MEDICAL CARE

KIDNEY STONES

The last couple of weeks I have been experiencing pain in the lower back and abdomen.  Not knowing what it could be, I lived with this pain for about a week before going to the doctors. After ruling out the possibilities, I was told to have a urine sample and a CT scan.  Well, it ended up being a kidney stone that was lounged in tight and would not come out on its own. This meant that I would have to have a procedure; cystoscopic extraction of renal lithasis to blast it out, which amounted to a stay in the hospital and a stent to be also placed for about five weeks. 

I am home now writing as a way of a healing process.  The difference is that I am sharing with others and such like my husband, I had my procedure and hospital stay in Mexico.  About six years ago we moved to Mexico after receiving functional medicine treatments for cancer.  I am very humble to say without surgery, chemo or radiation and no side effects and now that journey of my life is over.  All I have to do is keep up a home program to prevent any other occurrence.  Dan and I originally moved to Mexico for financial reasons; however, for now it’s our home for we received a permanent 

residence.  We are enjoying the people and the culture.

Now, getting back to my kidney stone and the experience that I received.  I have a fantastic physician that was born in Mexico; however, grew up in the Chicago area in the states.  He received his education in the states and about five years ago decided to open up a practice in the area of Guadalajara where there is a large ex-pat community. He was there all the way, by guiding Dan and I like he did when Dan had his heart stent procedure.  Also, like last year when Dan had a Cardiac Arrest.  With his passion and knowledge, we are in stable condition.   

 I first would like to thank Chapala Med – Dr. Hernandez for his passion and friendship. Even though he has been going through some family illness, his patients are always on his mind and takes his profession to a step higher.

Second, I would like to give thanks to the team of Dr. Ricardo Orozco for removing my kidney stone and being so gentle.

Third, the Arista Hospital for the personal treatment.  Dan was able to stay with me in the private room.  There was a couch and a reclining chair.

The prices were much lower than it would have cost in the states.  I had insurance with a deductible of $3,500.00, which the whole stay equaled out to about that.

Again, the difference I faced throughout my care was I being in Mexico and really not able to speak Spanish.  I know it would be a challenge interacting with the nurses, however; it went amazingly well.  All my doctors spoke English and I was able to understand.

The moral of this story is How Safe is Mexico.  It is as save as any other place in the US. The hospitals are no different than the ones in the states, just less expensive.  There are safe places as well as places that you should not visit and there are hospitals that are rated just like in the states.  I have found that Mexico has gotten a name that it is a third world country.  I disagree, for where I have traveled they have the most modern malls, techniques, schools, and cars.  All over the country I see American Brand stores and restaurants.

For the past five years I have felt save to call Mexico my home for now.

PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY

 

PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY

For the past 6 ½ years I have been putting my heart on the table and speaking out on many things relating to cancer, autoimmune disease and being healthy.  It all started when I was faced with the fact like my father and other family members that I had cancer.  Like a river cutting through the rocks, I persisted not to relive what they went through, but to find another way out.  Through the love of my husband and daughter I found strength.  The will within my heart gave me the opportunity to show others that we can look within ourselves and have hope for a much-deserved quality of life.

I am very humble to be able to choose options that gave me time to heal.  Our bodies are blue prints to an understanding of individual knowledge of managing life.  It’s our dreams, faith, will, beliefs, love and hopes that gives us time to create that persistence.

I placed my faith in professionals and other treatments in another country, for I believed that this would change my future and the dreams that I had would be seen within my own eyes.  I was not yet ready to give up the hopes of watching my daughter grow up to be a woman and see my grandchildren.  I wanted to be persistent  to change the course of this disease and end the pain for the future of my family. Through the knowledge and functional medicine treatments; I last year was able to be part of my daughter’s wedding and share the excitement and joy that she was experiencing.

It’s a challenge daily of keeping up with being healthy, it’s the will power of cutting through the rocks to the other side and creating dreams for the future.  Hand in hand with my husband we are now experiencing our future together in another country, Mexico.  We take life simple and share the knowledge that we have gained.  For the dreams, faith, will, beliefs, love, and hopes are what we strife and look for in making each of our life’s more meaningful.

For each year, I am grateful for taking the option of not giving into following the protocol of the conventional way and learning from a wise doctor that taught me not only to manage my cancer, but gave me back so much greater; the gift of life.

As I read others issues and the pain they are going through, I ask myself what can I do?  The answer is not an easy one for I fear for them and hope through the internet they will find another way so their dreams will be fulfilled.  May they have the persistence to manage and control the pain for a better future.

