An Amazing Thing I Saw

 Maybe anyone who is into fish would not find what I saw amazing, but I had never seen such an odd looking fish! It looked deformed and top heavy with a large ball on its head. The small aquarium in a donut shop had a large fish and it was separated from a smaller one that also had a ball on its head.  I did what I always do when I encounter something that puzzles me and that is to go to the Internet! I found out that it is an ornamental aquarium fish that could possibly be worth lots of money. The bigger the bump, the more expensive and the round hump looked pretty big to me! I wondered if it was a deformed fish until I read all about the Flower Horn fish.

 

It is also known as a Lumphead Cichlid and it was created by humans around 1993. They live from ten to twelve years and can be aggressive. It is recommended to keep them alone in the aquarium. They spend most of the time swimming or digging in the substrate, the underlying layer at bottom of the aquarium. The bigger the bump, it is believed, the happier the fish. It is also known to bring good fortune to the owner of the fish. Chinese believe it resembles their God of Longevity. The fish is also believed to bring luck and prosperity to homes because it attracts positive energy and diminishes negative energy.

I was surprised to read that one fish could be worth up to $6,000 dollars though some sell for $150 to $300 dollars. The small, humble donut shop where I saw the fish makes me believe that maybe here is some truth about the fish bringing luck to the owner. My daughter told me that many small businesses were forced to close during the pandemic, but the donut shop prospered!

"Flowerhorn fish will never

be found living in the wild

because they are hybrids and 

do not exist in nature."

From the Internet

Music That Touches My Heart

 On December 22, 2021, I was treated to a super Mariachi Fiesta Navidad in Costa Mesa, California. We parked the car, took an elevator to the right floor, and saw the huge plaza filled with many masked people wandering around. A large fountain on the grounds was lit and spouted off four streams of water looking beautiful in the dark evening. Then I saw the gigantic concert hall! My daughter took my picture in front of the Segerstrom Concert Hall before checking in by showing our vaccination card and identification. Everyone had a mask on as we made our way inside. We were early and sat in the large waiting area to watch the many Latinos in attendance.

Our seats were behind the stage which made me feel as if I was on stage also. When the show began there were twelve mariachis blasting away, folkloric dancers and two young girls moving in and out on the stage. The young girls set up the different acts by introducing what was coming next. There were 6 violins, 2 horns, 2 guitars, 1 guitarrón, and a harp making the music come alive! Most of the musicians were singers and they belted out many songs and some of the music I recognized, but there were many tunes I did not know.

In between the mariachi music the dancers, representing different states of Mexico in traditional clothing, danced! Brght colors, lots of heel clacking and a great variety of music and dancing! It was fun when the singers turned and sang to our section and it made us feel as if we were part of the show!

The group is called Los Camperos and they have been nominated for a Grammy award four times, but I am not sure if they ever won the award. Most of the band members are singers and each got a chance to perform. I was impressed with the harp player because it was the first time I had ever seen that instrument in a mariachi group.

My daughter pointed out an odd audience member. It seemed to be enjoying the show and it brought a smile to my face. I later found out it was a service dog that is admitted wherever the owner takes it! My question would be if they had to buy a seat for the dog also!

These musicians played for one hour, took a twenty-minute break and then played for another hour. I love the sound of the Mariachi so I was content listening to the group but I am not too sure that my daughter and son-in-law enjoyed it as much as I did!

Many songs were played as a tribute to Vicente Fernandez, who passed away on December 21, 2021. He is very popular and has been known as "Frank Sinatra of Ranchera Music."

The violins, all six of them, played Christmas carols and got me into the Christmas spirit!

Wonderful music, being with my family and in a beautiful venue was perfect for my visit to California

in 2021!

"As long as you don't

stop clapping, I won't

stop singing!"

