katedana

Talk Taco to Me

2012-02-20T08:59:00.009-08:00

Gracias to all our Presidentes Buenos for Monday, February 20th - a day off from work for many to celebrate each of you and your notable leadership. For me, it was a dos taquerias hoy, starting with uno taco vegetariano at Beto's Tacos (2234 El Camino Avenue) in Natomas and a delicious jamaica agua fresca.

Note the Peru handbag, added for extra flair. mmm tacos

Mi amiga AB Hot Dog loves the mysteriosa blanca sauce from the gratis salsa bar. When lined up with the other salsas available, it makes a great bandera de Mexico. Me, I stick with the jalapeno pimientos y zanahorias, to make my belly cry tears of spicy joy later.

¡Viva Mexico! Donde estan los tortilla chips?

Later (si, el mismo dia) I enjoyed savory vegetal sopas, paired nicely with a chilled Negro Modelo draft at my local gem, Azul Mexican Food and Tequila Bar in Midtown.

Civiche, chips, sopas y cervezas. mmm Gracias Azul

Despite the deliciousness, I felt a little like I was cheating on mi favorita, Taqueria La Fiesta, but I will be there on Sunday, February 26th for the best micheladas in town when Real Madrid plays Barcelona.

Micheladas! Summer 2011 at Taqueria La Fiesta. La camiseta cuesta extra

All this talk about tacos makes me want to chow down again. But first, I feel compelled to mention the SNL video/skit that always makes me laugh until my sides ache, TACO TOWN! The mere sight of Andy Samberg sends me into short hysterical breaths.

"Pizza! Now that's what I call a taco!"

2nd Saturday Salsa Sweat

2012-02-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

2nd Saturday is my favorite time to go out in Sacramento so when AB Hot Dog called about an early show at Java Lounge, I answered quickly, "Si, vamos!" The line up of punk rock bands, four on the bill for a $5 bill, stirred up a small crowd sporting studded jackets, plaid pants and multi-colored hair, reminiscent of shows in the late 80's/early 90's: refreshing and nostalgic all at once.

Huge smile, favorite t-shirt at a November 2011 City of Vain show

Sacramento's Riot Radio and Bad Ending- entertaining, scream-it-out-loud punk bands with catchy lyrics and cool names - opened the show, followed by late-arriving Los Headaches from Mexico City D.F., MX and finally, City of Vain (Sacramento). Los Headaches, crossing the border to promote their CD Boredom City, are fast-acting, sweat-slinging hombres snarling out songs en ingles; the guitarist, true to punk form, vomited during the last song. I fetched their 13-song CD, boasting hits like "Still Don't Know Why U're Mine" and "I Surely Don't Care About You," for a mere $10 before they vanished into the noche. ¡Que bueno!

¿Los Headaches o Los Heartaches? ¡No se!

City of Vain dominated the early evening, playing a string of powerful songs rift with clever lyrics. The band - made up of Steve Ross (vocals), Drew Boyce (guitar), Mario Maynor (bass guitar), AJ Wilhelm (drums), Newell Dunn (guitar) and Minh Quan (keyboards, who played onstage the night before with The Slackers) - work smoothly, like a well-oiled, alt-punk machine. Judging by the crowd singing/shouting along to the lyrics at Java Lounge, CoV obviously has a loyal fan base and will be playing again soon.

City of Vain opens their set with "City of Vain"

The early evening wrapped up with a stop at Taqueria La Fiesta on Alhambra near K Street. AB Hot Dog and I enjoyed tasty tacos while futbol played on the tele and toasted the best Micheladas in town to City of (Los Headaches) Vain, a resounding salsa-sweat induced salut: "Oi-le!"

MMM Muy sabroso, taco vegetariano sin crema con un Michelada frio

Peliculas de Peru

2012-02-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

Ahhh February. While the chill of a California winter lingers and the thrill of Barcelona’s futbol winning streak leaves me with love hangover for Spain, my recent attention has turned south… all the way to Peru.

Eyewitness Travel - picturesque, informative books. Great Winter reading

Upon discovering several DVD’s produced or with stories set in Peru at the Sacramento Public library, I indulged in a mini movie marathon weekend, which left me with a head full of subtitles and a yearning to know more about this colorful, culturally-rich country.

Muy guapo calor, Jason Day, one of the raisons de hermoso to watch Máncora

Máncora is a delicious film by Peruvian director Ricardo de Montreuil, about a distantly-related stepbrother and sister reunited by tragedy. This film, set in Lima and Mancora, has lust, partying and spirit quests with hallucinogenic Ayahuasca, infidelity, road trip scenery through beautiful Peruvian coast, and a nice plot twist at the end. After the first scene I realized I had seen it a year ago, but watched it again, and it was just as good the second time. (My friend Oscar in Lima disagreed, instant messaging me: “Chica this film is bad.” Hm… las “chick flicks” de Peru? es Posible!)

