WEEK 98. THE DEPARTURE WEEK. PART 2

WEEK 98

THE DEPARTURE WEEK

Wednesday January 5 - Thursday January 11

If you have not read PART 1 go ahead and click here : WEEK 98. THE DEPARTURE WEEK. PART 1

(Main events of my last days in Georgia)

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

Unbelievably, five days before leaving to Spain, people started marching up my driveway and taking odds and ends off my hands. Funny, now that I was ready to take everything to Goodwill, things were going out the door and I didn´t have to move a finger! Hallelujah!

Now, I must tell you about one of those things I sold; a stepladder I had posted in a virtual yard sale. It was stained with paint, because of course I used it to reach the top borders of the walls I painted, but otherwise it was good and sturdy. Well, this small stepladder had become one of Alonso´s favorite things to play with during these past weeks. He would go up and down on it a million times, sat and read his books on it, and at times, it was a magnificent two story garage for his Hot wheels. As sad as this might sound it was his buddy. However, it all had to go and hanging on to an old stepladder was nonsense.

Really. Take a look at it.

Well, someone contacted me about it and would be coming by that afternoon to pick it up. I didn´t think much of it until I saw Sandra´s car pull up to the house... With Alonso there the sale would be interesting to say the least.

He looked suspiciously at the woman when she was taking a look at the stepladder but, all was good for the time being because she was in no hurry and left it where it was. Alonso continued playing with his cars and the woman and her husband started looking around the garage. Suddenly, her eyes fixed on a silver candelabra, I had placed on a desk I was also trying to sell, and you could tell it was love at first sight. She contemplated it with adoration, then grabbed it and held it out to her husband while she said excitedly, ¨Honey! Ain't this the most beautiful thing you ever saw?¨ He lifted his eyes from the tools he was checking out, scratched his head and said¨Uhu¨with a grin that allowed me to see several missing front teeth.

(Ah, my Georgia memories will endure...)

I don't think I will ever forget the moment the couple walked down the driveway to one of the oldest, mud-crusted, most beaten up pick up trucks I had seen during my years in Georgia. He went ahead of her. She had the candelabra in one hand and in the other the stepladder. And Alonso who watched in disbelief repeatedly started crying out little no, no, nos. She turned around and said ¨Aaaaawww¨ with a sad face, but I assured her to go on and not worry. Then I tried to console Alonso, but he would have none of that and ran off to the middle of our steep front lawn where he looked minute and more defenseless than ever. If I thought that was a pitiful picture right there, things took an even worse turn when Alonso saw the man take the stepladder from his wife and put it in the back of the pick up. When the truck drove off my grandson's little knees gave in. And so, knelt on the dry bermuda grass, he lifted his hands up to the sky and let out a wail and what seemed to me the longest sounding NOOOOOOOOOO I had heard in my life...

Lord, I felt down right miserable.

But we can't give in to all that children want. I took a deep breath and went to get him. As always I ended half carrying, half dragging a very upset Alonso up the lawn and into the house, while my front neighbors watched... as always. In a matter of very, very, very looooong minutes the stepladder became a matter of the past.

Like I said, the sale was interesting to say the least.

That night I imagined the woman from my latest sale walking into her home and trying to find a place for her new prized possession; the silver candelabra I ended selling for five dollars because I really wanted her to have it.

And you know, looking at the bright side of things, this sale also made me realize that in the future Alonso could do really good in a drama group...

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

Posted at 06:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 98. THE DEPARTURE WEEK. PART 1

WEEK 98

THE DEPARTURE WEEK

Wednesday January 5 - Thursday January 11

If I would have wanted to plan something like this it would not have worked out

This week begins with my 26 th wedding anniversary

And ends with my much awaited trip to Spain!!!

PART 1

The Anniversary Song

The old music cassette must have been left in my car by my husband.

Mystified I sat in my car and held it between my thumb and index finger. I brought the cassette closer to my eyes for a better inspection. Subsequently, I raised my eyebrows. It sure was a relic. I wondered how it had survived for so long.

In an instant images returned from secret hideaways in the corners of my mind and I remembered the exact moment it happened. Ah, yes… I say to myself, and put on a smile, as the scene from my memory unfolded; Pepe reaches into our faithful, mile-packed, red, hatchback Honda Civic, and with a victorious smile brings out the worn out cassette, he closed the car’s door for the last time ever with satisfaction, makes a funny grin and waives it at me like he had just won an Olympic medal. Next, he kept the cassette in one hand and with the other gave the keys to the anxious, young Korean man that had just signed the bill of sale.

The transaction was complete, and they shook hands. Without more ado Pepe and I walked over to my Dodge Stratus holding hands and talking animated about our plans. He dropped the cassette in the glove compartment before buckling his seat belt.

And it stayed there forgotten until now.

Oh, I knew that cassette well. It had an eclectic variety of music recorded in the late 90’s by our teenage daughter before we moved from Spain to the United States. The songs went from hard rock to folkloric Spanish songs. The mix was mostly unbearable. In time it became ancient history for Sandra, and ended tucked away in a box. Nonetheless, a couple of years ago the tape resurfaced while my husband was looking for some old photos.

Pepe’s car radio had stopped working, and I always heard the same thing… and I quote ¨I never have the time to go fix it¨. Because the car model was pre-CD players, the only other option to listen to something besides the humming of the car’s motor was a cassette. Which we had none… or so we thought until that day he opened the box. When my husband held that old tape in his hand I am sure he said ¨BINGO!!¨

From the moment he inserted the tape in the player its music accompanied him to and from work for months on end. The red Honda with its peculiar sound track became a family joke.

Today I was just looking for a pen when I found the cassette. But I figured I would play it for old time’s sakes. Besides, lately for some unknown reason I can only listen to three boring A M radio stations. Listening to the odd selection would certainly bring back happy memories.

FOUR MONTHS LATER…

I am sick of this tape. My radio died shortly after I found it and it is all I have to listen to. I don’t know how Pepe did it…. He deserves a medal just for putting up with it.

Nevertheless, I keep playing it. Fast forwarding it or backtracking to one particular song. Its title is HIGH, although most people know it by Forever You and Me, and it was sung by the group The Lighthouse Family. If I thought I liked it when it first played in the radio years ago, today it softens my heart, but above all it fills me with hope on days when I miss my husband the most.

The first verse goes like this:

When you're close to tears remember
Some day it'll all be over
One day we're gonna get so high
And though it's darker than December
What's ahead is a different colour

The lyrics fit my present like the wedding ring that has been on my finger for 26 years. I began fantasizing every time I listened to it; I saw myself dancing with my husband to this song. Furthermore, it became so dear to me; I declared it our pending 25^th Silver Wedding Anniversary celebration song.

And as I drove to work on crisp winter mornings I daydreamed of reuniting my children and family for a few summer days in a cruise ship. And that Pepe and I elegantly dressed and having practiced to perfection would sway around the dance floor to everyone’s delight.

In a few days I will reunite with my husband in Spain. In a few days I will start planning our past due wedding celebration.

I look forward to this summer. To the day I rejoice and dance to this song with my husband.

Happy 26^th Anniversary Baby!!!

This song is for you.

Thank you for leaving the old cassette in the car.

Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.

I love you!

Lyrics

When you're close to tears remember
Some day it'll all be over
One day we're gonna get so high
And though it's darker than December
What's ahead is a different colour
One day we're gonna get so high

And atThe end of the day
remember the days
When we were close to the edge
And we'll wonder how we made it through the night
The end of the day
remember the way
We stayed so close till the end
We'll remember it was me and you

'Cause we are gonna be forever you and me
You will always keep me flying high in the sky of love

Don't you think it's time you started
Doing what we always wanted
One day we're gonna get so high
'Cause even the impossible
is easy when we got each other
One day 'we're gonna get so high

And at
The end of the day
remember the days
when we were close to the edge
And we'll wonder how we made it through the night
The end of the day
remember the way
We stayed so close to till the end
We'll remember it was me and you.

'Cause we are gonna be forever you and me
You will always keep me flying high in the sky of love (x2)

High, high, high, high.(x2)

And at
The end of the day
remember the days
when we were close to the edge
And we'll wonder how we made it through the night
The end of the day
remember the way
We stayed so close to till the end
We'll remember it was me and you.

'Cause we are gonna be forever you and me
You will always keep me flying high in the sky of love (x3)

Posted at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 97. PART 4

If you are about to read and have not read Part 1 click below

WEEK 97. PART 1

If you have not read Part 2 click below

WEEK 97. PART 2

If you have not read Part 3 click below

WEEK 97. PART 3

Thursday, December 29, 2011 - Wednesday, January 4, 2012

WOW!!

I don't think I have ever had a four part post before!!

I am making sure this one is short so I can go on to WEEK 98

Enough said...

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

Monday January 2

10 days to go....

PREMONITION

No word from my realtor. I have tried to stay positive since we put up the FOR RENT sign. I mean, really,

if I didn´t believe this house will eventually rent, would I have invested so much time and energy in

painting, fixing, cleaning, and making it look irresistable?

Yet, there are times when I am bothered by a nagging feeling. It tells me that I will eventually lose my

house. What is that called? Fear? Or... perhaps premonition?

When I shot this photo I realized I had posssibly captured the future.

The home I loved could become just that... a blurry memory of what I once had.

But, why would that happen? Who would not want to rent this house? With the paint job it looks like

new! It is a nice size home in a quiet neighborhood, with four bedrooms and three full baths, that sits

on an acre of land with pretty blooming trees and lots of colorful perennials that return faithfully each

spring. Furthermore, we are asking for a monthly rent lower than our own mortgage payment...

what more can anyone ask for the price!

Nagging feeling go away! This is one thing we couldn't bear losing. Neither of us. It would hurt too much.

I shiver at the thought.

Therefore, I repeat to myself - IT WILL RENT. Pepe says it will and I must hang on to his words

and believe with all my heart that under no circumstances we will lose our home. He says not to worry,

that even if I don't find a job right away in Madrid we can handle paying it for a while, and he has even

asked for a bank loan to cover our backs for a few more months.

Yes, I am sure it will rent. It is just a bad time of the year. Probably in late spring or early summer...when

the school year ends and parents can start looking for a new rental place to live in..

What would I do without my positive thinking husband? He always reassures me. Even in the distance

he can make his wife feel secure...

My husband. The one only person that calms me when my mind takes off and wonders into the

world of haunting what ifs.

No word from the realtor? No problem. Pepe is right. Everything will be okay. Our home will rent sooner

or later.

Besides, how wrong can things go for us anyways?

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

Tuesday January 3

9 days to go

Closing Doors

With my heart breaking and a knot in my stomach but pretending all was well with me, I asked my

daughter Sandra to return to her apartment.

There was no point to it. No significant reason for her to stay here with me anymore. Sandra had an

apartment and a life she had chosen back in November when she decided to stay in the States rather

than return to Spain with us. Yet, once more she had asked to stay overnight and, that one night

turned into the past two weeks. Not that it surprised me. Sandra had zig- zagged in and out of our

home the last two months; an unbelievable thing considering this child of mine always has a bone to

pick with me...

However, the time had come to start closing doors. It was something we both knew she had to do, and

leaving it to the last moment would only make matters worse. Sandra needed to face whatever ruffled

feelings she had. Alonso needed his own home, with a normal, daily routine. And I... well... I needed

these next nine days to start letting go of them both...

Sandra understands and returns to her apartment and Alonso's father.

It's killing me.

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

Wednesday January 4

Whew! Last day of week 97!

The Case of the Missing $

That morning I said to myself, I would have sworn I had one more hundred dollar bill

I couldn't have spent it!

Frantic search

Exhasperation.

Pulling of hair

I must have hidden it somewhere and I just cant't remember

WHERE... OH!! WHERE COULD IT BE???

I don't have many places where to hide money any more. The house is practically empty!

The money hiding place in my home used to be in the walk in closet of my bedroom

To be exact in one of the inner pockets of Pepe's grey jacket.

But that was in a suitcase already and...

Hmmmm...

Hmmmmmmm....

&%·$"&")!¿?"$!%!!!

Resignation

Oh well...

You win some. You lose some.

I looked out my living room's window and saw the mailman mail carrier by my mailbox

Why not? Let me go down the hill., the exercise might do me some good.

Hmmm...

Hmmmmmm....

A letter from a Mark in Massachusetts???

I opened the letter and my jaw dropped

Then I busted out laughing

Oh, my God!

I had mailed a stranger a $100 bill tucked in the case of a DVD he had won bidding on E-bay!!

Thank you Mark

It is wonderful to know there are honest people out there..

You are truly a REMARKABLE man

and your gesture is absolutely PRICELESS!!!

Posted at 07:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 97. PART 3

WEEK 97

PART 3

Thursday, December 29, 2011 - Wednesday, January 4, 2012

If you are about to read and have not read Part 1 click below

WEEK 97. PART 1

If you have not read Part 2 click below

WEEK 97. PART 2

Sunday, January 1, 2012.

FIRST day of the year!

My official countdown begins

Eleven days to go friends

Only ELEVEN

Can you believe it?

The day of the countdown has finally turned around the corner and it stares straight into my eyes.

The encounter leaves me perplexed. I have a bundle of contrary emotions, happiness and sadness, all neatly tied up in my heart.

Now why would that be? You must be wondering. After all, I am going home to my husband. Isn't that what I have been waiting for the past 97 weeks?

True. I should be counting it all joy. But... It is simply impossible because in order to gain, I must lose. Because for me reuniting with Pepe, also means separation from two of my children and one very special grandson.

I am a happy wife. I am a sad mother. And... I am an even sadder grandmother.

Not the first time I have gone through this either.

Back in March of 2009 I faced the same mix of emotions in my heart. My firstborn, Mayra, who was expecting her second child, would be moving over seas. My husband and I knew that someday Mayra and Raul would return to the country their roots. The one where they fell in love. Spain. We just didn´t expect for someday to come so soon.

Over here in the States, we didn't have much family close by... and in Spain they had tons of loving family and many, many friends! It would be good for them to enlarge their social circle. Add to this that they would have medical attention for their unborn child (who would need surgery shortly after birth, and it was being denied by their health insurance claiming the baby would have a pre-existing condition) and it was a win-win situation for their family.

Or just about, because we knew they would miss us as much as we would miss them...

My daughter Mayra and I loved spending time together, or on the phone talking away. Sandra, my youngest, could never understand how on earth we could find so much to talk about. But Mayra and I had a special bond. There was not a day when we didn't see each other; even if for a moment along the curves of Dee Kennedy Road where we coincided on contrary lanes each morning as we went to work. Honk. Honk. We would simultaneously flash smiles and waive hands.

And then of course there was Alberto. Our first grandson. Cute,smart and funny. He filled our daily lifes with joy and laughter.

Alberto with his cousin Alonso in March 2009.

Yaya thinks they are absolutely adorable.

Alberto was about to turn four years old that unsually warm month of March. Alonso, his baby cousin was only seven months old. The children were unaware of the big changes that were about to occur in a couple of days. Unfortunately, I could't say the same, and I wondered how long before the two sisters and the boys could be together again. It could be years! That is why I decided they have a professional photo shoot at the mall.

A keepsake to capture and treasure the closeness they once had.

The photos turned out truly beautiful. I only regreted not participating in the shoot...SO when we got home, at my request, Mayra snapped some photos of the boy and me in my back yard.

We immediately realized the photo

shoot was not going to be an easy

one....

NOPE!

Definetely not what I had in mind...

But they turned out to be lots of fun

And I wouldn´t change them for the world!

Two days later my husband's heart and mine broke when we said goodbye to our daughter Mayra, Raul and Alberto.

Little did I know then that life would lead me down a path with twists and turns I would have never thought of...

That my husband and I would plan to return to Spain ourselves... and he would actually travel a year later.

That I would wait close to two years until I made the move.

That I would have to say goodbye to my other children, Christopher and Sandra... and leave my three and a half year old grandson, Alonso, behind. A grandson that I had helped raise in our home since he was born....

It is the first day of the year and I sit and write, and wonder with a heart filled with mixed emotions.

I am a happy wife. I am a sad mother. And... I am an even sadder grandmother.

I can only hope that one day the road of life leads me to being with my husband, children and grandchildren again. All together as it once was. With just happiness in my heart and no sadness.

_________________________________________________

Posted at 07:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 97. PART 2

WEEK 97

Thursday, December 29, 2011 - Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Part 2

If you have not read part 1 click here WEEK 97. PART 1

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

The rest of Saturday 31st went like this:

I drove around, Auburn, the town where I live trying to finish off my ¨to do¨ list. It didn’t take long

because Auburn is a very small town. Founded in 1892 the city was given its name because of the red

clay found here to dye cloth auburn-red. The pine tree surrounded town is so small in fact; the historic

downtown consists of two tiny blocks. Police department included. Incredibly, the old, two story brick

and wood buildings on those two tiny blocks are in just one side of the street. Therefore, there is great

visibility of the little downtown area when you drive on Highway 8, also known as Highway 29 or Winder

Highway, because the only thing between them are the rail road tracks that run parallel to the road for

miles on end.

