The Grand Canyon

Once we finally left the Salton Sea and got lost by taking a few wrong turns which led us to having a GREAT, inexpensive buffet lunch at some obscure El Centro casino - - Patrick and I continued our road trip to Arizona via 'the road less taken'. Patrick really believed that mapping out our own mapquest road map (more or less by crow's flight) was going to be much quicker than the map it originally gave us using main freeways. I pointed out that it said it was about 2 hours longer driving according to the map, but Patrick responded that also according to the map it said that it was only about 40 miles longer which shouldn't be that bad.

Well....it turns out it DID take a lot longer and a harder trip on my little 1.5 cylinder Scion XA hatchback (which we opted to take due to my excellent gas mileage). We had to cut through many miles of twisty, slow mountain turns which really slowed us down - but the bright side of it all was that we got to see the little towns off the beaten track. P and I love seeing that kind of stuff! :)

 

For example, taking the long route we went through the main street of a lovely, small town with a big square and town hall lined with trees. The buildings on the main drag were old-fashioned brick with cool pubs and older hotels with tons of character. We both agreed we would have loved to get out and walk around had we more time.

Another treat was driving (not too far from Sedona) the town of Jerome. An old mining town, it is amazingly built into the side of a mountain - you'd have to see it to really appreciate it. Not only that but it was ridicuously quaint, with a touristy, nice small main street and, of course, a spectacular view. It kind of felt like the suburbs of San Francisco.

 

Enough chit chat of the drive - we finally pulled in that evening to our hotel - the Best Western - I recommend it for location and amenities. Starving we drove into the main street of Sedona - I've been there previously (see blog) and know my way around decently. At 9pm, it was freezing - with a biting wind - in the 40s and hardly a person in sight. A far cry from my previous trip in the warm spring time.

Still, we had a good Oaxacan Mexican meal and walked the shops that were still open before hitting the hay for our early rise.

 

Which brings me to our day at the Grand Canyon! Less than 2 hours away, it was a must-see - my 3rd time there and P's first. Boy, was it cold, though! Whew! The sun was out most of the time, but it was very windy and cold. Everyone walking around had on mittens, hats and scarves.

P, of course, with his new lenses and camera was ready to take pictures. We went to several different viewpoint locations where we could then walk off by ourselves so to get away from the crowds.

But my favorite stop was at a lookout tower that wound itself up 4 levels and had great painted murals inside and offered fabulous views outside. I highly recommend going there. There is also a great giftshop right there as well as access to trails.

Unlike my last suicide trip where my ex Italian and I spontaneously (and stupidly) decided to hike in 1 day in the heat the entire trail down to the Colorado River and back - - Patrick and I only descended a couple hundred feet down the South Kaibib Trail. Stopping to sit on a rock and take in the scenery at one point I turned to him and commented, "Now after doing the Inkan Trail in Peru, I see a big trail and I just want to keep going no matter what." He agreed that one day with more time we'd love to hike and camp at the bottom of the canyon - it will be a strenuous one, but I am pretty determined about doing it.

In a race with the sun going down we rushed to a viewpoint that was recommended to us. Patrick really was hoping to get great shots of the sunset but unfortunately it was a little bit of a let-down in that the sky didn't change the colors this time of year that it does in the summer. Still, we had a fabulous full moon - but, boy - did the temperature drop in a snap!! Suddenly it was low 30s with a stinging wind that kept us chilled all the way back to Sedona - even with the heater on full-blast. It was a colder wind than normal we were told - but it didn't stop our adventure to one of the Seven Wonders of the World!

 

Click on slideshow below!

Grand Canyon

Road Trip - continued (Salton Sea)

 

After visiting "Salvation Mountain", we headed a half hour away to the Salton Sea and Bombay Beach. We had been there previously last spring (see blog here), but P really wanted to get some more shots again, so we took that detour.

Unlike last time, it wasn't hot nor was present the putrid rotting stench. We went back to the exact same spot at Bombay Beach and then moved on to Mecca Beach where there was a cool, abandoned motel and empty pool.

 

It still never ceases to amaze me that even that early in the morning we were not alone - other photographers were there as well. And the whole place still gives off the cool, but erie feel of a ghost town or David Lynch movie-set. I've heard rumours that they are going to try to spend a lot of money to clean it all up and give it a 2nd life as a holiday, weekend and water resort akin to its hey-day in the 50s and 60s. They have a lot of work to do... :)

 

click on slideshow below for more pics!