Manolo Cardona y Bárbara Mori hablan secretos en La Mujer de Mi Hermano

La Mujer de Mi Hermano, also by Ricardo de Montreuil, is a film about a modern couple of 10 years experiencing intimacy issues and their rebellious artist brother (in-law) who intervenes with unapologetic machismo to stirs things up. The film moves quickly past the title, focusing on steamy love scenes with Uruguay-born, Mexican actress Barbra Mori and Colombian actor Manolo Cardona, but sadly it is not enough sustenance, and the plot twist left me feeling squirmy about so-called “normal life.”

Cinematographie Bueno: Magaly Solier collapses on la cama in Altiplano

Altiplano features the beautiful, native Peruvian actress Magaly Solier in a strong character role as Saturina and her beloved, Ignacio (played by rugged, statuesque Edgar Quispe) who live in an Andean village contaminated by mercury poison from a nearby mine. A plot within a plot depicts a former war photographer and her physician husband caught up in the riot that ensues. The photographer/physician couple did not intrigue me half as much as the stunning, raven-haired villagers of this striking film.

Fausta la flora: Magaly Solier is heartbreaking and beautiful

La Teta Asustada (The Milk of Sorrow) also features Magaly Solier, this time in a heartbreaking role as Fausta, a demure loner who grieves for her dead mother and believes she has a rare disease contracted from her months within the womb. Fausta oddly creates her own method of birth control and the subplot of the film includes a jaded view of a spoiled, city-based pianist for whom she works. The comical wedding scenes set in desert plains are sandy, colorful bittersweet treats for the viewer.

While a trip to Peru may be months away, immersion into the culture via film is a dreamy, satisfying way to get a head start on the expectations of travel. Books are great for reference and information, but there's something magical about watching life played out in action, films that intrigue the viewer to the point of indulgence and escape...

Sabado: Barça vs. Villarreal - ¡Voot Hoo!

2012-01-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Barça vs. Villarreal game was a whirlwind of fast plays, furious runs and several switch out hits that kept fans seat side-clutching right up until the final minute. Villarreal, affectionately known as “El Submarino Amarillo," played a great game at Camp Nou, but in the end proved no match for Alcantara, Fabregras, Sanchez, and current favorite, Player of the Year Messi. Thiago Alcantara received the ball from Fabregas just past midfield, and scored a goal in the lower-right corner of the box. Cesc Fabregras brought business back to the field doubling the lead inside the box after a through ball from Lionel Messi.

Arms up in victory...otra vez! Photo courtesy of TotalBarca.com

Mid-game, the dynamic Chilean Alexis Sanchez added a third goal and was also yellow carded for quitarse la camiseta. Photos of the cuerpo caliente that Sanchez packs under his jersey proved the card (for most fans mujeres) to be Well. Worth. It.

One yellow card for conduct... coming up. (con suspiros enormes)

I enjoyed watching the game with a tasty taco vegetariano and piña agua fresca at Taqueria Garibaldi on Howe Avenue near Arden Way. The friendly staff and other customers indulged my wide-eyed fascination of plays long after I finished my loncha. Gracias, amigos! :)

Comida delicioso y mas emocionantes desportes

My sabado wrapped up with a fantastic fiesta celebrating the 33rd cumpleaño di mi amiga buena, Amy Cluck a.k.a. Amyistheparty.

Just a peek at the adorableness in Amy's apartment. See more here

Sitting around a beautiful, vintage-modern Midtown apartment talking about crafts, cocktails and computer apps may not sound exciting to many people, but I was in great company - including Lauren Brandy of Two Shoes Studio and Lorrain Garcia of Rain's Embellishments. With tasty appetizers, cream-covered cupcakes and a delicious concoction called Vootbeer, the creative, inspiring conversation went on for hours, showing that the proof is in the candy dish: Amy really is the party.

Voo hoo for Vootbeer! Tasty cherry-topped treat

Goooooal de mi Corazón

2012-01-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

Buena sonrisa en el dia bonita de Camp Nou, Barcelona Spain

As noted in an earlier post, my December visit to Spain was a culturally-enriching, amazing experience. In addition to being immersed in all things Catalan, enamored by the stylish people and charmed by the art and architecture, I was intrigued and entertained by the extreme love of futbol (Americans call it soccer). The players, the gear, the grass - futbol is everywhere: billboards, magazine covers, even candy wrappers boast information referring to "the game." It is an intoxicating fever that stirs energy and emotion. Sure, I have been to a few San Jose Quakes games in California, but futbol españa is a madness like I've never seen.

1966 Trofeu Gamper inside the Museu at Camp Nou, Barcelona Spain

My first day in Barcelona, I headed straight to Camp Nou and spent 2 hours wandering through the museu and touring the stadium. I saw incredible copas, vintage gear, retired jerseys and historic photos. I sampled Barça potato chips and listened to hundreds of fans, ages 2 to 92, sing the beloved victory song on a huge screen. Souvenirs of red, blue and yellow weighed down mi bolsa, and I learned to correctly spell Messi, Fabregras and Busquets before the end of the day. At last, I understood why their slogan is "Mas Que un Club," More Than a Club. ¡Claro que si!

