The Prince of Fun! Presents...: THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM YOU *NEED* TO KNOW!
Somehow I ended up being the director of this show.. don't ask me how! :-) But take a look at it!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
The power of silence
Yesterday I started an ASL at MCTC. I was thrilled. I did a short community ed course back in Rochester, NY about 6 years ago but I have always wanted to take a class. I don't know what took me so long to get to it. I almost cried after the class. That's how strong I feel connected to this particular language. I love languages in general but I know ASL will be of special significance in my life. We had an interpreter (and we'll have her for one more class) but I can't wait for the next classes when no-voice instructions will be emphasized. The teacher, Holly, is hilarious. Two of the things she said, well... signed, really hit me hard and have been in my mind all night:
1) "Now you are my babies". I always incorporate changes and adventures in my life, but this new beginning, this new class definitely feels like a re-birth (more on this on # 2). This will be the only class that I will take this summer.
2) We (hearing people) have lots of "tools" to convey our emotions, specially with our voice: different tones, delivery, pitch, etc. In sign language that is shown by many things. Hand gestures is just a part of sign language. You need to use body posture, facial expressions and mouth movements. You need to "bring your emotions out". And that's something that has been really hard for me for a long time. That's why I feel that I will renew myself with this class.
Time to get it out...
1) "Now you are my babies". I always incorporate changes and adventures in my life, but this new beginning, this new class definitely feels like a re-birth (more on this on # 2). This will be the only class that I will take this summer.
2) We (hearing people) have lots of "tools" to convey our emotions, specially with our voice: different tones, delivery, pitch, etc. In sign language that is shown by many things. Hand gestures is just a part of sign language. You need to use body posture, facial expressions and mouth movements. You need to "bring your emotions out". And that's something that has been really hard for me for a long time. That's why I feel that I will renew myself with this class.
Time to get it out...
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Noche Hispana DOS
This last Friday (19) and Saturday (20) I had the pleasure to be curator and MC at Patrick's Cabaret one more time.
I have put together a all hispanic show including the following artists:
Sentir Venezolano
Chile sin fronteras
Wendy Everett y Lorena Duarte
Teresa Ortiz
Pachamama Band
José Curbelo y sus amigos
The show was very varied and people were very pleased with it. Many asked me when I was going to do it again. But I think I am going to rest for a little while.
Next time I will be just performing at Patrick's. It should be fun!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
One of those big days in your life
We cannot tell what big adventures life will bring to us in the future. But we certainly hope that our lives will be full of great surprises.
When we look back and examine our past, we can't help but remember very vividly some days better than others. Those big/great moments when something happened and left us without breath. Those days we know will leave a mark (or a scar).
One of the purposes of writing this blog if to share my life, ideas, etc, with friends and family. But there are things, feelings, events, etc. that are still too personal for me to share. Some of them are so precious that I chose (selfishly, yes I know) to keep to myself and enjoy them and savor them in my mind. Some of them so hurtful that I also chose to keep for myself and oppress them or find better ways to deal with them.
Today was one of those BIG days. I can tell. And all I can share is that I learned a lot about compassion, connection and as usual... taking and giving care.
As I usually say: "I am not a magician by trade, but I love the magic of life". And it's so great when a lot of magic happens in one day.
When we look back and examine our past, we can't help but remember very vividly some days better than others. Those big/great moments when something happened and left us without breath. Those days we know will leave a mark (or a scar).
One of the purposes of writing this blog if to share my life, ideas, etc, with friends and family. But there are things, feelings, events, etc. that are still too personal for me to share. Some of them are so precious that I chose (selfishly, yes I know) to keep to myself and enjoy them and savor them in my mind. Some of them so hurtful that I also chose to keep for myself and oppress them or find better ways to deal with them.
Today was one of those BIG days. I can tell. And all I can share is that I learned a lot about compassion, connection and as usual... taking and giving care.
As I usually say: "I am not a magician by trade, but I love the magic of life". And it's so great when a lot of magic happens in one day.
Monday, May 01, 2006
dancing, dancing, dancing
Saturday was a full day: class in the morning, garden party in St. Paul early afternoon, helping Felix make a skirt for Vessela and then dancing at Tapestry Folkdance Center.
