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February 13 2008 Page 2

 

Jaltemba Features

Lucy Moreno:  Caring Fashion Designer

lucy.JPG                                       By Tara Spears

      For those that enjoy casual beach wear, Riviera Nayarit designer, Lucy Moreno, is an excellent choice.  Senora Lucy is well known in the local community for her volunteering and her quality line of clothing for children, men and women.  All of her fashions are 100% prewashed cotton that are perfect for tropical, coastal living.  Even more exciting for the mature customer, Lucy’s boutique carries attractive and stylish ‘plus sizes’ that are difficult to find in Mexico. “I want all of my customers to feel comfortable and look good” said Lucy. The fashions carrying Lucy’s ‘Taya’hu’ label are handmade in La Penita and are her original designs.

 

lucy label.JPGBorn in Tijuana, Baja California (northern Mexican state,) Lucy’s family moved to Juarez, Chihuahua when she was six.  Since both of her grandmothers taught her to sew, by age eight Lucy was making clothes for her younger sisters.  “I always loved working with my hands” she remembers.  Lucy attended a parochial school where the nuns were always sewing, and they taught her how to crochet and cross stitch, a talent Lucy incorporates into her designs to add textural interest to her fashions.  She also relaxes by creating beautiful cross stitch scenes that are framed and displayed in her home.

cross stich.JPGGrowing up in northern Mexico near the USA border, she began speaking English with friends and later with customers when she began working.  Her grandfather had property in Nayarit so she would vacation in the area.  It was on one vacation that she met and fell in love with her husband, Herbert Ojeda.  After they married when she was 16, Lucy moved to La Penita where her husband worked as a construction engineer. They have four children: Fandor, (33), Zazil, (29) Carlos (21) and Abril (14). While all of the children live in the area, only Abril is still at home and attending secandario.  “All of my family has contributed to the business in some way,” explains Lucy, “My daughters especially.  I’ll be working on a design and one of the girls will say ‘what about?’ and her idea is just what the garment needed! My husband wanted all of the children to have accounting training in order to be qualified for good jobs.  There are so many store items.JPGmore opportunities for young people today than when I was growing up.”  

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Taya’hu fashions on display in Lucy’s boutique at Punta de Mita #34

Lucy’s lifelong sewing hobby grew into a thriving business nine years ago.  “I believe that when you have a dream, you only need time to make it happen” said Lucy. Her altruistic design philosophy is part of the reason her clothes are in such demand:  “I tell my customers, don’t worry about what other people say is fashionable….. style is what you feel good in and that suits how you live.  Don’t try to dress like you are 18; love being your age and accept your size.  When you feel fresh and feminine and beautiful, that’s fashion.”  Lucy’s shop offers pants sets, blouses, dresses for casual and more elaborate occasions, as well as beach outfits. Her three fulltime employees sew the garments after Lucy has created the pattern and cut them out.

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lucy hobby.JPGLucy is proud of her family “I’m very lucky to have very good kids” she says with a smile. She also gets a lot of satisfaction from her 28 years of volunteer service through the local government social agency that helps women and children. “We need more education and training for the ordinary people.  All the local schools should be teaching English in order that the young people can get jobs and stay here.” Following her heart is what has earned Lucy personal respect and success as a fashion designer.

This dedicated mom and volunteer is always creating, even when relaxing:  she plays piano and enjoys doing acrylic paintings.  Lucy hopes to paint full-time after retiring from the fashion business in the future.   A true people person, Lucy loves to entertain and frequently has family and friends over for meals on her days off. 

Previous articles about her fashion label have appeared in airline magazines and on Mexican TV channel 2’s “HOY” program. However, it is the large number of repeat international and local customers that are the best testimonial for Lucy’s beautiful designs. Visit her boutique on Punta de Mita street #34 (about 4 blocks south of La Penita main avenida) . The shop is open every day but Sunday from 9am until 5pm.  Lucy’s designs will be showcased at the February 10 Mujeres a Mujeres Fashion Show to be held in Guayabitos.  Tickets are still available for this luncheon event.