Evening sunset on the massive Santiago Bernabéu stadium, Madrid Spain

After Barcelona I headed to Madrid, a city with an equally-impressive futbol team, aptly named Real Madrid. The stadium - Santiago Bernabéu - is just as impressive as Camp Nou, and the Adidas-sponsored campaign, "Real Madrid is All In" universally applies to the players, the game, the gear and the lifestyle. I ogled posters of Iker Casillas, Cristano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, sweaty and smiling large as life. I savored and embraced the experience, wrapping my neck in a cozy "Hala Madrid" bufanda and leaving the tienda with large bags of crown-embossed swag (Real Madrid's regal logo).

Real Madrid is ALL IN. Poster from Santiago Bernabéu stadium, Madrid Spain

Fast-forward to now, a mere month later: I have futbol apps on my phone, schedules printed in my datebook and sporty chaquetas I never want to take off. Yesterday, the match - and my heart - ¡destrozado por el deporte! (torn by the sport) - the curse of rival teams. Streaming the game (I don't own a TV), I found myself jumping back and forth during plays. Lionel Messi, with the moves like Jagger (perhaps even better) proved why he was voted Player of the Year for the third year in a row.

Cheeky smile and velvet suit, who's Messi now, folks?!

Ronaldo and Ramos openly expressed frustration and, everywhere, emotions were high. In the end, the Barça-favored score made it obvious this will be a season of excitement. As for me, I am thrilled to learn more about futbol: the game, the rules, the fanatic rituals. But first the question I need an answer for is - "who's your team!?"

Perhaps only (the) team will tell (me).

Viure i somiar a Espanya*

2012-01-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

(*Living and Dreaming in Spain)

Ever since I attended art college and studied the vibrant, inspirational art of Antonio Gaudi, I have wanted to visit Spain. Culturally-enriched, historically-embedded and just beautiful, with great food, vibrant people and the distinct sounds of Castillian words and Flamenco guitar, Spain is a feast for all of the senses.

Hey! This isn't Mexico! El Chapulín Colorado in Madrid

Several years after college and two years after I started studying Spanish, I made my dream come true, visiting Barcelona and Madrid in December with a loose itinerary and a few solid goals: Antonio Gaudí's Parc Güell and Sagrada Familia, Picasso's Guernica at Reina Sofia, and both stadiums: Futbol Club Barcelona and Real Madrid. (Solid goooooals, indeed!)

Making a dream come true on the famous bench in Parc Güell, Barcelona

Parc Güell is incredible, with colorful, curving mosaics that seem to go on forever around an open park. Nestled on a grassy hill with a beautiful view of Barcelona, the Parc draws hundreds of people who seem to lose all angst when they see the curvy gingerbread roofs of the tiny buildings and are greeted by the tile-covered gecko at the entrance. I loved it so much I visited twice, the second day meeting an Italian guitarist performing for a small audience, earning his keep in Euros tossed into his case. Liberating!

Mi novio nuevo de Italiano en Parc Güell "thank you, baby!"

Sagrada Familia is a monumental, breathtaking effigy, as incredible inside as it is out. Outside, strong stone men hold up the foundation and huge doors bear carved names and scripture. Inside, color dances from light through stained glass windows and Gaudí's lifelong dream towers above the visitor. Although there are final plan drawings viewable in the basement, one may wonder if it will ever stop being built, or if Barcelona would love to see it go on forever.

Up and up and up... Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

In both Barcelona and Madrid, I took the METRO everywhere, which was a huge plus. Not only is it fast, efficient and very inexpensive (get the unlimited 3-day Tourista pass for €13), but you get to see how the locals live, where they shop (El Corte Ingles - one place I learned from a bag!) and what everyday life is like in the cities: my favorite part of traveling anywhere.

SOL: The center of Spain, marker point zero. Great shopping, too!

Reina Sofia, a huge art gallery housed in an old hospital, is home to Pablo Picasso's famous piece, Guernica, a black-and-white mural created in response to the bombing of Guernica in the Basque Country. Having only seen this painting in books, I was moved by the beauty and awe of seeing it in person, as I believe was true of most of the viewers. The room was very quiet and people stayed for a long time, taking it all in. No photography is allowed, so "you have to see it in person to understand", as one art history teacher used to say to me. So true!

Beautiful day for a museum visit in Madrid

No visit to Spain would be complete without a visit to a futbol stadium, or in my case, the top two in the country: Camp Nou, home to Futbol Club Barcelona and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. The museum at Camp Nou is incredible; I enjoyed hours of viewing historical items, including trophies from 1910, the Gamper cup, Copa Macaya, trading cards, shoes and sweaters.

"More than a Club" Gorgeous greens at Club Nou, Barcelona

Also included with the museum ticket is a full tour of the stadium (inside, outside, behind the stands), a visit to the locker room, press box and tiny players' chapel. The fantastic gift shop offers just about everything in red and blue at reasonable prices.

Massive, monumental Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid

Rivaling FCB as usual, Santiago Bernabéu was just as spectacular, a regal stadium with massive 2-story gift shop, novelty interactive games and merchandise for fans of any age and size (onesies and mini-goalkeeper shirts!). I found myself perusing for hours before finally deciding on regalos para mi amigos. The only question now is which team to pull for - I love both places and my heart is torn: Real Madrid players are mas chulo, but Barça has más rápido mueve. What's a girl to do?!