It was there Black and White Gala and there were all sorts of dancing: folkdances (obviously), swing, contradance and latin. I got to enjoy a little bit of all. It was so much fun. Not only to dance but also see all those people having such a great time together, being social and dancing! I can get high dancing. Is there such a thing as "too much fun"?
It was there Black and White Gala and there were all sorts of dancing: folkdances (obviously), swing, contradance and latin. I got to enjoy a little bit of all. It was so much fun. Not only to dance but also see all those people having such a great time together, being social and dancing! I can get high dancing. Is there such a thing as "too much fun"?
Sunday, April 23, 2006
It's in my body
Who said that our bodies don't have a memory?
I had two very interesting experiences this weekend. Both had a very pleasant physical effect.
Friday night I finally made it to the Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis. I say finally because I've been meaning to go there for 5 years now. First I attended the folkdance class and then the folkdance ball. It was amazing! I totally felt connected to that environment. I was able to follow most of the dances pretty easily. I think that was not only because I've been dancing for more than 25 years (ugh! It sounds like I am very old) but also because I feel a deep and strong connection with ethnic and folk dances. I felt very comfortable, full of life and joy! I was also able to dance a couple of Argentine dances: gato y chacarera. Vessela and her family were there, and other friends. It was very nice to share the night with all of them.
Saturday night I saw the Argentine show "Tangos" created by Luis Bravo. The music, the songs and the dances were fantastic. I was almost in trance every time I heard the violins in the orchestra. The bandoneon players were very good, too. I was not particularly moved by their version of "Adios Nonino" (a piece I love) but the rest was great and very well played. Like with the folkdances, I could feel something in my body that was triggered by those tangos. After all I was raised listening to that music. It always great to feel so alive in many ways.
I had two very interesting experiences this weekend. Both had a very pleasant physical effect.
Friday night I finally made it to the Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis. I say finally because I've been meaning to go there for 5 years now. First I attended the folkdance class and then the folkdance ball. It was amazing! I totally felt connected to that environment. I was able to follow most of the dances pretty easily. I think that was not only because I've been dancing for more than 25 years (ugh! It sounds like I am very old) but also because I feel a deep and strong connection with ethnic and folk dances. I felt very comfortable, full of life and joy! I was also able to dance a couple of Argentine dances: gato y chacarera. Vessela and her family were there, and other friends. It was very nice to share the night with all of them.
Saturday night I saw the Argentine show "Tangos" created by Luis Bravo. The music, the songs and the dances were fantastic. I was almost in trance every time I heard the violins in the orchestra. The bandoneon players were very good, too. I was not particularly moved by their version of "Adios Nonino" (a piece I love) but the rest was great and very well played. Like with the folkdances, I could feel something in my body that was triggered by those tangos. After all I was raised listening to that music. It always great to feel so alive in many ways.
Monday, April 17, 2006
A different Easter
Last night I had Easter dinner with my friend Vessela, her family and friends. It was a very unusual but pleasant Easter dinner for me. Vessela and I practiced our chacarera, which we are presenting at Noche Hispana DOS (May 19 and 20) at Patrick's Cabaret. After that other guests arrived and we have a delicious dinner with several Bulgarian meals. The food was very good, but the two things that enjoyed most were:
1) The conversation during the meal: it was varied, deep and full of passion. What a pleasure to be surounded by such interesting people and discuss and share our ideas on many topics.
2) Dancing: Vessela and I started out by showing what we have worked on so far with our chacarera. But then the dancing continued with Romanian, Servian and Bulgarian dances (this last one dance by everyone present there). What a delight to share the enthusiams for dances!
Immigration, culture, string theory and, of course, weather were some of the topics touched through the night. Living in Minnesota, but being one somewhere else, it's hard not to talk about the cold winters. But I think that as far as we are able to keep this warm gathering to share about culture, dance, friendship, etc. the outside weather will matter less and less with time.
Thanks Vessela for this opportunity!
1) The conversation during the meal: it was varied, deep and full of passion. What a pleasure to be surounded by such interesting people and discuss and share our ideas on many topics.
