Category Archives: Uncategorized

Jul12

Vecinos Con Carinos Fourth of July Party

Posted on July 12, 2016 by iamkaren23

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Vecinos Con Carinos Fourth of July Party

Vecinos Con Carinos is an organization that supports schools and people who live in a poor area in Teacapan, about two hours drive south of Mazatlan. I am a member of this club and we held a fundraiser at Villa Loman, a beautiful home a few minutes north of Teacapan. Our hosts were Helen and Jerry Loman, also members of the group. Their home is spacious and the grounds are huge. And it is only a five minute walk down to the beach. Here are photos of the home and the view from the terrace.

Some of us stayed overnight in guest apartments, while others came out only for the day. Kathy and David Francone graciously gave me a ride down there in their new Winnebago which made it all the more enjoyable.

Upon our arrival at Villa Loman, Dave Parker had been busy barbecuing hot dogs for us. His wife Sue did an amazing job of organizing this fundraiser attended by some 23 people. Sue is very creative in terms of planning everything from activities to obtaining door prizes. She even designed trophies for the game winners. And what fun games they were!

A bean bag toss was the first game, followed by a potato race. There was also a putting green on the grounds for those who braved the broiling sun. A trivia quiz followed, Bingo games and then the raffle for the door prizes took place.

Helen Loman is a remarkable woman. At the tender age of 87, she provided and cooked all the food for our sumptuous dinner that evening. The menu included ribs, chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, corn on the cob and garlic bread. Helen lamented that she had forgotten to serve the baked beans she had lovingly prepared, so care packages were provided. The table was set beautifully with china and silver. Dessert followed with delicious homemade ice cream.

After dinner we sat around on the terrace and then some of us participated in a sing-along. Others began their drive home to Mazatlan. We were all exhausted by eleven and retired to our apartments.

The next morning we were treated to a wonderful breakfast of quiche, potatoes, fruit and the lightest and fluffiest biscuits I’ve ever tasted. Most of us were still full from the meal the night before and were overwhelmed by yet another feast.

All too soon, we said our good-byes and departed Villa Loman. On the way back to Mazatlan, we took a detour through the pueblo of Teacapan and explored the Malecon.

It was a fabulous way to celebrate the fourth of July. And the fundraiser itself was a huge success, raising approximately $8200 Mexican. It was indeed a Happy Fourth of July!

Jun30

June 30th, July 1st, July 4th….Then and Now

Posted on June 30, 2016 by iamkaren23

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June 30th, July 1st, July 4th….Then and Now

June 30th. Report card day. In my childhood I recall the feeling of two months of freedom once I clutched that all important envelope in my hands. We used to chant:

No more pencils, No more books, No more teacher’s dirty looks.

Decades later I recall taking my own children to school on June 30th to pick up their report cards. We used to go out for breakfast after with friends. Later on in the afternoon we’d head to Chuck E Cheese for pizza and games. And on the drive home we would witness lightning and hear the rumble of thunder and usually make it home safely into the garage before the worst of the storm hit.

I wonder what my kids are doing today back in Canada. I did some grocery shopping this morning and will be headed down to the pool shortly to cool off. Both temperatures and humidity are soaring in Mazatlan today.

Tomorrow is July 1st, Canada Day. When my kids were younger, we used to go to Fort Whyte for the annual scavenger hunt. We’d often go to Assiniboine Park or The Forks to watch the fireworks at night. Sometimes we’d go to the Osborne Street or Corydon Street festivities.

And Monday is July 4th which brings back fond memories of going to the USA for parades and fireworks. This year I’ll be about two hours out of Mazatlan celebrating this holiday. A barbecue, games and a bonfire are part of the celebration.

Happy Canada Day! Happy 4th of July! Enjoy and stay safe.

Jun17

Fathers Day June 19, 2016

Posted on June 17, 2016 by iamkaren23

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This year Fathers Day falls on Sunday June 19th. Fathers Day has always been bittersweet for me as the last time I celebrated with my dad was forty years ago. Four decades ago. Yes, I’ve been without a father for most of my life.

As a young child I recall making cards both at school and at home to honor this day. There was no hype for electronics as gifts in those days. Commercialization had not yet invaded this day. I know my dad treasured these handmade cards, and he enjoyed spending the day with his family. We would often barbecue with my Auntie Jan and Uncle Harry and my cousins. I have some great memories of these times.

My dad was a self-made man who dropped out of school at age fourteen to run the family business when his own father became seriously ill. He supported his family and all three of his younger siblings were able to go to university due to his efforts.

My dad taught me how to skate, ride a bike and drive a car. He always found time to toss a ball around with me or push me on a swing. But more importantly, he instilled values in me that I have passed on to my own children – the importance of education and development of a solid work ethic.

