Writing and Culture, Tucson and Italy

Author Ana Castillo creates cultural magic with her words. I'm a fan of words that weave stories of heritage and family, and I look forward to her visit to Tucson on Friday, May 4, at the John Valenzuela Youth Center 1550 South 6th Avenue, South Tucson, 6:30 PM.

Family history is important to me now. Like so many immigrants in the early 1900s, my grandparents came to the United States to seek new opportunities after devastating Reggio Calabria Italy earthquakes. They cared about family but they wanted their children to look ahead. No Italian was spoken to me; no stories about lineage were passed along. I'm working now to revive the links to my heritage.

I wrote more about this, and about author Castillo's upcoming talk in my blog here. I hope her reading focuses on unifying, universal cultural messages. I would have wanted that for myself in my childhood education, and I want it for Mexican-American students who seek knowledge about their own family roots.

The photo is from the 2012 International Mariachi Conference, a Tucson tradition held again just this past week. Viva heritage of all kinds!

Savor Tradition

Celebrate family this season. Forge new traditions.

The spirit of the season is universal. No matter what your beliefs, take a moment to enjoy the sights and scents of the holiday, and to pass along a sense of peace and hope.

My post is here: http://www.tucsoncowgirl.com/savoring-family-traditions/

Happy Holidays!!!

Stephen and His Magical Bicycle

My brother Stephen is visiting us. Even 110-degree heat doesn't deter family love! I am happy when he visits. Always good conversation and fun times. And quiet times just sitting and looking at the mountains and sunsets.

My brother Stephen is a cyclist. And he is a crafter, too. He handmade this beautiful bicycle! He purchased fine tires from Germany and installed them on the bicycle yesterday. Now he's out riding this morning and sent me this beautiful photograph from his ride nearby our precious Catalina Mountains.

Enjoy Stephen, but don't stay out too long. The sun is up. Monsoons cooled it down slightly last night but beware our hills and heat.

Remembering Jessica the Fabulous

Fred called tonight to remind us that it was Jessica’s birthday. Would she have been 36 today? I can't remember. All I can remember is a fabulously-alive young woman, into her career, her clothes, her bunnies and her family (not in that order). She who so loved life was taken way too soon.

Jessica had a degenerative heart condition. She tried so many things and finally made the decision to get a heart transplant. She went into the hospital with great optimism. Sadly, the hospital let her down. The operation had complications. There was a massive infection and Jessica's new heart just could not get her through it. She died August 2005.

It’s important for her family to focus on those wonderful and precious times we were privileged to share with Jessica. I for one enjoyed our dinners, our thrift store finds, the books she gave and her advice regarding fashion. Jessica always was a wonderful cousin to Brett. Whenever there was a school performance, she would be there for him.

In my kitchen sits a small jar. It’s filled with a strange mix of dried lemons, orange rinds and spices. It’s the remnants of a special gift from Jessica. The Christmas before she left us she had come to our house, loaded down with boxes and jars full of goodies she had made. She had baked zucchini bread, prepared scented olive oil, dried potpourri and made candies. That day at our house she was beaming – so proud of all the wondrous foods she had made. We almost got sick eating all the fudge and candied fruits. It was a wonderful, wonderful Christmas gift.

We’ll always keep that jar, brimming with a nice fragrance that will always bring to mind happy times and family love. Hey, Jessica! I still have your Tarot cards! And your lamp and your dictionary! We love you Jessica. We will keep you in our hearts forever.

The cowgirl is coming, the cowgirl is coming...

My "crafting room" (that corner of the laundry room now filling with my small fabric and yarn stashes, boxes of buttons and trinkets for the surprise balls) is starting to have life for me. I'm no longer afraid of walking in to my corner and seeing my "dream-to-reality" to-do list scolding me because of inattention.

My body also is starting to cooperate. I'm tired but feeling better (gall bladder operations suck) and strength is returning. I've photographed some surprise balls and created a few cowgirl baskets.
So, my little idea may come to life yet. Tomorrow I hope to learn a bit more about html for the cowgirl web platform. Tucson cowgirl may be blossoming soon! I'm doing a little blogging, too, just to keep the writing/marketing juices flowing....

(But first, my bro joins us this week. Family, watching sunsets, eating good food all come first. Maybe I can try a short walk, too. Websites will wait another week.) Can't wait to see you, Stephen!

Housewarming Gift from Brooklyn

When I was packing up my New York home for our move to Tucson, I chanced upon an old box. My mom had packed it after dad died, way back when we still lived in Brooklyn, New York. The box contained some rusted tools from my dad and my grandparents. After my mom died, I kept that box in my garage, and although the tools were never used again, I would not part with the box. But now I was headed to Tucson, and I was in the midst of a sort-and-pack frenzy for our crazy move west. All this was a bit melancholy, as I still wasn't sure why I was leaving everyone and everything I loved for so many unknowns. I wished my parents were still here to encourage, even to enjoy the move with me.

Perhaps it was coincidence, but just as I sadly reached the bottom of the box, I found a very old ruler...from...guess where....Tucson. The ruler is from a Broadway Village Hardware (which doesn't exist anymore). That ruler was more than half a century old, hidden with its special message. I am imagining that my grandmother (who did beading and crocheting and seamstress work for NY Opera) might have purchased some fabric or beads from the store back in the 1940s, but I honestly don't know. Also, my dad was in the Army Air Force, and although I have no record of him coming through Tucson, he could have gotten the ruler for my grandmother on a trip through the city on his way to his assignment in the Pacific.

Somehow that ruler got in the bottom of that box. You may think I'm crazy, but I am certain my parents and grandparents meant for me to find it as I struggled with my move. This old ruler is a sign that my parents are happy I am here in Tucson. It is my priceless housewarming gift.