Dessert Tamales

One hundred years of solstice

Guadalupe arrives at one hundred years of life today. It is the solstice for the calendar year 2007. This blog was named after Guadalupe [affectionately known as "Chula"].

I am honored to have been guided by her love.

Con paz,
frank

wipers

Hands free

All you need is love

Basque in it

Escape from Mexico

Was sitting in the kitchen this morning; wandering through recent years in my mind, when I came to examine floating north of the border. As a Mexican American [never understood what this category - for what else can it be? - means or why we brown skinned folks need it] there comes a time when you are faced with looking across the border [at worst - to stare down across it, as if migrating north was a step up] and wondering if you are better off by being on this side of it.

This time of year we plan our holiday vacation; usually a new location in Mexico. In large part it's a way to connect with my past, to embrace a Mexican culture and heritage that's more pure than what I grew up with or what now surrounds us in Seattle [isolated to pockets throughout the region; growing]. We choose a Mexican destination based on what cultural events, scenery and weather [think beach and sun] it offers. But these wanderings are usually deep within Mexico; we intentionally stay away from the border towns or any hint of the merge from two countries blending into one experience.

Could it be, then, that I have repressed a sense of escaping Mexico? Could it be that I travel deep into the country knowing a return ticket sits in a pouch; taxi ride away from a plane ride home?

This is likely to be a multi-part post. Stay tuned.

con paz,
frank

wrapping

Every little paw helps.

Con paz,
frank

Head case

River journey

Water for the drought

Shower drops

lamp

Opposite ends

Our elders, our children. Opposite ends of the human timeline. Our most important , need for care always our concern.

Con paz,
frank

Report back to base

While exploring Saturn and Jupiter, we discovered two alien life forms. Full report: "Yes a alien, air is good, back to base"

Con paz,
frank

Reflective corners

Prior to fright night there was a gathering of young wizards trying to hatch a dragon egg.

If you look in the right place in the mirror, the child smiles in return. Con paz,

frank

Not a fright night

Short route for candy grabbing on this chilly northwest evening. And now we head back to the hill for local goodies.

Con paz,
frank

Adios tofu stir fry

We rushed to the Globe this morning, hoping to get my tofu scramble fix before the blessing of the Atrium. Much to my shock, the Globe doesn't offer the tofu scramble anymore, the time has come for a change of pace for the owner.

First, I need to recognize what an absolutely thankless job running a restaurant is. This guy likely put up with more shit than the average entrepreneur - and yet customers were begging for his food and atmosphere - during his run on Capital Hill. We should all be grateful for the service these little angels offer us, those of us addicted to the sweet smell of a well formed cafe [read kitchen flowing with great food].

Next, may we be blessed with more - not less - gratitude for these artisans. I've heard too much lately about how arrogant and pompous we've become, as customers, as a society. Seattle needs to be a great city because it takes care of those who take care of all of us.

Con paz,
frank

Go help the kids

I try very hard not to get political on my blog.  So many of the subjects we face each day are [believe it or not] non-partisan.  The core realities of life existed long before there were Democrats or Republicans - or the United States of America.  But the recent veto of a bill which seems to be purely about helping kids have a healthy chance to reach a healthy adulthood just seems like bad politics.  I have to believe this to avoid believing something else, like the person who controlled the veto doesn't like kids.  Yuk.

So let your local politician know how you feel about a bill which helps kids get health insurance, and a good chance at a productive life in America.

 

con paz,

frank

Free the troll

Yet another Soapbox Derby moment. No blood, good.

frank

the what-if bear

What if you received a letter from a friend,
and he said a few simple things in the morning?

Then you read farther and found an invitation to go up in the sky and look down on earth,
while drifting to a warm place without a name.

What if your only concern was what to wear,
because even though you're lovely, you must be discreet.
So filled a case full of favorite colors and...

con paz,
frank

Book choices

Bedtime reading wasn't something I grew up with. We didn't have a home library or even a library card. But we did have storytelling so rich pages formed from the words lingering in the air of our house, or front porch.

Years later we're debating what book to read tonite. Its between "The Rat" by Gunter Grass or "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman. My preference is "The Rat" to erase the memory of reading [aborted] "The Tin Drum"; a bleak tale of forbidden love evolving into national guilt.

Please send me your titles.