To contact Lucy:   322-274-1219  or email: sirenamoreno@hotmail.com

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Employees Coabina and Valentina, above

 

 

Some of the hard-working local volunteers at the recent cancer prosthetics clinic

Helping Women Cancer Survivors

The women come in buses, by van, or on foot. The mood is somber as they enter La Penita Recreational Park.  They come from all over the state of Nayarit, many bearing signs of recent chemotherapy, seeking a chance to regain their feminine appearance through the generous effort of four key Canadian seasonal residents and dozens of local international volunteers. These women breast cancer survivors leave the free clinic with tears and shy smiles after being given a fitted prosthesis that raises her self-esteem and helps her maintain her dignity.  These women do not have health insurance or enough money to purchase the prosthesis that costs a minimum $500 US. Without the help of the wonderful group of volunteers, the survivors faced a life of disfigurement and cruel stares.          

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Left)  Nayarit recipient of a donated Canadian prosthesis emotionally thanks volunteer, Gail Hawke, at the La Penita clinic. After dealing physically with life-threatening cancer and surviving, these women deserve an opportunity to look normal in order to resume their social and family lives. As a breast cancer survivor herself, founder Jackie Jackson says “I was fortunate in that we could afford to purchase a prosthesis (that is not covered by Canadian health insurance), so my emotional recovery could begin right away. I was horrified to learn that there was very limited help for the Mexican women.  I decided I would seek donations at home and bring the prosthetics to the Riviera Nayarit area when I came for the winter.”  The first year, 1996, Jackie gave away 28 prosthesis. As word of the project spread, many of the local international community and Canadian medical personnel have gotten involved. This year, 500 are being distributed to deserving Mexican women.

Several certified post-mastectomy fitters, associated with Nightingale Medical Supplies in Vernon, B.C. flew into Mexico to volunteer for the week-long clinic. Gail Hawke, (owner), Ester Dawson, Gloria McKay, and Jackie Jackson are pictured below. These ladies in turn trained other volunteers so that there were eight private fittings occurring simultaneously. It is touching how each of the impromptu fitting rooms included gentle objects, such as fresh flowers, Mexican art, and rugs in an effort to put the women at ease.

Longtime residents, Jomie and Kenny Thompson, helped Jackie connect with the Mexican Medical community and to help arrange locations for the fitting and distribution.  A personal friend of the Thompson’s, Dr. ‘Pepe’ Vincente Rueles, became the prosthesis project’s Mexican liaison.  He contacted the Women’s Hospital in Tepic to begin reaching out to the needy cancer survivors.  Also, since Jomie is bilingual, she speaks with the local women and medical personnel to coordinate the arrangements.

 

 

Fitting rooms, left. Jackie & Jomie, above.

It was decided that instead of rotating locations, the Cancer Survivor Prosthesis Project will be held yearly at the LaPenita RV Park. The co-chairs for next year are Judy Krajnc and Marusca Dinsmore. The RV Park’s woman’s sewing group obtained a pattern and has made dozens of immerseable prosthetics and donated them to the cause. A special thanks goes to the park manager, Carole Thacker, and her staff that worked so hard to make the event possible.

 

          Volunteers setting up                                               Volunteers sewing and recipients waiting

 

 The gift of a prosthesis is priceless to the cancer survivor.  This project is the united effort of many caring international volunteers that are giving back to their adopted community.  “Who are the heroes, anyway? The very brave, or just the ordinary folks?”  In the Riviera Nayarit area, the heroes are your neighbors.

Contact Judy to volunteer or for more information:  joekrajnc@hotmail.com

         Thanks to the 2009 Volunteers for Breast Cancer Prosthetic Clinic, La Penita RV Park

                   *Any omissions are not intentional: please inform Judy or Tara

 

Judy Kranjne          Project co-chair for 2010

Maruca Dinsmore   Project co-chair for 2010

Abel – (truck on main avenida, LaPenita)  donated fresh fruit and veggies for participants

Betty- made and donated 100 sandwiches

Carole Thacker, Park manager, for donating the use of facilities, tables & chairs for clinic

Karel Mattingham, Sharon Hunter, Debbie Phillips Sheila Dryden Doug Dryden Jackie Jackson

Lore McDonald Judy Porteous DorothyWells Mary Bell Sally Nelson Rick Timmen Lorraine Timmen

Karin Marchant Patti Johnson Judy Huber JoAn McBride Shirley Lewis James Franklin Karen Franklin

Klara Schubert Susan Slon Donna Iserf Gail Hawk Jodie Jahnke Brenda Campbell Judy Entwistle

