I was blessed to have been raised among strong trees. We had this really big walnut tree in the back yard, it was like it's own little village. It also created a beautiful frame for the entrance to the grapes. Some of my fondest memories R staring through it's branches out across the valley.
Today we trimmed the largest tree in our backyard. It was needing some love, because of several broken [but not fallen] limbs. The tree guys, from Louisiana, knew how to take care of these problems yet keep the tree vital to the nature around us. We were also able to salvage one of the limbs, which will be used as part of a gateway to the north out of the backyard. This was Deborah's idea, to create a natural trellis.
These trees R our elders, we respect what they provide and how they endure our lives. Amen.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Twist Those Hips
We just rented 'Fun in Acapulco', a 1963 Elvis Presley film. Elvis plays this gringo who is running from his past, hiding in [what was at the time] Mexico's finest resort destination. The film is absolutely hilarious, but to Elvis' defense, the musical performances R top notch. I'm hoping to rip a few from the DVD, can't imagine this soundtrack is available anywhere.
And Memphis was nearly mesmerized by the musical performances. Elvis in his prime had this effect on all young ladies.
Check it out if U get a chance. If my memory still works... seem to recall a few of the dresses in the movie being worn by an aunt of mine. Viva Acapulco!
And Memphis was nearly mesmerized by the musical performances. Elvis in his prime had this effect on all young ladies.
Check it out if U get a chance. If my memory still works... seem to recall a few of the dresses in the movie being worn by an aunt of mine. Viva Acapulco!
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Who needs a whistle?
If you're raised Catholic, this past week has been a time of reflection. What does the Pope mean to me, or my personal faith? Do I relate to this person far, far away in Rome.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
Who needs a whistle?
If you're raised Catholic, this past week has been a time of reflection. What does the Pope mean to me, or my personal faith? Do I relate to this person far, far away in Rome.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
Who needs a whistle?
If you're raised Catholic, this past week has been a time of reflection. What does the Pope mean to me, or my personal faith? Do I relate to this person far, far away in Rome.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
Who needs a whistle?
If you're raised Catholic, this past week has been a time of reflection. What does the Pope mean to me, or my personal faith? Do I relate to this person far, far away in Rome.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Aunt Carbina is a Grandma!
Thursday night, March 31, 2005, at 9:16 p.m., Logan was born. He was 8 lbs., 2 oz., and 20 1/4 inches long. Who is this Logan, this new "Marinez-clan member"? The son of David Resendez and his trouper of a girlfriend Beth!
Welcome, Logan! Congratulations, David and Beth!
(If you want all the statistics, ask Carbina.)
Welcome, Logan! Congratulations, David and Beth!
(If you want all the statistics, ask Carbina.)
Children's Candlelight Celebration
Yesterday afternoon, our family had the joy and privilege of celebrating the Easter season and the Resurrection with the families of small children in our church. We gathered at the Baptismal Font at the front of the church where each child was given a special item to carry in the procession (Bible, cross, prayer card, tulip, altar cloth). A couple of teachers began by holding up the Easter candle, declaring the Risen Christ to be the Light of the World. The candle was lit, and we processed through the church to the center of the sanctuary and the altar, stopping three times along the way. Each time we stopped, the candlebearer sang "The Light of Christ" and we responded "Thanks be to God".
The children set the altar and put their flowers in vases at the foot of the altar. Then, three of the older children (who just last year couldn't read) read from the Bible. They did so with such dignity, reverence, and applomb! I read the gospel account of the women finding the empty tomb and the declaration of the risen Christ. The candle-bearer lit each of the teachers' candles from the Easter candle, and we in turn lit those of the parents and children attending. As we lit each candle, we declared, "___ (person's name), the light of the Risen Christ is for you." After a few moments of reflection and song, we put our candles into buckets of sand, still lit, and sang "This Little Light of Mine". We processed out of the church with this song and went to eat a potluck (filled with child-friendly and parent-friendly foods) together. (Don't worry, a teacher extinguished the candles as soon as everyone was out of the room. In our training, you never extinguish the "light of Christ" symbolized in the lit candles in front of the children. It's very traumatic.)
As one parent said after the service, "that was so moving. It is so special to have the families with small children together to celebrate in the church, without having to worry about kids running about or what people think." And I added, "and to have the service presented by them and at their developmental level. " Talk about creating a feeling of home and community and belonging for children!
Probably the most beautiful moment of the service to me was when little Arthur (a 5 year old autistic boy) came up to the altar as we were singing "This Little Light of Mine", put his hands over his ears, and stared at the lights and the altar. I am grateful for a faith community that welcomes all children (and all people) as they are, to celebrate as they are able with all others.
