Dreams, Moments, Travels
In getting situated in our new apartment we went and bought some flowers to brighten our balcony. Locking up the condo a little more than a week ago was a bittersweet moment, but with the money we’ll be saving, we should be able to afford even more travel. Matter of fact this Saturday, we are planning a drive north on the eastern side of Arizona. I’ll report back then.
If it’s the new year, it must be time to visit the Renaissance Festival, and if it’s 2003, it could be the sixth or seventh time we’ve driven out this way just past Mesa to spend the day getting sunburned, fatter, and poorer.
Ah, the Ded Bob Show. A crowd favorite every time.
Besides the turkey legs, blazing sun, and great entertainment, we are out here for the artists and craftspeople who make all manner of really cool, often expensive, stuff. Many of the decorations in our apartment are from right here, including art pieces from Bungled Jungle, a metal smith who makes some great dragon mirrors, a broom maker, our didgeridoo, some jewelry, and then there’s this weaver.
Caroline has been eyeballing master weaver Margaret Fischer’s work every time we come to the Ren Fest. While Greentree Weaving holds a special place in Caroline’s heart, the cost of these works is not cheap, and at about $250 for the Ruana above, she debates with herself and ultimately talks herself out of buying one. Someday, she’ll give in.
Goodbye condo. You ultimately proved too expensive and incompatible with our desire to travel more. The thousand dollars a month we can save by renting a smaller apartment feels well worth the downsizing at this time. It does come with a bit of ego-bruising for me as this is America, and we are measured by our material wealth more than any other aspect of who we are. Success implies we must drive the right car and have the right address.
Oh well, that’s not ultimately very important. How much we laugh, cry at profound beauty, hold hands when walking into a forest we are enchanted with, buy a fridge magnet of a lighthouse we visited, or cringe at the worst, saggiest bed we’ve ever slept in, these things are important as they are our experiences and not our belongings or material objects to put on display to impress others. With a bittersweet look back at Unit 1089, we depart and move on to new adventures.
Yadell Perez is turning 15 years old today. She’s being helped out of the car by her father, Roberto Perez. Today is her La Quinceanera.
Her mom is Socorro Perez, and with this special event, the family and friends will be celebrating Yadell’s coming of age.
Caroline and I are here because of Arturo and Guadalupe Silva, who invited us along. They are Yadell’s godparents. Prior to this Caroline nor I had any idea what a Quinceanera is.
Arturo and Guadalupe’s daughters Melissa and Sophia were already having fun at the church before everyone headed to the resort for the festivities, but first, Yadell received blessings from the priest. With the proceedings finished, Yadell and her closest friends piled into the white stretch limousine for the ride to the party.
I could be mistaken, but I believe this is Yadell’s grandfather; if he’s not, he looks like a great guy to have as one.
Roberto and his brothers.
Yadell had a short dance with all of the guests of honor, including my friend Arturo.
Food, dancing, music, and about 100 guests kept the place jumping into the late night. Thanks to everyone for welcoming Caroline and me into this beautiful event. Congratulations to Yadell on her entry to womanhood.