Check Mate

I understand giving God His due 
and putting Him first, in all that you do.
And Mama can not be forgotten,
I would never dream of demanding for me,
your precious time with her.

Brothers and cousins, have always been there.
My entrance into your picture has only seconds,
in the gran scheme, if measured.
Understandably, I patiently wait, to see if you dare.
And conclude, I am last in your pile full of cares.

You worry and fret and live in the past.
Claiming not to have felt God in a while.
Not once giving value to the blessings before you.
While you move me further down
on your list of insignificance.
The familiarity of dread seeping into my soul
is my trumpet and wake up call.

Take a deep breath.
You over played your hand.
God got this.

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.

Juan Luis Guerra - Estrellitas y Duendes

"Estrellitas y Duendes"
"Little Stars and Elves"

Viviré en tu recuerdo

I will live in your memory

como un simple aguacero
like a simple downpour

de estrellitas y duendes

of little stars and elves

vagaré por tu vientre

I will loiter through your womb

mordiendo cada ilusión.

biting every illusion.

Vivirás en mis sueños

You will live in my dreams

como tinta indeleble

like indelible ink

como mancha de acero

like a stain of steel

no se olvida el idioma

language is not forgotten

cuando dos hacen amor.

when two make love.

[Estribillo]
[Chorus]

Me tosté en tus mejillas

I got toasted in your cheeks

como el sol en la tarde

like the sun in the afternoon

se desgarra mi cuerpo

my body tears apart

y no vivo un segundo

and I can't live a second

para decirte que sin ti muero.

without telling you, that I die without you.

Me quedé en tus pupilas mi bien

I am trapped in your pupils my love

ya no cierro los ojos

I no longer close my eyes

me tiré a los mas hondo

I threw myself in the deepest

y me ahogo en los mares

and I am drowning in the seas

de tu partida, de tu partida.

of you leaving, of you leaving.

[Interludio Instrumental & Vocal]

[Instrumental & Vocal Interlude]

Andaré sin saberlo

I will walk without knowing

calzaré de tu cuerpo

I will cover your body

como huellas en hierro

like fingerprints on iron

comeré lo que sobre

I will eat what you leave me

dentro de tu corazón.

inside your heart.

Y seré un mar desierto

And I will be a deserted ocean

una frase silente

a silent phrase

la elegida de un beso

the chosen for a kiss

un planeta de celos

a planet of jealousy

esculpiendo una canción.

sculpting a song.

[Estribillo]
[Chorus]

Me tosté en tus mejillas
I got toasted in your cheeks

como el sol en la tarde.

like the sun in the afternoon.

se desgarra mi cuerpo

my body tears apart

y no vivo un segundo

and I can't live a second

para decirte que sin ti muero.

without telling you, that I die without you.

Me quedé en tus pupilas mi bien

I am trapped in your pupils my love

ya no cierro los ojos

I no longer close my eyes

me tiré a los mas hondo

I threw myself in the deepest

y me ahogo en los mares

and I am drowning in the seas

de tu partida, de tu partida.

of you leaving, of you leaving.

[Repite...]

[Repeat...]

Me tosté en tus mejillas
I got toasted in your cheeks

como el sol en la tarde

like the sun in the afternoon

se desgarra mi cuerpo

my body tears apart

y no vivo un segundo

and I can't live a second

para decirte que sin ti muero.

without telling you, that I die without you.

Me quedé en tus pupilas mi bien

I am trapped in your pupils my love

ya no cierro los ojos

I no longer close my eyes

me tiré a los mas hondo

I threw myself in the deepest

y me ahogo en los mares

and I am drowning in the seas

de tu partida, de tu partida.

of you leaving, of you leaving.

Oh, oh, oh.....

Oh, oh, oh.....

Oh, oh, oh.....

Juan Luis Guerra - Ojalá Que Llueva Café

"Ojalá Que Llueva Café"
"I Hope It Rains Coffee"

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo
I hope it rains Coffee in the countryside

que caiga un aguacero de yuca y té
that a heavy shower of yuca and tea pour down

del cielo una jarina de queso blanco   
from heaven a light coating of white cheese

y al sur una montaña de berro y miel 
and from the south a mountain of watercress
and honey

oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Ojalá que llueva café          
I hope it rains coffee

Oh, Ojalá que llueva café en el campo
Oh, I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

peinar un alto cerro de trigo y mabuey      
combing an high hill with wheat and
Indian yam

bajar por la colina de arroz graneado
slide down a hill of grain rice

y continuar el arado con tu querer
and continue the plowing with your love

oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Ojalá el otoño en vez de hojas secas 
I hope the autumn instead of dry leaves

pintan mi cosecha de pitisalé
paint my harvest with savory meats

siembre una llanura de batata y fresas     
sow a plain with sweet potato and strawberries

