My zine for sale!

Order a print copy of "Have You Seen the Dog Lately?" with a Oaxaca pop culture and Day of the Dead theme here:

Eco Fair Escapees

We went to an eco-fair at a farm near Huayapan. It was fantastic. Max rode a bike that powered a blender, and another one that powered a corn-grinder. We drank Tejate and talked to a company that told us they could install a solar water heater and tank on our roof for $700. We saw a beautiful house made of compressed dirt. Genevieve ran through greenhouses with tomatoes creeping up vines and Max made a tiny box for compost. Then, the little goats saw their chance and broke free of their pens, munching on everything in sight. Go goats!

La Raza

We bought this painting from our friend Humberto Batista. It's called "La Raza".

The Little Car that Could?

Yes, there it is in the corner, our little VW Bug, or "El Vocho", the character Steve immortalized in his El Vocho blog.

Our vochito broke yesterday and is now down the block in the mechanic's shop. We are wishing it well (until we can sell it).

Courtyards

I love the Mexican architectural tradition of the inner courtyard, the covered patio, or the giant porch. It's part of this blurring of indoors and outdoors that makes living here so pleasant, because you can sit or eat outside, everywhere, throughout the seasons. Some courtyards are elegant and rambling, lined in stone or carisso, or with adobe walls and exposed bricks. Other courtyards are just an opening cut into the middle of a concrete block. Both are a building's secret buried treasure, where light pour in, and a fresh breeze can enter. If you have a little awning, you can watch the rain from underneath. Our courtyard is a little stark, with tiles and a brick wall, but we have three sliding glass doors to access it, and can basically open up the walls of our living room, dining room and entry way to blend them in with the courtyard. We've filled it with plants and bouncy balls.

What is a Play Groud?

Many of the businesses in Mexico just paint their store's name on the side of the building. Some of them use beautiful artwork, too, such as this little cartoon guy advertising a video game parlor.

More neighborhood art

Loving all the hating of Chedraui.