Vicente Fernandez

Meeting Summer''

My granddaughter and her friend are fostering a Mini Australian Shepherd, named Summer. Her fur is  a beautiful, light chocolate brown and they will keep her until she gets adopted. Yesterday they brought her over to meet the two dogs at my daughter's home. Luna and Finn are black and white Border Collie mixes with sweet dispositions. I was looking forward to seeing the three dogs romp around together but what a surprise I got when Summer growled and barked at me and my daughter. She frightened me immediately and I did not want anything to do with the aggressive dog. To me, it looked as if she was ready to attack! Her little teeth looked dangerous to me. The foster parents assured me that Summer was not aggressive but was nervous at being in a new place. I wasn't quite sure!

My daughter, on the other hand, sat on the floor and spoke softly to Summer. She offered her a treat and before long Summer settled down and allowed my daughter to pet her. Any sudden move would make the dog make a huffing noise. I know that a lot can be known by a dog's tail but because this is a registered dog the tail had been cut off. On the Internet I found out the tail docking is an amputation of the tail for different reasons; aesthetics, preventing a working dog to be injured, cleanliness because a fluffy tail can pick up burrs, feces and matting which makes difficult grooming. A good thing is that docking is not as popular as it once was in the past and it borders on cruelty to animals!. Summer has no tail at all!

I eventually was able to pet her silky fur, and she did not seem aggressive at all, but she kept her distance and only came near me when I offered her a treat. Luna and Finn were introduced, and Summer did some barking but before long the three dogs got along. Luna, the oldest could have cared less; Finn did some sniffing and was satisfied with the new dog; and Summer seemed to accept being in a household with two other dogs!

When my son-in-law arrived the usual growling and barking began but before long she settled down. Toward the end of the evening, she seemed accepting of the new situation.

This will be a true test of taking care of a dog because Summer is coming from an eight-year-old home with a single owner and she is now nine years old. It will take some adjustment for Summer, and it must be very confusing for her to be around younger people. One thing they found out is that she loves going for walks and being outdoors even though she barks at every moving thing on her walk! The foster parents told me "We also are learning how to handle Summer and learning quite a bit of how to foster!"

I marvel at the foster parents as they work with Summer and how much they love her. Summer is in good hands and before long I know she will adjust to her new home!

"No matter how little money

and how few possessions

you own, 

having a dog 

makes you rich!"

Louis Sabin

A Question I Have For My Son

 

I love finding a penny on the ground because I believe it is sent to me from my son after his passing in 2016. Yesterday, after not finding any pennies for over a month, I found a penny. It made me happy. As I walked into the store, I saw a shiny dime on the ground. That made me happier. But, when I saw a quarter on the ground I was filled with happiness. Yet, I wondered what kind of a message my son was sending me!

Was he reminding me to pray for him even though I pray for him at mass and in the evening? Was he wishing me a Merry Christmas? Was he sending me his love? Was he missing spending the holidays with me and his children? Was he letting me know he is okay? Whatever the message was, I will never be sure, but I am 36 cents richer!

I do know that since he has been gone the Christmas season is not as it used to be when he was around!

"Happiness is not something you experience, 

it's something you remember."

Oscar Levant

A Scene In Heaven

 Mary: Look son, come see what is happening in Arvada tonight.

Jesus: It looks as if they are honoring you and look at those beautiful and colorful decorations.

Mary: I can imagine it took a long time to make all those flowers but look over in the corner where a few children have colored my picture. Some of those kids are quite creative!

Jesus: Mom, I love how they decorated around your picture, and a serape gives a great ambiance to the night! Most of the volunteers are wearing neat name tags made by a creative volunteer. It looks like they are going to have two piñatas for the kids, a red Elmo and a white horse! the turquoise tulle and silk made a perfect back drop for you. Two sombreros, baskets with flower and vases that will be filled with red roses.

Mary: Whatever food they are having, the smell is wafting all the way to heaven, it's making me hungry!

Jesus: The doors are now open and here come many happy people ready to celebrate your feast day! They have greeters meeting the people and helping them find seats. Some people are going over to the bar and getting plastic cups of Sangria or beer. This group knows how to celebrate!