This program has been a Godsend to our church, nurturing the relationships of these children with God (and nurturing their families, too). This has been Memphis' first year in the program, and her comments and insights have floored us frequently. For instance, she was captivated by the reading of the Last Supper account on Holy Thursday in church, and later reenacted it with me in private, declaring "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!" (This is an active THREE year old paying close attention in church!) The cross holds no guilt or negative feelings for her, but resonates of love. It is a blessing to be present to witness her burgeoning faith and to be a student as much as a teacher.
The children set the altar and put their flowers in vases at the foot of the altar. Then, three of the older children (who just last year couldn't read) read from the Bible. They did so with such dignity, reverence, and applomb! I read the gospel account of the women finding the empty tomb and the declaration of the risen Christ. The candle-bearer lit each of the teachers' candles from the Easter candle, and we in turn lit those of the parents and children attending. As we lit each candle, we declared, "___ (person's name), the light of the Risen Christ is for you." After a few moments of reflection and song, we put our candles into buckets of sand, still lit, and sang "This Little Light of Mine". We processed out of the church with this song and went to eat a potluck (filled with child-friendly and parent-friendly foods) together. (Don't worry, a teacher extinguished the candles as soon as everyone was out of the room. In our training, you never extinguish the "light of Christ" symbolized in the lit candles in front of the children. It's very traumatic.)
As one parent said after the service, "that was so moving. It is so special to have the families with small children together to celebrate in the church, without having to worry about kids running about or what people think." And I added, "and to have the service presented by them and at their developmental level. " Talk about creating a feeling of home and community and belonging for children!
Probably the most beautiful moment of the service to me was when little Arthur (a 5 year old autistic boy) came up to the altar as we were singing "This Little Light of Mine", put his hands over his ears, and stared at the lights and the altar. I am grateful for a faith community that welcomes all children (and all people) as they are, to celebrate as they are able with all others.
This program has been a Godsend to our church, nurturing the relationships of these children with God (and nurturing their families, too). This has been Memphis' first year in the program, and her comments and insights have floored us frequently. For instance, she was captivated by the reading of the Last Supper account on Holy Thursday in church, and later reenacted it with me in private, declaring "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!" (This is an active THREE year old paying close attention in church!) The cross holds no guilt or negative feelings for her, but resonates of love. It is a blessing to be present to witness her burgeoning faith and to be a student as much as a teacher.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Before January Gets Away
Memphis just celebrated her 3rd birthday, with a bowling party at Imperial Lanes. It was a hoot to watch the children try to figure out "roll the big ball until it hits the big white things". She has been a treasure, as are all of our children.
Last month we visited Tia Ana y Tia Bill in Cinebar - a long overdue visit. Cousin Josh was there with his new bride, Drue. We slept in the trailer, which was a huge hit with Memphis. Check out the pic of Josh with Memphis.
This month cousin Quia will also formalize her massage career with a license issued by the State of Washington. We're very proud of all she has accomplished. My back feels better already.
Didn't hear much about Chula's 97th birthday, hope it was sweet and yummy. If someone has pictures, please send me a few. Remember, you can always reach me online at martinez.frank@gmail.com
Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Last month we visited Tia Ana y Tia Bill in Cinebar - a long overdue visit. Cousin Josh was there with his new bride, Drue. We slept in the trailer, which was a huge hit with Memphis. Check out the pic of Josh with Memphis.
This month cousin Quia will also formalize her massage career with a license issued by the State of Washington. We're very proud of all she has accomplished. My back feels better already.
Didn't hear much about Chula's 97th birthday, hope it was sweet and yummy. If someone has pictures, please send me a few. Remember, you can always reach me online at martinez.frank@gmail.com
Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Friday, December 24, 2004
Feliz Navidad!
We just returned from Mazatlan. On a tip from Dennis y Diann it was the destination for this year's holiday vacation. I'm not ready to place it at the top of the list for south-of-the-border destinations, but a nice break was had by all. The weather was warm, people sweet, and the food was always full of rich flavors and twists in the tummy. Memphis loved it all.
Yet unlike Central Mexico last year, Mazatlan didn't have the full expression of Navidad taking over the daily rituals leading up to December 25. The beach and general resort attitude were dominant for this sleepy fishing town turned tourist oasis.
I would rather spend Navidad in the Mexican interior OR home with the family; which is why we flew home on the eve of, December 24. Now we're back in the northwest, staying warm with the love from sharing little treasures. Thank you Rhonda for the tree. Thank you Ethan for the ride home from the airport. Thank you Deborah and Memphis for another great vacation.
We tried to call Chula for her birthday, but AT&T wireless couldn't seem to connect calls to the USA. Feliz Cumpleanos Senora Martinez!
