thru my lens lightly

Mineral de Pozos

We spent the day on Monday, walking through the ruins of a once large and grand silver mining operation in the small town of Mineral de Pozos, about an hours drive east of San Miguel.  We were here several years ago but the energy of the place drew me back. 

Silver has been mined here from long before the Spanish arrived in Central America and in it's hey day, over 50,000 people lived and worked here.  When the Spanish came to Mexico and discovered it's wealth, they began shipping the silver back to Spain, through the port at Veracruz.  It's interesting to think of all the antique jewelry that's floating around Europe right now that may be made from Pozos silver!

While mining, the Spanish broke through to an underground river which was full of arsenic and resulted in the closure of the mine.  The French took over the rule of Mexico in the mid 1800's and when they arrived in Pozos and found the mine unworkable, they blew up and destroyed all the buildings.  The bullet holes are still visible in a large and once beautiful school that was modeled after European schools of the time.

The buildings above were the living quarters for the family who owned the mine called The Cinco Senores.  It too was once opulent with large rooms and beautiful courtyards.

The serenity and peace of this place is almost palpable.  The last time I was here, I was awed by the silence in the hills.  This time I felt it again but realized that it wasn't so much the silence but the sound of the gentle wind blowing through an otherwise silent landscape.  I don't think I've ever felt such an amazing sense of peace in a place...and this comes from a die hard ocean lover.

 

This is the original mine entrance.  Built in a pre-explosive era, it was mined completely by chisel and hammer.  Both men and women worked in this mine, carrying the ore out on their backs...men carrying 180 lb. sacks of ore and women, 125 lbs.  I was talked into going down into this tunnel to see an alter that had been placed there in the late 1600's and is still looked after today by the current caretakers. 

All I could think of was "Kate, you crazy lady!  This country is literally crawling with rattlesnakes and you're going down into this hole?"  Just to be on the safe side, I sent WW, (the Winged Wonder), in first!  My hero!

These are some of the family members who look after the historic mine site.  They also sell pieces of ore, crystals and geodes that they find on the site. Rock lover that I am, I'm happy to say that I'm packing a few choice crystals home in my suitcase.  I'll have to throw something away to make room for them, but most of the clothes I brought with me are so ratty from wearing them non stop for the last 2 months, that it will give me great pleasure to toss them when I leave!

This cute little guy wasn't going to be happy until he had shown us his goats!  We told the ladies that I'd be putting their picture on my website and that people from all around the world would know about them...they thought this was very cool so if you ever get to Pozos, tell them you saw their picture on the internet!

The town of Pozoz is growing once again.  Many North Americans have discovered this serene little town and it's recently come to the attention of some artists who prefer it to San Miguel. There are a couple of small, luxury boutique hotels here and we stopped for lunch at one of them.

This is the sink in the ladies bathroom of the hotel and was hand carved from stone by a well know Guanajuato carver!  Unique to say the least.

At an altitude of 8,000 ft., Mineral de Pozos is well off the beaten path so most visitors to San Miguel never make it there.  It's a haven for mountain bikers, photographers, artists and rock hounds as well as for those who want to experience some of Mexico's intriguing history.  There's really not a lot there but for some, that's what draws them.

I'd go just for the amazing sense of peace I felt...sitting on the rocks and listening to sound of the breeze drifting through the cactus and mesquite.  In the hills of Pozos it's easy to believe that all is right with the world.

Ancient Rituals

Last weekend the Jardin, or central square in San Miguel de Allende was filled with dancers from the local indigenous tribe... both in the streets and in front of the Parroquia, the town's main church. 

There were guitars made of armadillo shells and rattles made from large seed pods that were wrapped around the ankles.

The dancing went on from early in the morning until after sunset, right through the heat of mid day.

I was told that the dancing was part of a very old (Pre-Hispanic) ritual to determine if it is the right time for planting.  Although the dancing took place close to the entrance to the church, the symbols of the sun and the burning incense told a story of spiritual practices that have been closely tied to the worship of the earth and sun for millennia.