Noche de luces: Christmas Eve on La Rambla in Barcelona

Since returning, people have asked which city I prefer, and honestly I adore them both. While Barcelona is curvier and more artsy, and Madrid is metropolitan and fast-paced, both provide endless opportunities for sightseeing, museum-going, historical monument-spotting, dining, dancing and just enjoying life, mingling among Catalonians who clearly love where they live.

Madridlanos know how to have fun! gràcies als meus nous amics

Check out my reviews under my TripAdvisor profile, Chula_Cabrita: earning "contributor badges" while having fun writing about hotels, restaurants, sights and more. Making my dreams come true + guiding others on their way to theirs = win/win.

Tacos Trump Turkey

2011-12-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

Hotel Encino, perfect location, cozy rooms, great staff!

While the rest of America was feasting on my friends (*sad face*), my turkey wings flew south for the week, returning to beloved Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico for 8 days of sunshine, smiles and cervezas. A quick flight and easy check-in at Hotel Encino and I felt right back "at home" among the tiendas, OXXO's and paleta carts. El sigh.

Beautiful painting by Pedro Miramonte at the Loft Galeria

My first adventure was to the ArtWalk on Wednesday night, similar to the 2nd Saturdays that I love so much in Sacramento. From 6 to 10 pm, the galleries in Puerto Vallarta stay open, offer gratis wine and tapas and show off amazing pieces from talented locals and artists nearby. I viewed some incredible art, met some wonderful people, and enjoyed the rustic spaces including the cobblestone floors in Galeria Uno.

Gathering with Michael Hayes, Ross and La Brigada chicos at Que?Pasa

Volunteering lately with Farm Sanctuary has brought me so much balance, joy and compassion in my life that I decided to extend this while out of the country. Prior to flying, I contacted Michael Hayes, owner of Que?Pasa, an eatery and Sports bar in Zona Romantica, from a link off Bandera News. Every Saturday Que?Pasa hosts La Brigada de la Basura (literally, Garbage Brigade): neighborhood kids gather to clean up the Rio Cuale, ending with a snack at Que?Pasa.

Niña bonita, princesa de la bolsa. So cute and sweet!

I arrived not know what to expect and (as if on cue) promptly at 11:30 am, 60 or so kids enthusiastically appeared, put on name tags and gloves, grabbed plastic bags and headed out to clean up their barrio. It was truly inspiring (and a bit humbling) to spend time with these kids: speaking Spanish, sharing laughs, helping one another and taking pride in where they live.

Amazing Bouganvillia (and one red azalea) at the Botanical Gardens

A trip to Mexico is fun with touristy things, so I booked some through Vallarta Adventures, including a day trip into the Sierra Madre mountains. A huge open-back excursion truck led to the Jardín Botánico, a queso-making establishment, the small town of El Tuito, a tortillaria, and a tequila factory - all the while enjoying the beautiful scenery native to Puerto Vallarta. Equally enjoyable was the boat excursion a few days later through Banderas Bay, past Los Arcos to Yelapa, a small village with a beautiful waterfall (exhilarating!) and relaxing, white sand beaches of Majahuitas. ¡Muy bonita!

1 minute later I was swimming under this waterfall. Fantastic!

Puerto Vallarta has some really great local restaurants and clubs for enjoyment both day and night. I returned to Mandala, as equally hot in November as it was in July - and discovered some new places like Club Roxy and La Bodeguita del Medio Mexico. Cuban dancing til dawn! Sizzling.

Lunchtime entertainment at Café Roma

For comida, I frequented Café Roma (linked from Bandera News) with fresh salads and fabulous service, and revisited my favorites La Posta PV for great Italian food and fantastic staff, plus Mi Querencia, where they made me a custom vegetarian molcajete. One adventurous evening I ventured out and enjoyed street food - simple but very satisfying (a grilled veggie quesadilla) Delicious food!

Dinner on the grill. Every few minutes they paused to watch futbol on the TV.

I am sure this will not be my last visit to Mexico, it is just too wonderful a place, with the allure of the beautiful landscape and climate, the color and pulse of the culture and, more than anything, the love and vibrancy of the people, especially those in Puerto Vallarta. Gracias, amgios, te amo mucho.

Dogs are everywhere. Visit Puerto Vallarta for puppy love and more. :)

Amazing Graze

2011-11-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

Bonnie, my new BFF (Burro Friend Forever!)

On Saturday, November 19th I volunteered with Farm Sanctuary in Orland, CA as part of their Celebration FOR the Turkeys, an annual event that features guest presentations, musical performances, a delicious vegan Thanksgiving feast, and abundant time with rescued farm animal friends.

Bonnie and Waylon: Two sweet donkeys!

My assignment was with the main cattle herd and domestic donkeys. Before the guests arrived, volunteers spent time with the animals, including Bonnie and Waylon, two of Farm Sanctuary's several donkeys. Have you ever patted and hugged a donkey? Their coats are soft and fuzzy. Despite their past lives being riddled with neglect, Bonnie and Waylon are sweet and friendly, probably from the love and care now given to them at Farm Sanctuary.

