Atrocities in Town

I grew up trotting back & forth between the Texas town of El Paso and Mexican city of Juarez. Juarez is most widely known for being a drug capital, as the majority of the US drug supply makes its entry through El Paso. Understandably, shootings and killings were somewhat commonplace. Several of my private school classmates' educations were subsidized by their parents' drug earnings. My dad's neighbors were in the business. Major deals were made in my Catholic school's bathroom. Movies like Traffic and No Country for Old Men were filmed here about the subject.
This is how I grew up. Everyone knows how it goes, despite the fact little of it is discussed. You heard about people being tortured and murdered but for the most part it was left amongst them. Civilians were spared and could lead normal lives - actually, better than normal, as in any town with a substantial amount of money - as long as they didn't meddle. Don't ask, don't tell.

That has all changed.

I read about it on NPR a month or so ago but I had no idea how bad it was until I got here. Violence has spiraled out of control since Mexico's newish government has tightened its reins against narcotics while at the same time a rivalry has gone too far. Two main cartels are fighting over control of the city and the consequences are beyond anything I'd ever seen. Billboards all over spell out "Pray for this Town".
Twelve people were beheaded last week. Civilians are being murdered left and right. Extortion is now an everyday happening as local business owners are being approached by one cartel or the other offering protection in exchange for money or goods. Top journalists are being murdered or threatened for doing their job, and schools are being taken over. People are not even safe in their own homes. I talked to a lady the other day whose friend's home was broken into in broad daylight. They were to hand over all cash and any prized possessions or they were taking their child. They were lucky. Other children haven't gotten that choice. Half the police force is corrupt. We're closer to anarchism here than I've ever seen.

These criminals will now stop at nothing until control is gained, and fear & bloodshed are their biggest weapons. It is, after all, ultimately a game of power and control. Citizens are afraid. Christmas was bittersweet at best here. Shopping centers, schools, and parks are no longer safe. Two people were murdered last Tuesday at the park where my uncle goes for his daily walk. Innocent women & children are not exempt. Teachers at schools are being threatened, thus forcing schools to close. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/13/AR2008121301158.html?sub=AR My mother is a schoolteacher.

Thousands of troops have been deployed to manage the situation, but so far soldiers aren't getting very far. Some are being captured and their heads displayed as trophies. I am afraid for my family. I can not wait for this to be over, or for them to relocate. That's not so simple. It is easy to forget about this in the Midwestern suburb where I normally reside, but not so easy when I'm here amidst it, afraid to even run an errand. As many of my foreigner friends tell me, most Americans take freedom for granted. I doubt most people who purchase drugs realize how much innocent blood has been shed for their high. Decent Americans who give to charity and are compassionate towards the environment & animals have no idea they are inadvertently contributing to these bastard murderers. I have no moral stance against the consumption of whatever substance rocks the boat; but until the government takes a second look at legalization or at least attempts a stronger intervention, it is difficult to overlook how everybody's actions feed the atrocities happening here. Life here in Juarez has turned into something you only read about. And for you not here, I urge you to read about it.
Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.


V

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More info, and a google search will produce much more.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98135986
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-12-21-Mexico-schools_N.htm
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-fg-juarezkillings20-2008dec20,0,634780.story

The Road

It is now afternoon on Christmas day. I spent most of this morning entrenched in a wonderful book by Cormac McCarthy (of No Country for Old Men fame). The Road won the Pulitzer Prize last year for a reason. It took me but a few pages to get used to his fragmented "sentences" when I decided this mildly annoying habit was worth looking over. The payback was amazingly descriptive, melancholically beautiful writing I fell in love with.

What better way to spend today other than with family, reading a book, cup after cup of warm tea in hand. I could not put it down until I finished it - an indulgence I only partake in while on vacation. I think I might go down for a nap now.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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The Road is a 2006 novel by American writer Cormac McCarthy. It is a post-apocalyptic tale describing a journey taken by a father and his young son over a period of several months, across a landscape blasted years before by an unnamed cataclysm that destroyed civilization and, apparently, most life on earth. The novel was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2006 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction.