Salton Sea, CA

One Man's Work is His Salvation

 

True to my gypsy blood, I had been remarking to Patrick the past few weeks that E was 'jonesin'" for a little getaway out in nature. I truly develop wanderlust when I haven't traveled or seen something new for a couple months. Thus, we planned a little road trip over Thanksgiving weekend.

After a lovely Turkey Day at my sister, Sara's house - where Patrick painfully ate too much and told me that I should load up on the fat as well since it was going to be cold where we were gong - P and I woke up at 4am the next morning and set off east towards Arizona.

We had been there before, but P wanted to take pictures again with his new camera and lens at the Salton Sea before heading farther east. What P didn't tell me was that we were making a nearby stop first to the town of Niland to see "Salvation Mountain". I had never heard of it before and curiously kept asking questions as we drove out past the nothingness of the tiny, dusty town looking for it - finally stopping to ask for directions. P mischievously assured me I would like it and that I would know it the minute I saw it.

Well, not minutes later did I gasp at suddenly glimpsing an extremely colorful, if large HILL, (not mountain) off the dirt road against a barren backdrop of desert, dusty nothingness.

True to Patrick's words, I knew we had arrived the moment I saw it. "Extraordinary!" I breathed happily as we parked our car while an older gent in denim shirt and jeans greeted us.

 

I had no idea what to expect and was so pleasantly surprised that the man, named Leonard Knight, welcomed us so graciously and told us he'd love to give us a tour. And so he did. We found out that 24 years ago he came out to the desert from Virginia to build a hot air balloon. It rotted in the sun and instead he found himself mixing the natural adobe clay of the hillside with straw that that could be painted upon when dry. 100,000 gallons of mostly donated paint and 24 years later stands "Salvation Mountain" or "God Mountain".

Complete with colorful 'flowers', an igloo, a yellow brick road, and 'waterfalls' this gentle man used art and nature - everything besides the paint and straw he finds growing or abandoned in the desert - to spread the message of God's Love..

Prayers, biblical verses, and religious phrases were painted everywhere. With a quiet but joyous pride he showed us everything and told us (in a gentle humble manner) how they came out to film from National Geographic and how he has been honored by a couple art museums.

 

A lean, but hardy man, Mr. Knight hobbled about slowly showing us everything, pointing out his favorite things and explaining how his 'museum' was made.

The day before had been Thanksgiving and he said he had had roughly 150 visitors - compared to the normal daily 80 or so (!). Schools, churches, and photographers, alike, evidently come to this spot to see his creative and happy work. It was just an amazing project for one man to have done alone and left us feeling so good and warm inside.

Even though it wouldn't have bothered me one bit, he wasn't preachy at all, nor did he even ask if we believed in God. He was just a simple but lovely older man who loved that people came to see his work and you can find him there every single day giving tours or slowly painting and mixing adobe with straw.

After giving him a cash donation, he graciously handed us a short 10 minute DVD he even had professionally made of the Mountain, a few postcards and even a jigsaw puzzle of the place. He might be a simple, kind man, but he was a great promoter of his art!

What a truly lovely man - living off nothing and happy in sharing God's love with all that visit him. A true inspiration :) A great start off to our long weekend...

Click on slideshow below for some more of Jesus' Love!

"Salvation Mountain"

Birthday Shout Out: Yolanda

 

Ay, Chihuhua! It's the last one before another Big One! Felicidades to my wonderful friend, Yolanda Martinez on today her birthday! Yolanda and I met a couple years back modeling in bridal shows and since then have become closer through the trials and tribulations of being a 30-something Latina powerhouse. Your strength, inner beauty and friendship are greatly appreciated, Mujer! Echale ganas :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

 I consider myself the type of gal who takes nothing for granted and is truly appreciative of everything that I have. After spending a lovely early morning tea with my 2 dear friends from college - Diana and Beverly - I am reminded once again how much I love the few close people in my life.

Whatever my true opinion of ol' Chris Columbus coming over and raising havoc amongst the native American Indians - I still take this day as an extra-special day of giving thanks and reflection for my relatives, my health, my Faith in God and in myself, my close friends, my sense of humour, my compassion for others, my kitty Jordy, my country home I am renting, my music and my Merritt family.

May God Bless us all and have a safe and wonderful time with our loved ones! 

Thanksgiving-eatingTips

Thanksgiving and the Holidays parties are in full swing and because I am always so aware and proactive about my health I wanted to put out Elsamart's Tips for Eating during The Holidays.

