Happy Bday, Mom! I don't think I can tell you how old she is, but I'll be 42 soon and she was 28 when I was born. That lady has more energy than me AND my sister put together! She taught high school English for over 30 years, has 2.75 masters degrees, has traveled the world, is the most loving grandmother to my children, and was amazing the way she raised my sister and me, taught, and constantly was in school! Mom is a marvelous being and I'm so blessed to be her daughter! Felicidades, mamcita!
In celebration of my mother, I interviewed her to find out why she is so healthy and happy. Here is a count-down of her top ten tips for living well longer:
10. Drink wine with your meal, daily.
9. Move, move, move
8. Wear sunscreen
7. Get a massage as often as possible
6. Read, read, read
5. Get outside for some Vitamin D sun
4. Eat oatmeal - it scrubs your blood
3. Laugh every day - it keeps stress at bay
2. Stay connected with your family
1. Do what you love
Española Landscape
Upper San Pedro
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Campaign Volunteerism, A Local's Perspective
The strongest volunteer action one can take in politics is to choose your candidate and devote your time to her/him. Volunteering for a national organization will get you a social life - but, in this year's election, won't make the difference we need to elect qualified, engaged candidates!
I've chosen two candidates to support: Diane Denish for NM Governor, and U. S. Representative Ben Ray, who is up for re-election. This means that after Tuesday, I become a part of two races that promise to be very heated. I look forward to the flame in my heart being turned up a few notches in the pursuit of victory. Yes, that's right, I AM a TRUE BELIEVER.
True Believers make great sacrifice in volunteering for a political campaign - as, our radical hearts are often broken by the fierce nature of politics. Nevertheless, we wouldn't be ourselves if we stayed at home watching "True Blood" instead of walking blocks, phone banking, and assisting at rallies.
National campaigns have a love/hate relationship with True Believers. We are the most dedicated, and most difficult volunteers. We are well informed, well read, well heeled, and well . . . just plain pains in the ass. But, we're worth the trouble, because we dive into an assigned task with great zeal!
Locally run campaigns (that means the director is local) have an easier time working with True Believers. They know the nuances of their volunteers' communities. They know that new voters are NOT going to be energized to vote through random phone calls by zealous campaign volunteers, but through meet-ups, get togethers, and social events that include food and music. They know that being on the ground doesn't mean shipping people in from all over the country or world. And, they know how to engage local leaders who AREN'T elected officials.
So, dear reader, if you have time to volunteer join your chosen candidate's/candidates' campaigns. Be guided by the wisdom of local campaign directors who will use your knowledge and actions to make a difference in YOUR community. Use your energy for TRUE good! Make a REAL difference!
I've chosen two candidates to support: Diane Denish for NM Governor, and U. S. Representative Ben Ray, who is up for re-election. This means that after Tuesday, I become a part of two races that promise to be very heated. I look forward to the flame in my heart being turned up a few notches in the pursuit of victory. Yes, that's right, I AM a TRUE BELIEVER.
True Believers make great sacrifice in volunteering for a political campaign - as, our radical hearts are often broken by the fierce nature of politics. Nevertheless, we wouldn't be ourselves if we stayed at home watching "True Blood" instead of walking blocks, phone banking, and assisting at rallies.
National campaigns have a love/hate relationship with True Believers. We are the most dedicated, and most difficult volunteers. We are well informed, well read, well heeled, and well . . . just plain pains in the ass. But, we're worth the trouble, because we dive into an assigned task with great zeal!
Locally run campaigns (that means the director is local) have an easier time working with True Believers. They know the nuances of their volunteers' communities. They know that new voters are NOT going to be energized to vote through random phone calls by zealous campaign volunteers, but through meet-ups, get togethers, and social events that include food and music. They know that being on the ground doesn't mean shipping people in from all over the country or world. And, they know how to engage local leaders who AREN'T elected officials.
So, dear reader, if you have time to volunteer join your chosen candidate's/candidates' campaigns. Be guided by the wisdom of local campaign directors who will use your knowledge and actions to make a difference in YOUR community. Use your energy for TRUE good! Make a REAL difference!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Diane Denish's Future Opponent?