McCarthy said the inspiration for The Road came during a 2003 visit to El Paso, Texas, with his young son. Imagining what the city might look like in the future, he pictured "fires on the hill" and thought about his son. He took some initial notes but did not return to the idea until a few years later, while in Ireland. Then, the novel came to him quickly, and he dedicated it to his son, John Francis McCarthy.^[1]

Some Rilke

Someone mentioned something today that reminded me of this poem, so before I forget I thought I'd post it to be later savored this weekend.
Love.

I Am Much Too Alone in This World, Yet Not Alone

I am much too alone in this world, yet not alone
enough
to truly consecrate the hour.
I am much too small in this world, yet not small
enough
to be to you just object and thing,
dark and smart.
I want my free will and want it accompanying
the path which leads to action;
and want during times that beg questions,
where something is up,
to be among those in the know,
or else be alone.

I want to mirror your image to its fullest perfection,
never be blind or too old
to uphold your weighty wavering reflection.
I want to unfold.
Nowhere I wish to stay crooked, bent;
for there I would be dishonest, untrue.
I want my conscience to be
true before you;
want to describe myself like a picture I observed
for a long time, one close up,
like a new word I learned and embraced,
like the everday jug,
like my mother's face,
like a ship that carried me along
through the deadliest storm.

Rainer Maria Rilke

Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé...

Can't believe it's that time of year again. Yesterday brought the third Thursday in November. For the first time in years, I almost forgot about the arrival of good-old Beaujolais Nouveau.

The actual taste of these nouveaus has never quite done it for me, but I'm a romantic and I love the nostalgia of it all. I just spent the better part of the last five minutes daydreaming about being in Paris this weekend, drinking wine, relaxing, & celebrating with loved ones & strangers alike. I have the fondest memories having experienced its arrival in the city of lights a few years ago. I heard Paris Las Vegas is also celebrating by lighting their Eiffel tower red. I wouldn't mind being there either.

Reality ensues, but it is not so bad. It usually entails me visiting the local grocer and picking up a couple of bottles along with the meal fixings to enjoy before, during, and after Thanksgiving. Then there's the next few weeks, enjoying a glass or two while listening to holiday music, decorating and/or wrapping presents. It is one of my favorite things to do this time of year. It helps that's it's readily available, affordable, and usually goes fairly well with fowl.

Over the course of time, my taste buds have drifted more towards Pinots, so I've come to prefer crus and village-Beaujolais. For those that share that preference, I ran across these interesting recommendations in the San Francisco Chronicle & thought I would post. Either way, you might want to pass on the 2008s and give one of these a try ;)
Have a wonderful joyous weekend!

2007 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine de Vissoux Cuvee Traditionelle Beaujolais ($18) Juicy, refined, intense Beaujolais, doubly so for a basic bottling. Smoky plum and huckleberry, with citrus-rind highlights, and a high-acid profile as counterpoint to rich red fruit and dry earth notes. (Importer: Weygandt-Metzler)

2006 Louis Claude Desvignes Cote du Py Javernieres Morgon ($26) More dried cherry and fine mineral to guide it. Not as subtle as it might be, but the ample fruit and fresh-herb overtones give it plenty of stuffing to match somewhat rougher tannins on a chewy finish. (Importer: Louis/Dressner Selections)

2007 Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais ($15) Bright cherry, birch bark and sap. A fine white mineral definition on the palate, though its lean lines can become a bit sharp without food. (Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant)

2005 Pierre Savoye Cote du Py Vieilles Vignes Morgon ($20) Leather, white flowers, shimmering red berry fruit and eucalyptus dominate the nose in this effort from a picture-perfect vintage. Hints of gray mineral in the background, and it's still a bit wound-up and tense on the palate even now. But the brightness and finesse is evident, and a musky perfume lingers at the end. One of those Beaujolais for Burgundy lovers. (Importer: Jeanne-Marie de Champs/Wine House)