Sharon Kilborn Otilia Molina  Heather Erickson Ana Karen Aguilar

Patricia Lewis

Lynda Colbourne

Maureen Thomas

Ester Dawson

Gloria McKay

Nancy Schnerr

Janet Martin

Shaun Whiting

Marioun Shryer

Jean Allan

Cindy Wagner

Sharon Grant

Florentina Cruz Lozano

Anayeli Lugo Cruz

Cecilia Lugo Cruz

Andy Mcbride

Maria Guzman Garcia

Gary Woollard

Rich Howell

Faye Hodson

Ken Sloan

Bart Entwistle

Stan Wagner

Larry Schnurd

Barry Schryer

Bill Allan

 


                                         Group of ladies arriving by bus from Santiago with volunteers

 

NEW

Excerpt from the Sarape (The La Penita RV Resort Newspaper)

BREAST PROTHESIS CLINIC 

WHAT A GREAT SUCCESS!!  The women (and men) of La Penita Trailer Park can be proud of their achievements!
 G' Day 
I really mean 3 great days.  The volunteers, team work and the residents of the park are the backbone and make the charity endeavors successful.  The Cancer De Mama was yet another event that all of us can be proud of.  Full bus loads of women were parked at the Pemex.  The guys from the park used the park van and drove all the ladies from the Pemex to the park.  They made the run, back and forth for most of the day.  Food was prepared by the breakfast ladies and no one left the park hungry thanks to them and Abel, the veggie guy who donated vegetables and fruits, and Ramon who donated water.  
Carol gave in so many ways, I fear that I'd never be able to cover everything. 
We fitted 274 ladies.  We shared hugs, tears, and blessings woman to woman.  Even though we spoke different languages it didn't hold any of us back.  The language of smiles, laughter, tears, and even dancing is universal and needs no interpretation.   
I wish to thank everyone who donated their time and efforts.  Without each of you we couldn't have pulled this off.  The clinic took a massive effort and many people to be successful.   
We'll be having another clinic next February and will need to bring more bras and prosthetics.  Stay tuned in for more information.  Once the numbers are crunched and I have the data I'll post the items that we'll need for the clinic next year and we'll also need help in transporting them from the U.S. and Canada. 
Available for purchase in the park are Breast Cancer Cookbooks.  They cost 100 pesos and 70 pesos go to the Cancer De Mama fund.  They can be purchased at site 100 
Sincerely, 
Judy Krajnc and Maruca Didsmore 

 

The Spirit of Mexico: Metal Artisan Fernando Hernandez

metalwork 015.JPG   By Tara Spears       

Aficionados of Mexican craftwork have long admired and collected handmade metal objects. There are several metal artists that have studios in the Riviera Nayarit area, including the master craftsman, Fernando Hernandez. His family operated studio produces “Indios Art” that offers outstanding ironwork items for the home.  A third generation ironwork artisan, Fernando (38) works with his 67 year old father who learned the craft from his father. “I started learning how to work with iron when I was eight years old,” said Fernando in perfect English. “I went to a bilingual school and since then I practice speaking English with the foreign customers.”

 

metalwork2 009.JPGzacualpan.jpgThe family business is based in the charming pueblo of Zacualpan, Nayarit, which is 30 minutes northwest of Las Vargas. (Towards the coastal town of San Blas.)  This town is primarily a farming community that produces tobacco, watermelons, tomatoes, and beans.   More than 2,300 years ago, the reign of the Tecoxquines Indians was centered in present day Zacualpan, perhaps explaining why so many Mexican crafts are still produced there.  This tribe practiced a type of mysticism that was very ritualistic. The historic trail weaves throughout Nayarit with a main  ceremony center called Chacalan, (located in Zacualpan,) where the ancient Coras and Huicholes from the north of the state came to pay tribute to their gods and ask for good harvest and wealth.

“When I was 14, I didn’t want to work in the family business,” said Fernando.  “I went to work in the hotels and tried sales. But by the time I was 19, I realized how much people liked the things my family made, that it is an honor to be a part of such a talented family. I’m very happy to be a part of Indio Art for the last 20 years.”  Fernando works in the iron shop three days and takes the family’s products to various mercados to sell their wares three days a week in Sayalita, La Penita and Zacualpan.  “Our dream is to someday open an exclusive gallery for our work.”

