TravelStream™ news feed for member lacasa on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/lacasa en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:50:11 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/5/1231671960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/5/1231671960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/5/1231671960/tpod.html Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:50:11 -0500 Chico visits La Casa January/February 2009

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Lo de Marcos, Mexico

We are all connected all the time and make a difference in each others lives. When we have the opportunity to be "in the current" of a situation that has taken on it's purpose......everyone knows they are "in it for a reason" and our actions become powered by something beyond our own imaginations. This summer, Robby and Amalia created beautiful murals in Lo de Marcos at La Casa de Los Ninos and in Chico California at Rosedale Elementary School which brought the power of this current to life. The mural itself showing the power of the waves and the current they produce the with ocean waves in Lo de Marcos and the waves of the River in Chico. This mural project opened a "gateway to dreams"....many dreams and many hopes. This January, the dream of Chico and Lo de Marcos bonding for the purpose of nurturing the children broke through with great enthusiasm.While riding the crest of the wave created on the walls of La Casa by Robbie and Amalia (see the blog entry for that story in detail), we found ourselves in Chico meeting with our Chico contention of "Los Amigos de La Casa de Los Ninos" to dream up what was next. Many things came from that meeting.......i.e. Creating the Mural in Rosedale School and rekindling the tile memorial that was created there in memory of Kailee and Cameron...... Meeting with the teachers from Rosedale School and Chico State University to dream up ideas about creating pen pal opportunities between the two schools...... and how to bring some of our astounding educational and personal resources from the States to Lo de Marcos. We are excited to share some of this with you in the following entries .......just jump in!!!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1230694380/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1230694380/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1230694380/tpod.html Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:12:33 -0500 More Fall/Winter 2008

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Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico

It is one of those stories that I seem to be writing about alot. When things are meant to happen, they do!!! Just on a fluke, I sent an email out to Franny saying, "when are you coming to Mexico" and she wrote back in about an hour and said "funny that you emailed, Glenn and I are looking at making reservations to go to Puerto Vallarta for the holidays!!! And the plans began. Franny has been talking about coming to visit La Casa for a few years. She is a preschool teacher extraordinaire and Glenn is a guy that can do anything. They wanted to do a project at La Casa and since we were closed for the Holidays, it seemed like a good time for a "face lift". Franny and I started by organizing the "Salon de Juegos". Puzzles, widgets, marble runs, legos, manipulatives and construction toys and more. Glenn cleaned dust off of the ceiling fans and wooden doors. Franny cleaned windows and we washed all the curtains and furniture slip covers. Glenn noticed that the beautiful wooden doors were dusty and dirty and gave them a good cleaning. Glenn and Dave assessed the crumbling paint on the walls in the activity room and decided to take them on. A condition called "silitro" causes the paint on the walls to turn to powder and flake off, reeking havoc on the looks of the La Casa walls. They needed scraping, sealing with three different products and finally painting. While they were at it, they took to cleaning up the street entrance. Dave got lucky while looking for a weedeater....Our friend Mary has a weedeater and she came over to do the job for us. Dave shoveled gravel, Glenn painted the outside wall and then they both moved in to the porch to add their special touch ...adding to the beauty of our Mural and the "splash" it makes to our entry. Franny got really ambitious and painted the iron door and scroll work with black enamel paint. It looks great. We worked for 3 days and are so proud of the results. The floors are clean, the toys are organized, the walls are treated and painted beautiful shades of blue and terra cotta, tables are cleaned and rearranged and special touches added to our La Casa mosaic. Friends worked side by side, out of love for a project that is close to their hearts. Thank you Glenn and Franny for bringing your enthusiastic support to La Casa. You have really left something of your spirit here at La Casa.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1229816340/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1229816340/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1229816340/tpod.html Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:56:57 -0500 More Fall/Winter 2008

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Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico

A Posada is a Mexican tradition which usually includes a parade (desfile) which is an enactment of the story of Jesus and Mary when they were looking for a place to stay on the night before Jesus was born. They children dress up as Mary and Joseph and often Mary is riding on a donkey. Others are dressed as angels, the devil (he is never far away!!), and shephards. The parade in Lo de Marcos moves down the main street, stopping at the stores, the restaurants and various houses to sing the tradional song asking if there is a place to stay for the night. They continue on their way receiving candy and gifts from the places they stop until they reach a final destination where a fiesta is planned. The fiesta usually includes a pinata, candy, gifts and food for the kids. These are photos of the kindergarden Posada Parade and the Posada Fiesta at La Casa de los Niños. The fiesta at La Casa included the Posada song with a group outside asking for a place to stay, and the group inside answering with their song. We then served hot dogs which are served with many condements including diced onions, tomoatoes and Jalapeños. The kids are definitely conoseurs of Hot Dogs in Mexico. We then had the Piñata, which is another "art" in itself....This Piñata was made by Kena and Dianna and strung up by Raul and Adolfo (the husbands of Kena and Diana) to just the right height to keep things swinging and interesting. The art is not only in the making of the Piñata and the stringing it up....but in the "how to" of blindfoldeding a kid hit a moving object with a stick and not hit any kids. It was masterfully handled by Diana, our teacher. After the Piñata the kids were given bags of candy and presents. Patti and Dave were so happy to be able to give out the gifts. The boys lined up in one line, the girls in another. As we started the process the boys came to Dave and the girls came to Patti. As the process went.....something magical took place. The love and gratitude began to flow....from Dave and Patti, and from Los Niños. Many beautiful smiles, hugs and kisses, "muchas gracias" and a look of knowing that we are all very special to each other. It was a really great Posada
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1229796000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1229796000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1229796000/tpod.html Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:46:12 -0500 More Fall/Winter 2008

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Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico

December is a big month in Mexico. Many Fiestas (Posadas) and Parades (Desfiles).....We start the month in La Casa making festive bags and boxes. The theme for the month is making crafts and gifts that the kids can take home to give to their families for Christmas. They decorated bags and boxes with their names on them to store their things until it was time to take them home. Colorful plastic bags that are commonly used to take groceries home from the local markets are cinched with crepe paper ruffles and glitter names glued on....cardboard boxes covered with colorful paper and glitter make perfect treasures chests for the bounty. Ana, a resident gringo in Lo de Marcos, brings recycle art projects to La Casa. She teaches the kids how to make Kaldeiescopes using PVC pipe, recycled CD's, small pieces of colorful glass and tile, and clear plastic bottles. This is a 3 day project ....and the kids are persistent and complete their projects and delight in looking through them into the light. Ana also taught the kids how to braid pieces of plastic cut from the plastic grocery bags. The braiding was very popular and we learned that many of the kids did not know how to braid. Paty and Cessi love making the plastic "globes" from colored plastic soda bottles. We talk about using them as lamp shades over a small light bulb. Diana teaches the kids how to knit scarves and hats using the knitting kits donated to La Casa last year. Both boys and girls loved learning and Dianna was patient in teaching them. Soon Lucy had caught on and was teaching too as so many of the older kids got involved.The kids love to play outside in the driveway and Trini and Dianna often play a game of Volley Ball with them. The "Goal Posts" that David made with the kids this last summer have come in handy for the more vigorous games of soccer which take place out in the street. More Jewelry was made after the inspiration of Sandy, Carol and Cheryl last month. Rosa made drop earings of many various colors for her christmas gifts and she was soon teaching others her designs. Many of the kids wanted to use shells and rocks for their jewelry. We were able to drill holes in some of the shells with a "cool" little tool that Sandy brought us. We also got really creative with brass wire....wrapping the stones and shells to make beautiful pendants. That was a blast!!!! and so beautiful, natural and creative.Dianna was in the kitchen with the kids one afternoon making Carolotas!!! They are these wonderful lemon cream cookie sprinkled with chocolate sprinkles. Of course Dave wants to know if they there is a chocolate cream variation.....chocolatoso!!!!! We cook at La Casa once a week and some of the kids have fun helping with the preparations, others like to do the serving of the treats to the other kids, and many of the kids just love to eat the goodies. A fun time for all.Patti's sister in law, Mary came to La Casa a few days while visiting for Christmas. She got Kitchen cleaning duty one day.....and she did a good job!!! She got to see first hand the kids involved in many activities, and then cleaning with brooms and mops at the end. She made a few friends and probably won't forget her visit to La Casa...... Thank you Mary....
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Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico

Wow....what a fun day. Sandy returns to La Casa this year with many beautiful jewels and treasures for making bracelets. Not to mention her two wonderful friends who came to make the day special at La Casa, Cheryl and Carol. We just all had a great time making necklaces and bracelets. "An intense kind of fun" as Cheryl noticed. Carol was rolling around on the floor playing with her little friend before the day was over. Sandy just kept on working the jewelry thing making sure that all the kids had just the right clasp and special knots to keep their jewelry intact. Cheryl, a reader and a writer, dedicated her support for La Casa's library in the form of a very generous donation...stay tuned for what Patti will be doing with that...can't wait..... All the kids were covere with jewels by the end of the day. Some had gifts for their Mom's for Christmas and Cesar, with Dianna's help, made himself and David a matching necklace...."Somos Cuates" (like twins)!!!! Hector who drove the 3 Fairy godmothers to Lo de Marcos from their digs in Neuvo Vallarta, was a wonderful translater and helper at La Casa today. He says "I will return again to see you at La Casa. This is a wonderful place". Gracias Hector, Sandy, Cheryl and Carol. Please come back again soon. We can't wait.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1227931320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1227931320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1227931320/tpod.html Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:34:13 -0500 More Fall/Winter 2008

