Hacienda de los Santos Parlor (Alamos, Mexico) — Image by kenne
gate of our being, awaken me, bring dawn, grant that I see the face of the living day, grant that I see the face of this live night, everything speaks now, everything is transformed, O arch of blood, bridge of our pulse beating, carry me through to the far side of this night….
gateway of being: open your being, awaken, learn then to be, begin to carve your face, develop your elements, and keep your vision keen to look at my face, as I at yours, keen to look full at life right through to death, faces of sea, of bread, of rock, of fountain, the spring of origin which will dissolve our faces in the nameless face, existence without face the inexpressible presence of presences…
Early Morning Street Sence In Alamos, Sonora — HDR Image by kenne
Alamos, Sonora 7 a.m caught the eye of a lone dog standing at the door patient Mexican dog not one to chase bikes laying against the sidewalk.
only a few high clouds add contrast against the blue sky behind me a truck rattles by carts pushed toward the plaza no one sleeping on benches like in America.
some Mexicans sitting on the church steps born destined to work in the cathedral of toil looking old at 21 a woman leaves morning mess still believing in the Guadalupe lady painted on velvet — I shell paint a velvet Elvis.
Some of the music events during the International Music Festival in Alamos, Sonora took place in and around the Templo de la Purisima Concepcion de Alamos, a beautiful old church on the Plaza de Armas.
Luft Bassooms Quartet
Templo de la Purisima Concepcion de Alamos — Images by kenne
One of our guides while in Alamos was Stephanie Meyer. Stephanie, a field trained biologist, excellent birder and interpreter of Mexico’s mestizo and indigenous culture hosted a gathering of local friends and our tour group at her home in Alamos.
To help make for a very festive cultural exchange atmosphere,
the Ronstadt Generations played with some of the Estudiantina de Alamos members. (See video below)
As usual, our hands-on guide and party host, Stephen Bernier
(President of South of the Border Tours — above center)
was doing his “Eveready” battery impersonation — he ass constantly on the move.
Good conversation and plenty to drink, of course.Spephanie and her help made sure there was plenty of tasty food. — Images by kenne
Ronstadt Generations — Americano Song Video by kenne
Rafael Figueroa Ju, Alamos, Sonora, Mexico — Image by kenne
One afternoon while in Alamos we all met where Tucson’s Ronstadt Generations was staying to listen to a fabulous seventy-five year old harmonica player, Rafael Figueroa Ju. His appearance was a beautiful example of organized spontaneity.
Video of Rafael Figueroa Ju by kenne (January 27, 2016 in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico)
On early morning walks
down the narrow
streets of Alamos I saw the street dog patiently waiting by the door seeming to know her place, her sad eyes piercing my soul occasionally lifting her ears
to my enter thoughts, looking away lost in longing — I wanted to reinvent the moment opening her prison door.
Jim and Nancy Swickard purchased the 300-year-old Hacienda in 1989 and renovation became their obsession. Along with daughter Jamie, her husband Ramon their devotion to details has helped create a truly luxurious hideaway with a genuine flavor of Old Mexico. Without question, Hacienda de los Santos is the crown jewel of Alamos, one of Mexico’s most splendid colonial cities. Once you enter this colonial village, you’ll experience the feeling of a different age, the romanticism of Spain and the sweetness of Old Mexico.
Alone on the terrace as flame to my lonely lamp fades to the courtyard light — Santos crimson cushions await our conversation as oil and honey to the throat “thou still unravish’d bride of quietness”.
Our overnight stay on the way to Alamos for the 32nd Festival Alfonso Ortiz Tirado Music Festival was at the Playa de Cortes on the Sea of Cortes where we partied with our fellow travelers out of Tucson, Ronstadt Generations — Representing multi generations in North America, Ronstadt Generations continues the family’s musical traditions with Michael J. Ronstadt (younger brother of Linda) and his son Petie; a multi-instrumentalist and solid solo performers in his own right. They along with veteran musician, Alex Flores and present an exciting repertoire that preserves the traditional Southwestern and Mexican songs of their heritage with beautiful harmonies sung in English and Spanish. (I will be posting videos later.)
Partying In Guaymas, Sonora with Ronstadt Generations (January 24, 2016) — Images by kenne
Hacienda de los Santos Parlor (Alamos, Mexico) — Image by kenne
Cat at Hacienda de los Santos Resort and Spa (Alamos, Sonora, Mexico)
Early Morning Street Sence In Alamos, Sonora — HDR Image by kenne
Mi Pueblo Alamos– Computer Painting by kenne
The Morning is Bright — Computer Painting by kenne
Luft Bassooms Quartet
Templo de la Purisima Concepcion de Alamos — Images by kenne
Spephanie and her help made sure there was plenty of tasty food.
Rafael Figueroa Ju, Alamos, Sonora, Mexico — Image by kenne
Alamos Street Dog — Computer Art by kenne
Mayo Woman in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico — Grunge Art by kenne
Hacienda de los Santos Entrance — Images by kenne
Floor Lamp — Grunge Art by kenne
Partying In Guaymas, Sonora with Ronstadt Generations (January 24, 2016) — Images by kenne
Seaside at Playa de Cortes on the Sea of Cortes
Templo — Plaza de Armas, Alamos, Sonora — Image by kenne
Becoming is Superior to Being 