An afternoon in Nogales, Sonora

Market on the Move (MOM)

Since it's inception in 2010 this non profit has rescued $45,000,000 worth of produce that would have otherwise been thrown out. It then distributes this food to families in need and to people who for a donation of $10 can get 60 lbs of food to share with others. Yes that is 60 pounds of food. Today four of us went to see what this is all about. The produce was for the most part very fresh. Volunteers check the food for spoilage before it is set out. You give them your donation and then you are given boxes and line up to select your produce. Volunteers and participants were very friendly and within one hour we were home with healthy food that would have otherwise been destroyed. This group is also called The 3000 Club because of the many volunteers that work with this group rescuing people and food alike.

check out www.the3000club.org

"We need to talk about Kevin'' -The Movie

I waited many weeks for this film to come to the Loft. I saw it. I think I know why it didn't go mainstream.

Based on the novel of the same name by Lionel Shriver, this movie is written by AND directed by Lynne Ramsay. It is the story of a mother, Tilda Swinton, who gives birth to a baby "from hell", crying constantly who becomes toddler, 6 to 8 yr old and finally into the predicted cruel and evil adolescent. It must be said that the acting is great -and the direction of the very young actors. Rocky Duer plays the toddler, Jasper Newell the 6-8 year old and Ezra Miller the teenager.

Directed and filmed in fragments of time goes in a confusing manner between before and after the "incident" which is the culmination of the movie. Add to this the sequences of dreams and visions it was hard to follow. The only clues to time is Swinton's haircut and the house she lives in. Franklin, John C. Riley, the father exists only on the periphery of the story as does the younger sister. The center of the story is KEVIN and EVA, his mother.

A well done, acted film. In my search on IMDB I am told it was not faithful to the book. I downloaded the ebook and we will see.

I can't give this a grade or even thumbs up or down. It is not for everyone. I don't want to suggest anyone seeing it or missing it. It is Creepy and Confusing but memorable.

Day of Serendipity

We headed up to the Tucson Museum of Art to see the exhibit of Freda Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray, an American Hungarian who was once her lover. It is a great exhibit and includes not only photographs of her and Rivera but also replicas of the colorful clothes she wore so famously. We were surprised to find out that Spring Artisans Market was taking place and had many booths of fine art merchandise. Topped it off with a terrific lunch at the cafe. Stopped off at the San Xavier church on the way home.

St. Anthony's Monastery, Florence, AZ

This Greek Orthodox Monastery was started in the Arizona desert by 6 monks in 1995. Several chapels, orchards of citrus and olive and flower gardens are tended by around 40 monks today.

It is a delightful place to visit and is a photographers dream. Interior of the chapels are decorated in the Greek style with many beautiful religious icons. Note the use of exquisite lace and wood carving. Exteriors are also in the Greek architecture in stone and wood. Palms and pine trees line the walkways.

Check their website for visiting hours, rules and directions.

Tucson's Festival of Books

The fourth annual Festival of Books had nearly 100,000 visitors and filled the malls and halls of the University of Arizona. There was something for everyone; adults, kids, book buyers and book sellers. And dogs. It now ranks among the top five book festivals in the nation. Way to go U of A and Tucson!

I enjoyed poets, women mystery writers and well known Borderland authors including my favorite Luis Alberto Urrea.

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.

Inside of a dog, it is too

dark to read." Groucho Marks.

Chico and Rita - movie

This adult animation film was nominated for Best Animation Feature film at this years Oscars.

It also could have been nominated for best Foreign Language Film -Spain. The story starts in 1948 Cuba. Chico, a piano player hears Rita a singer with a bluesy style that enhances his music and captures his heart.

Although they make great music together, their love affair has complications as an American entices Rita to New York. Meanwhile Chico makes his music in Paris. Will they cross paths? Will they love again?

Beautiful animation, great jazz music and a wonderful love story make this a movie to top your rent list. We were fortunate to see it on its last day at the Loft.

Silver Mine tour in Tombstone, Az

This tour is worth the time if you are already visiting Tombstone. But not worth the drive over.

Good guide with lots of information about mining in the late 19th Century and the various rocks and formations in the mine.