Siesta - and then on to the back yard patio pisos

I asked the workers to lay out the pisos (floor tiles) diagonally, as the back patio has no square lines to it - today, I will ask if they can do a mandala in small stones (piedras), just to add an interesting feature in the floor. I think they will enjoy the change - and the chance for some artistic self-expression.
It's interesting to see how they use fishing line to keep the lines of tiles straight, and build up the layer of cement, used as mortar, to level the floor as well. Here in Mexico, there are many uneven surfaces, and I have been teaching the word "trip" to Martin and Raul, as we try to minimize tripping hazards in the house.
As you can see, one of the columns is gone...creating a bigger patio space (or .
another studio) in this complex of home, studio and gallery space.

Another Demolition

There were 2 columns used to hold up the outdoor shower stall - one was blocking the flow of movement on the back patio - and then Paul said it could be removed, so here goes!

Papaya Time!

Los albaniles (the workers) have spotted a ripe papaya plant...time for a break to have a little fun. Manuel climbs a wall, and balances on the 4" wall while holding a home-made papaya-picker, as the papayas are way beyond reach...He uses the picker to wiggle a papaya free...then another, and another...but then he encounters a stubborn one...keeps wiggling it till it falls on his head - papaya shampoo! all this time, I am anxiously watching, worrying that he will fall off the wall, but no-one else seems to worry - after all, he is a Mexican, and they are very skilled at anything involving heights...still, I am relieved when he comes down, and we all share the sweet papaya -valor de la pena!

Jason and Enrique

Finally, the week I've been waiting for - my son and grandson arrive for a one week visit - and what a great time we have had - Enrique is in his element, with the beach, girlfriends, new foods to try (tamales, tacos, and frozen treats), the beach, a lot of alone time and bonding with his Dad and Grandma, creative time, and - did I mention.., the beach??

Primavera

The sign of spring here in la Manzanilla

Returning from my relaxing day at Tenacatita, I found the "new" kitchen well underway...it is being opened up, so that the sink juts out into a bay window, and I can have herbs and beet greens growing in pots at arm's length...nopal fritatas will be delicious from now on - I might never have to go out to a restaurant again! Actually, the workers are joking with me - in Spanish - saying "OK, how many orders of ceviche is that you want?" - and the best thing is... I am getting the jokes!! All this work on the house is definitely improving my Spanish!
In a later post, I will show before and after pictures of the kitchen - and tell the story of how an award-winning chef came to re-design it - stay tuned!

The Seductive Color of Tenacatita

Every so often, my friend Gail invites me to go for an afternoon at Tenacatita for a swim, lunch and some total relaxation. It is lined with very colorful restaurants, the tablecloths glowing like jewels under the palapas. I am so thankful for my digital camera on these afternoons - and one day soon, a whole series of Tenacatita paintings will be unveiled...

Another Art Class for Kids

Last week, Judy volunteered to teach self-portraits. Marco, from La Huerta, helped hold the mirrors so the kids could see their individual characteristics. Later,with his help, many of them continued exploring 3-D paper art (from recyclables). Some of the kids didn't leave till 1:00.

Other adults have promised to come and share their interests with the kids; Rusty (just a big kid himself, says Julie) to share his ideas for wacky characters, scorpions and such...and Katherine, who has a gift for making unique beaded jewelry... and Carol, who gathers humble natural objects like bones, feathers, and coconuts, and transforms them into art objects.

...and we have the Galeria just down the street - we took the kids on a gallery tour - so they could see there are many ways to express yourself. This village is so rich in resources - for artists of all ages.

New Steps

Finally, we can use the front entrance again, as the new steps winding around the column are completed...and the hibiscus is still bravely blooming, putting out new blossoms every day, even though, these days, it is covered in cement dust.

Art Students

Linda and Bruno are two of the students that meet to take art lessons with me in the back yard studio twice a week. Linda and Fred (second picture up) take the bus from Barra de Navidad...Fred actually spent his 82nd birthday painting an acrylic of my house from the front - sitting all morning in the hot sun, painting "en plein air". I plan to spend my 82nd birthday (in a few years) doing just the same!

The New La Manzanilla Towing Service

Hard to believe, but a few days ago, this little (macho) quad was towing Josefina in the full size vehicle through the back streets of La Manzanilla - did you make it to the service station, Paul?

Art From Recyclables

Every Saturday at 11:00, children of La Manzanilla are invited to participate in an art activity in the studio in my back yard. Here you can see the results of giving the children small boxes, paper, glue and markers, and just asking them "Que es possible?"

If anyone in La Manzanilla wants to get rid of clean small recyclables send them over to my pace at the corner of Perula and Manglares. Maybe we can use them!

More Casa Pictures

The new roof for the open living space will also be a teraza (large balcony) for the palapa level of the house; once the floor is finished with tiles, a rail will be added all around...a good place to go out and paint in the morning - or see the sunset.

It's surprising that the whole village isnt paved with concrete by now...for small jobs here, the concrete is just mixed on the street, and hauled in in 5 gallon buckets by Manuel, Mario, and Pepe, so Angel and Martin can use it for the plastering of all those new surfaces...at this time, though they are taking their desayunos break, and the shovels are getting a rest, too.

The third shot (going up) is the house seen from the front - the large tree is a primavera, and the vine climbing it is called a leticia (has beautiful mauve flowers)...2 different garden experts have assured me that the vine won't choke the tree - it sure is vigorous, though...

The last picture here gives an idea of all the layers of construction...would make a good abstract painting...oh, the muchachos have just arrived to start work - they always arrive about 10 minutes early, start work at 8:00, and work till 5:00, with only one formal meal break for an hour. I enjoy practicing my Spanish with them, though it takes concentration, as they speak so quickly, and in the local dialect...mas despacio, por favor!

Hibiscus - with matching Puesta Del Sol

The hibiscus is such a beautiful flower - love this peach color!

Rodeo

Last week was Rodeo time, with bull riding, fiestas, mariachi bands, and folks dressed up in their cowboy gear... Here I am posing with the architect/builder for my renovations. Paul, Josefina, and their son, Neo are great dancers, too!

A Painting of My House

Debbie and Fred are in my drop-in class meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 - 12:30 in the studio behind my house at the corner of Perula and Manglares. Debbie completed a watercolor of my house seen from the back, with the primavera tree overshadowing it, That tree will be in bright yellow bloom (no leaves) in March or April.

A Brick Floor for the Studio Space

Israel is a local man who has been doing small projects for me - here he is posing in front of arsilla (like sand) floor. Later, we will decide to change it to a brick floor. It's a big job leveling the area, keeping the floor square on property that is not square, and getting the bricks all level. Israel is a great "jack of all trades", reliable, and just as pleasant as he looks.I often chat with him in the morning and evening, as he sits in front of his place on the main street, talking with his wife and playing with Cristian, his grandson...maybe when Enrique is here, about 3 weeks from now, he and Cristian will be friends.

The BIG House

Check Out the View!

This is the view from one of the many BIG houses in this little fishing village - just a 2 minute walk from my house, but definitely a different neighborhood!