChDxP95B9FOJxWAkJySxpRuQXeTBk1j4swwlIEZfx6HbMbgSnppfXOmmeg_T_FgPNdHLLuMmbwP223Dt6bK55/s320/Harriet37.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2L7g2eo9V0GWcCLfErd8nhfb3AA-2nxqcM2gYg7bFBIXZXmGgTLkejYuo7n7isML1p09dL6ZcQyWDJNzL8F1esVot-aXtYIaCO_HTQSgjhOXJ8HDAzc1_TICqCBEBq7gKC5JGYHamIB8A/s480/Harriet29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2L7g2eo9V0GWcCLfErd8nhfb3AA-2nxqcM2gYg7bFBIXZXmGgTLkejYuo7n7isML1p09dL6ZcQyWDJNzL8F1esVot-aXtYIaCO_HTQSgjhOXJ8HDAzc1_TICqCBEBq7gKC5JGYHamIB8A/s320/Harriet29.JPG" width="264" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll?section_id=10641703">Miz Pursey's Cupcake Purses</a> are fun…I have a granddaughter who loved cupcakes and green when she was little. My cupcakes come in all colors so everyone can have their favorite.
They are a small, about 8" by 8" fully lined purse with a handle and a Velcro
closure. They are meant to be fun… They are meant to make you grin… The Cupcake Purses are one of my bestsellers, along with the Rag Dolls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEb7FSsZYxicKrOtz1e7maKhJ6R_JMwCbhlNfnSk0TSr702AXVjS3sr2bisWk6Wix9VBw_jSh4Ppu65bSwC1DdtC_ETObJ2ya_EfjOEb0cMQvBVWrEod0TeXF2B1kOIGtpldDEc8fifXw/s486/cup134-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEb7FSsZYxicKrOtz1e7maKhJ6R_JMwCbhlNfnSk0TSr702AXVjS3sr2bisWk6Wix9VBw_jSh4Ppu65bSwC1DdtC_ETObJ2ya_EfjOEb0cMQvBVWrEod0TeXF2B1kOIGtpldDEc8fifXw/s400/cup134-2.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVroCI4z78u8JbmUJW4HGIihTpiBfpsejTturZwF9kuOi2RaNX_SPDdr34cHShrjU4m2E1342bdKq2CN8wFFhOQObKqnmt6-Os7YKXzRSW82655p1G184O0gA96HpH1AURpgPpQNmgRiJ_/s523/cup143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVroCI4z78u8JbmUJW4HGIihTpiBfpsejTturZwF9kuOi2RaNX_SPDdr34cHShrjU4m2E1342bdKq2CN8wFFhOQObKqnmt6-Os7YKXzRSW82655p1G184O0gA96HpH1AURpgPpQNmgRiJ_/s320/cup143.JPG" width="216" /></a><br />
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<o:p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll?section_id=10641729">Baby-to-Go</a> </o:p>is a crocheted drawstring cradle purse. When I
was a child they were called church purses. Children then had to be quiet and
sit through loooong sermons. We were given something to entertain us. My
grandmother crocheted a cradle purse for me. Many people make them with a
plastic container for the bottom and crochet them out of yarn. I choose to
crochet the entire purse and use crochet thread so they are like a pretty
doily. My grandmother also told me if a thing was worth doing, it was worth
doing well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi6Fm_WYdCdli4RKVIJGtO5YVqC3otL9AwmTVEfhGI5n4-cZVrSrZoJs0W1AUPrZ8he8fRhABixRcZaHa6oNRQ_bCR5kwrb5rc2gzufbU-o24p5ULCOUoZim_redmxgC_L1yxQHCMC2Xz/s492/babi59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi6Fm_WYdCdli4RKVIJGtO5YVqC3otL9AwmTVEfhGI5n4-cZVrSrZoJs0W1AUPrZ8he8fRhABixRcZaHa6oNRQ_bCR5kwrb5rc2gzufbU-o24p5ULCOUoZim_redmxgC_L1yxQHCMC2Xz/s320/babi59.JPG" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby-to-Go</td></tr>
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A lady asked me to make puppets and I did. My <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll?section_id=11558146">puppet dolls</a> are dolls that work. They are hand puppets but are fully dresses with a stuffed
head so they can be played with like dolls, too. Most of them have a theme and
a lot of the come with a pet, etc. that is a felt hand puppet. The ballerinas
tutus come off and if you take their shoes off they have dancing slippers on. I
just made them to entertain kids.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotAPaperdoll?section_id=11822588">finger puppets</a> I made up because a teacher said that all
the finger puppets available did not look like the real animal and could I make
some that do….Sorta did…and I had fun. I am proud to say that two sets of the
Safari animals are on their way to Zambia to teach children. My finger puppets
come eight to a set and have either a barn for the farm animals or a safari hut
for the African animals.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy77_xsc9DB-szpNvey8c6ONwmjKZBge31s9syHC1wBVAJsWGrKdyj0D5MdHxwaiSxiH-X-YDe5nI18YIYaX6nwQ_1t7Gwxh1XrbEsveS-z2XYbO-NiAPTgwEuMALXFb1BJFm_Iut3vHU1/s437/safariblk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy77_xsc9DB-szpNvey8c6ONwmjKZBge31s9syHC1wBVAJsWGrKdyj0D5MdHxwaiSxiH-X-YDe5nI18YIYaX6nwQ_1t7Gwxh1XrbEsveS-z2XYbO-NiAPTgwEuMALXFb1BJFm_Iut3vHU1/s320/safariblk.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safari Puppets</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safari</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVkmtqAplYoC7rP2W5cOe1eokM3sv9AYesvrf-8DTds2DM4wqP7bUpr8THWwLDros9uMYP2HWj30rvxRDbbOI9GE-VrSnbodBpXLk91TAV7SbQFegf6UvEA9KD4REv8i3lYq7nHf0qhd7/s640/safariopen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVkmtqAplYoC7rP2W5cOe1eokM3sv9AYesvrf-8DTds2DM4wqP7bUpr8THWwLDros9uMYP2HWj30rvxRDbbOI9GE-VrSnbodBpXLk91TAV7SbQFegf6UvEA9KD4REv8i3lYq7nHf0qhd7/s320/safariopen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Safari</td></tr>