2) Dancing: Vessela and I started out by showing what we have worked on so far with our chacarera. But then the dancing continued with Romanian, Servian and Bulgarian dances (this last one dance by everyone present there). What a delight to share the enthusiams for dances!
Immigration, culture, string theory and, of course, weather were some of the topics touched through the night. Living in Minnesota, but being one somewhere else, it's hard not to talk about the cold winters. But I think that as far as we are able to keep this warm gathering to share about culture, dance, friendship, etc. the outside weather will matter less and less with time.
Thanks Vessela for this opportunity!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Spring sewing fever
Last weekend I had a very calm relaxing end of my Spring Break. I spend a lovely time in St. Cloud with my friend Scott. Boy that's a small town! :-) But it was great to get away from Minneapolis if only for 24 hours. Not computer, no cell phone... just countryside.. :-)
My most crazy adventure there was to buy a sewing machine. The sale was too great to resist.
The problem was that back home, Saturday and Sunday, I had this compulsive behavior to sew all day! Mainly bags and other small projects, though, but it was hard to concentrate on anything else. To compensate with that, I found "Gabriel", my PDA.. so... Crafts: 1 -- Tech: 1
My most crazy adventure there was to buy a sewing machine. The sale was too great to resist.
The problem was that back home, Saturday and Sunday, I had this compulsive behavior to sew all day! Mainly bags and other small projects, though, but it was hard to concentrate on anything else. To compensate with that, I found "Gabriel", my PDA.. so... Crafts: 1 -- Tech: 1
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Sewing and Low (or Lost) Tech
If only I could find the memory card of my digital camera (ugh!) right now you would be looking at a picture of me in my new pants, hand-made!
Today I was lucky enough that my friend Felix agreed to teach me how to sew. Many people know that I have become a somehow crafty person with all the knitting and needle-felting I do. Sewing is something that I always wanted to learn, but at home I was not allowed to touch the sewing machine. There was a good reason behind that. I was quite known for taking small electronics apart (and not necessarily putting them back to their previous operational state). But may be another reason was "that's not something boys do". Well, I am not a boy any more, I am a man and I am glad I can do all the knitting, crafts and sewing I want. :-)
Back to my digital camera, this new trend of hand made things might be having an effect on the technology around me. For example, I have been living without my PDA since December now. I know that's hard to believe, but for some reason it's somehow working. Even Electra (my old laptop) is demanding more attention from me. I don't take her out of her case as often anymore. But don't worry, Rudolph (my desktop computer) is not going anywhere and he is quite happy with the 24/7 attention of broadband internet he receives!
Today I was lucky enough that my friend Felix agreed to teach me how to sew. Many people know that I have become a somehow crafty person with all the knitting and needle-felting I do. Sewing is something that I always wanted to learn, but at home I was not allowed to touch the sewing machine. There was a good reason behind that. I was quite known for taking small electronics apart (and not necessarily putting them back to their previous operational state). But may be another reason was "that's not something boys do". Well, I am not a boy any more, I am a man and I am glad I can do all the knitting, crafts and sewing I want. :-)
Back to my digital camera, this new trend of hand made things might be having an effect on the technology around me. For example, I have been living without my PDA since December now. I know that's hard to believe, but for some reason it's somehow working. Even Electra (my old laptop) is demanding more attention from me. I don't take her out of her case as often anymore. But don't worry, Rudolph (my desktop computer) is not going anywhere and he is quite happy with the 24/7 attention of broadband internet he receives!
Spring Break
Last Monday I started Spring Break at Spring Hill Waldorf School. It's hard to think of a break when I still have to teach my 8-9 am classes at Orono and attend my classes at MCTC. But at least I am still able to have a sense of rest and variety during the day.
Monday afternoon I also had the chance to teach an argentine dance called "chacarera" to Vessela, my new friend from Bulgaria. I had a great dinner with her and her family. Vessela has recently traveled to Argetina, she is very interested in tango and other dances as well. She and I usually exchange some funny or thoughtful emails during the day. I enjoy talking with her about culture, meeting new friends, dance, etc.
Today, I should be finishing a couple of papers and working on other projects, but instead I am working on my new play (details coming soon!) and some other personal stuff. I have found an old website that has a blog-style narration of my adventures in Europe. I have decided to transfer those here. It will be a kind of retrospect blogging. We'll see how that goes.