It is said that the average American gains 7-10 extra pounds from Thanksgiving to New Years Eve. Seven to ten, ya'll!!! You are talking to a 35-year-old woman who is in better shape and a size 4 compared to my college early 20s when I was, at my curviest, a size 10. I changed my eating habits, cut out red meats and upped my workouts from just jogging to yoga, pilates, weights, kickboxing and more. When the holidays approach I feel like I am one of the few who don't dread gaining weight, or ever worse: trying to lose it. It's all about knowledge and discipline. And respect for your health and body :)

Avoid: Cured meats laden with salt and desserts containing large quantities of white flour and sugar are just the type of holiday favorites no one needs. They’re the foods that give us a sense of heaviness and drowsiness after we’ve consumed them. If you feel like falling asleep after you’ve eaten, that’s a very good barometer that you ate the bad, over processed food. Some people call it the 'food coma'. I have to say that I have NEVER felt this way after the holidays. I might be tired due to other reasons, but certainly not wanting to pass out from eating too much.

Balance: As usual, moderation is the key. Go for more fresh foods, such as vegetables, and less highly processed foods, such as a supermarket pie. Which is not to say you can’t eat a piece of pie. It is said that if you have good veggies and protein on the table and there’s not a lot of cream and butter on them then yes, have a dessert, it’s not going to tip you over the edge. If you have three desserts in one day, that’s going to tip you over the edge. (editor's note - I am DEFINITELY having about 3 different, if small portions, of desserts tomorrow. Maybe even ... -gasp- 4!!)

Control: It’s not unusual for people to eat a whopping 2,000 calories in one sitting over the holidays, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving meals. Experts say there’s just no excuse for consuming that much food. Take the skin off your turkey, skip the gravy and stuffing, forget the butter on your mashed potatoes, and show a little respect for yourself! Especially when it comes to that other holiday indulgence – alcohol. If you are going to drink - try red wine (which is healthy for the heart, at least, and watch out for those high calorie fru-fru drinks!) Or even better - be the designated driver and limit yourself to one drink only!

Knowledge is power! Be thankful for your health and body! Drink lots of water before eating to fill you up and try to take a walk that evening to help your food settle.
Best Wishes to my readers...

Hot Mamacitas walk the Runway for Mama's Kitchen

 I have one thing to say: "Chanel! Chanel! Chanel!" whew! This Fall I did a show benefiting the organization Mama's Kitchen (which delivers meals to those affected by AIDS). Staged by the superb fashion guru, Leonard Simpson it was held on a hot, but gorgeous day on the rooftop of the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego.  As usual, Leonard got us top of the line designer clothes to wear, as well as great accessories, hats, giant poodles and another breed of dog I can't even pronounce. There was even a trio of ballet dancers from California ballet company. Lots of fun and fabulous - it's hard not to feel great in his shows and benefiting yet another local cause. "Work it out!"

Mama's Kitchen Charity Runway show

Click above on photo album for more photos AND click on link below for a short video clip of the show - - go to "what's Hot playlist", scroll down and click on "Mama's Kitchen" and then click on 'Glimpse of the Fashions' Icon. Can you guess which one is me in black? Hint: the hips, ya'll dem Messican child-bearing hips are a giveaway...
http://www.letsplaydowntown.com/LPD_front_page/Navigation/Link_Nav_San_Diego_frameset.html

"Pretty in Pink"- Runway for a Cause..

Been working a lot of Fall runway shows lately. In September I was hired again this year (see blog from last year here) to do the Charity Runway show for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer/La Jolla MD Spa gala. Held again at the lovely La Jolla hotel, La Estancia, we again showcased Danish designer, Isabell Kristensen based in Monaco.Unlike last year - she wanted us to also do a bathing suit and lingerie (eek!) portion of the show. Well, after much hub-bub and me trying not to eat carbs for a week (I already barely eat carbs), I was chosen to only have to wear 1 bathing suit and no lingerie... the rest were regulated to the younger models from ages 17-24.
Even better - the day of the show, they took me out of my 1 bathing suit and gave it to an African American model with better.... um..assets.Plenty of money was rasied for a great cause and I wish I could have seen the look on all the umm, mainly Caucasian older affluent crowd, when the show started and some girls with thongs came out. Whew!

