Category Archives: Fotos

Cuentos, Fotos

Mil palabras: The mission

Did I dream it or did someone tell me the story? I can’t remember where the truth ends and the talk begins.
– from Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros (p. 20)

When I was a kid, my family went camping on some bluffs overlooking the beaches of Santa Barbara. I can’t remember the name of the campsite or how old I was. I do remember joining up with my tía Susana, her sisters and a couple other families. There were a lot of kids left unattended as our mom’s played la baraja.

On Sunday morning, while everyone was still asleep in their tents, my mom woke us up for Mass at the Santa Barbara Mission. I’m sure we grumbled about having to go to church while on vacation, but we went anyway.

There weren’t many people in Mass that Sunday, it was much emptier than our usual 8 a.m. service at St. John Vianney. I remember thinking it was cool and weird that I was inside one of the same missions we studied in 4th grade.

At least I think I remember this. I stopped by the mission briefly on a recent trip to SB. It didn’t look familiar, nor did I get the feeling I’d visited before. Perhaps my memory is distorted. I know we went camping in SB and went to Mass on Sunday, but maybe it wasn’t at the mission. Maybe I imagined that part.

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Fotos

Mil palabras: In conversation

I didn’t spend much time in the galleries on my most recent trip to the Getty Museum with Sean. Instead, we spent most of the warm January afternoon exploring the impressive gardens, finding the best views of the city and people watching.

I love watching people from afar, especially couples deep in conversation. I make up my own discussion based on facial expressions and body language. This guy seems distant as he looks off in to the horizon. She’s making an effort to get closer. Maybe she’s trying to convince him or reassure him of something. Perhaps she just told him that she was admitted to grad school up north, but their relationship will be okay. She’ll visit often. Or maybe she just asked him where he wants to have dinner or which exhibit they should visit next.

What do you think they’re talking about? Do you make up your own stories when you people watch (if you do so)?

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Familia, Fotos

Christmas Past: Boys and their toys (1984)

¡Feliz Navidad!

I spent Nochebuena at home with my family. We ate delicious food then attempted to burn it off with playing Just Dance 2. There was lots of laughter, singing, adoration of the baby Jesus, and of course a visit from Santa.

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I love this photo of Danny and our cousin, Agustin, for two reasons. First, they’re just cute and exuberant boys enjoying their new toys. It makes me miss the days when there were lots of kids tearing apart presents on Christmas eve. These days we’re all grown up and there are just a few small children.

Second, I can’t help but look at the photo and think politically. I can’t turn off being a Chicana even on Christmas. I think of it as a play on the concept of a reconquista. I bet the image of two small brown boys holding guns (one pointed at the photographer) is the kind that strikes fear in the hearts of those who favor SB 1070, oppose the DREAM Act, build walls along the US-Mexico border and deport us all.

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Familia, Fotos

Adrian at 25

Some say four is a sacred number. There are four directions. Four elements. Four Beatles. And four Mosqueda kids.

Sure, we were a few good looking kids when we were three, but we really needed Adrian to complete the set. And honestly, make us that much cooler.

Today marks Adrian’s 25th birthday. He’s gone from being a fat baby to being a smart, caring, funny and handsome young man.

I wanted to write something sappy about my love for my little brother, but that wouldn’t be big sister-like. Instead I’ll share some of my favorite photos of him and some fun facts.

Continue reading →

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