A Faceless, Fluid Dream

~Moment of Realization~ I gaze in the fish tank right at my bedside each night before I drift off to sleep. This glass dolphin in my tank is a symbol of fluid movement. He is glass. He is clear. He is faceless.

“We awaken when we
realize that the dream
is just a dream. The
dream is fluid and
can change at will.”

•~~» Felicia Lujan

Strength and Kicks

My new Nike Free kicks~ designed to let feet move naturally and to develop strength. Good 4 running!

“If you always put limits on
everything you do, physical or
anything else, it will spread
into your work and into your
life. There are no limits. There
are only plateaus, and you
must not stay there, you must
go beyond them.” 

~~~» Bruce Lee

Caging the Intellectual Bird

“The binary world has given
radiant wings to knowledge
and information. Those who
support the infringement of
cyber freedom cage the
intellectual bird.”

••••••» Felicia Lujan
••••••» 4.30.2013

Of Stars

The new web site theme I designed is titled “Of Stars.”
For this site theme I selected the following quote:

*****
***********
*********************
Silently, one by one, in the
infinite meadows of the heaven,
blossomed the lovely stars,
the forget-me-nots of the angels.

— Henry W. Longfellow
*********************
***********
*****

“Of Stars” web site theme
designed by Felicia Lujan

 

Spirit, Heart and Mind: An Interview with Miguél A. Tórrez

Aristotle once said “if you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.” I believe that the great Greek philosopher intentionally excluded “its end” when he said this. History has no end, therefore, there are constant developments. This quote could not ring more truthful for a lover of family history. There is something about knowing where we came from that makes us feel complete. When it comes to the art of research, there is a genealogist who grew up in Ranchitos that is making major contributions to our history. This man has a passion for traditional and scientific research, which makes him a well-rounded historian.

I have known Miguél Tórrez for many years. The first time I met him he was feverishly working on his genealogy with his small boys by his side. He has been interested in history since he was just a boy, but in his early 20s he was seemingly smitten by the history of those who came before him. This was just a few years after Miguél graduated from Española Valley High School. Growing up in Ranchitos, New Mexico, Miguél was near the historic Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo). At that time he couldn’t imagine that several years later his maternal line would be genetically connected to this type of ancestry. He says “current data tells us that approximately 80-85% of all New Mexicans with colonial roots have Native American roots on their maternal lineage (mtDNA).”

The final week I collected photographs from Miguél for his feature piece he was preparing for Holy Week. His spiritual devotion bears the deep roots of tradition. As a genealogist, learning about traditions and even practicing tradition will foster a clear understanding of what shaped our people. Miguél believes that “knowing oneself through culture and language fosters a sense of pride” and this belief is evident when you hear him lecture. I asked him why he felt that our traditions were important and he said “no matter what culture a person belongs to everyone’s culture is important because it gives people an identity.”

~~Santo Niño in Espinosa, Colorado by DeSautel~~

By now I’m sure that Miguél has a family tree which extends further than I can imagine. He has done so much work and he is always willing to help others in need, which is admirable. Many people who don’t understand the breadth of family history are unaware of the vast collection of surnames they can be connected to. Miguél says that “just two generations back we can see our extended relations.” Between his grandparents and great grandparents he can claim the Torres, Romero, Madrid, Roybal, Rodriguez, Martinez, Medina and Trujillo surnames. He is proud to have discovered that some of his relatives were involved in very important historical events such as the Apache Campaigns and the Rio Arriba rebellion of 1837.

Miguél has tracked military service on his paternal (Torres) line back to Cristoabl de Torres who was born in 1641. He seems to appreciate the fact that a grandfather named Juan “loved to tell stories about his grandparents and all of his relatives.” This grandfather was born in 1915 and had extended family from Chimayó to Cordova, New Mexico. “As a child I was given a visual of life in the 1920s with his stories of travels he and his father would take on horseback and wagon to communities such as Mora where they would travel to sell their produce,” he said. Though his grandfather practiced oral history, Miguél has now harnessed the power of documentary evidence and genetic studies.