Cow's it goin'? Super love for Phoenix the cow.

The main cattle herd was a treat to experience close up: next to people, cows are huge! And just like people, they can be very friendly or shy. Farm Sanctuary has some older cows like Boris, Bernie and Hugo, as well as some youngsters like Elliott and Oliver, who were brought in as calves. As a volunteer, I was fortunate to meet Elliott and Oliver when they were very little - it's amazing how fast cows grow. Must be all that cow's milk! ;-)

Hay, it's Elliott! With Oliver in the background.

Before leaving for the day, I checked on my artwork submitted as part of the auction, which included beautiful animal-themed artwork, jewelry, gift baskets and more. I also talked with a few guests who were curious about the cows on my paintings, from photos taken on earlier visits to Farm Sanctuary. When I created the pieces, I had no idea my assignment would be with the bovines. Sweet!

This holiday season I am thankful for Farm Sanctuary and the creative opportunities available to me. I love my volunteer friends, the coordinator Sophia, the Farm Sanctuary staff, co-founder Gene Baur, and especially all of the animals. If you always wanted to volunteer with a charitable organization, there's no better time than cow. I mean now. Just do it!

Artwork and Heartwork

2011-11-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

After weeks of preparing, painting and collaging new pieces for the upcoming Celebration FOR The Turkeys at Farm Sanctuary in Orland, CA, I delivered my artwork and "heartwork" to the Volunteer Work Party day, Saturday November 12. Work Party days are a great way for potential supporters of Farm Sanctuary to get involved and discover firsthand what the sanctuary is about. The work is not glamorous - raking fields, de-cobwebbing the barns, cleaning the facilities - but the rewards - hugging goats, kissing pigs and brushing cows - are well worth the sweat equity.

Smiles and hugs for this super sweet and so soft Angora goat

If you aren't busy the weekend before Thanksgiving, please join me at Farm Sanctuary to honor the turkeys of the shelter. Tickets are going fast for this special event featuring guests like Biz Stone of Twitter and Gene Baur, co-founder of Farm Sanctuary (as well as many others). Enjoy a delicious Vegan feast, listen to guest speakers, discover new information, and be a part of the beautiful ceremony honoring our feathered friends.

While you are at the event, you can bid on my artwork as well as other great items in the auction, with proceeds going to support Farm Sanctuary. It's a weekend of fun, food and fine feathered friends (as well as furry ones).

Fin de Semana Muy Buena... Otra Vez

2011-11-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

Another weekend of sheer happiness. Friday night celebrated the birthday of my wonderful friend Evie at Kupro's Bistro, a swanky gastropub on 21st Street in Sacramento. Savory food, fantastic cocktails, Evie's awesome family and friends, and a charming General Manager added to the love for the evening!

mmm fried pickles and a tequila Clockwork Orange at Kupro's Bistro

Saturday night I attended a fantastic tequila tasting benefit for my favorite local gallery, La Raza Galeria Posada. Presented by Agave52 held at Social nightclub, I sampled delicious reposados, anejos and blancos from different distilleries based in Mexico. I also tried Mezcal for the first time, que sabroso! Featured at the event were Sacacuento premium mezcal, Alquimia organic tequila and Tequila Manaña (Drink it today. Love it Manaña. So great!)

Charring the peppers - the flame is as tall as the bartender!

After the event a group headed over to Mayahuel, el museo de tequila at 1200 K Street to enjoy delicious cocktails and appetizers, served to the sounds of a Mariachi band. ¡Arriba! The amazing bartenders at Mayahuel made their special "charred pepper" margarita, what a show. Caliente!

The weekend wrapped up with a wonderful message from Jennifer Lynn, a talented, beautiful performer based in Chicago. Jennifer is the sister of my beloved friend, Catherine, for whom I created my Dia de los Muertos altar, part of the Panteon de Sacramento show with La Raza Galeria Posada. I haven't heard from Jennifer in ages, and I don't believe in coincidences, so this is very special. (*smiling and crying at the same time*)

Gorgeous + talented = Jennifer Lynn!

Jennifer needs support on her YouTube page. Please visit the page, listen to her incredible music and subscribe to Jennifer's channel or "like" her videos - every vote helps! You may also purchase music from her website, www.jenniferlynn.com. Thanks for contacting me, Jennifer. Sweet memories of Cath just go on and on...

Un Gran Fin de Semana Para el Arte

2011-10-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

Translated, the title is "A great weekend for art," but really that is *any* weekend. October 29th and 30th however, was truly great. The Pantéon de Sacramento was a huge success, with over 24 hours of art, altars, musica, velas, flores, offering breads and treats, fotos, poemas, loved ones here and gone, old friends and new connections. The event, hosted by La Raza Galeria Posada and organized with mucho dedication by Program Coordinator Robertó Lopez and Directora artística y ejecutiva Marie Acosta, took place in the heart of Midtown: a large lot on 20th between J and K Streets.