Mary: It looks like everyone knows everyone because I see a lot of greetings, smiles and hugs. This parish is so special because they practice being good to their neighbors and to strangers! Oh, there is a procession with the children bringing up the red roses and a cute San Juan Diego who I am sure is someone's grandson. How cute that he is dressed like Juan Diego. He is bringing a vase of red roses and placing it on the stand with a little reverent bow! Yet, I am wondering how they will feed so many people.

Jesus: No need to worry, it looks well organized. There are four tables of food, plenty of servers, and tables are called by number. It looks like four tables at a time. From here it looks like tacos and burritos with all the toppings. The kitchen volunteer has worked hard to make everything flow smoothly. Look, Mom, my two favorite priests are there and one, the tall one, is getting up to give the blessing before the meal.

Mary:  A lady is going around with a carafe of Sangria and refilling empty cups. I notice that they also have water, tea, lemonade, and pop for those non-alcoholic drinkers! Everyone is eating and talking and Covid or no Covid, they are enjoying themselves. That church has many social functions, and they never have any problems. You should probably send a blessing that everyone stays safe!

Jesus: My favorite part of a meal is dessert, and it looks like they are having Mexican sweet bread and churros. A few volunteers are going around with trays filled with the sweet dessert. A perfect ending to a good meal.

Mary: Jesus, look my story is going to be told by the shorter priest. I love hearing the story of when I appeared to little Juan Diego. The best part is when Juanito opens the tilma and all the roses fall out. That's the part that makes a believer of those who would not believe Juanito that I was asking for a shrine to be built in my name. Who would have thought that the shrine is known all over the world and millions of visitors come to see me, especially on my feast day!

Jesus: Look, they are getting ready to have the children break the piñatas. Oh, my goodness, the piñatas are bigger than some of the children. Those small children are just tapping Elmo and they need someone with a strong arm to break the piñatas! That young girl has a good swing and there goes all the candy on the floor! Candy is scattered all over and even the grownups are getting some of the pieces of wrapped candy. I love seeing my flock having fun! 

Mary: All good things must come to an end, and it looks like the party is winding down. I am so proud of all the volunteers that made my party come to life! Those hard workers are being called to the front for a big thank you and a round of well-deserved applause. I know that everyone worked hard from the kitchen staff, the servers, the decorators, the drink groups, the greeters, and the priests all to make my feast day special. The liturgist of that church is one of a kind with great organizing skills. She directed the volunteers to succeed in having a great party for me!  I send my thanks to her also!

Jesus: Everyone leaving the fiesta, is smiling with a happy feeling in their hearts, and I love that! Mom, you are so loved by so many people!

Mary:  And I love them too. Even though the party is over, the volunteers are continuing to work by taking down all the decorations, clearing the tables, and I like that each volunteer is taking a few of the tablecloth's home to launder which makes a large job doable! I want you all to know I enjoyed my fiesta and I thank everyone who helped make my feast day so special. Just watching all the activities of the night has tired me out. I am headed for bed, good night son!

Jesus: Happy dreams to you, Mom. 

Meanwhile, here on earth the volunteers were happy though tired. The meetings to plan the fiesta began on October 28, 2021. I counted about 36 volunteers making the wheels turn for a great fiesta. Three meetings finalized the plan for a successful party for Our Lady of Guadalupe. Many hands made everything easier! Thirty-eight volunteers (or maybe more) helped to make for a joyful evening!

                                                        "Coming together is a beginning,

keeping together is progress,

working together is success."

Henry Ford

What Do You Do When You Are Out of Detergent

 I needed to do laundry and when I looked for the soap, I was out of it. I got on the Internet and found out the baking soda will work or even vinegar. I wondered if I used vinegar if the laundry would then smell like vinegar. I had lots of vinegar in the house, so I decided to use it do do my laundry. I poured about 1/2 cup into my wash machine. My clothes came out clean and there was no odor at all, just a fresh clean smell. I also read that vinegar will make whites brighter.

