hello everyone,
I think I surprised everyone of my members when I asked them to find
a non-blogger to post for them today.
an almost impossible task to take on.
so here's to those of us who made it!!
you will find them linked in below the post.
the really good news is that Tina of The Enchanted Home will choose our topic
for the Christmas/December post, and you know her, she will blow the roof off...
so mark your calendars.
now, for me, it was easy to find a "guest blogger."
my son, the commercial photographer,
his name is Steve Harris, and here we go.........
above is the cover of his first book, aptly titled, a portraiture book of
Texas singers and songwriters.
*************************************************************************
South.
a word that conjures up a mighty big idea.
it’s not just the context in which it’s used, as a noun, adjective, or adverb, but almost as an emotion.
when one thinks of heading south, you quickly imagine warm winds, hot sand and the infinite smell of burning. wood. grass. food.
step out of the normal routine and think south. i know that when i do, i head there quickly.
the tropics south of the border.
i’ve been escaping, not running, but escaping, from the northern antics, traffic, malls, the always depressing local news; friends, in search of a new tale to tell, another adventure from which to return, since i was 15 years old. that was the time when i first was let loose solo, with another friend the same age. we flew from Houston to Mazatlan, Mexico, with no itinerary except a return ticket 2 weeks later. exploration beyond our border was blossoming and the call of Mexico took hold the minute i got off the plane.
fortunate enough to have been bitten with the travel bug very early in life, this was another chance to add to the stamps in my passport. and i’m happy to admit that it is #1 in number, still.
although i’ve had the fortune to have traveled the world and visit some very remote areas of the globe, i find that the vast backyard that has become my mistress of sorts, is still my number one destination.
Mexico. it’s not at all about flying to a touristed destination and booking a hotel room at the fairmont or four seasons, sitting buy the pool with your book, and flying home the next week, thinking you were just in Mexico. you should have stayed at home and invested that money elsewhere. that trip could have easily been rewarding in a multitude of alternatives.
i find that Mexico, especially southern Mexico, is one of the most colorful, invigorating, and lively areas of all the states in Mexico. the have wonderful cuisine, at places that are so far from the normal track, that it makes you wonder, why isn’t this place more popular.
take it in and be glad it’s not.
the culture in and of itself dates back far enough that it’s ancient history, and it’s still intact. the celebrations and fiestas are something that books have been written on.
since it is November, just look at Dias de las Muertas, day of the dead. that is one of the oldest traditions through out the country, and also one of the most festive. let us all celebrate the life of those passed. for 8 days that goes on, and on. beautiful to witness.
the timelessness of ancient culture.
enough of the rambling on why.
why not is the question i ask most.
i have driven the entire pacific coast of Mexico, most recently this past July, to finish another book that i’ve been working on for some time, entitled “south”.
the project has taken a variety of shapes, but has always had a somewhat definitive soul.
the idea is to open the eyes of the reader, to travel off the path most traveled, to interact with the local culture, not be afraid of a wrong turn or two, because, if there’s no drama in a trip,
it wasn't worth traveling.
over the years i’ve focused on a variety of travelers, those, whom i’ve met and known, and those just passing through. both i find worthy of images and words. the final point of heading south is about finding the “perfect wave” at the end of the wrong turn, making the journey as elixing and magical as a night in the Mexican desert.
the people i have met, many whom have become friends, are included in the journals of south. all the people who travel by the seat of their pants, with no destination, are the souls and free spirits that make the world a fantastic place.
sure there’s violence and bad people everywhere, some closer to home than we’d like to acknowledge. but don’t be afraid to let it go just a bit. slip out of the comfort zone and experience the world. it doesn’t need to Mexico or even south, for that matter,
because it’s a state of mind when you hit the road, eager to share that adventure with your mates, upon return.
but at that point, your planning the next departure.
and awaiting the emotions that come with the first idea of where we go next.
to follow me on more travels & adventures
please go here:
adios for now
as promised we are beginning today with entries for a copy of
Tish Jett's new book
"FOREVER CHIC"
see right sidebar for a clickable icon
this book is written in Tish's brilliant style and please believe me, there are BIG
tips for every age on how to age beautifully and/or how to maintain your
youth & vigor.