Sadly my dad never lived to meet his grandchildren. And my children missed out on having a wonderful, loving grandfather in their lives.

June 19th is also the anniversary of my mom’s death twenty years ago. So this Sunday is a double whammy for me. My children were fortunate in having a grandmother in their lives in their formative years, but we were all shocked and saddened when my mom passed away suddenly two months before my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah.

Here in Mexico, Fathers Day is not celebrated with the same relish and enthusiasm as Mothers Day. Commercialization is not as dominant as in the USA or Canada. If I were back in Canada, a visit to the cemetery would be an important part of my day. Instead, a virtual visit is in order as I have photos of the grave sites on my computer.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad, my hero in heaven!

Jun4

Mazatlan Health Fair

Posted on June 4, 2016 by iamkaren23

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On May 22nd a Health Fair was held at the Convention Center here in Mazatlan. Organized by the University of Durango, Vecinos Con Carinos was the main sponsor. As I am a member of Vecinos Con Carinos, I volunteered my time at this event. The goal of this event was to provide free consultations with health care professionals to people from the poorer areas of this city.

While it is true that there exists a free health care plan for all Mexican citizens, many people do not have access to Seguro Popular. Here in Mexico there are many home births which results in births not being registered. If a person is not registered, they are unable to access Seguro Popular. Also, many people are unable to afford the bus fare needed to take them to a facility. These people live in shanties or may be squatters. They have no running water nor do they have electricity. The children usually do not attend school. There is no money for uniforms or supplies required even in the public schools here.

One of the other volunteers also volunteers in an outreach program with La Vina. She recognized one of the ladies attending the Health Fair from one of the church’s programs. The woman told her that she had taken three buses to get to the Convention Center that day. She now had no money to return home. She wasn’t familiar with the city and hadn’t realized that three buses were needed to get to the Health Fair. The volunteer gave her the money so that she could return home. And that is only one story.

The majority of the health care professionals present that day were medical students, residents in their final year. Booths were set up with topics ranging from birth control to psychiatry. The most popular booth by far was gynecology, where women were given pelvic exams. What most of us take for granted as a part of our annual physical was something many of these women had never experienced in their lifetimes.

While it was encouraging to see so many people come to the Health Fair that day, I can’t help but think how many more people may have been helped had professionals gone out to the poorer areas instead of having the people come to the Convention Center. More comfortable in their own environment, and only a walk away instead of a tedious bus ride, hundreds more could have been helped and perhaps even lives could have been saved. But overall, the event was a success.

The following are some of the photos I took that day:

May19

May Is Mental Health Month

Posted on May 19, 2016 by iamkaren23

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May is Mental Health Month. There have been quite a few Facebook posts lately about depression and anxiety. I thought it was appropriate to do a blog post on this topic, not only because it is Mental Health Month, but because depression and anxiety are conditions that I am all too familiar with. I even published a book back in 2009 that included my story as well as the stories of others who struggle with these issues.

Depression is complicated. There are many wonder drugs out there but they don’t always work for everyone. In actuality they sometimes may cause the condition to worsen. In my case, when first diagnosed, it took months of different combinations to find the right ones that would help me to feel better. But there is something else that helps and that is talking about your situation and reaching out for support from others.

However, there are two big hurdles to overcome here. First, it’s not easy to talk to other people about this. It’s not easy to even admit to yourself that you have this condition and that you require treatment. So how are you to feel comfortable in sharing this experience with others?

Secondly, unless you have experienced the darkness of depression yourself, you cannot truly understand how devastating it can be. And because you can’t comprehend it, you are reluctant to offer the needed support, whether it be out of ignorance or perhaps even fear.

What is the solution to this problem? Society as a whole needs to be educated with regards to depression and anxiety. Those of us who struggle with mental health issues are not crazy. This stigma must disappear. Depression and anxiety are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Telling people to get over it and think positive thoughts is not the answer. This just contributes to the problem.

I have learned the importance of reaching out for help when I am feeling down. I am fortunate in having a network of supportive friends and an outstanding therapist in my life. Given my past, without these people, I highly doubt that I would be here today writing this blog post.

If you know someone struggling with depression and anxiety, please be there for them. Be patient and understanding. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, and let them know that you are more than willing to be a part of their support system. Do not be afraid of saying the wrong thing as often your presence means far more to them than your words. After all, wouldn’t you want someone to be there for you if you were the one spiraling down that black hole?

May14

So I Took A Mexican Cooking Class

Posted on May 14, 2016 by iamkaren23

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I have always loved Mexican food. As Winnipeg is seriously lacking in Mexican cuisine, whenever my travels brought me to the USA I would always seek out Mexican food. And I must admit that the food served in North Dakota differs greatly from that in Arizona. But when arrived in Culiacan in 2010, I discovered what real Mexican food is.