Yet unlike Central Mexico last year, Mazatlan didn't have the full expression of Navidad taking over the daily rituals leading up to December 25. The beach and general resort attitude were dominant for this sleepy fishing town turned tourist oasis.
I would rather spend Navidad in the Mexican interior OR home with the family; which is why we flew home on the eve of, December 24. Now we're back in the northwest, staying warm with the love from sharing little treasures. Thank you Rhonda for the tree. Thank you Ethan for the ride home from the airport. Thank you Deborah and Memphis for another great vacation.
We tried to call Chula for her birthday, but AT&T wireless couldn't seem to connect calls to the USA. Feliz Cumpleanos Senora Martinez!
Monday, December 06, 2004
Can U keep a secret?
It might have been a former carpool buddy who introduced the idea of giving a train set to a little girl... and the idea stuck. But before we go down the road on why girls shouldn't get boy toys, let's talk about giving for a moment.
I will be the first [always] to need more work in this area of our lives. Giving is hard, not because we don't want to give, it's usually the case that we're afraid to give. Giving means you have to accept thanks from the recipient, you have to believe [even a tiny bit] that the person deserved to receive something from you. Giving is like the last frontier for a society [USA] full of individual emphasis, built on the backs of societies which understood the giving to them from all of creation.
This year we started to burn more fires in the fireplace, as a way to save a few pennies due to less than cheap oil prices. In a perfect demonstration of partnership, Deborah unloaded a half cord of wood into our meager little wood shed, during a rain storm, in the dark while I sat inside nursing a cold. It's that giving thing. Sometimes I forget to wrap my gifts, but they're always sincere - or I just don't give [kind of learned that from Chula].
So what do we all want to give this year, as part of a season full of generous spirit? My list is short but hopeful:
I will be the first [always] to need more work in this area of our lives. Giving is hard, not because we don't want to give, it's usually the case that we're afraid to give. Giving means you have to accept thanks from the recipient, you have to believe [even a tiny bit] that the person deserved to receive something from you. Giving is like the last frontier for a society [USA] full of individual emphasis, built on the backs of societies which understood the giving to them from all of creation.
This year we started to burn more fires in the fireplace, as a way to save a few pennies due to less than cheap oil prices. In a perfect demonstration of partnership, Deborah unloaded a half cord of wood into our meager little wood shed, during a rain storm, in the dark while I sat inside nursing a cold. It's that giving thing. Sometimes I forget to wrap my gifts, but they're always sincere - or I just don't give [kind of learned that from Chula].
So what do we all want to give this year, as part of a season full of generous spirit? My list is short but hopeful:
- Constant trust and devotion amongst the greater family; where we communicate openly, respectfully and frequently for the greater good of each generation
- Always serve the best interests of our children and our elders, our family is blessed with a rich mix of both
- Build a prosperous future we can all be grateful for; sharing as a community in a public expression of love - no games or secrets, there's enough to go around
Now back to that train set.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Spread Across Miles
One of the amazing aspects of this family is how spread across America we are. The concentration is on the west coast, but there are family members in the south and northeast too. We litter the population from Seattle to New York City and many places in between.
Yet this geographic distribution doesn't prevent us from being whole, being one pulse on the landscape that is America. Our family represents a wide range of beliefs and influences with a common history. For everything that makes us individually unique, there is a core set of attributes which holds us together.
Today is Thanksgiving. I could write many paragraphs listing what to be thankful for. Instead, let it be known that the simple things - a crayon drawing with Memphis, tea with Deborah, a phone call with Chula - are most precious in the heart. God has been so generous with our family, giving us the full experience of life.
We were with friends the other night, celebrating a birthday, when one of the parents talked about having to do countdowns with their daughter, when she misbehaves. Apparently she only has to count 1, 2 then her daughter gets that it's time to straighten up. I have to believe God is still counting with us.
Have a great Thanksgiving weekend.
Yet this geographic distribution doesn't prevent us from being whole, being one pulse on the landscape that is America. Our family represents a wide range of beliefs and influences with a common history. For everything that makes us individually unique, there is a core set of attributes which holds us together.
Today is Thanksgiving. I could write many paragraphs listing what to be thankful for. Instead, let it be known that the simple things - a crayon drawing with Memphis, tea with Deborah, a phone call with Chula - are most precious in the heart. God has been so generous with our family, giving us the full experience of life.
We were with friends the other night, celebrating a birthday, when one of the parents talked about having to do countdowns with their daughter, when she misbehaves. Apparently she only has to count 1, 2 then her daughter gets that it's time to straighten up. I have to believe God is still counting with us.