Con paz,
frank

Palace of books

You've probably heard me praise our library system before. It continues to give joy to all who use it to open their hearts and minds to knowledge. I started at the Central Library this morning, arrived via the 106 Metro route, worked on specs and now my gals are here. They met me in the red room [favorite space in this building]; now we're in the kids room.

Burgers and iced coffees later.

Con paz,
frank

Fish fairies

Love these, and their creator.

Con paz,
frank

D + f

Celebrated seven today. It has been - thus far - a splendid day, filled with kisses, gadgets, bikes, swimming and fairies.

Con paz,
frank

Washington Park playground

Its cooling off from 80 degrees - still a superb day - which helps all the children from overheating.

Con paz,
frank

Adios haystack

We had a fabulous day in Cannon Beach. The predicted 69 degrees felt more like 75, and with almost no wind it was a perfect day at the beach, gazing across the Pacific. Con paz,

frank

Slumming on Hawthorne

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Portland. Its a sunny day on a holiday weekend Saturday; beach next. Con paz,

frank

Add lemonade

Continuing our lunch theme, we added lemonade to the menu. Perfect for a hot day, outdoor cafe, post-20/20 Cycle visit. Con paz.

frank

lunch

Taquitos on a hot day. This is how we ship software.
Con paz,
frank

Butterflies are not free

In fact they're trapped in an exhibit at the Pacific Science Center. The saddest part was a beautiful black butterfly with a broken wing.

Peace be with her.

frank

Cruising Home

Remember riding a bike, when you were a kid? As adults, we have a few logistics to work out [pun intended] before we can just jump on and go. So I bought a 1971 Triumph cruiser from 20/20 Cycle; upgraded handlebars and seat to be on my way. What a thrill!

And what a thigh burn [ouch]. There's more muscles in motion than chasing a five year old girl riding these things. Since I only have three speeds to rely on, anything more inclined than a speed bump takes some work. But the bike functioned well, my body spunked along spitting blood [and Catholic Mexican curses] as I wound around the Central District, Leschi, Seward Park.

Viva two wheels!

frank

Cold August

Thank God [literally] for the warmth from my gals. Its been a damn cold late summer in Seattle, have to be creative to make it all fun.

But the real story is how much this has been a kids summer. Almost every weekend has been packed with kids activities - and we have one child! - leaving the following Monday to recover. Suppose we knew this kind of life was coming, and here it is. If you think I'm complaining, re-read the fine print cuz I am having a blast.

Meet us at the pool if you want to join the fun.

Con paz,
frank

North of Boeing Field

Is a community that almost defies discovery. But it's a great place to escape the serenity of our city parks. No grass or water here; instead the hard edge of industry to relax the mind.

Con paz,
frank

Plums from Wapato

More bounty from the Columbia City market.

Con paz,
frank

CC market and hot

Seems like an abundance of good produce today.

Con paz,
frank

Five lanes, and back

Today Memphis swam five lanes and back. She's learning to come up for air, keep swimming forward until she reaches the destination.

Having decent goggles is making a big difference, allowing her to see where she's going under water.

Con paz,
frank

Birthday Cake

Although you can't eat this cake, it was created with love. And the colors seem to represent summer quite well.

Con paz,
frank

Love in July

We're currently swimming at Lakeridge Swim Club, taking in a lazy Saturday afternoon. I mowed the back yard this morning, to ease any guilt about not doing any chores today. The work of our generation never ends, because many are suffering and can't swim away from their demons. We take our rest with some humility, knowing its part of the preparation for the great work ahead of us.

Later today we hope to enjoy outdoor theater at Volunteer Park, something to do with a reluctant dragon. Keep the fire my friends.

Con paz,
frank

Storm the castle

Not me, not today. I can be free without violence; seek peace without armed revolution. Today we liberate from the indoors; celebrating liberty at Golden Gardens beach.

Con paz,
frank

More Aquarium

The upstairs features a simple but nice cafe, and the operational of the big tank.

All staff were on best behavior today. Con paz.

frank

Facing west, new Aquarium

They reopened the Seattle Aquarium today; adding a beautiful lobby with a massive fish tank.

The rest is as before; special and a beautiful reminder of the nature we live within.

The otter exhibit is my favorite; reminds me of families playing in the water.

Con paz,
frank

More solstice: bump, bump

Every era represented.

Con paz,
frank

Solstice parade: before the start

We ended up in the same place as last year, near the parade start. Once again the kids were given chalk to draw on the street. Should be a fun day, si?