About 50 altars occupied spaces throughout the lot - all very different but with the same message: to honor those who had passed, cats, dogs, grandparents, friends, children, relatives. To lighten the sadness and remind us to celebrate the life of those we love, there were Aztec dancers, Mexican poets and singers, a DJ spinning a variety of classics and new sounds and many, many attendees.

My altar, Pesca de Aguacate, honored Catherine Saum (1968-2007): friend, kindred spirit, artist. In addition to teaching me many creative techniques for living, Cath taught me how to "fish" for avocados from her three-story high tree in Southern California.

Also included in my altar is a painting of Greta, my Doberman of 12 years. I feel fortunate to have shared my bittersweet, vibrant memories with the world as part of the Pantéon de Sacramento.

Calaveras Buenas, Vive Frida

2011-10-17T21:55:00.001-07:00

Painting the Calavera - spooky!

Mi fin de semana fue muy buena - my weekend was very good, con arte y cultura latina todos donde yo era - with art and Latin culture every where I went. It sounds ironic but Sacramento comes to life the month of dia de los muertos, with sugar skull workshops in the streets, marigold-making classes and plenty of free, fun events to attend and participate no matter what your creative level may be.

Meistro extraordinaire Rhett Neal

I attended a wonderful, 2-day workshop in making Calaveras - paper maché skulls and figures to honor the dead - at Brickhouse Gallery in Oak Park. Taught by talented artist Rhett Neal, the workshop went by quickly, with instruction on layering newspaper over an armature, adding strips with wallpaper paste, sealing with primer and - the best part - painting and decorating!

Perrito Calavera - with collar and tongue

Our group made a nice variety, from cats to Caterinas, and rivaled the Calaveras featured in the current show at Brickhouse - Altars del Mundo, the gallery's 18th annual altar show, which runs through October 30th.

The night lights of Frida on stage - eerie and beautiful

Also this weekend I caught the held over performance of Frida Kahlo, presented by Teatro Espejo and Teatro Nagual at Wilkerson Theater/California Stage. Despite the tiny venue being muy calor inside, the performance was fantastic, the small space transformed to take the audience through the life of this beloved Mexican painter, her husband Diego Rivera and the demonios metiche they dealt with in their life, both together and apart.

Dana de los Muertos

2011-10-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

I have the amazing opportunity to create a Dia de los Muertos altar with one of my favorite Midtown galleries the weekend of October 29th and 30th. La Raza Galerie Posada is hosting Panteon de Sacramento (A Mexican Tradition Revisited). For 2 days the parking lot behind ClickNation on 20th between J and K Streets, will be filled with altars honoring those who have passed from this earth. The event is free and open to the public to view.

My altar will honor my beloved friend Catherine S., who taught me about arte, vida, y pescar de aguacate, as well as mi tio, Wesley "Rob" y mi abuela, Elizabeth "Bambi." I am thrilled to be gathering items, printing photos, sketching a layout for my altar, meeting other artists in the show and being a part of this wonderful event. Gracias, La Raza for making this possible in Sacramento. I know it's going to be a fantastic show filled with inspiring pieces honoring los muertos.

fracaso, pero no a los refranes

2011-09-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Perro Camino © 2011 Kate Dana mixed media on paper 5x5 in

"Failure but not to the sayings." I have been staying up late, fueled by candy and tea, the studio a mass of color and paper, in the background a soundtrack of Reggaeton and rock en español. My interest has been piqued and peaked with refranes y dichos español - proverbs in Spanish (many from Mexico) which have been passed down for years. Some have literal meaning but most are symbolic or proverbial in wisdom or a thought-provoking idea.

Sin Saber © 2011 Kate Dana mixed media on paper 5x5 in
inspired by Pablo Neruda

Espanol es mi corazon y mi pasion. I can't crank this stuff out fast enough.
See more @ katedana.com

Hormiga Buey © 2011 Kate Dana mixed media on paper 5x5 in

With the recent "improvements" to Facebook, I am now left questioning where all of my art will go. It used to be a fun site to connect with friends, keep up on shows, find out about events, but for me lately it has just become too complicated. I hail from the Deep South, where we like to say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." We all know Facebook has plenty of funds so that's not the broke here. The fixin' however, leaves much to be desired. I know, it's free right? Yep. You get what you pay for. :)

México, mágico y mas

2011-09-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

It is remarkable how fast time seems to fly by.
I blinked, and lost August and part of July.
With two months gone but Mexico to remember,
Cool evenings tell me now that I am in September.

El sigh.

Colorful papel picado on Pipila Street

Mexico me encanta. I have been studying Spanish for past 2 years (socially through friends, formally in school, one semester) and finally took a trip to immerse myself: a 10-day solo excursion to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco MX. The town was charming, the weather sticky-hot and the people muy simpatico. I practicado habla español everywhere I went, and experienced the true cultura by living in an apartamento in el distrito histórico.

The view from mi apartamento. Buenos dias, Puerto Vallarta!

I was surrounded by amazing smells and city sounds, vibrant arts and a pulsing nightlife that continued until daylight. I rode a horse through a river, zip-lined through the jungles, swam with colorful fish, drank muchas cervezas and celebrated mi cumpleaño, as well as made some very special friends to keep in touch with. México es mágico para mí!