Click below to see yours truly "work it out" and open the gown segment of the show :)
http://video.nbcsandiego.com/player/?id=157252
AND to see some more footage including some familiar faces from elsamart's blog and some of the bathing suits and lingerie please click on link below and click on each icon box to view the short video clips.
http://www.letsplaydowntown.com/SanDiego/SDFashion/PrettyinPink/media_Frameset_PrettyinPink.html

Es Asi -

Es asi que me considero:

Sonriente, Fuerte y sobre todo - Apasionada...

What do you get when...

,...you take a mansion, some friends, some work, a million dollar+ budget, Chris Issak and a bunch of talented theatrical people during All Hallow's Eve?
A kickass Halloween modeling job in an elaborate costume with some of your best modeling friends!

Fallen Angels

Click on slideshow above!

Happy HOLLOW-WEENIE!

Soprano Soars to New Heights with Circus

http://www.univision.com/content/video.jhtml?cid=1317242&channelName=Videos&_requestid=100611

Last week was such a difficult week for many here in San Diego and other parts of Southern CA due to the fires. I have been feeling sad for so many and definitely not up to writing on my blog.

That said- it's time to bring back a little bit of joy into our lives. Yesterday I received this from the mother of a young Latina actress, Denisse Gonzalez, whom I toured part of the country for a few months back in 2000 in the National Tour of the musical, "Selena Forever". Denisse played young Selena and already had an amazing voice for her age. She is now singing with Cirque De Soleil - what an honor!! - and performing around the world. Her mother sent this video clip of her interview recently on Univision. I imagine Denisse must be about 18 now and is as stunning as her voice - but I will always remember her as the young Selena, playing with dolls, singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and making us laugh with her vocal impersonations of Cher and Celine Dion.

Best Wishes and Congratulations

THIS is Why I Evacuated at 2am...

This is what I saw of Mt. San Miguel heading my way last night. My understanding is that the Harris Fire is not completely contained and I still need to be careful tonight for shifting winds. The smell of fire burning and my sore eyes are pretty bad. I really need to get a mask for breathing - will use a bandana for sure tomorrow. Still scary to look at even in a photograph...

San Diego Fires: The Aftermath

The view of Mt. Miguel taken from the bedroom window of my 2-story house. When I decided to leave at 2am last night the entire hillside in the background was a wave of flame working its way down the mountain - I could feel the heat.

 

Let me clarify, please - - the fires in North County and east of me are still very much out of control and dangerous. This blog is only about the Harris Fire on Mt. Miguel that was affecting me in Rancho San Diego, 2 siblings and their families in Rolling Hills/Eastlake area as well as my parents' home in Bonita.

After a very long night I allowed myself 1.5 hours around 7 this morning to sleep after evacuating to my boyfriend Patrick's condo in central San Diego. By God's good grace the winds this morning in the Southbay were not as strong as they expected and firefighters were at last able to contain the fire.

At 4pm I brought Jordy-the-cat back home and took pictures from my house of the 3 smoldering spots at the foot of the eastern side of Mt. Miguel which, last night had engulfed the mountain in one giant wave of flames that led me to leave voluntarily and others imperatively.

The following picture shows a close-up of the biggest last hint of active smoke from the previous night and morning at the bottom of Mt. Miguel probably less than 10 miles away from me.

 

The newish housing community of "The Pointe" off Jamacha were mandatory evacuated. They sit below me and are separated by a canyon that leads directly to my back yard. That is why I knew if they were leaving, I needed to be careful. At the time this picture was taken - they still hadn't been allowed back in.

 

A shot of my small backyard which stops at about 10 feet embankment of ice plant (great for helping deter fires!) and then opens out to a large canyon (refer to the top picture).

 

A little after me, my brother Ben and his family received the good news that they also could return to their home. The visibility is bad, my eyes are stinging something awful but I am much more relaxed tonite and plan to sleep now that my family is out of danger. That said - there are still several fires burning out of control this evening and 1000 homes lost so far. My prayers are with my community. God Bless each and every one of us.
A very red, eerily beautiful sun shown late afternoon....