Inside the Parroquia, there is a figure of Christ made from corn.  In the "heart" of this figure has been placed several pieces of ancient spiritual artifacts, signifying that this is the heart of their spirituality.

I greatly admire the way these people have integrated their ceremonies and beliefs into their current spiritual life...and also that the church is tolerant and accepting of this.

As I stood listening to the steady beat of the drums and the shaking of rattles made with each step, I was touched to see such a meaningful example of tolerance and cooperation.  In a time when the media tells us of nothing but the fighting and anger that's caused by intolerance, I felt blessed to be a witness to this reaffirming ceremony.

Flying Free

Banners decorating the streets in Las Varas, Nayarit, Mexico

I've been flying under the wire for the past two weeks...we were busy in a really good holiday-kind-of-way with family while they were here with us. Dad and Ona flew back to Canada several days ago, with hopes of the worst of winter being over and the best of spring, not far away. (I think spring is being as illusive in British Columbia as it is in the rest of Canada this year) It was also difficult to get a sustainable internet connection where we were staying, which made the decision to leave the computer unopened a lot easier.

We're coming to the realization that our stay in Guayabitos is rapidly coming to an end.  We still have another week here but it's gone shockingly fast.  Thankfully, we still have 3 more weeks in Mexico but the last two will be away from the beach, in the mountains at San Miguel de Allende.  At the beginning of my stay, I asked the question...'would a life time of this be heaven or would it drive me crazy".  Even then, I felt I could tolerate a lot of this easy living, but after 5 weeks, I now KNOW that I could slip into 'less doing and more being" very easily.  Maybe it's just my personality, or my age and stage in life, but I love the lack of structure and easy flow of life here!

And that lack of structure and easy flow looks like it's going to continue for awhile.  Last week we sold our home!  After 2 years of it being on and off the market, we are now home free!  When we arrive home around mid March we'll be packing and arranging storage for our belongings.

  

What's the next step?? 

We're really not sure just yet, but we think it involves even more travel...maybe a home on wheels for awhile...discovering new places and spaces.  Meeting new people.  Eventually we'd like to build a new home...something smallish and cozy. 

 

But not just yet.

 

Rhythm's

I've slowly been slipping into a rhythm of delicious decadence...sleeping, eating, writing, walking, eating, swimming, writing, chatting, eating, reading, sleeping...and so it goes.  I can't decide whether a life of this would be sheer heaven or if ultimately, it would drive me crazy.  I'm leaning towards heaven.

 

I'm enjoying the daily walk into town via the beach.  It feels wonderful to be getting some exercise again but paddling through the water as I walk up the beach doesn't feel at all like exercise.  Hauling heavy bags of groceries home makes me feel even more virtuous and my margarita at happy hour goes down with hardly any guilt after that!

There's always lots to see and if I get thirsty on the way...

or hungry, like these guys...no problem!  These pelicans are always hungry and never give up hope that this vendor will toss them a fish.

There's even entertainment to be had!  These fellows really earn the money they make working on a hot beach.

In fact, everyone who works the beach, works hard...really hard.  They have my deepest admiration and if I could, I'd buy something from everyone, everyday.

Carrying my grocery bags home is a pretty insignificant effort compared to what these people do all day!

Breathe

 

The sun is a steady 28 C. (83 F.) degrees here every day with gentle, cooling breezes...absolutely perfect!

Last winter this was a busy and bustling little Mexican town and reservations were required a year in advance to ensure a room.  This year is a very different story.  It's much quieter, with rooms available almost everywhere.  The economy here is very dependent on North American tourism...especially retiree's...and there have been many cancellations this winter.  On our walks around town, there are "for sale" signs everywhere...another indication of a suffering economy. 

Our world is now so intricately intertwined and interconnected in so many ways and what happens "here", affects everyone over "there". It's almost as though we inhale and exhale as a planet now.

 

We're all feeling buffeted by the "winds of change" even though we realize that what we had, wasn't sustainable.  But how do we stay positive and hopeful when the media screams at us "it's only going to get worse!" ?  I'd like to share some words spoken recently by Pepper Lewis of The Peaceful Planet.

