Blossoming

 Five years ago, my wife Amy and I made a big life change—we moved to a village in southern Mexico on the outskirts of Oaxaca. We are both artists and made our studio in our home, called Dos Venados, or Two Deer. We wanted to integrate ourselves into our community in a meaningful way, especially with our immediate neighbors, and that’s when the idea of offering art lessons to local children was born.

Early group picture, 2022

Every Sunday, we gather with about eight neighborhood children for a couple of hours of creativity. We provide all the materials—paints, brushes, canvases, sculpture objects—and even refreshments. What started as a fun way to spend time with the kids has blossomed into something much more meaningful. We initially thought the interest might wane as the children grew older, but to our delight, they continue to come back each week, excited for the next project.

Ebeth, then and now.

Watching them grow, not just as budding artists but as individuals, has been a rewarding experience.

The joy of these Sunday gatherings has made this one of the most fulfilling parts of our life here. We see that our efforts are appreciated. Bonding has occurred. Sometimes a child arrives at our gate with fresh made warm tortillas as a gift. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the simplest gestures can build the strongest connections.

Luna, Aram and Pilar. About 1 year ago.

An Immersive Cultural Experience

Visiting Abastos Market in Oaxaca, Mexico is a grand adventure⏤an immersive experience in the heart of local culture. As one of the largest and busiest markets in the region, it bursts with vibrant colors, scents, and sounds. Mostly sheltered, taking up about four city blocks, the air is filled with the rich aromas of freshly ground chilies, spices, grilled meats, fish, flowers and herbs. Stalls overflow with everything from handwoven textiles and pottery to exotic fruits and traditional Oaxacan foods like mole, tlayudas, and chapulines (grasshoppers). All types of hardware, household items, clothing, shoes and hats, are sold. The energy is palpable, as vendors call out their offerings, and shoppers negotiate prices. It’s a bustling hub of life, offering a true taste of Oaxacan tradition.

Woman selling fried chapulines, or grasshoppers

Amy especially is entranced, stopping often to inspect goods. I stroll through, taking pictures and enjoying the bustling atmosphere. We like to stop along the way for a cool chocolate shake made by a specialty chocolate shop called Mayordomo. Here is a six minute video of the market experience, with music:

Big Mexican markets are sensorial delights of sight, sound, textures, smells . . . . the total package. Our little village, San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, outside Oaxaca city, has its own Tuesday market, where vendors sell fruits and vegetables, homemade foods, flowers, garden plants and other items. Each week I buy fresh cut flowers, fruits and vegetables. 

Our home always is adorned with beautiful flowers.

Blessing of the Animals

 

Yesterday, Amy was particularly keen on going to the annual blessing of the animals (Bendición de los Animales) at Nuestra Señora de La Merced, a humble church in Oaxaca Centro district. The day is the Catholic feast day of San Ramón Nonato, canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1657. 

We departed from our village under stormy skies to make the 45 minute drive and arrive by 4 PM. At first there were but few people with animals, but steadily more arrived. People carrying cats, variety of dogs in costumes, fish in aquariums, birds . . . all kinds of creatures along with doting owners. The animals behaved, though sometimes excitedly tugging at leashes.

A priest arrived to the church entrance for the ceremony. He stood beside a huge, old wooden carving of a saint that stood on a platform with myriad blooming lilies beneath. 

A wonderful litany was spoken (in Spanish so I did not understand most of it). At times the crowd with their animals chimed along in a group recitation. At conclusion the priest and helpers walked around and sprinkled holy water in blessing. 

With her little fish

Amy and I gleefully engaged and took photos amidst the friendly and unique gathering. 

This pigeon has been with the woman three years, since hatching from an egg.
In a priest outfit.

We went away  satisfied, once again thankful to be blessed living in such a vibrant and artistic corner of the world as Oaxaca. We determined that next year we would bring our two dogs.