Fire Evacuation

It is almost 7am now on Tuesday (Day 3 of the San Diego Fires) - I left with my cat, Jordy, last night around 2:30am and am at Patrick's condo in North Park. As previously mentioned, I was alone in my cul de sac last night packing my tiny Scion XA car with as much as I could. I missed my family and was planning to stay up all night - alternating watching the News and surfing the Net.
As if reading my mind, I was just standing up to stretch and turn the news on again, when my mom called at 1:42am. I knew something was wrong immediately for her to call that late and my first thought was that they had to evacuate as well in Bonita (meaning this affected not only my brother Ben's family who already had headed to my mom's that afternoon, but also my sister Sara and her family in East Lake). As I answered, "Mom..." I simultaneously turned to look out the window in the small bedroom that has a view of Mt. Miguel and the Sweetwater Reservoir. I couldn't believe it - within 1.5 hours of last looking out the window, the fire (a new one, I believe) had taken over and had come alreadyhalf-way down the north side of the mountain heading directly towards my area of Rancho San Diego and Spring Valley! I was aware already that for hours it was on fire on the southeast side of it heading west with the winds towards Otay, Eastlake and eventually my childhood home in Bonita... which was bad enough - but I really had felt that I would be okay since I was close, but just northeast of those communities. I mean: I almost had had people stay at MY house because I felt I would be safe there.

Well, there was no doubt it was time to go. Between me and the fire was just dry brush of the rest of Mt. Miguel, then the small, but welcome, Sweetwater Springs Reservoir body of water, then the small 2-way but main road of Jamacha - which the fire would easily jump across - - leaving a small housing community of about 50 houses before it would reach the dry canyon that literally ends at my backyard.

Time to go.

Jordy was not happy - he hates his cat carrier and I usually need 2 people to get him in there. I could hear people down the street honking and getting in their cars, as I finally pushed his head down and zipped him up in the soft bag.

As I left my street and headed towards the stoplight next to Monte Vista High School, I gasped to see how close and large it really was. I hadn't expected it! I knew the Santa Ana winds were blowing to the West - I still don't understand why a new one started my way.

There were definitely people on the road and leaving my area but the freeway 94 heading west to downtown was just fine at that time. I got to P's around 2:30am and have been watching for news of my area as well as the Harris fire right next to mine that was endangering my brother Ben, sister Sara and their families and pets as well as my parents in Bonita.

My mom had informed me that they all were simultaneously evacuating and heading to different places - my brother Gabe's large house in Point Loma (the coast) and my dad's CPA office in Chula Vista.

My mom, God Bless her - informed me that she had gone in my old room and didn't know what to grab but packed a couple of my photo albums - I have many and had already packed most of mine at my own house. But she didn't need to do that. "Mom - I have all that I need here, just go!" I fought back the tears at her unnecessary thoughtfulness when she and my father certainly had enough to remember.

** Before I had left with Jordy I ran back one last time to my house - I glanced at my beautifully decorated house and beloved piano - so proud of what I had achieved on my meager salary. I ran upstairs and grabbed from my jewelry 3 necklaces and put them on - the silver Irish pendant my beloved had gifted me last Xmas, the Cross my father had bought in Spain for "all the women in his family" also gifted last Xmas, and lastly: my gold small cross that my mother had gifted me at 18 to keep me safe when I entered college. I had worn that cross daily for 14 years...

I paused at the gorgeous larger engraved cross that my mom had bought through an Art museum catalog a few years back. I always had loved that cross and had tied it with a beautiful purple ribbon and hung it up in my house. I reflected that although I love it: I'd leave it behind, along with my stain glass portrait of The Virgin Mary I placed both at the glass door facing the fire to bless my home and keep it safe.

Thoughts during the Fire Crisis

It is 9:45pm and I am watching the news on TV with bunny ears antenna (I don't have cable). My faithful cat, Jordy, is peacefully curled up at my feet tapping his tail lightly along with the flickering television light.

I spent an hour packing my tiny car with things that I deemed important and necessary in case of evacuation. It was a surreal time packing it. My car is a very small hatchback. But I knew exactly what to pack -some clothes, shoes, my photo albums (can't replace those), my important paperwork (thank God I'm organized so I had all of it in 1 box), a lot (not all) of my piano and vocal sheet music, medicines, my laptop and a handful of my favorite cds (music that is not easily replaced). That is it. An easy decision.

It is eerily quiet in my cul de sac - I noticed all 3 of my neighbors left a couple hours ago with their dogs. We haven't been evacuated yet (not even voluntarily yet.) But they left once they saw the red glow of the fire over the hill behind us within our view of the Proctor Valley/Sweetwater Springs area (the Harris fire).

I would have left as well to either Patrick's house or my parents in Bonita - although my brother and his family of 6 and dog have already been evacuated and are there, so it's pretty full. That said, it is hard to leave because of my cat, Jordy -who is terrified of being in cars and doesn't do well just plopping him into a new home. So I am not leaving until we have to, IF we have to.