Maybe I will use vinegar from now on. Anyway, I was able to do my laundry and I owe it all to the Internet who is full of clever surprises!

Another Miracle

A MIRACLE

Denver, Colorado was the host city for World Youth Day on August 10-15, 1993. Reports were that 800,000 persons were in attendance to see Pope John Paul II! My friend Phyllis had volunteered to house folks coming from out of the country and/or to interpret for Spanish speaking people arriving at DIA. She was at the airport when six young people arrived from Mexico. They did not speak English, and they did not have any information as to where they would be staying while they "came to see the Pope." Somehow, Phyllis and Skip Telgenhoff ended up taking the six to their home and they stayed with them for the time they were here. The four girls and two boys were from Guadalajara, Mexico and fell in love with the Telgenhoff's! Phyllis told me, "These kids became like family to us and we transported them to many of the activities. We prepared some meals, Spirit of Christ Catholic Community also fixed food for the kids and a parish family took them to eat dinner at their home. It was a week of interacting with the young people and when it was time for them to leave, we missed them."

Like all good intentions, the plans of keeping in touch faded and they lost touch with the kids and their families. Phyllis told me that they often think of the youth and wonder how they are doing. It's amazing that this year, 2021, it will be twenty-eight years since the Pope's visit.

When Phyllis found out that Spirit of Christ Catholic Community was planning a celebration for Our Lady of Guadalupe, she volunteered to help in making it a wonderful Fiesta! There were other volunteers, but it was special to her because the kids she had hosted had given her a beautiful picture made with nails and string of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She brought the picture so it could be displayed at the fiesta of Our Lady on December 11, 2021.

A few days after she brought the picture in, she received a phone call from Adriana, one of the persons that had stayed with the Telgenhoffs in 1993. Adriana put her in touch with Ava, another of the visitors who explained that she still lives in Guadalajara, has kept in touch with some of the families and was getting some books ready to donate. As she flipped through one of the books a piece of paper flew out with the phone information of the Telgenhoff's.  Adriana and Ava are now in touch with Phyllis. Phyllis remarked, "It's a miracle that after so many years, a slip of paper was found with our phone number. The book could have been donated and we never would have connected!" Phyllis found out that one of the boys had died of cancer, two married Americans and lived in the United States. One couple lives in Nebraska and the other one lives in Utah.  Now that they are in touch with each other their conversation turns to having a reunion and re-meeting with the young man and women who had lived with them for a few days. She mentioned that it is hard to believe that those kids are now married with their own families!  

Phyllis once told me, "I could not have made it through my illness without prayers and especially to Our Lady."  As I blog about this fascinating story, I recall that even though Phyllis was still not feeling 100% she went on a pilgrimage to New Mexico where we stopped to visit a small chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Phyllis told me that she felt very close to Our Lady in the small chapel.

Receiving the phone call from Guadalajara, not only surprised her but made her exclaim, "I firmly believe that this is one of Our Lady of Guadalupe's miracles!" I agree with her!

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles."

Willa Cather

Tia Lala And Mama Tito

Tia Lala 

On my Mother's side of the family, I have memories of a lady I called Tia Lala. She always wore black and rolled her own cigarettes! She lived across the street from us in a two-story, wooden, yellow house. One room had a window that looked across the street to our house. Many times, I remember, my Mother would cross the street to visit her aunt. They traded food during Lent and I loved her tomato macaroni and cheese dish.

Her hair was black with lots of grey, pulled tightly back into a small bun. A cousin remembers that Tia Lala walked everywhere and when she would walk to their house, she would take off her black, Cuban heel shoes, lean back in a chair and say in Spanish that her legs and feet hurt. After resting and visiting she would walk back to her house where she lived with her son, Gregorio.