2007 Trenel Saint-Amour ($24) This Maconnais-based producer's Beaujolais can be stoic, but the '07 from this northernmost cru is softer and almost ethereal in its profile. Delicate nose of anise, geranium, Bing cherry and brine gives way to a pillowy, approachable palate. Beautifully expressed Beaujolais. (Importer: Robert Chadderdon Selections)

Such Autumn Days

They find me at times.
I seek, only to seek.
On such an Autumn day,
that depth out of my grasp, just so;

Struggle for words,
but only echoes sing
the same, once and again.
Those leaves first turn in beauty:
then fall, then wither.
A fool by the grace of its tragedy,
veiling its disparate consequences.

Intently, I listen through the rustling -
loud, then soothingly still
For the whisper that will guide me home.
for the comfort that will make me safe, once more.

I long this more than three words say,
more than silent thoughts refrained.
And I seek, but I wait.
Now it's a winter day.
For more than barren trees remain,
below, awaiting their resolve.
All in hope for love's worthy
and much desired, sweet return.

Autumn in full force

This blog has been neglected for exactly the same amount of time I've been occupied reading, writing and blogging about the amazing new furbabies that came into our lives almost two months ago (see maxandmolly.wordpress.com).
That said, I can't believe October has come and - almost - gone so quickly. I love autumn and have enjoyed this year with nice walks. I dread the winter that's soon to come but it is temporarily veiled with holiday joy.
Many changes are coming, and nearly every one close to me is moving this month. I've been wanting to move for a while myself so I find this a curious coincidence.
I always mean to write more. I usually get ideas while driving, most of them are brief and random. Today I decided I must post these things, small as they are, if only for my own satisfaction.
Off to run some errands now.
xoxo

Scattered musings from Friday - Eddie Vedder, phenomenality galore

Few musicians can evoke such emotion in me as the exquisitely talented Mr. Eddie Vedder. My adolescent crush of sixteen-plus years has turned into full-blown respect and admiration. On Friday, Chris, friends & I had the opportunity to witness Mr Vedder's solo performance at the Chicago Auditorium Theatre.
I try to see him every year, but last year missed his Lollapalooza performance. Last show I saw was Summerfest 06/29/06 - a wonderful double-header with Tom Petty. I remember clear as day feeling tingly when he said to the audience: If you love somebody...tell them. Tell them today, tell them tomorrow, tell them every day in case it's the last time you ever get to speak to them.
I try to live by that, so I found it incredibly sweet.

As is the norm, Mr. Vedder spoke of the realities of war. He pointed to Thomas Young in the audience, a young Iraqi war veteran who's returned home partially paralyzed and unable to walk. Ed vented about a message he got the night before, something to the effect of "save your antics for an anti-war rally". He replied by introducing Young, raising awareness and respect for those who fight for our country, and personally making me grateful for my ability to be free, to walk and move freely every single day. At one point, around halfway through the show and while the rest of the stage was dark, he joked about not endorsing any particular presidential candidate. He was still talking when two stagehands walked behind him proudly displaying an Obama '08 banner. Most of the crowd began to cheer.

Acoustics were excellent, despite our first balcony seats and a few rowdy attendees. Chelios showing up with the Stanley cup in hand got some (inebriated) Red Wings fans a little out of control. It's always a shame when people think that yelling irrelevant idiocies during concerts is cool. Shame on you Sherry from Detroit! Even Eddie told you to shush.

Worth noting is what an exceptional guitar player he's grown to be. With perhaps biased ears, I can honestly say I am more and more impressed as time goes by. His voice was always what had captivated me, but now I'm drawn to his guitar-playing just as much. His great skill was demonstrated beyond the obvious during this solo performance. His rendition of Let my Love Open the Door was superb as was his unfortunately interrupted attempt of Floyd's Brain Damage. I'm still not sure why he stopped so soon - lost concentration, intense fan screaming, a combination of both? I get it that people were yelling "Floyd rocks!" during this, but "Go Red Wings?". Come on! Of course I won't pretend to understand the intricacies of a die-hard sports fan. Nonetheless, I was disappointed that he stopped playing mid-song, because he was doing a superb job thus far. I seriously wanted to wring the necks of everyone screaming. Note to self: screaming idiots is more the norm than a rarity at concerts. I think I'll splurge on box seats next time.

