interrupt Guate notes for a booksigning

I'm interrupting the Guatemala story, to write about today, back in Oaxaca (Jan 23, 2011)


Our neighbors at Villa Maria, Tom and JoAnn Feher invited us to the book signing for the Miramar weavers project. It was held in the pretty north side of town, close to San Felipe, at the home of Judith and Warren Lockhart-Radke (I'm not sure who owns which name, but this covers everyone!). More about the house in a minute...

Two of the weavers had made the trip into the city, about 5 hours down the mountain. The photo at left is Judith. Judith wrote the text for the book; Tom contributed the photos. Beautiful book. Joanne is wearing one of the shawls Edith and Reyna brought for sale. Of course, in this photo, you can't see the beautiful pattern of the weaving. I could stare at the pattern for hours. But the fringe on each piece was amazing! You can see a little bit of a cascada pattern in this photo. Each piece had a different fringe. Patty, who is in charge of the literacy program for the village told me they have developed a relationship with some Zapotec weavers. The Mirarmar women have taught them back-strap weaving, the Zapotecs have taught fringe making. I wish I could say that I bought something tonight, in support if for no other reason, but the work was fairly priced. Above my means. Almost made me cry to see the beautiful work on the table!
Edith, left, and another weaver signing my book. These women, in the past few years, learned to read and write in their second language, spanish. This, in addition to tending crops, children, gardens, food production and families.

We met friends from our little apartment neighborhood, friends I'd met at Spanish Magic language school in December, and new friends. All Americans or Canadians, and we all visited and exchanged travel stories and news of things going on in the city.

Judith introduced me to Patty, who teaches the literacy program in the village, and we had a visit. Patty is going to put her notes about the program together and have them published for other villages to use, and will send me notes. Judith wrote a little about it in the book, how Patty used pictures and words in the process.


















Jo Ann and friend, wearing locally made blouses, at the party.

Jo Ann and I are beginning the embroidery class tomorrow at the Textile Museum of Oaxaca, with Navidad Amadour. A different kind of embroidery...

Judith and Warren live most of the year in the Boston area. They bought an old house in Oaxaca and had it renovated. Warren told Stuart tonight they visited once while the work was being done! Well, it's gorgeous! Not a large place, but every inch is used thoughtfully. The living area is extended into the central courtyard which has a small stream flowing through it. The living area can be closed off while they're away, and during the rainy season, with huge folding GLASS doors. The stairs have no visible means of support (tricky, isn't it?), and are made of wood. Dove-tailed. There are several small balconies, all facing north towards the mountains and a beautiful view. We were there at sunset, and the color was truly beautiful. The bed faces the window, for a stunning view, and the bathrooms were local tiles in bright colors, thoughtfully designed. It was a special evening.