Our Time was Coming to a Close

Today we are going to Muse about our time in Mexico. If this is your first visit, welcome to Musings. If you have been here before, welcome back. Over time we are going to talk about many things: the past, the present, perhaps the future, travel, art, society and more. Wherever my musing takes me. I hope you will come along with me.

Colored text is a link.  So is a word underlined in dots like “Musings” in the above paragraph. Clicking on the text will provide additional information about the subject.

Seven Weeks

We were seven weeks in Mexico this year. Too short a time. I really love it there.

We head to the central mountains in the heart of colonial Mexico. This is not the land of sprawling beach front resorts and carefully crafted tourist retreats. This is the land of history, of real community, a magical land. To be sure, it appeals to tourists and has five star hotels, spas and restaurants. But that is just the surface. There is a depth and soul that is missing in the beach front resorts.

Cactus and Vistas

Outside the city of San Miguel de Allende it is a land of cactus, vistas and farming.

Prickly Pear
Near Posos

The City

The city it is a place of sophistication, history and wonder.

San Miguel de Allende

It is just a place of fun, on so many levels.

Would you see this at home?
Or This?
Or this?

Churches, Weddings and Ancient Buildings

San Miguel is a city of churches and thus weddings, and ancient buildings.

On the way to a wedding
East side of la Parroquia
La parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

Parks and Public Places

This is also a city of parks and public places. Parks and plazas are abundant and they are used.

Parque Benito Juarez
El Jardin
Park Benches are always full

Crowds

On the weekends the population swells with people coming for a short get-away. Most are young people from the south, principally Mexico City, I think.

And there are people
And more people
And More People

Color is What You See

I am always struck by the vibrant use of color. Color is the urban spice.

Stunning
Color is everywhere
El Mercado
Folk art

A Walking City

If you like to walk this is a place you would enjoy. People walk! Yes, there are taxis ($2-3)and Uber, but around Centro, the colonial center of town, people tend to walk.

History

This also is a place of importance in Mexican History. In 1810 the people of Mexico rose up against the government and started their War of Independence, freeing them from Spain and France. San Miguel el Grande was central in this revolt. Ignacio Allende, lived in San Miguel and he became the military leader of the revolt. He was executed during the conflict, but after Mexico achieved its Independence the city name was changed to San Miguel de Allende.

Independence Day Fiesta

The last week we were in town we attended a grand party celebrating Independence day. There were at our table, Jeanette and Beatty, friends Don and Joan who live in SMA and myself. It was a huge affair held at the Rosewood Hotel with several hundred people attending. Open bars. Multiple Mexican food stations. Entertainment.

Here are a few photos:

Under the tent
Beatty

I was fascinated by the strange cloud and moon configuration seen in the background.

Wow!
Don
There were dancers

Click this link to view video

There were Mariachis

Click this link to view video

For us the night came to a close when an actor portraying Ignacio Allende read the Cry for Independence, El Grito. It was about 11:00PM. We toddled off to our respective beds.

The party went to 2:00AM.

more to come

If you like Musings, take a moment and click the sign up button on the side-bar to the right so you will be notified by e-mail when I make a new post.

************************************************************************

We now offer tote bags.

For more information, click on “tote bag available” below the image.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Awestruck-Tote-Bag.jpg
Awestruck tote Bag

tote bag available

Art Work

Also on the commercial side, here are examples of my work you may wish to check out:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is blue-diva-thomas-tribby.jpg
Blue Diva

Click to see

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mirage-thomas-tribby.jpg
Mirage

Click to see

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is spice-thomas-tribby.jpg
Spice

Click to see

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is family-circus-thomas-tribby.jpg
Family Circus

Click to see

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is reading-with-grapes-thomas-tribby.jpg
Reading with Grapes

Click to see

Thomas-Tribby.pixels.com is now offering I Phone Cases, Coffee Mugs, Throw Pillows, Greeting Cards, Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Shower Curtains, Duvet Covers , Yoga Mats, Tote Bags,Women’s T Shirts, Men’s T Shirts, Tapestries and more with reproductions of my artwork.  If you want to check them out, here are the steps:

  • 1.  Click on this link: thomas-tribby.pixels.com.  
  • 2. Click on one of the categories in the menu bar at the top: Wall Art, Home Decor, Lifestyle, Stationery or Apparel.  It will list a number of options.
  • 3.  Click on option.  
  • 4.  Click on image and a sizing slide will open allowing you to adjust the image to the way you like it..

Have fun.

My work is available as traditional prints on canvas, paper or metal, but it also available on greeting cards, phone covers, tote bags, shower curtains,  t-shirts and more.  It makes for some very personalized gifts.  Below is the link to the site.  I hope you like it.