One of my personal highlights was his version of Blackbird, being a Beatles fan and a personal fan of this particular song myself. His rendition was beautiful beyond words. He segued to it with a story about growing up with many foster brothers and sisters of all races and ages. He evoked the audience's emotion by mentioning how it makes him think of people running in the streets,civil wars & black rights movements. And so the song began. He had the audience partake in making bird noises, which lightened the mood a bit towards the end of the song. But it was afterwards that he shared his message of hope and clear candidate choice: this is our time, he said, if Obama gets elected, we have a chance to turn things around. Not only that, but perhaps it'll mean that America has finally gotten past its skin color, and so our country can head to a much better place. I sort of took it as if the act of the choice itself would be as grandly evolutionary as the result. It was alltogether my favorite part of the show.

ARC almost made me cry happy tears, such as the ones by Elderly Woman and Hide your Love Away. I was filled with energy during Rise and Porch. Wishlist made me dance a little. And for a while, I wished I was a Cubs fan, when he sang the song he wrote for them - Someday we'll go all the way. Chris & I agreed this is a song that would make a true fan cry. So good.

In the audience, none other than Mr. Sean Penn, John Cusack, and Chris Chelios.


Setlist:
Sometimes, Trouble, Girl From The North Country, I Am Mine, Dead Man, Brain Damage / Masters Of War, Setting Forth, Guaranteed, No Ceiling, Far Behind, Rise, Soon Forget, I'm One, Drifting, Hide Your Love Away, Small Town, Can't Explain, Porch

1st Encore: Growing Up, Blackbird, Throw Your Arms Around Me, Society, Someday We'll Go All The Way (Cubs Song), Wishlist, Lukin, Let My Love Open The Door, Arc

2nd Encore: Hard Sun- with Sean Penn and John Cusack joining him on backup vocals on stage!

I know people were recording this; if I can find anything, I will absolutely share it. If you can, I will be eternally grateful! All in all this was one of the best performances I have had the pleasure of experiencing, and I hope to again, soon.
Peace.

V
--
I knew all the rules but the rules did not know me - Guaranteed

Summer's slippin' by

I can't believe how fast summer is slipping by. My mom has been in town and came with us to the farm last week. She liked it. It was a nice experience since there is nothing like this available where she lives.
Today we got plenty of good looking tomatoes: red, yellow and miscellaneous green "bonus" ones Steve threw in my bag. We also got fresh garlic and basil. This all calls for a homemade spaghetti sauce! Maybe even an eggplant parmesan since the eggplant is looking great this week. I'll be making it later because I'm presently quite enjoying my mom's cooking :)
We've also been getting patty pans, which are adorable looking members of the squash family.

I "borrowed" this picture to give an idea of their appearance. They are often hollowed and filled with a delicious stuffing, which is what I think I'll do as well.
We are still getting fresh cucumbers, lettuce, chard greens, and cauliflower; new this week are green and yellow peppers, which look great!
I can't praise this enough; joining a CSA is *the* way to go. The veggies have all been so flavorful thus far and I feel good knowing everything is organic and my money is not only well-spent but also stays local.

Green Bean Pickin'

Another fun day at the farm :)







My brother met me after work :)




Love this photo.



I'm having a blast.

Fly, fly, butterfly

I've always been quite fascinated with butterflies, so once upon a time I was understandably stoked when my then adolescent self found that many baby books defined my first name as "a Greek word meaning butterfly". I have since found otherwise. Author Jonathan Swift came up with the name after a friend, though it was later used to define a butterfly genus, which is equally acceptable as far as I'm concerned. Greek mythology, it turns out, often links butterflies with the soul (psyche). Yet another symbolism with which I connect.
There is something else about them. It's something beyond the obvious transformation. I'm naturally drawn to their unique beauty, but also moved by their delicate flutter, their fragility, the irony of their life as "bugs", and of course the green in me must mention their important ecological role as pollinators. I read somewhere that some butterflies migrate over 3000 miles, and that contrary to the popular belief that their life span is short, certain species can live up to one year. They are a lot more tenacious than one would think.