There is hope, we need to find it within our hearts and believe in ourselves in order to find the faith to learn the knowledge of ways to treat our illnesses without side effects.  We as individuals are drops in a river, but together we can be an ocean, it just takes persistence.

Remember that the river cuts through a rock, not because of its power but its persistence. Just follow the strength of your dreams, faith, will, beliefs, love, and have hope.

Check out my websites and blogging

https://www.thejourneytogoodhealth.com/

http://www.myjourneyofcompletion.com/

https://www.slideshare.net/SHERYLMALIN/functional-medicine-76138869?trk=v-feed

Money is the root of all evil

Money- ONE’S LIFE

They say money is the root of all evil.  We cannot live life without this, it rules the world.  When I was diagnosed with cancer, I thought it was the end of the world.  I had insurance that Dan and I had paid for many years, however; would only cover conventional methods.  I saw what chemo and radiation can do, and within my heart did not want to go through the pain and suffering.  Money did buy Dan and I our lives, but at a price.  This is happening to many other people daily.

We both worked through our thirty years plus marriage. Suddenly, after seeing our life retirement savings leave us and after giving up all our belongings I am here today writing about something that is so precious to me, one’s life.  I do not look back on the things that I did not ever think that was even possible, like filling bankruptcy, giving up our cars, giving up our home and moving to Mexico.  This is happening to many other people daily minus moving outside the country.

Not only because of our treatments but also our aftercare, we have to deal with every month on how to come up with the money for payment.  I am not complaining, just venting for I know others that are struggling with this very same issue. This is happening to many other people daily.

Money, why does it always come down to this.  I see and hear several people express their anger about health care.  I too have been there and done that.  We have to make others realize that even though you have insurance, it may not cover all of your expenses or even the choice of treatments you chose to have.  Remember, even though it’s your body, the insurance company chooses for you what type of treatments you can have.  So, is health care worth having??? This is happening to many other people daily.

I am not suggesting not to have insurance, but again due to money it should be a choice and not a burden. Money always plays a part in one’s life.  I wish they would teach you at an early age, that money isn’t always enough and how to search for what is important in life. This is happening to many other people daily.

 Dan and I struggled to find ourselves and today living in Mexico taught us to grow and become understanding of time. In Mexico, some have money others do not, but either way seem to live life for the day and not complain about what they do not have and I even saw online that they are amongst the happiest people in the world.  We continue to grow and teach others that it’s not about the money, but the quality of life you live. This is happening to many people daily.

Money is the root of all evil.  It is how you use it that matters and what you buy.  So, do you want to buy material things or do you want to buy health; which to me is wealth.

So today as I write, I am thinking of others that are in the same situation, as I had struggled.  Remember one thing we are all equal and deserve the same things, but is our life not important so much that we cannot continue to choose the quality of life we want. This is happening to many people daily.

It always comes down to money, paper that gives us freedom to enjoy the modern toys.

TWENTY THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MEXICO

First, Popcorn comes originally from Mexico.  Called momochtli, it was first prepared in pre-Hispanic cities in the center of Mexico.  But nobody knew what to do with popcorn until the color television was invented.

Second, the color television was invented in Mexico by a man named Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena.  He was the first person to note that Zorro’s mask and shoes were a bright orange.

Third, the oldest university in North America is the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) founded by Charles V of Spain in 1551. Alumni continue to have their meetings at the Old Posada in Ajijic.

Fourth, the printing press in North America was working in Mexico in 1531.  It printed the first student loan applications for the UNAM.

Fifth, Mexicans do not eat the worm in the mescal bottle.  It’s Mexico’s joke on naïve gringos. Back in the day, a little worm was plopped in each batch of mescal to see if the alcohol content was high enough.  If the worm died, enough alcohol.  If not, the little fella got one more “for the road”.

Sixth, Mexico has 32 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage sites.  One of the most in the world.  Under consideration for number 33 is La Floresta Castle in Ajijic, historic for taking up a lot of room for no apparent reason.

Seventh, Mayan glyphs have yet to be deciphered or translated.  That’s why we have no idea what happened to the Mayans.   

Eighth, the Copper Canyon in the north of Mexico is four times bigger than the Grand Canyon.   

Ninth, the first and only in the world Rocket Belt, a personal flying pack, fueled by hydrogen peroxide, was built totally from scratch by Mexican engineer Juan Manuel Lozano

Tenth, Mexico exports more manufactured products than the rest of Latin America combined. Not including Trump piñatas.

Eleventh, the largest pyramid in the world is the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico.  It is also the largest monument ever constructed by man without a rotating restaurant.

Twelve, in Mexico, artists can pay their taxes with artwork.  

Thirteen, Mexican, French and Japanese cuisines are considered by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as Intangible Cultural Heritage American fast food, by contract, is considered by UNESCO as a Human Rights Violation.

Fourteen, Mexican General Santa Anna had an elaborate state funeral for his amputated leg.

Fifteen, the world chilies can be spelled five different ways: chilies, chiles, chilis, chilies, and chillis.

Sixteen, Mexico is a third world country.  That does not mean a country that produces shoes and breakfast cereal from the same plant.  Third World described unaligned courtiers during the First and Second were the United States and its allies, and Russia and its followers.

Seventeen, today the numbers have changed, the United States has gone to fourth or fifth world (at least 4.3).  Russia has become a quadratic equation.

Eighteen, chewing gum first popped up in Mexico.  The Mayans extracted sap from what was known as the sapodilla tree.  It began to exported to European countries and the United States, where the gum was first commercialized.  Today, chewing gum is produced from other substances, which biodegrades over 4,000 years. 

Nineteen, Luis Ernesto Miramontes Cardenas, a Mexican chemist born in Tepic Nayarit synthesized something called Norethisterone, which is the basic active compound of birth control pills.

Twenty, Mexico holds more free trade agreements than any other country in the world. According to the Financial Times, this is more than twice as many as China

 

HOTEL CASA MARINA

Hotel Casa Marina welcomes all Canadians, Americans, Mexicans and brings comfort to your stay. I highly recommend this hotel for long term as well as short term.  Location is Carretera Chapala Jocotepec # 40 El Chante Jalisco.  It’s a quaint European style resort.  Restaurant next door with American style Pizza along with small café in hotel. Internet, electric, gas, and camera security are included in rental.  Other options that are not included is gallon water, maid service, laundry.

 For more information

call 331 697-0874 or 01- 387 763-0973

E-mail hotellacasamarina @ Hotmail.com

FISH FOR BREAKFAST

FISH FOR BREAKFAST

Three weeks ago, Dan and I visited a clinic of which we have now become functional medicine counselors.  I was blown away with the program and was reunited with several people that were working where I was treated six years ago.  Dan and I are very humble to be able to continue to be part of these wonderful people. 

We got together with Daniel, who was the fabulous chef that cooked organic foods for Dan and I when we were being treated, along with Monica who also worked as a dietarian.  They took us to this little fishing village where Monica would go with her family for breakfast.  This was a treat for we never have been to a fishing village in Mexico, nevertheless for breakfast.

The experience was something from a movie, as we were watching the fishermen bringing in their boats with different kinds of sea life and displaying them for people to eat.  There was this fisherman that had just brought aboard some giant crabs, it just happened that we walked by him and Daniel asked if we would like this for breakfast.  Dan and I were just amazed with the size of theses crabs; we went over and shook the leg of this one crab that was moving.  Thanks to Monica for taking the pictures so we can look back at this enjoyable day.

While they were preparing our crab, there was a table of clams and oysters that we passed.  Monica asked if we would like to try one of them, of course you know Dan would not pass this experience up.  Monica would pick one up and like weighed it in her hands to see if it was a good one.  A lady would pry it open and chop the meat inside and made an instant ceviche with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and if we desired some spice.

They grilled the crab on the grill with just a little bit of butter along with a red snapper all dressed up with chopped tomatoes, onions, and herbs. 

When we were served, the waitress gave each of us a wooden cutting board along with a big rock.  Dan and I looked at one another wondering what to do next.  We have had crab at restaurants where they have given us a tool to crack it open and get the meat out.  But never did we ever get a rock to hit the legs to break it apart to get the meat out.  It was fun for the table kept going up and down while we were trying to break the crab apart.  I would suggest anyone to try this experience for if you are angry at something or someone this would get all your frustrations out.

I would love to thank Daniel and Monica for this wonderful experience and for their friendship.  They were there for me when I needed support as I was being treated for functional medicine when I had cancer.  Who would of thought that going to Mexico would be the best experience of Dan’s and my life.  Living here has made me feel full and having cancer made me realize that if I did not have it these amazing people would have not been in my life.  They say everything happens for a reason, I believe in this for I have been blessed with friendship, knowledge and good times.

LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR

Every year since we have lived here in Ajijic , Dan and I have enjoyed this time of year. It starts with this ~

IT HAS BEEN FOUR YEARS

IT HAS BEEN FOUR YEARS

It has been four years until last week since we were back in this area. Every time we go to TJ we have met wonderful people. This time I went back to visit and to experience a clinic that my hero Dr Garcia works at . He taught me a lot and continues to teach me about my immune system. I am grateful for him and others for I am so blessed to have them in my life. Cancer can be managed, both Dan and I have overcome this by the education we received regarding the after care. So to all my friends in TJ thank you for being there for me... love to all and hugs. One last thing ~ last week I have met some strong women and would like to express how lucky I was to met them.

ONE MILLION AMERICANS IN MEXICO

One Million Americans in Mexico Can’t All Be Wrong

Reports are that approximately one million Americans live in Mexico. While it’s hard to verify that number, it’s not hard to imagine that it’s true. Some are working, of course, for U.S., Mexican, or other foreign corporations. You’ll find them in cities like Mexico City, Queretaro, and Monterrey.
And some live in Mexico just part-time…spending winter months in vacation homes where the weather is always warm and the cervezas are always cold.

Many Americans in Mexico, however, have moved there to enjoy their retirement years. They live in Mexico full-time and enjoy better weather, a more relaxed lifestyle, and a host of other benefits—including affordable top-quality health care and a much lower overall cost of living.

The most popular retirement destinations for Americans in Mexico

First, let’s get something straight. People from around the globe are retiring to Mexico…and not just folks from the U.S. It just happens to be a close destination for those from the U.S. and Canada. From Canada or the U.S. you can easily drive to Mexico.

Several locations in Mexico stand out, of course, as retirement destinations for foreign expats. Some of the most popular are:

Lake Chapala: In the little towns along the north shore of Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, you’ll find the largest community of U.S. retirees outside the U.S. This lakeside area in the country’s central highlands, just 45 minutes south of Guadalajara, is already home to about 10,000 full-time expatriates from the U.S. and Canada (and nearly twice that many during winter months). The towns on the lake—particularly those along the north shore—are comfortable enclaves with cobblestone streets, Spanish-colonial architecture, and some of the world’s best weather. The average year-round temperature is a spring-like 68° F, and a tight-knit expatriate community provides all manner of comfortable amenities and support to retirees—from garden restaurants, to dog-training services, to bridge clubs and yoga classes.

San Miguel de Allende: With its high-towered church and its cobbled streets, tidy shops selling carefully embroidered linens and hand-painted plates homes that belong in the pages of Architectural Digest, and lush courtyard gardens in bloom year-round, this city is like something out of a children’s fairytale book. San Miguel has other benefits, too—proximity to the U.S., an excellent climate, an affordable cost of living, an established expatriate community, local golf courses, and the kind of shopping (for everything from food to office supplies) that you’re used to back home.

Puerto Vallarta: When Liz Taylor and Richard Burton famously came here in the early 1960s, Puerto Vallarta wasn’t much more than a sleepy fishing village. A place where misty tropical mountains wrap arms around the crescent moon-shaped Banderas Bay.
Today, it is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, with an international airport, pro-tourney golf courses, designer shopping, world-class restaurants and beautiful people from around the world. Vallarta’s expat community is vibrant, too…you’ll find many activities to keep you busy, from outdoor activities to art galleries and charitable events to volunteer options and more.

Baja California Sur. The southern half of the long Baja Peninsula is a nature wonderland: a dry, sparsely-populated desert terrain blessed with two spectacular coasts: the Pacific to the west and the fertile Sea of Cortez, which separates it from mainland Mexico, to the east. Three easy-going destinations favored by expats are Todos Santos, Loreto, and La Paz. Artsy Todos Santos, on the Pacific side of the Peninsula, has a well-established little expat community. Loreto, on the Sea of Cortez, is the gateway to the UNESCO-designated and –protected marine park just offshore. With world-class kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and dolphin- and whale-watching available, Loreto attracts nature- and sports-lovers. Laid-back La Paz, four hours south of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez, is the capital of Baja California Sur and a low-key favorite that feels much like Southern California 60 or 70 years ago.