Click on:     thomas-tribby.pixels.com

For information about these or other original works of art, please feel free to contact us:






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Galaria Atotonilco

Today we are going to Muse about Mexican art and fine crafts. If this is your first visit, welcome to Musings. If you have been here before, welcome back. Over time we are going to talk about many things: the past, the present, perhaps the future, travel, art, society and more. Wherever my musing takes me. I hope you will come along with me.

Colored text is a link.  So is a word underlined in dots like “Musings” in the above paragraph. Clicking on the text will provide additional information about the subject.

Sanctuario de Atotonilco

About 10 miles outside of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is the Sanctuario de Atotonilco, a world heritage religious site.

It is famous for its chapel and its murals.

Chapel
fresco
fresco

It was at Atotonilco that Father Miguel Hidalgo y Casilla took the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe as the battle flag when he led his Indian followers against the Spanish government starting the Mexican War of Independence in 1810.

Galaria Atotonilco

Not far from the Santuary tucked away in the country is the Galaria Atotonilco. It is a destination gallery of fine Mexican art and crafts, one of a kind in Mexico and interestingly owned and run by Mayer Shacter and his wife, transplants from Berkeley, California.

Jeanette and I have been there many times over the years, but this summer we were joined by our friend Beatty. She wanted to see fine work, so we made arrangements to show her the gallery.

An appointment is required since the gallery is located way back on private property away from the main road. I made the appointment several weeks in advance of Beatty’s arrival.

On the chosen day we arrived at the entrance to the property at 11:00 AM, our appointed time. The gate was closed and locked. Hmm!

I gave the gallery a call and explained “We are here“. There was a silence and then questions: “Who made the appointment? We never make appointments before 12:00. We are having an open house today which starts at 12:00. We are still setting up.”

Not the warmest of receptions, but after discussion it was agreed they would open the gate and allow us to wander around outside while the final preparations were being made for the open house.

The first thing you see after winding down a long and narrow road is the gallery.

Galaria Atotonilco

It definitely stands out. Next to it is the residence which is also very contemporary.

house on the right

On the back side of the house is a pool, seating areas and vast open space.

Jeanette and Beatty at the pool
seating area and dogs
The property goes on and on

I enjoyed wandering around the property nearly as much as visiting the gallery.

The Gallery

However, visiting the gallery is incredible. The art is principally fine crafts, small sculptures and carvings, masks, ceramics and such. The attention to detail and pattern has to be seen.

Here are examples:

This is outside the entrance
masks and carvings
more masks
A room of treasures
Four Ladies
Sensory OverLoad

There are rooms and more rooms filled with these wonderful objects. There are so many that I tend to get sensory overload and stop seeing what is right before me. I need to take a break and come back again.

Look at these next items. I have narrowed the focus so you see specific pieces. I think the attention to detail is phenomenal.

Dragon?
Leopard and Cubs
Coyote
Princess
Two Ladies

That gives you a mini-tour. If you find yourself in San Miguel de Allende you should seek this out.

And just so you know, Beatty made it worth while for them to let us browse around.

Nirvana

Afterward, we toddled off to Nirvana, a hotel, restaurant and spa set in the countryside not far from the gallery. It was time for lunch.

Lunch among the Cactus
It is a popular place.

more to come

If you like Musings, take a moment and click the sign up button on the side-bar to the right so you will be notified by e-mail when I make a new post.

************************************************************************

We now offer tote bags.

For more information, click on “tote bag available” below the image.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Awestruck-Tote-Bag.jpg
Awestruck tote Bag

tote bag available

Art Work

Also on the commercial side, here are examples of my work you may wish to check out:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is blue-diva-thomas-tribby.jpg
Blue Diva

Click to see

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mirage-thomas-tribby.jpg
Mirage

Click to see

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is spice-thomas-tribby.jpg
Spice

Click to see

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is family-circus-thomas-tribby.jpg
Family Circus

Click to see

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is reading-with-grapes-thomas-tribby.jpg
Reading with Grapes

Click to see

Thomas-Tribby.pixels.com is now offering I Phone Cases, Coffee Mugs, Throw Pillows, Greeting Cards, Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Shower Curtains, Duvet Covers , Yoga Mats, Tote Bags,Women’s T Shirts, Men’s T Shirts, Tapestries and more with reproductions of my artwork.  If you want to check them out, here are the steps:

  • 1.  Click on this link: thomas-tribby.pixels.com.  
  • 2. Click on one of the categories in the menu bar at the top: Wall Art, Home Decor, Lifestyle, Stationery or Apparel.  It will list a number of options.
  • 3.  Click on option.  
  • 4.  Click on image and a sizing slide will open allowing you to adjust the image to the way you like it..

Have fun.

My work is available as traditional prints on canvas, paper or metal, but it also available on greeting cards, phone covers, tote bags, shower curtains,  t-shirts and more.  It makes for some very personalized gifts.  Below is the link to the site.  I hope you like it.