Ojalá que llueva café
I hope it rains coffee

Pa’ que en el Conuco no se sufra tanto
So that the Conuco doesn't suffer so much

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

Pa'que en Villa Vasquez oigan este canto
So that in Villa Vasquez they can hear this song


Ojalá que llueva café en el campo
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

Ojalá que llueva, ojalá que llueva, ay hombre 
I hope it rains, I hope it rains, oh man

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo     
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

Ojalá que llueva c-a-f-é
I hope it rains c-o-f-f-e-e

[Interludio Musical]                     
[Musical Interlude]

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

sembrar un alto cerro de trigo y mabuey
sow a high hill with wheat and Indian Yam

bajar por la colina de arroz graneado  
slide down a hill of grain rice

y continuar el arado con tu querer
and continue the plowing with your love

oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Ojalá el otoño en vez de hojas secas
I hope the autum instead of dry leaves

pintan mi cosecha de pitisalé
paint my harvest with savory meats

siembre una llanura de batata y fresas      
sow a plain with sweet potato and strawberries

Ojalá que llueva café
I hope it rains coffee

Pa’ que en el Conuco no se sufra tanto
So that the Conuco doesn't suffer so much

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo  
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

Pa' que los Montones oigan este canto    
So that in the Montones they can hear this song

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

Ojalá que llueva, ojalá que llueva, ay hombre  
I hope it rains, I hope it rains, oh man

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo   
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

Ojalá que llueva café-é          
I hope it rains coffee-e

Pa’ que todos los niños canten en el campo
So that all the children can sing in the countryside

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

Pa' que la Romana oiga este canto
So that the Roman hear this song

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

Ojalá que llueva, Ojalá que llueva, ay hombre
I hope it rains, I hope it rains, oh man

Ojalá que llueva café en el campo
I hope it rains coffee in the countryside

Ojalá que llueva café

I hope it rains coffee

Masterful Caribbean Musician Poet - Juan Luis Guerra

The other day I was with some friends discussing the topic of language and how unfortunate it is that some people do not embrace it for the blessing that it truly is; for example, as it is used in song.   I personally believed early humans learned to sing before they mastered the art of conveying ideas to one another through the spoken word.  But that is another subject for another day.  Back to language, in this case Spanish, which when subjected to sound opens a new world to it's listener. A song tends to compartmentalize language into smaller sections allowing us to learn how other languages are composed.  In song, music becomes the main interpretational tool.  Words become secondary to the emotions the rhythm evokes yet the sounds entices the mind to learn more.  Humans are uncanny wonderful creatures that have the ability to create diverse venues to instill understanding and comprehension.  And what better way to so than through song?  It is the reason Lullaby's and Nursery Rhymes exist. Infusing our developing brains with the learning of language and bathing us in a musical realm.

Let me introduce you to one of most prolific Hispanic singer, song writer, composer and producer of our modern era, Juan Luis Guerra.  This man has been writing and singing about much more than love since the 1980's.  He studied music theory at El Conservatorio Nacional de Música de Santo Domingo, then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston.  Juan Luis Guerra Seijas graduated in 1982 with a degree in Jazz Composition.  

Accompanied by his band, 4-40, he introduced the world to such great hits like "El Niagara en Bicicleta" (The Niagara on Bicycle) an idiom for something difficult to achieve; "Bulbujas de Amor" (Love Bubbles) heavily metaphorical (warning may cause blushing); and "La Bilirrubina" (The Bilirubin) an imagined medical condition caused by a girl's refusal.  Juan Luis Guerra is a master poet. One of his beautiful lyrics questions whether a rose is wearing a full length dress or nothing at all.*  He did not limit himself to one genre incorporating diverse rhythms like merengue, bachata-fusion, balada, salsa, rock and roll and even gospel.  Juan Luis, through his numerous compositions, brought attention to issues that others turned their backs on.  Like poverty, social injustices, doomed romances because of social/economic backgrounds and failed governmental policies of his native, Dominican Republic.  

Juan Luis Guerra is a world renowned performer, human rights activist, philanthropist and very much still active at 61.  He has received countless nominations for Grammys for Album of the Year and Record of the Year, and many other accolades since starting his musical career in 1984; including a Doctorate from his alma mater Berklee.  But as with so many great geniuses, his works are too many to translate in my humble little blog, so I have chosen three of my favorites:

1.  El Costo de La Vida  (The Cost of Living)
2.  Ojala que Lluva Cafe (I Hope It Rains Coffee)
3.  Estrellitas y Duendes (Little Stars and Elves)

Even limiting myself to three songs is a big task.  So I will have to break it down into a song per page; including a video of the song.  I will translate El Costo de La Vida on this page.  I invite you to enter my world. 

Enjoy.

