I would like to take you on our journey.

From the Trail of Tears, the Sante Fe Trail, the Dust Bowl Days and the Taos Pueblos.  Amidst the cultures in this mountain region and home on the range. 
A sense of Hispanic, Indian and Cowboy culture a.k.a. three bean soup creates a diverse unique culture unlike any other.

We have seen a heard of buffalo, snow on the mountain peaks, antelope on the open range, a rodeo, a trail days parade, the dust bowl museum.  Drove and hiked to the top of Mount Capulin, an inactive volcano.  Spent some time in a 55 year old western store with a collection of hundreds of old worn out hats on display.  Visited the Taos Pueblos, went to the 9,200 elevation of the Taos ski area founded by Ernie Blake.  Witnessed and took part in the Taos Indian dancers just outside of the pueblos, crossed over the Rio Grande and fished along the mountain streams and Eagle Nest Lake...It was heartwarming to partake in these activities with my husband and children that my great grandparents, granparents and parents introduced to me 40 some years ago.  It was beautiful to see our Gama Hazel and Great Aunt Ina Mae...icing on the cake.

A family vacation taking me back in time where we would spend time with our elders in our youth...a full circle finding our grassroots. Many of our elders and family have passed, but their memories and blood pump through my veins...to pass this experience on to my children is priceless.  Gracias A Dios

In light of our journey I would like to share this with you...



http://taospueblopowwow.com/about-taos-pueblo/blue-lake



"In 1906 An injustice was done in which...48,000 acres was taken from..the Taos Pueblo Indians.  The congress of the United States now returns that land to whom it belongs...I can't think of any more appropriate or any action that could make me more proud as President of the United States" 
1970 President Richard M. Nixon

On September 17th and 18th of 2010 The Taos Pueblos will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the return of it's Sacred Blue Mountain Lake.

In 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt established Carson National Forest taking 50,000 acres without payment to them. 

The following information is fragments of notes I read in an article in High Country magazine summer 2010 ...  an excerpt from Frank Waters  Blue Lake Interview...

After a series of events and years of broken promises, It became obvious that the Pueblos 1940 use permit was worthless.  They were once granted a 50 year permit after waving a $297,684.67 payment from congress.  The children were sent away to a white man's school instead of being taught at home the traditional religious beliefs of his people.

The struggle of the Taos Indians to regain Blue lake helped enlighten much of the general American public about Indian Religioun.  December 15 1970 Senate passed the bill it was the first land claims case settled in favor of an Indian Tribe based on freedom and religion.

In the words of Frank Waters 1902-1995...
"I am convinced that this is something that we must learn from the Indians-their holistic way of thinking.  We must must realize our relatedness to all other forms of life.

One of the things that most helped the Indians in their quest for Blue Lake was the growing public understanding of the concept of ecology.  As the tenets of ecology became more widely appreciated, beginning in the early 1960's, so too did an understanding of the relationship between ecology and the basic principles of Indian religion.  The public began to grasp a little rudimentary thinking about Indian religion because ecology is the basis of Indian religion.  And this growing appreciation for ecology led the public to begin thinking holistically, to begin understanding the unity of all of nature's kingdoms-whether animal, plant, or mineral.  And this growing appreciation of Indians as the first ecologists helped Taos Pueblo in its struggle to reclaim their sacred land..."



 
 
The oil continues to leak out of the Gulf of Mexico uncontrollably...meanwhile folks are pointing fingers as to who is accountable...the life in the sea and on the coast lines continues to diminish....phew, too much to take..! Perhaps too little too late, but that will be up to our Great Grandchildren to voice....... When will we us/US AS A HUMAN RACE/ start to be accountable for our own actions, and once we see those folks that are responsible aren't accountable...when by God do we realize it is up to us to Do Something.  My head shakes with frustration and sorrow....bring home the troops

Meanwhile here at the homefront we have not only have a mother horse/Abuelita...which I have recently renamed her Milagro...aka...en english...Miracle if she can pull thru...comig our way with a 1 1/2 week old fillie and her young mare (pregnant) of all things..."Be carefull of what you wish for, you just might get it"  I have not yet had a horse here in Mexico since I arrived... we are now looking at 4....