The iron and glass candle holder (right) is one of their most popular folk art items.

metalwork2 007.JPGFernando and his four brothers learned to measure, cut, heat, weld, and work the metal on an anvil, as well as how to finish pieces with paint or patina techniques. He said it is his father that designs the style of the ironwork.   Brother Victor, 40, prefers to create lacquered tin art, specializing in metal sculptures and wall hangings. The iron pieces take about 8 hours to create; the tinworks about 30 hours depending on the size.  All of their items are hand finished with a protective paint or lacquer to enhance the appearance of  the metal and to prevent the heavy humidity of this coastal area from marring the metal. The gorgeous finished pieces are a tribute to their Mexican culture.

 

While the Hernandez family are  metal artisans, many of their pieces incorporate glass and clay.  They have cousins that hand-make the glass in the Mexican tradition. Household glassware was unknown to pre-conquest Mexicans. The first primitive Mexican glassware was produced in Puebla in 1542, consisting of decorative items such as animal figurines and flower vases. Blown glass is typically produced in the colors of blue, yellow, amethyst, green, and red. Since red is obtained through a tricky technique using gold salts, red is the most expensive color. One will notice the thick, textured quality of the glassware that adds visual interest- as opposed to the thinner, more translucent type of factory, mass-produced foreign-made glassware.

  metalwork 010.JPG            metalwork 009.JPG

  metalwork 019.JPG           metalwork 017.JPG

 When not working, Fernando likes to spend time with his wife of 12 years, Josepfina, and their three children: Nathan, Moses, and toddler Tanesha.  He also sings and plays guitar with a band. “I am so proud of my children!” says a beaming Fernando. 

The Indios Art is a family business whose Mexican art emphasizes quality and unique design. They are happy to make items to suit the customer’s specifications and they offer quantity pricing on special orders.  These delightful home décor items are a beautiful way to bring the spirit and joy of Mexico into your home!

Contact Fernando:   01-322-225-1350

or stop by the Thursday La Penita market to peruse their handmade crafts.

 

metalwork 012.JPG        metalwork 003.JPG

 

 

Agoda is the on line company that we book through when we travel.

Mexico's First Bank for Foreign Residents & Visitors
PVNN

In the past, banking in Mexico has been neither convenient nor easy for English speaking foreign residents and visitors. But now, thanks to BBVA Bancomer, you can get the service and attention you expect for all of your banking needs.

BBVA Bancomer, through its Preferred Customers' Unit, is the first bank in Mexico to cater to the special needs of foreign residents and visitors, using not only the English language, but also the financial language you are accustomed to back home.

By signing up to be a Bancomer Preferred Customer you will be given a Preferred Customer Card, which enables you to use the Preferente tellers at any Bancomer branch for fast and prioritized attention, and gives you access to Bancomer's safe and efficient online electronic banking services.

You will also be assigned a Personal Account Executive whose job it is to provide all the banking and financial advice you require and promptly tend to all your needs regarding Bancomer's financial products, services and solutions.

To learn more about the BBVA Bancomer Preferred Customer's Unit, click HERE or visit TerraBancomer.com.

The History of Mexico's Mariachis
Camille Collins - Mexico Connect
go to original

 

Antonio Banderas - El Mariachi
The only thing more Mexican than tequila is mariachi and it seems a shame to have one without the other.

Mariachi goes beyond music, it is the sum of a cultural revolution expressed through a group of musicians, dressed in popular clothing (most recently charro suits) which encompasses the essence of Mexico and its people. It is something cultural, spiritual and traditional that is unique to this country, an experience not to be missed.

The word mariachi refers to the musicians now commonly seen in restaurants or strolling the streets, dressed in silver studded charro outfits with wide brimmed hats playing a variety of instruments which include violins, guitars, basses, vihuelas (a 5 string guitar) and trumpets.

Their songs speak about machismo, love, betrayal, death, politics, revolutionary heroes and even animals (one particularly famous song is "La Cucaracha").

The mariachi originated in the southern part of the state of Jalisco sometime in the 19th century. No one is sure where the name comes from although a variety of theories have been postulated and, depending on which best fits the postulators needs, are adhered to.

The original theory held that mariachi was derived from the French word for wedding - mariage, because of the type of music played at these events. The only problem with this theory is that the music originates in a part of Mexico the French never visited and, even it they had, it began before their arrival in 1864.

