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THE MUSE EXPLORES MEXICO...
Dear Friends and Family, Old and New, Near and Far:
I arrived in Mexico in mid-October and had barely settled in when my friends Jim Wilson and Kimberley Bennett generously invited me to share Thanksgiving with them in a gorgeous house they rented in San Miguel de Allende. Who could say no to that?
Always full of color, San Miguel delights the eye at every turn. This photo was taken at the B&B, Casa de la Cuesta, that is connected to the Mask Museum, an amazing col-lection by Bill LeVasseur who is preserving the indigenous culture of Mexico. You can make reservations by following the above link.
We walked the cobblestone streets, then toured the Fabrica La Aurora, once a bustling factory where manta was woven, now a cluster of stimulating art galleries. In another private exhibition space we were privileged to see The Dialogue, a complex and thought-provoking installation of icons by Mary Jane Miller and her husband Valentin Gomez. A few weeks later, they visited us in Puerto Vallarta to exhibit their work at Galleria Dante.
 Believing that we are all
one, their mission is to promote world peace by honoring
both inter-national religious
leaders and scientific geniuses in their art work.
Besides being treated to a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner, we were nourished by the art, artists, photographers, philosophers and world travelers we encountered in San Miguel. |
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ABSORBING TRADITION IN MEXICO CITY
The second week of December, I flew to Mexico City, called DF (Distrito Federal) by everyone here, to meet my friend Cathey from Portland. If Paris is a movable feast according to Hemingway, Mexico City is a close second. I am particularly in love with the Museo Nacional de Antropología and frankly thought about hiding behind a statue so I could live there.
My favorite mask is from Malinatepec, Guerrero, the teotihuacana culture. I was also struck by the special exhibition of codices which relay the history of prehispanic tribes. Of course many of them were burned by the Spaniards or taken back to museums in Europe so to see them was a special treat.
 The head-dresses here resemble those worn by Aztec dancers today who are carrying on the tradition.
It is charming to see that both the costumes, and the music as well as the dances are being shared with the children who are carried into the ceremonies from a very young age. This toddler was given the concha at the Villa, where the Virgen de Guadelupe is celebrated every December by hundreds of dancers from all over Mexico.
It was especially difficult to select the photos for this edition of The Wandering Muse because my eyes and camera were full of unforgettable images. I've added a few more albums to my Facebook page if you'd like to see them.
My mind and heart continue to be filled with the colors and rhythms of Mexico, and I am deeply grateful to be able to travel around this inspiring country.
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Once again, remember to take care of your special selves, follow your dreams, and express your love fully to those around you.
Abrazos y besos,
Elena
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| MUSE BRIEFS
Happily I rediscovered the tango community in San Miguel and got in a few tandas before and after Thanksgiving. Here Daniel Gallardo graciously agreed to pose with me. Hopefully I'll return to San Miguel in March for the Third Annual Tango Festival from the 12th-15th. Master teachers will be there from Argentina so if you're tired of winter weather, fly down and dance with us!
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NOTE: I've added you to my mailing list because I met you somewhere along the way and wanted to stay in touch...dancing tango in Buenos Aires, perhaps? Wandering in Oaxaca, or maybe long ago in France or Bali. You could even be a distant cousin I haven't seen for years. You may have forgotten me, but I have not forgotten you. If the tales of my travels don't spark your interest, just hit unsubscribe. OR, if this has been forwarded to you, please click below to subscribe . Merci mille fois! Y muchas gracias!
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PUERTO VALLARTA
INTERNATIONAL WRITERS CONFERENCE
MARCH 6-8, 2015
Join us for three jam-packed days of learning and networking with writers from around the world. Leaving our Mark--Awakening More than Memoir will carry you from manuscript to published word with a little bit of social media marketing thrown in just for fun. Presented i n association with Los Mangos Library.
Texas writer Caleb Pirtle, with more than 55 books to his credit, will motivate as the keynote speaker. (I've heard him before and he is excellent!) Maurice Monette, author of Confessions of a Gay Married Priest, will offer tips on memoir writing. Editing and publishing will be discussed by Evelyn Bryne of White Bird Publications, and she will be considering manuscripts submitted before February 15.
Contact drjane121@msn.com to
reserve your seat. Only regular conference registration available now: $125 USD
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EXPERIENCING THE CHARRO!
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Last weekend, my intrepid friend, Kimberley Bennett, and I braved the rain and sloshed through mud to attend the International Charro Competition. We wanted to see the talented women riders who practice the escaramuza, intricate riding maneuvers called skirmishes, all while looking like elegant dolls in multi-layered ruffled skirts.
The charro is considered a national sport in Mexico and arose from the tradition of indigenous cowboys who roped cattle and trained horses on the haciendas. I liked the glamorous parts best, though the rope tricks are pretty amazing. Check out a video summary of events on the Banderas Bay site. Mariachis sing and play in the background while horses swirl in controlled circles, and cowboys whirling lassos chase mustangs around the ring.
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