Rising Up

This picture says a lot. To say a picture is worth a thousand words is an understatement. This one is worth a million or more. But, it shows a lot of determination on my part. It was taken on the porch of where we stayed in Taxco, Mexico. It was the last family trip we ever took. And, the first trip we took out of the country. I was thirteen, my sister was sixteen and my brother was seventeen. It meant a lot to my father to have this trip with us. My mother not so much. My dad was buying a lot of onyx for his business so he was happy. My sister and I were on the search the whole time for perfect embroidered shirts and never found them. The altitude didn't agree with my brother, and he kept on getting bloody noses. We went to Mexico City, Taxco and Acalpulco. It had a big impact on my attitude as you can see. I knew I was being raised in a beautiful town. But, Mexico was so different as far as housing. It made me appreciate the fact our home was on a block with grass, gardens and a sidewalk to ride my bike. It also was a time I wasn't eating much, and every time I would start to eat something. My mom would say something like: I bet that burger is from the bullfight we saw yesterday or the chicken was from an iguana we just saw crawling on a nearby dirt road. It was a time for me to grow up, and it really made me appreciate the life I had. The hardest part of the trip was seeing all the needy begging for you to buy gum, or throw them money to dive into the water for. It was heartbreaking. It is ironic we ended up in Mexico about five years ago to have our last trip as a family. And, I ended up appreciating the vendors more. Instead of feeling sorry for them, I really appreciated their handwork to make a living. Lately, I have been studying the different regions and what they are known for making. I also appreciated their devotion to God. Most churches had a big square in front. And, you would see patrons on their knees praying with rosaries. And, they would approach the church while still kneeling. I saw funeral marches where they carried candles and let the hot wax drip down their hands. I saw a lot of suffering of humanity. But, at the same time there were so many bright colors on clothing, and on their arts and crafts. I remember my mom really wanting to go to one place in particular. It was called Xochimilco. I found a picture she took and have kept it out. It is a river where they have boat rides and the boats were covered in flowers. But, when she walked up she was so disappointed. Because, it wasn't the bright colors she had expected. She also bought a clay pot she fell in love with at the airport. My dad tried to talk her out of buying it. She bought it and proudly held in on her lap all the way home on the airplane. She held it all the way home in the car, and I believe that was the time we rode home from Newark in a terrible ice storm. And, as she carried it into the house, the clay pot broke to pieces on the stairs. Too many piece to glue back together. She entered the house with her head down in defeat, and it was during that time, not much in life made her look up. I was taking the time to feel all the feels last year when I was at home for nine months. I wanted to sort through paper work and pictures, and it was all too hard. So, as I am approaching moving again. I am sorting, shredding and going through a lot. And, it has been easier for me. They call when your children our grown an empty nest. I knew I would have a hard time. So, that is when I also had a job loss, and opened my store. It did help to fill that void. So, there is no name of what I have been going through. But, on my own I came up with my journey to joy. And, there wasn't much joy going through a divorce. But, there is a ton of joy, when you have a grandchild, find a purpose, and approach life with curiosity. Free as a butterfly. And, this is the time of year butterflies migrate to Mexico. I think I will take this year to do more research places to visit in Mexico. I would love to see Frida's blue house in Mexico City, butterfly sanctuaries, and studios where clay manger (nativity) scenes were made. I had quite a collection from visits to Mexico. But, they have been lost for a long time. P.S. forward to..... December 9,2022 I didn't share this post, so now I want to add to it. I have settled into my new place. I am getting more rest, but still have bouts of sleepless nights. I am realizing I really need a vacation to look forward to, and have been struggling to find one that is right for me. Two days ago I opened my computer and Trades of Hope which I had joined in May 2020 is offering a trip to Guatemala in August, 2023. It is exactly what I want and need. I want to visit places and meet people who are making a living creating indigenous crafts. And, Guatemala weaving, embroidery and ceramics are a lot like Mexico. But, learning about how each of the regions create different stories of family history in their work. I have been reading so much about it, and watching videos. This is exactly what I want to do. So, I signed up for Trades of Hope, and so thankful to have had an order already after posting. Thank you Patty! I will try to keep my sharing on my Journey to Joy page. I will have live videos, some parties, and pop up shops. Here is the link for my shop. What I love is it is available anytime to purchase on. You don't have to wait for a party. But, if you are interested in earning free products, please let me know. Quote of the day: "Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?" Frida Kahlo Song of the day: The Family Madrigal from Encanto