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My husband is disabled and cannot be left alone so I started
my shops as work I can do at home. I’m older than computers, so learning to
make shops was the tough part. I knew how to make dolls and toys… I guess you
would say that my work is full time. I rarely have a day that I’m not working
on something. I am an early riser so I
usually spend 6-8 a.m. PST on the computer. I work alone and try to maintain an adequate
inventory. An addition to my Etsy store and website I have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/handmadedollsandtoys?fref=ts">Facebook page</a>. </div>
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My oldest son is a fireman….he makes me proud and scared. I
support the firemen everywhere and try
to help when I can. I am in charge of the costumes for the local fireman
float for kids. I had two sons in the Navy when they declared war. (Desert
Storm) My oldest son was on a submarine and I did not hear from him for 8
months. My second son was on the aircraft carrier “Kitty Hawk” and was in the
gulf sending aircraft out. I was blessed that both sons came home whole and
unhurt. I cry for all the soldiers that don’t and I believe in and support the
Wounded Warrior project.</div>
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You can’t help but support Childhood Cancer Awareness. There
are so many kinds and so many sick children…I have to believe that it is something
that we are doing to our environment to cause the increase in cancer, autism,
etc. This is a heartbreak and we must
find answers…</div>
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So, if you want a special gift for that special child, check out Maggie's shop!</div>
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Thank you Maggie!</div>
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Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-85196236284413601152013-06-28T07:58:00.001-07:002013-06-28T07:58:27.257-07:00Polanco's Modern ArchitectureI'm fascinated with the older homes and buildings in the Polanco neighborhood and I've posted many such photos, but the last time we were there I started focusing on the newer architecture. It was a Sunday afternoon and after eating we walked through the neighborhoods enjoying the quiet (something that is out of the ordinary for Mexico City) and empty streets. I started looking up at the building and realized that many of the new structures are actually quite beautiful. I still prefer the older buildings, but I can live with these:<br />
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I had to take this one that is below though. I will always love color over steel and white. For me, the house below has so much more character and charm. I can imagine the people who have lived in such houses over the years and I can invent stories for them in my head. For some reason that is harder for me to do with the newer buildings. I realize it is all a matter of taste though and I understand why people love m<span style="text-align: center;">odern architecture as much as I love the older styles.</span><br />
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As to our architectural changes here in our house, we are all covered with cement dust. It's in my eyes, nose and apparently my lungs since I've been coughing for two days now. We keep telling ourselves it is only temporary. I actually tried to take a picture of all the dust floating through the air but the photo didn't do the scene justice. <br />
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For my friends in Chicago - enjoy the Blackhawks Victory Parade!! I was downtown for the last one and it was so much fun! I want to be there for next year's parade so there had better be a repeat. <br />
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<br />Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-62155601034649280492013-06-26T08:37:00.001-07:002013-06-26T08:37:58.992-07:00Another Day, Another Wall and MoreFor a quick update on the construction front, we have a mess and it will only get much worse. You can see the new brick wall with an opening for a window. On the other side of that wall is the old kitchen which soon will be torn down and converted into a patio/garage for a second car. <br />
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All of my kitchen stuff is now strewn all over the dining room and living room. I didn't take pictures of that because it drives me crazy and I don't want it recorded for posterity. It's coming along though and it's not like we haven't lived through these messes before. This is about the seventh time we have gone through major house construction and reconstruction between Mexico City and Chicago. At a certain point tempers will flare and furniture may fly. We haven't reached that point yet but I have noticed that we are both snapping at the other just about every time we occupy the same room. This better be worth it.<br />
