The Day of the Virgin de Guadalupe

On this day in 1531 the Virgin de Guadalupe was sighted by a humble man named Juan Diego at a place called Teypeyacac, in what is present day Mexico City. She asked Juan Diego to go to the Bishop and petition him to build a temple for her at the foot of Tepeyacac. The Bishop was suspicious of Juan Diego and called for proof. The Virgin told Juan Diego to climb to the top of Tepeyacac, where he found flowers growing completely out of season. He wrapped the flowers in his cape and brought them back down the hill to the Bishop, The Image of the Virgin appeared on the cape. The Bishop was humbled and set out straight away to build the Temple.

On this day millions of pilgrims come from all over the world to Mexico City to visit the Virgin de Guadalupe. Skeptics are quick to point out the unlikely coincidence of the Virgin's appearance on Tepeyacac, the very site of an Aztec temple dedicated to Tonatzin (earth goddess, mother of the gods and protectror of humanity) which had been devastated by order of Bishop Zumarraga.

On this special day, all of Mexico, and all Mexican sons and daughters on the other side gather for the celebration of the Virgin. An endless parade of pilgrims from the country’s four points appear at her Basilica with their flowers, songs, chants and prayers. They stream in processions led by indigenous dancers, to every church named for her. Wreaths of flowers adorn the signs of streets, neighborhoods, and towns bearing her name. Religious orders, churches and the millions of men, women, boys and girls named for her are especially joyous, as they share her special day.

The nation releases an immense sign of tenderness and experiences a profound expression of Mexican roots and essence and love for Our Lady, Virgen Maria de Guadalupe.

By the early hours of the morning of December 12th, in every niche and cranny Mexico, the burst of fire crackers is heard and their brilliant lights crown this great fiesta dedicated to the Mother of all Mexicans... Our Lady of Guadalupe.

An Invitation from aesthetyX and Institute of the Americas

aesthetyX and Institute of the Americas invite you to celebrate and benefit the work of non-profit organization, Barro Sin Plomo (BSP) "Clay without Lead" and Mexican artisans on the evening of November 5th. The evening will include a reception and sale of lead-free pottery, a presentation by BSP leaders Victor Aguila, Anna O'Leary and Cisco Pinedo. There will be a video by Galatea Audiovisual with wonderful footage from the BSP documentary in production, "Tierra Brilliante".

The event will take place from 6-8 PM November 5th at Institute of the Americas on the UCSD Campus: 10111 N. Torrey Pines Road. La Jolla, CA 92037

For more information and to RSVP please visit: iamericas.org

Dedicated to Sustainable Development

GRUPEDSAC- Group To Promote Education and Sustainable Development, is dedicated to offering solutions for poverty in the Mexican countryside through training, skill development, ecosystem restoration, and motivating the organizational and management capacities of small farmer communities with the purpose of generating knowledge and allowing them to satisfy their basic needs of pure water, healthy food, appropriate housing, and sustainable energy.

In order to fulfill its mission, the organization has two training and demonstration centers on alternative technologies where the promotion of self-sufficiency and self-development are the main goals. The Center for Education and Rural Development (CEDER) in Huixquilucan, State of Mexico, and the Instituto Tonantzin Tlalli (ITT) in Ejutla, Oaxaca. Both centers were built using appropriate green technologies and Permaculture design principles. They offer guided visits, trainings, and workshops at both sites.

During a recent trip to Mexico, Judy and Charles came across this non-profit organization at the trade show and bought some unique handbags, coin purses and clutches all made from recycled wrappers. Come have a look at the classy, intricately woven accessories made from discarded, colorful and shiny candy wrappers. Talk about sustainable!

New Sculptures and Designs by Roberto!

THIS JUST IN- Hurray! We received a shipment of some new sculptures from one of our favorite artisans- Roberto Tirado. They are playful as well as elegant, and range in price from $45 to $450 depending on size and style. There are some adorable little birds that have a tall perch to go perfectly in the garden. I haven't seen Roberto's Woman with the Cat before, but now I'm in love with her. :) Hopefully you'll get a chance to see these exquisite beauties before they go away to good homes. Come have a look- there might even be one your home or garden cannot live without. I'm telling ya, Roberto Tirado has really accomplished great work in these new, unique sculptures. See you at the gallery!

- D.K.