I have emailed a few friends whom were evacuated - offering them to stay at my house with their animals. I guess it's just as well they are in hotels. It will be much more comfortable as I only have one bed and would have stayed myself on the floor with Jordy in a sleeping bag.

The news station I am watching is close to a fire and they said they are probably going to lose signal very soon as they smell smoke even in the studio at this point, I guess I will turn to the radio.

It's weird, I realized I was starving - having not eaten much since breakfast. I made myself one of my delicious vegetarian pizzas and even allowed myself a coke - something I never do. And I actually thought to myself, "It's going to be a long night, I might as well let myself eat well and drink some caffeinated soda pop."

I had booked 2 great paying modeling jobs this week, too, but I imagine it won't matter my eating a pizza and coke since they will probably be cancelled anyway.

They said if you are close to one of the several fires all heading west that you shouldn't sleep tonite - or take turns - one listening to the updates in case of evacuation. It's only me, so I'll be staying up. I really feel alone.

"It's okay, Jordy..." I informed my kitty, "I am watching out for us..."

Prayers Needed

A prayer to those who are evacuated and/or have already lost their homes in San Diego due to the fires... It's a hard time for many. May God Bless and watch over us all...

This Magic Moment

This magic moment
So different and so new
Was like any other
Until I met you
And then it happened
It took me by surprise
I knew that you felt it too
I could see it by the look in your eyes

Sweeter than wine
Softer than a summer's night
Everything I want, I have
Whenever I hold you tight

This magic moment,
While your lips are close to mine,
Will last forever,
Forever, 'til the end of time

So why won't you dance with me?
Why won't you dance with me?

This magic moment
So different and so new
Was like any other
Until I met you

And then it happened
It took me by surprise
I knew that you felt it too
I could see it by the look in your eyes

Sweeter than wine
Softer than a summer's night
Everything I want, I have
Whenever I hold you tight

Learning Spanish

My full name is very hispanic. But I am of a growing hispanic minority born in the USA that didn't grow up speaking Spanish. My bilingual parents spoke it a little between themselves. And my mother did try to teach us a little bit. But, let's face it - they should have spoken it all the time to us at home because all of us kids greatly suffered in our personal and professional lives' at our not being bilingual. And, as children, it's the easiest way to learn languages - for you soak it up like a sponge. As an adult, one becomes self-concsious at making mistakes or having a bad accent. Point blank - I have suffered learning this language but have a lot of pride that I did so on my own. People just assume all latinos speak spanish. I am 3rd generation born American - I can assure not all of us are bilingual.

Here's a little walk down Memory Lane:

It was my first year of college, at the age of 18, that I really started yearning to learn more about my Mexican heritage and its romantic language. I became involved in the hispanic student organization MECHA to meet the few latinos who attended UC Irvine in the early 90s and sometimes wrote articles for La Voz Mestiza - the hispanic student school paper. But, mostly, I made a herculean effort to learn Spanish on my own. Interestingly, I mostly learned it through my huge love: Music.

I started listening to spanish radio all the time. I bought spanish-music tape cassettes (this is pre cds and mp3s). I would listen for hours to music and try to write down the lyrics in a notebook that I still have at my parents' home. I became a huge, screaming fan of handsome crooner Luis Miguel who was my age and a HUGE singing star. He was my favorite. I also started watching telenovelas (soap operas) during my vacations back at home in San Diego. The first one I watched was called, "La Picara Sonadora" - I even got my sister and mom to watch it with me. When I say it was the 'first one' I watched I refer to the fact that spanish-language soaps actually end after a few months. And they almost always end with a happy ending of the poor girl getting her prince *I mean rich, handsome man.

You can imagine, thus, that my spanish, from listening to music and watching over-dramatic novelas - was full of vocabulary about love, nature, revenge, romance and pain. HAHAHAH. Very dramatic. But not very useful, every-day language, one can say.

