Between U.S.A. and Spain.

WEEK 65. Part 2.

 

 

This is one of those posts that I have to say: IF YOU HAVEN'T READ  WEEK 65. Part 1. 

PLEASE, DO SO. Otherwise... this post won't make much sense!

 ****************************************

 

After all the excitement of the Georgia Aquarium on Monday, the next day was a quiet

one. I had scheduled myself off just in case, Maricela, needed to solve last minute issues.

But there was no need. She was going to have some friends over, and said not to worry.

We agreed on seeing each other later that afternoon. Having a few hours to myself,

I caught up on much needed cleaning, took down some of my nautical decor, that will

come with me to Spain, and worked on  WEEK 65. Part1. 

 

I think, that same day (my memory is failing and I'm pressed for time... no double checking

myself) I submitted  my childhood story: OF NUNS AND CAULIFLOWERS. at Jillsy Girl Studio

Challenge of the Month. To my surprise a few hours later, my sister, Cary, The FRESH BLOND

of my tale, dug up some... ummm... memorable photos of those years, and e-mailed them

to me, so I could include them in the story...

 

Well, this one is great, because it's my wonderful MAMI. I can't believe I am actually turning

51 in June. The same age as her in this photo!! I miss you MAMI!!

However, the next photo... P-L-E-A-S-E!! Look at it well. Look at my sister, Mari Carmen,

as we called her back then... with her beautiful long, blond hair, like a queen, sitting pretty on

her throne. Her body language says it all..."I RULE". Then,  look at me... a mere peasant

by her feet, subject to her "RULING".

 

Now,take a closer look, at my "Can we get this humiliation over with?" face. And,

do you see that hidden hand of hers? Yeah, she was pinching me.... I am sure. BUT wait!!

Take an even closer look at that ugly dog of hers. Where is it, you asked? It's the shaggy being

on the chair. His name was "RICO". 

Cary with" Linda", Rico's mom", my cousin Adolfo, with Rico and his Pekenese father, "Chato"and his brother, Rody, who is holding something in his hands....

That spoiled DEVIL-dog should have stayed in Puerto Rico, where this other photo was

taken in 1969. However, my sister threw a fit and wanted him in Spain with us. So he flew

to Spain. And, Rico, made our lives misserable. But, that's another story.

Seeing that she took the time to bring out this... ummm... wonderful photo...I dug up

another photo that shows Cary's personality very well. This one was in Florida, in 1979.

She came from Spain, for my wedding... We were still very, very young! And... still very, 

very different. See?

Ah, so many years have gone by since... we are mature adults now and we get along

wonderfully! BUT, she is still a little crazy and rebelious... SEE?

If you are wondering about the other character in this photo. It's, Carolina, my niece.

You might remember her, from: RETREAT AT GOLDEN SQUASH CORRAL. 

Read it and have a laugh or two!

                                     P.S. I love you MARI CARMEN!!

 *******************************************

On Wednesday, it was time to say good bye to Maricela's family. I was calm. I knew

returning to Mexico, was the best option for now.

Still, it was so hard for me, and I took them to Wal-Mart to have professional photos

taken, but it was impossible, because they mixed up the time! Alright, like that was

going to stop me... I had an idea!!

 

I rushed into the store and bought a green table cloth, then took them to eat lunch

at Bojangles, that had just opened that morning in Winder, (Woo-Hoo!) 

where we had fun watching the girls eat French-fries! Right after lunch, I searched for

a place to do one last photo shoot of the girls. Aha! The playground of a nearby church. I

hoped and prayed that I could do a good job and brought the tablecloth with me.

                           But... Maritza and Alexa.... well.... they were tired...

 

               they were BORED.... and I believe a little....ANOYED!!

                                                              So, I concentrated on Violeta....

 

I was happy with Violeta's photos! I think I captured her sweetness... Maricela and Violeta

loved them too! All was good.

Later that afternoon, Maricela and her family would take a bus to Houston, to say goodbye

to Javier's brother, and on the 28th a flight to Mexico. 

Javier went to the bus station with a friend. Maricela and the girls with me. On the way there,

at a traffic light, Maricela asked me if I liked gold. I nonchalantly said, of course, and silver too!

What happened next left me shocked. Maricela, insisted I accept the only ring she had besides

her wedding band.  If that was unbelievable....

that it fit my finger, was even more.... Yes, I ended accepting her gift, because she insisted so

much. I have told Sandra, in case anything happens to me, it has to be returned, so that

Violeta can have her mother's ring... 

 

Even inside the bus, we kept hugging and kissing.... I had to turn into the crazy Spanish

woman with the camera, that made them laugh, and take one last photo. "If not....

it wouldn't be me. right?" I said, and she laughed...

                     

                          I knew Maricela would be fine... she is a strong woman.

 

Then I turned around, and saw Violeta. My heart broke. She was the perfect poster

child for an immigration reform law campaign. What a shame that a child with an American

passport has to go though this... her parents are good people that paid their taxes, and even

left me a a money order for Georgia Power to pay their last electric bill, when they could have

kept it.

I also saw myself in her. I had moved so many times as a child... I knew exactly how she felt.

