The Making of Doña Gladys

Some might wonder why I chose the title of this blog, and perhaps concluded, erroneously, that it is some adulation of humble me.  But no, it has more to do with the title Don than with me, I promise.  Stick around and I will be happy to indulge your curiosity.  

With the invention of film in 1890 by Thomas Edison and television in 1927 by Philo Taylor Fansworth; our American culture as been bombarded with cinema.  For some of us it has been a window into how other people behave and solve their problems.  It would not surprise me at all if in hearing the term Don the first inclination for most of us is to think of Don Corlene of The Godfather; or Don Quixote de la Mancha of literary fame.  But no, my pretties, Don has a rich history that resounds in the medieval halls of Spain and her Mediterranean contemporaries.

Originally, the title Don was reserved only for God, Jesus Christ and the saints.  Later, the Spanish medieval monarchy applied it to kings,  high nobles and archbishops.   Dueño or in the feminine Dueña has Latin origins, from the word "dominus" meaning "Lord of the house."  Which is why if you have had the joy of watching one our "Novelas" (Soap Operas) on TeleMundo (now, now, there is no shame, we know Americans are hooked on them too), you will notice that the stern. middle aged, handsome man who is revered by all in the ranch is addressed as "Don Emilio" or "Don Juan."  That reverence comes from the fact that he is a Landowner, a "jefe" (boss), and therefore, a decorum of respect is strictly followed.

Presently, in Spain, for example, the use has been gradually limited to writings, teachers and catholic priests.  Don is more commonly used in the south of Italy and Latin America.   Latin America is comprised of many uniquely and diverse countries.  In some areas, Don is used for someone that has gain respect throughout their community.  In others, only for those who have reached an advanced age.   In a different aspect, "The treatment of Don or Doña is used for persons of Hispanic heritage, either by birth or marriage."*  Meaning, when a woman marries she can gain or lose the use of her title.   Also, Don is more commonly used in Hispanic regions when a person reaches legal age or is married.  And in differentiating a person in a higher position in the workplace.

I started this blog believing that the term Don or Doña was strictly used as a connotation to being a landowner.  An easily arrived conclusion since dueño in Spanish means owner.  But in researching the term, I found that in the 1600's it was also used for those who achieved a great feat,  or were counts or countesses,  or were bishops or cardinals,  or of military rank; and later evolved it's usage to those whom had children, or got a diploma, or reached an advanced age.  My telenovela notion of being a Doña is shattered.  Because according to it's discovered uses, I have been Doña Gladys for quite sometime now. Thanks TeleMundo!!!!  


 *Wikipedia - Don (tratamiento) {Spanish} Last edited August 2, 2019.

So Grateful Indeed

I went and bought a house.

Believe me I am no Crouse .

So I put in the paper

and wrote out the letter.

And jolly was I with no spouse.

I emailed my friends

and gave them the news

and told them a Garden

I wanted to harvest.

So happy were they

To check out the place

That Connexion was called post haste.

From my Little Brother so dear and so kind.

A Lawnmower.  To keep my Backyard in line.

So grateful indeed.

One friend brought a pottery of grey.

So pretty and fair.

All the way from St. Augustine.

So grateful indeed.

From another friend I got a beautiful

handmade herb box.  And green pepper plant.

She is so special.  She knows who she is.

So grateful indeed.

A sweet friend gave me a presentation.

Rice, so that I never go hungry.

Wine, so that I will always be happy.

And money, so that it will abound.

So grateful indeed.

My Sister has a knack for knitting.

And knitting she did do.

For in the mail, I found box.

A set of knitted covers for my

down stairs loo.

So grateful indeed.

And Soil, so much Soil, that I will wallow 

in Dirt for a while.

Thank you Dear Sir and your Adorable Wife.

So grateful indeed.

My Eldest Brother endeared me with a 

Bush.  Which is planted in the front yard.

With the promise of standing guard.

So grateful indeed.

From Lowe's I got a rake, a water hose 

and a plant bracket.

That plant bracket holds a beautiful

angelic sounding chime in the back yard.

Two lovely Ladies made this happen.

So grateful indeed.

To Target I ran and bought a Hair Dryer.

What would I do with that in a Garden?

Gardening is hard work.  Eventually grooming. 

So grateful indeed.

My crew of three from STA.

Began what has turned out to be 

the landscaping to the entrance.

With plants from their own garden

and tools to tender them with.

So grateful indeed.

A sign that says "Friends Gather Here"

It's both beautiful and telling.

Along with Mint and Aloe Vera.

And pots of all sizes.

So grateful indeed.

Karaoke mischief filled the air.

And Augi ran around happily

Being pampered by all

So grateful indeed.

Another decided to take me shopping.

A beautiful metal side table I did get.

Along with a wine holder for six bottles

Merlot would be a sure bet.

And baskets.  I love baskets!!!

So grateful indeed.

And just when I thought that my party was

complete, a beautiful couple shows up with a 

latter of all things!!!  I wonder how they knew? :)

So grateful indeed.

I truly feel very blessed to have you all for family and friends.  What I am most grateful for is that on that Saturday, this structure, which started out as house, with the laughter and the joy, became a home.

Thank you.

Why do Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

According to a new poll conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Avocados From Mexico of 2,000 Americans, only 22 percent of respondents knew the meaning behind Cinco de Mayo.  Yet, one in four Americans plan to enjoy the festivities.

Cinco de Mayo translates from Spanish into the Fifth of May.  It is a celebration to commemorate the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, during the French-Mexican War, May 5, 1862; under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.  Puebla was a small humble town of mostly indigenous people.  Cinco de Mayo is not the day Mexico won their independence from Spanish rule as it is most commonly thought.  Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated September, 16.

Actually, Mexico had won it's independence fifty years prior to the Battle of Puebla.  The events that lead up to this new conflict in that part of the world was Mexico's President Benito Juárez declaration that Mexico was too poor to pay it's debts to foreign nations.  Prompting France to invade Mexico and making it a French territory.  But when french troops approached Puebla on May 5,  1862; a ragtag band of men, who until then knew very little of war and were out numbered 2 to 1, where able to keep the enemy at bay.

The Battle of Puebla, did not stop the French from taking Mexico City, the capital.  And it was with the United States' help that Mexico was able to finally defeat the French and restore Juárez back to power.  But it was that battle, on Cinco de Mayo, that became the symbol and pride of Mexico's resistance and ingenuity in the face of such great odds.  It also solidified our relations with our southern neighbor.

The spirit of Cinco de Mayo had quickly spread to the United States and soldiers of Mexican heritage used the day as inspiration for the Union struggle in the Civil War.  Americans in the mist of civil war were inspired by the Mexican victory and began celebrating the day with parades, dances, speeches, banquets and bull fights.

Today Cinco de Mayo is a bigger holiday in the U.S. than in Mexico, were it is mostly celebrated in the State of Puebla.  So when you raise your glass on Cinco de Mayo, take an extra moment to honor the surprisingly American history behind this Mexican holiday.

Used an article written by SWNS*.  Read more here NEW YORK POST
*SWNS, South West News Service

Viewed Video on the subject on History Channel**
**History Channel: On this day.