However, even with an open view of Auburn’s historical downtown, driving by at 30 miles an hour you can

miss it by a blink of an eye. The only thing that pops out of the scenery in this small street was an old,

red caboose stationed on a little park area by the buildings. When Alonso was with me in the car and saw

it he would shriek with delight over and over again, ¨Choo chooooo tain!! Ook! Yaya!! Chooooo choo!!¨

And when I was by myself and saw it, I knew that on the next light I had to turn left and cross over the

rail road tracks if I wanted to go home.

Sometimes the thought of stopping and taking a closer look at the red caboose crossed my mind. But I

never did. Not in eleven years. I guess I had let it go to many tomorrows.

When I was done with my list I passed once more by the red caboose on my way home. Sigh.

Soon I would be living in another city and this familiar sight would be something from my past.

I wondered... No- Certainly now was not the time to be curious and stop the car. Georgina C would

soon be by my house to pick up her virtual yard sale purchases.

Georgina arrived right on time with her husband, teenage son, mother, and two pick up trucks. The

cheery woman in her late thirties paid for what she promised she would buy, then looked around the

garage with interest and bought even more. Her son wanted every tool he saw in sight, and her mother

bought the green rod iron kitchen rack and one of my favorite decorations; a wreath... a beautiful one

custom made, with lots of love by my sister Hilda just for me.

At least Georgina was so thrilled with the furniture, decor and tools she bought that it made it easier

for me to let go of them... I even threw in some of my movie posters for free. But when I saw that

wreath in their pick up truck as they drove off on Summer Lane... I had to repeat to myself that I was

saying good bye to mere objects, not loved ones. Things dear to me, but not necessary to go on living.

And afterall, much of our memory bearing belongings were on the way to Spain already.

I should not complain. The large two car garage that had metamorphized into a storage unit throughout

the years was now almost clutter free. I couldn´t believe I actually could park two cars in it if I wanted

to. I laughed out loud and shook my head. How ironic... now that I didn´t need it....

Now, with the pick up arrangement out of the way, and a gratifying sense of relief I could go to Ingles

Market and buy some groceries for a special dinner, as I had always done in years past for New Year's

Eve. I took my grandson Alonso along. In the produce department I held a bag of green, seedless

grapes and pondered on buying them. In Spain it is traditional to eat grapes on New Years Eve; exactly

twelve grapes on the last quarter of the last minute of the year. There is always an exception of

course... with my son, Chris, I remember we had to prepare a small plate with 12 peanuts. He was a

finicky eater. However, most Spaniards make an art of this traditional grape- eating moment.

Others like me, choke or end up laughing and pieces of gnawed grapes go flying everywhere...

I smiled. What´s not to like about it? I certainly had some great family memories tied to the tradition!!

I looked at Alonso, sitting in the shopping cart, happily eating the free cookie offered to all children at the

bakery. The chocolate chips matched his big, dark brown eyes. I said to him, ¨well, buddy, you won´t be

eating grapes tonight... by ten o´clock, the latest, you will be sound asleep, and your mommy will be

going over to her best friend´s house. Hmmm... what´s the point of buying these.¨

I put the grapes back. Some people skip Christmas- tonight I was going to skip ¨las uvas¨or the

grapes. It could wait until next year when I would celebrate next to my husband, Pepe.

The thought aroused emotions. A tear fought my will and rolled down my cheek.

I decided right there I wasn´t even going to cook dinner. The hell with it. Sandra, Alonso and I could eat

out. I paid for my milk and bread and headed home. There was a very important call to make at six p.m..

That I couldn´t skip.

On the way home, Alonso cried out his usual, ¨Chooo choo!! Yaya!! Chooo choo tain!!¨ But this time I

didn´t keep going, I crossed over the rail road tracks, turned left and onto the tiny two block street.

Alonso sensed what was about to happen and clapped his hands in aticipation.

I said opening his door, ¨Let´s go buddy! Let´s say hello to our friend the choooo chooo tain.¨ Alonso

opened wide those big eyes of his and gave me an even bigger smile, jumping for joy all the way to the

red caboose.

Seeing Alonso explore the red caboose was priceless. However, when the time came to say good

bye it wan´t easy. He did not want to part from his new friend. I had to half drag, half carry a very

dramatic, crying Alonso to the car. The child shed tears all the way home crying out for his train.

My grandson´s tears would not be the lasts of the day. When six o´clock came around I was ready to

make that important phone call. In Madrid it was midnight and the New Year 2012 had arrived. As I held

the phone tight I whispered, Happy New Year honey. I waited a few minutes before dialing my husband´s

cell phone number. I had to wait... give him time to hug our daughter Mayra, her husband Raul, our

grandkids Alberto and Gabriel, and the rest of the family there gathered.

My husband´s voice quivered as he said, ¨Baby, don´t cry please. Everything will be different next

year... This is our last one apart. OUR LAST ONE! The wait is over. I love you with all my heart and

I can´t wait to see you in a few days. We have a whole brand new year to spend together. I love

you. I´ll call you tomorrow. OK?¨

He was crying by the end of the conversation.

I sobbed on the kitchen´s counter after we hung up.

Sandra, and I ended having juicy hamburgers at Dakota´s Restaurant. Alonso had a grilled cheese

sandwich with fries. Delicious any time of the year, yet so different from what I would have prepared on

such a night. I think my daughter and I did a real good job of eating our hamburgers without getting

emotional. In the back of our heads I know we were thinking the same; eleven more days and

who knew when we would be together again after I moved to Spain.

When we returned home, Sandra started getting ready to go to Diana´s home. I had insited she

go before midnight... but she took her sweet time. I knew what my daughter was doing. She

didn´t want me to be home by myself. While she put on her make up and did her hair I fell asleep

cuddled up next to Alonso.

A ¨Mom! Wake up!!MOOOM!! It´s almost time¨!!¨ woke me up. I responded with a ¨Didn´t I

tell you I wanted to sleep? Why aren´t you at Diana´s?¨ She said, ¨I wasn´t going to leave you

here like this!¨ I rolled my eyes. I knew it.

When the clock struck midnight my daughter and I hugged, kissed and did a little silly dance in the

dark living room lit dimly by our television.

After the door closed behind her I took a moment and texted Happy New Year to my son Chris, who

was working, his wife... my friends. I gave Hilda a phone call and we ended up talking for quite a while.

And as always we laughed. We always like to say something funny to make each other

laugh... we can´t help it. Silly, very grown up girls we are.

In my home. In the wee hours of the first day of the year of 2012. In that little town of Northern

Georgia named Auburn, next to a peacefully sleeping Alonso I cuddled once more and wished him

a Happy New Year. I carresed his hair and wondered if he was dreaming of red choo choo trains.

Kissing his forehead and wrapping my arm around him... I hoped... hoped it would be a good

year for us all.

Posted at 09:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 97. PART 1

WEEK 97

Thursday, December 29, 2011 - Wednesday, January 4, 2012

This is such an important week in my life

A turning point

The year 2011 with all my waiting and wondering will be left behind

The year 2012 will be welcomed with all my hopes and dreams of a new life in Spain next to Pepe

*******

Sooo.... Let´s see what I have to say about Week 97...

On Thursday I spent much time checking my Facebook messages. Obsesively checking. Not to see if Pepe, family or

friends had anything to say to me...nope... I was checking for messages from strangers. Because with only two weeks

until I leave Auburn, Georgia, and still so much to sell I figured I´d try anything. And I did.

You see, a friend who saw me hand out my ¨for sale¨ flyers to another friend at Ingles Market (A.K.A. as my former

place of employment) sugested I´d try a virtual garage/yard sale on Facebook. Wow, for real? I said with a big smile,

I wish I would have known about this before! I left the flyers with Sherry, bought in a hurry a few groceries for that night´s

dinner, and I drove home with high hopes. As soon as I was at my desk I sat and searched in Facebook for results

under my neighboring area plus yard sale. And Yeap. There it was. The Dacula Auburn Online Yard Sale, or something

like that. Ah, looking at my computer screen I imagined a little light at the end of the tunnel intermitently flashing

¨possible sales... possible sales... possible sales...¨ I quickly requested a ¨friendship¨ and just as quickly I was

¨accepted¨. Wow, I said to myself, How awesome was this? Facebook is not just for connecting with friends, loved

ones and not so loved ones. No. Now you can actually sell your treasures/junk through it!

I was one happy woman. Afterall, if it worked out I would be making less trips to the Goodwill donation center in

Winder and that would be very, very nice. So I snooped around the page first to see who was selling and what they

were selling and secondly I joined the club with fingers crossed. Now it was time to check, and check and check for

any responses to my posts.

Anyway, at the end of the day my obsesive checking gave fruit for I was messaged. I even heard angels sing as I read

the messages from Facebook strangers who wanted to buy! The best part was that it had been easy to do too. And If

you would like to try a virtual garage/yard sale just follow my steps... Upload photo of your stuff. Forget what you

paid for it. Describe the wonderful condition it´s in and ask for a fair low price. Patiently wait for comments with

offers/bids. If you are as desperate as I accept any ridiculous offers. Don´t pull your hair. Laugh. Afterward

message the strangers for pick up arrangements.

And I prayed that they, the strangers, did not back down. I prayed that I might be able to leave our pretty house with a

view completely empty to facilitate renting it, and that I might have no worries the last few days of my stay in the United

States. That I could proudly tell Pepe that night, ¨Baby, I did it! Our house will soon be empty.. Wheh! One less thing to

worry about!!¨ Sigh. Dear God, you know how hard these two years have been on my husband and I. Allow us to finally

concentrate on us. On our marriage. Allow these last fourteen days to go by fast...

Hopefully, God wouldn´t mind my silly prayers.

**********

The following is a bit of show and tell to conmemorate what would be my best Facebook sale.

Georgina C

Do you still have these items:

Desk Lamp

Lawnmower

Ladder

Shelf Unit

Bookcases

China Cabinet.

Juana Aragon Bernal
- Actually, yes I still have them all!
Georgina C

I added it up, you want 186.00 for it all but would you be willing to take $175
- I could come saturday and pick it all up.

Juana Aragon Bernal

Hi Georgina: Yes, $175.00 is fine.
When would you pick it up?

Georgina C

It would have to be Saturday. I have a feeling I will need more than one truck. So by then I will have gotten two
helpers and trucks together. Or Sunday, if that is better. Just let me know when, and how to get to you.

Juana Aragon Bernal

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

Friday 30th I start the day with my first of many cups of coffee, the usual peek out the kitchen’s window to check the weather, and then return to what used to be my bedroom but now only holds a small, square, dark brown table that serves as a desk, a chair and my computer. Then, I begin my daily routine by logging into my Yahoo mail account. Nothing new. Just a bunch of unwanted e-mails that I don’t care to even read and delete, delete, delete. Darn! I was hoping someone browsing for a dining room in Craiglist fancied mine..

In order to sell it better I had reupholstered the six chairs with my own clumsy little hands! A little time consuming but totally worth it. They looked amazing if I say so myself. Frankly, I was very surprised at the result. At least at first sight... Who was going to turn the chairs upside down and look at the imperfections underneath the seat? If you saw me as I write this, I have a develish grin on my face. What!! I am not good at anything involving fabric, measurements and scissors...

Anyway, I have kept reducing it´s price and most likely will keep doing it. You know this actually hurts? But it hurts because so many great memories are attached to this eleven year old, solid pine table and chairs. To an outsider it´s just a table and chairs.. oh, and hutch. To me it´s MY dining room. The table and chairs were we gathered as a family. Where I placed my family´s favorite food. Where we placed birthday and baby shower cakes. Where we played games.Where we drew out plans. Where we had great conversations… and laughter… lots of laughter! Ah, the memories… and now I have only thirteen days to let go of it practically giving it away… but there it was; One more day sitting pretty in it´s place with no offers.

What´s wrong with people? Don´t they see it´s a steal?

Oh, well, Juana maybe tomorrow, I said to myself and went on with my routine. After logging out of my e- mail account I went on to log into my E-bay account. You see, I had invested a little money in reduced dvds and 24 by 27 inch movie posters before I stopped working in my video department. It was a way of making a little income during this time of waiting around for my return to Spain. I didn´t mind E-bay. It kept me busy - adding listings was time consuming. But at the end the money added to good sums in Pay Pal and that was very welcomed. Especially since I have been without a paycheck for two months now.

However, once in a while there was that customer, like today, that soured the milk in my coffee with a message saying the item arrived damaged and was going to give me negative feedback unless I returned his money. Which was imposible of course.. unless the mail carrier ran over it with the truck... and I would have to settle with him in order to keep my ¨good seller¨ status. BOO HOO!

Word of mouth, flyers, Craiglist, and E-bay selling...

You gotta do what you gotta do!

And now, after dealing with the irrate person from E-bay it was time to log out and log into my bank account. One quick look.... and I felt like bringing out a violin and playing a sad tune, but I don´t have one so I log out of my Suntrust account and log into my Facebook account.. With no messages from possible buyers through the online yard sale it was time to read status updates from family and friends.

Finally!!

Something enjoyable to help me disconnect for a moment from my selling and worries!

WOW! I just realized

I am pooped from logging in and out...

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

Saturday 31st. Last day of the year 2011. Hard to believe. It´s been a long, long wait for my husband and I, but that gap betwen us called the Atlantic Ocean will be no more in a matter of days. For Delta flight 109 will carry me over it, and once on the other side I will never, never, EVER separate from my husband again!! I will be stuck to him like a 5 ft 6in giant leech. Watch out honey! Here I come!

However, New Years Eve is the last thing I want to think of. Or at least I am trying to convince myself of that. Good thing I have so much on my mind today. I have to swing by the dollar store and buy bubble envelopes to mail the dvds I sold in e-bay the last couple of days. I also have to swing by the library and print out the addresses and delivery confirmation numbers for them. Then run to the post office before they close. Later on the day Georgina C, will be coming by to pick up the furniture she is interested in... and there is another person interested in the patio set that might come by the house. Oh! I need to run by Home Depot and buy more Wasabi color paint so I can finish painting the kitchen cabinets.... Some lucky person is going to enjoy a freshly painted house and brand new looking kitchen cabinets!

Did I mention I bartered with my car?

I need to paint my house.

You need a car. Only you will get it the day before I leave the States? Yes?

Uhu... I traded my old, purple Dodge Stratus for a complete house paint job.

Well, except for the kitchen cabinets...

The young man to the right is Felipe. He is the brother of Sandra´s best friend, Diana. And their parents Mr. & Mrs. Gonzalez are like Sandra´s second parents. Wonderful Colombian family. I will miss them!

As I was saying- lots in my mind today, but not enough to stop me from taking a look at Facebook before I left the house. Today, unlike me, everyone I knew would be celebrating and having parties. I tried not getting melancolic... I just had to wait a few more days to celebrate... my New Year´s party would be January 12th, when I reunite with my hubby. It was around the corner!

Meantime, reading other people´s plans for New Year´s Eve would be fun. Besides, I would add a word or two myself!!

And as I scrolled down facebook...WHOA!! Did someone have plans!! Very different plans from most people on this last day of the year!! Savannah, my sister Hilda´s very pregnant grandaughter had just posted earlier in the day ¨Jack is coming for real! my water just broke!¨

(You might remember Savannah from posts A FAIRY TALE LOVE STORY... and WEEKS GONE BY + WEEK 57 AND 58. Part 3 + Part of WEEK 59 & 60= I can't keep up! )

Oh, my gosh!! How exciting!!

A new baby boy would be born to our family in a matter of hours

BUT... OH, MY GOSH!!

My nephew Alex would be a grandfather!!

That meant my sister would be a GREAT GRANDMOTHER...

Already?? How can that be??

I am too young to be her sister!!

MY SISTER IS TOO YOUNG TO BE ONE!!

NOW, Hilda,... don´t worry. Seriouly.

You will be one of the greatest, coolest and youngest GREAT GRANDMAMAS there is in this world!!!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

A few hours later in Ohio...

Precious baby Jack James Ryan Ward was born

Making all of his family in the United States and in Spain say

¨AAAAAAAAWWWWWWW!!!¨

Congratulations and many blessings Zach and Savannah

He sure is a cutie!!!

==================================

TO BE CONTINUED...

Posted at 07:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 96 and 97

Note: As I explained in my last post, A STRANGER TO HER OWN BLOG, I am picking up where I left of- WEEK 96. I had this post written and a few more that I had down loaded the photos already but, with the last hectic days before I left for Spain, and then the jet lag and migraines after I arrived in Spain it was impossible for me to post.

..................................................................

WEEK 96

December 2 2- 28

WEEK 96 = Christmas week. And although we all know Christmas is so last year's by now... I just

can't skip writing about it. After all, it is a most wonderful time of the year- a time to celebrate the

birth of Jesus, whether merrily with family and friends, or... just on your own.