I consoled her, and told her that in a few days, she would be with lots of family and cousins

to play with, and that some they we would see each other again.  

Although a very sad experience,  as long as she has her parent's love, everything will work out...

I know, I've been there enough.

 

Maricela, Javier and the girls arrived safely in Houston, Texas, 13 hours later. We have talked

several times since then. 

P.S. Javier bought Maricela a camera that day... and I felt happy and proud. 

Now, she needs to learn how to drive, like I told her to!! :)

WEEK 65. Part 1.

                                                                                   

                                                 WEEK 65

                                May, Thur 19 - Wed 18 - 25              

 

WEEK 65. A hectic, stressful, and very, very emotional week. I certainly have not had time to do much in my house, or in my garden for that matter. Maricela, well, I was going to say friend, but she really has become a daughter, and the girls my grand-kids, was returning to Mexico, and I tried my best to relieve HER stress by getting her out of that apartment and helping her as much as possible in whatever I could. After all, she doesn't drive, and her husband was in Alabama working...

What a hard life this young woman has had since she was a child! No toys, going to bed hungry, and abandoned by her father at the age of seven, when they lived up in a mountain, with no neighbors close by. Her mother had to fight, with a machete in hand, scorpions and snakes that entered their home made of cardboard and pieces of wood, and when it rained at night she covered her children with a blue, plastic tablecloth so they wouldn't get soaked, as she kept a watchful eye in case of a flood...  

I thank God, for this past year and all that He has taught me through Maricela's courage and  humbleness... and also, for the love I have received from her, and the girls. I have been truly blessed!

So, this week as I was coming and going, and coming and going, I had to stop and smell the roses. O.K., it was more like "Oh, my gosh!! What the heck? When did THAT happen?" and I rushed, with a cup of coffee in one hand, and my camera in the other, down my deck's stairs to photograph my blooming hydrangeas before they dried out, due to my neglect... 

And one day I took Maricela to the park, so they could walk around and enjoy a sunny afternoon.

Since she doesn't own a camera, well... I am their offical photographer, and have tried to capture moments for her, because I believe, a mother should always have photos of her children!

                                                Violeta loves it when I whip out my camera!


and Maritza, is so used to my face with a  "rectangle thing" in front of it, that she has become top model!!

 

 

 Every girl deserves a pretty dress.So I went shopping. I was so happy that they fitted so well! Aren't they adorable? With three grandSONS, it was nice to buy PINK for a change! (I got one for Violeta too, but knowing that we were going to the park, she changed so she could play freely.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 After the park, pizza at my house, with Sandra and her best friend, whom I ADORE, Diana. 

TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THIS , "SAY CHEESE" MOMENT", as Spanish, Mexican and Colombian women, try to get organized for a photo!  I LOVE IT... this is what I call a REAL photo!!

Another day, I managed to leave work and drive Maricela to Violeta's school. It was her last day, and there was a party....

I captured some great moments. Look at the kiddo to the left, he sure wanted to be in the photo! 

Violeta's teacher asked me why they were moving. Actually, she didn't understand why, HALF of her class, who are hispanic, were all leaving Georgia. Did I know why?, she asked me. I explained... Our state is about to pass a law. If it goes through, employers and police will have the right, to check immigration status. So, they are returning to their poverty stricken countries, before they get deported, with their American children...

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In this post,WEEKS GONE BY + WEEK 57 AND 58. Part 3 + Part of WEEK 59 & 60= I can't keep up!, I promised, I would take Maricela to the Georgia Aquarium before she  left....

                                 AND I DID!!!

Because... everyone deserves to admire GOD's work... and nothing like HIS mysterious ocean creatures!! YOU CAN'T IMAGINE, how I felt when I took this photo. To see the wonder in her face as she looked around in awe was PRICELESS!!


                             And of course, I took some photos of my favorite creatures!!

                         THIS IS WHAT I CALL AWESOMENESS!!!

                       

                                      Awesomeness is also the opportunity to a better education...

                                                                         and this too.....

 



I have promised myself to return to the aquarium to take better photos, I think I will finally read my camera's manual and learn about that ISO thing.. I fooled around with it and got this interesting photo, BUT... I MUST get some better shots of these jelly fish. I am fascinated by them!

 

                           Oh, look! This is ATL folks, right next to COCA COLA WORLD!

And of course, you can't leave without visiting Centennial Park to refresh your hot feet... 

                                                                     or your whole body!

                                    Because everyone deserves a break and enjoy life!

Now, how did this week end? I will tell you tomorrow. Today, I can't continue...

I am a little overwhelmed by the memories.

OF NUNS AND CAULIFLOWERS.

                                                                 My  mother and my sister Mari Carmen.

                   

                       OF NUNS AND CAULIFLOWERS

                                  *****

 

          I remember it so well. It was small and cozy. A three bedroom, one bath flat, with mahogany colored hardwood floors, and white walls that were silent witnesses to the adventures of a newly divorced mother, Carmen, and her two young daughters. Although I was a very young at the time this story took place, and forty years have passed since, the address of my childhood in Spain, is engraved in my memory; Olivia de Placencia Street, Bldg 24, 4 -A, NO ELEVATOR, San Ignacio de Loyola, Madrid. Spain. Yes, the “no elevator" is included in the address because I SAY SO. After all, I have longer arms than normal as a direct result of helping my mother carry heavy grocery bags up those four flights of stairs... But, I don't want to talk about my long arms. I want to tell you about what happened back in 1972 in that little flat, the day my 14 year old sister, Maria del Carmen Aragon Bernal, was expelled from school by those pious nuns for being insolent...