I have lived in Culiacan, Irapuato, Guadalajara and now Mazatlan. The food in Sinaloa is definitely different than in Jalisco, and Sinaloa wins hands down. I have always wanted to take a course in Mexican cooking. The opportunity finally arose this month when I saw an ad on Find It Here Mazatlan.

Sofia Vargas is a very talented young lady whose new business enterprise is called Kahlo’s Kitchen. In fact, I was a part of the inaugural class of five gringas yesterday. Sofia and her mother were our teachers and they are to be commended for their efforts. The menu was selected well, and we were all drooling by the time we sat down to lunch.

Sofia and her mom demonstrated, but also let us become involved in grilling vegetables, preparing salsa as well as creating chilis rellenos. And of course we were great samplers of both jamaica and margaritas. Sofia had also prepared handmade cookbooks for each of us with all the recipes.

It was interesting to see how the vegetables were grilled, and the aroma was tantalizing.

Next came preparing the salsa, And it goes without saying that we sampled it as well.

Then came cooking the jamaica. Once it was chilled, small bits of canteloupe and watermelon were added. Extremely refreshing in the Mazatlan heat! Here is a photo of the hibiscus flowers before cooking.

Next was an explanation of various types of cheeses that are used to stuff the chilis. The tray provided us with samples of oxaca, chihuahua, panella and a regional organic cheese. Once stuffed, Sofia’s mom prepared the batter to dip the chilis in before frying. Doesn’t this look incredible?

We were also shown how to prepare red rice. It’s amazing how a simple tomato sauce turns plain rice into such a delicious delicacy.

The mango margaritas were awesome! Fresh fruit and tequila and no flavored syrups here. Salt and spice on the rims.

We then were treated to a sumptuous chocolate flan for dessert. it’s amazing how the flan separates from the cake batter as bakes.

I can hardly wait until the next class!

May9

Happy Mother’s Day

Posted on May 9, 2016 by iamkaren23

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Today is Mother’s Day in many parts of the world although here in Mexico the actual date to celebrate is always May 10th. It’s always a day of reflection for me as my own mother has been gone for twenty years. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of her and wish I could see her smile or hear her voice one last time. In my heart, it’s always Mother’s Day. It isn’t necessary to designate one specific day a year to honor mothers.

I was fortunate to live in the same city as my mother until the day she died. We lived ten minutes away from each other, talked for hours daily on the phone and saw each other several times a week. My situation with my children is very different because we live in different countries.

I live in Mazatlan now and my children are back in Canada in different provinces. Today my daughter sent me a photo of the two of them at a Blue Jays game in Toronto. How nice that they were able to be together and how thoughtful of them to send me that picture!

The last time the three of us were together on Mother’s Day was in 2009 when my daughter made a lovely brunch for us. I have been able to spend a couple of Mother’s Days with my son when I returned to Winnipeg for visits, most recently last year. I recall other years when my children were small and would make me greeting cards to commemorate this special day. Sometimes there would even be a hand print included with the verse. But what I remember most is their beaming faces and loving hugs.

I had a wonderful day today at the beach and then lounging around the pool at home. But the highlight of my day is this photo.

Kyle and Kimmy, thank you so much for making my day extra special. I hope someday all three of us will be together again on Mother;s Day. Love you lots!

Apr30

Where Does The Time Go?

Posted on April 30, 2016 by iamkaren23

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The other day I had lunch with friends who are returning to Calgary for the summer. They know I haven’t been teaching much and are amazed when I tell them that my first year here in Mazatlan has gone by so quickly. Whatever do you do with your time Karen? So it appears that it’s time to reflect upon what I’ve been doing.

Last year at this time I was back in Winnipeg. I was preparing for a book launch and I had a lot of loose ends to tie up so that I could return to Mexico for an indefinite period of time. My two week visit became five and I was more than ready to return to Mexico, especially when an unexpected snowfall graced us in Winterpeg.

Living in Mazatlan is very different from living in Guadalajara. It is much hotter here and much more humid, although Guadalajara gets a lot of rain and some flash flooding. Mazatlan is a much smaller city and the air is much fresher. English is more common here, especially in certain expat areas. I actually have met people here who have lived here for years and do not speak any Spanish.

Because it is a smaller city, nothing is really far away. The traffic is lighter, and the roads are better as well. But the one big lure for me is the ocean. If Guadalajara had a beach, I’d still be there. I miss the museums, art galleries, parks and especially the canyon. But nothing compares with zipping along the Malecon here on a motorcycle with the wind blowing through your hair.