Look for good news, not in the day's headlines, but within yourself. Look for the good within you and put that to work for you, for everyone else, for the planet and for life itself. This tool is lifetimes old and will always serve you. Offer something good to others and to the world every day. To offer is to extend; it is a presentation or extension of quality. Even as large-scale events unfold, remember that life is lived in the smaller, more personal moments. You are more affected by the breath of a butterfly you have never met than by the heated breath of world debate. Breathe deeply. Breathe because there is life force in the breath and this same life force has the brilliance of a thousand suns.

I've been practicing daily deep breathing for over a month now and although there was a strong resistance to it to begin with, it's effect over the long term has been quite remarkable.  I feel stronger, healthier, more peaceful and balanced.  It seems so simple...too simple really...but it's very effective.  I breathe deeply for 1 full minute and because I had difficulty consistently integrating this into my daily routine, I now tell myself that I can't brush my teeth until I've finished "breathing".  Silly, but it works!  I inhale while stretching up over my head and exhale while bending over and sweeping my hands down to the ground.  My next step will be to begin doing this twice daily. Yoga and meditation are other ways to bring the breath more deeply into the body.

(and yes, there are people living in the home above.  What I love about this place is that although it's in ruins, it's situated on a beautiful estuary filled with egrets, pelicans and many other varieties of birds.  But the piece de resistance is the riot of flowers that blanket the top of the home!  It's as though nature herself is compensating for the lack of "structure" by covering it with a crown of stunningly beautiful blossoms.)

A Peaceful Easy Feeling

 

The view from our patio looking east towards the mountains of Nyarit...where I'm sitting as I write

We've been in Mexico for four days now and we're just starting to unwind.  It's amazing how the body responds to warmth...the muscles relax and the brain get's very choosy about what it wants to engage with!  We're reading and snoozing and chatting with our neighbours.  All mindless and all wonderful.  A 15 minute walk into Rincon de Guayabitos or a 20 minute walk to La Penita to pick up the daily necessities, seems to take all our focus and energy for the day.

 

The view looking west to the pool

I haven't done anything creative yet and don't feel inspired to begin anything either.  I'm just "being" right now and that's what this time is all about for us.  The pace will pick up in a few weeks as my father, my brother and his wife, and an old friend, arrive for a family gathering.

Meanwhile....back to my nap.

Tomorrow...

...we head home after 6 happy weeks of blissful warmth and sunshine.  i'll keep the memories nestled in a corner of my heart to be pulled out and savoured on those inevitable days of grey skies and chill winds that late winter and early spring brings to my rain soaked...but beautiful-none-the-less...island. 

memories of...

...fishermen pulling in their nets on the beach.  while two men swam out

with the net in their hands, four more hold both ends on the beach.  together, and with the help of any gringo's who happen to be passing by, they slowly...foot by foot...pull the net into shore.  it's a huge effort and the yield for effort, seems meager. 

...sitting under the palm trees and watching the sun retreat behind the hills at the end of every perfect day...but carefully watching out for the "offerings" of frigate birds, grackles and pelicans passing overhead! (i was the "lucky" recipient of one of these offerings!)

...this small seedling, pushing bravely through the crack where floor and wall meet.  it always cheered me to look at this stubborn and sturdy little plant as i sipped my coffee at George's cafe.  the push of nature to grow and thrive, even in the most inhospitable or unlikely places, brings hope to my heart for this struggling world.

...day after day...everyday in fact...watching a young mother with her two small sons, pushing this cart up and down the length of the beach.  i often wondered about her life...where she went home to at the end of the day...and pondered the differences in our lives.  i watched her children follow her, playing their way up and down the beach...and came to the conclusion that their lives would be the envy of most north american children.  they may not have the computers and electronic games, the malls or a home with several TV's but they played...all day, everyday...in the sand and the sea.  when they got tired they hopped up on the bike and lay in the shade of the beach toys, resting while she pushed.  when mom got tired, she stopped the cart and sat down on the sand while the boys played around her.   it would be simplistic for me to say that her life is better than the consumerist lifestyle that western cultures are caught up in but those boys always looked happy...happy and contented.