         And, it was only natural that this would happen to my sister. After all, for Mari Carmen, as we called her at home, it was simply impossible to be respectful to the nuns. Well, she wasn't either with my mother... or with anyone else for that matter. Poor Christian women! They were martyrs!! They couldn't do like my mother and throw a shoe at her whenever my sister opened her big mouth, full of large metal braces and rubber bands, and got smart-alecky with her. No, all her teacher, Sister Margarita, who was at the verge of a nervous breakdown, could do... was pray before entering the classroom. Pray that she might not be tempted to reach out for the class's crucifix and propel it at the head of that girl, better know as "THE FRESH BLOND". 

        Honestly, I never understood why my sister Mari Carmen, had such little interest in anything related to the Lord. If she had, maybe it all wouldn't have ended like it did, with Expelled, hand written over her school's file. You see, when Mom said we were going to Mass, she suddenly became ill. I can still hear her whining, "I have a headache ... My stomach aches ...My throat hurts". Protesting she would enter the temple, and later would faint. Every Sunday, the same show! Still, Mom dragged her to church, and ignored her. At least when Mari Carmen passed out... she didn't answer back, and Mom saw it an opportune moment to sprinkle some Holy water over my sister. I also enjoyed a moment of peace, and any moment without my sister teasing me was something to be thankful for... Nevertheless, if she could have picked up her head from the floor once in while during Mass, she would have learned something, and consequently she would have done much better in a Catholic school.

        I think most of the on going drama with the nuns and at home, was because, Mari Carmen, missed our father. After all, she was the apple of his eyes, and was spoiled rotten by him. And now... he was far, far away, in the land of tango and chimichurri. Argentina. I, on the other hand, had always been more attached to my mother, and did not feel that void. At least I thought so. Therefore, I was less problematic.  But, my sister got more rebellious as the days passed. And so it came to be, that on this particular day, her teacher, Sister Margarita, not knowing what to do with her anymore, sent my sister straight to.... Mother Superior!

        How my mother and I got to Mother Superior's office is a blur. But, what happened in that office I can see it as if it was yesterday. The three of us were sitting in front of Mother Teresa's desk. Mari Carmen seated to the left of my mother, and I to her right. My sister, bored with Mother Teresa's ongoing complaints, sat there, with her head tilted to one side, mouth ajar and big blue eyes, opened wide as in a trance, staring out the window. I was laughing inside, and kept my hand over my mouth. If seeing my sister in trouble was fun, her face was even funnier! The truth is, her expression reminded me of those lamb heads hanging at "Casqueria Oscar", the store where our Mom bought beef liver, wich she insisted we eat once a week, because it was good for us.

        However, the best part was the long walk home. Mom held my hand, and the three of us walked at a fast pace, silently down the sidewalk. Suddenly, Mom stopped, turned to Mari Carmen, and looked straight into her eyes, and furiously  said, as she, unaware, squeezed my hand more and more, "BUT how dare  you say to Mother Superior Teresa, 'I WON'T CALL YOU MOTHER TERESA, BECAUSE MOTHER THERE IS ONLY ONE.... AND MY MOTHER'S NAME IS CARMEN!!' ... what were you thinking!!" She squeezed my hand even more, and added, "I don't know.... but, you will have to study something... WE'LL SEE!!". Thank God, she then let go of my throbbing hand, which I immediately put in my coat's pocket, and I was able to breath again. There was utter silence the rest of the way, except for our panting as we went up the four flights of stairs, and the sound of door 4-A slamming. 

        Mari Carmen went to her room, mom to the kitchen, and I in the little living room started playing with my Mountaineer Nancy doll, or was it Alpine Nancy? I don't know! Nor do I care now. It was my Nancy doll. A little while later, the unmistakable smell of simmering cauliflower began to fill the flat. My sister came out of her room to complain! I said to myself, oh, boy!! This is going to be good, she is complaining to Mom for making cauliflower again!, as I pretended to play with my Nancy... while I tuned my ears to what was about to happen.

        My mother, set down the wooden mortar where she had mashed some  garlic, stretched her arms against the kitchen's counter's border, and with a look of "I am fed up" replied,  "Look Mari Carmen, your dearest father has not sent money this month either. And, this week I have to take you the dentist for another adjustment on those teeth that are taking longer to fix than a cathedral to be built. Furthermore, to pay Dr. Mañez, I have to sell another gold bracelet.... SO... you are eating CAULIFLOWER because it's what I can afford, and I don't want to hear anything you have to say!! Besides, it is really soft and it won't hurt for a mouth when you chew. Now go to your room and STAY there!!

        I thought, Alright! She's back in her room. This time she should be staying a while without bothering us. GOOD! However, ten minutes later she stepped out of her room with an open notebook in hand, and said, "Mami...", but my mother quickly cut her off with, "Mari Carmen! Don't you understand that you are supposed to stay in your room?” My sister replied with enthusiam, "But.. Mami I got it! I think I could be a poet, and we will be rich!!"