Monday afternoon I also had the chance to teach an argentine dance called "chacarera" to Vessela, my new friend from Bulgaria. I had a great dinner with her and her family. Vessela has recently traveled to Argetina, she is very interested in tango and other dances as well. She and I usually exchange some funny or thoughtful emails during the day. I enjoy talking with her about culture, meeting new friends, dance, etc.
Today, I should be finishing a couple of papers and working on other projects, but instead I am working on my new play (details coming soon!) and some other personal stuff. I have found an old website that has a blog-style narration of my adventures in Europe. I have decided to transfer those here. It will be a kind of retrospect blogging. We'll see how that goes.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Cleopatra
I have always being a big fan of the greatest Argentine actress Norma Aleandro. There are almost no words to describe her work. I have recently searched on Netflix for all her movies and put them in my queue. Last week I received "Cleopatra", where she shares the screen with fresh Natalia Oreiro and handsome Leonardo Sbaraglia. But Norma keeps surprising me. The movie has lots of similarities with "Thelma and Louise" (movie that I also like): two women abandon their "regular" lives in search for happiness . The main difference here is the age difference, so Norma and Natalia naturally bond in a mother-and-daughter-like relationship.
The scene that moved me the most, brought tears to my eyes and made me love Norma (and her character) even more is that when Cleopatra is driving on the road, Natalia and Leo sleeping by her side, and she "discovers" her happiness while listening to Francisco Ortega's "Que Tan Contenta". Her transformation is incredible. She really proves there she needs no words at all. Diosa!
Cleopatra (2004)
SYNOPSIS
A raucous road movie that reads like a South American THELMA AND LOUISE, CLEOPATRA scored six nominations at the 2004 Silver Condor Awards, Argentina's equivalent of the Oscars. Prominent Argentine actress Norma Aleandro stars as the title character, a retired schoolteacher who becomes restless after her children have left home; her husband Roberto (Hector Alterio) is an alcoholic from whom she is estranged, and she is unsatisfied with her life and her inability to make ends meet. Cleopatra decides to pursue her lifelong wish to be an actor, and in the process meets Sandra, a soap star whose dissatisfaction mirrors her own. They decide to go on a weekend getaway together, and the adventure they share is one that nobody is likely to soon forget; they encounter love, heartbreak, and a string of unforeseeable events that are sure to keep audiences on their toes!
Título original: Cleopatra
Sinopsis: Cleo (Norma Aleandro) es una maestra jubilada, casada con Roberto (Héctor Alterio), que lleva dos años desempleado, y madre de dos hijos que viven lejos de Buenos Aires. Hasta ahora, Cleo ha sido todo cuanto se esperaba de ella: buena madre, buena esposa, luchadora y compañera responsable. Pero ni ella misma sabe lo que puede llegar a ser si se lo propone. Sandra (Natalia Oreiro), en cambio, es todo lo que los demás han hecho de ella: estrella de televisión subida al tren de la fama, alocada, bulímica, caprichosa... En el fondo, una provinciana desprotegida cuyo ímpetu aún debe medir. Setenta y dos horas serán suficientes para que ambas mujeres empiecen a ser, de una vez por todas, ellas mismas. Hartas de sus rutinas, se lanzan a vivir un fin de semana diferente, pero no saben que han dado el primer paso para cambiar definitivamente el rumbo de sus destinos. En el trayecto conocerán a Carlos (Leonardo Sbaraglia), un joven de barrio que se suma a la aventura.
The scene that moved me the most, brought tears to my eyes and made me love Norma (and her character) even more is that when Cleopatra is driving on the road, Natalia and Leo sleeping by her side, and she "discovers" her happiness while listening to Francisco Ortega's "Que Tan Contenta". Her transformation is incredible. She really proves there she needs no words at all. Diosa!
