lmd365yr

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JE 15 A Walk Through New Beginnings

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Universal Truths Often, I sit back and wonder what my life would have been like if the events in my life were different. All the what-ifs run through my mind. But at the end of the day Ive come to realize if those what-ifs could have happened it wouldn't have been my life. All the things that happened in my life were based on the decisions that I have made good, bad, or indifferent. Those decisions were mine and mine alone. Regardless of the people involved, and the circumstances, I had the final word in how things would turn out. That awakening guided me down a path that would forever change my life. I finally understood how the universe works. It has nothing to do with who your parents were. Nothing to do with being born to parents with money or parents who could barely make it. It all has to do with the decisions that we make. The universe is correct by design, and all is in order. We look at our circumstances as some kind of negative force keeping us from acquiring the things we want most. We begin to believe that there is some evil plot against us, trying to hold us back. The truth is that we hold ourselves back. The things we call failure are just the universe's way of telling us that we have not yet acquired the skill to master life. When we look inward we see all the people and things that have come between us and our dreams our goals. But what we don't see is how we played a willing participant in our own self-destruction. We allow people to play an active role in our lives, and we allow them to play that role without guidelines or repercussions for their actions. So if we are the master of our destiny why do things turn out so differently than what we wanted? How is is that everyone gets what they want and we go unrewarded for efforts? It's an easy question to answer but a much harder problem to solve. We are taught at an early age to be kind to others, respectful of our elders, and what is right. But if you dig a little deeper you come to realize that all we have are a set of rules without instruction on how to implement the rules. We should be kind to others. It's a universal truth that we get what we give. And yet we are blinded by the truth that everyone is not ready for our goodness. We have a right to expect. After all, everything we believe is based on goodness coming back around to us. But it can't come back around if the people around us can return goodness after they have received it. Some of us choose the give to those who are not ready to receive what we have to offer. We feel it in our gut that this person is going to squander of misuse what we give. We are in such a hurry for something good to happen to us that we are willing to give a gift to someone who doesn't understand the value of the gift that they have been given. Its like casting your pearl amongst swine. And now we are left stuck holding something that has no value and serves no purpose to us. We become disenchanted in our belief systems, We start to distrust people and their intentions. No taught you have to use that power of giving to ensure that you receive what you give. We are so familiar with what we think we know about life. Most of us stay with our tribes. And most of the time that can become a detriment to our being. We become comfortable in giving to those we know are not going to give of themselves in return. And we also become used to the fact that nothing will come of this gift giving. But we still insist on blaming the other person, instead of taking responsibility for misusing the gift in the first place. But this is what we do when we don't know the rules. The universe has a circular motion about it both figuratively and literally speaking. Some universal rules must be applied to obtain the desired outcome. I believe that when you ask (pray, meditate) or whatever you choose to call it. The universe answers. It will place you in a place where you will be asked to give something of yourself. That something you are asked to give is for someone else. This is how the universe keeps us from overflowing or corns of plenty. You can use what you don't have. Anything that overflows out of its container is a waste and will never be used. So the first rule is never take more than what you can use in that moment. And from your own experience, you know this to be true. After all many times have you received something you can use only to give up something that you find out later you needed. When you ask for something all the things you need for a successful exchange are provided. The problem is when we try to change the rate of exchange. Read the full article

