The Empanada Club

So, I have become just a little bit famous in my corner of the world for making beef empanadas.  My friends love them.  Whether they are co-workers or regular everyday friends.  They love my empanadas.  Empanadas are dough discs filled with just about anything you want to put in them.  Beef, chicken or pork.  Heck, it doesn't have to be meat at all.  You can turn an empanada into a pastry by simply substituting your savory meats with guava and cream cheese.  Yum!!!   When ready,  place your filling in the middle, fold it, seal it and wala!!!   They can be deep fried, baked or utilize an air fryer.  You have something so delicious, yet so simple!!!  But don't tell anyone!!!  It's our little secret!!!

On Tuesday, I happen to mention to my small circle of dear girl friends that I was making empanadas the next day and that bit of information turned into an impromptu get together.  They came over, we joked and laughed.  There was wine and we let our hair down.  I love this particular group of women.  The youngest in her late 30's the oldest in her sixties, yet we all find common ground when we get together.  I don't know what it is and it really doesn't matter.  The only thing that does matter is that we enjoy and uplift each other.  There is respect and safety among us.  Respect for who we are and the validation of our feelings; no matter how mundane we might perceive our feelings to be.  Safety in knowing that what is discussed and shared will remain confidential; and more importantly not minimized or belittled.  That is so important in cultivating trust.

I made hummus, which was a big hit.  Spicy of course!!!  And a dilemma arose when the garbanzo beans had a tough outer shell which needed to be peeled.  The atmosphere was as if we were back to a time when women would divide the work and make great things happen, like sow a quilt or weave a rug.  Those were times when women gathered happily and bonded.  I told Nell that the outer shell was a called a cousin.  She thought that was actually a thing.  We busted out laughing when the gig was up and Sherry, mischievous Sherry, started calling the garbanzo shells primos (Spanish for cousin)!!!  You just had to be there!!! 

Later, much later, Erica showed up and simply fell in love with Nico.  Oh, wait, I didn't tell you about Nico.  Well, earlier in the day, I was on my way to a doctors' appointment and was stopped at a red light and this itty bitty white fluff of a dog was dodging under the cars in front of me.  Fortunately, I had not had time to eat my breakfast that morning so I took it with me.  Well, Nico ended up eating my breakfast.  That was what I used to entice him to come to me and eventually into the car.  I am now the proud owner of an unknown breed of an itty bitty white fluff of a dog named Nico!!  Now, back to Erica, she fell in love with my doggie.   She calls him, her doggie.  It's so cute really.  I have a feeling Nico has three instant aunties on duty.

Some how while stuffing ourselves with empanadas and the chatter and the laughter and the dog running around; we decided to call ourselves The Empanada Club.  I was inspired to put to ink our adventures and to officially inform the world that there is such a thing as a sisterhood, women who share no other bond but the appreciation of joyful moments spent in each other's company and that, ladies and gentlemen, is more than enough for us.  Well done empanaditas.  Well done.

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