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Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico

Friends of La Casa, Matt and Louisa have come to visit this week. Last year, Matt had sent a box of lovely supplies for La Casa including many Beautiful Butterfly stencils, stamps and books. We were happy to have them join us at La Casa and planned a week of Butterfly activities to share with the kids. Dianna taught the kids many interesting things about Mariposas and how they migrate and morp from catapillars. We had many different hand crafts in which we created, drew, colored, traced, decorated these lovely little creatures. We remembered and looked at photos of our spontaneous summer hatching of butterflies here at La Casa. We also had fun looking at the many butterflies painted on our biblioteca walls. These are both featured in a blog earlier this year. We are always so happy to have our supporters come and visit and see for themselves. I think Matt and Louisa had a great time and we loved having them visit. It always amazes me how we can really make a difference from the small things we do from our hearts. Thanks to Matt and Louisa and all those who support La Casa to keep providing this kind of enrichment for the kids of Lo de Marcos.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1227237420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1227237420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/4/1227237420/tpod.html Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:31:02 -0500 More Fall/Winter 2008

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Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico

November 20, 2008 REVOLUTION DAYIt was different this morning walking down the streets of Lo de Marcos. The doors of the tiendas were closed, no preparations for the normal daytime activities. We missed it a bit but also had a sense of anticipation for a special day. We missed the sweeping of the streets and watering down of the cobblestones......That had been done the night before. There was activity but we could not see it this morning...only a sense of it...the preparation.....The streets were clean , cars cleared from the curbs and children in many versions of the countries colors:green/red and white, traveling to the secondary school with their parents making last minute adjustments to their costumes and made up faces. Dave and I walked along. Buenos Dias Pati!! Buenos Dias Davy!! We are becoming more and more a part of the community......known by name and heart.....hustle and bustle in a secret sort of way. Wait and see what is to come. Tacos de Birria on the streets, Liquados, musica, all that the town needs to celebrate Revolution Day. This is the day the Mexican Revolution started in 1910 to overthrow Porfirio Diaz. The neighbors, the maestra, the store owners.....all of the children of the village are in costume and have practiced for days for the "desfile." The volley ball team, the soccer team, the flag bearers, the senior citizen princesses and queens, the baby princesses and queens, and the horses dancing to Ranchero music down the streets, every child in Lo de Marcos is a symbol of the celebration of Mexico. It is magical and patriotic and another Mexican Fiesta!. The kids posing for pictures, knowing that their ribboned hair is beautiful, their native dances are special...and their smiles a treasure of Mexico. Their glance of pride toward Dave and I when we acknowledged them with a smile, a wave and a photo! Que Bonito, Que Mexicano!!!! We are proud of "our" kids and Lo de MarcosThis is a note from our friend and a friend of La Casa de Los Ninos with regard to the parade the year before. Suzy Clarke wrote: "I loved seeing the parade which was one of my favorite experiences last year! As a senior citizen, I loved the Senior Queen! The dancing horses were as exciting to me as the Blue Angels--magical! I also loved the way that so many were dressed in traditional costumes--or at least dressed their kids in such. And it was fun to see kids I knew from La Casa participating. All & all a great event for kids & adults!"
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/3/1225255140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/3/1225255140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/3/1225255140/tpod.html Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:00:11 -0500 Fall/Winter 2008 Animal Neuter/Spay Clinic and Education Program

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Lo de Marcos, Mexico

Today Annie and Melanie came to La Casa to prepare the kids for the Spay Clinic next week. The kids listened as Annie explained why it is important to spay the animals, about Vetrenarians and the operations. She answered many questions of the children and Melanie showed pictures of the past clinics and what to expect. The kids were fascinated and many of them will be helping at the clinic next week. Stay tuned.......
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/3/1225720500/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/3/1225720500/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/3/1225720500/tpod.html Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:57:49 -0500 Fall/Winter 2008 Animal Neuter/Spay Clinic and Education Program