Cleopatra (2004)
SYNOPSIS
A raucous road movie that reads like a South American THELMA AND LOUISE, CLEOPATRA scored six nominations at the 2004 Silver Condor Awards, Argentina's equivalent of the Oscars. Prominent Argentine actress Norma Aleandro stars as the title character, a retired schoolteacher who becomes restless after her children have left home; her husband Roberto (Hector Alterio) is an alcoholic from whom she is estranged, and she is unsatisfied with her life and her inability to make ends meet. Cleopatra decides to pursue her lifelong wish to be an actor, and in the process meets Sandra, a soap star whose dissatisfaction mirrors her own. They decide to go on a weekend getaway together, and the adventure they share is one that nobody is likely to soon forget; they encounter love, heartbreak, and a string of unforeseeable events that are sure to keep audiences on their toes!
Título original: Cleopatra
Sinopsis: Cleo (Norma Aleandro) es una maestra jubilada, casada con Roberto (Héctor Alterio), que lleva dos años desempleado, y madre de dos hijos que viven lejos de Buenos Aires. Hasta ahora, Cleo ha sido todo cuanto se esperaba de ella: buena madre, buena esposa, luchadora y compañera responsable. Pero ni ella misma sabe lo que puede llegar a ser si se lo propone. Sandra (Natalia Oreiro), en cambio, es todo lo que los demás han hecho de ella: estrella de televisión subida al tren de la fama, alocada, bulímica, caprichosa... En el fondo, una provinciana desprotegida cuyo ímpetu aún debe medir. Setenta y dos horas serán suficientes para que ambas mujeres empiecen a ser, de una vez por todas, ellas mismas. Hartas de sus rutinas, se lanzan a vivir un fin de semana diferente, pero no saben que han dado el primer paso para cambiar definitivamente el rumbo de sus destinos. En el trayecto conocerán a Carlos (Leonardo Sbaraglia), un joven de barrio que se suma a la aventura.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Happy Spring!
I opened my window today and besides all the sounds of the traffic, I was able to hear a few birds here and there. There are no leaves on trees yet and and there is some snow on the ground... but at least in our minds Spring is here.
March has been full with many events:
9-11:
2006 Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, March 9-11, 2006. Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, IL
There I presented Bailemos Juntos with Kika, Alicia and Luz. I had a blast! It was so much fun (like everytime we have this mini-ELDB reunion). One of the things that I liked most is that I was able to connect, at different levels and different times with all the girls. We are such a great team! I can't wait to do more presentations with them. We have at least 2 o 3 more coming next year.
12:
I presented "The Adventures of Don Quixote" for PLAC (Parents of Latin American Children). It was an awesome audience. We also did a song and a couple of line dances. We had so much fun!
19:
I participated in the festival on THE EDGE at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
An alternative performance series for those who appreciate an informal atmosphere and arts with a bit of an edge.Have some coffee, meet friends, relax and enjoy performances by local emerging artists in our intimate black box theater.A mix of music, comedy, spoken word, dance, theater and just about anything else keeps this series lively and entertaining. Each night features an eclectic blend of interesting professional artists.This series is recommended for adults age 18 and older.
Paulino Brener in Interpretative Lipsinging: Beautiful Moments
Mikael Rudolph in Swim Home, nonverbal physical comedy
Ray Terrill Dancers in Interplay/still and moving, inspired by the music of Suzanne Vega
Music by Eugene Huddleston
24:
Presented 3 performances of "The Adventures of Don Quixote" at THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINNESOTA (ISM). That was really exhausting! But a great experience as well.
March is almost over but April has many suprises as well!
March has been full with many events:
9-11:
2006 Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, March 9-11, 2006. Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, IL
There I presented Bailemos Juntos with Kika, Alicia and Luz. I had a blast! It was so much fun (like everytime we have this mini-ELDB reunion). One of the things that I liked most is that I was able to connect, at different levels and different times with all the girls. We are such a great team! I can't wait to do more presentations with them. We have at least 2 o 3 more coming next year.
12:
I presented "The Adventures of Don Quixote" for PLAC (Parents of Latin American Children). It was an awesome audience. We also did a song and a couple of line dances. We had so much fun!
19:
I participated in the festival on THE EDGE at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
An alternative performance series for those who appreciate an informal atmosphere and arts with a bit of an edge.Have some coffee, meet friends, relax and enjoy performances by local emerging artists in our intimate black box theater.A mix of music, comedy, spoken word, dance, theater and just about anything else keeps this series lively and entertaining. Each night features an eclectic blend of interesting professional artists.This series is recommended for adults age 18 and older.