So how did I celebrate my last one in the U.S.? Well, I did it both ways. Since my son, Christopher, worked

late on Christmas Eve, we opted to get together on Christmas day. That meant a simple dinner with

Sandra and Alonso, on the 24th. She afterward went to a friend's house where they were celebrating it

big time, as many hispanics do on Noche Buena. I encouraged Sandra to go because it would be fun for

her and Alonso. I, on the other hand, although being invited to the same Christmas Eve party, decided to

stay home... my mind wondering off to Spain, to my husband, Pepe, Mayra and Raul, my grandkids

Alberto and Gabriel, and the rest of the gang that was gathering at my sister Cary's home for an all out

evening with hilarious performances by the kids and many of the adults.

With many years of Christmas Eve's celebrations in Spain, I was an expert as to how the evening would

evolve at my sister's, and waited for the clock to strike 5 pm Eastern time- 11 pm Spanish time. As

customary my family would be getting up from the dinner table and start getting ready to family-party.

And so, with phone in hand, I had to fight a big lump in my throat and keep from crying, when I called

my husband to wish him and all gathered there a Feliz Noche Buena. When our conversation was over

I sure didn't fight the tears. I let them roll. And the tears weren't all because I was missing my family in

Spain. No. They were from anticipatingly missing my children, my sister, Hilda, and her children, my dear

friends and yes, even this house... witness for eleven years of our lives in Georgia. In a matter of days

everything as I knew it, would change.

Reminiscing Christmas past, the evening hours passed slowly... quietly. Finally, it was time to shower, get

dressed and go celebrate on my own. After all, it was Christmas Eve and I did have plans. I got in my car

at 11:15 pm and drove toward Winder. Dark. Cold. Misty. I listened to jolly Christmas carols while keeping

an eye out for night critters on, or about to cross the road. And as I did a thought crossed my mind; No

possums, racoons or deer around the area I would soon be living in.

Not a car in sight until I got to the traffic light past the Aburn Fire Department- over the rail road

crossing and Hwy 29. From this point, my Christmas celebration destination, St. Matthew Catholic Church,

was just ten minutes away and a turn to the right.

Midnight Mass.

Time to celebrate Jesus' birth.

I rejoiced.

***

CHRISTMAS DAY

On Christmas day I woke up early.

With Sandra and Alonso still fast asleep, I headed to Chris and Beth's home.

There was cooking to be done, and memories to create.

Earlier Chris had place my pork roast in the oven, but before I started the rest of the cooking,

there were delicious cups of esspresso, warm rolls with creamy butter,

and a lesson on how to make a very original Christmas centerpiece, by Beth!

\
I never would have thought of this-

Add lemons and cranberries to a vase...

Then some evergreen and pretty flowers...

And Taaa-Daaaa!! Simply adorable!!

And speaking of adorable, here is Beth.

This talented interior designer and daughter- in- law of mine is just getting prettier by the day!!

When Sandra arrived with Alonso, it was present opening time, and...

Oh, boy!! Uncle Chris and Aunt Beth got him all sorts of colors and books!!

After he held the special markers in his hands there wasn't much interest in the rest.

And it seemed Berkus was just as interested in those markers!

However, Rembrandt, inclined for the musical instruments...

But

The anecdote of the day was:

Alonso waking up that morning and very excitedly exclaiming "Oook, mami, peepahs!!"

while pointing at the gift boxes under our tiny tree.

Translation: "Look Mami, pizzas!!"

Well, there weren't any pizzas in those boxes, nor in the kitchen-

Yaya had cooked what Chris, Beth and Sandra requested. Cuban food.

After all, they won't be tasting Mama's food in a while...

So, I preprared flavorful black beans...

Yuca with garlic, olive oil and fresh lemon mojo...

Whole picnic pork marinated with oregano, cumin, black pepper, garlic and olive oil

&

Steamy white rice, Cuban tamales- my way (husk-less)

Two salads:

Avocado & tomato

Mandarin

For dessert:

Flan and Torrijas

WHO'S COUNTING CALORIES...

Not me!

Ah, the joy of seeing your children enjoy your food!

And this is what our plates looked like. YUM!!

Of course before taking a bite, I had to take a few photos!

Ummm.... but they weren't much for posing.

It's hard to do when you are hungry and the aroma of delicious food surrounds you.

It was best to dig in and put the camera away!

In the meantime, Alonso played creatively...

and drew some more...

After lunch... well, we just hung out.

Who could move!

Later on Sandra went back home. I stayed behind soaking in precious time spent with Chris and Beth.

How could I not? To see them again, before my trip to Spain, was uncertain.

Tired and with a heavy belly it was time to sit on the comfy livingroom's sofa. I looked around

admiring what a great job, Beth, had done with it. And my eyes landed on a piece tied to many of my

fondest memories; The large, rectangular mirror with wide, golden frame that had captured and

reflected the images of my family's life for ten years now sat on their fireplace's mantel. I smiled.

A newer, fresher era had begun for it in this young couple´s home as they build a life together. I

wished it many happy reflections for years to come.

It was a most relaxed and enjoyable evening. Chris was being extra sweet with me. And I really

appreciated it... I would have loved to stay overnight as he suggested. Gosh, the thought of sleeping

on a real bed, or even the cushioned sofa was tempting, but the thought of Sandra and Alonso alone in

that almost empty house kept me from it. I settled for staying a few more hours than planned.

While Chris and I watched television, Beth went out on a good will mission. She figured her cousin,

who just had a baby, could do without the worry of two puppies at home that needed feedings and walks.

I thought it was very nice on her part. Also very brave. Who knew how Berkus and Rembrandt would

react to the newcomers!

And then it was time for me to head home. Hugs, kisses and lots of tail wagging. I got in my car and

drove into the night wondering how my next Christmas would be. Oh, dear God, I would be with

my husband and Mayra, and the rest of my family in Spain but, missing Chris, Beth, Sandra and

Alonso!! You can´t have it all, I thought, what´s important now is that THIS will be your last one

without your hubby.

There was no traffic on I-85, I had the road all to myself as I drove home

Hmmm... I loved an open road

I loved the idea of an open future close to Pepe

Posted at 07:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

A STRANGER TO HER OWN BLOG

June 13, 2012

Villanueva de la Cañada

Madrid, Spain.

A stranger to her own blog.That is how she feels today. Six months have passed since she wrote her last post.

Nothing was familiar to her anymore. Not even signing in. What was that password she used? She couldn´t remember

it and did the pertinent changes to one she could easily remember. Afterward, she just stared at the computer screen

and wondered if she could even concentrate enough to write; To finish what she had started, on February 25, 2010,

with so much faith, hope, joy and love- her blog. Because her blog, Between U.S.A and Spain had a purpose. To tell

a story with a happy ending. At least she believed so then.

If only life hadn´t stabbed her in the back...

everything would be so different. Returning to her blog would be

a joyous moment. A victorious moment. Not one that caused her

anxiety, and made her want to run out of her room.

She wished she could turn back time. To be

herself again. To be with her husband. Whole. Not this half

person she has become. A stranger to herself. A stranger to her

own story. To her blog.

Where is the old Juana? That woman. The one that

chronicled, for nearly two years, by WEEKS from her pretty

house in Auburn, Georgia, about life while waiting to reunite

with her faithful and loving husband, Pepe, in Spain. Well, that

woman is gone. She left the day tragedy struck them without

compassion on the afternoon of her husband´s 52nd birthday...

February 20th, 2012. And now, what´s left of the old Juana,

needs to continue the posts where she left off... so she can finish

the story. Their story. The one with the heartbreaking ending.

Pepe, my love

I am doing this for you:

Between U.S.A. and Spain will continue with WEEK 96

Posted at 04:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 93, 94,95

Attention: Once again I am running behind schedule with my WEEKS. I had started the following post many days ago, but let it go because deep down inside I feel guilty about spending time in front of the computer. But today, I figured I should finish it- After all the photos had been downloaded and I am in much need of some quiet ME time.

Also, it would be a shame not to blog my last weeks! After two years of hanging around Georgia telling you my life... How could I leave you hanging from a cliff just before I leave! Yes, I said LEAVE. You see, I will be leaving come rain, shine, snow, sleet, storm, or monsoon, on the 11th of January to Spain.

Finally.

The waiting game will be over.

Somebody, pinch me!!

WEEK 93, 94, 95

December 1-21

I didn't need a clock to tell me it was 5;30 a.m., my body cried out it was too early.

In darkness, I rolled out of my blanket-bed and onto the living room's carpet. Next, as

every morning since my bed sold, I got on all fours, thrust my butt up, stretched my legs,

and with my hands firmly on the carpet I proceeded to place my feet apart for better

balance. In that position I counted... one... two... three... before commanding my arms to

push against the beige carpet, and get me standing. I lost my balance a little in doing so.

But, ah! Finally erect like the homo sapiens I am. Before heading to the kitchen, I looked

down upon Sandra and Alonso, snuggled under a red and orange, poppy flowers

comforter, sleeping peacefully. I wondered. How long had I been sharing my "bed" with

them. Ten days? I couldn't remember. I couldn't think. But I was sure she wouldn't

be leaving any time soon.

In the kitchen, the oven's clock glowed 5:32 a.m. I whispered to myself, "Gosh, you are

good at guessing time!" But then again, my body seems to follow a stress pattern. Oh, well!

I made myself a cup of instant coffee and headed to my computer. I might as well blog a little

until daylight. It's been hard to do lately.

So, without further ado:

Here is a little of what has been going on in my life.

WEEK 93

November 29- December 7

I did something extra special this week: I got together with wonderful friends, at

Mary Ann's home thanks to an invitation extended by another friend that has kept

up with me by reading my blog- Donna Deckard Chafin.

Gosh, I hadn't seen "the gang" in almost 2 years! And it was "Christmas ornament

exchange day"...

So here they are doing the scissors, paper, rock thing to choose a bag.

Don't laugh... BUT, do you know I don't know how that goes?

O.K. laugh.

Oh, look what Mary Ann got!

Aren't these cupcake ornaments too cute?

Time for group photo. Mary Ann as always, had something to say... was it "cheese"?

When I showed her the photo she added with her great Scottish accent,

"Oh, no! Take another one... look at my mouth! I don't look good!"

So, I took another shot.

This one she liked better!

Thank you girls for the wonderful evening!

Just like in the old days, I had a blast!

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

WEEK 94

December 8 - 14

December 11, I find out my household goods are on their way to Spain.

They shipped out through New York in a cargo ship.

To be exact, they are sailing away in this strange looking ship:

Zim Qingdao (IMO: 9318163)

Photo of the vessel Zim Qingdao

Zim Qingdao by Dragon2

Bon Vogage, three pallets of my things that only God knows how they will arrive in Madrid!!!

*********

DECEMBER 12, 2011

My niece Adriana and her husband Ruben are proud parents!

Ariadna is our new little princess!

I can't wait to be in Spain and hold her!!!

And it was about time we had another girl in the family, because our last one...

Is certainly not a baby any more!

I realized it, when her last photos on facebook...

CAUGHT MY EYES!

You might remember my niece Carmen from my post GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS.

She sure has grown into a beautiful young girl! Don't you agree?

By the way if you are wondering about her blue eyes and blond hair

... she is 100% Spanish.

********

WEEK 95

December 15 - 21

This week I was very stressed. With little sleep, I was tired, frustrated, disappointed with myself, and

feeling like I was not making any progress... Christmas was near, I was doubtful about choosing a

date for my flight to Spain (things got a little more complicated for me, but I won't get into that) and to

top it off, my 2 year old grandson, Gabriel, had to be hospitalized due to a severe bronchitis. So when my

best friends, Mary and Cheryl, wanted to take me out to dinner, I said very enthusiastically,

"I WOULD LOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooVE TO!!! JUST SAY WHEN!!!"

So we met at a little restaurant near my house- DAKOTA'S.

From left to right: Shawn (Mary's son), Mary, moi, and Cheryl.

Curious facts: Mary and I, gave birth to sons on the same day- September 12, 1982 and named them Christopher!

Cheryl's birthday is also September 12!

Shawn actually likes hanging around us... Hey! We are three funny ladies!!

I always wondered about this Southern dish...

But thanks to Cheryl ordering it, I wonder no more- FRIED PICKLES are delicious!!

And this chipotle- blue cheese burger was OUTSTANDING!

Well, as you can see, we really enjoyed each others company, the place and the food-

Just look at Shawn eating his chicken wrap... the photo says it all!

Thank you, Mary and Cheryl, for a very much needed night out. I will miss you dearly my friends- we have shared

laughter, and we have shared tears for six years. Your friendship is priceless to me. I hope someday you can come and

visit me in Spain!

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

Looky here: I got another mysterious visitor! There is a person in the Netherlands that visits my blog frequently...

and she/he found my blog by "google-ing" my paternal great-grandmother! Oh, please! Person from the Netherlands

do leave a comment. I would love to know who you are and why your interest in Virginia Foreaux? Could you be a long

lost relative perhaps? I am dying to know! :)

Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant arrived from google.nl on "A MOST PRECIOUS GIFT. (Between U.S.A. and Spain.)" by searching for virginia foureaux, daughter of the owner of el grand cirque foureaux.

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

And now, I will end this post with a smile!

Well, actually two smiles from Alonso!

I love this photo! Even the burger smiles!

And this one is a "bad" photo that turned out great due to his winning smile!

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

Whew!

Post is done and I feel good.

Now, back to business: My suitcases!

Posted at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

I SHOULD KNOW...

DECEMBER 11, 2011

In my present quest to publish my book, FOOD STORIES, I was busy researching publishers, literary

agents, query letters and such, when Alonso came in the room and wanted to play with me. I said to my grandson,

"Oh, baby! Yaya needs to work a little here!" His big, brown eyes saddened, and I immediately said, "Just give

a minute... let's see what you can play with in the meantime..." He stood by my side quietly, while I looked around

the room. Darn. I realized there wasn't much to play with in this house anymore. Then, my eyes anded on the

paper wrapped, plywood board that I use as a base to pin movie posters for e-bay sales. I suddenly found

myself pointing at the board and saying excitedly, "Look Alonso! Why don't you draw here?!" And I handed him

what should never be handed to a 3 year old child... a big, black marker!!

As I sat on my chair to continue my work,

I prayed that Alonso would draw within the boundaries of the board and not on the walls...

Much to my surprise he went at it with utmost seriousness and dedication, being very careful with the marker. And I

realized he was being very passionate about his drawing- stopping, looking, and adding more lines. That's when I

stopped doing my research and grabbed my camera.

I needed to immortalize the birth of an ARTIST!

I mean look at this!

How very interesting...

Does it not remind you of

Jackson Pollock's paintings?

Oh, I can guess what you must be thinking...

But I am not delirious! When it comes to artists- I should know...

Yes, I should know!

Because 25 years ago, I looked with awe at a drawing my son, Christopher, brought from school...

And that day I announced to everyone very proudly that Christopher would be a great artist someday.

Why! Look at those expressive eyes! Look at those cool boots! The wonderful colors!

My family thought I was crazy! They couldn't see what I saw... a four year old genius!!

But today I can say, "SEE! I TOLD YOU SO!" with a big smile on my face!

And someday I will say the same about Alonso...

Wait and see...

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

Chris, thanks for your support today. It meant so much...

Love you,

Mom

Posted at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)

JUANITA'S CANTINA SOUTH OF THE BORDER JELL-O

JUANITA’S CANTINA SOUTH OF THE BORDER JELL-O

The horses whined as they crossed the waters of the Rio Bravo. Their riders- a mighty strange

group of fellas. Some was good. Some was bad. And some…...

Well, they was just plain UGLY. But they all had something in common; They was thirsty…

but not for water, mind you, nor for whisky!

Once in Mexico the men let out loud YEE-HAWS while waiving their cowboy hats in the air

and continued their ride south, lifting clouds of brown dust as they galloped all the way to

JUANITA’S CANTINA.

It was a crowded place that there little cantina, and Juanita, a dark haired, big eyed, chubby woman

in her fifties that always wore bright yellow dresses and matching earrings, was the proud owner.

No liquor was served, just her palate-pleasing specialty- SOUTH OF THE BORDER JELL-O.

And in a land of blazing sun her refreshing after grub dessert was very welcomed by the rowdy

men that turned into little boys when Juanita, with a big smile, served it in pretty margarita glasses.

Ah, yes! They liked pretty.

So every day Juanita made

huge batches of sparkly

pineapple Jell-o for her

good, bad, and ugly boys.

Then added cans

of sweet tasting pineapple.

And in big barrels she would

mix her secret ingredients:

sour cream and condensed milk!

She cut limes in wedges and passed them around the rim of tall margarita glasses. Immediately,

Juanita would dip them in sweet sugar to give her dessert an extra loving touch. And finally she would

fill the glasses with her golden, refreshing mix and decorate it with slices of lime and lemon. Now, I

ask ya, what man could resist that on a hot summer day? I reckon none.