Con paz,
frank

Facing North

End of the day in Snohomish, with family. Con paz.

frank

Hands in colors

Grand-daddy and M coloring cats at the 'Kitchen.

Notice who stays between the lines. Con paz.

frank

Flower Head

Get bees if enough of them gather. Buzz goes the love.

Con paz,
frank

Orcas sunset

On the edge of Columbia City, after a belly full of brisket. Thanks for the bounty of our dear guests, from Georgia.

frank

Sideways rainbow

Sherbert has never been my favorite kind of ice cream, but there really is no such thing as a bad ice cream on a sunny Saturday morning.

This one was a leftover from an Alkai drive that fell asleep.

Sweet dreams,
frank

Just like yesterday

Deborah's parents celebrate 50 years of union with one this year. Since I haven't lived this long, can't imagine my complete existence framed in union. And yet, my existence wouldn't happen unless there was union with my creator, Our Father.

Let us always be smiling in the bliss of this wedding.

Con paz,
frank

setup token for Chula

Can you hear me?

--
frank[ie]
"I thought the only lonely place was on the moon"
- Paul McCartney

122.67

http://www.apple.com/iphone/ads/

Back when it became clear this was going to be a career, not just ski money [yes, I was a ski bum for seven years] I made a decision to pursue 'special' work.  Special is defined by how you feel, and in reflection, how others feel about the output of your chosen craft.  In biz terms we call this customer satisfaction, tapping the tuning fork until the hum is not your own voice but that of those who 'pay' to receive the output of your chosen craft.  Special is also defined by tradeoffs, as in it must be EXTRAordinary to take me away from what I love.  And what I love must recognize it without any interpretation from me; if I have to explain why it's important then it's not special work.   

Heading into the evaluation season; where nice things said translate into real [compensatory] dollars, consider what dollars can't buy.  You can't buy special work; it's organic and generally uncontrollable [anthropologists talk about migration mutation] to the point where only primitive artifacts remain from the original design.   

A special time for special work is coming.  Bless us Father, that we may be lead to the best, to be the best, to give the best with our chosen craft.  Con paz.

frank

Test post

guest blogger: words about peace [in a time of war]

My dear friend Lee has a few words to say about peace; about what's wrong with this ugly war we're stuck in. He's my guest blogger today; appropriate on Memorial Day [or so I believe].

BUT YES, NO WONDER THEIR CARS ARE CHEAPER.

Theirs is not a gentle culture ----------

But Our country is doing this in IRAQ ---There are more and more
publications about BLOWING AWAY women and children because of possable
help they are involved in-- toward unfound enemies...

Again it is easier to AVOID trouble than to try to get out of it.

Like the GONZOLIES problem Their cover up of what went on is worse than
if they had come clean in the first place...


Watergate was about lies --COVER UP.
BUSH,CHENEY, ROVE Will pay ESPECIALLY if more people wake UP!
Geoorge BUSH WAS NOT SMART ENOUGH To admit they BLEW IT, because 'they'
are still holding out for that 40 year 40% profit OIL CONTRACT
--BILLIONS in profits.
THEY ARE LETTING OVER 100 Americans a month DIE FOR. As COMANDER IN
CHIEF The desider can deside to have others stay and die .and no harm or
cost to him---- I hope the Iraq GOVERNMENT never gives it to
BUSH/CHENEY. Rove is the PATSEY re: this. The BIG MAN IS Cheney....HOW
MANY TIMES HAVE THE TAXPAYERS TAKEN HIM OVER TO TIGHTEN THE SCREWS ON
THEM IN BAGDAD.
The Tax payers are the PATSIES.

Stupidity + greed = U S A in Iraq.

Democrats and a hand full of REPUBLICANS (to be more and more) are our
only hope TO PREVENT A WAR WITH IRAN.....Please HEAVEN AND GOD don't
let it happen....

It is MADNESS cruel madness, that demands that every month ONE HUNDRED
OR MORE young AMERICANS, like this one, are ordered to be there and they
are killed and HUNDREDS more are injured.

The reason this slaughter continues is to secure OIL CONTRACTS. IT IS
NOT OUR OIL AND LOYAL AMERICANS WANT NO PART OF THESE OIL
CONTRACTS---HAVE YOU EVEN HEARD OF THEM ?

The lives and blood being wasted in IRAQ will continue in IRAQ as long
as IRAQ is OCCUPIED By an ARMY that they HATE and to redeploy out of
IRAQ is the only sane course to take..Remember Afghanistan THAT IS NOT
DONE YET.