Have a great Thanksgiving weekend.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Kids Do Grow Up
Cousin Krystina was married this past weekend to Alvin. The wedding ceremony was private [she feared a Mexican mob might scare the new in-laws] but the reception was open to kin folk. Those of us who attended ate the goodies and danced with little ones. Krystina looked great, sounded confident in her new path with Alvin. Diann [Mother] will hopefully post a few pictures of the ceremony here.
Across town, the day before, cousin Quia graduated from massage school. Likewise this was a private affair. It was nice to see new healers enter the world - God knows we need it. Quia also follows her own tribal path, since many of her elders were healers. There was this fussy guy in front of us who didn't like the noise Memphis was making... he needed a massage.
What's cool is I remember attending both Krystina and Quia's high school graduation a few years back. It was one of those years in our family where there was 7 graduates in the same year. We are a large tribe.
Congratulations Quia and Krystina!
Across town, the day before, cousin Quia graduated from massage school. Likewise this was a private affair. It was nice to see new healers enter the world - God knows we need it. Quia also follows her own tribal path, since many of her elders were healers. There was this fussy guy in front of us who didn't like the noise Memphis was making... he needed a massage.
What's cool is I remember attending both Krystina and Quia's high school graduation a few years back. It was one of those years in our family where there was 7 graduates in the same year. We are a large tribe.
Congratulations Quia and Krystina!
Friday, November 19, 2004
So close, yet not quite NYC
We were entered, second hand, into a contest to fly to New York City for a U2 album-listening party. This morning the winner was announced, and it wasn't us :[
First, need to thank our dear friend Ethan who got us into the finalist drawing. He called into the radio station, as the tenth caller, and got our names on the list. But in the end they chose someone else. It's disappointing, as Deborah pointed out "would have been fun to pack a bag and go".
Every day is an adventure, every day is a unwrapped gift, waiting to be opened. Every day we are thankful for the gifts, and the wrappings. We're not going to NYC but we are attending cousin Quia's graduation ceremony, to celebrate completion of her massage therapist training. This is big stuff, we'll be honored to be there. We might even bring a U2 mix.
I'll post pictures of Quia's graduation here later. Adios.
First, need to thank our dear friend Ethan who got us into the finalist drawing. He called into the radio station, as the tenth caller, and got our names on the list. But in the end they chose someone else. It's disappointing, as Deborah pointed out "would have been fun to pack a bag and go".
Every day is an adventure, every day is a unwrapped gift, waiting to be opened. Every day we are thankful for the gifts, and the wrappings. We're not going to NYC but we are attending cousin Quia's graduation ceremony, to celebrate completion of her massage therapist training. This is big stuff, we'll be honored to be there. We might even bring a U2 mix.
I'll post pictures of Quia's graduation here later. Adios.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Con Sueno [not suerte]
Is anybody else tired? There are some weeks time is not on your side AND the end of the day feels like a short rest before another load is dropped on the back. Not complaining - would mess with my yoga practice to do so, but it's hard to ignore how flat out tired folks are these days.
People laugh at all of us kin living in the northwest, drinking all the coffee we do. But you take away the black stuff, it's like a zombie march. I need my thrill each day, and lately it's without the foam - just pour the espresso into a small cup and let me shoot it.
Well let's all perk up because next week there's a celebration. We're all going to say a collective "gracias" to many a worthy cause. Get some rest; kiss a friend, and let the fatigue roll over the back.
Now where's that shot glass?
People laugh at all of us kin living in the northwest, drinking all the coffee we do. But you take away the black stuff, it's like a zombie march. I need my thrill each day, and lately it's without the foam - just pour the espresso into a small cup and let me shoot it.
Well let's all perk up because next week there's a celebration. We're all going to say a collective "gracias" to many a worthy cause. Get some rest; kiss a friend, and let the fatigue roll over the back.
Now where's that shot glass?
Friday, November 12, 2004
Cookin
Anyone have a better idea than Turkey? Let's here it. Drop your recipes here; share the good stuff that makes you sleep bad, you're so full from eating more than you needed. What's my favorite recipe for the holiday? It starts with re-heated tamales, Chula's of course. Then you add that sweet potatoe pie Deborah does so well.
And don't forget the drinks. Good teas, or a fruit shake. Anything to get the pipes moving in the right direction. A fiesta always includes glasses, full to the brim, raised in celebration. This year, perhaps more than any other in recent time, deserves a toast, a blessing - gracias El Senor!
Bring on the treats; share the smells of your kitchen. We're ready.
And don't forget the drinks. Good teas, or a fruit shake. Anything to get the pipes moving in the right direction. A fiesta always includes glasses, full to the brim, raised in celebration. This year, perhaps more than any other in recent time, deserves a toast, a blessing - gracias El Senor!
Bring on the treats; share the smells of your kitchen. We're ready.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
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