~~Three Generations of Torres Y-DNA~~

Miguél is currently in charge of about 100 paternal lineage (Y-DNA) kits. He collaborates regularly Angel Cervantes, the New Mexico DNA Project Coordinator/Group Administrator. This DNA project includes “the colonial expeditions of New Mexico by the Spanish in 1598 and 1693, by the Mexicans in 1821, and by the Americans in 1848.” This weekend Miguél will make a presentation titled “The Espinosa DNA Quest.” On Saturday (April 20, 2013) he will deliver a lecture at the Albuquerque Main Library (501 Copper SW~ Albuquerque, New Mexico) on the discovery of the Y-DNA genetic code of the Nicolás de Espinosa lineage (which includes 18th century branches of that clan). The presentation will run from 10:30~12:00 and is sure to be captivating.

When I asked Miguél what he wanted people to remember about him 200 years from now he said “I hope that the work I am doing will produce results that are worthy of scholarly articles and will serve as a worthy reference thus having historical relevance. As a young man I hope that I will have many successful years in doing so and that many generations will remember my name as having been a valid contributor to the preservation of New Mexican history and culture.” I guess as lovers of history we couldn’t ask for more than that right? Here is to one amazing man making a positive contribution to our communities and to the future through history.

Sunny Breakfast

•Aloha Fruity Salad Rolls•

********************

Laughter is the sun that
drives winter from the
human face.
………..Victor Hugo

********************

There is nothing like breakfast in the sun. The rays of light are so invigorating. Coffee and my favorite vegetarian sushi rolls from Whole Foods go perfect together. Yum! When I eat right, I can’t help but want to throw on my killa purps and exercise. I’m glad the weekend weather will be nice.

Sunday Stairway

Stairway to Heaven @ the Santa Fe High Football Field

_________________________

The vision must be
followed by the venture.
It is not enough to stare
up the steps~ we must
step up the stairs.

•••~Vance Havner
_________________________

Now that’s a workout!! Seriously…running up these stairs in the Sunday heat must be one of the hardest beatings my lungs can take (not to mention my body). Legs shakin’ ~n~ what not! I was able to run up the stairway today with a bit of floor exercises in between. There are 50 steps up and 50 steps down. I was able to complete 800 steps, but I should be able to do more than that?? Maybe next time? I just keep visualizing those summer outfits. It’s also good to boost my mental clarity. Cheers! I’m done for the day and headed to Whole Foods.

Ear Candy: The Killer Purps

~Felicia’s new purple headphones
(Beats Solo HD by Dr. Dre)~

I have been so impressed by ear candy over the last year. How did I ever live without real headphones? Laugh if you will but where I go— my genre blind iPod and headphones go. It was time to upgrade to the killer purps. My last set was black and red, but then Dr. Dre went and released his color line with King James by his side! This high definition sweet set has titanium coated driver technology for precise sound and distortion free bass. What can I say? This woman has needs!

Plato once said “music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” I do agree. It is natural for my body and mind to diffuse into sound. With music I get by, move forward, push harder, feel love, shake fear, become a fantasy, dry tears, and devour lyrics. My mind transforms with words and beats. Adrenaline provoking music is also critical to my workouts! I always have time for those things which make me feel alive.

~Dr. Dre and LeBron James~

Poetic Expression and the Innermost

Today Robert Pinsky published a great article about poetry on the Big Think (a site I really like). It is National Poetry Month and this piece by the 39th Poet Laureate of the United States is so thought provoking. I do know some people who don’t like poetry even though this article says Americans are just stereotyped with regard to that.

I actually think it is essential for humans to explore and develop poetic expression and understanding. Being matter-of-fact or literal all the time can simply destroy beautiful souls. As a deep and intricate being- I enjoy indulging my innermost feelings. My poetry is very fluid. It can be about something, somebody, nothing, and nobody all at the same time.

Pinsky’s article is titled Poetry Is Not an Ornament. It’s at the Center of Our Being. Yes– indeed it is. Those things which capture the heart of a poet are often riveted with complexity, rendering traditional forms of communication useless. The complex feelings of humans are often represented best rhythmically.