This picture is great but sad, and it is not going to look so good if
this young man is a casualty ----There have been 3,400 or more deaths of
similar young Americans and est 23,000 injured and remember they have
no choice. They are ordered to suffer/die for OIL THAT WILL NEVER BE
OBTAINED. BECAUSE OF THE THE GREED OF SOME THAT ARE PUSHING THE WAR TO
CONTINUE AND JUST KEEP CONTINUING. IN THE HOPE TO STEAL THEIR OIL (
THEY ARE AFTER A 40 YEAR PRIVATE OIL CONTRACT PRIVATE THAT IS
PRIVATE......).
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT IT ?

WE DO NOT NEED TO STEAL THEIR OIL WE CAN BUY IT JUST LIKE ALL OTHERS
WILL DO. (WITHOUT THE PRIVATE CONTRACT PART)

100 dead AMERICANS PER MONTH MEANS NOTHING TO THEM. NONE OF THEIR
LOVED ONES OR FAMILY IS SERVING AS THIS YOUNG AMERICAN IS...

THE MAJORITY, LOYAL AMERICANS SAY END THIS MADNESS..

CAN YOU PRAY till you can vote....

May we all pray for peace. Con paz.

frank

Close to the bone

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10330397

NPR did a story yesterday on gangs in Sunnyside, Washington USA. We heard the story driving to pick up Memphis from school; heading to a library event [at the Douglass Truth branch]. At first I chuckled "that's my home town!"; then I was pissed off. Apparently the city administrator they interviewed believes [or so he implied] that Mexicans are the root of all criminal activity; that they have brought this culture to Sunnyside for decades [which covers my time there]. WTF!

Sunnyside was many things to me; but it was not criminal. And there certainly were not any gangs at the source of any criminal activity [trust me, I would have known]. Sure young people [and this is where I have a problem with the slant on the story] were doing dumb things; but to be clear it was both white and Mexican kids. Funny how most of my bad influences in Sunnyside were white kids trying to shed their farmboy personna.

So if you're inclined; send NPR a piece of mail and let them know what you think about this piece of [you choose] reporting. Con paz.

frank

Madres y mas

Dennis prompted me to update my blog; get some news out to our little world. So much going on these days; been hard to carve out time for blogging.

Had a great birthday weekend [best ever?] followed by a fabulous Mother's day weekend. Deborah celebrated her birthday in the midst of this attention [and attention she received]; making for a non-stop fiesta weekend. We started Friday morning and ran the activities through Sunday evening. Spa, Coastal Kitchen, Atrium, Easy Street, The Globe, Ballard street market; backyard fun y mas.


Oh, Xopil also jumped into the mix for his five year acknowledgment [talk about a pinata swinger].


Yesterday we were blessed to spend some time with Chula, hear her voice, be touched by her beautiful hands. She is sharing stories at a pure spirit level these days; have to remove myself from the day-to-day world to listen. What would I remember after 99 years of living? Hearing her Father's name - Louise [sp?] - makes me crave the time when bigger than life characters walked amongst our people. Deborah oftern shares these stories about her family's past; admit some envy.


And what further blessing than to make new friends; Nachum and Schulamith. They joined us for Mother's Day brunch at The Globe; our favorite vegan restaurant in Seattle. The Globe owner recently installed a new dining table made out of one sequoia tree, it's beautiful, primitive and necessary for this open format diner. Try the tofu scramble.

What did I get for my birthday? Lots of love; and besos y mas.

con paz,

frank

We have a new cat

Thanks to the great network that is work and email; we now have a new member of our family - 'Shadow'.  She is a beautiful, panther like gato with a stride longer than a Mexican border stop.  So far she gets along with everyone in our home, but we haven't done an over-nighter yet.

Look for pictures soon of our new cat and us.  Con paz.

 

frank     

The Orient and some stones

Just returned from a trip to China, India, the UK thanks to my dear employer, Uncle Bill.

It was fascinating to see the modern version of Beijing, pre-Olympics. The city is bursting with development activity, while standing poised to show the world it's best manners. One observation: for a city this large [population ~12 mil] there was virtually no garbage anywhere.

Bangalore, India was not the same. Where Beijing is orderly, clean and poised; Bangalore is a beautiful chaos. The city [and India in general] reminds me so much of Mexico. To walk around among the locals feels like a second home, all aspects of humanity spill over into the streets - it's lovely!