Yeap!!

That there cool and scrumptious

South of the Border Jell-o

at Juanita’s Cantina

was worth a galloping for!!!

Wouldn’t you a hurry too?

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

*It's been a while since I posted an update on my book FOOD STORIES. Although very anxious to publish... I confess I need help. With so much information on the internet I end up dizzy, and it's as if self publishing is the easy way out. However, that is not an option for me, because it's so expensive. Some of the publishers that have contacted me, actually just want to lure me into paying for their advice/editing/etc. A few days ago, I thought Kickstarter, where people fund your project, might work... but I would have to be in the States to receive and ship my orders. That might complicate my situation since I have to leave to Spain. So.... I am guessing, that what I need is an agent. An agent would take care of everything, right? I just want to hand it to someone and let them handle it. Umm... does anyone know if I should copyright it first. I have read for hours on this matter and some sites say yes, other no. Ugh.

Publishing a book is certainly not as easy as one sees in the movies; Especially for a clueless person like me! But this week I am determined to get going with it... there has to be a way! I want to publish!!!

Meantime, and until that happens I decided to "self publish" one of my shorter stories here. It looks nicer in the book though!

I hope you enjoyed it!

Posted at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

FINALLY GONE!

WEEK 92

Monday

November 28, 20011

Today is the day after Pepe left. Not much to say. Woke up beat. The painters didn't come.

Drank lots of instant coffee.

Why instant instead of my fresh brewed cups of coffee? Remember... I am moving. There is

hardly anything left in this house- no coffee maker, and no refrigerator either to keep the milk

for my coffee...

What I DO have is my dining room that will hopefully sell soon, a few small pieces of

furniture, my blanket-bed, my computer of course, and three pallets of household

goods still outside right by the garage doors.

I am worried. So... so very worried that my artwork, framed photos and photo albums are

getting ruined by water condensation on the pallets due to lower temperatures at night,

and day time rainfall. Although heavily shrink wrapped and covered by large plastics, I see

thousands of water droplets shine like diamonds in between the tranparent material's folds.

It can't be good.

They should have been inside the garage. However, there was no way around it. After calls

and e-mails to my New Jersey contact debating the "OUTSIDE" placement she insited on,

I gave up. No sense in explaining to her again that if pallet-jacks were going to be used to

move the pallets from drive way to truck- WHY, OH, WHY! Couldn't they be INSIDE the

garage? There was plenty of garage door clearance. So what was the issue? But no. All I ever

got from her was a blunt, "BECAUSE they have to be outside". I still don't understand. This

could have been settled with the contact in Georgia and their trucking company, but she

refused to cooperate with me.

Anyway, that was the reason for all my cups of coffee. Determined to end this pallet-ordeal I

needed to be as alert as possible, after not sleeping a wink, to deal with that headstrong

person at Troy Container Line, and get a scheduled pick up like NOW!

To be exact I dealt with:

Vijaya Neelam Satish
lcl@troylines.com
27 West Street,
Red Bank, NJ 07701
ph: (732) 345-0818, ext 216
fax:(732) 758-0283
~~ _ _ _
____I_I__I_I_____________
\___Troy Container Line___/
~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~~~~ ~~~

What was the result of long coffee drinking morning, filled with back and

forth phone calls and e-mails? The shipment will be picked up... tomorrow. I must

say Neelam was extremely cooperative this time. Probably, my e-mail stating I

had missed my flight due to the complications with this matter and the inclement

weather beating down on my pallets made her more open to solving my issue; AND

probably, because I had complained, a call from the operations manager at CGML

Imports in Barcelona, Spain, letting her know "this was no way to treat a customer"

did too.

Hmmm... NEVER... EVER... will I ship anything. It's been a nightmare.

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

The rest of the day?

1)I went happily to the library to print the bill of landing for the

pick up. Yes, broken printer.

2)I reupholstered my dining room chairs,because I think that will help

sell them.

3)I took care of Alonso- Sandra had school.

4)I went to bed my blankets very tired and hoping to sleep better.

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

Tuesday

November 29, 2011

Ha ha ha ha ha!!! They want to drive me crazy.

Thank goodness I read my emails early in the morning.

They switched carriers on me.

Look at this email...

Juana,

Attached is a copy of the revise bill of lading. The new pickup carrier will be

SAIA Motor Freight. Do not release to Holland.

Thanks!

Have A Great Day!

Jamara Morris

Customer Service Representative
Capital Transportation Solutions, LLC
1915 Vaughn Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144

WELL, WELL, WELL....

I guess I got to run to the library again and print the NEW bill of landing!

It's 9:30 A.M.

Thank goodness the trucker won't arrive until 2:00 P.M.

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

AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER....

A funny thing happened on the way back from the library.

The trucker called me & said he was on his way.

???

I said, "Really? Because I am in Winder. Pick up was scheduled at two!"

Trucker: "Well, I am on 316 close to ya. Can you meet me at the B.P. station on 211?"

I said, "Sure. I can be there in ten minutes."

We met and he followed me from that gas station to my house.

CRAZY.

Alright, so he was way early.

But my stuff would soon be in his truck, and on their way.

"Oh, wait you didn't bring help?"

Ricky, the fifty-ish truck driver, laughed.

"No Mam! No help! That's how it is these days. Would you mind lending me a hand?"

Sigh.

'Ummm... Mr. Ricky... would it have been a problem if these pallets had been INSIDE the garage?"

"Don't see why. There's plenty of room for these to come out!"

Momentary silence as I gnawed on his response.

Then said, "See, I was told I couldn't."

He shook his head and laughed.

I wanted to bounce off walls... my pallets could have been safely stored in my garage.

But instead I said, "Sooo.... how should we do this?"

He smiled, "We's got to go backward. I'll control the jack. Yous just try to hold some weight off, alrighty?"

Fear of heavy pallets rolling over me on my own driveway set in.

Oh, boy... and to make it worse sleet started falling.

I was about to be road driveway kill.

It was an amazing feat to keep our feet and the heavy pallets from sliding uncontrollably with the icy water!

I confess to letting out little, panic shrieks at moments.

My neighbors must have thought it was hilarious.

We did one...

Then the second...

Before the third, Ricky needed a breather.

Me too.

I had to run into the house and warm my red, cold throbbing hands.

I also had to set my eyes back into their sockets.

With the third pallet safely in the truck, I felt relief.

It was good to be alive.

Breathing heavily, shivering, I walked up my driveway one last time.

I looked down upon the big truck driving away.

I wondered what the fate of those pallets would be. Sigh. I closed the door.

As I thawed out I started hurting. Neck, shoulders, legs. Not good.

Took Advil and I threw myself on my "bed".

Stayed there most of the day too. I was a mess. But a mess with a smile on her face...

THE PALLETS WERE GONE.

FINALLY GONE!!!

*******

P.S. You can make your bets now.

Will those boxes make it to Madrid, or not?

Posted at 07:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 92 - DELTA FLIGHT 108 LEFT WITHOUT ME

WEEK 92

November 24 - 30

***

NOVEMBER 27, 2011

It left without me. Delta flight 108 left without me. According to plans, I should have been in

that airplane heading to Spain. I should have been sitting right next to my husband, Pepe.

Seat 38-A was mine you know. At least it was for a while. Then I had to cancel my ticket.

So here I am. Back home after dropping off my husband at Hartstfield International Airport.

I am back at my newly painted, emptier than ever house, with three large, perfectly shrink ed

wrapped pallets of personal belongings in the driveway still waiting to be picked up. And I am

sitting in front of my small computer screen typing words that don't come easy because I am

missing him.

If only I had my old buddy, the green sofa, to sleep on... a little sleep would make the night

shorter. The bundled up blankets have made my nights eternal these past couple of weeks.

I couldn't get used to them even with Pepe by my side. Still, I feel blessed. Don't think I

am not grateful for what I have. Unlike the people whose blankets extended under Atlanta's

bridges today, my blankets are under a warm roof, I have running water and food. I just

need to rest. I am just a little sleep derprived- that's all.

I do hope Pepe has a good flight. I hope he is able to sleep too...

	City	Scheduled	Actual	City	Scheduled	Estimated
Status	Departure			Arrival
In flight	Atlanta (ATL) South Terminal Gate E6	6:45pm 27 Nov	6:40pm 27 Nov	Madrid (MAD) Gate 72	9:15am 28 Nov	9:11am 28 Nov
**************************************************************

Photos to remember this day by...

Taken before going to the airport-

The photo is soooo bad it's good!

DEJA VU....

LIKE I'VE DONE THIS BEFORE!

"OOK! The tahdasor!!! The tahdasor!!!"

Today was the busiest day of the Thanksgiving holiday at the ATL airport.

Maximum security. Alonso was like "Whaaaaaat?"

Did you know 1.7 MILLION people passed through Hartsfield this week?

Like any child, Alonso loves the mechanical stairs.

So he had a "ride" with Mami...

With Yaya too....

And there was another photo with Pepe's turn, but who knows where it went!

This photo made me realize how much I have aged since Pepe's last trip nine months ago...

Ugh! I totally need a makeover!!

Sandra has always been closer to her dad, and you can tell by these photos...

Read the body language...

I think this is such a sweet photo...

But this one... This one I love.

Pepe had just cracked a joke, and Sandra busted out laughing.

Afterward, we said goodbye.

Next time we see each other it should be at Barajas Airport, Madrid.

And it should be within a month as planned.

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

*NOTE:

Curiously, I got home at the EXACT time Pepe was taking off!

Posted at 05:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

SHARING HOW WE ARE FEELING...

WEEK 91

November, 17 - 23

***

I thought I wasn't going to blog until I returned to Spain. However, after two weeks of moving

madness, I needed to share how we are feeling. After all, I am sure you were wondering. Right?

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Have you ever moved?

If you have, then you know that....

Feelings arise as you pack your boxes-

Sad, happy...

But those are normal, especially if you are an emotional person.

My husband and I are past those sad/happy feelings...

WE, at this point, are experiencing the nagging feeling of uncertainty.

Are we making progress?

Will this EVER end?

And with all the calculating one has to do as to what fits where...

We are feeling a little dazed and confused!!!

Moving is nerve wrecking too.

My husband is strong as Rambo, and look at him... tsk... tsk...

He is feeling quite pooped.

All that box lifting brought him to his knees foaming at the mouth!!

Poor guy.

Poor me. I am not doing much better...

I am feeling a little insane.

Also, we are feeling quite helpless at times...

Oh, and did I mention the feeling of sleepiness

As the result of feeling so exhausted?

I tell you...

It makes you feel like napping in the most peculiar places!!

***

So there you go- That's how we are feeling.

Are you glad I shared it with you?

;)

Posted at 07:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 90- BECAUSE I NEED TO CLEAR MY HEAD

WEEK 90

November, 10 - 16

A week has passed since Pepe's arrival. Things are not going as planned. We have worked so hard trying

to make progress, but we seem to have just scratched the surface. Maybe this Wednesday, once some of

the sold furniture goes out the door... things will start looking brighter.

All I can say is that we are exhausted. We were misinformed, and all 3 pallets of our belongings that

were packed in plastic totes, had to be unpacked and placed in boxes. We have had garage sales, moving

sales, handed out fliers and put adds in Craiglist; It has helped to sell much of what family members left

behind at one point in my house... yet, we have plenty more where that all came from. It's never

ending. I am not sleeping well. And my hands are tired of grabbing, pushing, pulling, shoving, picking up,

and writing long "to do" lists every day.

I am in overload. Pepe is on overload. A little panic sets in our hearts every once in a while when we think

of not meeting our date line, but we try to hush it.

I need to clear my head. A nice walk on the beach would do wonders for me. Can't do though, there isn't

any time. Ah, if only Pepe could have taken one more week, perhaps we could have enjoyed a couple of

days to relax before heading to Spain. With no chance of that happening, I closed my eyes and reached

out to my memory. As mental pictures streamed through, I remembered that one last walk along a

beautiful beach... A stop I purposely made in St. Augustine to fuel up on peace before facing the long

road leading home.

Because that is what walks on the beach do. They bring peace. You feel God's presence.

Worries are replaced by the desire to explore the gifts the tides bring...

And you become a child again, looking for that one special shell to take home...

You marvel at an infinite horizon...

Lively birds captivate your attention...

The ocean entertains you with rippling waters...

And transforms the sand into magical mirrors...

A walk on the beach allows serenity to fill your soul...

******

To my family and friends:

Firstly, I want to thank you for reading along these weeks. You don't know how much that matters to me.

Secondly, I wanted to let you know that I might not be able to blog again until I am in Spain. Please forgive me

if I don't visit your blogs. Someday I promise to catch up!

Oh, and thirdly, Pepe has promised me a walk on the beach, once we are settled in Spain. :)

Love

Juana

Posted at 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

FROM THE AIRPORT TO...

If you don't know that my husband, Pepe, is here to whisk me away to Spain

You haven't been reading!!

Remember, this is the beginning of the end of Between U.S.A and Spain...

Don't miss the last weeks of this blog-soap- opera!

Latest episodes:

WEEK 89... HE IS ON HIS WAY!

A PHOTO TO REMEBER THE DAY BY...

*******

So what happened after picking up my husband at the airport?

A nice dinner perhaps?

Home & some rest?

No! We ended at Gwinnett Medical Hospital!

My grandson, Alonso, had been diagnosed with eczema two weeks ago

And even after antibiotics it had taken a turn for the worse

Yaya, Yayo and Mami couldn't leave it for another day!

My daughter, Sandra, said "I bet you are going to blog about this..."

I replied, "Well, of course...

How can I not blog about it!! Look at that face... that gown!!"

Anyway, what else is there to do but sit around and wait for the Doctor?

I might as well shoot some photos so time passes by a little faster!

Well, we waited, waited and waited in that room.

The good thing is, Alonso, was having a great time checking out everything around him!

And lucky him! Yaya just happened to have a lollipop from Halloween in her purse!

At least that made the wait a little sweeter...

Yayo, sure was tired after sleeping only 3 hours since the day before

And a 9 1/2 hour flight!!

Yet he didn't complain. It was all good.

However, after waiting, waiting and waiting some more

Things started changing...

My daughter, was delirious...

Just look at her- Almost psychiatric-ward like!!

And after a little more waiting

I had to assist Pepe! Poor guy... He went crazy himself!!

But I knew what to do!

I took his vitals and said

"Don't worry, the Doctor will be right with you!"

********

* Alonso was prescribed a stronger antibiotic and is now feeling better. He was seen by his pediatrician a few days later and she recommended a specialist. Hopefully, all will be well soon with him.

* Yaya and Yayo, had a nice dinner at El Centinela later that night.

Posted at 11:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

A PHOTO TO REMEBER THE DAY BY...

NOVEMBER 6, 2011

OUR THIRD "ENCOUNTER" IN ALMOST 2 YEARS

I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO POST A GREAT PHOTO OF US TO REMEMBER THIS DAY BY...

However, this is the only shot worth posting of the family reunion at Hartsfield Airport!!

Shaky hands, I guess.

Sweet though... look at Alonso tagging along with his beloved "YAYO"!!

Posted at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 89... HE IS ON HIS WAY!

NOVEMBER 6, 2011

WEEK 89

He is on his way

I am waiting

Impatient

Thrilled

Joyful

St. Augustine, Florida

Yes, I will be with my husband, Pepe, in just a few hours...

Thank you Lord for what You have taught me along these 89 WEEKS

I do believe I am a stronger person now- Still crazy... but stronger

Thank you my friends for reading and leaving loving comments

What would I have done without you!

	City	Scheduled	Actual	City	Scheduled	Estimated
Status	Departure			Arrival
In flight	Madrid (MAD) Gate A6	11:30am 06 Nov	11:23am 06 Nov	Atlanta (ATL) South Terminal Gate E8	3:45pm 06 Nov	3:14pm 06 Nov

Posted at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY JOHN!!!

Dear John:

Firstly, let me say Happy Belated 15th Birthday! I was hoping to finish this post

on time, but, as you know, I am leaving to Spain, and for the past couple of days I have been

running around like a chicken without a head... And we all know that chickens without a head

just can't blog...

DARN IT!! WHERE IS MY HEAD!! :(

However, there is an upside to being late; This headless chicken saw photos of your birthday

celebration the next day on facebook... and... well, I couldn't resit "taking" one!

This photo of you, blowing the candles of that yummy-looking cake is simply too precious!

WOW! WOW! WOW!!! Who in this world would believe you were just released from the

hospital after having mayor brain surgery?

NOT ONE OUT OF THE 7 BILLION PEOPLE ON EARTH!!!

So tell your mama not to be mad at me for taking what is not mine... I just wanted this to

be a nice surprise for you! And just in case you didn't know, I don't blog just about

anyone, so...

THIS IS MY WAY OF SAYING, YOU ARE SUPER-DUPER-SPECIAL!!!