...a beautiful and ornate iron bench on the side of the road...a hot and very dusty road, roughly cobbled with rocks.  the ever present dichotomy...beauty and elegance amid poverty and debris.

...sitting on a white coral sand beach with family after communing with humpback whales, up close and personal.  with only 25 feet between us and the whales, we sat with the motor turned off listening to their otherworldly and magical language as they spoke to each other (and perhaps to us?) in the most complex language in the animal kingdom.  i was simply in awe.

while i pack my suitcase tonight, i'm remembering all the pieces of this place and all the memories that i've tucked away in the corner of my heart labeled "Mexico".  they'll sit there for years to come, to be shaken out on rainy days like a Mexican blanket laid out for a fiesta, providing an extravagant feast for my senses.

Watching For Signs - My Sacred Sunday (on Monday)

i was standing on a street corner the other day, waiting for a friend and trying to find some shade in the blistering Mexican sun, when i saw a sign painted on a wall that said "life's good".

i pay attention to signs.  i believe that Spirit/or God/or Love/or the Universe/or whatever-wording-you-feel-comfortable-with, will try whatever works to get the message across.  i've heard certain songs hundreds of times and then there's that one time...i'll be driving in the car and the song will come on and lyrics that i've never actually noticed before will jump out at me with a message that was something i needed to hear.

one week several years ago, it seemed like every time i turned the radio on, one particular song was playing.  it wasn't a new or currently popular song so after the 3rd time i heard it i felt the need to listen...really listen...and yes, there was a message there for me, something i really needed to hear. i remember thinking "how could i not have heard those lyrics before when i've heard it so many times"!

signs can be small things but when they leap out at you they seem to be there just for you and you know there's a message.  They can appear in conversations with friends, an interview on TV, a newspaper article, a child's words...something about it will seem louder or brighter than all the other words...they linger in your mind and memory and echo there.  you can't seem to let it go...it's like someone is saying pay attention!.

so when i saw the sign "Life's Good" and it jumped out at me...i knew to pay attention.  hundreds of other people saw it that day and every other day, but many walked by without noticing, even as i stood there.  for those that noticed...the sign was for them too!

in our quiet times alone...when we're struggling to find answers for heartbreak, fear or confusion in our life, most of us will voice in our heads, a quiet or even desperate plea for guidance, for help to find our way through and for clarity to see the way out.  we may call it prayer or meditation or just 'thinking to ourselves' if we're not spiritually minded but do we have expectations as to how the answers will come...do we even expect that answers will come? 

personally, i think a magic wand or a miracle is the fastest and easiest way to sort it all out but that rarely happens...at least in the traditional way we think of miracles.  but what if the answers come to us in signs...what if the only way to get through to us...was through signs and songs and the words of others and articles in newspapers and magazines. 

...what if you had asked for a new direction for your career and you saw an article in the newspaper about a gallery opening and it wasn't something you would normally do, especially on your own, but you just really felt like something was pulling you to go. And when you got there you met someone who knew someone who needed someone, who had just your skills.

...and what if you were looking for a life partner but you had a very specific idea of what this person would be like and look like and where you would find this type of person and then a co-worker asked you to a family party and you just knew that it would be all couples and you'd feel like a fifth wheel and it would probably be boring...but something about the invitation just kept saying to you..go, go, go!  so you go and yes, it's all couples just as you thought but then, towards the end of the evening your friends cousin walks in...and he's obviously just as interested in you as you as you are in him.

maybe this is the way the universe talks to us.  we just don't understand how to listen.  we're too busy waiting for miracles to do it all for us or maybe a big booming voice coming down from the heavens with concise and clear directions!

when i saw the sign the other day, i knew it was a message for me...remember that life is good...there will always be the unknowns, the griefs, the sorrows, the worries and concerns, but underneath it all...life is good.

no matter how many times i hear it, the prose of Desiderata always fills me with a feeling of serene peace...especially the ending:

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

(ps...i wonder if LG Electronics know that "the universe" is expropriating their advertising for it's personal use!  i'm going to print this photo and hang in my studio when i return home!)

for mores Sacred Life Sunday posts visit Carla at Zena Musings.

