Made Me Laugh!

For all sorts of reasons, this video makes me laugh. My best friend was looking up something on YouTube yesterday. And she got this. Low and behold, my guerita best friend watched it! Personally, I think that she is missing home a lot...

Anyway, this just makes me laugh. I know some of the guys in this group. How did she just find this video? I dance somewhat like this when I perform. Albeit, we don't "try" so hard. And we have learned more complicated steps. But that's what we do. By the way, Albert is the better dancer in this video. Do you think they could use a 3rd dancer? :)

But this video just made me smile. It reminded me of home. It reminded me of Mariachi, dancing, and performing. Things that I really miss. I feel like my life is missing a lot at the moment. But mostly, I'm missing all the "Cultura."

I guess what I'm getting at is, that I want to get back involved, full time, in Mariachi again. Or maybe take the leap, and start Ballet Folklorico. Either way, I need to find some live Mariachis to watch. And soon! ♥Besitos

Ballet Folklorico

For years and years, I wanted to be in Ballet Folklorico. My parents would never put me in it. I'm talking, I was like 3 years old, and I wanted to dance. They thought I was too shy.

I also wanted to play the violin. Another thing they wouldn't let me do. But when I was going to start 6th grade, my uncle helped me get into orchestra. That was when my love of performing started.

But I've never forgot about dancing. I wanted to do it. I cheered and danced in high school. I began dancing and sing when I moved out at 18. And well, I even found a way to incorporate come of that into my Mariachi performing. :)

But Mariachi stuff is getting harder and harder to come by. I usually only perform for big holidays and big concerts. I'm not in a local Mariachi. Mostly because my schedule. I can't lie, back home, I couldn't get into a group if my life depended on it. It really sucks! But I do fill in whenever they need me. I take whatever gig I can get.

Ballet Folklorico keeps grabbing my attention. It's still part of my culture, just like Mariachi. But where would I go for classes? I'm still not too connected in this town. But this is something that I'd enjoy doing. I mean, just watch these videos. You can't tell me that it doesn't look fun.



Do you see that? Well, I do some of that dancing already in Mariachi. I learned from some dancers years ago! And in the group I was once in, back home, me and a friend would dance like this. Puro Jarocho!



This is just a beautiful dance. Just look at the way they dance. How can you not fall in love with Ballet Folklorico.



This is one of the beautiful and fun dances that I just love. Another one that I learned with a friend. :)



And who doesn't like a good Polka? I mean come on! I was born dancing these no lie! My grandma had me dancing polkas when I learned how to walk. I still love to dance them.



This just makes me smile. Come on! you have to admit it. What I would give to dance a Polka right now!



One of my favorite songs to play. And just love to watch the dancers dance to this song! It's just beautiful.



La Bruja is another one of my favorite songs. I don't know why. It just is. And this dance, absolutely beautiful!

I'm telling you, I really want to start learning Ballet Folklorico. And I don't mean how my friend and I learned. It was backstage before a show. I want to really study this type of dance. Maybe I'll do it at the Mariachi Conference this year. Or maybe I'll actually find a studio to start studying at. ♥Besitos

Edie Sedgwick Inspired Makeup

I happen to be a fan of Edie Sedgwick. And I really like this makeup. It's definitely not your everyday kind of look. But I think it would be fun to wear for a performance.

I think it's mostly because I love Old Hollywood. There is something about it. The glamour, the history, the character. But this is a nice, fun, and interesting look. Now to just find an event to wear it to... ♥Besitos

Mi Cucu

Mi Cucu...or how I came to know it as a small girl..."Don't Mess with My Tutu." I don't even know who the recording was by. All I can remember is, a man sang the song. And I swear to you, it was a country western song. But it was mine song, because my grandma said so. I know. Weird choice for a 3 year old. But there you go.

I would go around my grandparents' house singing and dancing to this song. For hours...even days! I was a bit of a dorky kid. But this was my song. I'm pretty sure that the recording that they had was by a country singer. But don't quote me on that.

Then I got older. And I became a musician. And my good friend and fellow musician so, he had a wise idea. I should sing this song in spanish. Hello! We were already jamming to "Who Let the Dogs Out." So there you go. My song came to life again. Can you tell we had A LOT of fun at work?

Funny how those things happen. Then I became known for this song! It was so weird. And in every Mariachi I've ever played in, I've had to sing this song. And then it crossed over, to the other genres of music that I perform. I think my dancing skills also add to the fun of this song. :)

The crazy thing is, I still like going to my grandparents house and listening to the 8-track recording. Yes, I told you it was old! The label has fallen off. And I have no idea who recorded it. But it brings back so many memories.

I don't know why I woke up thinking about this song. But I did. Go figure! But I found this video and had it playing as I got ready this morning. A bit weird. But I enjoyed it. It's definitely a fun song to dance to. Too bad I'm here alone. With no dance partner...AGAIN!

Now, I need to go get ready for my niece's birthday party. Yes, it's at a weird time...11AM. And I still need to wrap her presents. And sign her card. Oh, and drive the hour to my brother's house. Happy Saturday! ♥Besitos

Tantita Pena

Funny how I seen him today. And all I could think about was his lips. And 1:45 of this video. Doesn't help that he has grown out his hair, is a musician, and has a voice to die for! I wanted to talk to him. But oh ya, I got soaked by the kind firemen of "The City Different."

