From Here, August 03, Monday
We are halfway through the rainy season here in Vallarta. Can I get an amen? As someone who has run on solar power forever and loves the humidity, I am suffering this year. Age-related, quite possibly. You cannot move to the tropics deliberately then complain about the heat and humidity. Keeping that in mind, I am looking forward to seeing the Christmas stuff that will go on sale at Costco this month.
I put together a large bag of beads, wire, twine, and old jewelry-making tools last week for Vallarta Abuelos. My good friend Janet Simmonds Doyle came to my house to get the bag and deliver it to 5 de diciembre for their next jewelry-making class for the neighborhood kids and their moms. Janet handed me a mango smoothie in exchange. What a deal! As we waited for Janet's Uber outside, Patti Gallardo, a fabulously talented artist, neighbor and friend for 30-plus years, stopped on her way home to Gringo Gulch, up the hill from me. We chatted a few minutes, discussing our recent semi-retirements. If we can squeeze each other into our busy schedules, we will get together for coffee before the season begins.
Jerry Jones, publisher of Out & About magazine, and I met at Margarita Grill for lunch last week. I tried a mango margarita - wowie! Better than a smoothie!! It was super catching up with him. Out & About's Gay Mixers have exploded in popularity, and why would they not? When hundreds of people attend them every Tuesday, it's crazy not to have one. But now everybody wants one! Stay tuned for the list coming out soon. Jerry recently published an article I wrote about singer Angeloo winning the top spot in local semi-finals to represent Vallarta in Guadalajara. See https://outandaboutpv.com/angeloo-wins-semi-finals/ and/or https://showmepv.com/news/angeloo-wins-semi-finals for details.
Angeloo, at 13, improves a tiny bit with every performance. He is a joy to listen to and watch him grow, literally, artistically, and physically. He is such a gift.
The First Saturday for Arte Museo was held once more at the sister property high up on Pilitas, tucked into the icy-cold Speakeasy where strains of bossa nova wove through conversations. Three of us - Deborah Cole, Elke Zilla, and I - tucked into what has become 'our corner' and didn't move for two hours. I love Vallarta's extraordinary women, and these two are exceptional artists who never stop giving. Herschel Weisfeld, whom I can count on to attend these monthly gatherings, found time for a selfie. My crop of baby pineapples will be going to Herschel's spectacular new home sometime this week.
Don't forget to pick up free hardwood at Hyden Custom Furniture tomorrow from noon to 4 pm. Small pieces ready for your pizza oven or fire pit.
Ricardo Mazcal, Vallarta's treasured herbalist, is putting his ABCs on sale this week, 20% off. Save on Arthritis, Adrenal, Anxiety, Ashwagandha, Allergy support, Blood pressure relief, and Chorela, Cognitive, and Cancer prevention capsules. Find Ricardo on the Isla Cuale at his year-round Market every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and during the week by appointment.
The National Finals for the World Karaoke Contest start today at Coco Cabaret and conclude tomorrow. Twenty-eight contestants from all over the country will vie for the right to represent Mexico at the World Final being held this fall in Las Vegas, Nevada. Doors open at 4:30, and the show starts at 5 pm.
Take care of one another and be kind in this beastly heat; this too shall pass. Save me a hug, From Here.
