Posted 5/1/2007

Dear Friends,

    It’s party time! And Mother's Day and Cinco de Mayo lead the list. Though Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday (May 5th) commemorating a victory over the French invaders in 1862, it’s also become a popular fiesta day in the U.S. For your next fiesta try my easy Sangria recipe. A fruit filled wine drink; Sangria is the perfect light beverage for a party. The flavors and beauties of Hispanic culture continue to become more popular. Salsa bested ketchup sales and tortilla chips pair with potato chips as the best selling snacks nationwide. In home design, Hacienda style is a classic form of architecture incorporating a color scheme that echoes the natural landscape. Blends of soft earth colors contrast with the bright strength of plant colors.

    Celebrate your personal victories and strengths. Many years ago an art teacher encouraged, “work from your strengths, and your weaknesses will become unimportant.” I have followed that counsel ever since. When I live and work from my unique strengths, the qualities I focus upon and nurture within myself increase. Not only have I become a better artist, I'm happier.  And being happy is cause enough for a party!

    Mother's Day is another reason to celebrate. I found some wonderful pictures in my late grandmother's albums. I wrote a historical essay celebrating her creative accomplishments in Southern California circa 1924. Celebrating the universal mother I enjoy painting images of Madonnas, like the Guadalupe and La Conquistadora celebrate my Hispanic heritage. Basing my work on the traditional Hispanic form of the retablo (an altar) I use oil paint, precious metals and antique ceramic mosaic to create images that exude strength and love.

Live Happy!

Cristina