This afternoon a US Poet Laureate said it better than many could. Following are some of the quotes which stood out to me in Pinsky’s article about “the value of using poetic language in everyday life.”

“…the poem is a challenge to say something smart.”

“…you have to understand that a poem is a work of art and its purpose is not to make you feel puzzled…”
 
“…finding something that you would like to say aloud is, I think it’s the core of human intelligence, it’s quite fundamental.” 

“How does poetry or the act of writing a poem or speaking a poem help us to distill our experiences in a unique way that other forms of communication don’t allow for?”  

“I think art is not an ornament or refinement at the fringes of human intelligence. I think it’s at the center. It’s at the core.”

“…that hunger that ability that craving for art in relation to memory is right at the center of us.  And poetry, we use our own body to make it.  There is no fiddle, there is no paint, it’s the air that comes out of your body shaped in ways that have evolved and that are controlled by our brain.” 

Awesome!! I love this man. I got a good idea from that last quote. Read the full article if you get a chance. He also talks about the “Favorite Poem Project,” and nurturing poetic creativity in children.

Fight…

–Danni is The Biggest Loser–

•………•………•………•………•

“Fight— every single second.”

…………Bob Harper

•………•………•………•………•

Yes!!! Danni pulled through as The Biggest Loser on the Live Finale. She was absolutely smokin’ in a hot dress and nude heels.

Thank You for the Warmth

– The “Beloved Pet” candle and card I received from my friend Gail. –

Sometimes it can be hard to tell who really cares in this disconnected world. I truly appreciate those of you who exemplify the qualities of realness. The recent loss of my old friend was hard. Your comments, stories, and warmth helped– so thank you.

I have nothing but love for my mom, dad, and sister. I also appreciate the realest couple I may know– Sahm and Blu. This is a pair unique and afloat amongst a sea of pretenders. A special thanks to my TwiHard Woman, Dr. Sandra, and Mz. Gail– Lord knows you are all some *real* women! Susan Ann Darley, The Mouse, Wendell A. Brown, and Lady Lovely– I send my thanks to you as well.

Henri Nouwen once said “when we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.  The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” 

When It Hurts…

“When it hurts, push harder!”
—-Felicia Lujan

(by “it” I mean mind,
body and soul)

Felicia’s Nike golden shoes at rest on the Santa Fe High Track

Monsters

My new web site theme features the infamous 1781 oil painting by Henry Fuseli titled “The Nightmare.” The painting was first displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, but it is now housed with the Detroit Institute of Arts. This painting may be one of my favorite works of symbolic art. Many scholars of the mind believe that the “monster” is in fact the woman’s unconscious. I think it can represent the power of our dreams, addiction, being powerless, or that which haunts or enchants us. It can mean many things depending on who interprets the piece, and maybe even their mood. The picture has been hanging in my office for many years. Fuseli was indeed ingenious with regard to symbolic imagery.

My Frozen Heart

~• The Girl in May of 2012 •~

Today I lost one of my closest friends. She was a very old girl but still had fur which was soft as a kitten. Her eyes were big and blue. They could melt my heart on the coldest days. The Girl was part of my life for almost 18 years. She was much older than my only child. Late last night I realized she would be gone by the morning. I decided to hold her close and tell her how much I appreciated my years with her. She was the best cat I have ever had.

I laid her to rest amongst the singing birds as snowflakes turned my tears to ice. I will really miss my friend. Irving Townsend once said “another cat? Perhaps. For love there is also a season; its seeds must be resown. But a family cat is not replaceable like a worn out coat or a set of tires. Each new kitten becomes its own cat, and none is repeated. I am four cats old, measuring out my life in friends that have succeeded but not replaced one another.” 

For the Wild

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Birds sing after a storm;
why shouldn’t people feel
as free to delight in whatever
sunlight remains to them?
~~~~Rose Kennedy
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

It has been snowing on and off all day. As I anticipated last night, the clouds did bring in a slight storm. Where is the spring? This morning I felt really bad for my beautiful feathered friends. It was very cold and there they were speaking sweetly and fluttering about in the bitter chill. I decided to make a trip to town so that I could pick up a bag of wild bird seed. The treat is sure to make my friends sing! At least I know that they appreciate me.