I digress.

What brought this subject to mind was the fact my friend captured some beautiful butterfly shots on film during his visit to the Chicago Brookfield Zoo last weekend, and here are a couple.
I am due for a trip there myself, soon.

Swooning overTulah Ray

Tonight I saw perfection in the form of a (fall) bag. I was doing my annual presale stint at Nordies, and there it was: the perfect blend of pleated dark berry leather with a sliver of dark graphite peeking out of the middle via way of a zipper. Love at first sight! The leather is tougher for a change. I can tell this is the sort of bag that I can throw around and will withstand much wear (and get many compliments as well - it's THAT pretty).
Alas, the bags allocated for presale there are all gone, in less than two days! The very nice manager of Savvy promised to get me one first thing on the 18th, even if it means running downstairs first thing in the morning. We'll see. She said she'd be calling between 7 & 8 am. This is the one thing I am looking forward to the most out of this year's entire pre-sale shebang.
I will post pics as soon as I have that baby.
Oh yeah, my loot. I bought some dark wash True Religions with white stitching, a pink/grey striped Splendid sweater, a very cute chunky Kenzie grey sweater, a sharp faux leather dark grey jacket, and the cutest patent leather Stuart Weitzman booties adorned with a satin bow. This sale definitely ranks on my top five every year.

ETA - here it is:

This week at the farm - kohlrabi, etc.

I was in Las Vegas last week, so I missed my weekly visit to the farm. Fortunately the veggies didn't go to waste since I had arranged for the person I'm splitting with to take the entire thing. It is nice to go out of town and relax, but it is just as nice to be back home back in the swing of things. I've always felt vacations make you appreciate the wonderful things you're surrounded by daily. I missed the forest preserve I drive by every day, and the flowers that bloom around me this time of year. I missed the walks we had started to take recently, and of course the comfort of my own home cooked meals.
This week was my turn to pick up at the farm. It is the end of the sugar snap peas, but we got some delicious new potatoes and fresh basil so fragrant I am most excited to use it. We also got some more summer squash, broccoli, turnips and radishes. New this week was Chinese cabbage, which brings back wonderful childhood memories. My grandmother used to make a wonderful chinese cabbage soup, and a mean stir fry as well. I am looking forward to trying it myself.
Then there is the kohlrabi, a shade of purple almost too pretty to eat. I like it cooked, but I might try it raw if we get more next week.

Kale colcannon, economic stimulus payment, etc.

I was inspired to make kale colcannon today. If you've never had it before, it's an Irish dish consisting of potatoes, kale/cabbage, onions, etc. Essentially, it is a variation of mashed potatoes. It is fairly easy to make, and I was quite pleased with the results.
A while ago I was contemplating what to do with the money Uncle Sam was bestowing upon us in the form of an "economic stimulus payment". I figured the most responsible way for me to spend it would be locally, on something that had personal meaning to me. I decided to put all of it towards a CSA program in my town. Community Supported Agriculture programs allow participants to fund a local farm and in my case get weekly veggies twenty weeks out of the year in exchange. Thus by participating, you are not only assisting your community but you are helpng the environment by saving on food transportation costs, as well as consuming organically grown produce. We all know the astronomical effect food transportation has as far as biofuel consumption.
Last week's sugar snap peas were superb fresh. This week I used the kale for colcannon, and sauteed summer squash with garlic scapes in olive oil, herbs and a hint of lemon.
I encourage everyone to try something like this in their area. I will try to update this every week.

One Lovely Sunday in June

The beautiful gifts of nature never cease to amaze me. Here are a few I captured yesterday. Click on the photos for a more detailed version.