Buena sonrisa por Mexico and the zip line tours!

More art and mas escula. After Mexico, it was back home to start school, Spanish 402 at City College, and participate in another art show. Curated by Evie Turner of Evie Turner Marketing, "Bent Twig" is a show at VOXSacramento about artists supporting artists. My bent twig, Valerie, submitted a beautiful glass piece, and I submitted a new collage as well as an old painting.

With curator Evie Turner and Valerie's glass piece at VOX

The new collage, "Batalla" is based on a Mexican proverb which reads: In the Battle of Love, a Field of Feathers.

The show continues through the month of September at VOXSacramento, 1818 11th Street at R.

Unleashed! Wag & Brag

2011-07-13T18:36:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I was one of the artists included in Unleashed!, an art show about the bond between humans an animals benefitting Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. I donated several sets of pet-themed stationery, framed collage pieces with pet silhouettes, and free bonus bookmarks "take aways."

Promoted by Evie Turner Marketing and VOX Sacramento, Unleashed! took place on July 9th in Midtown at ThinkHouse Collective, a "coworking community for Sacramento's creative class." Pet-themed paintings, collages, illustrations and more were presented salon-style on the Victorian house walls, tables and chairs in various rooms. All artwork was for auction or sale - with proceeds going to Happy Tails.

As a vibrant 2nd Saturday crowd mingled inside and Robert Jordan from Ireland entertained on the spacious front porch, "Mi familia de California" - Marlene, Val, Carl and Alyssa - joined for the festivities and stirred up the creative love. While the house pulsed with generous energy from the bidders and (people) tails wagged happily over bids and buys, it was clear that the show was a PAW-SOME success.

Star-Spangled Secrets

2011-07-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

“The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.” - Thucydides (ancient Greece)

Feliz de cuatro de julo, amigos! Star-spangled secrets from the studio, an entire day of cooking up creativity. So delicious.

HOT for ART

2011-07-03T18:18:00.001-07:00

Fourth of July weekend and it is MUY CALOR en Sacramento! I am so thankful for air conditioning. Sunday is always a great day to relax and be creative, and today is perfect to quedate en mi estudio, escuche a musica de espanol y hago arte.

Messy studio! Or the way it is best... busy. :-)

Evie Turner Marketing has invited me to participate in a show at VOX Sacramento Gallery benefitting Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. "Unleashed" happens Saturday, July 9th at 1726 11th Street at R. The show is free and open to the public; presented by Vox Sacramento, ThinkHouse Collective, and Evie Turner Marketing. You can read more about it on Evie's blog: Evie's Ark, All Things Animal.

Envy into Action

2011-06-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Patience is the companion to wisdom.

- Saint Augustine

Discovering Blogger has this feature called "Pages" and can help me build a website that means more frequent updates, actual blog posts and photo galleries may be the answer to my recent search as I try to simplify my current website.

Thanks to a tip from my friend and crafter extraordinaire, Amy Cluck, director of marketing and all things creative at amyistheparty.com, I may have a functioning site very soon. Although I admit serious envy over what Amy has done with the Blogger templates, it is also motivation for me to take action...soon.

An Attitude of Gratitude

2011-06-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation.

-Roberto Benigni

So many things to be thankful for since my last post....hace seis meses

- Estoy aprendiendo español y me encanta la lengua mucho mas
- Friends: the creative ones, the scooter ones, the vegan ones, the ones who just are
- Running again - 9 minute miles - OK after a Winter of respiratory problems
- Farm Sanctuary - I began volunteering here in April. My life is already more amazing
- New CD's and fantastic singles by Latin artists Maná, Enrique Iglesias and REIK
- Bryant Terry's Vegan Soul Kitchen - traditional Southern food...without the meat
- Finding the time (and the courage) to start blogging again ¡Vamos ahora!

Re-Gif-tin' for the Holidays

2011-01-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

As the holidays become more and more about the "stuff" - artificial trees for sale in October, Plasma screen TV's as gifts - it is reassuring to know that for the brainwashed big spenders out there, are equal DIY counterparts armed with a glue guns, scrapbook paper, canvas, paint and a whole mess o' creativity.

For the 2010 Holidays, I repurposed 10 Myntz tins that had been stashed away during the year. These cute 2 x 3 inch aluminum bins come in black and bright aqua blue, with rounded corners and flat surfaces on all sides (unlike Altoids tins, which are embossed). Trader Joe's sells Myntz for around $1.99 and while the mints are tasty, I'm all about the tins.

Starting with a profusion of paper options - magazines, books, paint chips, scrapbook stock - I collaged each tin indivdually on top and bottom with backgrounds, images and text. I then added a small collage inside to cover the "Myntz!" logo on the back of the top. Next, Highlights, dots and borders were added with a black Sharpie marker. Finally, 3 to 4 coats of Mod Podge were used for sealing all over, before placing tiny gifts inside, ranging from jewelry and stickers to lotion samples and candy.

The tins were inexpensive to mail - in a tiny bubble-padded envelope, only $1.56 from California to Carolina - and arrived quickly, averaging 3 days coast to coast. My hope is that all the recipients enjoyed finding their own uses (saving pocket change, storing wishes on paper slips) for the repurposed tins and more than anything, celebrated a wonderful holiday, heavy on DIY.