Paulino Brener in Interpretative Lipsinging: Beautiful Moments
Mikael Rudolph in Swim Home, nonverbal physical comedy
Ray Terrill Dancers in Interplay/still and moving, inspired by the music of Suzanne Vega
Music by Eugene Huddleston
24:
Presented 3 performances of "The Adventures of Don Quixote" at THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINNESOTA (ISM). That was really exhausting! But a great experience as well.
March is almost over but April has many suprises as well!
Monday, March 06, 2006
It's All About Me!
Most of my friends know that I use this phrase a lot. And it's true, I do think "It's All About Me". But for those who are not familiar with Paulino's World, this might need some explaining.
It's all about me: I do spend a lot of time doing crafts: knitting, drawing, felting, etc. to create materials for my classes. I enjoy that very much, especially when I get to share them with my students. Also, I drive at crazy times (midnight) to groceries stores to get walnuts, and buy some, and open them, and clean then, etc. to do a cool little project with my students. Un barquito de cascara de nuez.
It's all about me: I love conversations with other fellow humans, even when it's not me who we are talking about ;-) It's true that I am always very busy (full time teacher, part time student and quarter time performing artist) but I always strive to make time to meet with friends and make new ones.
It's all about me: I have a lot of energy, positive attitude and lots of smiles and I put all that out there all the time (well.. most of the time) for everyone to take. As much or as little as they want.
It's all about me: I enjoy simple things in life. As I like to say "I love the magic of life". And whenever possible I share those and help people enjoy them, too. Creativiy, imagination, diversity are always values that I appreciate and help other appreciate as well.
Last night I visited a friend to watch the Oscar's together. He surprised me with a present that he has been promising for a while. It was a metal cut out banner with the words "It's All About Me". How special! I'll place it with honor and pride somewhere in my small and humble home. I am sure my friend appreciate and understand all I mean every time I say that phrase.
It's all about me: I do spend a lot of time doing crafts: knitting, drawing, felting, etc. to create materials for my classes. I enjoy that very much, especially when I get to share them with my students. Also, I drive at crazy times (midnight) to groceries stores to get walnuts, and buy some, and open them, and clean then, etc. to do a cool little project with my students. Un barquito de cascara de nuez.
It's all about me: I love conversations with other fellow humans, even when it's not me who we are talking about ;-) It's true that I am always very busy (full time teacher, part time student and quarter time performing artist) but I always strive to make time to meet with friends and make new ones.
It's all about me: I have a lot of energy, positive attitude and lots of smiles and I put all that out there all the time (well.. most of the time) for everyone to take. As much or as little as they want.
It's all about me: I enjoy simple things in life. As I like to say "I love the magic of life". And whenever possible I share those and help people enjoy them, too. Creativiy, imagination, diversity are always values that I appreciate and help other appreciate as well.
Last night I visited a friend to watch the Oscar's together. He surprised me with a present that he has been promising for a while. It was a metal cut out banner with the words "It's All About Me". How special! I'll place it with honor and pride somewhere in my small and humble home. I am sure my friend appreciate and understand all I mean every time I say that phrase.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Some excitement today
What a day! It was definitely not my usual Monday. Today I got this call from a very important theater in town, Mixed Blood Theater. They were looking for a last minute replacement for a show in Spanish that is going to be presented in Puerto Rico next week! I went crazy just thinking of the idea. What an opporutnity! Anyway, unfortunately I was not able to find a substitute for the 5 days that I was required to be absent from school. :-( Oh, well! But just that I was called was enough excitement for the day!
Monday, January 23, 2006
What is your best (most pleasant) memory from childhood?
Today friend of mine brought a gift from Argentina. She was there during the holidays but I have not been there for almost 3 years now. At first it looked like any other music CD but it turned to be very special to me. I did not imagine the songs in it were going to affect me so deeply. This CD is titled “Para mis niños de 30 años” (For my 30 years old children). That is me! It is a wonderful collection of songs from my childhood by a famous clown and singer Miliki (when I was a kid it was the famous “Gaby, Fofó y Miliki” troupe singing those songs). It was nice to have all those memories from childhood back to me, not just to my mind but my whole body was electrified. It definitely made me cry. I would like to learn about you, what songs from your childhood give you goose pimples? What songs from 20, 30 or 40 (or 50?) years ago bring you pleasant (and sometimes not so pleasant) memories? or What is your best (most pleasant) memory from childhood?? I would love if you could share that with me since I would like to learn some of those songs or learn about those memories. Please email them to mail@paulino.info GRACIAS!