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The Center Square Leon Historic Center is a community gathering place. Every community has one or two. All centers(centros) in Mexico, feature a Catholic Church, some big some small, but always a cathedral. Here you will find shopping, eating, and just a place to gather and socialize. And in the center of it all is some kind of water fountain. Some of the Catherdials are massive and quite impressive. They are decorated in gold leaf, with columns and a ceiling that makes you wonder how you can have one in your home. The center was far from my hotel, so I had to take the bus. Getting there was interesting; the view went from good to questionable. When you got off the bus, you had to walk about four or five blocks. But like all drones, I just followed the crowd. Like everything I've experienced so far, I was not disappointed when I got there. The Center was filled with people, sitting around, going to mass, shopping, and eating. You could see children playing. Generations of families enjoying their time together. Fathers, sons and grandsons, Grandmothers, mothers, and granddaughters talking and laughing together. There was a calmness about this place. The was no fear in the air. Just a feeling of calmness and peace. I sat in the square just watching and observing people, their actions, expressions on their faces. This place these people live life in such a way was hard for me to understand, yet it was something that I had always wanted. Living in the States has made has taken something away from me. Or better yet stole a gift from me, a gift I never had the chance to hold or unwrap. Who I was supposed to be was already predetermined by I had to visit the cathedral to observe its architecture and its construction. The outside was worn, and scaffolding was set up for much-needed repair. Entering this building was like entering a fantasy wonderland. Like a magic castle. I spent my day visiting the nearby shops and coffee shops. Looking for that one great cup of coffee. The buses were crowded, and I had to stand. The bus station was located in the middle of a two-way, four-lane Boulevard. Like you would find when catching a trolly or a train in the States. You pay your fair and squeeze through this narrow gate. The people were quiet, no air conditioning on the bus, I guess that could be a reason for the silence, preserving energy. Oddly enough they had monitors on the bus, providing you with local news and entertainment. After I got off the bus I just followed the crowd, after all, safety in numbers. You enter the Center from a narrow street, as most of the streets are. And you walk into this wide open space. Which seems to be the running theme. The buildings are spectacular. Nothing above three stories. The thing I had to remember, this was a place for the locals to gather. Three and four generations of families hang out together shopping, eating, and praying together at mass. There were tourists, but mostly from other places in Mexico or Latin America. I admire the way they respect, honor, and take care of each other. I saw very few Americans, believe me, we stick out in a crowd, so you’d know one when you saw one. Even though I stuck out, it didn’t bother me or them. Well, I’d like to believe that anyway. It was weird if felt familiar to me. Like I was welcomed. People smiled and greeted me with a salutation for the time of day. Not an inch of space is wasted. Every building, doorway, side street has a vendor selling something. The spaces may not be wide but they have depth and every inch is filled with their goods and wares. You will also find someone playing custom music on a guitar or other instrument. Or a group of people wearing their native attire. Time was running out for me to find a place in Leon, I must admit I didn't make much of an effort. Leon reminded me of living in a major city in the States. I know I could lie well because of the cost of living. But that was just one of the three things a city needs to have for me to consider living there. I did manage to speak with several people about Leon; how was it to live here, and what were the safest areas. Not to my surprise they like the city for the night life and what if offered. As far as safety was concerned if you lived in a gated community it was considered safe. This mindset sounded very familiar to me. It was like being back in the States. It was a nice place to visit and even stay for some time. But it wasn't what I wanted at the moment. So I decided to take a trip to Oaxaca, Oaxaca City Mexico. I made my reservations and planned my trip to Oaxaca. The plane fare was affordable and if I didn't like it, I could come back to Leon or visit someplace else. Even though I did not know what I was looking for, I knew what I didn't want. And the big city living was not what I was looking for. I needed something a little more subdued. I chose Oaxaca Mexico, it was place that was rich in culture, it had the most variety of Indigenous people as far as languages and nationalities. This was something more inline to what I was looking for. For more images of Centro Leon. QUICK PIC'S and GALLERY View From Hotel Window View From Hotel Window View From Hotel WIndow View From Hotel Window 365 GEAR Read the full article