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Lo de Marcos, Mexico

Lo de Marcos needed a place to have a Neuter/Spay Clinic for the animals of the town. It is a free service offered to the people and is sponsored by local animal advocates and an organization called M.A.S.H./PEACE Mexico. La Casa de los Ninos has a beautiful facility for this type of event and the children, thanks to Melanie and friends, have been learning about how to care for their mascotas (pets). So, this seemed like a perfect match and the kids at La Casa were happy to be able to be a part of this important event. The following words from Ana regarding the clinic and the association with La Casa de Los Ninos: "The space and location were perfect, contributing to the sucess of the spay/neuter clinic. Almost 60 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens were fixed in 3 days! Imagine how the long term numbers of unwanted animals will be reduced in the future! The added bonus this time was that the community children were able to directly participate and thus learn so much more than via talk, books or photos. Some were REALLY superb little helpers, and soon (date as yet not firm) Lupita will be inviting them to her home for a little luncheon and thanks. I'm going to try to solicit a donation of T-shirts from Molly, the MASH/P.E.A.C.E director, for those kids."Melanie had this to say: "Tuesday and especially Wednesday when we got in so many animals. There were a lot of kids and they were so busy on Wednesday they didn't have a chance to do anything but stay on task. They cleaned kennels, cleaned bathroom floors, washed instruments, check animals out and gave instructions to the owners, they took temperatures, pulses and respiration on cats and dogs . . . . and they watched in amazement as Dr. Anthony worked on different surgeries....Thursday at 1:15 at Casa de los Ninos, I am picking up Pati, Hector and Ricardo to take them to the Guayabitos clinic to work for the afternoon. They all have permission from their parents and I will bring them home around dark. They are excited to go and work in recovery!I think you can see by the photos, that this was a well organized event that caught the interest and enthusiasm of all involved. We at La Casa de los Ninos look forward to our next M*A*S*H Event and fun days with Melanie and her kennel!!!! Thanks to Ana, Melanie, Lupita, Jacquie, Stacey, Judy, Michelle and all who made this possible.......
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/2/1225665960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/2/1225665960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lacasa/2/1225665960/tpod.html Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:44:00 -0500 Fall/Winter 2008 Dia de los Muertos

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lo de marcos, Mexico

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died. The celebration occurs over a two day period: the 1st and 2nd of November. These dates correlate with the holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. November 1st is a special day to honor deceased children and infants and is named "Dia de los Angelitos" and November 2nd is for the adults. Many people believe that during Dia de los Muertos it is easier for the souls of departed to visit the living. Traditions include building altars honoring the deceased. These altars are comprised of many rich symbols derived from the melting pot of Mexican heritage. This includes indigenous observances dating back thousands of years including the Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl (known in English as "The Lady of the Dead"). We want to share with you what we have learned from our Mexican Friends in Lo de Marcos about the observance of Dia de los Muertos and the symbols you will find on the altars. "The Mexican.....is familiar with death, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it; it is one of his favorite toys and his most steadfast love. True, there is perhaps as much fear in his attitude as in that of others, but a least death is not hidden away...." Octavio Paz 1914-1998The Four Essential Elements are incorporated according to the indigenous beliefs. EARTH is represented by symbols of the land, aroma and the harvest season. Sand is spread in front of the alter to represent the earth. Sand was brought in to define the walkway that lead the way to the altar. Incense, traditionally Copal which is made of tree resin,is burned to draw the souls to the altar. The aroma and smokey tendrils rise like spirits in the night further sweetening the air on Muertos. Clay bowls of fruits (Apple, Jicama, Orange, Sugar Cane and bananas) are offered and placed on the alter as nurishment. WIND is evoked by the use of papel picados (artfully cut paper) fluttering freely in the breeze, and used to decorate the altar table. WATER is placed in an open container so the souls may quench their thirst after the long journey. FIRE is symbolized by the 12 candles burning to guide the souls home and they also represent the souls themselves. There is one very special candle which symbolizes the belief that we are all ONE SOUL. SALT is placed on the alter in a container and serves to purify the spirits.ASHES are formed into the shape of a cross which represents the four elements. It also represents the belief that we return to ashes when we transition to the world of souls. CEMPAZUCHTL FLOWERS (marigolds) form the bright and golden path further guiding the spirits on this night, and adorn alters in every imaginable way. Their strong scent also is thought to attract souls of the dead to the offerings. PERSONAL MOMENTOS. Photographs, clothing, belongings, favorite foods, drinks and toys. PAN de MUERTOS: A sweet egg bread made in various shapes to represent bones or tears. It is often sprinkled with red granulated sugar. Very delicious I might add. CALAVERA DE AZUCAR: Hardened Sugar Skulls with icing and names of the deceased are made with sugar, chocolate and amaranto. These are seen as gifts to be given to the living and the dead. This tradition is from ceremonies of the indiginous people in which skulls are often used to symbolize death and rebirth. Six Steps or Levels: The alter is constructed of six steps or levels each having it's own significance. Often there is a Reed Mat on the floor at the base of the altar which is said to be a resting place for the weary souls after the long journey. The first level is ...................................................in progress......
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