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I bake a lot so I decided to make some banana bread on Saturday. One loaf for us and the other to take to my mother-in-law's for dinner. I quickly found out that the thermostat on my oven doesn't work. Within 10 minutes the house was filled with smoke and the smell of carbon. Who knows what temp the oven was at by then, but Arturo said that a little bit of burnt crust wouldn't bother him at all. So I turned the oven way way down, I opened the door every few minutes to let even more heat out, and I groused about how nothing ever seems to work right. My daughters can tell you that I take on that world view every so often.<br />
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So, the top picture is self explanatory. The bottom is what was left over after I cut off the burnt part. Our house smelled of burnt bread for two entire days. Arturo claims that it smelled good. That makes me worry.<br />
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And to end off today's post, I read this interesting <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/suffer-the-children/201203/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd?fb_action_ids=10151518572517861&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582">article</a> that Madeleine Benzing posted on Facebook that discusses why French kids aren't diagnosed with ADHD to the extent that U.S. kids are. The ADHD rate for U.S. children has reached the astounding level of 9%, while the French rate is .5%, according to the article. What struck me, or hit home, is the difference in attitudes and theories of child rearing between the French and the American styles. If you have the time or interest to read it, I'd love to know which child rearing philosophy you subscribe to.<br />
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Happy Wednesday!Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-73059251862441293332013-06-24T09:43:00.004-07:002013-06-24T09:43:55.957-07:00TepotzotlanFor the life of me I can't get the accent marks to work on my computer - there should be an accent mark over the "a" in Tepotzotlan. Anyway, yesterday we went to the town or small city of Tepotzotlan which is about 45 minutes from Mexico City. Forty five minutes providing there is not a downpour on your way home which floods the highway and stops traffic. Which happened to us on the way home, but that's the way it goes during rainy season in Mexico City. I keep digressing. <br />
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Tepotzotlan is one of Mexico's "Pueblos Magicos" or Magic Towns. Tepotzotlan was an important center during the Aztecs' reign and then it became a major educational center during the colonial period when the Jesuits established the College of San Francisco Javier. This was an important religious, educational and cultural center from 1580-1914. After the Jesuits were expelled from Mexico, the Catholic Church took it over, and then in 1964 the Mexican government took the convent/monastery, educational center and the church, restored them and turned all of it into a museum. This museum named Museo del Virreinato (Museum of the Colonial Period), occupies the former monastery, educational center and church, and houses one of the largest collections of liturgical and religious art, as well as many other artifacts, from the colonial period.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These paintings line the hallways and are all religious themes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the patios</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this picture in one of the smaller chapels.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cheated - I didn't take this picture because the church was closed. Impressive.</td></tr>
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It takes a minimum of 90 minutes, going at a brisk pace and not dawdling, to go through the convent, its gardens, patios and to take in all the artwork. You could easily spend hours there. I lost Arturo after 10 minutes as I'm a dawdler, but so is my brother-in-law Alfonso, so we went at our own pace. Much later we found Arturo and his mom, somewhat bored, waiting for us. Arturo made the major mistake of asking us if we saw the library (which we had somehow missed), so off Alfonso and I went for another 45 minute tour of the library and the third floor which we had previously skipped. The third floor has the history of the nuns and their portraits. I didn't know that a nun could get her "crown" only if she or her family could raise enough money to pay for it. During the colonial period that cost was about $3000 so it was mostly the nuns from the wealthy families who were crowned. The picture at the bottom shows one of the lucky ones.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The library</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the pharmacy</td></tr>
