From Here, June 22, Monday
It is officially summer, and, starting today, we begin our steady descent into winter darkness. It was good while it lasted, no?
Yesterday was Father's Day, and if you still have one, I hope you let him know how much he's worth. It's good to have these days to remind us to remember childhood and some happy, carefree summer times with our dads.
I still read actual books; it's what I do every night before I sleep. There is a particular magic in holding and reading a book a friend wrote. I finished Chiara Montante's 'Adrift,' and a week later, the residuals keep creeping into my head, and I am right back reliving portions of this often brilliant story. Well done, my lovely amiga Chiara. You weave some serious magic.
The last Miller Pop-Up Party for this season celebrated Rick Miller's birthday. Bobbi and the Others entertained, as did all the other singers who were invited. The rain held off, the sunset was spectacular, the food was over-the-top, Kristi Mallett's mac and cheese won a gold star, and for dessert, Sharon Gerber's banana bread was amazing. It was wonderful to see Elke Zilla and to hug her hard. What a formidable poet she is.
The Lineup, free every Wednesday at Act2PV, replaces the Greatest Show. Every week is a new theme, with the singers learning new songs under the very able direction of David Maiocco. Last week, hosted by Cate Elizabeth, we learned about the end runs of so many familiar shows on Broadway. I was impressed by the video work, the curated costumes, and the background voices in Empress's Lion King performance. The finale - of course, from Chicago, was spirited, well-rehearsed, and loads of fun.
I wandered from Act2PV to La Catrina Cantina to catch Angeloo's second half of his weekly show. He ended his set with 'S.O.S.' by Dimash Qudaibergen and walked straight to me afterward for a hug. He stepped back and said, "Your eyes look, um, wet.'' I told him his voice makes me cry. I think he was surprised. Uncomfortable, perhaps, and I am not sure he understands at 13, the immensity his voice will reach and the sweet power that will give him. He is such a joy.
Janet Simmonds Doyle and I finally got together over mango smoothies and some real conversation. Janet leaves tomorrow on a huge trip overseas, and it was lovely to hear of her travel plans, her son, her twin sister, and so much more. Janet is the vice president of the Vallarta Garden Club under Sunny Rossi. An organization I joined during its first week, ages ago, thanks to Bob Price. Buen viaje, Janet!
Game On, with Christian, took place last Friday at La Catrina Cantina with six teams duking it out over Name That Tune. These games will continue, for free, over the summer, with Family Feud, making its debut on July 03. The games have grown and improved enormously since their introduction last September. Aided by Mitchell 'Riva-Rave' Rivadeneyra on the computer, it is two solid hours of fun-thinking in icy air conditioning, generous cocktails, and the best popcorn in the city.
If you own a business in Vallarta and want everyone to know what is special about you and increase traffic, here's a way to do that! For free, that is. Any business that wants the 60-day trial can sign up here. The only risk is that your summer traffic might not be as slow as you anticipated!
Word is spreading around town about the free hardwood scraps at Hyden Furniture in Colonia Lazaro Cardenas. Go tomorrow, Tuesday, between noon and 4 pm, and pick out the pieces you can use to fire up your pizza oven or smoker. Remember, it's free, helps Mother Earth, and saves space for designer and owner Sacha Cantor to continue making fabulous furniture to order without clutter.
Ricardo Mazcal, my herbalist on the Isla Cuale, has his pre- and pro-biotic Maz-Mix on sale this week for 20% off. I have been using this product for more than a decade, and I swear it is responsible for keeping me alive and thriving. Ricardo's Weekend Market is open year-round, every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Be kind, people. Smile on the streets, be your shiny light, and wear something fabulous, From Here.