In the meantime, I will share a lullaby that my mother used to sing to me and that it gives ME the goose pimples every time I share with the children in my classes:
Arrorró mi niño,
Arrorró mi sol,
Arrorró pedazo,
De mi corazón.
Este niño bueno,
Se quiere dormir,
El pícaro sueño,
No quiere venir.
In the meantime, I will share a lullaby that my mother used to sing to me and that it gives ME the goose pimples every time I share with the children in my classes:
Arrorró mi niño,
Arrorró mi sol,
Arrorró pedazo,
De mi corazón.
Este niño bueno,
Se quiere dormir,
El pícaro sueño,
No quiere venir.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
where did the holidays go?
I actually had a great time over the holidays. I enjoyed them inmensely doing lots of things and also doing nothing (at times). One of the things that I enjoyed more was meeting with old friends and making some new ones. I have always beeing very passionate about human interaction, to learn about other people's lifes and about mine in the process. Part of that is reflect in my last post about "meeting".
But now I am also happy to go back to school, both teaching and learning. Classes at Spring Hill School have been going pretty well so far. Tonite I started my first class at MCTC (Minneapolis Community and Technology College): Ethics. So far, I am hooked. It's going to be an intense semester though.
Lately I've been wondering if the inability to say "no" to things is real a problem of mine. I seem to get committed to so many things. But the truth is that I love them all and being busy is not such a problem. I'll post more later about my future events and hopefully I get to finish revamping my website soon, too.
But now I am also happy to go back to school, both teaching and learning. Classes at Spring Hill School have been going pretty well so far. Tonite I started my first class at MCTC (Minneapolis Community and Technology College): Ethics. So far, I am hooked. It's going to be an intense semester though.
Lately I've been wondering if the inability to say "no" to things is real a problem of mine. I seem to get committed to so many things. But the truth is that I love them all and being busy is not such a problem. I'll post more later about my future events and hopefully I get to finish revamping my website soon, too.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
to meet or not to meet
Most of the time people assume that I miss Argentina. And they usually look dissapointed when I tell them "I don't". It's not that I deny my roots, on the contrary, I always tell people that I am from Argentina and get to talk about it any opportunity I can. But it's just that "to miss" seems to strong of a feeling for me. I am pretty good at making a good life wherever I am. Also, now I call Minneapolis my home. That's what I feel.
Ok, but if you really, really want me to say that I miss something I would say that I miss meeting people. Not for business or a particular occassion (birthday, x-mass, etc.), just meeting. Meeting just because. Getting together with friends and talk and relax and philosophize and talk some more. It takes a lot of energy just to meet (fully) someone. I think that in Argentina (at least while I lived there) people meet more. In my opinion that type of meeting, that human interaction is essential for quality of life. Since I came to USA I have had glimpses of that type of meeting. I am also happy to say that (at least to me) it's becoming more frequent.
Today I met a new friend (or a new friend to be) and we just met. That simple. And talked and shared and philosophized and talked some more. And all of a sudden it made me realize how much I like meeting people. I miss meeting my old friends from Argentina, but I am happy and I appreciate I am able to meet some new ones here.
Ok, but if you really, really want me to say that I miss something I would say that I miss meeting people. Not for business or a particular occassion (birthday, x-mass, etc.), just meeting. Meeting just because. Getting together with friends and talk and relax and philosophize and talk some more. It takes a lot of energy just to meet (fully) someone. I think that in Argentina (at least while I lived there) people meet more. In my opinion that type of meeting, that human interaction is essential for quality of life. Since I came to USA I have had glimpses of that type of meeting. I am also happy to say that (at least to me) it's becoming more frequent.