Mexican Views

life has been busy here recently...in the best possible way.  my brother and his wife arrived a week ago, so we've been spending time with them and meeting for dinner and excursions out with mutual friends.  we traveled south, down the coast (just a half hour trip) to Sayulita last week...a fast growing little village with a very vibrant young surf community and lots of funky and interesting shops.

visiting with friends who are enjoying palapa life in the tree tops of Sayulita.

Yesterday, i joined 9 other women who piled into a van and headed south again to the small village of San Fransisco (called San Pancho, locally)... "did " lunch, on a gorgeous but virtually deserted beach and shopped in the village...which surprisingly had some wonderful artisan shops.

the entrance to a casa in San Pancho

it seems harder every year here to find the authentic Mexico...North Americans are moving here in droves and changing the geography with the construction of beautiful homes, more hotels and many new restaurants and business's.

the courtyard of the restaurant where we had brunch this morning.

We're changing the heart of the place as well and although i know tourism brings prosperity, my hope is that we don't drag all the "ills" of our consumerism here with us.

a San Pancho street vendor

i love the Mexican culture, their appreciation of family and friends and their ability to celebrate life on a daily basis.

ceramics for sale at the market in La Penita this morning

Mexicans work hard and they play hard. they love their music and they like it loud...they love to laugh and they know how to appreciate the sweet moments of life, in a way we seem to have forgotten.

today is Valentines day and i wish everyone a beautiful day of knowing the love within and sharing it with those who are lucky enough to know you!

Journal pages 9,10,11 and 12

i love Mexico, but i don't love sitting in the sun...i always search out a shady spot to sit with my book, or just close my eyes and feel the breezes brush past, so...on any given afternoon, you won't find me sitting at the edge of the pool or baking on the sand by the ocean's edge...you'll find me sitting on my patio creating my journal pages or even inside the room out of the sun.  sacrilege?  maybe, but it works for me.  i venture out in the late afternoon to walk the length of Jaltemba Bay, or at least to the breakwater between Guyabitos and La Penita, and back again. 

and here's the most recent pages that i've been working on.  i bought a Mexican newspaper last week and a Spanish language magazine this week for letters to use for text and journaling.  i didn't realize that the letter 'y' isn't used all that much in the Spanish language, until i started looking for them!

this post..."when your heart is ready" was, yet again, inspired by another circle art journal challenge with Digital Art Quirks...this time it was my turn to choose the theme and i went with "peace" (surprise, surprise!).  i used the quote by Ajahn Chah "when your heart is ready, peace will come looking for you".

the next two pages celebrated my first Blogging anniversary last April.  i love blogging and how it enables me to connect with my friends on the internet, so this was a fun one to do! 

i printed out all the avatars that i've used on my blog and also the ones that i created for the forum at Digital Art Quirks where my name is Digime (don't ever rush the picking of an online identity...it will haunt you for years!)  i was in a hurry the day i signed up at DAQ...couldn't think of anything interesting, so quickly dashed off "Digime", thinking i'd change it later when i had more time to ponder it.  wrong!  oh well...innovative it's not...cute, it's not, but at DAQ it's just who i am!

i'm almost halfway through the journal now and feel like i'm just getting warmed up.  we're going to the market in La Penita tomorrow so i'll be looking for more magazines and material to work with.

it's been extremely busy here for the last week.  the celebrations for Mexico's Independence Day have brought sun and fun seekers to the beach in droves.  on saturday evening, after meeting with friends for a birthday dinner, we watched traditional Mexican folk dancing and singing in the town square and the fireworks rivaled a Chinese New Year!

i took this photograph yesterday while walking on the beach...children, sand and water...a universal love affair, all the world over!