Another theory states that the word comes from the indigenous name of the Pilla or Cirimo tree, whose wood is used to make guitars. If this were true then the word mariachi would be applied to the instrument itself and not to those who play it.

It has also been suggested that the name comes from a festival in honor of a virgin known as Maria H. (mah-ree-ah AH-chay) at which musicians played and that over time they were given this name.

The truth is that no one knows where the name originated, but it is one which is associated with a great deal of prestige not only in Mexico, but around the world.

The origins of the mariachi itself (the group, culture, music, etc.) are not much easier to trace. The mariachi is the sum of a cultural evolution which has taken place over the last century or so in Mexico.

Although the indigenous tribes of Mexico made music with flutes, drums and whistles, there is no clear link between the indigenous music and the mariachi. The instruments originally used by the mariachi were those introduced by the Spaniards - violins, guitars, vihuelas, harps, etc. These instruments were intended to be used during masses but the criollos (Mexicans of Spanish descent) began using them to make popular music as well, much to the chagrin of the priests, since they were used to accompany some of the more scandalous, satirical or anticlerical couplets of the times.

Mariachi music thrived with the support of the people. The criollos of the 19th century did all they could to wipe out every last trace of the Spanish presence in Mexico and, by doing so, supported the mariachi music.

Mariachis could be seen wearing traditional workmen's clothes - white pants and shirt and a straw hat, and traveling around looking for work. Most commonly they would find employment at any of the haciendas where they would earn more than the average laborer.

With the revolution, many of the haciendas were forced to let the mariachis go. They would then wander from town to town singing songs of revolutionary heroes and enemies, carrying news from one place to another.

Still not enjoying the same position they had before, the mariachis took to playing in public venues for a fee. One of the most popular of these was San Pedro Tlaquepaque in the state of Jalisco, a fashionable place for the residents of Guadalajara to spend their summers.

Since they were playing for a fee they were forced to add new elements to their music and to expand their repertoire to include waltzes and polkas.

By the early part of this century the mariachi began to regain its popularity. The most prized of the mariachis were still those from the state of Jalisco, particularly the areas of Cocula and Tecaltitlan. They represented Mexico to the people during the Independence day celebrations in Mexico City in 1933 as well as during Lazaro Cardenas' election campaign in 1936.

With the advent of radio and television their popularity continued to grow. Recording contracts were signed and they were paired with famous singers like Jorge Negrete and Pedro Infante. Due to the popularity of jazz and Cuban music the trumpet was adopted, pushing the violins into second place and, in some cases, replacing the harp.

Movies were made which represented Mexico as a place populated with truly macho men whose live revolved around the charro, tequila and, of course, the mariachi.

Today, mariachi music is played around the world in places as far away as Japan and Europe. This integral part of Mexico's culture and history is celebrated each September in its birth place, Jalisco.

Camille Collins lives outside of Guadalajara in a place where the cows still outnumber the humans. She has lived in and around Mexico for 20 years and now writes, occassionally, about the little things that make her life here so different from what she left back in Los Angeles, California... and enjoys every moment of it. camille(at)mexconnect.com

 

New Classified Ads

Car Trailer For Sale

16 feet car trailer with brake on both axels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very strong and ride very good. The trailer is plated in Québec Canada and is also legalise here in Mexico.

27 000 pesos.
 
Stéphane at elrefugio rv park in lo de marcos (villas tlaquepaque)

or cell 322-111-5390 or skype at stephane.rvpark
 
 

 

 

 

FOR SALE 5TH WHEEL TRAILER

2000 HITCHHIKER PREMIER

35 1/2’ BAY WINDOW  TRIPLE GLIDE                                        

NUWA products are known for their quality and craftsmanship.

Large queen bedroom with full closet.

Front loading Simplicity washer.

Full frig and freezer, microwave, 3 burner gas stove/oven

Lots of cabinets + pantry

2 recliners + love seat (hide-a-bed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27” TV set in Oak cabinetry with computer station, VCR & DVD

This is a well maintained unit inside and out, and

Is being sold furnished with linens, dishes, pots and pans,

Small electrical appliances as well as a “beer” frig.

 7 years remaining on a 10 year import tag.

Asking  US$ 19,000.

ALL OFFERS CONSIDERED               

 

Email: fire117@hotmail.com

Location:  Site # 52 La Penita RV Park

 

Go to our classified Ad Page

BEACH PARTY! Always Fun Every Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

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