Mazatlan: One of Mexico’s oldest and most famous vacation and retirement destinations, Mazatlan is built on the reputation of the world-class deep-sea fishing to be found along the coast, and the 16 miles of beaches running north from town. Other fancier Mexican beach resorts may have stolen a bit of its thunder, but make no mistake…Mazatlan still has what it takes to charm the visitor’s heart and pique the interest of the potential part- or full-time resident. It’s a wonderful blend of resort beach town with a distinctly Mexican flavor…something the mega resorts have largely lost. And reasonably priced real estate is still available.

Huatulco: A resort community planned by Fonatur, the Mexican government’s national trust fund for tourism development, Huatulco is spacious, green, and well-maintained. You’ll find fabulous homes tucked away on high cliffs overlooking the picture-perfect bays. (There are nine gorgeous secluded bays to choose from here.) And even though Huatulco is a resort destination, it doesn’t feel like one. It’s quiet, laid-back and waiting to be discovered…the “Cinderella” of Mexico’s Pacific resort towns.

Puerto Escondido: Puerto Escondido is a little fishing village and a world-class surf zone—a longstanding favorite with surfers worldwide. The downtown area is small, colorful, and crowded, and the front beach is like a picture postcard, truly gorgeous. This is still a fishing village at heart, and its front beach is one of the cleanest and prettiest we’ve seen on any coast. You can still buy a whole, fresh tuna or dorado from fishermen’s children on the main street if you get there before 10 a.m. But the little town is growing, so get there quickly while you can still find the bargains.

Merida: Sidewalk cafés, tree-lined streets, and fresh paint…Yucatan’s best-kept secret is cosmopolitan Mérida. Just a half-hour from the Gulf-coast beaches, this city of 970,000 is a center of commerce and home to universities, hospitals, friendly locals, and beautiful colonial homes that would cost you twice as much in central Mexico’s discovered enclaves. The expatriate community maintains a well-equipped English-language library and hosts monthly get-togethers. The kinds of goods and services you’d expect to find in a comparably-sized city back home are available here, too–from Office Depot to Sam’s Club, Costco, Sears, all the familiar fast-food chains, and several high-end shopping malls.

The Riviera Maya: The stretch of Caribbean coastline that runs from Cancún to Tulum is known as the Riviera Maya. Arguably, this area is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. There are several intriguing towns along this coast, including Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum. Playa del Carmen is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico. Cruise ships dock here regularly and the beachfront is wall-to-wall hotels and restaurants. Fifth Avenue is just a block or so off the beach. This pedestrian walkway is flanked by sidewalk restaurants and small boutiques selling a myriad of exotic items. This is a fun place with a relaxed, bohemian ambience. If Playa is too “busy” for you, check out laid-back Tulum, an up-and-coming destination that attracts fashionistas and movers-and-shakers while still paying homage to its backpacker roots. And Tulum’s beach regularly figures among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.

https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/one-million/

POLITICS ~ UNITED STATES IN MEXICO

POLITICS  ~ United States in Mexico

How does the election in the United States effect other countries?  For the last        two weeks every Saturday we have breakfast with Spanish lessons at this diner. Ruben our teacher clips newspaper articles out of the Spanish newspaper here in Mexico for us to listen to the words and repeat them along with explaining them to us in English.

Well the past two weeks it’s been focusing on how the Mexicans feel about both candidates.  You see it does affect not only the Americans but the whole world. 

There is this English newspaper here in Guadalajara that wrote an article that holds true because I am here to see it happening.  The peso fell to an historic low this past week closing at 19.96 to the U.S. dollar. 

Reasons cited for the peso decline are the continuing fall in international oil prices, speculation of an increase in U.S. interest rates and the bounce in the polls for Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for U.S. president who has vowed to deport all documented immigrants from the U.S., erect a wall along the 2,000-mile border and renegotiate or scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Mexican government officials have dismissed the Trump effect as significant reason for the peso’s decline.

Living here in Mexico and converting the American dollars to peso’s is what is helping Dan and I to survive after spending almost our whole life savings to cancer treatments here in Mexico.  The U.S. wanted to poison us with the conventional treatment.  So I am somewhat grateful to be able to live comfortably.

 Regarding the wall.  There has been a wall and fence that was started back in the 90’s, however it was never completed in some areas.  I invite you to go see the wall between California and the Tijuana Beaches.  On the side of Mexico, they have a monument with pictures of immigrants that passed through to the U.S.  It’s far from a wall but it separates the border and I must say well put together.

I do not like to post anything that is political for we all have our own opinions; however, I feel we should all check our facts and educate ourselves on each side of the fence.   There are two sides to every story.  So this election let’s not decide if we do not know all the facts.  Educate and Research for Knowledge is power.  May the best person represent us and the world. 