My friends have visions of me basking on a beach all day with a cerveza at my side. While I do make a point of going to the beach to relax, just the sight of the ocean from a bus window on a daily commute is calming and peaceful. I teach, I write, I volunteer and even tried my hand at acting, but I most definitely do not lie on a beach all day long everyday.

I suppose you could say that my major focus has been on writing. I’m working on my third book and am writing fiction as opposed to self-help books. I belong to writers’ groups online. I also contributed to a book published here in Mexico extolling all the wonders that this country has to offer.

At the moment I am only teaching private students. But I did find myself back in the classroom obtaining a CENNI examiner certification as well as a certificate to administer TOEIC exams here in Mexico.

I volunteer with Vecinos Con Carinos and La Vina. I also attended my first Friends of Mexico meeting this month.

I haven’t done too much traveling in Mexico. I went to Culiacan last September, Guadalajara in December and spent Christmas in Tototlan. My big trip was to Punta Cana in the Dominican for my daughter’s wedding last October. En route I spent a couple of days in Toronto.

I can’t believe I haven’t made it back to the aquarium yet. I went there a few years ago and it has expanded since. I also haven’t gone to Bosque de la Ciudad or to Stone Island yet. I also want to try out the ocean pool on the malecon.

Friends have introduced me to a multitude of restaurants and bars. And I have still have several on my list that I am eager to try.

But the best discoveries are all the beaches here in Mazatlan. Pueblo Bonito is fast becoming a favorite, although Olas Altas and Playa Bruja are also beautiful. These beaches are far less congested than the ones in Zona Dorada, and there are fewer hawkers to bother you as well.

I checked out the art gallery here but it was pretty dismal compared with the galleries in Guadalajara. The Angela Peralta theatre is an elegant historic venue with a variety of plays and concerts to offer. And there was an abundance of entertainment on the streets during Carnaval and Semana Santa. Motorcycle Week featured four nights of bands and a fabulous parade. And of course fireworks are always part of any celebration.

There are also markets featuring home-baked goods and crafts. The Plaza Machado has a weekly market and an abundance of restaurants. It was also the scene of celebrations during Day of the Dead and featured a parade.

The Malecon is an amazing stretch of about 20 km which I have yet to walk in its entirety. Beautiful statues, restaurants and bars on the beach, as well as artisans selling their crafts are found here. Benches are plentiful, and the view of the ocean, especially at sunset, is spectacular.

My first year in Mazatlan is fast coming to a close, and I know that many more adventures await as I explore this coastal city. I’ve been hearing a lot about play readings……………………

Apr19

Mazatlan Sunsets

Posted on April 19, 2016 by iamkaren23

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Mazatlan has the most beautiful sunsets as well as fabulous beaches. The other night I was totally mesmerized by the colorful display in the sky. I was out on my second floor terrace and cannot believe that my iPhone did such an incredible job of capturing the vivid colors.

My next project is to wake up early enough to view the sunrise, which I;m sure will be equally as spectacular.

Apr6

Monday After Motorcycle Week

Posted on April 6, 2016 by iamkaren23

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It’s Monday morning again and another weekend has gone by all too quickly. It’s April already and yesterday the clocks sprang forth an hour with the time change, finally catching up to the rest of the continent who did it three weeks ago.

Time changes should not be allowed the weekend of Motorcycle Week. I went to the parade on Saturday and was totally blown away by the number of bikes that had invaded Mazatlan for this event. MazatlanCity.com claims that over 20,000 bikers were here. The Malecon was completely closed off to traffic Saturday afternoon and evening as the cyclists made their way from the aquarium to Olas Altas. I’ve been to parades in my life, but have never seen anything like this before.

Thousands of people lined the streets hours ahead of time in anticipation of this event. Hawkers circulated amongst the crowd selling ice cream, donuts, chips, balloons, cotton candy, bandanas, candy and anything else you can imagine. The beaches were all but deserted as the parade was THE place to be on Saturday.

Motorcycle week also involved much more than a parade. For 450 pesos, a wrist band admitted you to the grounds for four days of music and displays. (You also received a t-shirt.) There were also events on the beach such as pole dancing contests and bikini contests. Hotels and restaurants were overwhelmed with people, and of course traffic was a nightmare. And the noise of these bikes !!!!!!!!

Here are some pics I snapped during the parade:

The bikes are gone now, the roar of engines a fading memory, and the streets are no longer parking lots due to traffic jams. The outdoor band concerts and the numerous displays are done for this year. Many locals tend to run away from Mazatlan during Motorcycle Week. Not me! I can hardly wait until next year!

	iamkaren23 on Tuesday February 24 2026
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	Tyronica Smith on WAY TO GO SEAHAWKS!