&
a $100.00 Gift Certificate
to the
SPLENDEROSA WEB SHOP
GOTTA BE A FOLLOWER
that's the only rule +
leave a comment, of course.
to the entire membership I wish to say "thank you" as always
for giving me the opportunity to be creative along with each of you.
Hi Marsha. First, thank you for linking my post! I had a feeling that your son was going to write for us....and WOW Steve and I will get on just famously!!! I love to travel to remote places and leave the tourist traps behind. I enjoyed every moment of the journey South with Steve and some spectacular images. As a novice photographer I have just joined View Bug so will certainly follow his blog closely. You must be very proud of him and I can just imagine all the wonderful stories he has to tell... there is so much to explore in our wonderful world away from the main routes. The best memories I have made is when I have gotten hopelessly lost!!!! Sending love xxxx Veronica Thank you Steve for the trip South!!! Keep exploring and just LOVE the photographs!!!!
ReplyDeleteVeronica, we both have some rather amazing sons, don't we?
Deletexx's
Indeed lovely lady...we are so blessed! xx
DeleteYou have a "secret weapon"!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant post!
Penelope
Penelope, he surprises me more often than not. He is just so creative and imaginative. Definitely pipes his own tune. Thank you for popping in! muich love, my darling friend.
DeleteMarsha, Beautiful post, is that photo Steve? He sounds so interesting.
ReplyDeleteBook on Singers huh!
Hope he has Larry Hovis in it.There was another singer
his Father was a Troubadour too. I think he did the background of a movie
Can't think of his name now but I had a crush on him..When does the book come out?
Yvonne, "Texas Troubadours" has been out for a few years, you can find it online. He's working on his new book called "South."
DeleteWonderful photographs and thoughts on Mexico... Thank you Steve..
ReplyDeleteMarsha, so lovely to meet your son... and looking forward to reading all the other guest posts... xv
Vicki, he was very receptive to this idea, thankfully.
DeleteA son after my own heart...reading his tale of travel reminded me of me at his age. I also have raised my sons to embrace all cultures and live on the edge. Your son is living a rich, fascinating life from which he will find endless resources for his writing and photographing. Well done Marsha! a son to make you proud and happy
ReplyDeleteYes, you and he would be great friends.
DeleteYour travelling son and blogger :) great post...such creativity and talent.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I couldn't get anyone to join our party :(
Have a lovely week, Marsha. xx
Yes, Catherine, I am so proud of the man he has become.
DeleteI want to go on an adventure, after reading Steve's well written,from-the-heart piece! It's almost as if he breathed the words onto the computer. Such wonderful emotion! You must be so proud! Beautiful words, beautiful son!
ReplyDeleteWe all wish we could live as Steve does, Yvonne. He was born this way!
DeleteHi Steve,
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to read your words and to see your brilliant photographs. I was always arty at school but never really got into photography until about 10 years ago and now, I get on everyone's nerves on holiday , stopping every 2 minutes to take yet another photo ..... when in Italy, Croatia or France, my favourite subjects are washing, shutters and peeling plaster !!
Thanks for the little insight into your very interesting life. XXXX
Jacqueline, Steven's photos can sometimes be a little off-the-wall to me. However, I think creative people understand them perfectly.
DeleteThis is AMAZING. Clearly the talent runs rampant in your family! What an interesting and fascintating perspective...he and my dad could be great friends! I love Mexico and have seen it from both perspectives and agree with Steve that there is so much beyond the fancy hotels, glittering restaurants and the road that most tourists take. I have always said that Mexicans as a whole are some of the kindest, warmest most genuine people i have ever met. Loved this post as well as the amazing pictures. Thank you both!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree that the Mexican people are lovely. Steve sees this and manages to capture the essence of it all.