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you, because I am still smiling about your request

for tamales during your stay in the hospital... And once again, I am "taking" from facebook,

some of the comments between your mother and I... so we can someday look back and smile!

OH, MY, ALL THIS "TAKING"!

I'VE BECOME A HEADLESS-KLEPTOMANIAC- CHICKEN NOW!!

Your mother posted:

Begging God to reveal the mysteries of John's brain to Dr. Olsen today.

We are each "fearfully and wonderfully made..."

Me- Lifting John to the Lord. May the mysteries be found, so that he will be well. And may he never have to face surgery again... Anne, I would like to visit him tomorrow afternoon- please let me know what would bring a smile to his face...perhaps a particular movie, game, or book?
October 27 at 10:09am ·
Your mom- Juana - John says that a tamale would make him smile :)

October 27 at 10:41am ·
Me- Really, a tamale? That made ME smile! But tamales for John, it is! What kind, cheese and poblano peppers, or with meat filling? :) If he wants both.... I'll make both.
October 27 at 12:23pm ·
Your mom- He says both! Bring one for me too! I guess John has happy memories of last Thanksgiving! Thank you! I will post on your wall if he goes to surgery tomorrow. Otherwise, your company will be anticipated.

October 27 at 12:31pm ·

And you know, John, the phrase "I guess John has happy memories of last Thanksgiving!"

got me thinking... so I searched for that day's photos, and look what I found:

TA- DAAAAAAA!!

Here for the record, is the moment you would be grabbing a tamale, like your sister, Beth,

and putting it on your plate! Isn't it something? Who knew you would like them so much, that

almost a year later you requested them- And I would prepare them for you, except this time

you enjoyed them in a much different place! A place where smiles are not frequently seen...

John & big sis Beth

Yet you... through 3 brain surgeries in less than 2 weeks... smiled

Here with Dad Rope, sis Beth and brother- in- law Chris

smiled...

John, Chris and I

and smiled some more!!!

John, your mother describes you as strong, brave, kind, and good...

Who can disagree? No one!!

PERSONALLY, I THINK YOU ARE THE BOMB!!
:)

***

I must go now. However, before I return to running around like a chicken without a head,

I want to say this; My birthday wish for you is that you have a long healthy life filled with

love, happiness and lots, lots, and lots of great moments that will make you smile...

OH, AND HOW COULD I FORGET...

(Somebody help me find my head!!)

FILLED WITH MANY MORE TAMALE-EATING DAYS!

***

P.S.

The tamale part I am currently working on right now.

They are all in the freezer- except for this particular one!

It came alive and said,

"It's never too late to wish John a Happy Birthday!!"

Then walked out of my kitchen...

It's o.k. though, there is plenty more where he came from!!

;)

Posted at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

DEAR FLORIDA:

Dear Florida: I still got you in my mind SUNSHINE STATE.You know you could have been

a little nicer to me... But, you rained for 72 hours on my parade! Nevertheless, because we

have been friends since I was a child, I am forgiving you. Also, because on the day that you did

shine, I got a few good beach shots that I will treasure forever... and that is all I wanted.

Like these hot surfer dudes...

The not-so-hot surfer

The not-so-hot surfer's never mind surfing

The not-so-hot surfer's shark fin search

The "where's Wally-crab"

The lonely girl and the ocean...

The lonely girl, the boy, and the ocean...

I hope someday I will return to your beaches and capture a little more of your beauty.

If so, please remember not to rain during my stay.

Sincerely yours,

Juana

Posted at 08:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

WHAT THE...

Halloween 2011

Alonso's first time trick-or-treating!

As we walked around our neighborhood

Encountering glowing ghosts, goblins, and even Frankensteins

My grandson's facial expression said it all!

WHAT THE...

***

Come to think about it, I said, "WHAT THE..." when I put his custome on! You see, It was a bit

small for him... Look at those Michael Jackson socks! But that is the wonderful thing about kids-

small details don't spoil the fun!

Do you find this photo as precious as I do, or is it just my grandmotherly love?

Posted at 08:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

HOW TO TRAIN A DRAGONFLY?

You have probably heard of the popular book HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON...

But have you heard of HOW TO TRAIN A DRAGONFLY?.

Oh, stop rolling your eyes! You think they can't be trained?

Well, you are SO wrong...

My sister, Hilda, has a pet dragonfly.

And she has done a darn good job training it!!

Here, let me introduce you to Mr. Dragon

Mr. Dragon hangs out with my sister on a daily basis

Thus, while I stayed with her a few days

I had the opportunity to take some pics of him

At first I was shy about approaching him with my camera...

After all I didn't want him flying away!

So I took a photo from behind.

But, Hilda, said to him...

"Mr. Dragon, please turn and let my sister take some pictures of you!"

So he did. He turned and struck a relaxed pose...

Then Hilda said,

"Mr. Dragon turn a litte more, so she can see your face better!"

And he did. He turned!

And I said, "WOW, what big eyes you have Mr. Dragon!"

Hilda, applauded because he likes lots of attention...

And then she said, "Mr. Dragon... now strike a SUPERSTAR pose for her!"

And

TA DAAAAAAAAA!!!

He spread his wings and struck his best SUPERSTAR pose!

***

O.K. I know some of you might be doubting this story.

Although I don't see why- I never exaggerate.

Well, maybe just a little... sometimes...

But, really! There is a lot of thruth in this story!

This dragonfly visits my sister's patio everyday, and is used to my sister's company.

If it weren't so... how do you think I took these pictures withouth him flying away...

and WITHOUT ZOOMING IN !!!

Yeah, it's a pet dragonfly- Don't you agree now?

Posted at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 85 CONTINUES... THE WEDDING.

This post is the continuation of:

WEEK 85 FINALLY! TIME TO MOVE ON TO OCTOBER

If you haven't read it... What are you waiting for!

******

When I returned from my walk

Safe from rabid squirrels and jumping sharks

Things were about to get glowing...

for Oscar and Ashley

The wedding they dreamed of was about to come true...

For my sister's enchanting touch had created the dreamiest of settings...

Full of warmth and romance...

of loving details and celebration...

A realm where little girls twinkled with shimmery delight...

And a magical room envisioned a couple's first dance as husband and wife...

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Longoria

All the photos are mine except for this professional one

May

your

love

glow

forever

more...

Posted at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 85 FINALLY! TIME TO MOVE ON TO OCTOBER

WEEK 85

October , Thursday 6 - Wednesday 12

After 5 posts to cover the month of September (PART FIVE OF MY NEVER ENDING SEPTEMBER

POST...), I feel it's time to move on. So Bye, bye, to WEEK 84 and WELCOME WEEK 85!!!

And so WEEK 85 starts. It's Thursday the 6th of October, 2011. My nephew Oscar's

wedding was only two days away. I sat on my living room's green sofa. I thought. And thought

some more. I sighed. I couldn't do it... but one way... my ugly, old, falling-apart, purple Dodge

Stratus would have to do.God help me.

The next day I was on my way. This was going to be my last road trip in the U. S. and I had

NINE hours to dream about seeing my sister, the wedding, Florida sunshine and walks on the

beach. I was determined to make the most out of it... or so I thought. You see, as soon as I

got there... the weather changed, and Brevard County, my destination point, would be hit full

force, for the next 72 hours, by a tropical drepression....

I must say, that for an outside wedding, that had to be changed into a last-minute, inside

wedding, everything turned out beautifully!!

It poured outside...

But inside my sister, Hilda, improvised a cozy ceremony setting...

atop the stairs! And that wasn't all... more changes had to be done!

Here is my nephew, Oscar

with his son, Daniel,

following a couple of Hilda's

many, many instructions....

I followed what she said too,

but there was a moment

when the sky stopped

pouring rain...

So I used the old camouflage trick.... grabbed my camera

and went out to explore the soggy premises!!

At first I was attracted to the plants- But I sure wished there was better light.

Oh, well! It is what it is! At least I was there, looking at something else besides

Georgia pine trees!

And then I saw water... I had to go there even if it had begun to drizzle.

As I walked toward the boardwalk,

a nervous squirrel squeaked it's head

off... At first I thought she was cute.

Poor thing probably nervous due to

the stormy weather. But then I

thought, "What if she is rabid!

What if she jumps down and bites me!

I better move on!"

Ah, yes... I moved on toward the

water, but the winds were picking

up force... I really thought my camera

would fly away! And seeing the boats

sway in the water didn't make me feel

too secure either...

And there were sharks lurking out there!

WHAT IF ONE JUMPED OUT AND BIT ME!!!

It was best to head back and finish helping with the wedding...

It was safer.

As I walked back, a ray of sunshine broke through the clouds...

And for a moment I thought... I was in Paradise!

To be continued...

Posted at 07:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

PART FIVE OF MY NEVER ENDING SEPTEMBER POST...

Today is October 22, and I am STILL trying to retrieve my memories of the past month

of September. I believe they are very important. A few weeks ago I snooped around my own

blog, and I was so surprised at how many things I wouldn't have remembered if I hadn't

taken the time to preserve them in this blog.

So here I am. Once again capturing my memories until I can move on to blog about October...

and November... and... Hmmm... What day do you think I should end this blog?

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

CAPTURING BITS AND PIECES OF:

SEPTEMBER

WEEK 80 Thu 1 - Wed 7

WEEK 81 Thu 8 - Wed 14

WEEK 82 Thu 15- Wed 21

WEEK 83 Thu 22 -Wed 28

OCTOBER

WEEK 84 Thu29- OCT 6

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

To my grandson, Alonso, who brigthens my days!

***

It's late September, but summer days still linger in Georgia...

Inviting little boys to place their hands in cool water...

And even their little heads!

Savoring the warmth of the sun and the playfulness of water...

As only little boys can...

**********

Itsy Bits...

*There has been a slight change in the weather. Alonso does not like it. Neither do I.

*My friend, Dave, gave a me book to read- The Jester, by James Patterson. Let's see if I am able to finish it.

*I wrote a new story- "Don't Poop Out of Parties Lentils"

* I wrote "Fishy People's Cod"

* Some things don't change... Sandra still doesn't have a plan.

* Alonso names a little blue bunny " Seven". He thinks that number is the bomb!

* Made Huli Huli sauce for shrimp,ate the shrimp, and wrote "Turn, Turn Shrimp"

*I Nearly had a heart attack when working on Food Stories, and suddenly my screen was filled with Japanese-looking signs!

*One day out of sheer desperation, I actually WANTED to cut the lawn. And I did.

*Another day I weeded until exhaustion. But the landscape looks great.

*My neighbors look suspiciously at my sudden outdoor activity.

* My paella story is giving me a hard time. I have three options, and I can't seem to weave three into one... argh!!

* There are days I don't see myself finishing my book... Sometimes, I simply avoid it. Why? Is it that I am afraid of a publisher's "NO"?

*After one long, boring, lonely week, (Not that I sit around- I am packing and packing some more) one night I head out the door at 10:00 P.M. I really was in need of some human company so I went to the movies to watch "anything" and have someone around, even if they were strangers. It turned out I was the only one in the theater. It was like being at home, only darker, louder and with a bigger screen of course. Go ahead laugh... I did.

* I have my nephew Oscar's wedding coming up the 8th of October in Florida, and don't even know how I am going to get there... my car is too old, the airplane fares are too high... sigh... sigh... sigh...

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

KEEPING MY SENSE OF HUMOR

It was one of those days when nothing was going well

Yet I managed to reach for my sense of humor

and make a prank call to my daughter, Mayra.

I knew she would fall for it, since I had never called her at work before

And because at 30 years old, Mayra, has kept a childlike innocence in many ways...

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

I dial the number at Zelebra.

Mayra has already closed the store, is alone, and is counting the till.

Riiiiing, riiiiiing, riiiiiiiiing.

- "Hello! Thank you for calling Zelebra!- This is Mayra speaking, how can I help you?"

- "Hello!! Do you hear me? I can't hear you!!

- "Yes! I can hear you! How can I help you?"

- "Oh, hello.Yes, I wanted to know why you called me?

- "Pardon, Mam? Umm... you called me!"

- "No! YOU CALLED ME!!"

- "Mam... the phone rang here, and I picked it up!"

- "Excuse me, but I don't understand you?"

- "Oh! Sorry...you can't hear me?"

- "No, I can't hear you. Furthermore, I can't understand you... what language are you speaking?"

PAUSE

Now by now anyone else would have hung up, right?

- "Ummm... Spanish...."

- "Really? Spanish? Well, I don't understand a word you are saying. But anyway... what I want to know is why did you have to call me this late at night!"

- Mam, please, I did NOT call you!!"

- " Look, I was here doing nothing, and you called... so I answered."

- "Ummm... I don't know... what to say..."

PAUSE

And I couldn't take it any longer so I started laughing...

- "Hahahahaha... I am your mother!! Hahahahahaha... your mother!!"

- "Mam? Are you alright?"

- "Mayra, it's me! YOUR MOTHER!! Don't you recognize your own mother?"

-"Oh, ooooh, ooooooooooooooh!!! Hahahaha, MOM!!! Wow, I thought I was talking to some crazy woman!"

Oh, Lord! This child of mine had me rolling on the floor!

YOU GOTTA LOVE HER!!

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

Posted at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

PART FOUR OF WEEK 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 AND BITS AND PIECES...

SEPTEMBER

WEEK 80 Thu 1 - Wed 7

WEEK 81 Thu 8 - Wed 14

WEEK 82 Thu 15- Wed 21

WEEK 83 Thu 22 -Wed 28

OCTOBER

WEEK 84 Thu29- OCT 6

*****

Just in case you want to review:

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

THE CLEAN UP CREW

If you have been reading my blog, then you know the mess my daughter's last tenants made

in her house. Honestly, I needed help to clean that house. And I was very relieved when help

was offered.

So one Sunday morning, Christopher and his stepbrother Christian showed up. And Sandra

and Alonso did too. What a relief! Because four and a half persons clean so much more than

just one little old me!!

Afterward, I took my "cleaning crew" to lunch at El Centinela, (their carnitas tacos are so

good!) the most popular Mexican restaurant in the area. Tell me, who doesn't work up an

appetite after hard work? And I hadn't had the occasion to celebrate Chris's birthday... so it

all turned out perfect!

I loved seeing my kids together.

And I loved even more that they worked as a team to get their sister's home back in "rental shape"!

Well, I am sure they did it also to help me... Mom isn't what she used to be any more!

This is something I don't see very often either... Alonso enjoying time with Uncle Chris!

Moments like these are a party for me.

My son doesn't like me taking photos, but I had to... because it was a special day to remember.

Lunch and just hanging out was so much fun!

Now, I only had to worry about...

Finding new tenants for Mayra and Raul's house!

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

APOLOGY ACCEPTED

9/16

I never thought I'd see the day.

Never.

And it happened when I least expected it, as all good things come to be.

My daughter, Sandra, cutting the front lawn for me?

With my grandson by my side, on the driveway I sat down to watch a miracle unfold.

Sweat still running down my forehead from pushing that mower but a moment ago...

And with a smile on my face I thought- An apology this must be!

Oh, yes! I never thought I'd see the day.

Never.

She pushed the mower 'till she sweat, leaving uneven paths on the grass so green.

But really did I care? Uneven paths looked great to me-

Especially if it says, this is my apology.

I never thought I'd see the day.

Never.

When my daughter would cut the lawn for me.

***

*As of this day, our relationship has improved immensely.

*And my apologies to poetry writers!!

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

Because someday I know I will miss this...

I went out to my yard for a walk...

What a pleasant surprise to find color

And whimsical shapes

Quietly awaiting to be my future memories...

**********

Posted at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

PART THREE OF WEEK 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 AND BITS AND PIECES...

SEPTEMBER

WEEK 80 Thu 1 - Wed 7

WEEK 81 Thu 8 - Wed 14

WEEK 82 Thu 15- Wed 21

WEEK 83 Thu 22 -Wed 28

OCTOBER

WEEK 84 Thu29- OCT 6

*****

This time more photo and less words or I will never catch up!

*****

In an effort to lose some weight I am trying to leave bread behind...

Well, I lost a few pounds...

But now that I am stressed with boxes and more issues I have gained it all back.

I think I will wait until I am in Spain and go to a gym.

But then again, they have such good bread...

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

September 11, 2011

As every September 11th since the terrorist attack, I am deeply saddened on this day. It breaks

my heart year after year. I believe it will be so with me, and for all who witnessed the tragedy

unfold in the media, for ever more.

I make it a point to appreciate what I have and give thanks to God for having my family, even

though far apart, safe and doing well. I also make it a point on this day not to complain about

anything. Something I should do more often. So today when I was busy with cleaning and

packing, a couple of things happened. I went to open my dishwasher, and somehow I ended up

with the whole program panel in my hand. I didn't flinch. I set it aside and went on to clean my

bathroom. When the time came to scrub the shower's door it literally fell off the hinges and

broke. I didn't flinch. I just went on to pack some boxes.

