Mom in Puerto Vallarta
On my birthday and anniversary my Mom comes to Mexico to spend my birthday week with me. This year was no exception and the familia always gathers around her.
My Mom loves the ocean, so she usually arrives in Puerto Vallarta for a few days of R & R before heading to Tlaquepaque to see the family. My lil' sis Alice, my cousins Martha and Victor accompanied us this trip.
Mom and I swam everyday. She chose the beach, we ate seafood freshly caught and
were both in heaven.
Tlaquepaque
Cousin Gina from Autlan, Tia Ninfa and second cousin Sofi from Tlajomulco, Mom and Alice
A few quick days at the beach and then it was time to arrive in Tlaquepaque, where the family awaited my Mom Rebecca's arrival.
Where there is familia there is food....and fruit is one of my Mom's favorite...so the table was spread with mamey, mango, guanabana, guayaba. Just add limon y sal y chile and we have a party.
This year Mom choose El Abajeño Restaurant for my birthday comida or lunch.
A table for 40 isn't any easy thing to create, but Mexico rises to the occasion.
Soon the family gathered and we all started visiting, eating, drinking and sharing each other's stories.
Stories are my favorite part of our family gatherings for you see, there is always something new to learn about my family's past, small details that don't seem important to one may be the jewel that another treasures.
Oh yes! There was also cake, courtesy of my Cousins Martha and Victor.
2 "Chachos"
La India Maria
Mom and Cousin Hector
My cousin Claudia and my Mom have a special bond. Claudia is the youngest of 12 children and was sponsored by my parents at University. A psychologist she has offered to help me in San Pedro Itzican and environs.
San Juan Tecomatlan
Confetti Fco.
My family gathering now a beautiful memory, the next day was my birthday celebration at our Vivero La Esperanza. The children of our vivero wanted to share my birthday so we planned a gathering in the garden. Upon arrival they asked me to take off my hat. I innocently did so and was showered with confetti to celebrate.
We had spoken about decorations for the festivities and decided against balloons. I mentioned once that we could make decorations out of paper, that can then be composted. They did a stellar job.
Ruth surprised us all with an amazing cake, baked by one of the town's women.
And my recycled and home made banner was the icing on the cake!
Doña Maria Elena, our vivero godmother, prepared a gelatina in my honor...so yummy!
Even though rain has been scarce, our crops grow....berengena or eggplant was found.
Our calabaza plant was thriving and beautiful.
Felipe had an impromptu class and kept the kids entertained.
Then it was time to eat! Our menu: Turkey Dogs, Agua Fresca de Jamaica, Gelatina and Cake.
After comida Anita and the Brigadistas from San Pedro Itzican arrived. They had prepared a special treat...a blessing ceremony for our garden and for my birthday.
The kids rehearsed a bit.
After the opening of our sacred circle and blessing from the elements, I was asked to step into the center of the circle.
I was given the honor to participate, basking in the lovely energy of intent and beauty.
Harvest
Job finds a rabano.
So much joy is created in our garden.
Maestros at Rest
New corn plants
Pepino on the way
The amazing thing about our dance troupe from San Pedro Itzican is that they are just recently formed and taught. The children of San Juan Tecomatlan had never experience this ritual.
We spoke of the ritual's age, its significance, its importance to our culture...to our memory.
The kids were mesmerized.
As the morning progressed, gifts materialized....I was given 3 pairs of socks. What a wonderful gesture.
Anita Torres Guerrero is the soul and brainchild of our group. She was proud of our kids and their presentation that day.
We kept celebrating our Vivero, our efforts, the support of the community, the beauty of our work.
What a perfectly wondrous day!
Gracias to the town of San Juan Tecomatlan for allowing us to have our Vivero,
to the San Pedro Itzican Brigadistas and dance troupe,
to all our constant volunteers,
to Mother Earth for protecting us, giving and showing us the way.
May your gardens grow and grow and grow,
be they plant based or otherwise.
Namaste.
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