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After Alfonso and I were dragged from the museum, we strolled through all the outdoor vendors' stands where I mostly bought and ate candy. We had lunch/dinner at a buffet, and as we were getting ready to leave we witnessed a run away bull - there are ranches surrounding the town - run free in the parking lot before being wrestled to the ground by some cowboys who appeared out of nowhere on horseback. Unfortunately a couple of people walking in the parking lot were injured. Hopefully not badly. Then we drove home until we had to stop driving because of the flooded highway. All in all, not counting the bull incident, it was a good day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't the bull that escaped but it is the largest bulls I've seen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mother-in-law and Alfonso</td></tr>
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Citlali and Poukie had to stay home so no pictures of them. <br />
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Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-17911788051584608212013-06-21T08:42:00.002-07:002013-06-21T08:42:50.591-07:00A Mish Mash on a Rainy DayIt's been raining for the last 36 hours give or take a few minutes. I am not a rain person. I can only survive when it is sunny outside. It doesn't have to be warm but it has to be sunny. Mexico needs the rain so I'm grateful for it, but I really think it should only rain at night when I'm in bed either sleeping or reading a good book. I took this photo at 10:30 a.m. and it could be mistaken for a nighttime photo. Eventually the sun will return so until then I will just drink lots of coffee to stay awake and I'll think good thoughts about how green everything will become. <br />
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On the house reconstruction front, they haven't started with the inside yet but are working on the patio/garage as it is going to be enlarged. So while that is a muddy, wet concrete mess, the house is still workable. Next week we dismantle the kitchen and then it gets torn down. That should be interesting. The good thing about that is that I won't be able to cook. I don't have anything against cooking but I'll always willing to take a break from it when I can. As long as I have a place to plug in the coffeepot I'm good to go.<br />
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Notice that blue covered thing in the picture below in what is currently part of my mostly cleared out kitchen/eating area? (We don't usually eat at a plastic picnic table - we put away the good furniture). That is Arturo's 30 year old cross country motorcycle. Obviously we have to protect what is most important to us, right? Really? A motorcycle in my kitchen?<br />
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Citlali has the right idea.<br />
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Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-62936665294241407482013-06-20T06:33:00.002-07:002013-06-20T06:33:56.429-07:00Colonia Maza We are always on the lookout to discover places in Mexico City that are new for us. I have to be frank about how we came to find Colonia Maza even if it is a bit tacky. Arturo and I love plants and flowers and we want to fill the house with both. However, we aren't here all year and when we leave for up to six months, they will all die. So, we have been looking for good quality artificial plants and flowers. You should see some of the looks we have gotten from vendors when we go to the outdoor and indoor flower and plants markets and ask them if they have fake ones. One kind vendor must have taken pity on us and told us about Colonia Maza. Colonia Maza has streets and streets of shops selling high quality artificial flowers and plants that make you look twice and I actually had to touch them to see if they are real or not. It is a crafters' paradise too with stores that offer scrapbooking supplies, wood and ceramics to paint, do it yourself party decorations as well as party decor for every type of occasion, ribbons, the list goes on. And let me tell you it was a constant battle to keep Poukie from peeing on everything - he thought they were real too.<br />
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We bought a bunch of flowers and made two beautiful arrangements. However, the house construction is causing so much concrete dust everywhere that Arturo put them away before I could take the pictures. Actually, I could have taken the pictures because they were on display for a couple of days but I didn't know they were going to disappear on me. Another day I will post them. And we will return to Maza for plants next time.<br />
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On the good news front, the remaining two puppies, siblings of puppy Caine, checked out okay at the vet's yesterday! They show no signs of the heart disease that the other puppies died from. It was time for some good news. In the words of their caretakers:<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p480x480/9350_164121173768263_867079745_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p480x480/9350_164121173768263_867079745_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="display: inline; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0">Absolutely speechless! Our 2 little miracles, (say that again) MIRACLES have escaped the heart disease that took the lives of Mama, Jasmine, Snapdragon and Caine. The Doctor said their hearts are beating strong and they should live healthy long lives. We needed this so badly. The heartache was beginning to be too much too bare. Even though it's Wednesday, I think a happy dance and a celebration is just what the Dr ordered! We are truly blessed. Thank you for sending prayers and love! <i class="_4-k1 img sp_b430mu sx_3fc80f" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yr/r/kX-8X2c2uc4.png); background-position: -17px -628px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i></span><br />