On a day like today, it's all about perspective.

So things break. So what!

What's that compared to the pain of losing your loved ones in a terrorist attack?

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

September 12, 2011

My son, Christopher, turned 29 years old today. And he woke me up to let me know I

had an e-mail from him. I wished him a Happy Birthday yawning and reached for the laptop

that was "sleeping" next to me. We talked while I checked my mail and to my surprise he

had sent me two drawings for FOOD STORIES!

I said, "How nice! I got a present on YOUR birthday!"

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

More of Christopher's Work

I confess.

I am a fan of Jeremy and Blue!

So, who are they?

My own son's wacky characters!!

Here! Take look at these guy- someday you will see them on T.V.!!

I "stole" these from his blog

Christopher Alvarez

where he posted the following:

So for the last few months I have been developing my own show as a side project. I am creating a

few drawings based on other famous characters, in this case, "Batman and Robin" and "Calvin and Hobbes"

Will post more of this as I get them finish. I hope to have the first episode finish in 6 months...wish me luck!

Yes! Wish him luck!

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

Posted at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

PART TWO OF WEEK 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 AND BITS AND PIECES...

SEPTEMBER

WEEK 80 Thu 1 - Wed 7

WEEK 81 Thu 8 - Wed 14

WEEK 82 Thu 15- Wed 21

WEEK 83 Thu 22 -Wed 28

OCTOBER

WEEK 84 Thu29- OCT 6

Uh... if you can't remember what happened in PART 1-

Click here WEEK 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 AND BITS AND PIECES... PART 1

_______________________________________________________________

A DELIGHTFUL DAY

And so I continue with my bits and pieces of my last weeks in the United States. Where

should I begin this time? Ah, yes... that unforgettable Sunday when I got up and while having

my morning coffee I decided to put on a positive attitude and make the most of the day.

Hence, I got dressed, went to church, and afterward I enjoyed a nice lunch by myself at Chen's

garden....

Now, while enjoying my fried rice and mongolian chicken, I made plans for the rest of the day.

On my mental list stopping at Veronica's (my niece) to drop off the laundry-softener scented

bed sheets, conforters and pillows that I had wanted to hand down to her for the past week,

was a priority.

I was done eating. I was done planning. It was fortune cookie time. I wondered what my fate

would be as I cracked the stale cookie ( I don't know about yours, but mine always taste

stale) with my hands. Ah, unlike the last time I ate here, it was not empty. How exciting.

The little strip of paper read- "You are about to have a most delightful day". Sweet!

After lunch I headed home. I worked a little on my book, talked to Pepe, and as planned

packed my car with baskets full of bedclothes. So far so good. But then it took me forever

to get to Buford. Was everyone going to the mall? Oh, I know! It was that time of the year.

"Endless shrimp" at Red Lobster for sure was causing this traffic. Anyway, I was almost at

the apartment when I received a text from Sherry, my video clerk, informing me that she

couldn't go in to work that afternoon. Great. I had to stop the car and call my other clerks

to see who could cover the department. Ring... no answer... Ring... voice-mail... Ring...

voice-mail... Ring... Aha! Ken picked up! A sigh of relief followed his acceptance to work

Sherry's shift. Good. I wouldn't have to change my plans!

Two minutes later I was by the gates at Veronica's apartment complex. But before I could

reach my cell phone and call her for the entry code... I heard the bzz, bzz, of a text message

coming through. I read. Basically, she asked me to return another day. Her son was in the

middle of a "break up" crisis and it wasn't a good moment. After exchanging several messages

of concern with my niece, I sat there in the car dumbfounded. I turned and looked at the

bedclothes. Then I turned around and headed home with my laundry-softener scented sheets

and pillows.

Somewhere between Braselton Hwy and Hamilton Road loneliness creeped in my soul. I didn't

want to go home. Maybe I should eat dinner around the area. Maybe I should go to the

movies. I did both.

First I stopped at Moe's. I planed to eat my beef taco along with every single chip that comes

with it, and wash it down with a diet Coke. I sat there eating and looking at the framed

artwork. All singers. All dead. I made the decision of not returning to Moe's EVER. Not

because of the depressing artwork hanging on the walls. No. Not because of the food. No.

I like the food, but... I came to this conclusion: I hate their music selection. And here I

was biting into my taco with The Doors', "Light My Fire" song at full volume...

"You know that it would be untrue

You know that I would be a liar

If I was to say to you

Girl, we couldn't get much higher

Come on baby, light my fire

Try to set the night on fire

Try to set the night on fiiiiiiire"

(Now, try to imagine the creepy psychedelic organ music in between verses)

Let me tell you, by the end of that song I was ready to set Moe's on fire. But I didn't

have a lighter, so instead I went to Great Escapes and got a ticket to see The Help. And that

I enjoyed very, very much. Too bad it had to end.

It was midnight and I didn't want to go home. But I don't do bars. Not yet. So- as I drove

down the dark road to my house, I thought about that fortune cookie at Chen's Garden.

"You are about to have a most delightful day". Then, BAAAAM!! I hit the brakes

causing the neatly folded bedclothes to fly everywhere in the car. I said to myself, stupid

possum in the middle of the road! I certainly won't miss your kind in Spain!! The headlight-

struck critter slowly made it's way to the brush, and I had a good laugh, I guess out of relief,

on that lonely road. Definitely, the movie was the only "delightful" thing out of the whole day.

I continued with my drive.

I turned on the radio and heard, "Try to set the night on fiiiiiiire".

I cringed and turned off the radio like there was not tomorrow. I thought, yes, yes, yes,

The Help was the most delightful part of that day.

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

The Walk Thru

Finally, September 9th rolled around. At 8:30 A.M. I was parked in front of Mayra's house

patiently waiting on Bubba to do the walk thru with me.

After twenty minutes I knew he wasn't showing up. I called him. He said he couldn't

make it. He needed to take his daughter to a Doctor's appointment. To my amusement,

he added, "Earlier I sent a text message to Raul to let him know I couldn't make it".

I thought, you are so funny Bubba... Raul is in Spain... there is a six hour difference...

he can't call me once he is working and you know that... and why on earth didn't you

call me? I AM THE ONE IN THE U.S. DEALING WITH THE WALK THRU!!! DUH!!!

And you expect me to believe the Doctor's appointment? Sure. Nevertheless, calmly I

said, "Just let me know what time then is convenient for you." He said six

thirty that afternoon. I agreed.

Well, I didn't go in to work until ten. Might as well go to Mc Donald's and have some

breakfast. I drove over there. I go in. I drink my coffee and eat my Egg Mc Muffin.

I go out the door. I see Bubba's truck in the drive- thru line. My jaw drops. I thought,

you son of a gun (actually something else).

I got in my car and drove around the line to confirm I wasn't seeing things. I stopped

my car right next to his red pick-up truck and stared right in the cabin. Yeap. It was him.

He saw me and put a "S**t, I've been caught" look. I shook my head and drove off to

work while imagining myself having a baseball bat and bashing it into his red pick- up truck...

many... many times.

That afternoon... At six thirty ONE he shows up at the house. What happened was

unbelievable. Folks, what you are about to see is what Bubba called, "NORMAL WEAR

AND TEAR" to a house that was rented to him and Mrs. Bubba, in pristine conditions.

Lovely, isn't it?

Plus, there was a damaged wall... and torn laundry room floor... and scratched floors... and

who knows what plastered in the walk-in closet's carpet...

Well, Bubba wanted me to sign a paper stating that he was released of all obligations, and

that $500.00 (His deposit- which he never paid infull!) be discounted from what he owed

to Georgia Power... which was now up to $639.00!!

What do you think I said?

You are right!

I dindn't say anything- I laughed.

But afterward I told him what I thought of his proposal.

The walk thru papers were not signed

and he stormed off not turning in the keys!

See if I care, Bubba!

I changed the locks.

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

AMONGST THE CHAOS

Amongst the chaos, I searched for a sign that all would be well.

I stepped outside my daughter's house to see what once was the garden.

All was dry, except for one small bush.

In a dry dessert a delicate Rose of Sharon bloomed.

Amongst the chaos, I found my sign.

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

Posted at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 AND BITS AND PIECES... PART 1

WEEK 80 Thursday 25- Wednesday 31

Here are a few more reasons why I wrote what I wrote on September 5, 2011

(WEEK 79 AND BITS AND PIECES...)

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

WEEK 800,000

PART 1

The names of the culprits have been changed.

I was really hoping for a better week. After all, who likes problems? It was Thursday.

I had been off a few days from work. I was back now and as always, ready to pretend I was

doing fine. I opened my department. Did a little work. Went to get some coffee at the

cafeteria. But on my way there I said, let me swing by Mary's department first, and see

what's new with my lunch buddy.

Mary was blowing up a bouquet of pink and violet balloons when I approached her and

cheerfully said, "Good morning dear! How are you?" Mary, opened her eyes wide,

pretending she was startled by my greeting, then said as she tied the balloons to a weight,

"Well, hello there! Hey, what's this you not telling me about Mayra's house? What are you

going to do with it now?" I tilted my head to the side, frowned and said, "What? What do you

mean what am I going to do with my daughter's house?" I fixed my eyes on her wondering

what she was up to... probably a joke. But, she casually answered, "Well, Lucy was just here

and said, Jeanie Lee and Bubba were moving out. She asked for boxes."

SOUND OF SCHREECHING TIRES

What the hell? My mind raced.

That couldn't be... My daughter would know... She would have told me...

I told Mary, I would call Mayra and ask if she knew anything. But I knew that some monkey

business was going on here... I am the landlord of her property. Mayra would have told me

immediately if Jeanie Lee and Bubba had given notice that they were moving.

Hmmm... could it be they were sneaking out of the house?!

I made that phone call. Gasp! They were!

Well... I had news for them...

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

WEEK 800,000

PART 2

I don't think Bubba knew what hit him after I was done with him. He just stood there on

the front lawn. Baffled. Pale. Sweaty. "I don't care how you get the money-

borrow it, get a loan, or look under rocks- If not I'll see you in Court

for breaking a contract." still ringing in his ears.

Serves him right, I thought as I drove away. To think they were moving out that weekend

owing a month's rent and $329.00 on the electric bill. How easy to move out and use the

money they owed my daughter toward a new place... And how easy to leave Mayra and

Raul, who had forgiven their late fees so, so many times, hanging with their mortgage

payment for a second month in just a few days. Yet... I had found out through my "sources",

they would be going on vacation after settling in their new home.

The nerve of their actions had me bouncing off the walls. The fear of my daughter losing her

house had me in shock. What to do! What to do!

To make a long story short- A second visit to Bubba, after he lied giving a false address to

be billed for the electric bill (thank you internet), and calling the police to make sure he knew

I meant business...gave positive results. He paid the rent on the 31st. They still owed the light

bill. Still, I patted myself on the back. Mamma did good.

Now, I just had to wait until the day they promised to turn in the keys. Meanwhile

work was unbearable the days Jeannie Lee's mother worked. All day long she would

give me dirty looks from her cash register. And she spread the rumor that we were

lousy landlords... and that the house's celing was about to cave in. What? What?

What was she talking about?

When I knew they had left the property I searched for Mayra's keys. No luck. But I went

and peeked through the back door's glass... My knees went weak. WHAT THE HELL WAS

THAT SPREAD ALL OVER THE LIVING ROOMS CEILING!! MOLD?? It couldn't be.

How... WHEN...Why... Why weren't we told!!

Worry set in. This added to my own personal struggles at home was a little too much. And I

still had to wait another week for them to turn in the keys.

I felt like breaking an entry in my own daughter's house.

I asked... I begged God for patience.

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

WEEK 800,000

PART 3

The days passed. And I was filled with anxiety. Working on FOOD STORIES was more of

a drag now than a joy. I wanted to finish it so bad... but I avoided writing. Any excuse was

good to get away from my computer. I couldn't concentrate. I started doubting my work.

I started doubting myself. Yet, I worked on more stories very slowly...

One story that had to written was the paella one. I couldn't finish the darn book without it.

I had promised that recipe to my nephew Alex, and by golly I was going to do it. I asked my

son Chris if I could cook one at his home. The answer of course was... YES.

On Saturday the 4th, I ran around town looking for paella ingredients. The victory of finding

calamari at Ingles, and clams and mussels at the Hamilton Mill Publix was a little tarnished by

breaking off the mirror on the passengers side with a shopping cart as I backed out. I wish I

would have seen my face when I heard the "CRACK" sound and then seeing the mirror dangling

from it's cables....Yeah, I am sure my face was a poem...

On Sunday the 5th, I cooked the paella at Beth and Chris's. Christian, Christopher's 18 year

old step brother who is living now with them, was the photographer. OH!! OH!! What a

blessing to have someone else take the photos... and OH! OH! What magnificent photos they

were! I won't get into this because it's all in "Get Your Flamenco Dress Out Paella", and

hopefully it will be available some day at your local book store... sigh..

Anyway, I had a marvelous time at my son's. It's always a joy to cook for others. Cooking for

the book and eating what I cooked by myself... well... it's just not very rewarding.

And here is the paella! Now there was no excuse not to finish the book...

But that wasn't all I did for that day...

Nothing better than to finish a good meal with a sweet flan!

I wished my next weeks were as good as that flan turned out. But they weren't. Even so I

kept cooking at home. For some reason the paella brought to mind I didn't have enough

seafood stories and before I wrote the paella one... I wrote "Fishy People's Cod Fish". I

actually cheated with this story-- I based it on a blog post from the beggining of Between

U.S.A and Spain!

At this point I asked Chris and Mayra to turn in their illustrations for the book. Each chapter

will have one of their drawings. Four Mayra. Four Chris.

As of today, October 6th-

Chris, has turned in three awesome illustrations:

"Cavemen Plantains". I am sure this one will get a smile out of my friend, Barbara Shallue

She liked these characters from way back when I started writing my stories!

This one is just too cool! "Fish Desperado"

And this one, for "Killer Recipes" is too funny! "

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

Mayra, has turned in two wonderful drawings.

This beautiful one, is for the "Spanish Kitchen"

This humorous one for "Family Matters".

And I can't believe she worked on these drawings

(Yes, that is what she is doing) with little Gabriel also drawing on her lap!

Isn't he big? Look at those eyes! Just like his mom's!

My kids are amazingly talented. Don't you agree?

I am so proud and so thankful for their help and support in Food Stories.

Sandra can't draw a circle, but... she has been my proofreader.

I thank you too, Sandra.

***********

THIS POST WILL CONTINUE...

Posted at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 79 AND BITS AND PIECES...

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CATCH UP BY READING:

« WEEK 77 & part of WEEK 78

OR

START AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS BLOG TO UNDERSTAND BETTER...

***

BITS AND PIECES OF MY LAST WEEKS

Written September 5, 2011

Dear family and friends: This blog will hopefully be ending in December. I say hopefully

because you know how well plans turn out for my husband, Pepe, and I. Nevertheless,

although I haven't bought our usual Delta tickets yet, I have given notice at work that this is

my last month with the company. This will allow me to get rid of my wordly possesion during

the months of October and November, rent my house (hopefully), and maybe even try to

publish my book, FOOD STORIES.

Deep down I was really hoping that Between U.S. A and Spain would have a feel good

ending. A fun ending. Like in the movies; Where something extraordinary happens to

the main character. Oh, you know... I get a letter from a publisher that says "YES" to my

book and I do a little funky dance with the letter in hand. Or... perhaps something more

dramatic; The phone rings as I am about to take a shower. I answer. A publisher is

interested in my book and I am so ecstatic with the news that after hanging up I run

outside my house gushing tears and crying out, "I did it, I did it!!" while jumping

across my lawn, wearing nothing but my bra and panties because these past 18 months...

actually had a purpose!!

But then, one alarmed, blind-peeking neighbor calls the Auburn police, who arrive quickly to

whisk me away for indecent exposure of fatty rolls. Simultaneously a limousine drives up

and... Richard Gere Pepe, dressed in a tux and carrying a single, red rose explains to the police

he will take care of me. He gently covers my shoulders with his jacket... and carries me to

the limo. I look at my husband lovingly and say, "I have been waiting for you so long! Let's not

EVER make plans again!"

We wave goodbye to the policemen who are now sobbing from the touching scene, and Pepe

and I kiss as the limosine heads to Hartsfield International Airport. Later that evening Delta's

flight 108 heads for Spain. Juani and Pepe are on board.

THE END

***

Awww!!

Wouldn't that be sweet!!

Instead, it looks like Between U.S.A and Spain will have more of a tear jerker for an end.

NO! Not even that... I'll have one of those endings where people go out of the theater

saying with a puzzled face, "WHAT kind of an ending WAS THAT?!"

Anyway, regardles of the ending... I can't wait. I have lost all interest in this movie blog

of mine. Actually, I have lost all interest... in just about everything.

WHY? Because, these last few weeks have been pure turmoil. And there seems to be

SUNSHINE FROM SPAIN 2

A special thank you for my son in law, Raul,

who knowing it was gloomy around Auburn, Georgia,

sent me some sunshine from Spain.

