Oaxaca

Colorful, Diverse & Delicious – Thank You, Oaxaca

I was sad in Billings, so I might as well be sad in Oaxaca – is what I told myself. I had planned to be in Oaxaca in January 2020. Cash had just passed away in December.

I am so grateful that I went. Oaxaca was colorful, diverse, delicious, artistic, caring and healing. The streets were full of beautiful graffiti art. I was moved by the inappropriate cherub with the dollar symbol – it reminded me of my son. It’s so interesting what you can find, when you are open to the sights and sounds around you. I was moved by the small children & families that work so hard to sell their handmade crafts. I was inspired by some old tapestries to make into unique jackets.

I was fascinated by a metallic fortune teller on the street every evening. He played mysterious music, stared deep into our eyes and handed out fortunes in Spanish. I couldn’t wait to get back to our rental and translate on the rooftop and journal about his advice. I may have gone back to him more than once.

The food was outstanding. Maria cooked us an authentic amazing breakfast every day and our evenings where filled with a variety of awesome meals. We went to a Tezmacal, watercolor and embroidery classes, and many art galleries. I fell in love with a print called “The Miracles of Jesus” and admire it daily in my home.

I went on a waterfall hike with a guide. We couldn’t understand each other very well. I was crying on this hike, missing my boys, moved by the waterfall and desert. He was worried that I was hurt. It was hard to describe our conversation but when he got it, I was moved by his empathy and the pain that he had survived as well. Two strangers just crying on this journey. At the end of this hike was a pool of water you could jump in. I am skeptical of unknown water, especially in Mexico but I made myself jump in, Cash would’ve “sent it“ for sure.

Mexico reminded me that we all suffer loss. Mexico reminded me of simple joys. Mexico reminded me to be gentle with myself and others.