Click on:     thomas-tribby.pixels.com

For information about these or other original works of art, please feel free to contact us:






Please follow and like us:

Hola de Mexico

Today we are going to Muse about Mexico.  If this is your first visit, welcome to Musings. If you have been here before, welcome back. Over time we are going to talk about many things: the past, the present, perhaps the future, travel, art, society and more. Wherever my musing takes me. I hope you will come along with me.

Colored text is a link.  So is a word underlined in dots like “Musings” in the above paragraph. Clicking on the text will provide additional information about the subject.

We are back. Did you miss us?

Almost two months ago Jeanette and I flew down to Mexico to stay in San Miguel de Allende (SMA) where we go most every year. It is our way of escaping the heat and humidity of the Florida summer. It also helps to be away from the hurricane track.

As a result, my Musing went silent. But we are back and I’ll try to do some catching up in the next several weeks.

OUR HOUSE

The house we rented this year was one storey, which is unusual in SMA. Because of the small lot sizes, most homes are two, three or even four stories. It is a vertical town. But ours was all on one floor except for the Casita which we did not use.

This is the dining area and kitchen.

There were windows and doors on every wall.

Here is what I called “The Morning Room”.

This is where I would have my coffee and read my e-mail and internet news. It was the only room in the house that could get Wi-Fi.

Outdoors there was a comfortable loggia, a sitting area and a large gated yard. The latter was important to keep Teddy safe from harm.

Teddy
loggia
Sitting area
back yard

And there was the Casita which we did not use.

I liked the Casita staircase.

THE ROUTINE

Our time in SMA was spent doing the normal things: dining out, giving and attending parties, shopping, playing croquet, and hosting guests.

Shopping
At the Novell’s
It’s a party
Dining Out
Croquet

There was a rhythm to our day. I was up first, usually.
Walk the dog.
Feed the dog.
Read the news, then off to croquet.

Jeanette was into yoga, massages and squiring around house guests. We had our friend Janet who came down twice for several days. Sandwiched between her visits was her ex-husband and our friend, Gary. Near the end of our stay we had Beatty. All contributed to making our stay special.

CROWDS

On the weekend SMA was swarming with tourists, young people for the most part. Many come up from Mexico city. When they come Centro (downtown) is really difficult to get through. We would try to stay away.

tourists
more tourists

Mid week, the crowds were much more manageable.

mid-week difference.

RYTHYM

Most days were sunny and nice with the temperature reaching the low 80’s. In the afternoon the clouds would begin to gather.

Afternoon clouds
Some skies were stunning

And on occasion we would have evening rain. Twice it rained really hard. Here you can see the clouds building.

It rained a lot later

In one storm, the transformer at the Hope Harmon Croquet Club was struck by lightning, blowing out the club’s electricity. The pump used to irrigate the courts was useless. When we left for home, the power was still off, some ten days later. The club did its best to water the court, using a hand held hose and trucking water in several times.

Trying to save the court

When we arrived, the court was in the best shape I had seen it. When we left there were brown spots and dead areas. It is too bad.

So now we are back. I’ll Muse some more about our time in Mexico in the weeks to come. Hasta luego.

more to come

If you like Musings, take a moment and click the sign up button on the side-bar to the right so you will be notified by e-mail when I make a new post.

************************************************************************

We now offer tote bags.

For more information, click on “tote bag available” below the image.

Tote Bag available

Art Work

Also on the commercial side, I have used Croquet as a subject of some of my art work. Here are some examples:

National Croquet Center

Click to see

At Green Gables

Click to see

Watched Shot

Click to see

Final Match

Click to see

Yellow for the Wicket

Click to see

The Gallery

Click to see

Thomas-Tribby.pixels.com is now offering I Phone Cases, Coffee Mugs, Throw Pillows, Greeting Cards, Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Shower Curtains, Duvet Covers , Yoga Mats, Tote Bags,Women’s T Shirts, Men’s T Shirtsand more with reproductions of my artwork.  If you want to check them out, here are the steps:

  • 1.  Click on this link: thomas-tribby.pixels.com.  
  • 2. Click on one of the categories in the menu bar at the top: Wall Art, Home Decor, Lifestyle, Stationery or Apparel.  It will list a number of options.
  • 3.  Click on option.  
  • 4.  Click on image and a sizing slide will open allowing you to adjust the image to the way you like it..

Have fun.

My work is available as traditional prints on canvas, paper or metal, but it also available on greeting cards, phone covers, tote bags, shower curtains,  t-shirts and more.  It makes for some very personalized gifts.  Below is the link to the site.  I hope you like it.

Click on:     thomas-tribby.pixels.com

For information about these or other original works of art, please feel free to contact us:




Please follow and like us: