Not feeling so well...

My energy level is low. I have not been creating new art, new blogposts or new anything. No worries.

Introversion.

Hugs and love always.

The Election is Over...

... and all I can say is... thank our higher powers. I have been stunned for the last few days. But now is not the time to sit back and feel accomplished or safe. Now is the time to speak up and maybe... maybe... our voices will be heard.

I watched a documentary tonight: Body of War. It made me sad and it made me angry. It reignited my opposition to the war in Iraq.

I told my husband that I was ready to rejoin the good people protesting the war. You may not know this about us but my husband works for a defense contractor. It has paid our bills and afforded us a decent living.

He has not had a day off for two weeks because of demand from our government. I admitted to him that I would basically be protesting his work. It would be against our interests to protest the war.

"That would be the best layoff check I ever got... if what I do is no longer needed I would be so happy. There has to be something better I can do with my life."

And that... my friends... is one of the reasons I love him so.



PS... Tomas Young and Senator Robert Byrd are both examples of true American heroes.

Bless.

Such a beautiful day!

The festival went great even though the daytime temperatures were a little hot. I was amazed at how all our performers withstood the hot weather.

My neighbor showed up with her six... yes... six grandbabies. She never fails to amaze me with her ability to handle a small crowd. The kids had a great time.

The day began with a smudge ceremony by the Yolloincuauhtli Aztec Dancers.

I loved the look on the little drummer's face. So sweet.

La Llorona made an appearance and tried to steal the children away from the Calacas. Some children squealed with delight as she chased them around the festival. Others hid carefully behind their parents.

The legend of La Llorona was told through interpretive dance. The blue cloth in the background represents the river where she regretfully drowned her three children.

There were appearances by Doña Sebastiana and Don Hueso.

These calacas entertained the crowd with some fantastic dance and acrobatics.

Liliana de León performed La Muerte y Las Desiertas.

Primavera Ballet Folklorico performed La Visita. Here we see the family in quiet observation. Having cleaned up the grave and added flowers with other offerings most enjoyed by their deceased loved ones, they are blessed by the visit. The calacas dance joyfully around the family. This performance touched me deeply.

La Procesión concludes at the community altar where the mariachis play joyous music and all are invited to leave remembrances.

El Diablo!