Stan Wagner, the Jefe over at Vallata's Neurofeedback Centers, is also a pug fanatic to the point that he has a nonprofit registered in the US. When I first went to Stan, I noticed he used a large rock to prop the doors open, and on my next visit I gave him a 'Puertas Abiertas.' I designed the doorstops over 20 years ago when I lived in a condominium building where the wind would slam doors at will. I made Stan's out of fabric to complement his gray walls, with non-skid material on the bottom and sanitized gravel for weight. Stan threw out his rock and, over time, his clients asked where his doorstop came from. Soooo, Stan asked me to make a few "Pebbles for Pugs" for his charity. If you want one to match your color scheme, let me know, but Stan has a few finished and ready to serve at his office on Lazaro Cardenas Street.
I took an entire day off last week and visited Merv and Sandy Buchanan in Bucerias. We sat on their rooftop terrace overlooking the town and the bay and talked, ate potato chips, drank, and listened to records (vinyl!!!). Merv was at the forefront of Canadian music from the early 60s and just sold his record company a year ago. Now in his 80s, Merv has slowed down a teeny bit, but still maintains his tribute shows in Canada and Mexico. We have been friends ever since Madeline Milne introduced us way back when she was still the editor of the now-defunct Vallarta Tribune. Sandy made a fabulous dinner and loaded me down with leftovers; I am still working on the remains of the cake!
Kim Archer and her guitar were front and center at Mystic Circle's Summer Music Series last Tuesday. It was like stepping back in time: a moody cafe, soulful lyrics, and friends in the audience sitting comfortably, listening intently. The only things missing were incense and a pall of cigarette smoke. The love was certainly intact. This week, tomorrow, stars Tromba Vetusta presenting Tangolero. It will be sultry and likely sell out.
Game On with Christian Manly and costarring Wendy Warhol presented Super Password last Friday at La Catrina Cantina. Very close to a full house, with a dozen teams vying for the 12K+ prize bag. Name That Tune pops up at 5:15 on September 25.
I had a wonderful brunch/visit with Sharon Gerber's Stalkers, Rob Burton, and Jan Dorland at Vitea. It was a rare occasion to sit, just the three of us, eat wonderful food, and talk with two of my favorite people in the world. Rob is recovering beautifully after elbow surgery a week ago.
We lamented our advanced ages and line of conversation only because we had all sworn years ago that we would Never be caught dead in our later years sitting around with friends talking about our health issues. Guess what? It's not about complaining; it's about trying to understand how Tf we got here and how to deal with things like a busted elbow and how that affects grocery shopping, cooking meals, etc. It becomes our conversations because health is life, and life is what we talk about.
There is something decadent about sitting in a bar late Sunday afternoon, day drinking, eating popcorn sprinkled with Tajín, and watching beautiful men take their clothes off. Strippers are the draw, possibly at La Catrina Cantina for Sunday Funday. Still, the singers, including Freddy Otello, Armando Chakam, Luis Villanueva, to name a few, kept Deborah Cole and me happy for a couple of hours yesterday.
Don't forget Hyden Custom Furniture's offer of free hardwood for art projects, firepits, or pizza ovens. Drop in anytime during regular office hours and haul away as much as you can. This will free up valuable space for artisans to work and keep the wood out of the landfill. And do me a favor, please: send me a photo of your bounty from Sacha and Aaron's shop, and let me know what you will do with the wood scraps.
My herbalist, Ricardo Mazcal, has all of his Anxiety and Cognition supplements 20% off this week. Find him Monday to Friday on the Isla Cuale from 4 to 6 pm and at his Saturday Market from 10 am to 2 pm.
Our darling Angeloo will sing songs praising Mexico at the Isla Cuale tonight from 7 to 8 pm. Bingo for Colina Spay & Neuter Clinic has been delayed to next Wednesday, September 23. Nacho Daddy will close for Independence Day on the 16th.
Don't miss ''El Grito'' Tuesday at 11 pm. Be downtown on the malecon early and be ready to shout ¡Viva! at the top of your lungs. The fireworks are splendid, and to me the whole night feels sacred, From Here.