***

A DAY IN AQUOPOLIS

Two little brothers, Alberto and Gabriel,

were replenishing energies

after some serious water-playing time at Aquopolis when...

Alberto, the oldest of the boys, spotted the intruders taking over their large,

yellow floater. He said to his brother with a mouthful of chicken sandwich,

"How dare they!! Hey bro, let's hurry- those two are taking what is ours!"

Gabriel, nodded while slurping his juice.

"Dad!! Yayo!! Don't you think you are acting a little childish here?

This is the kiddy pool and Gabriel and I want the floater back!!

Ummm....... please!!"

Well, Dad and Yayo said, "We're not giving it up without a fight!"

What!!

Oh, dear! The determined little boys summoned their super powers and...

Gabriel, tackled Yayo while Alberto took care of business with their dad...

There was some serious splishing and a-splashing going on when

Mommy Mayra came over to calm the waters

and said, "ENOUGH!!! NO ONE is going to have the floater.... BUT ME"

Well... they sure weren't going to argue with her!

After all she sure deserves a relaxing moment...

and little Gabriel even gave her a hug.

At the sight of this tender family moment,

Yayo Pepe, decided it was time for a nice family photo to remember this day by...

But the first shot was a flop...

Then came another shot, but Mayra's arm and part of Raul's face

just didn't quite make a good family photo...

He tried once more and got Mayra and Raul

but... uh... the kids well... no comment.

They all thought a more conventional photo would be easier.

And Mayra started by organizing the kids by size...

Anyone else would have given up, but Mayra kept up the hard work...

Even when some wanted to abandon the "ship"!

But by golly they finally got it...

Yes, they got the "good enough" family photo to remember

a fun day at Aquopolis!!!

***

Posted at 08:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 77 & part of WEEK 78

August

WEEK 77 Thursday 11 - Wednesday 17

WEEK 78 Thursday 18 - Wednesday 24

Have you ever felt broken? I hope you never do. It’s a horrible feeling. I hope life

spares you from it. It hasn’t me. And so I will be honest, because I don’t want to

pretend that all is well. What is the point of writing if you lie to everyone, including

yourself? I feel broken. And I have the right to feel that way, as you have the

right to stop reading this very moment. At least I think so.

WEEK 77 & WEEK 78 STINK.

I HATE THE OUTCOME OF THESE PAST TWO WEEKS.

YES, I DO!!! I HATE IT. I HATE IT. I HATE IT!!!!!!!

These past weeks were so promising. I was working on FOOD STORIES and

getting ready to visit my sister, Hilda, in Florida. I was thrilled because I needed a

change from this dreadful Auburn-Winder monotony. Yes, a little Florida sunshine,

a little sisterly talk at the beach, and we were even going to Rob Deck’s book

signing in Orlando on Friday so I could meet him personally and thank him for

reviewing my book.

However, while preparing for my mini-vacation, my world is turned around after

an argument with my daughter, Sandra, leads to: No beach, no sisterly talk

and no book signing. What I got instead was: Lots of anger, tons of hurt, and

an ocean of tears.

Today is Alonso’s birthday. I should have been celebrating it. I should have been

able to say Happy Birthday to my grandson. I should have been able to hug and

kiss a child I have helped raise. Instead, I have re-played a vivid dream I had last

night, over and over again, as the day went along to feel him close to me.

I saw him so clearly in my dream. It went like this… I got home from work. Parked

in the driveway. I look up to my house thinking about how awful it was not to be

even able to wish him a Happy Birthday because I feared stirring things again

between my daughter and I. Then I get out of my car and walk up the stairs to

the door. I look for the right key and I opened my door. I find my house empty. I

find my house lonely. I stand in the foyer and think about how much my house

and I have in common. We've certainly seen better days.

I go upstairs and close the white children’s safety rail behind me. At the sound it

made, Alonso, peeks his head out from my bedroom's door fram. I see him

come out of my room and run toward me, dressed in blue jeans and a red t-shirt,

full throttle down the hallway with a big smile that said how much he missed me.

Can you feel your heart beating fast in a dream? I could. And I felt his warmth

as I bent down and those little arms wrapped around my neck. Then, I saw myself

grabbing his hands and separating him from me for a brief moment so Icould

look into his precious face. His big brown eyes were filled with light, and he was

smiling in that way that makes my heart melt. We hugged again and I caressed

his soft dark hair. I swear I could smell the baby shampoo scent as I kissed his

head. That moment lingered. I remember wanting to say so many things to

him... but instead we just hugged in silence. And that's all I remember.

I know... things will get better. But for now, allow me to feel the way I do. Broken.

Posted at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)

WEEKS 72, 73, 74, 75 AND 76!

WEEK 72 July 7 - 13

WEEK 73 July 14 - 20

WEEJ 74 July 21 - 27

WEEK 75 July 28 - Aug 3

WEEK 76 August 4 - 10

I believe I have never been so absent from my blog. And not only have I been absent from mine, but

from my friend's blogs as well. I do apologize to you; Barbara, Fiona, Jillsy, Jan, Jen, Tipper, and Robert.

Please know that as soon as I finish FOOD STORIES I will be back to all your blogs. I have missed you

dearly. But this little venture of mine has absorbed me to the point of not having a life. And the reason

behind it is: DESPERATION for a new life. So, I am pushing myself to the limit, even if it means taking

away the little joys in my life, and concentrating solely in the book. I hope you understand.

I can not imagine the toll it will take on me if this book is not published. I don't know. I am guessing

I could go into the deepest of depressions. But then again, I might just shrug my shoulders. Very

soon I will find out. I only have a couple of stories to finish. Christopher and Mayra are working on the

illustrations. Is that not a mother's dream? I think I am more excited for them than for myself!

And when all is written and done this little piggy will be eating lots of salads... and will have a life

again. The only adventures i am living are the following kind:

At work I was helping a customer find canned pork and beans when I heard, "Miss!Miss!" Then I felt a tap

on my shoulder. When I turned around a hunched-back, four-toothed, old man was grinning and holding

out this...ummm.. stem out to me. He said to startled me, "For you!". Well, you CAN'Timagine how

confused I felt. I really didn't know if to chuckle or cry. But hey, I think Imade his day by kindly

accepting the...umm...stem, and wishing him a great day. Not to mention "the moment" made the lady

I was helping out laugh when he merrily rolled his shopping cart away from us. And as for me, I got a

chanceto stop and smell... the half dead mums!!

I believe this has been the most excitement I have had in the past five weeks. The rest of my time I am

either cooking, taking photographs of the food I cook, downloading the photos, writing, flattening my

butt in front of the computer as I write, and of course increasing my waist line in between writing

"breaks".

This is Cuban picadillo, but actually I haven't written the story yet. I might not included.

Decisions, decisions...

This story is dedicated to late, late night host Craig Ferguson. He is the other man in my life.

I love him because he cracks me up, and I need that to keep going. His story is titled,

Craig Ferguson's E-mail Eggs. He is so proud of having changed his nationality from Scottish to

American, that I thought a typical American food, such as wieners would be great. But then I thought...

Craig Ferguson's Wiener didn't sound too good. Uuuhhh, no thank you!

Aha, more eggs! These I loved when my mother made them, and it's one of my children's

favorite dishes.

This hummus belongs to "Agent Lames Blond's Hummus" .

And these yummy ribs are for an old story, Sherlock Holmes Ribs. What a sacrifice to cook

and eat them...

Another photo re-make. This time for Angry Bride Cauliflower...

And this one is one is for one of my new stories, The Princess and the Peas.

Sandra loved these turnovers and the story titled, Neptune's Tuna Turnovers.

There is a very interesting centerfold photo in this one...

And of course I couldn't leave out that Mexican dessert that Maricela showed me how

to make. Ititled that one, Juanita's Cantina South of the Border Jell-o.

This is another re-make of Amnesia Flan. Unfortunately, I have to make another one

because I don't like any of the photos I took. I think it's because I was hungry when I got

home from work and just wanted to eat it.

I don't know... I can't rememember!

Potatoes for Suckers... yet another re-make

But this is for a new story- Juana Mae's Chicken Croquettes.

Cute story if I may say so myself!

For Crying Out Loud Salad, always makes me think of my sister Maribel...

she taught me how to make it.

Ummm... not too sure I will include these mushrooms. It's a shame because I love the Italian

$1.00 plate I found at a thrift store!!

Identity crisis here... Spaghetti a la Silent Killer became Lethal Linguini.

ALL the photos were changed for this story also!!! I ate linguini for a week....

Chef Gordon Ramsey & My @%#*! Corn Risotto. A new twist to an old favorite of mine

And of course a family favorite... No Shovel Required Hawaiian Kalua Pig. Sandra doesn't

like this photo... I am not to sure either. But, gosh I don't want to have to cook it again even

though I love it. It's 5 lbs of meat for just two people!!

Alright, no more photos for the rest of the new stories which are:

Cavemen Roasted Duh-Duh Bird,

Over the Phone Leg of Lamb

The Onion and the Beet; A Sad-lad Story

$18.00 for 8 Red Peppers Salad

And there you go! Ten new stories and four more on the drawing board, plus all the revising

and changes going on constantly...Which is really not bad for the issues surrounding me

with my daughter, Miss "Confused".

Oh, an update on Alonso's speech before I go! He has improved tremendously and even says

"Eeeeww!! That's nasty!!" when he doesn't like his food. I know... not very nice. But to

us it sounds wonderful!!

I don't think I will be back for a while.

Hopefully this will all be over soon.

I miss my blog... and I miss YOU!!!

Posted at 07:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY GABRIEL!

My Dearest Grandson Gabriel:

I can't believe you turn two years old today!!

Oh, how I wish I was there to look straight at that adorable little face of yours...

and then kiss you...

kiss you some more...

Yes, kiss you until you thought my kisses were a little too much....

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY

YAYA LOVES YOU WITH ALL HER HEART!!!

Posted at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 71

THU 30 - WED 6

WEEK 71. I don't know when I have been more determined in my life to finish something

I had started. I don't remember having cooked as much either, since I had all of my kids

together, or had a celebration...But I had to do it. I had to cook some of the dishes from

FOOD STORIES and try to improve those shots.

Well, let me tell you... I nearly went BANANAS!! FOOD IS SO HARD TO SHOOT.

Especially when you have been cooking, HAVE A CHAOTIC KITCHEN, and a

PILE of dirty clothes...

Spanish tortilla

Garlic spaghetti

My mother's "torrijas"

Macaroni with chorizo

Baked chicken

________________________________

As far as, FoOD Story, progress is concerned.. this is what I had on

week 69

227

And this... is what I had by the end of WEEK 71. Each "bunch" is a story several pages long. I belive I have made some progress afterall.

It's a grueling process, but very rewarding. All of this is in a binder I take to work. Friends and cusotmer have read some of the stories and their reaction when they open the book is wonderful. To see them laugh even more.

Oh, my gosh!! I don't have any clean underwear, again?

Dang it. I need to finish this book soon

so I have time for laundry.

Posted at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 70

WEEK 7o

THU 23 - WED 29

WEEK 70 = AWESOME! This week I changed my work schedule to accommodate writing time.

Four hours a day for seven straight days. I am short in hours, which means EVEN less pay...

but Pepe and I agreed to this. Some people skip Christmas. I am skipping a mortgage

payment in order to get this book finished. First time in 11 years! How is that for original?

Thursday 23. I decided to forget about me and my book for one evening, and go see Terry.

We had a wonderful dinner and believe it or not I found myself volunteering to mow her lawn.

YES, I DID! And you all know how much I love to mow my lawn. Right? But, for her, I

would do it. However, Terry, said she had like 29 people volunteer since her husband

passed away. Well then! That gives us the opportunity to maybe go to the movies next time!

Friday 24. My 51 BIRTHDAY. I was overwhelmed by the birthday wishes from family and

friends. At work, my friend Peggy, surprised me with this amazing cream cheese pound cake.

Thank you Peggy, that was so sweet of you!

Later that night, I put candles on it and wished...well, I think you all know what I wished for

My best present was going out to dinner with Sandra, and seeing this sky when I walked

out the door. Thank you Lord!

I had a blast with Alonso at the restaurant. I showed him how to be silly with French fries...

Ah, these are the best moments!! Don't you agree?

Saturday 26. I found myself buying more groceries. I needed the ingredients for my book's

next stories. And lentils were on the list. My children love lentils. I made them once a week

when we lived in Spain, because they are economical and "good for you".

The rest of Saturday, and most of Sunday 27and Monday 28, I spent it in my

bedroom corner typing away, or cooking, or eating, or playing with Alonso, who

has had no tantrum this week. He has also learned many new words...

Wednesday 29. The day we were waiting for was here. Off we went, Sandra,

Alonso, and me, to the Marcus Autism Center, in Atlanta. During the drive there,

I must say, Alonso, talked more than his "texting" mother... Sometimes, I wish I

could throw that phone down the toilet. Especially, on days when I need to talk to

someone, just so my mind doesn't wonder off. I was quite positive his diagnosis

of autism would be negative, but I was trying not to think of the children I would

see there. And I kept thinking of my niece, Laura, and my sister, Cary. How

heartbreaking it must have been for Cary, 32 years ago, when she was told Laura,

her beautiful, little girl was autistic.

But there was no way to have a converstation with my own daughter. Nope. Just

a few words here and there. Nothing much. With Mayra, we would have touched every

subject in the world during an hour drive. It would have been like, WE ARE HERE ALREADY?

In all honesty, I think my daughter has more speech problems than her son. At

least with me. Because she certainly has a lot to tell to her friends...

However, Alonso, was seen by a wonderful Doctor. And after a long study, where

she observed, interacted, did a check up, and laughed at Alonso's dramatic faces

when he didn't want to collaborate in some games, she told us he had none of the

signs of autism. Although due to his speech delay she would like to see him in

6 months, if we agreed. We did. She also recommend therapy, which would help control

his tantrums. We would take care of that also.

So now it is official. I stamped Alonso with my seal of approval. He is just another

"genius" in this crazy family of mine....

Alonso, agrees!

Posted at 12:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 69

Thursday 16

Finally.

That very special day I had longed for so, so many years, arrived.

My son, Christopher, graduated!

He chose not to walk, but that didn't matter to me. I drove to the Art Institute of Atlanta

for Christopher's portafolio show and spend some time with him and Beth.

That is all that mattered to this very proud mother.

"Someday, I will see your name in the big letters in a movie theatre"

I have said that since he was five years old...

I wish I could say I have better photos of this important day. But I don't. Chris does not

enjoy having photos taken. Oh, well... I wasn't about to ruffle this artist's feathers. Beth,

my daughter-in-law took a few with her camera and I was content with that. Anyway,

I was still in a daze from the yesterday's events. Still, Mama, shot a few pics from afar.

The one in black pants is Chris. The one in the white pants is Beth.

I just wished there would have been more family to celebrate it with. I knew Chris did too.

If this would have been in Spain, there would have been an outpour of "Aragon" family and

friends filling the place with congratulations, hugs, kisses and lots of laughter. But,not even

Sandra could make it, because Alonso was no longer in daycare.

However, that did not take away from this grand day. The day I was able to look

into those big, beautiful, brown eyes of his and see the little boy that drew on my walls

all grown up. The little boy that had seized his dream, made it true despite having to make

many sacrifices, and become a great young man... a great ARTIST through it all.

I love you *Pitoto.

*Chri's childhood nickname!

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

On the way back home, I took some photos. No, I wasn't driving on I- 85 and taking

photos!

I was just stuck in traffic. Which was wonderful, because it would take time away from

DAY 2 of my "vacation" to sit and work on FOOD STORIES.

It was late when I got home, but I worked on my book. Christopher's tenacity inpired me,

and I want him to be proud of me. I want all my kids to be proud of me. I can't go to

college now, but I WILL get this book published...

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

FRIDAY 17

1 ) I worked, worked, and worked on my stories.

2) I worked, worked and worked with Alonso's phonics. No meltdown today.

3) We had a major storm.

4) Went to bed exhausted and thinking about Terry and her husband's funeral tomorrow

at noon.

During one of my "writing" breaks. I enjoyed watching the rain with Alonso.

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

Saturday 18

Kevin Warren McFarlin

March5, 1968 - June 15, 2011

The funeral service for Terry's husband,

at Wages and Sons Funeral Home in Lawrenceville,

was one that I will not forget in my lifetime.

I did not know Kevin, but by the end of the service I felt I did.

A good, loving husband and father gone too soon.

My deepest sympathy to you, Terry, and your family.

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

Sunday 19

This is what I found on my way to church...

It reminded me of myself; split right down the middle. Half of me in the U. S. and the

other half in Spain. I had to turn around and find another way to get to my destination.

Hmmm... Interesting. That's exactly what I am trying to do, because I miss my husband

more than ever.