[I apologize for the format in which the translation is done.  I have yet to master using columns in Blogger]

"El Costo De La Vida"
"The Cost of Living"

El costo de la vida sube otra vez
The cost of living rises again

el peso que baja, ya ni se ve

the dollar drops, it can't be seen

y las habichuelas no se pueden comer
and the beans can not be eaten

ni una libra de arroz, ni una cuarta de café
nor a pound of rice, nor a fourth of coffee

a nadie le importa qué piensa usted
no one cares what you think

será porque aquí no hablamos inglés      
must be because here we do not speak English

Ah, ah es verdad (3x)
Ah, ah oh yes (3x)

Do you, understand?

Do you, do you?

Y la gasolina sube otra vez
And the gasoline goes up again

el peso que baja, ya ni se ve
the dollar drops, it can't be seen

y la democracia no puede crecer
and democracy can not grow

si la corrupción juega ajedrez
if corruption play chess

a nadie le importa qué piensa usted     
no one cares what you think

será porque aquí no hablamos francés      
must be because here we do not speak french

Ah, ah vous parlez? (3x)                          
Ah, ah do you speak? (3x)

ah, ah non, Monsieur
ah, ah no, Sir

¡Eh!...
Eh! (a sigh)

Somos un agujero
We are a hole

en medio del mar y el cielo                     
between the ocean and sky

quinientos años después
500 years later

una raza encendida
a burning race

Negra, Blanca y Taína
Black, White and Tania (Native American)

¿pero quién descubrió a quién?
but whom discovered whom?

Uhm é verdad, uhm é verdad, uhm é verdad
For real, for real, for real

Ay, el costo de la vida
Ay, the cost of living

eh, ya ves, pa(ra) arriba tú ves
eh, you see, going up you see

y el peso que baja
the dollar drops

eh, ya ves, pobre ni se ve
eh, you see, poor dear can't be seen

y la medicina
and the medicine

eh, ya ves, camina al revés
eh, you see, walks backwards

aquí no se cura
here nothing is cured

eh, ya ves, ni un callo en el pie
eh, you see, not even a callous on your foot

Ay, ki-iki-iki

eh, ya ves, ay ki-iki-é
eh, you see, ay ki-iki-é

y ahora el desempleo
and now the unemployment

eh, ya ves, me mordió también
eh, you see, it bit me too

a nadie le importa, no
no one cares, no

eh, ya ves, pues no hablamos inglés
eh, you see, since we don't speak English

ni a la Mitsubishi
nor at the Mitsubishi

eh, ya ves, ni a la Chevrolet
eh, you see, nor at the Chevrolet

[Interludio Musical]
[Musical Interlude]

La corrupción pa-arriba
The corruption rises

eh, ya ves, pa-rriba tú ves
eh, you see, going up you see

y el peso que baja
the dollar drops

eh, ya ves, pobre ni se ve
eh, you see, poor dear can't be seen

y la delincuencia
and delinquency

eh, ya ves, me pilló esta vez
eh, you see, pinned me down this time

aquí no se cura
here nothing is cured

eh, ya ves, ni un callo en el pie
eh, you see, not even a callous on your foot

Ay, ki-iki-iki

eh, ya ves, ay ki-iki-é
eh, you see, ay ki-iki-é

y ahora el desempleo
and now the unemployment

eh, ya ves, me mordió también
eh, you see, it bit me too

a nadie le importa, no
no one cares, no

eh, ya ves, pues no hablamos inglés
eh, you see, since we don't speak English

ni a la Mitsubishi
nor at the Mitsubishi

eh, ya ves, ni a la Chevrolet
eh, you see, nor at the Chevrolet

¡Oye!                                                
Listen!

[Improv.]

Uhm é verdad, uhm é verdad, uhm é verdad

For real, for real, for real

Eh Mama eh

Oh Mama, oh

La recesión pa-rriba
The recession is growing

eh, ya ves, pa-rriba tú ves
eh, you see, going up you see

y el peso que baja
the dollar drops

eh, ya ves, pobre ni se ve                  
eh, you see, poor dear can't be seen

y la medicina
and the medicine

eh, ya ves, camina al revés
eh, you see, walks backwards

aquí no se cura
here nothing is cured

eh, ya ves, ni un callo en el pie
eh, you see, not even a callous on your foot

Ay, ki-iki-iki                      
                       

eh, ya ves, ay ki-iki-é
eh, you see, ay ki-iki-é

y ahora el desempleo
and now the unemployment

eh, ya ves, me mordió también
eh, you see, it bit me too

a nadie le importa, no
no one cares, no
                    

eh, ya ves, pues no hablamos inglés
eh, you see, since we don't speak English

ni a la Mitsubishi
nor at the Mitsubishi

eh, ya ves, ni a la Chevrolet
eh, you see, nor at the Chevrolet

*"Te Regalo una Rosa" (Bachata Rosa), Juan Luis Guerra - 2013