I needed to do more, then. So I decided that I could only have crushes on Latino boys. That way I could practice my spanish. Now, I was the biggest virgin in high school and college - and PROUD of it. But I had crushes, sure! And Latin men are muy romantico..... Spring Break of my freshman year - I was en route to having my first heart ache by a Latin man. I went with Diana, my roommate in college (and mentioned in the blog a few times) to Tijuana, Mexico for the first time to go dancing. We went with my younger cousin, Maddy, who was already highly-seasoned at going even though she was only in high school. She was also in a latin identity faze as well. She took us to where the real Mexicans were - not the bars full of drunk underage American kids and sailors. She took us to the OTHER end of Calle Revolucion ("Revolution Street") the main drag of bars and discos in TJ where there was a huge club called, "Las Pulgas" - The Fleas. I was in heaven with the spanish pop and roc-en-espanol on 1 floor and more traditional mexican music and dance on another.

I still remember it like it was yesterday. I set my eyes on a tall, Mexican boy across the room - I was a virgin, but I knew how to flirt! The girls nodded in approval. He was wearing jeans, boots, a shiny belt buckle, and a button down shirt and drinking a beer. His hair was straight, thick and longer on top - pushed back with a little gel.

I said to the girls we needed to walk past him and his boys so I could make eye contact (who knew this goody-goody was such a natural??!!) Well, we paraded past them and when I walked past, I gave him a sideways look and smile over my shoulder and he literally ran after me to catch up with me.I always thought he looked a bit like a Mexican Elvis. For he had full-lips and a handsome but baby-face that Elvis had. Even the hair reminded me of his circa 50s' look.

He asked me in spanish, "Como te llamas?" What is your name? And little did I know my life was to change forever. He was my first latin man. And my first heart break. Efren would figure in my life for the next several years - setting my even-nowadays standard of really trying with someone until they have absolutely killed me and there is truly nothing left of Elsa to give and cling onto.

By now, Diana is rolling her eyes and fanning herself over the memories and nightmare that would be my knowing him those many years. God bless her - she accompanied me many a night to TJ to meet him down there or to go to his baseball games.
And she stood by my side through the pain as well.

Was I in love with him? No. I knew we were young and inexperienced (he was my age). But I wanted to eventually be in love with him. I was crazy about him. He sang and danced mexican rancheros with me, literally sweeping me off my feet. "Six foot two, and all for you," he used to say, grinning that boyish grin of his. We met at 18 and he left my life at 28. We will eternally be remembered as young and stupid.

Too bad, with him, I set the precedent at being involved with men who can't commit and take but don't give much back. It's amazing when I look back now at 35 that I have always given much more in my relationships and continue to still do it. I know it's a latin trait in women - we are extremely giving. But, I've gone to hell paying for it and continue to suffer even now for possessing that character. A character that is so generous it is actually a negative fault when it comes to me and men.

I will say one thing though. Dating someone who speaks spanish was a great way to really accelerate my learning! Do you like elsamart's novela? Stay tuned for more. I figure something has to come out of all the memories in my head...

This is it: BLOG ACTION DAY!!

I saw this notice last week on blogger homepage and immediately signed up to participate in it.

On October 15th, bloggers around the world will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future. With 155,000 blogs and 12 million readers this is all about mass participation - and it's very exciting to elsamart!

Wanting to put my 2 cents about promoting awareness, I'd like to put something out there. TEACH OUR KIDS.

I have been working with teens mostly, but also younger kids depending on the project, for the last 10 years. I have seen first-hand the rewards and, sadly, the damages of this generation of kids not being taught many fundamentals by their families. None of you who are not in some sort of teaching position can remotely decipher how BAD it is and how WORSE it is getting each year.

But the one constant remains: no matter what the subject is - if we don't teach our kids to respect, love and be concerned for our environment and Mother Nature - then their really is no hope to help save it.

I do not blame the kids, folks - it is the parents that I'd like to address. It is simple. Teach your kids to turn off lights. Teach them to take a 10 minute shower - not 20 to (horrors!) 40 minute ones. Teach them to turn off the faucet when they are brushing their teeth - do you know that 2 gallons of water is wasted each time by people brushing their teeth leaving the water running?

Perhaps instead of them sitting around (a whole other epidemic) playing video games, watching too much TV, on computers or their cellphones or IPODS why not designate one day of the week to be "Fun Day with NO Electricity".

Take them to the park to play, make them play outside in the yard, teach them to make mud pies in the dirt, play in the snow, take them on a beautiful hike by the beach, in the mountains, in the desert, ride bikes, roller skate, go for a run with them, teach them to fly a kite (I know so many kids who have never TOUCHED a kite in their lives), play with their dogs or cats, go to the zoo, read in a hammock outside, plant a flower or vegetable garden in your yard. Watch a glorious sunset.