In La Playita...The inspector of all schools of the area managed to find a new teacher (maestro) for the 3 rd grade...just goes to show what  a few good folks can do, when they/we put our foot down.  It doesn't take money, just a solid foundation.

The fair is setting up for the Dia de La Marina/La Playita festivities.  Tomorrow Ellie will be joining with the chosen few to be a part of a collage painting starting around 8:30 am at Puerto Los Cabos's Marina.....Preparing for the big day... 1 Junio 2010.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, the tranquillity is abundant.  With Paciencia..Disfruta...nuestra espacio...*with a little patience, you are invited to enjoy our space... fyi, the best video is toooo big to post here :) what can I say, come by for a short visit and see for yourself !

T
 
 
The introduction of this painting was after Maestra Lluvia of La Playita Kinder gave us the go ahead...with a thumbs up. During our vision of cleaner air to breathe during the landfill burnings of Pala Escopeta,...."The dump burn"  well documented in www.loszacatitos.net and www.loscaboscontaminacion .  A controversy in our community none the less.  A Christmas Day burn...of all things to make the statement bold within us all...............Once our kind  of folks from our community gathered on our beach during the holidays 2007 to 2008 Christmas /New Years....the youth from 3 to retired created a master piece...please if anyone has photos...please contribute

The result of this painting was Maestra LLuvias  whole hearted smile ....and the go ahead to paint with these children.

The last Days of Maestra Lluvias life she spoke at the Kinder with TV Azteca about the importance of protecting our environment. 

Needless to say, my drive  strengthens in her memory.  Thank you  Great Spirit
 
 
This has become a beautiful occasion, an annual request from the Maestras of La Playita Kinder, since February of 2008.  This day gives me an opportunity to paint with the children  ages 4 to 6....giving me an incredible opportunity  educate the youth the imortance of protecting our waters, tierra (earth) and air, thru painting..and best of all they love it!!!.

On our final painting day three years ago I was accompanied by the Maestra of Maestras!..with guest artist and master teacher Annie deBrynKops and grandchildren (proteges)  ...Baily, Kristin and Kirby ....we already have an invitation for their return next spring....Unfortunately this year we missed out on their presense, but their invitation is open anytime they are available.....

The final product of 2008 was displayed at various tiendas in La Playita, La Choya, the organic market, and in front of the municple palace during our May 6th Meeting with President Rene Nunez.... http://loszacatitos.net/news/communitymeet08-3.html
also see http://www.loscaboscontaminacion.com

One thing all children love to do ...is paint, and the more free you are with them, the more beautiful the experience.  What an honor to be a part of this and what an opportunity I take on full heartedly.  Thank you Annie for your beautiful heart and experience....and Thank you Maestras Vickey, LLuvia, Serenia, and presently Maestra Bernice!

This years painting are in the works to be displayed at the marina for Dia de La Marina....this coming Friday 3 children of each class will be selected to paint a collage at the marina, these works will be included.  The works will be seen by many, including the Municipal President and Port Captain of San Jose del Cabo...Gracias A Dios 
photos from our archives to come...please check back
 
 
"We are a part of Earth and it is part of us.  All things are connected this we know.  The Earth does not belong to man; man belongs to Earth"
"Man did not weave the web of life, he's merely a strand in it.  Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself"
Cheif Joseph's Testimony 1854

Get involved...see Protecting our Waters at the bottom of the more category on this website...it doesn't take much, information is knowledge..pass it on.

In seven generations we are the ancestors, what we do or don't do is an instrument to help create our future....doing nothing is also a choice.   Inspired by Voices of our Ancestors...a book of native american teachings.... 
 
 
Ironic at it's best...seems I celebrated this Mexican holiday with verve back while living in the states amongst friends.  Here I am dual citizen, living in Mexico...and no festivities surround me.  Such is life
 