The UK was also lovely, but in a timeless sense. We had time to visit Stonehedge - which is about as timeless as humanity can get - driving through the English countryside to get there. The farms are beautiful landscapes shaped to exploit color, pattern and season. Compared to Bangalore, it's a quiet affair, livestock and birds make the most noise.

I'll upload pics later. Con paz.

frank

Virginia

After a decent nite rest was able to get an early walk in, around the town center. This college town is filled with many [as Ian calls them] Norman churches. The Catholic church, St. Mary's; is near the hotel. All of them are lovely reminders of our faith.

I read the ascension passages, from John and Luke. My morning prayer was filled with hurt, feeling the pain of children killed, whether in Iraq or Virginia. Help us Father please to move away from this violence, to be instead peace makers, lovers to each other. The children deserve our [adult] best, no? What are we teaching them? As someone in Bangalore asked: what must the world think of America?

The sun is rising on a beautiful day in Cambridge. Please know I love you with all my soul, heart. We travel together.

frank

Last week of Lent: Sunday reflection

We got up early and went to Vashon Island, to see Michael's lambs. As I understand it, he became a shephard by accident, starting with one lamb but now has several. They are lovely creatures, set on a beautiful farm in the middle of the island. The mothers are fascinating to watch, as they constantly herd the little ones away from the strange creatures [three humans trying to feed them]. Eventually one of the little lambs came to the fence and ate grass from our hands, nibbled on our fingers.

The voice [bahhhhhhh] of the little lambs is primitive, like a universal wail of an innocent soul. How could Our Father not hear this voice, in any place, any context? There is a connection to this past Friday's sister parish [Chiapas] gathering, where Jeannie talked about the lost sheep. Wherever we go, we can be heard, and found.

Tonite's Palm Sunday mass included a dramatic version of the Passion of Christ. Even in this abstract form, it's difficult for me to watch, and absorb it's full intensity. There is pain at the deepest level, to imagine the great goodbye between Christ and His immediate community. He knew what lay ahead, they perhaps did not but would eventually become fully aware of the dawn of His ministry. Until then, oh what sadness must have overcome them to witness the steps leading to the dawn.

As a greater, extended family we have suffered deeply the past few years. We have felt loss, we have felt troubles in many forms. We may have even strayed from the herd, unable to grasp the meaning of it all. No matter where we go, there is always a path back to the Good Shephard. One of my enduring prayers is that we come closer together, to be one family seeking the truth about our suffering. We all suffer, we all grow weary from the weigth of our daily chores. Let us be one in this journey, to turn the grey into bright vivid colors of love and beauty.

con paz,
frank

Last week of Lent

The quiet, contemplative Lent just didn't happen. Here we are heading into the last week, and I am a supreme grump. Not necessarily mad at anyone, just frustrated with the state of the world - the Iran/UK standoff is yet another reminder of how we still can't seem to [as Lennon put it] "give peace a chance" - and it's drag on our psyches.


But we are asked to stay faithful, to open our arms to the suffering, to feed the poor, to heal the sick. In this context there is nothing to be grumpy about, only joy in sharing love.

And love it was at the Chiapas party last night. Commented to Deborah this morning how it feels like a full blown ministry; Jeannie has been wonderful at building this sister parish community, the arc of love spread from Seattle to southern Mexico.





Went into Lent hoping to deflect ego, meditate on the suffering and how we can help ease their daily lives. Let's work on it together. Con paz.

frank

Get lost

One of the poets I follow recently suggested getting lost; to find uncertainty as a path to new discovery. This seems to align with Lent; to walk [so to speak] in the desert and listen to the words of Our Father teaching, every day. Here I am ready to enter the unknown, but also not willing to let go into complete chaos; is this not the journey of those who believe in acts of war over the acts of peace?

Our good friend Lee recently sent mail about "for the people, by the people". Lee is like a modern Mark Twain, an observer of the human condition from his family's point-of-view. He's lived long enough to sift the large grains of dirt out of an otherwise beautiful moment. I admire Lee because he is another elder among a decreasing few - they bless our lives in subtle ways [although if you listen and practice their shared wisdom, the impact is large] - kind and willing to teach us in the act of love.

So how is everyone? We've had [as a family, a circle of friends] a hard winter. Spring is here but there is much to thaw from, to release into blossom. Let me know how I can help.

con paz,
frank