-"Mari Carmen, PLEASE!"

-"Just listen to this!" She cleared her voice and began to read with a soft voice as she waived an arm in the air.

                                                   Eat cauliflower and you will see

                                                    What pain it will bring to thee!

                                                        It will not be the smell!

                                                      It will not be for it's taste!

                                                        For from this flower

                                                    No love for it will be born!

        There was a period of silence. Mom and I, stood there with our jaws down to our knees, and not from awe at Mari Carmen's talent. My sister laughed. Although, this time, before one of Mom's flying shoes hit her, my sister ran to her room slammed the door, and stayed there.

                That is... Until Mom called her to eat cauliflower.

                                                                                                              By: Juana Aragon

______________________________________

This is my entry for my friend Jillsy's May Challenge. Please visit her wonderful blog at:

My PhotoBlog: Jillsy Girl Studio 

My ETSY Greeting Card Shoppe: Jillsy Girl Studio Cards

 

 Thank you Jillsy, for giving me the opportunity to submit one of my favorite childhood memories!

WEEK 64.

 

                                                                                                                                        May, Thur 12 - Wed 18

                                                                             WEEK 64.

SHORT AND SWEET.

SOME LANDSCAPER...

31 YEARS OLD!

This post will be short. Sorry, no story today folks. Hey! I heard that sigh of relief!!

I will ignore that.... Anyways, as I was saying, no story, just photos...

I prepared a Mexican gelatin dessert that is eaten at their birthday parties. But I dressed it

up a little for FOOD STORIES. What do you think? Be honest, does it look good?

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                                           In my quest to save time and... sweat, 

                                           I finally decided to hire a landscaper.

                             Although I had agreed to pay him a fortune in cookies,

                                           he quickly started goofing off...

     and sat down to play with his hotwheels! You just can't find good help these days!!

                Ummm... Anyone out there knows of a more mature landscaper?

********************************

My flag collection is getting better and better. It never fails to amaze me, how people

from other countries end up in my blog...Now, look at what a person in Sri Lanka googled!

 Sri Lanka, Colombo, Western arrived from google.lk on "The woman I argued

with was Ivanna Trump?!! (Between U.S.A. and Spain.)" by searching for i vanna fu.

Did you notice? He/she was googling "i vanna fu". Hmmm.... I don't know

what to think about this!!

I also have the sneaky suspicion that around the Middle East my sister, Hilda, must be very 

famous for her beauty, or something... because more and more I see hits like these:

 QATAR-Doha, Ad Dawhah arrived from google.com.qa on "To my big sister, Hilda, with love: Happy Birthday!! (Between U.S.A. and Spain.)" by searching for happy birthday my big sister.

 

 JORDAN-Amman, Amman Governorate arrived from google.jo on "To my big sister, Hilda, with love: Happy Birthday!! (Between U.S.A. and Spain.)".

                                              Interesting! Don't you think?

*************************

The most important day of this week was my daughter's birthday, on May 14th. 

It's hard to believe my firstborn child, Mayra, is already  31 years old!

Her "special post" will be coming up soon. Actually, I got so emotional and teary eyed

around her birthday, because I miss her so much, that I didn't finish it. But, I will, now

that I am better. It's in the drawing board.

Wasn't she a doll? Here, Mayra, was a year old. The photo was taken in Galveston, Texas.

My mother made her that cute little outfit. Tommy, my ex-husband, and I moved to Houston,

when Mayra was 6 weeks old. We lived there for a year before returning to Miami.

                **********         I LOVE YOU, MAYRA!!      *********

Oh, by the way, you look spectacular in this photo!! I was so happy to know you had a ball, on your birthday, at your cousin's 1980's party!!

Of course, your dad, I mean, Michael Jackson, and your husband... ummm... the dude from Village people had great time too!!

Thank you for all the love you have given me since you were born!

 

************************************

More or less that was WEEK 64. In between all this... lots of phone calls with my hubby...

and some worrying over Pepe's health. Insomnia is taking a toll on him, and a

knee is hurting. I wish I could be there....

WEEK 63. THE REST OF THE WEEK...

 

                                                                             WEEK 63.

                                                                  May, Thu 5 - Wed 11

A LITTLE DRAMA...

A PARTY...

A WALK IN THE PARK...

 

The week started like this: WEEK 63. BASED ON A TRUE STORY... I think everyone knows

the consequences of long, sleepless nights. Minds go out of whack, and mine did...big

time. Have I ever claimed to be perfect? No. I am a simple woman trying to keep herself

together as time goes by... and by.... and by. The thing is, I am seeing no end to this

situation. I know, I am being negative. You think I don't wish to be in a state of enlightenment

all the time? Don't I wish! You think I wouldn't like to have one of those blogs where

the author is going through hell, but she see it all happiness? Yeah, well... I donno what to

tell you. I guess I didn't inherit any "always happy, calm, cool and collected" genes.

Hmm...Now that I think about it...there are NONE in my family! Allow me to laugh now,

like a frantic woman: 

             Aha ha ha hahaha ha hahahahaaaaaaaaaa!! 

