Category Archives: Uncategorized

May 25, 2018 · 9:41 pm

Fashion form following function

Aprons are essential wear here!

The lowly utilitarian apron has been elevated to an art form by the Zapotec women of the Tlacolula valley in Oaxaca. Worn every day, mandiles (aprons) are an essential and practical part of their traditional dress. Most women own several and take great pains to color coordinate them with the day’s attire.

Fiesta honoring the Virgen de Guadalupe at the home of Fidel Cruz and Maria Luisa Mendoza, Teotitlán del Valle.

Plainer aprons are worn around the home. However, they don one of their “Sunday best” aprons for special occasions. These are heavily embroidered and often have necklines and hems that are scalloped and, as a fashion statement, are frequently worn to the weekly market.

Vendor at the Sunday market in Tlacolula del Valle.

Mandiles are made of store-bought poly-cotton fabric, usually in a small plaid design. While “100% cotton” sounds more desirable to many of us, the blend is…

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Grow Your Own Food Workshop

You know I’m all about free education. Here’s yet another opportunity you won’t want to miss!

The Grow Your Own Food Workshop hosted by SRS Online Events starts on April 3.

Over 15 Master Gardeners will be teaching:

Seed Saving
Companion Planting
Vertical Gardening
Composting
Growing Herbs
Raised Bed Gardening
Vermicomposting
Gardening Basics
Basics of Organic Gardening
Growing 3 Medicinal Herbs
Growing A Year’s Worth Of Food
Growing Tropical Plants
Which Gardening Method Is Best For You
Getting Started With Hydroponics
Starting Seeds Indoors

…and MORE!!!

If register now you’ll also get a Grow Your Own Food Quick Start Guide and Planning Calculator just for signing up. Since it’s free, what have you got to lose? Register here.

I think the best part of these online workshops is that you can pick and choose the topics that most interest you. Don’t worry, I’ll be reviewing my favorites down the line in case you aren’t able to attend. But my favorites might not be what you are interested in. Sign up for FREE access. I know I’m looking forward the event!

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It’s my Birthday Today

Today’s my birthday. I’m 45. Since I plan on living well into my 80’s like my grandmothers, or well into my 90’s like my great-grandmothers, I’m middle aged now. So what have I accomplished?

I am a mother of an increasingly independent teen. There will less and less for me to do in the mothering department–that is until the grandchildren arrive, which doesn’t look like it will be anytime soon. I am proud of my son. He’s quite an accomplishment.

Although I have a chronic disease, I feel much better this year than I have in years past. I think it has a lot to do with being able to cut my working hours from 55+ to 26 per week. I’m sure it will continue to be a struggle as I age more, but I’ll let each day take care of itself. Accepting I can do no more, that’s an accomplishment.

I am delighted with the way our home and lives have evolved this past year. Although construction should be finally done shortly, refining our daily activities will be ongoing. Designing and implementing this life we have in Mexico is definitely an accomplishment.

I’ve also managed to convert sections of my blog to e-book format. I did this mostly with my mom in mind. She has hours of sitting for dialysis each week and rereading our Mexican adventures might help her pass the time. With my limited computer competence, this is yet another accomplishment.

I thought I would be embarrassed about my age. Then again, I’ve outlived people I grew up with. I’ve outlived people I considered friends. I’ve outlived family members. So there is no need for me to be embarrassed but rather grateful that disease, accident, or unfortunate incident haven’t ended this grand life I enjoy yet. Surviving to middle-age, yep that’s an accomplishment.

I am not rich nor famous nor probably ever will be. I hold no important office, have not done incredible feats. As far as accomplishments go, mine are humble indeed. That’s ok. I’m content with these.

So in celebration of my birthday, I’d like to give you a gift. For the next few days, Wascally Wabbits and Zombie Babies is free at Amazon and A to Z Reasons Why La Yacata is the Place to be in Any Disaster is discounted. I hope you enjoy them!