 
I have passed these murals done by children countless times...It always is a beautiful site!  Yesterday I stopped and took some photos after dropping off the recycling (on the way to the airport....take a right directly after Calle Ernesto Arambaro, directly before the overhead walkway.) recycling top of street..now taking plastics    :)  !!!!!
These Murals are on going...the latest day celebrated was Dia de la Agua...  basically these are about the values/valors we are educating our children/ or perhaps they are educating us...Paintings done by children ages 6 thru 12.  These are some courageous children and no doubt their educators have a heart of gold.  Escuela Primeria Justo Sierra T.M.
Today is the 40th annual celebration of Earth Day in America. This by far was one of my most favorite holidays while living in the states!!! On my Calendar here it shows on this day ...22 April 2010... Earth Day is celebrated in United States, Canada and in Mexico.  Although It is my view through the eyes of the La Playita Kinder these past 3 years, this day is not world wide recognized, at least not yet.  We have more or less a similar celebration in early June.... We are in America too, actually North America,...there is Central America, there is also South America...we together are connected as a continent....So, somehow it amazes me to think on what day throughout our planet do all of the countries specify an exact date to Celebrate our Mother Earth...I can only imagine....

 Can you imagine....... if we gathered together in the Americas alone, then poco a pocito throughout our planet to celebrate...What A World Party that could be...
Picture
Just in case you missed that last photo above...here it is again.  Because the whales are one of my most favorite creatures on this planet...I have no problem in saying it would be a tragedy to see them being killed for any reason... Period.  Here is an e mail from Avaaz informing us of the threat of the Whale population in our waters here on this planet.  Please take an opportunity to take a small moment of your time today and sign your name, like anything worth fighting for, nothing worth having comes easy. 

http://www.avaaz.org/en/whales_under_threat/?vl

 Each one of us is small, but we do have a voice and together united we are a powerful army...empowering us as a whole to fight for the truth, justice and in a non-violent manner.  Join the good fight...there are so many good things to stand for.  http://cpaf.repoweramerica.org/page/invite/earthdayremix?utm_source=crm_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100422bizremix&utm_content=linkbox



"In wildness is the preservation of the world"  Henry David Thoreau
 
 
Here we are in Mexico, coming on Dia de los Ninos. ....It is a celebration for the children, like one big birthday party that goes on for all of the children for a good week and a half.  Today at Ellie's school the students (age 4 to 6) had a field trip to a soccer field, where the coach let them have at it...and play soccer for real, on a beautiful outdoor turf field.  When I picked up my daughter, her coach said she is very athletic, which no doubt makes me proud.  Ellie showed me her ribbon and said she won...then I asked "are you the only one that got a ribbon"  she reply's  "No Mom, everyone got a ribbon, we all won"  : )  I love that.  That is a great lesson, and builds such confidence and respect amongst all those playing.  Nicely done coach. 

On the other hand, our Son Fort is taking his monthly exams.  Yesterday was Spanish, tomorrow Math...thank goodness Math is universal.  Although he is the only one in his school that speaks English, I must say he is doing exceptionally well with his spanish...he is confident and glowing.  I couldn't be prouder of him.

My husband Gene continues to build amazing pieces of art into wood with his CNC Shopbot Machine.  The only limitations I forsee is our mind...anything is possible. 

Just tonight I find myself chatting with one of his friends he has gained from his newfound art CNC MACHINING.  I have never had a conversation with this individual before, but Gene has spoke highly of him.  Technology is amazing...here we are 12 hours difference typing in words which instantly appear on the screen infront of me.....purely amazing.

He designs incredible programs and is only 18 years of age... and here I am sharing with him one of my favorite quotes, half a world away.... "Whatever you dream you can do, do it...boldness has genius power and magic"  Goethe

And Santosh Raja types back "I have nothing new to teach the world, truth and non violence are as old as the hills."  M.K. Ghandiji

IT//////////////is a small world.
 
 
It seems to me there are always some things worth celebrating here.  These children are so raw and beautiful along with patience and guidance of their teachers, parents and community traditions.  On the 22nd of March here in Mexico we celebrated Dia de Agua del Mundo 2010.  The Children of the Primaria grades 1st thru 6th gave a display of their art work of the importance of our water on the planet and how to respect and protect what we have for us and future generations to come.  Today in the kinder the children  ages 4 to 6 and parents gathered to create their own parade.  They were police escorted with parents, teachers and children dressed up to resemble something representing the spring.  They were butterflies, bees, little chickens, flowers...you name it, very creative...even buz light year !  These children have also been involved in creating their own garden, the first of many to come.  The educators are incredible and this is a public school...we are very thankful to be a part of this community.  Fort and Ellie meanwhile are in the works of building their swing set...works in progress, where there's a will there's a way.