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History Museum On my walk back to the hotel the other day, I noticed something that looked like a part. I had to investigate to see what it was. As I entered this massive area, I realized it was more than a park; it was a museum, and it was part of the University of Leon. It was “Mueso De Arte e Historia de Guanajuato” Art and History Museum of Guanajuato. It was a gem tucked away. As you entered the landscaping you realized it was a little more than a park. Its modern architecture pulls you into the space, inviting you to see more. I was so excited that I wanted to delve in right away. But this was something I needed to prepare for. It would make for a great photo session and an opportunity to learn about Mexico. I had to put this one on hold until tomorrow. The next morning I got up with intent on my mind. I was going to visit a museum in another country. I would get to see how they viewed their county and its history. I prepared some coffee. I used the bottled water the hotel supplied me with. I wasn't taking any chances on drinking the tap water. I showered and and got dressed. I decided I needed to go to the market and pick up a few things. The market was only two blocks away, All I needed was some good coffee, some fruit for eating, and smoothies. I bought a portable blender/smoothie maker online I was dying to try it out. My thought was I could buy fruit and juice and make my smoothies on the go. After arriving at the market, I got a cart and started shopping. I thought I would walk in this market full of fresh fruits and veggies. But to my surprise, it was like walking in a COCSO's everything in bulk. As I made my way to the fruit and vegetable section I was kind of disappointed it wasn't much of a variety as I had expected. But I made do with the things I could find. I was able to get some bananas, blueberries, apples, juices, and bread but no cheese, extra sharp cheddar cheese that is. The only American cheese they had was Kraft singles slices and that's not really cheese. But tons of other types of cheese. Unfortunately, my cheese pallet is not that extensive yet. Still a work in progress. I got to the counter and watched the register because I could get a good idea of how much things cost in Mexico, plus I could see the total on the register. And pretend I knew what the clerk was saying when she told me the total, pretty clever, not really. But as I'm standing here I realize that there are no plastic bags. So I had to ask if they had any bags or boxes I could carry my groceries in. The clerk pointed to some cloth bags for sale, so I purchased to voweled to carry it everywhere I went. I returned to the hotel, put my groceries away, and made a smoothie. Now it was time for me to pack my camera and gear and get on the road. I wanted to spend as much time as I could visiting this museum. It was about a 20-minute walk to the Art and History Museum of Guanajuato. I stood at the entrance of the Museum and was taken by the size of it. I walked down one side and up the other bringing you back up on the other side. Each section having something different to offer. I remember when Mexico fought for its freedom to become a democratic country. And they managed to obtain it and keep it. However, we only remember the negative aspects of something or someone we are not familiar with. No matter how much time passes. During my walks I would see an open door which is always an invitation to come in, then I see this man in a uniform and I hesitate to enter. Can’t tell you how many missed opportunities got away. I Like the way they used open spaces. Even though this city is the 5th largest city. It still manages to make its public spaces feel roomy and light. I was surprised that more people weren’t enjoying this space. But in all fairness, a High School Football (soccer) championship was going on. As I continued my walk up the other side of the grounds, I noticed in the distance, a sculpture. As I ventured closer I saw this area was filled with sculptures of various materials and styles. Of course, I had to get up close and personal, I got to see how other cultures find what is relevant to them in art. The first piece I came in contact with was by Yvonne Domerge, Manadla de Unidaden Armonia 2007. The second piece that caught my attention was by Jorge Marin, El Tiempo 2010 This Bronze sculpture reminded me of something you find on top of Philadephia’s City Hall (Side Note: Philadelphia City Hall had over 50 stone statues placed in various places of the building. It became a hazard because these stone pieces of art would shift, crack and pieces would fall below, so they were removed and placed in various parts of Fairmount Park.) It made me think, ‘If I could fly”, metaphorically speaking, but I guess I did because here I am in Mexico. The history of Mexico has a rich and vibrant culture. It includes its conquers, their religion and, the Mexican culture all wrapped up in one. I was invited to view the historical exhibit, for free. I was astonished at how much we as African-Americans have in common not only with Mexican culture but with people of color all over the world. It reminds me, that what we fail to understand will continue to divide and conquer us. Upon entering the Museum I noticed a group of Greek Statues, by no means am I a historian but I found it odd. But as a most museum, they circulate their exhibits to various museums in the world. It saddens me that a group of people decided that their way was the best way of doing things, and they forced that belief on the whole world. As