I remember she always wore an apron and spent most of her time in the kitchen. Anyway, that is where she would be when I happened to accompany my mother for a visit. My mother was close to her aunt because she was like a mother to her. My mother lost her mother to the Spanish flu around 1917, leaving my two-year-old Mother in the care of two sisters and a brother. Tia Lala's sister, Valentina, was married to my mother's father and when he was left a widower with a two-year-old, he had to depend on the older children to help raise my mother!  Tia Lala would help whenever she could in New Mexico, but when everyone moved to Colorado that is when my mother got closer to her aunt. 

Mama Tito

Monserate was my father's mother and I knew her as Mama Tito. She and my Aunt Kika (Francisca) would babysit my brother and me when my parents went out. I loved sleeping over because I got to sleep with my grandmother and she would rub my head until I would fall asleep. She told me stories and had a silky blue blanket that made me think I was sleeping on a cloud.

After she had a stroke, I did not see her that often because she had told me that she loved me so much that when she died she was going to take me with her. Out of sight/out of mind, I thought.  The stroke left her mouth twisted to one side and she was difficult to understand when she spoke. For twenty years she was bedridden, and my aunt Kika took care of her. I try to remember her and all that comes to mind are her eggnog toddies that she added a bit of whiskey, my aunts sitting around the kitchen table playing cards and smoking; canasta or rummy, I think. Seeing a pig's head on the table when they were going to make tamales. My brother and I tried to poke its eye, but the blue eye wiggled like jello. She and my aunt lived across the alley from us. They prayed to a slew of saints and if I happened to visit around five p.m. she made me join them. It hurt my knees because they prayed a long time.

When she passed away at ninety-four years of age, I do not remember attending her funeral. Most of my memories of my grandmother are seeing her in bed attempting to talk and that her memory was intact because she remembered everyone in my family, even the name of our dog!

"Beautiful young people are acts of nature,

but beautiful old people are works of art!"

Eleanor Roosevelt

An Old Author is Now New

In my bookcase I have a book by Sandra Cisneros named Carmelo. I am sure I must have read it but when I picked it up and read the cover, it sounded like a brand-new book. The reason I picked up the book was because AARP Presents was having a live interview of the author on November 30, 2021. She is known for writing The House on Mango Street, (sold over 6 million copies) and is required reading in many schools. I was curious about who this writer is and signed up for the virtual interview.

She impressed me, not only by what she said, but how she looked. Braids, bangs, light blue oval glasses, and as she spoke, she threw in Spanish words. She appeared to have a good sense of humor because she laughed a lot during the interview! On the day of the interview, she mentioned, it was her anniversary for the day she finished writing The House of Mango Street in 1982.

Her latest book is Martita, I Remember You and she said that she has known many Martita's in her life and the story is a mixture of all of them. When asked why she has a professional translator for her stories, she said, "I know enough Spanish to have a conversation, to banter, but not enough vocabulary for certain words so that is why I hire a professional." Evidently, she does not use a lot of punctuation in her writing and it upset her when she was called illiterate by a reviewer. By not using punctuation she feels it brings the readers closer to the story as they try to figure out what is actually being said. "It's not illiterate, but poetic," is how she phrased it. 

Growing up she read many British writers and a lot of children's books. Her advice was to find a safe and comfortable place to read and not be interrupted. The same goes for when she is trying to write. She laughed when she told how her mother saw Isabel Allende's office and it was huge. "My mother insisted I should have a big office also and I got a large office to please my mother, but now I have downsized and am comfortable in my smaller office." She not only downsized her office but she does not have as many pets as she had in the past!

Her current work is collaborating in an adaptation of The House on Mango Street into an opera and working on a book of poetry. The forty-five-minute interview seemed too short for me, but as she said good-night she held up her small dog in a pink vest and had him wave good-bye. I liked her and now am planning to re-read Carmelo. I ordered both The House on Mango Street and Martita, I Remember You from the library and will binge on Sisnero's stories!

"I am obsessed with becoming a woman

 comfortable in her own skin."

Sandra Cisneros