Oh ya, and that fireman, why do I always see him when I come here? It's just strange. Yes, he asked me out when I was younger. But I was 16 and he was 21. A little illegal in our state. I could have imagined what my Dad would have done.

But back to the man...he looked amazing. I wanted to talk to him. Then the light bulb went off in my head. Um, hello! He plays the guitar. I'm sure he would enjoy this gig. And the money. Too bad my white shirt was drenched. And you could see through it! My bra was clearly visible. And I was running to my car. He would be perfect for this gig. Then maybe just maybe, I'd finally get to talk to him...

But it didn't happen. When I got to my car, Zo called me. And I told him about the entire situation. He told me that I should have just went to talk to him. Maybe he would have just taken the job. hahaha Zo is a funny one! If it had been Zo, he would have taken the job. :P

But seriously, I know at one time I had a phone number for him. Other than that one, to the apartment, where he no longer lives. Oh ya. I could make a quick call to an old teacher. I know he has the number. But then...what do I say?

Now I'm at my parent's house. Calling every musician I know. But he's on my mind. And this video. Why do I make life so complicated for myself? ♥Besitos

The City Different...Emergency Trip

Last night, I got the call. I had to come to "The City Different." For two reasons. Both work related. One, I needed to update my hospital credentials. That's what I'm doing at the moment. It's so boring. Taking a long time. But so much of a necessity. You know how that goes...

Secondly, I'm on a mission to find an armonia player. Today. Because I have a gig on Monday. And I need someone to play while I sing. Do you know of anyone that would be interested? I could use all the help I can get. Seriously! And it pays $5,000!

My boss called me last night to tell me. I need to find someone today. I have 1 guy's number. But he's not answering. And a friend suggested that I go hang out at the Plaza. I think that would have worked last weekend. But do musicians just kinda hang out there? I don't know. But this afternoon, I will find out. :)

Other than that, not much else on my agenda. I still need to buy my niece something for her birthday. Her party is tomorrow. And I'm thinking about Upper Crust for lunch today. I used to go there all the time in high school. Silly me. :) But it just sounds good.

Other than that, it's just me. Over dressed. In a pencil skirt, button down white blouse, and red peep toes. Yes, I get graded on my clothes. So I'm always dressed up. But I'm feeling way over dressed today. Just wait until I have to go downtown later. This is going to be interesting. ..

But again, I'm in love with this city. Too bad it's so expensive to live here. Oh, and that my college isn't here. Because I would seriously like to move out here. Maybe then, I could get back into full time Mariachi playing. ♥Besitos

As Requested...

I do believe that my boss might have had a serious crush on Selena. Did you watch this video? Well, if you've ever seen pictures of Selena, a concert, or a music video...you know that she liked to wear bustiers. Or like my other boss referred to them...sparkly bras.

My boss has requested that I wear one, for our gigs in October/November. Hmmm...

I'm just not sure I can pull it off. I do like lots of the outfits that Selena wore. But seriously, she just had that flare. Something that I'm lacking. So only time will tell. I'm just grateful that I've been working out so much lately. I probably should lay off of eating at Barela's though. Because if I have to wear a little outfit like that, I want to be in good shape. At least, with all the working out, I won't be so self conscience of my body. ♥Besitos

Days in the Symphony

When I sit and think about symphonic playing, I have some very mixed memories. When I was young, and first began playing the violin, I loved the symphony. Classical music was all I could think about! I LOVED playing in the AYS program. Loved our conductors. And one of my teacher's sons and I, became really good friends. I met some of the most amazing people. Lifelong friends. :)

Then fast forward to college. I HATED playing in the symphony. Absolutely HATED IT! Our conductor was rude and racist. But I dealt. It didn't hurt that I had an amazing stand partner. We were seated at the back. No matter what we did. That's where we sat. But it was A OK!

What did we do? Joked around. He laughed. Made jokes. He would write all over the music. Draw pictures of "Woody Woodpecker." He would teach me various Mariachi stuff. We talked to the flutists. They sat on one side of us. We chatted with the percussion. And we tried our hardest not to have our ears blown out by them.

That is what we did. We knew our music. We were on top of it. But it never mattered. And the people. Oh they were horrible. Besides our professor, and maybe 2 other string players, no one ever really talked to you. That was life.

Then I left it all behind. And I missed it all! I would sub in various symphonies from time to time. And in the SFO. Which was so fun. But that is a whole other tale. To me, symphony playing can be horrific! The people tend to be rude. And look down on you. You get lost in the scene. And honestly, 90% of the time, you don't even connect with the music. But I would never change my experience. It's helped to shape me as a performer. ♥Besitos

Makeup Square

I just LOVE Ali's makeup tutorials. They're so fun. And the looks are amazing! This is one of my favorites! I like to watch her videos for inspiration. And to learn new techniques. Mostly, I wear this type of makeup for gigs. Especially Mariachi work. I always feel like I need to be a lot more dramatic with my hair, makeup, and accessories. It's just something that comes with the territory.

I just wish that Ali would make some more tutorials. I miss watching them. But there are a lot more here. She has so many amazing looks! I just wish I could wear them all. And more often. But it's a bit dramatic for a college student and hospital intern. ♥Besitos