Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo

In Phoenix, today will be celebrated with Mexican food, parties, and ethnic dancing. 

Now a little history lesson.

Cinco de Mayo  is a celebration held on May 5. It is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla,where the holiday is called El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (English: The Day of the Battle of Puebla). The date is observed as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy . In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day—the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico—which is actually celebrated on September 16.  31% of the Arizona population is Hispanic, and the Hispanic population in Phoenix is 36.5%.

Fiestas are planned everywhere--from large organized parties, to small neighborhood or family events.  Tables will be piled high with rice and beans, hand made tortillas, tamale pies, ceviche, flatus, burritos, tacos, and enchiladas.  Beer and margaritas will flow like water.

On the down side, last year, more than 500 Arizonans were arrested for drunk driving during Cinco de Mayo festivities – including 167 extreme DUIs. This is more than for any other one day holiday.  And while having a designated driver or calling a cab is the obvious safe choice, those arrested during Cinco de Mayo last year failed to use either option.

As the token white lady on our block, I am wishing each of you a happy, safe Cinco de Mayo, no matter what your heritage, we can all be proud of who we are, and especially the freedoms that we enjoy.

friday

My Favorite sights and happenings this week

Earlier this week one of the neighbors down the block had an outside party.  Now this was not your usual party.  There were Indian dancers in full costume doing traditional native dances to the beat of several drums.  The shaman welcomed visitors; truly an unusual sight.

The tree is up and beautiful. I am happy.  It has a western theme.

Grandson put up the outside lights,  I was surprised and happy

I finished my Christmas Cards.  All the sparkle doesn't show up very well, but the branches (part of a Christmas tree garland) are white and covered with sparkly glitter--just like a frosty morning sight.

Security System

I live in a sketchy neighborhood. Years ago it was a decent family community, but through the years, as the children grew up and moved away, the housing market collapsed and the economy declined, many of the houses became vacant and the haven for criminal activities--drugs, illegal immigrant smuggling, vagrants; the area disintegrated.  Across the street, a coyote (smuggler who holds immigrants for ransom) was murdered. In the house behind me a man went crazy and shot his wife. There have been drive by shootings and robberies--things common in depressed neighborhoods.  But slowly things are changing again.  Some decent Hispanic families have moved in, planted trees, watered their lawns, and some have even planted flowers.  So things are getting somewhat better.


Many of my friends say I should move, but that's not financially possible, and I like my home.  It is well-built, roomy, and in good condition.  And I have never been afraid.  Don't get me wrong, I am sensible and cautious.  I lock my doors, have security lights, and two big dogs--who bark like crazy.

But I rely on a different security system, an inner security.  God has placed an angel on the corners of my property.  Neither bullets, or evil people can cross this barrier without God's permission.  So I reside in peace.

Psalm 34:7  For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. (NLT)

Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.  (NIV)

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Just to let you know that today I have an article in Blogging Sisters.  Drop by and check it out.

Phoenix--What did I see?

A city of contrasts--Haboobs (violent dust storms), cotton fields, urban skyscrapers, grazing sheep, beautiful sunrises and sunsets all seen within Phoenix city limits.  Where else could you see all this 
                                           AND

A cowboy in a sombrero, talking on his cell phone, riding his horse down a residential street past a new truck.

Open the Doors, see all the People

I am thankful for my church. The Mission of North Phoenix Baptist Church is to

challenge people to discover and live a Christ-centered life.

My church, although considered a mega-church, has small fellowship groups and classes, to encourage friendship and fellowship. It has a mission of service to the community and encourages everyone to put their faith into action. 

That's me in the red sweater, behind the sound booth.

"Loving God and Loving People are core characteristics of a Christ-centered life and reflect the essence of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Living God's love in the heart of our city and around the world is our vision and preferred future. We believe the best is yet to come!"  Having this premise makes this a wonderful place to worship. 

Wisdom in a fortune cookie

Yesterday's fortune cookie said "Nature, time and patience are the three great healers."  I have been under a lot of stress trying to get our company's computer conversion finished.  If there has been a problem we have encountered it.  As the deadline looms, there still is a lot of work to do, and now we are encountering technical difficulties.  Today I took off early, and just drove out of town, parked by a cotton field near a pecan grove and absorbed the view.  There was a slight haze, but that made the mountains look purple.  Blackbirds  played chase, butterflies drifted from bush to bush, and a light western breeze made everchanging shimmering designs in the trees. It never ceases to amaze me that within a fifteen minute drive I am away from the city's busy action.  After awhile I could feel the stress melt away.  I must remember that this situation will soon  be over.