Monthly Archives: February 2016

February 24, 2016

Tidbits from History – At the Alamo

All good Texans will tell you February 23rd was “a day that will live in infamy.” All good Tejanos will tell you it’s a day when a bunch of invaders got really stupid.         I arrived in San Antonio to find the city abuzz with activity. Okay, not the whole city. Just a tiny area […]

General
February 23, 2016

Tidbits from History – In the Silver mines

Silver—that critical commodity of the Spanish world came from mines throughout Mexico.            I hadn’t planned it as research, but after a memorable visit to Zacatecas with its magnificent churches and deep silver mines, I couldn’t help imagine what it must have been like for those who worked there. The native people worked in the […]

General
February 22, 2016

Return from San Miguel de Allende

Terrifying, exhilarating, inspirational. It’s all of that and more. This SMA Writers’ Conference has everything for everyone, and don’t worry if you don’t write. My wild and wacky cousin Becca claimed not to know anything about writing and was hesitant to join me at the conference. But because she and her husband Bill are planning […]

General
February 13, 2016

Fiesta Time in San Miguel

And what a Fiesta! After a long day of intense seminars on everything from Creativity and Points of View to  Deep Travel Writing, and Historical research, all in giant white tents that matched their Polar Ice-cap temperatures, it was time to party. I think all Conferences have to find ways to make their gatherings affordable. […]

General
February 12, 2016

San Miguel by Night

Fear of Mexico at night is highly overrated. What is it about attitudes in the U.S. that focus so much on the dangers of being in Mexico? Even my Mexican friends in Laredo when I was at the conference there in October seemed to feel that the dangers abounded if I dared go across. I’m […]

General
February 11, 2016

Among the Writers

Envision if you will 480 little old ladies of all shapes and sizes, white haired, gray haired, kinky, curly, straight haired, elegant and dowdy, short, fat, tall, thin, every conceivable combination. Chattering, hugging, waving, laughing. Some sitting by themselves, the writer’s life, shy, introspective, but friendly when asked.  And about twenty elderly men, taller, thinner, […]

General
February 10, 2016

The Pros and Cons of the Night Bus

Consider this a training seminar on how survive–as a contortionist. If you plan to fly to Leon (you can’t fly direct to San Miguel de Allende), the cost can get steep. The night bus from Laredo to San Miguel Allende sounded to us like it would be far better in terms of saving buckage. The […]

General
February 8, 2016

Off into the Wilds of Mexico

Everyone says its dangerous to take a bus into Mexico, so there may be a hiatus on blogs for a week. Don’t be concerned if there is. I never can remember my passwords to log on down there. And if we spend all our lives fearing the unknown, we’ll never go anywhere or do anything. […]

General
February 7, 2016

Thoughts on turning 70

To celebrate or not to celebrate? As many of us Baby Boomers reach, approach or exceed that milestone, some choose to ignore the date, others have a quiet gathering or perhaps a nice dinner. Still others, like my friend Lolita, go for the gusto—an all-out, budget-busting, fandango in the Spanish style. She began planning this […]

General
February 6, 2016

The Pros and Cons of Conferences and Conventions

Is it wise to take time off to attend a Writers’ Conference? This morning, as soon as I post this blog, I am headed for Houston to a Writing Day Workshop. Then on Monday, my cousin and I are headed to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for a week-long Writers’ Workshop. And Tuesdays I belong […]

General
  • 1
  • 2