"One Republican running in her party’s primary for governor this year, Susana Martinez, a southern New Mexico prosecutor, has filmed a commercial promoting border security and a promise to revoke the law granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and deny taxpayer-supported scholarships to illegal immigrants." --New York Times, 5/11
Sunday, May 16, 2010
An Easy Decision
This post will be brief. It is my opinion that anyone who can read the following article from the Rio Grande Sun and still vote for Yvonne Quintana for District Court Judge, must live in the land of illusion! Link to the article: http://www.riograndesun.com/articles/2010/05/07/news/doc4be1938333d9b845468383.txt
What Comes Around, Goes Around
Today was a good day to remember that we, as human beings, are constantly moving in cycles that change a bit more each time we come around. What's important is that we recognize the cycle and help ourselves to stretch beyond limits during the growing stage.
Watching, listening, and loving are tantamount to our evolution. Dispelling fear as we encounter that which is new is basic to our ability to thrive. Getting bogged down in old patterns breeds corruption and eventually entropy. Help the universe to grow, by growing.
Remaining in gratitude is often a challenge. Seek contentment rather than pleasure. Today was a good reminder!
Watching, listening, and loving are tantamount to our evolution. Dispelling fear as we encounter that which is new is basic to our ability to thrive. Getting bogged down in old patterns breeds corruption and eventually entropy. Help the universe to grow, by growing.
Remaining in gratitude is often a challenge. Seek contentment rather than pleasure. Today was a good reminder!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Welcome!
I come from a long line of community organizers, sometimes known as entremetidos (just kidding). I've worked on community health and education issues all my adult life. I've decided to publish my own blog because it's time that we speak our minds and give each other the opportunity for clear, respectful dialog. It's time that we cut the bullshit that our corporate media feeds our communities and start telling our own truth. So, here we are.
I dedicate this blog to my hero, Dolores Huerta. Her tenacity, courage, and dedication to the cause, community, and family are my inspiration. She spoke her mind, worked tirelessly, involved her family, and always looked great doing it!
The last project I finished was to work on bringing community to the public hearings held by NM Environment Dept. (NMED) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) regarding the 10 year Hazardous Waste Burn Permit, which NMED issues to LANL. I am grateful to and amazed by all those who chose to make comments in favor of changing the permit language to better protect the health of northern New Mexicans and our environment. It takes great courage to speak your mind - and allow your heart to be known- to such Goliath's as those corporations now administering LANL.
I worked on this project as a member of Las Mujeres Hablan (LMH). LMH is a group of nine women representing seven non-profit, community based organizations (most of us are executive directors of our organizations). My organization is Community Service Organization (CSO)del Norte, named so in honor of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez who met and got their start at a CSO in California.
Las Mujeres Hablan members have worked together informally for many years. Formally, for two years. We've had great successes! And, I hope that our work on the burn permit will be one more.
Thank you, reader, for visiting this blog. Together, we'll make the truth known!
I dedicate this blog to my hero, Dolores Huerta. Her tenacity, courage, and dedication to the cause, community, and family are my inspiration. She spoke her mind, worked tirelessly, involved her family, and always looked great doing it!
The last project I finished was to work on bringing community to the public hearings held by NM Environment Dept. (NMED) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) regarding the 10 year Hazardous Waste Burn Permit, which NMED issues to LANL. I am grateful to and amazed by all those who chose to make comments in favor of changing the permit language to better protect the health of northern New Mexicans and our environment. It takes great courage to speak your mind - and allow your heart to be known- to such Goliath's as those corporations now administering LANL.
I worked on this project as a member of Las Mujeres Hablan (LMH). LMH is a group of nine women representing seven non-profit, community based organizations (most of us are executive directors of our organizations). My organization is Community Service Organization (CSO)del Norte, named so in honor of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez who met and got their start at a CSO in California.
Las Mujeres Hablan members have worked together informally for many years. Formally, for two years. We've had great successes! And, I hope that our work on the burn permit will be one more.
Thank you, reader, for visiting this blog. Together, we'll make the truth known!
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