a society, we will never know what contributions people would have made to the world. I continued with my tour and the information that was provided. Over 85% of Mexicans are Catholic, It is funny when you are in the States you don't think much about the Catholic Religion, because in the States religion is divided into many denominations. But when you travel to Mexico, Latin America, and other Spanish-speaking countries you begin to understand why this Religion has so many followers and power. While Im watching reading and learning, it dawned on me that Leon has a very strong Spanish presence. I don't mean the language. The people who work in high places are very Mestizo, and the manual laborers are Indigenous people. That was the feeling that was so familiar to me. In the States, it's very easy to recognize it. It's as simple as black and white (a little pun there). If funny the more things change the more they stay the same. As I travel this journey one thing that comes to mind, is a lot of things I have encountered in my life were distractions. For me is about finding my center, traveling, learning, and understanding what it means to me and for me. By nature of the universe, you will always be presented with the opportunity to help and make a difference in someone's life. But, before any of that can happen you have to make a difference in your own life first. So, Stay focused and stay centered. Click here to view more images of Museo de Arte e Historica de Guanajuato QUICK PICS and GALLERY LeUniversidad de León, Downtown Campus Statue in The Garden Museum Exhibit Universidad de León, Museum 365 GEAR Read the full article

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Shoes, Purses, and Anything and Everything Else The rays of the sun beamed down on my face, waking me up. I had to lay quietly to gather my bearings, thoughts, and goals. I booked my room for 10 days. I figured that would give me enough time to accomplish all the things I wanted to accomplish. After gathering my thoughts it was time for me to get up and get my day started. What better way to start than with breakfast? The hotel provides a free breakfast. So I got showered and headed downstairs. The breakfast setup was like any other, just a lot more of it. It included your morning Mexican breakfast favorites various fruits, bread, and cereals. And my favorite, coffee. I grabbed a tray picked up some fruit, muffins, and coffee, and had a seat. It felt good to eat something I could taste. Several minutes had passed when one of the hosts came and started speaking Spanish. I couldn't quite make out what she was asking me, but I do know she asked me for my room number and I complied by giving it to her. She started talking again and of course, I didn't understand what she was asking. She politely pointed and came back with one of the managers. The manager stated that I had to pay for my meal. I explained that I was a Hilton Member and my breakfast was included. He insisted that it wasn't. So I told him I would take it up with the hotel manager when I finished breakfast. I walked up to the front desk and asked to speak to the manager, who I had met last night while I was having my hamburger for dinner. I informed him that I was a Member of Hilton and made my reservation through Booking dot com. He pulled up the booking and showed me breakfast wasn't included. At this point I was livid, And to add insult to injury I wasn't going to get my points for my ten-day stay. He told me this breakfast would be on the house. But I had to pay for the other days. But being me I decided I would have breakfast at some other place in the future and deal with Hilton and Booking dot Com Corporate Offices later. But today I wanted to enjoy this day. No business just me enjoying this place called Leon Mexico. Leon is world-renowned for its leather shoes. So I decided to take the bus to the shoe district. I had the paso thing down. As long as I could understand what they were saying. The fair was something like 13 Paso 1.25 USD. On the larger streets, the buses ride down the center of the streets. The bus stations are platforms that go in both directions. The number and the destination are on the front and side of the electronic display. They seem to be always crowded so sitting down was not going to happen. No air conditioning just open windows. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. All I could smell was leather It was all up in the air. The streets were smaller and more condensed. There was a strange vibe in the air. If felt very familiar to me. I couldn't place my figure on it. I took my time looking in each store, looking at it products. I looked at sneakers that I'd never seen before anywhere. I was a kid in Sneaker Land and wanted to buy a pair of every sneaker I saw. The products were almost endless. Backpacks, carry-on bags, luggage, Handbags and so much more. I was so ready to buy something, anything and everything. But the reality of my situation was I had already overpacked, and my bags were heavy. And that’s not good when you’re walking a mile in these international Airports. I didn’t bring my camera with me. I get a little protective of myself when going out alone doing a