When I returned from church, I went back into my bedroom. Back to the corner

where my desk is. Back to my flash drive and my stories. Back to sitting until my body hurts,

and I have to drop to my knees to find some relief in order to keep going.

Sometimes, I leave that corner and surface to breath...

and to enjoy the little moments, that bring me some joy.

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

Monday 20 and Tuesday 21

I cooked...

I collected flags...

Ecuador

Quito, Pichincha

arrived from google.com on "Between U.S.A. and Spain." by searching for situation between spain and U.S.

Romania

Bucharest, Bucuresti arrived from jillsygirl.blogspot.com on "OF NUNS AND CAULIFLOWERS. (Between U.S.A. and Spain.)".

Hungary

Nagysáp, Komarom-Esztergom arrived from google.sk on "The woman I argued with was Ivanna Trump?!! (Between U.S.A. and Spain.)".

14

Russia

Moscow, Moscow City arrived on "Between U.S.A. and Spain.".

09:22:39 -- 48 minutes ago

France

Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon arrived from google.fr on "DEDICATED TO MY FRIEND BARBARA...once again, "FISH DESPERADO" (Between U.S.A. and Spain.)" by searching for shooting photo desperados fise.

Argentina

Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal arrived from google.com.ar on "MARICELA'S TAQUITOS FOR PEPE. (Between U.S.A. and Spain.)" by searching for typepad.com maricela.

19:12:36 -- 1 day 14 hours ago

Malaysia

Seremban, Negeri Sembilan arrived from google.com.my on "A FAIRY TALE LOVE STORY... (Between U.S.A. and Spain.)".

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

And... I gave birth to 14 stories after many, many hours of labor.

I am thrilled!!

I do hope this is the key to the way back to my husband...

Posted at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 68

WEEK 68

June, Thu 9 - Wed 15

Over two weeks ago, on WEEK 67, my lasts words to myself were:

"I know... I know... hang in there. One day at a time, Juana, one day at a time".

Well, I hung in there, but as the days passed I was more and more startled.

After all, things were getting more complicated with Alonso, and I was beginning to

worry that maybe his strange behavior and screaming, since he started speech

therapy and daycare,was really something to worry about. Furthermore, his speech

therapist, who was baffled by his crying during the first couple of sessions,

suggested he be diagnosed in a center by behavior specialists. And at daycare

we were called to pick him up several times, because of his major meltdowns.

It was becoming obvious that daycare might not be an option for us.

Alright, so with no daycare it would be impossible for Sandra to get that day job.

That day job I have longed for her to have, since forever. And without a day job,

the possibility of becoming more independent goes out the window for Sandra.

As for me, the possibility of having a little freedom goes out that same window.

However, regardless of own personal issues or dreams, our main concern is and

always will be, Alonso. PERIOD.

So, what was going on? What was causing this change in behavior? Why were we

told that he was showing signs of autism, at daycare? Was I in denial? Or was it

that I had lived this before with my own son, Chris, when he was that age and

couldn't express himself? And what about, Alberto, my grandson? He was also a

late talker with major meltdowns. Both, Chris and Alberto, are FINE. Actually, both

would be considered gifted.

So should I worry? Of course I should! My niece and goddaughter, Laura, has autism.

Tell me, how could I ignore what was in the back of my head all of these days.

Although, our dear Laura, has a deep and devastating level of autism, Alonso’s

could me a highly functional one, or maybe a syndrome I am not familiar with.

My sister, Cary, with all her beautiful children. Laura, her firstborn started showing signs of autism at the age of two. I admire my sister for all she's been through with Laura, and all she has done to provide the best possible care for her. I love you sis. I love you kids!

My nephews, Laura and Alex. They share a very special bond. Alex adores his big sister, and well... Laura doesn't speak, but look at how she holds his hand. I think that says it all.

Wondering about autism, led Sandra to watch heart breaking videos of autistic

children during meltdowns in You-tube. One night, I laid in bed turning and

twisting, as I heard the voices of screaming children once more, coming from the

livingroom. I had to get up and stop this cycle of insanity, caused by fear. I asked

a crying Sandra not to watch any more videos, it didn’t help Alonso and it was

making me a nervous wreck. Because to me, Alonso, behaved perfectly normal. It

could be nothing but TANTRUMS. I told Sandra, her brother did the same. No,

worse! He’d throw himself on the floor in public and cry or scream uncontrollably

while kicking his legs when I didn’t understand him, or I’d say NO to something

he wanted. I saw many eyebrows raising around me during those years. Anyway, it

would be best to wait until his evaluation at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta,

on the 29^th of this month. We should take it from there.

Meantime, in Spain, my husband was still having trouble with his knee and his

sleep, or should I say lack of sleep. That stubborn, stubborn man! He is worse than

I am at ignoring symptoms. Why didn’t he take care of himself? All I had heard

lately was how little he had slept, how little he slept, AND how little he slept.

Yet he did nothing about it. That upset me. It upset me VERY much. Pepe had

worked 240 hours during the month of May, and wasn’t sleeping. Did Pepe think

he was Superman? I had enough with what I had at home, I didn't need any extra

worries. We ended up arguing about it and I told him to work less and GO TO

THE DOCTOR so he could end with his severe insomnia. I had to get tough and

say, “And don’t call me until you do.”

I was miserable not talking to my husband for three days. M-i-s-e-r-a-b-l-e, but

I didn't give in to my desire of hearing his voice. And on that last day of WEEK 68,

Wednesday the 15th, the phone rang. I had already talked to my daughter, Mayra,

about 2 hours before, so when I saw her number on the caller I.D., again, I was

hoping it was Pepe, regardless if he had gone to the Doctor, or not. But, it wasn't

him. It was Mayra, and when she said with a very sad tone, "Mami.... I...... I........"

my heart sunk thinking, Pepe, had gotten ill over our stupid argument and he

was in the hospital. Alarmed, I cut in asking, "What! What's the matter?" And she

went on to let me know that she had just read on facebook that her ex-coworker

and dear friend, Terry, had lost her husband, Kevin, that morning during his sleep.

Oh, dear Lord, no! This couldn't be happening to sweet Terry! The woman that

shared so many hours next to my daughter, lovingly taking care of the infants at

the daycare where they worked. My heart broke for Terry. My heart also broke

for Mayra, because I knew that if she could have gotten in an airplane at that

moment to be with Terry she would have. Before hanging up, I reassured Mayra, that

I would get Terry’s phone number, which she couldn’t find, and that I also

would get in contact with Terry. And that’s exactly what I did. The rest of the day

I couldn’t stop thinking about Terry. I also couldn’t stop thinking about an “if”.

What if anything happened to Pepe? I am so, so far away…

An hour hadn’t passed when, Sandra, who was working, interrupts the daze I was in

by calling, and asks me to pick up Alonso at daycare. At that very

moment, I knew daycare was no longer an option. We weren't asked not to bring

him back. I made the decision.

He was playing when I picked him up. He smiled and ran to me. He kissed me, he

hugged me, and energetically waived goodbye to the teachers with a big smile on

his face. I put him in his car-seat and drove home singing the alphabet song, with

Alonso singing along the few letters he can pronounce and humming the rest.

Once home, he dashed up the stairs, asked for juice and brought a ball so we could

play soccer. Oh, kiddo with the big brown eyes, how I love you...

Later that afternoon, Pepe, called me to ask about Terry, see how Alonso was doing,

and to let me know he had just picked up a prescription the Doctor had ordered

for his insomnia. I thanked God. It was a relief to hear his voice. I don't ever want

to hang up the phone upset at Pepe again, and I don't want to be apart any more.

When I got in bed that last day of WEEK 68, I moved over to Pepe's side of

the bed for a minute, and imagined him sleeping in Alberto's room so many

thousands of miles away. I still had the dark night ahead, but for him the sun's

rays would soon be breaking through the window blinds. I returned to my side.

I pondered over this week's events one by one, and my heart started racing.

Especially, when I reviewed my decision of taking a week off work to get a head

start in transferring Food Stories to Microsoft Word, and turn it into a palpable

book. That week had started this morning, and I was afraid I had chosen the wrong

week to do it. Could this be, once again, a bad plan on my part?

It was best to close my eyes and think about Christopher's portfolio show. Yes, that

was best. Tomorrow, I had something to look forward to; I would see my son,

Christopher Alvarez, officially graduated as a 2D animation and Visual Development

Artist. A dream come true for the mother of the little boy who didn't speak until

he was four years old, and raised eyebrows when he threw tantrums...

Posted at 12:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

5 + 1 = 51

June 24, 2011. It's my day. I can add any way I wish...

5 + 1= 51

To my family and friends:

Thank you for all the Happy BIrthday wishes, phone calls and cards.

I felt the love!!

Posted at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 67

June, Thu 2 - Wed 8

WEEK 67. A long stressful week, sandwiched between two dates that always bring memories.

June 2nd, is my oldest brother's birthday. Gabriel, turned 69. I thought about him and wished him

a happy birthday. And on June 8th, I got married back in 1979 to Tommy Alvarez. I should have

walked on my High School graduation day, instead I walked down the isle.

I would have posted a photo of me as a bride, but I gave that album for safe keeping to my sister, Cary.

I tore up every photo of him after our divorce. As a matter of fact, the album of our honeymoon

looks more like I took off on a vacation trip to beautiful Aruba all by myself. But, I figured

the wedding photos, well... my children might want to see some day.

So what about in between these two dates? A lot of chaos. A lot of wondering. A lot of thinking.

A lot of nerves and not too many answers. All I know is that I see another 67 WEEKS

of blogging. It's no joke.

I know... I know... hang in there. One day at

a time, Juana, one day at a time.

Posted at 06:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

WATER MY PLANTS, PLEASE!

Well, it's been hot, hot, hot around Auburn... and my plants needed watering

So, I figured my landscaper could do that while I am weeding close by...

He is a great young man, I've had him around for about three years....

But, with him I have to keep an eye out...

You see, he gets distracted easily.

However, one good "EXCUSE ME?" and he gets right back to work. That's why I don't fire him.

Well, that.... and... he's just too cute!!

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

This is another entry for my friend Jillsy's JUNE Challenge.

Please visit her wonderful blog at:

My PhotoBlog: Jillsy Girl Studio

My ETSY Greeting Card Shoppe: Jillsy Girl Studio Cards

Posted at 08:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

WEEK 66.

May, Thur 26 - June, Wed 1

WEEK 66 is brought to you by the letter: W

What a week! I won Jillsy's (Jillsy Girl Studio) contest on childhood with my entry

OF NUNS AND CAULIFLOWERS.

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! What fun!!

Thank you Jillsy, for giving me the

opportunity to submit one of my

favorite childhood memories!

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

Wildly amusing is seeing Alonso, my grandson, say the letter W... he puckers up his lips and then lets out the funniest Oh-Oh-U!

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

Wanna laugh?

Go ahead....

I found this photo of me, cleaning out my closet. This is the longest I ever had my hair during my childhood.

Unlike my sister, Cary, who was known for her long, blond hair, I was known for my boyish look. My mom thought I looked "cute" like that. I HATED IT.

Then it happened! She must have had a lot on her mind because I didn't see any scissors for a few months... and I finally looked like a girl! I was as happy as I could be.

To celebrate my new look, I went to my friend's house, since her father was a photographer, to have my "long hair" immortalized. A few days later I told my mother she had to pay for the photos.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED NEXT?

You are absolutely, right. It was cut really short. But, I got lucky and was allowed to let it grow for my FIRST COMMUNION!

Didn't I look.... ummm.... pretty? This is in Puerto Rico. Because we were moving to Spain, I was the only child doing her First Communion around Christmas time....the rest would wait until MAY.

No comment on the crown and the smile... OR the haircut.

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

Why do young Mexican women like to feed me?

I don't know.... but here is Rosa, bringing me tacos and homemade salsa, the day I was missing Maricela the most!

Thank you Rosa, they were delicious!

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

Well, it's been hot, hot, hot around Auburn... and my plants needed watering...

So, I figured my landscaper could do that while I am weeding close by...

After all... with him I have to keep an eye out!!

You see, he gets distracted easily.

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

Not so Wonderful this week...

*Pepe's is taking antiflamatories for his knee and can't sleep well because of the pain....

*My car is making an ugly noise...

*Alonso's speech therapist said "Ignore him if he cries or screams for something, DON'T GIVE IN". That didn't go too well...

*Sandra and her best friend, Diana went to get their hair done...

They were not very happy when they came home...

Sandra said, don't worry I can fix it!

I said, Gee!! Diana, looks like Woody Woodpecker!!

I am not done mom!

Wow, Sandra, you did good!! Diana, looks great!!

*I had to go to a meeting where I thought I was going to fall asleep.

*I miss my husband too much...

*I got very frustated when trying to learn about submitting a story.

*My house is a disaster area now that I am packing things... not that I have a date to go, but at least it gives me the illusion of leaving...

*With hot weather bugs come out...

Well.... at least this one is a pretty color!

Posted at 11:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

NEPTUNE, KING OF THE SEA....

This is my entry for my friend Jillsy's JUNE Challenge.

Please visit her wonderful blog at:

My PhotoBlog: Jillsy Girl Studio

My ETSY Greeting Card Shoppe: Jillsy Girl Studio Cards

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

NEPTUNE, KING OF THE SEA...

The ocean fascinates me. It always has. My childhood memories are filled with sunny days at the beach, where I spent countless hours by the shore, getting sunburned although covered in Coppertone from head to toes. I can still see myself with my blue swimsuit, looking around for anything and everything; shells, crabs, starfish, drift wood, bird feathers, mussels, clams, lost treasures, AND poking with a stick at mysterious creatures, such as jellyfish, that the tides washed ashore... just for me.

I don't know... I guess I was a mysterious creature myself. Instead of joining the fun with my sisters and cousins, as they played ball in the sand, or went off swimming into the big blue, I could be still, staring at that fantastic mass of water and it's powerful, rolling waves edged with bubbly, white lace.... wondering what lurked beneath... Wondering if the tall, white-bearded, trident-carrying, horse drawn charriot-riding, god of Roman mythology, Neptune, really existed.

YEAH, I WAS AN OCEAN-WATER NERD-CHILD!!

Now, I wasn't always along the shore. There were times I liked being in the sea... floating upside down, in the clear waters, with my big, brown eyes open wide, until they hurt and my skin was well wrinkled. I had a great imagination back then, and one day I came out of the water to tell my mother, I was certain I had seen Neptune waiving his trident at me, as his beautiful horses neighed and took him deeper into his kingdom. I couldn't hear well because my ears were full of water, but she said something about being too long under the sun, and that I resembled a walking prune.

Today, I am all grown up, and the wrinkles in my skin have nothing to do with being in the water too long. But, the ocean still fascinates me. Unfortunately, the closest beach is five hours away from my house. So, I brought the ocean into my home. I am surrounded by shells, starfish, boats, seagulls, lighthouses... you name, I got it. All I am missing is the water, but then again, with a little imagination...

I can even become, NEPTUNE, king of the sea...

in a bathtub!!

OR should I say.... NEP-TUNA?

***********

P.S. I had a suit on, no sea life was harmed in the making of this photo, and yes... my thinking was impaired by too much sun- Keep your children inside during the summer!

Posted at 01:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

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...

032

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!! :)

Posted at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

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...

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

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.

Posted at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: http://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a01310f33f388970c0120a8cd0ff1970b/post/6a01310f33f388970c01538ec05fed970b/edit?saved=e#

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!

Posted at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

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?

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

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,

021

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....

Posted at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

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...

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

Posted at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

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!

Posted at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
					1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28

A woman's diary until she reunites with her husband in Madrid, Spain, and recipes with a dash of humor...

Saturday, February 02, 2013

Saturday, January 05, 2013

Thursday, January 03, 2013

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Friday, June 15, 2012

Thursday, December 29, 2011

O.K. laugh.

Zim Qingdao (IMO: 9318163)

Friday, December 16, 2011

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Sunday, November 06, 2011

Saturday, November 05, 2011

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Friday, October 21, 2011

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Thursday, October 06, 2011

(WEEK 79 AND BITS AND PIECES...)

Friday, September 30, 2011

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Friday, June 24, 2011

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Monday, June 06, 2011

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Monday, May 30, 2011

Friday, May 27, 2011

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!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

OF NUNS AND CAULIFLOWERS

Monday, May 16, 2011

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

SIGH... until October...

Friday, May 13, 2011

February 2013

FOOD STORIES

HISTORIAS DE MI MEMORIA.

Search

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Become a Fan

Christopher Alvarez

ella-b

WEEK BY WEEK...

Master of my domain

Long Hollow

My Big Dipper

Jillsy Girl

BellaCasa

The Smitten Image

A New Life In Costa Rica

Lady Fi

Refrigerator Magnate

Life, Love and Photography

jabblog

Nick Fortune Photography

House of Lime

The Rain in Spain...

The Run*A*Round Ranch Report

The RunARound Ranch Report