I guess I was both tired and scared. Also, I was clueless as far as how my daughter's

return home would affect my return to Spain. It wasn't something I could ignore and

merrily go on without wondering if this would set me back. I mean what do you do? She

doesn't talk about her plans! Does she have any? Ugh....

So that Thursday, for the second time in 63 weeks, I asked Pepe to return home and "fix this 

situation", because with him at home things would be different. He gets more out of

Sandra. But... Pepe, said what I didn't want to hear... to hang in there, he could come in

October and we could get what we needed to get done, and fly back together to Spain.

I don't know what happened to me when I heard October. Thoughts raced. I saw him

coming in October, not finishing what we needed to finish and then I would have to

hang around until December or gasp, even January,2012! Oh, my poor Pepe, I screamed,

"OCTOBER? OCTOBER!! You know what? I DON'T NEED YOU!". I hung up on him, and 

sent the phone flying across the room. It landed on the green sofa. Thump. He immediately

calls back and wants to calm me down, but I did it again. I said, "Don't call me!! 

Don't you understand? DON'T CALL ME! Somehow, I am starting a new life. I don't

need you!" Clunk. I went crying off to my bedroom as I said, "You'll see. I am going to do

like Julia Roberts in that movie, Eat, Love, Pray... Love, Pray, Eat... Argh! Who cares!

I am going to go away somewhere and find.... find nothing!" Sob, sob, and I slammed

my bedroom door. Boom.

 

Three days passed without talking to my Pepe. I Felt downright misserable... you can't

imagine how much so. He didn't deserve what I said. Deep down I knew he couldn't 

travel during the summer... it's his busiest time of the year at work! It wasn't that he didn't

want to. He just can't  jeopardize his job. Understandable, but not to his loony wife that 

oftentimes  is overwhelmed, tired, bored of being by herself, and officially going insane....

Thank God he loves me unconditionally. He waited patiently for me to come back to

my senses, and after three days, I called him and apologized. I did not hear a word of 

reproach from him. On the contrary, he just told me how much he had missed me.

How much he loved me. What an amazing man I have... what would I do 

without him in my life! I just have to hang in there a few more months... just a few...

SIGH... until October...

************************

The rest of the week... well, I made a cake for Maricela's goodbye party.

       I was quiet pleased with the result... The flowers turned out really cute.

                                                         Don't you think?

 

                                   Oh, and some yummy cupcakes too!

                          Would you like to try one? All from scratch...

**************************

In Spain, for Mother's Day, my sisters, Maribel and Cary, got together with 

their kids 

                  From left to right, my nieces, Carmen, Carol and Ana, and my sisters, Cary and Maribel.           

                               and ate a delicious meat and veggie Paella!

No place better than Cary's for that, and she just did some remodeling to her back yard.

                                          I love the new look, Cary!

________________________________

          And here is Chef Maribel, with her daughter Carolina and grandson Ivan.

          Oh! The "taster" is her boyfriend Juan Carlos, or Juanqui as we call him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just look at this !! YUMMY!!! YUMMY!!

                                  When finished it looks like this...

Add a good salad and some Spanish bread....

                    and call  everyone "A la mesaaaaaaaaa!" (to the table!)

 

 

                      There is nothing like sharing food with family and friends.

                                                              Nothing!

___________________________________________

 

Alright, so I didn't get to eat Paella this year, but for Mother's Day, Sandra, was very

sweet and took me out to eat Mexican. We always end up at El Rio, in Dacula, because

Alonso likes their chips and black bean salsa.

All that dipping keeps him busy, until his quesadilla arrives. And since he likes so much 

his quesadillas, we get to eat our food without hunting for him under the table...

To Sandra: I am very proud of how you take care of Alonso. You are a great

Mom... and I love you! 

---------------------------------------------

By the end of the week the temperatures very high. Alonso, being the little boy that 

he is, wanted to be outside. I didn't think it was a good idea... unless he could be cooling 

off in a swimming pool, which I didn't have for him yet. (Hey, we are in May!)

Then, Yaya, had an idea.... and it worked!

                 Alonso thought it was the grandest pool!!

-------------------------------------

          Another day instead of pool time, Alonso and I, had park time.

                      We walked and walked along the meadows...


then we sat and enjoyed the beautiful sight of geese softly swimming in

a golden pond...

-------------------------------

WEEK 63. BASED ON A TRUE STORY...

 

                                                     WEEK 63.

                                              April Thu 5 - Wed 11

DARK SKY.

OOOOOMMMM.

TALKING TO MYSELF.

My body was sleeping, but my mind woke up. I couldn't believe it. Again? Do I really have

to go through this again? I bet It's around five, I can actually feel the dark circles under my

eyes getting darker....I need to rest. I need to rest. I need to rest! I whispered, "Just don't

start thinking, Juani, maybe you can fall asleep again. Shhhhhh! Don't think! ". 

 

I laid there. Eyes closed. Didn't move a muscle. All curled up on that green, corduroy sofa,

trying to keep my mind blank. I breathed in. I exhaled slowly. Did that several times thinking

that might relax me enough go back to sleep. Deep down I knew that wasn't going to work...

