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MURAL OF MEXICAN DANCER IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
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| STILL ON THE ROAD…
Dear Friends and Family, Old and New, Near and Far,
In my last newsletter, I was wondering about the meaning of “home” just before I began my wanderings. What I have relished during this summer of travel is that so many of my family: sons, nephews, brothers, cousins, and dear friends from Connecticut to Indiana, have all welcomed me and made me feel at home. Even after landing in Houston, guess what? There was a reminder of Mexico in the mural of a flamboyant folk dancer across from Ninfas’, lauded as the “Best Mexican food in Texas since Texas was in Mexico,” where we had brunch with my niece and her husband.
After flying from Texas to Indiana, I picked up Indigo Girl, my little blue Honda and we’ve now traveled almost 4000 miles. Packing light is not my specialty, and Indigo Girl serves as my closet. This time, besides clothes for summer heat and winter chill, I added a few artifacts to take back to Puerto Vallarta. My friend Linda Bruce in Washington, DC is downsizing, and she gave me this Mexican mask which is now cradled in an extra suitcase for the return trip. |
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THE IMPACT OF ICONS
In Pittsburgh, I discovered that a fashion show based on the life of Billy Porter was on exhibit at Phipps Conservatory. I was fortunate to see Billy Porter in a one-man show before he won a Tony for Kinky Boots on Broadway. Since then he has become an icon, yet his philosophy is humble and moving: “We all become icons to the people we love, care for and stand beside…It doesn’t take a million followers to be an icon–just care, respect and understanding.” |
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| Numerous gorgeous costumes were displayed among the flowering backdrops throughout Phipps. Costume Design students at Carnegie Mellon University created them after reading Billy’s memoir, Unprotected. Because numerous people had helped him during his career, Billy wanted to share the stage by giving these young people a chance to have their work seen. The stunning creation below was based on the Egyptian “Sun God” costume worn by Billy at the Met Gala in 2019. The Egyptian blue waterlilies and papyrus completed the theme. |
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| “SALAD DRESSING”
The leafy green and wine-colored dress below is an aquaponic hoop skirt. The water system which feeds the plants is also cleaned by them. And though they are barely visible, the fish swimming in the torso provide fertilizer for the plants. Frilly leaves adorn the wide-brimmed hat. |
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| Life is never dull when you’re on the road, if you take the “blue highways,” and not the interstate. I had to do a U-turn to capture this bizarre dinosaur carrying a coke. I think this was outside some kind of family animal park, but I didn’t stick around long enough to investigate. |
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| My summer was filled with warm conversations with friends and family, superb food from blueberry pancakes to Indian palak chat (crispy baby spinach with tamarind garnish), inspiring art in museums and at outdoor fairs, as well as views of small towns, bustling cities and waving fields of corn. One of the most tranquil and beautifully planned spaces I visited was the Japanese Garden at Hillwood, the estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post in Washington, DC. I highly recommend a visit if you’re ever in the area. Her house was filled with French furniture, Russian icons, glass sculptures and myriad sets of china. Those will wait for a future blog post. |
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| Then suddenly summer slipped into fall and I was back in Indiana, reveling in the glorious colors of purple eggplant and red and green peppers at the farmers’ market. An afternoon excursion included selecting chrysanthemums and variegated plants for my brother’s garden.
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| ART AND BEAUTY ALONG THE WAY….
One of my favorite cultural experiences was at the National Museum of Asian Art which is part of the Smithsonian. It’s a far cry from tango, yet I was captivated by this bronze of Shiva, the Cosmic God of Dance. No matter what my mood, I can always be enlivened by dance. |
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| Though I was far from the ocean for much of my trip, I still captured a memorable sunset over the Connecticut River. Another poignant reminder to cherish beauty and the loved ones in our lives…both we and those we care about are transient. |
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| Please absorb, Dear Reader, that 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 as I wander. 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 wherever 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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