Happy Birthday wishes to my baby sister, Patrice, yesterday. She'll be back in Vallarta in 109 days, but who's counting? The flip side of birthdays is remembering those when they pass. I have had two of those since I wrote last.
Sadhu Khalsa, a Sikh and one of the holiest men I have met. There are no other words but rest in peace and love, amigo.
Wanda Grift, whose smiling face and infectious laugh brought joy to every corner of Vallarta. We met formally years ago at The Palm just before a show, when I finally introduced myself to her after seeing her at every single function I had been to for weeks. Over time, I met Wanda's sisters, their husbands, her daughter Bella, and friends. It was a shock to learn Wanda died on June 24 in Winnipeg, Canada, where she lived when she wasn't in Mexico or exploring Europe. Her Celebration of Life will be on July 06, at All Saints Hall in Winnipeg at 1:30 pm.
If you are a collector of Francine originals, Wanda left five of them. Send me a message for more information.
The final Bingo for Colina Spay & Neuter Clinic was last Wednesday at Nacho Daddy. We will reconvene when the restaurant reopens in September. Keep your eyes here for the date!
Gloria Fiona had another blockbuster Burlesque show at La Catrina Cantina that I missed because of bingo. I did get to hug her and her wife Irene at the end of her show. I also saw Angela and Art Curley, finally home in Vallarta after seven weeks of travel. Lovely to hug both of them again. Francesca Bavaro (aka Effie Passero) was in the house for Luis Villanueva and Diego Guerrero's concert that followed Gloria. Tromba Vetusta, comprised of Ale Matus and Dabit Azofeifa, shared tacos, beers, and some hugs with me.
Act2PV's free show, The Lineup, featured road trip songs last week. Most were familiar, then Act2 owner Alfonso Lopez offered some amazing Bach in German. The small crowd was kept up to date with Mexico's football scores via co-producer and host Cate Elizabeth. Next Wednesday, The Lineup will have nothing but Canadian songs to celebrate Canada Day, July 01. I wonder if there'll be a red-and-white maple leaf cake?
Tomorrow, Tuesday, the last day of June, from noon to 4 pm, you can sort through piles of lovely hardwood at Sacha Cantor's Hyden Custom Furniture workshop and showroom. Sacha has all these hardwood odds and ends- nothing painted, varnished, or stained, smallish pieces ready to fire up your smoker or pizza oven. The wood is free, and if you don't go and get it, it will go to the landfill. Please help our environment, save a ton of money, and free up space for Sacha to continue creating his amazing, beautiful furniture. You can peek at his showroom while you're there.
Herbalist Ricardo Mazcal is offering 20% off his Tepescuite cream this week. Find him on the Isla Cuale every Saturday for his weekend market from 10 am to 2 pm, and during the week in the evenings by appointment.
The Lazy Song is one of my favorite Bruno Mars tunes, especially when sung by our own Victor do Espirito. I am dedicating the rest of the summer to this: ''Today, I don't feel like doing anything,'' From Here.