Today I met a new friend (or a new friend to be) and we just met. That simple. And talked and shared and philosophized and talked some more. And all of a sudden it made me realize how much I like meeting people. I miss meeting my old friends from Argentina, but I am happy and I appreciate I am able to meet some new ones here.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
ah! very busy! (but happy)
Geez! I can't tell you how hard it is to auto-produce a one-man-show.
But "The Adventures of Don Quixote" is going well. Here are some comments from people:
Great! I read Don Quixote in High School and forgot what a wonderful story it is! Thanks you so much for bringing the advnture back to life! (Brenda F.)
"Very creative and funny one act show. I really enjoyed seeing you do all of the different characters. It was nice to have a bilingual show" (Angela P.)
"Great show! Good for both adults and children. Makes me want to read more" (Kathy M.)
"The show was very imaginative + fun + fun to participate in the story + also good to learn words in a different language" (Josette A.)
But "The Adventures of Don Quixote" is going well. Here are some comments from people:
Great! I read Don Quixote in High School and forgot what a wonderful story it is! Thanks you so much for bringing the advnture back to life! (Brenda F.)
"Very creative and funny one act show. I really enjoyed seeing you do all of the different characters. It was nice to have a bilingual show" (Angela P.)
"Great show! Good for both adults and children. Makes me want to read more" (Kathy M.)
"The show was very imaginative + fun + fun to participate in the story + also good to learn words in a different language" (Josette A.)
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Saluton!
It's been almost a month now that I have started (again) to study Esperanto. I have tried this in the past (several times), even got a couple of books at home in Argentina. The difference now is that I am "attacking" this Internacia Lingvo from many angles: program on computer, online course, online TV and using Skype (www.skype.com) to chat and talk with many Esperantists around the world. Does this make me a language geek? Hm...
Ah, and for those of you who doubt the value of learning Esperanto, bring it on! I am ready to discuss that with you.
Take and give care.
Ah, and for those of you who doubt the value of learning Esperanto, bring it on! I am ready to discuss that with you.
Take and give care.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Playing with colored silks it's not just for kids.
I was taking a break from writing a paper for my English class (actually, I was kinda at a block in my writing) and I went to the laundry room in my building to check on the silks. These are the colored silks that I use at school to teach colors to my children. We do all sorts of fun games with them. After more than two years of using them, I decided they needed to be washed. By the end of the wash cycle they were pretty dry, but I did throw them in the dryer anyway. Fluff only, no heat. When I was folding them in my bed, our friend static electricity came to play and I played along. It was fun. I battled with a few silks when I was trying to fold them neatly. For those most rebellious ones I just gave in and let them free in the air. Some got stuck to my arms, others just clustered together on the wall and gave me a magical improptu (temporary) work of art.
Who said playing with silks it's just for children? The image of the silks on the wall and the pile of neatly folded silks under them made me reflect on my life and the balance that I strive to have in it. On one side the rational order and discipline and on the other the chaotic and spontaneous creative spirit. Tonight I had both. I put the folded silks on a basket and decided that I would let the artsy silks spend the night playing on the wall. I am sure their vibrant colors will visit my dreams at some point. I am sure I'll hear some complains when I have them join the pile in the basket tomorrow morning. But their playfulness will live in me for a long while.
Many happy have asked me how is it that I am always happy and with a positive attitude. My answer is very easy: "I love the magic of life". I truly do. And simple and magic (and silly) moments like these are the ones that infuse me with so much energy that I can't do anything else but smile and share it with everyone.
Take and give care,
paulino
Who said playing with silks it's just for children? The image of the silks on the wall and the pile of neatly folded silks under them made me reflect on my life and the balance that I strive to have in it. On one side the rational order and discipline and on the other the chaotic and spontaneous creative spirit. Tonight I had both. I put the folded silks on a basket and decided that I would let the artsy silks spend the night playing on the wall. I am sure their vibrant colors will visit my dreams at some point. I am sure I'll hear some complains when I have them join the pile in the basket tomorrow morning. But their playfulness will live in me for a long while.
Many happy have asked me how is it that I am always happy and with a positive attitude. My answer is very easy: "I love the magic of life". I truly do. And simple and magic (and silly) moments like these are the ones that infuse me with so much energy that I can't do anything else but smile and share it with everyone.
Take and give care,
paulino
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)