Category: Blog

“Circle in the sand Round and round Rising of the moon as the sun goes down” Oddly, the sentiments expressed in the chorus of a late 1980’s pop hit by Belinda Carlisle precisely expresses the circular nature of faith in San Miguel de Allende (SMA). To Europeans, …

One of the most significant figures of Mexican history wasn’t a conqueror or a ruler, but a 17th century nun known for her charm, beauty, and wit.  Also for being a self-educated genius who composed poems that were the most important body of poetic work …

When my children were young evening prayers settled on their litanies of what good things happened for them that day.  It was followed by my asking “Why say thank you?” and their rote response of “Because more good things come your way.” Saying thank you …

At venues around town, you’ll notice a black and white image of a doe-eyed gal with a bob staring back at you.  Like with Rachel on Friends, a haircut made a massive impression! The woman in the image is silent movie star, Louise Brooks, the biggest thing …

Last Spring I was in the state of Chiapas enjoying the indigenous traditions there when on a tour of a church the guide twice pointed to a man at Jesus’ Crucifixion beside Mary, Jesus’ Mom, stating he was Jesus’ father, St. Joseph.  I winced knowing St. Joseph wasn’t there, …

Mary, in art, is typically shown as being contemplative, reflective, even sad, but, for me, her best image is Mary of the Light, or Maria de la Luz. There she is aggressive and assertive. She is widely celebrated as such this time of year. Back …

Where San Miguel de Allende stands today has hosted humans for thousands of years. Most archeological sites around San Miguel are from the years 950 to 1100 AD including the pyramid, Canada de la Virgin.  Part of the Toltec Empire that declined in 1100 AD and …

Last Sunday was the rehearsal for the festivities of St. Michael’s feast day, which comes up in late September. The rehearsal procession was itself long and fascinating. It was laced with symbolism, including the dead, Jesus’ crucifixion buddy and a bullish master of ceremonies, who …

When I was a kid my mother made doll cakes for little girls’ First Communions. A doll cake, if you aren’t familiar, is a cake baked in a bowl.  Once baked, the bowl is flipped over to remove the cake, and the cake part becomes the …

For most of us in San Miguel the holiday season starts on the Feast of Guadalupe, December 12th.  Some prefer to think of St. Nicholas’ day, December sixth, as day to get the holiday ball rolling.  For a handful of hardy cowboy pilgrims it is the Sunday …