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Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-90180489790887163012013-06-18T08:37:00.000-07:002013-06-18T08:37:32.475-07:00Aprons in Memory of Puppy Caine, and House Construction From June 17th through June 24th I'm donating all the profits from anything I sell from my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CherryPieAprons?ref=si_shop">Etsy store Cherry Pie Aprons</a> to <a href="http://rescueapittie.org/">It's a Pittie Rescue</a> the wonderful organization that cared for puppy <a href="http://www.naomibavendano.blogspot.mx/2013/06/farewell-puppy-caine-your-light-lives-on.html">Caine</a> during his all too short life, and which tried to save his mother <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MamaPetunia?fref=ts">Mama Petunia</a>. They now continue to care for Caine's two surviving siblings. I'm also offering a 10% discount on all purchases with the coupon code "Sale3yrs" that you enter at the checkout. I want to thank my daughter Laura Ford for wrapping and sending the aprons, spa clothes, etc. that have already sold! So if you need an apron, or would like to give one as a gift, now is your chance to get two things for one: something for yourself and something for a great organization. <br />
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In other news from the Mexico City home front, Arturo decided to go ahead with his plans to do a partial rebuild of our house. When we built it over 30 years ago, we did it little by little and now the kitchen and bathroom downstairs are outdated and just not what we want. So the kitchen is being knocked down to make room for another car in the carport/patio/garage (we don't have two cars but maybe someday we will sell the house), the kitchen will be moved over one room, and I'm not really sure what all he is doing with the bathroom. All I know is that there is an awful lot of pounding since houses here are made of concrete, a lot of concrete dust flying around and the dogs are not happy. These are the pre tearing down my kitchen pictures:<br />
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And here is supervisor Poukie. Since he does not have a hard hat, he is now inside hiding under the bedspread.<br />
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Funny thing is that for years I've wanted to redo the kitchen since it is quite primitive. Now that it is actually happening, I'm nostalgic for the days back when we were building it. I was 21 years old and pregnant with our first daughter, Diana. Even though we didn't have much money, we had fun building our first house which consisted of the kitchen, a bathroom and one room where we lived. That is the room you can see in the second picture above. To say it was small is an understatement but we did okay there for several years and with two babies as Laura was born 14 months after Diana. Our dog Linda fit in there with us too. Later on we added to the house extending the first floor, adding a second floor and doing a lot of landscaping. Thirty one years later it is still a house in progress. Who knows what Arturo will think of next? Always an adventure. <br />
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Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-75825084578970985352013-06-17T07:09:00.001-07:002013-06-17T12:13:40.673-07:00Farewell puppy Caine, your light lives onI don't want this to be a depressing blog post so I'm trying to find the so called "silver lining" in this story of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MamaPetunia?fref=ts">Mama Petunia</a> and her puppies. The eleven week old puppy Caine died Saturday afternoon of an enlarged heart. Instead of a lingering death, Caine was happily playing outside in the grass when his heart just stopped.<br />
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This story has had several heartbreaking turns but it has also captured the hearts and attention of people all over the world, and the hope is that more will join the fight to help rescue and save this breed. Pit bulls have such a bad reputation, and granted, there have been horrible cases of humans who were badly injured or even killed by pit bulls. But in reality, they are probably the most affectionate, loyal and forgiving among all the breeds of dogs. The fault is squarely at the door of the humans who cruelly use them for what they call "entertainment" and of course for money. The dog isn't the problem, but people are. However, for every cruel person who is guilty of abusing these creatures, there are so many others who want to help them. <br />