DeleteThis post just confirmed for me that I have to travel to Mexico. My sister recently sent me an article saying that San Miguel De Allende was voted the best city in the world to visit. Your sons photography is wonderful. Thanks to both of you for a great post.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, Cindy, do go! I love the coastal areas the most, but San Miguel has it's own charm and is truly beautiful.
DeleteGorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAnd so interesting. Not a place I've visited and so intriguing.
Wolfie, you must go one day. It really is beautiful there.
DeleteWhat an absolute talent! Those are beautiful pieces of art! You must be so proud of him.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Karolyn
Oh Marsha, what a beautiful post! Steve and my son Brian are kindred spirits. My son packed up and left everything he had and knew 3 years ago to live his dream. It looks and sounds like Steve has been living his for quite awhile. I have never been to Mexico, but "the road less traveled" sounds very appealing. The photos are wonderful too. Obviously Steve has inherited his talents from you!!!
ReplyDeleteHey, cookie, thanks for coming over !!
DeleteGORGEOUS PHOTOS...................GORGEOUS WORDS BY THE SON TOO.
ReplyDeleteHey gorgeous, I love what he wrote too. Thank you SO much !
DeleteDu très grand art entremêlé avec une poésie d'une extrême finesse - chère Marsha, le talent coule de source.
ReplyDeleteTout simplement, sans mièvrerie - sublime dans toute sa splendeur.
Merci pour ce cadeau.
Catia, your necklace is on the way to you. It is beautiful. Thank you so much for this lovely comment.
DeleteEven with poor French I can tell how special it is.
A state of mind says it so poignantly! Love that point about flying in, staying at a 5 star hotel, then flying out….waste of time to me…throughly agree. The photographs took me to this "faraway place" but the words absolutely cut through in their simple wisdom and observation. Marsha, no wonder you asked Steve to do your post - quite perfect.
ReplyDeleteVirginia, what you said is so appreciated. Your opinion matters a great deal to me.
DeleteGracias! Great post. Like you, love everything about "South." xoxo, NG
ReplyDeleteGracias to you guys !!!
DeleteHello Marsha
ReplyDeleteYou deserve to be very proud of your talented and adventurous son Steve. It has been many years since I visited Mexico and I am tempted to return.
I love the concept you have used this time
Helen xx
Helen, as an artist yourself, I truly appreciate this comment.
DeleteDearest Marsha,
ReplyDeleteSteve is an artist. He has that magic "eye" that one often hears about, but rarely sees.
You must be so very, very proud.
xoxo,
Tish
Tish, he wrote every word of this as well. The really good part of Steve is that he is a really nice guy, nice to everyone. xx's darling
DeleteI loved his post! Two summers ago my son spent living with a family in Merida on a spanish immersion adventure. He loved every minute of it. Your son is very talented, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMarsha, thank you for visiting us !
Deletexx's this Marsha
Steve is so incredibly talented! Thank you so much for sharing his work Marsha. I'm going to forward this to some "powers that be"! I hope this enters me in your latest giveaway! You always do the most wonderful things....xoxox
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Melissa, yes, please do. We need your help.
DeleteThank you for this kind words about his work.
Marsha I absolutely adored this post. Beautiful photographs and a fascinating soul I can tell. I have to say the part of Mexico that is so Americanized does not appeal to me either. It was heartening to hear of his exploits. What a fabulous idea for a post! Talent obviously runs in the family.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cindy !!!
DeleteI already have Trish's book but the $100 would be fun & another copy of the book would be a great gift. Enjoyed hearing from your son and his open heart. Being a fellow Texan/Houstonian...Mexico is still a bit scary.
ReplyDeleteHey Debe, so good to hear from you, a fellow native. Yes, my son has the best heart and the best way with people. He's truly one in a million.
DeleteMarsha,
ReplyDeleteI love this post, your son has a way with words they are perfect. God Bless!
I honeymooned in Mexico. The marriage didn't last but the photos of a great adventure did! bentbent4@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am getting married in Mexiconand these pictures make me so excited!
ReplyDeleteWow..
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway / contest.
I hope I can have similar giveaway like this too.
Hope everyone enjoy it. Good luck.