The ironic thing is that all the above are things that some of us and our parents did ANYWAY on a daily basis as after-school entertainment. Lamentably, it is foreign to many of our youth in America nowadays. And only by our suggesting it, forcibly designating it and hopefully participating in it WITH them - can we teach our kids that their are OTHER things out there to be aware of besides being plugged in to the latest overpriced gadget.

Teach them that the benefits of dedicating 1 day a week to this means they will get more exercise, they will not use up for 1 day a bunch of precious electricity, it can be a wonderful bonding time or play day between parents and their kids or teens. Tell them stories (kids of all ages LOVE stories of their parents) how you used to fly kites with your brother or how you planted a garden of flowers when you were a kid in 4-H club. Teach them that Nature and preserving it is of such great importance and that each one of us, truly: EACH ONE OF US - can do our part by being aware and not careless or lazy.

The benefits of my suggestion are boundless. Exercise, environmental awareness, actually talking to and spending time with your child or teen... come on - - there is not one single negative in this equation besides those of you who mistake my earnestness with being preachy...

Do your part and help conserve in some manner.

God Bless.

Editor's Note - I also highly recommend checking out this link about Blog Action Day.

80s Song of the Week: Howard Jones "What is Love?"

Ahhhhh... do you notice that there is hardly any feel-good music in this day and age? It's all so sex and bling-driven, it's no wonder our kids are all messed up.

Not quite with the 80s - - music still talked of love and feeling good and being romantic - - all to the tune of pre-recorded keyboard synthesizers. Here is a fine example of an 80s ballad by Brit crooner Howard Jones - his trademark orangish-peroxide faux-hawk hidden under a not so raspberry beret (alluding to another 80s phenom: Prince).

I love how he is portrayed having almost a magical power of insight and shows him do an action right before another character does it. The lyrics are beautiful and deeper than I remember giving them credit for as a teen. Perhaps it's because I've been so disillusioned myself with the subject. What is love anyway? Why does it seem almost impossible between 2 lovers, a mother and her child, 2 friends, 2 fighting countries with different religious beliefs? Only within ourselves can we find the answer...

Birthday Shoutout: Ciara

Patrick's daughter, Ciara, turned nineteen, I mean 9, on October 3.

 

After some school and home festivities it was "shakedown" time again as her parents bought her (don't remember my term? see here) a party at a place in Chula Vista.

















Ciara, some cousins and friends were able to play dress up, sing karaoke and ate some Costco pizza and cupcakes for 2 hours amidst some pink walls, and party lights - like a small disco.

 

Being very interactive with children,I surprised Ciara and her 5 friends by putting on some of the clothes and funky accessories as well and got them all to sing Gwen Stefani with me - no pictures, unfortunately, in my garb.

A fun time for the girls - Happy Birthday!

Congratulations to:

Al Gore for winning the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. I am in the Middle - but definitely leaning more to the Democrat side. That said: anyone of any party is okay by me by bringing awareness of our precious environment to the masses....

Congratulations to:

my dear friend from college: Heather and her husband Noel on the birth of their 2nd child: Jacob - born on October 3rd! He joins big brother, Robbie in their Hawaiian hut in Oahu where they reside... Gods Blessings to you all and your beautiful family!

Birthday Shout Out: Jenn AKA "Flaca"

I've know Jennifer since we were elementary-school kids. Jenn and her family lived across the street from us in Bonita, San Diego - where we spent a few years making mud pies, playing with dolls, getting kicked out of her sister's "Grease"-covered bedroom, etc. Heck! I even learned to ride a bike in her long driveway! Jenn and her family moved to Redlands, CA around 10 years of age and outside of the family Holiday card we lost track of each other until...

One day towards the end of my sophomore year of college at UC Irvine, I had the thrill and surprise of my roommate, Diana, coming home from rushing sororities to tell me that another girl who used to live in San Diego - Bonita - in fact! Di told her that her roommate and good friend (moi) is from Bonita and did she know Elsa Martinez? Well: Did she ever!!!! A half hour later Jenn came speeding up to our dorm in "Pumpkin" - der orange box-shaped car and we were reunited - going on to live together the following year and becoming swell friends again.

Being the hard-core democrat that she is, Jenn moved to DC, worked in the White House during her idol, the Bill Clinton regime, got a bill passed, met Mike, got hitched moved back to Cali - and now is a paralegal in Orange County. All this time, she is still one of my best friends making ours a great story! FELIZ birthday on this, her 34th. Mazeltaf!!!