Midtown mi Corazón

2010-12-19T13:26:00.001-08:00

There's still time to see the Midtown Go Your Own Way group show at Barton Gallery 723 I Street, Sacramento CA, which includes my piece “Midtown mi Corazón” an homage to the Cultura de Latino of my neighborhood. From Taco Tuesdays at Azul and the 2010 World Cup at Zócalo to the creative pulses of La Raza Galeria Posada, Spanglish Arte, Artworks 21, Azukar Lounge, Tres Hermanas and Vallejo's, plus the siver house milagro and papel from Zanzibar, its all on the art. The Midtown Go Your Own Way show sponsored by the Midtown Business Association, Sacramento News and Review and Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and runs through January 5, 2011.

Cooking Up Inspiring Art

2010-12-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

Recently I transformed the kitchen nook of my apartment into an art studio which means I can now do two of my favorite things at once: cook and make art. In addition to discovering Bryant Terry's brilliant book, Vegan Soul Kitchen, with amazing meat-free adaptations of traditional Southern (soul) food, I began creating mixed media works on paper. Each of the 5" x 5" collages feature text and images, some with a nod to animal advocacy, merging inspiration, tradition and progress. See more of the artwork, as well as 2009 and earlier works on my website.

Busy Past 6 Months

2010-12-08T17:43:00.001-08:00

The past months have been *busy*: making new (animal) friends, participating in art sho ws, attending events and more. Along with starting new artwork, here are a few highlights from 2010:

November - Meet Gene Baur

After visiting Farm Sanctuary in August, meeting its founder Gene Baur in November was an event I greatly anticipated. Sacramento Vegetarian Society hosted a potluck where Gene presented information on the mission, triumphs and challenges for animals, agriculture and our planet. The evening wrapped up with Gene signing copies of his book Farm Sanctuary and posing for photos with “fans” (like me, photo).

November - Saying Gracias and Making Tamales

November was a month of many thanks, first with a delicious, annual Thanksgiving meal with friends in San Francisco, followed by another great meal on Friday at Gracias Madre, the organic Mexican restaurant in the Mission District. The next weekend I attended a tamale-making workshop at Spanglish Arte retail y vida in Sacramento. Mari and Angelo (in photo) showed participants how to spread masa, fold corn husks and steam love into delicious little pockets traditional of Mexican holiday fare.

October - Sugar Skulls and Marigolds for Dia de Los Muertos

La Raza Galería Posada, a multi-disciplinary cultural center for Latino/Chicano and Native arts celebrated Dia de Los Muertos – “Day of the Dead” - with workshops in October. For the sugar skull workshop, participants added sequins, feathers and more to hardened sugar-molded skulls. I made one for my tio, Rob, who passed away unexpectedly this year. Additionally, LRGP held a marigold-making workshop for the orange and yellow paper flowers typically displayed in Dia de Los Muertos shrines. I put my marigolds with my sugar skull in a photo-centered, bottle-cap-and-glitter encrusted shrine for Uncle Rob.

September – Charleston Redux and Gibbes Art Museum

End-of-summer is a great time to visit the Deep South, and no city says Southern quite like Charleston, SC. Each visit shows more and more how cultural the city has become in recent years. Highlights of the trip included visits to Redux Contemporary Arts Center for a tour of resident artists' studios and an opening of Carson Fox's The Ice Storm, and Community Day at the Gibbes Art Museum featuring gorgeous burned paper "prints" by Stacy Lynn Waddell.

Chalk it Up and Painting for Paws

September also provided the opportunity to give to local culture and furry creatures, with participation in the 20th Annual Chalk it Up Arts Festival in Fremont Park and Painting for Paws, a benefit auction for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. Chalk it Up was a sensational, weekend-long event that drew huge crowds, and Painting for Paws raised money for animals and the shelter, with wonderful prize donations from local merchants as well as great art.

August - A Visit to Farm Sanctuary

In August, a 2-hour trip was made to Orland, CA for a visit to Farm Sanctuary, a special place definitely worth the drive. Friendly volunteers escorted visitors around the sanctuary, introducing residents such as Handsome (and gentle) Hank the Jersey cow, enthusiastic turkeys, sleeping hogs in the cool barn, Frederick the sweet (and very soft) sheep, several friendly goats, and Elliot the energetic baby cow, who sucked on arms and gave huge, wet calf kisses. Before leaving, guests perused the gift shop and loaded up on cruelty-free items, touting home the message of hope and love from Farm Sanctuary.

July - Barn Warming at Animal Place

To celebrate their move from Vacaville to a larger space in Grass Valley, Animal Place Sanctuary and Education Center held a Barn Warming the weekend of July 4th, featuring tours of the grounds, visits with the animals, live music, vegan food and animal-friendly vendors. The event was a wonderful way to celebrate one of the area’s notable animal-friendly organizations.

Coaxing Creativity

2010-07-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

New blog coming soon. Coaxing out the creativity... Thanks for your patience.