What I needed to was change positions. I was actually uncomfortable. I asked myself,

why? WHY, since Pepe returned to Spain, do I turn into a 152 lbs fetus during the night?

 

Next thing I knew, thoughts started streaming in: My Sandra and her dilemas... Alonso's

therapy... Maricela's goodbye party... the speeding ticket... and more, and more, and

more thoughts. It was better to open my eyes, and forget about sleeping. But I couldn't,

being so tired... I had technical difficulties with my eyelids, so I settled for a squint.

I looked around the living-room with my squinting eyes and I saw total darkness through the

slits of the window's blinds. I was sure it was 5 A.M.! What had I slept, four hours? Upset,

I whined, "Oh-ho- ho- ho-noooo, nooo, nooooo!! Still dark!!". Well, I sure wasn't 

getting my beauty sleep that night. It was time to make some fresh coffee, but

first a good stretch. I shut my eyes again, yawned, and slowly stretched my arms 

 up into the darkness, then unfolded my my poor, numb legs.

 

I stretched out real good. As a matter of fact, I guess I stretched too much, because it 

caused a muscle to cramp in the back of my thigh! Ouch... ouch.... ouch!! I held my breath.

I held my thigh with both hands. I shook my head frantically. Somebody help me! As the

pain lessened I started laughing... for I had a vision. Yes, a vision! I saw a hurt, head

shaking, big nosed, 152 lbs, squinting, whining fetus, on a green sofa, in  a dark, dark house.

Gosh, I was a perfect character for a Stephen King novel!

I decided not to make coffee and stay on the couch, I didn't want to pull any more muscles.

I closed my eyes again. But now I felt a bit chilly. I taunted around with my hands until I  

found the edge of my blue, velvety blanket and pulled it up to my tired eyes. I turned over

on my right side and faced the large sofa pillows. I said to myself, maybe you should try  that

"OOOMMM" thing, and empty your mind of thoughts. It might just work and put you

to sleep!! In a low voice I said, OOOMMM..........OOOOMMMM......OOOOM..... OOOMY

how I wish Pepe was here. I am so ready to leave.......OOOMMMM........I hope Sandra finds 

a daytime job soon... MHHMMM..... I need a vacation.... I do... I do.... I do.... hmmm...

sounds like an ABBA song.....OOOOOOMMMMM.......I want to escape..... OMMMMM....

OOOOMMMM....not deal with anything anymore! OOOMMM... .....OOOMMM.....

OOOMMM-MY-GOD! What the heck am I doing? This is so boooooring and it's not  working!

I turned and laid on my back. I opened my eyes wide and stared at the white vaulted ceiling. 

The darkness was fading away as I asked myself, why did I get married so young? 

 I should have become a nun! I am tired of everything....I really need some days off..... Pepe

will understand.....I sighed... Pepe...Pepe... Pepe....you have it so much easier than me. 

And then a familiar rush of heat ran from my lower back up to my ears. I quickly uncovered

myself as I said,  HOT FLASH! HOT FLASH.... ARRRGH!!! That's it!! I am getting up!!.

I walked toward the kitchen complaining, wondering, praying that I might get some

sleep the next day. After all, now that I knew Sandra would be staying for good, I was

claiming my bed back! 

On the way to the kitchen I  passed a small mirror and caught my reflection. I stopped

and  saluted the old lady in the mirror. 

  

Then said, " Lady, you got some

 pretty deep, scary-looking 

 crevices there, running down

 from your forehead to your chin!!

  YAWN... STRETCH... YAWN...

 Tell you what. I'll give you some

 advice: DON'T EVER sleep on a sofa 

 that has corduroy pillows..."

I stepped into the kitchen and made myself a good pot of coffee. Maybe a few cups

could help me think a little bit better...

************************************************

                                                     P.S. I hope you didn't my a little dark humor!

 

 

WEEK 62

 

                                                                         WEEK 62 

                                                           April, Thu 28 - May, Wed 4

STRANGE.

STRANGER.

STRANGEST.

 

Week 62. What an interesting one. It went like this:

Thursday- I  mowed the lawn. By now I think everyone knows how I love pushing

my mower all the way down that steep hill......................

 

 I was exhausted afterward. Nothing strange about that.

Friday- Sandra shows up two hours EARLY for work. She spends the night at home.

Hmmm....  now that was STRANGE.

Saturday- Sandra works that afternoon. She spends another night at home. 

Hmmm...VERY STRANGE. 

Sunday- Sandra comes back from work and STAYS. That night she takes Alonso to her

apartment so that Gabriel can take care of him the next day, since he is off,  and....

comes back.  Hmmm...  REALLY STRANGE.

Monday- Sandra studies all day, and since she has school close by the next day, why go

home? She stays one more night. Hmmm... EVEN STRANGER.

Tuesday- What a day! I left before Sandra got up to go to school. By 8:oo A.M. I was

already with Maricela at the twin's pediatrician for their wellness check up and shots.

Three shots each. Poor babies. Poor us. Can you imagine double the crying? Afterward,

I rushed to work. Left work at 7:00 P.M.. Picked up Maricela again, and took her to

exchange a shirt at a nearby shopping center in Bethlehem. I wish I could have done

it another day, but I couldn't. Wednesday I had to start making the flowers for Maricelas'

"goodbye" cake. Thursday and Friday I would have Alonso... I can't fit three car seats

and a seven year old in my car... so I had no choice.