  

DAY 1269 LIVING IN A HOTEL IN MEXICO

Day 1269 (3 YEARS ~ 5 MONTHS ~ 20 DAYS)

LIVING IN A HOTEL

MEXICO

Dan and I have been living in a Hotel since we arrived in Mexico for the past one thousand ~ two hundred and sixty-nine days.  A home says a lot about you by what you place in it and how you decide to decorate it.  I have made our suite our own by adding little touches throughout our temporary home.  We find it less expensive then even renting a house or apartment.   When you rent either one everything is usually separate; like the electric, gas, gardener, maid, cable, phone, etc.  When renting time in a hotel all most everything is included in the amount you pay for the rental.  They provide you with maid service and laundry which is a small fee like about $3.00 to $5.00.

We would not do it any other way than this for it has been very simple and we have been able to be flexible and explore the area around us without worrying about Heckle our turtle. When we are away the maid or workers come in everyday to feed and turn his light on for a small fee.  To me this is priceless for I am able to focus on enjoying our travels without thinking the worst and knowing he is being taken care of.

So if you ever consider visiting Mexico for a while, research the option of staying in a hotel or motel.  About five months ago we moved into another hotel for the same price, with much more; for example, now there are two bedrooms with king size beds along with a lake view of Lake Chapala.  When researching look at all the costs and what you get, for it is amazing the price difference.

We have enjoyed the experience of living in a hotel and also the experiences of using the bus system that is offered to the Mexicans.  This is another option to look for when finding a place to stay if you do not want to own a car in Mexico.   We have been very lucky for the bus picks us up right in front of the hotel.

Day 1268 (3 YEARS ~ 5 MONTHS ~ 19 DAYS)

TIME AND MEXICO

Converting down to the seconds

109,641,600 seconds

1,827,360 minutes

30,456 hours

1269 days

181 weeks and 2 days

Time, one thing that I have learned here in Mexico is tomorrow is another day.  So each second is precious.

Time Lyrics

Translation in progress. Please wait...

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
Fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way.
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way.

Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain.
You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today.
And then one day you find ten years have got behind you.
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.

So you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again.
The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older,
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death.

Every year is getting shorter; never seem to find the time.
Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines
Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way
The time is gone, the song is over,
Thought I'd something more to say.

Home
Home again
like to be here

When I can

When I come home
Cold and tired
It's good to warm my bones
Beside the fire

Far away
Across the field
The tolling of the iron bell
Calls the faithful to their knees
To hear the softly spoken magic spell

Yesterday, while on the bus heading to the organic market I noticed in the small villages ahead art.  One thing that I take with me is how creative the Mexican's are.

VIVA MEXICO ~ 1267 DAYS

VIVA MEXICO

It has been one thousand two hundred and sixty seven days since our adventure of moving to Mexico.

This past weekend Dan and I celebrated with the rest of Mexico their Independence Day (September 16^th).   We were invited by some friends to go to dinner and listen to music. It was the traditional food and music to create the true meaning of their culture.

Long before 1810, Mexicans had begun to chafe under Spanish rule. Spain kept a stranglehold on her colonies, only permitting them limited trade opportunities and generally appointing Spaniards (as opposed to native-born Creoles) to important colonial posts. To the north, the United States had won its independence decades before, and many Mexicans felt they could, too. In 1808, Creole patriots saw their chance when Napoleon invaded Spain and imprisoned Ferdinand VII. This allowed Mexican and South American rebels to set up their own governments and yet claim loyalty to the imprisoned Spanish King.

This was the start of Independence Day in Mexico.  The celebration starts on the day before and around 11J in the evening of the 15^th the president speaks to the Mexicans and the party continues into the next day.

As you can see in the pictures below, they go all out singing the traditional songs and play with honor.  Dan and I enjoyed the day with friends going to Jocotepec a town near us and listened to a band that was only 10 yards away from us.  I felt the music bouncing off my chest.  Loud and passionate, the kids played with gusto. 

Since we have been living in the community of Chapala, I have learned so much about traditions and how proud they are of their culture.  I have had the pleasure in meeting some wonderful Mexicans as well as Americans and Canadians.  The unity together has made me wonder and realize how lucky Dan and I are to have decided to move here.  I feel safe and do not fear that something bad would happen to me in this community.  I invite you to come and visit this area and see for yourself.