Issue 45, May 2022

Elena Hiatt Houlihan

Issue 45, May 2022

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SUNSET AT THE PIER IN PUERTO VALLARTA

LA VIDA VALLARTA….

Dear Friends and Family, Old and New, Near and Far:

It’s hard to absorb that parts of the world are in trauma and turmoil when I am surrounded by peace and beauty here in Puerto Vallarta. I am so blessed to live in this bubble of what is often called Paradise, yet I am aware that many social and economic difficulties lie below the surface.

Fortunately we are all rich in cultural experiences that are free or cost almost nothing. This week, ambling down the Malecon, we discovered a bevy of colorful dancers filling the stage at the Arcos amphitheater while other groups from Peru and Queretero whirled in front of the church. The long-postponed folk dance festival was enlivening Puerto Vallarta once again. And the stands were filled with Mexicans and tourists alike; children who bounced to the rhythms in front of the stage while parents and grandparents watched from the concrete benches. If you’re lucky enough to arrive early and get a seat, I recommend bringing a pillow!

From the indigenous heritage of the Aztecs to the flowing dresses of the colonial period, the history of Mexico is portrayed in dance.

BEAUTY IN THE GARDEN!

The Jardin Botanico in the hills south of Puerto Vallarta is a continual gift of surprising colors and shapes. For years I have been inspired by the sculptural forms of plants, and I have never seen this one before. This leaf with it’s frilly edges is a dance in itself! And I love how its arching gesture is echoed here by the elegant dancers from Queretero.

LOS VOLADORES DE PAPANTLA

An ancient ritual occurs several times daily here beside the sea, when the members of the Totonaca tribe climb to the top of a 30 meter pole and play a melody on the flute as they coil long ropes around the top. Then, secured by the cords around their waists, they fall backward into open air and circle slowly to the ground. The ceremony originally began to celebrate corn and fertility and to appease the gods to prevent drought. You can watch a video of the complete danza here.

BE A PART OF THE ART!!

I’ve seen so many tourists climb up this sculpture that I simply had to do it myself last week. Wherever you are in your climb up the ladder of success, do it with joie de vivre!

It’s the sunset of my time here in Mexico and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my brothers, cousins and extended family at our reunion in mid-June, not to mention friends around the USA. As always, it’s a poignant departure since I will miss my dear ones here in Mexico. Adding to the continual joy in my life are all of YOU, whether you are close enough for a spontaneous dinner, or whether I see you only once a year in my travels. I am warmed and enriched by your messages if you are distant, and by your presence if you are near. Know that I am keeping you close in my heart.

I hope this finds you joyful in where you are in the world, exercising your creativity, and surrounded by loved ones. Once again, remember to take care of your special selves, follow your dreams, and express your love fully to those around you. We are more perishable than we think.

Abrazos y besos,

Elena

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