Maricela quickly exchanged her shirt. I drove back to Winder. Then turned around and  

drove home to Auburn. Hmmm....Sandra would be back at her apartment with Gabriel 

and Alonso, and I couldn't wait to plop on my sofa, eat dinner and have my "me"

moment: Dancing With The Stars. And then....as I made the turn into my street, I saw

Sandra's car parked in my driveway again. At that moment I knew, I knew, she was

back home for good.

                            Did I find this strange?

                                 Of course not!

Wednesday-  I wondered. I wondered a lot. I wondered some more. I wondered until there 

was no more  room to wonder about wondering. But, even so, I managed to wonder

beyond that amount of wondering! What plans... what plans did Sandra have? You see...

her favorites words are "I don't want to talk about it", and she will leave you WONDERING...

 

                           How do you think WEEK 63 started? 

                             I will tell you on my next post...

 

WELLNESS CHECK UP...

                 

                   I couldn't resist it....

          I had to take photos of their wellness check up! To think these babies, 

Alexa and Maritza, weighed only 4.2 lbs & 4.8 lbs respectively...and now look at

                    them! They are both over 17 lbs and  perfectly healthy.

                   I am sure you couldn't have resisted taking photos either!

WEEK 61.

                                                           WEEK 61.

                                                                 April, Thu 21 - Wed 27.

 

I spent half of this week working on post, WEEKS GONE BY + WEEK 57 AND 58.

Part 3 + Part of WEEK 59 & 60= I can't keep up!. After such a long post, I realized

I had to narrow down what I wanted to blog about. It's becoming stressful to try

to cover all that I want to cover, since mind is constantly coming up with possible posts.

It's a shame... I have to let go of most of them. If only I got paid for blogging. If only

this was my job. If only I had believed my "creative" writing teacher in High School. He said

I had talent... maybe, I could have done something with it! But enough "IF". 

Nevertheless, at least I can share a photo of those "If I could have, this would have

been a post". 

 

                 Alonso goes to: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

                                       for evaluation in speech delay.

                        

               Deja vu. Like I've done this before with my own son...

________    

   

             Photo shoot of Alexa and Maritza while babysitting in a car. 

                         Not an easy task... but what fun!

___________

 

                   Instead of the Easter Bunny at our picnic...

                        we got a visit from the EASTER MOSQUITO!

        Check out the EGG he delivered to Alonso... on his forehead!

----------------------------------------------------------------

                           

                                 Nature's way of saying....

                                                                                He is risen!!

WEEKS GONE BY + WEEK 57 AND 58. Part 3 + Part of WEEK 59 & 60= I can't keep up!

This post is a long one... You might as well go get a cup of coffee and sit down a while!

          WEEKS GONE BY + WEEK 57 AND 58. Part 3 + Part of WEEK 59 & 60=

                                            I CAN'T KEEP UP!

                                                                  WEEK 53   Feb. 24 - Mar 2

                                                                  WEEK 54   Mar 3 - 9

                                                                  WEEK 55    Mar 10 - 16

                                                                  WEEK 56   Mar 17 - 23

                                                                                 +

                                                                  WEEK  57  Mar 24 -  30

                                                                  WEEK 58  Mar 1 - Apr 6

                                                      +

                                                                   WEEK 59 April 7  - 13

                                                                   WEEK  60 April 14 -  20

 

                 The WEEKS just keep flying by, which is actually good. I think.

If your weeks go flying by and have "fallen behind" reading this blog you can click on

the following links:

                                                      WEEKS GONE BY + WEEK 57 AND 58. Part 1.

                                                      WEEKS GONE BY + WEEK 57 AND 58. PART 2.

 

                  **************************

Attention: Between U.S.A. and Spain wishes to apologize for  an editorial error. 

On  WEEKS GONE BY + WEEK 57 AND 58. PART 2.,  we printed a photo of "Poopee" the Alpaca,

 in lieu  of Juana Aragon's, author of this blog. 

Dr. Juanucha Pichumota, reader of this blog, is a world famous arqueologist

( MACHU PICCHU ROYALTY...) turned Alpaca whiperer, who resembles Ms. Aragon,

beyond belief. She  contacted us by e-mail, and expressed her displeasment when she saw her

pet's photo on that post. Along with her protest, she attached a photo of Poopee,

which perfectly captures the Alpaca's annoyance with us also. Dr. Juanucha Pichumota

said, "My Poopee is beautiful. She is in no need of beauty creams!".

                    I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

* The things one has to do not to loose a reader!

************************************************************

Pepe brought me some of my favorite treats from Spain. Tortas de aceite Ines Rosales. 

I didn't open the package until a couple of weeks ago...I love to have them in the afternoon

with a good cup of coffee. I will close my eyes as I savor them...crunch...yumm...crunch...

yumm...Oh, so delicious!!

 

                                                                    They are light and crispy...

                                                                          with a hint of Anise... 

                                                                             I simply love them....

                                  It tastes like....like... hmmm...it tastes like  SPAIN!!