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And why are so many dedicated to helping dogs? It's because these animals are an anchor in what can be a gray, dark and troubled world and they demonstrate what we wish all mankind could practice: unconditional love and forgiveness, a loyalty that knows no bounds, and an innate sense of wanting to comfort us when we are sad, lonely or sick. Just as importantly, they have enormous capacity to play and just enjoy the moment they are living. They feel and live joy in a way that is difficult for us to understand at times. We see that same joy in young children but it seems to disappear as we get older. But dogs bring that joy back to us not matter what our age may be.<br />
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So, instead of being sad, we should use the light that puppy Caine brought into the lives of so many who didn't even know him, and use that light to do something good for someone or some animal. And just in case any of you want to donate to <a href="http://rescueapittie.org/">Pittie Rescue</a> in the Chicagoland area, they are in need of your time, medical supplies, daily supplies, the list is long. If you don't have money to spare, they would love your time. You can also make purchases for them directly from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html/181-3977226-8081751?ie=UTF8&id=29KXSQ66NV76J&type=wishlist">Amazon</a>. Disclaimer: Pittie Rescue does not even know about this blog so they are not the ones responsible for this request. It is entirely my own.<br />
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We have to use the bad things that happen in life to do good. It is the only way.<br />
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Naomi<br />
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<br />Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306728693758379546.post-39641916611394427512013-06-12T08:52:00.002-07:002013-06-12T08:52:30.135-07:00Sunshine, Shawls and a HeroOur plumbing is still a huge mess, there are still tons of problems everywhere, but the sun came out today in Mexico City and pessimistic thoughts don't help anyone. Instead, I'm happy to say that I finished a project! For those of you who don't know me, you may shake your head and say "so what." And that is a legitimate thought to have. But as my family and close friends know, I have a short attention span, starting many things then taking forever to finish any of them, because by the time I'm half way through a project, something better comes along. Unfortunately, my house contains many orphaned projects that will never again see the light of day. <br />
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But not this raspberry shawl/throw! It took a year of on and off knitting but it's done. For those of you who knit and want to do a fast project (I know, a year isn't fast but<br />
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most people have more "stick to it" will power than I have), I recommend this. It was knit with a silky cotton yarn and is a super easy pattern:<br />
Cast on 60<br />
Row 1: knit, pearl, knit, pearl, to the end of the row<br />
Row 2: knit<br />
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until desired length - this one is about 60"<br />
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It took a little over two skeins of yarn (I can't find the label but any silky cotton will do).<br />
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I'm really bad at taking pictures of myself and Arturo wasn't around so this is as good as it gets.<br />
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In other news, I'm working on a couple of book reviews that I want to post here - if you have any suggestions please let me know. Then last night I was asked if I would like to review a new book on knitting. Even though I advised them that I'm not an expert, they said that was fine as the book is for all levels. So I'll be doing that review soon too.<br />
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To top off today's post, and most importantly, here is a FB link about a Borlaug family member of whom we are extremely proud: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Norman-Borlaug/103820686323029?ref=ts&fref=ts">Norman Borlaug</a>. Most people don't know who he is, but he is credited with saving millions of lives through his work, and in 1970 he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Much of his work in developing disease resistent, high yield wheat varieties was done just miles away from Mexico City in Toluca, Estado de Mexico. There are many websites about his life and work, including this <a href="http://www.normanborlaug.org/">one</a>. Thanks to my cousin David Borlaug for starting the ball rolling on the topic of Norman Borlaug today. Inspiration is all around us!Naomi Avendanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742636894789598764noreply@blogger.com0