photoshoot, I guess living in the hood has made me a bit cautious, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It has proven to keep me safe and well-grounded. The market reminded me of Canal Street in NYC. Narrow streets, everything and everyone close together, and products everywhere. I couldn't help but reflect on how I got here. Were the words I used when manifesting, my positive thinking, was it the emotional feeling of gratitude and thankfulness or was is a combination of it all? Whatever it was I wanted to remember it, all of it so I could repeat it again and again. I remember growing up people telling me what I could and could not do. In my mind I would say how do you know this, you don't know me. You have no idea what I am capable of doing or achieving. As I matured, I learned that people say these things to mask the disappointment of their own failures and shortcomings. The more you destroy someone else's dreams the better you feel about your failures, after all the more people fail at something the more you believe it wasn't meant to be. I learned very quickly to keep my thoughts and dreams to myself, that way no one can block them or give you a reason to doubt them. Words are very powerful. Their effects are instant. I used to think that people would be in a dark room casting spells. But the truth is people don't need a dark room. Words are the magic and can be used at any time and any place. One forgets that Mexicans were cowboys (Vaqueros). So it was no surprise to see saddles, boots, hats, belts, and other gear. I would see people buy boxes of products, and the first thing that came to my mind they were buying these items to resell. If I had a store I would definitely be coming here once a month to restock and introduce new inventory. Who knows that might be a future endeavor. There was one surprising thing in general, when you go into a store you better bring your own bag(s). Plastic bags are not easy to come by. You will be carrying things in your hands. And there are Farmcia’s all over the place that don't provide bags. Now I understand why everyone carries some sort of bag or backpack. I saw garments by designers, I’ve never seen in the States. I wanted to walk up to a couple of people, and ask “Where did they get that”. Leon is the 5th largest city in Mexico. So if you want to take a trip off the beaten path I do recommend checking it out. Brush up on your Spanish. I didn't expect to see many people like me, after all Leon is not one of the places people come to visit. There are no beaches nearby and it not very much tourism from other English-speaking countries. I did notice other Spanish-speaking people from other countries like Spain, Portugal, and various countries in South American. But I didn't see many people like me. I kind of enjoyed the invisibility that I had. Not overdressed so people didn't look at me too hard. Having some Latin features didn't make me stick out too much. I looked as if I fit in, and I felt like I belonged. Yea, strange I know. After all of the window shopping was done, I decided to walk back to the hotel. It was about a mile or two away. I love to walk. It brings me such peace. And it allows me to get into my thoughts. I also like to people-watch. I wonder what the world would be like if the Atlantic Slave Trade never existed. It brought nothing but pain and sorrow. It has caused communities to be dismantled and lose their authenticity. It has forced people to take on its captures' beliefs, lifestyles, and habits. Losing ourselves to survive. There are almost no more stories about one heritage, family lineage, or customs. Our bloodlines have been diluted and destroyed. Walking back to the hotel gave me more questions than answers. Now that I am here, what next? What am I looking for, what do I hope to find? Will I recognize it when I see it or feel it? QUICK PICS and GALLERY Sneaker/Leather District Sneaker/Leather District Sneakers and More Sneakers 365 GEAR Read the full article

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Leon First Impression The taxi ride to the hotel took about thirty minutes. I would tell you that it was exciting and the views were spectacular, but I can't. It was quite frightening, you see the driver was driving so fast I had to close my eyes, it scared the shit out of me. As I got accustomed to the drive I suddenly realized that everyone drives fast. So I managed to pull myself together and open one eye and enjoy the rest of the ride. I was able to glance out the window periodically, noticing the mountains and the rigged terrain as we gradually entered into the city limits. I looked in amazement at how people lived, houses, and what some may call a shack embedded into the side of a mountain. Stacked upon each other like Legos. They fit so perfectly. I put my bags on the bed, washed my hands and face grabbed my room key, and headed out the door. The only thought that came to mind, was I made it, I was in Leon Guanajuato Mexico, I arrived at my hotel. My check-in was relatively painless. The valet carried my bags to my room, I offered him a tip, and he thanked me and closed the door behind himself. I was finally alone to collect my thoughts. I drew the curtains