Find out more about them at:

http://www.inesrosales.com/home.asp?idLenguaje=2

Yes, it's in English too! 

*****************************************

 As I was cleaning the last things that Sandra left behind in Alonso's bedroom. I found some

of my things too. Well...some of mine and some of my daughter Mayra's. I guess in that

closet you could find even the guys from Monster's Inc.! I mean that! 

Anyway, to my surprise, way back in that closet I found a large folder. I jumped for joy!

It was some of Mayra's first artwork. 

I went to my bedroom with it, and opened it with love. Tears came to my eyes when I

saw her drawing of Marilyn Monroe. It took me back in time. She was only fifteen and drew it

with pencil. It was her first portrait. 

I remembered that when she showed me this drawing, I knew she was an ARTIST! 

AH! What a moment! Mama was so proud!

Then as I looked at Marilyn, it reminded of... of... ....................... 

Hmmm... I just couldn't put my finger on it!! Then something clicked in my mind! Yes, Cary,

my sister took some photos of Mayra where she looks like a  Hollywood Star!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DON'T YOU AGREE? 

****************************************

                  Here is another family beauty, Miss Savannah Longoria!

                  Oh, wait, she's married now! It's Mrs. Savannah Ward!!

 

 

 

And now some of my favorite photos of the wedding "set up". 

                        First things first. Lots of hugs and love! I am hugging Savannah,

                                    and Hilda, her soon to be grandson-in-law!

                   Afterwards, grandma Hilda show all she made for the wedding. ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                        Step-mom Lacy helping with bows...

                                             Dad Alex helping grandma Hilda...

                                The following  morning ....More of Alex in action...

                                                         Who's 63? Hilda? Impossible!!

                                         Hurry with those napkins, Lacy!!

 

                                           Mom Cheryl setting up her work of art! 

 

 

       Alright everybody, this is looking wonderful!!!  

*******************************************

                My friend, Maricela, keeps feeding me...

                          I don't mind. 

                      This time she made "SOPES"!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 She prepares the MASECA the same way as for tortillas. But instead of making them thin, she hand pats them until the desired thickness.                                              See?

 

Next step: fry the sopes...and when you take them out make an indentation with your thumbs around them. Finish by pinching the center. This will hold your filling in place!

 

                                       Add beans. 
                               add stewed chicken...
                                 add queso fresco...
                      some fresh Mexican cream...

                                                                   thin sliced lettuce....

                            finally, top it all off with some

                            fresh tomatillo and chile sauce.

Just like this! I put a little, because I don't like it too spicy...but you can do yours any way you like it!

              Thank you, Maricela. Simply delicious! 

**************************************

WEEK  59-60

Time passes by. Sometimes I wonder when the wait will be over. It seems so far away!

A couple of weeks ago, in a moment of weakness, I asked my husband to come back... But,

after we talked it over, it was best to stick to the original plan. Sigh...

In order not to think about my feelings, I try to keep as busy as possible. Which is not hard

to do. I work, I take care of Alonso, I try to help out Maricela as much as possible, I mow

the lawn (which takes me forever), clean the house, do laundry, I read my friend's blogs,

and of course...I blog whenever I can.  Oh, and I keep taking photos of what I cook

hoping to finish FOOD STORIES.

Also, whenever I spend time with Alonso outside I shoot photos of my plants. Not and easy

task when you are out of breath running after a two year old!

Here are some of my latest... they are not anything out of this world, but

 

 

They bring some color into my life... I hope it does the same for you!


***********************************************************

During these weeks I also took Maricela out to a restaurant. After all, she is always cooking for me, and this 

young mother had never been to a restaurant like Macaroni Grill... so it was time she did. Maricela and her

family will be returning to Mexico in a few weeks, and I want her to take some good memories with her.

Seven year old, Violeta, enjoyed drawing on the table cloth... I hope someday she will be an artist like my

Mayra and Chris!

Maricela would like to see downtown Atlanta, and the Georgia Aquarium before she returns to her little town

of El Limon. She will...I will make sure of that, and I will post photos. 

                                                                                    *******************************

Look at the note my daughter, Sandra, left on my movie rental account at work...

Thank you, Sandra, this made seeing my "OUTSTANDING BALANCE"

sweeter!

                                           I LOVE YOU TOO!

***********************************

                               And here come the end of this post!

A word of advice. If you are tired. Rest! Or you might end up in a hospital taken care

of by some really strange Doctors...Just like my sister, Hilda, did!

 

           

           Look! This Doctor seems like he doesn't know what he is doing! 

                I think he is Dr. Mc Crazy of  "Pray for Your Life's Anatomy"!

 
                                   And what a young intern that is...

                                   I'd be running out of that hospital!!

 

           Thank God, Hilda, knows how to act around crazy people...

                               Yeap, she just followed along!

   Of course, I couldn't be less than my sis...and the very next day...

                              Guess who collapsed at work?

 

                                                       That's right! Me.

I managed to get my camera out of my pocket and take this photo... before I closed

my eyes for the ride.

                  NEVER LOSE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR. 

                                           By the way.... WE ARE  BOTH O.K.

                                  *I hope I didn't bore you to death with this post!