and looked out at the view provided to me from the tenth floor. After taking in the view from a window, I decided I couldn't wait for the next day I wanted to see what was out there, now. I was staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, located on Blvd Adolfo Lopez Mateos. This is one of the main Blvd in Leon so I decided to walk it. Its sidewalks are big (only the ones on a wide big street) After all, if you want to experience a new place then take a walk. It’s a way of interacting, in incognito. It was around 3:30 pm, so I figured I could hand out about an hour or two before it started getting dark, and I had to head back to the hotel. After sitting and flying, flying and sitting, it felt good to stretch the legs. The air was clear a little warm but pleasant. It didn’t take me long to realize that Leon was just like any other big city in the USA or the world. It had pavements contrary to public belief. Money was being spent on infrastructure. And the people appeared to be going along with their daily lives. The first thing I noticed was the number of people who worked for the government be it state or local I couldn’t tell. Like, I have stated I never have any preconceived ideas of any place that I may visit in my travels, So, to see all the things Leon had to offer wasn’t a shock or surprise. What did surprise me, was the amount of American influence that was here; banks, manufacturing, distribution, car dealerships, and more. But with all that, I could still see the things that made Mexico, Mexico. They have their bodegas (neighborhood/corner store). Corner food stands are equivalent to our food trucks. They also have these bread stands on the corners where they sell all kinds of freshly baked bread. So me being me, I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave some a try. I believe it was made from cornmeal. It was round and fluffy like a pancake, it had a sweet taste to it, like sweet bread. And yes it is very good. They came three to a pack and cost around 30 pesos, about 1.30 USD ( sorry I didn’t take any pictures). I couldn't help but think about what brought me here, I don't mean the plane. The Universe brought me here just because I asked for it. A thought occurred to me about fear. We live our lives through other people's fears. Not willing to take a chance on a desire or a dream. Believing in what someone else may or may not have experienced, Honest fears are based on some traumatic or unpleasant experience. Don't get me wrong things do happen and it can leave a nasty taste in your mouth. We are different travel on the same road at this moment, but we all did not get here using the same guidance system. So your individual experience is going to be different. During my walk, I noticed that there was a large number of Farmacias. They are the equivalent to our CVS, Rite Aid Walgreens, and even some compounding Pharmacies, but on a much smaller scale. I have to. It was kind of funny me walking around reading signs spelled in Spanish and trying to figure them out. The experience only confirmed that I was here, so I just smiled. It was getting late and time for me to head back to the the hotel. I noticed that they had a restaurant maybe I'll stop in get a bite to eat and plan my day for tomorrow. I started thinking about all the things I needed to do if I was going to stay here in Leon for any length of time. Looking for an apartment, finding a nice community, and trying to understand the transportation system and the language. It was about 7 pm when I arrived back at the hotel and walked straight to the restaurant, I sat a that bar and ordered a beer while I looked at the pictures on the menu. There was no way I was going to figure this out tonight, but a hamburger is the hamburger all over the world, I guess it is like baseball. My Spanish was so bad they had to get the chief who spoke a little English to take my order. I noticed a man of color sitting next to me. First person like me I saw in a while. We greeted each other in English. And started exchanging stories about who we were and what we did for a living. The normal things we do to establish our pecking order. The gentleman lived in Florida and was a mechanical engineer. He travels solving manufacturing and distribution problems through mechanical engineering. We also shared our thoughts and experiences as men of color traveling the world. I did tell him that this was my first experience traveling out of the USA. But so far my experience has a good one. I started to feel the tiredness, my body was finally catching up with all the different time zones I had gone through. I said good night and asked for my check. My new friend offered to play for my dinner and beer. I was very surprised and accepted gracefully. After stepping into the room standing in the dark looking out the window looking at the neighborhood being all lit up. I just stood there being grateful. That I created this opportunity in my life. As I lay in the bed looking out the of widow falling asleep in Mexico. QUICK PICS and GALLERY Downtown LEON "Estudio Leon" Football (Soccer) Stadium Statue outside"Estudio Leon" Stadium Out Fair Concert Venu, Downtown Leon 365 GEAR Read the full article