DANCING WITH THE SAINTS: Patronales are celebrated in villages throughout Guatemala

These small wooden replicas of REAL LIFE dancers, wearing colorful wooden masks and strikingly colorful costumes, are a traditional part of  patronales celebrations in Guatemalan villages throughout the campo (wood dolls courtesy of Casa de los Gigantes, Antigua)  

The patronales celebrations honor the patron saint of the village.  He or she saint is  paraded about  joyously (and often the people carrying the saint pay to lift and walk with the ¨onda´ platform  on their shoulders)  and live music is played all-day-into-night.  

The masked folk dancers (usually men) dance continously in conga-like lines and weave themselves throughout the crowd as well as perform specific cermemonial dances in the town square.

Always fire crackers are heard throughout the day of the patronal celebration and always there are  colorful fuegos artificiales lighting the sky in the evening (the wealthier the village the more fire works displayed).

Village church interiors are most often lavishly decorated with flowers, banners, streamers and worshippers light candles and  pray on their  knees on the raw/rough tile floors.

MAY SWEET SIESTAS ADD TO YOUR DAY: Dreaming of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

A glimpse: Ellen´s San Cristobal de las Casas dreamy bed

In January a lively group of us jumped into a new four wheeler and sped off to Chiapas, Mexico.  Four of us heading north of the border, on a beautiful day, it was a perfect journey.  We traveled up and up to/through the northernmost mountains of Guatemala and then down, down, down and crossed the border into the southern Mexican State of Chiapas---more beautiful scenery greeted us on our way as day turned into night on the road to San Cristobal de las Casas, our destination, up Mexico way.

We spent five days exploring San Cristobal de las Casas.  It was a treat in every way.  The landscape was varied, lush, hauntingly beautiful and sometimes daunting too.  The people were welcoming, friendly, energetic, productive, creative and it was VERY SAFE in San Cristobal de las Casas and Chiapas is blooming and booming.

Much of our time was spent visiting the indigenous open markets, little stores, brilliant and boldy decorated churches, public buildings, hotels and restaurants and even the famous Jaguar House too...vivid imagines are remembered by me with hundreds of colorful Mexicano momentos flickering through my mind.

We had a very happy trip to Old Mexico.

A few days after returning to Guatemala, one of our companions, Ellen, decided she wanted me to paint her bed.  The bed is a lovely piece of furniture and although distinctive and elegant it needed, according to Ellen, a little cheering/livening up...so, over the last month, I painted Ellens bed into my version/vision of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico...ole'

The newly redecorated bed was installed in Ellens bedroom yesterday.  It was a bit of a surprise and a BIG HIT! Here is a corner of the headboard for you to see.

Today, we went to a lovely brunch at the Santo Domingo Hotel, here, in Antigua, Guatemala.  We celebrated the sweet memories of San Cristobal de las Casas that are embracing Ellen today and I am wishing Ellen the fondest of memories to be enjoyed in yet another way:

Sweet dreams, dear Ellen, fellow adventurer and great friend!

Leonardo Ricardo
Leonard Clark Beardsley
Sacatepequez, Guatemala
Central America
Sunday afternoon

Rafael Correa, Ecuadorian President, Apologizes To Gay Community During Reelection Speech (VIDEO)

¨Ecuador's President Rafael Correa kept his word to the gay community and apologized a second time on Sunday, after his re-election, for homophobic comments made last year.

At the time, the Ecuadorian leader had used the word "faggot" to insult a reader who had criticized his government on a local newspaper's Facebook, referring to him with the same term. Correa later explained he had used the word in an attempt to call his offender a "coward," according to the Spanish news agency EFE.

However, after the LGBT community in the country demanded an explanation, the president apologized in writing and ensured he was not doing it to win votes but because he was genuinely remorseful about the incident.

After winning his third term in office, Correa took a few minutes out of his re-election speech to reassure the country that his government has a genuine commitment to defend everyone's dignity and equality.

“We are diverse but never unequal,” he said.

please read it all,

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/22/rafael-correa-gay-community_n_2743906.html?ir=Gay+Voices&ref=topbar

Thanks to Huffington Post, sidebar

Thanks to  By Zuania Ramos

MAY THE CURSE OF +BOB DUNCAN BE WITH YOU: Pope resigns days after greeting his LGBT excluding long-time accomplice +Bob Duncan/ACNA

December 11, 2012 -- At the conclusion of the audience, Archbishop Duncan and Bishop Sutton were afforded the opportunity to bring greetings to His Holiness on behalf of the Anglican Church in North America and the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans.


ATTN RELIGIOUS PRETENDERS AND BIGOTS AT CHRUCH: REALITY JUST TAKES A LITTLE GETTING USED TO!

¨...A potentially explosive report has linked the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI to the discovery of a network of gay prelates in the Vatican, some of whom – the report said – were being blackmailed by outsiders.

The pope's spokesman declined to confirm or deny the report, which was carried by the Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica.

The paper said the pope had taken the decision on 17 December that he was going to resign – the day he received a dossier compiled by three cardinals delegated to look into the so-called "Vatileaks" affair...¨  there is much more,

 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/21/pope-retired-amid-gay-bishop-blackmail-inquiry

Thanks to Wounded Bird, sidebar
Thanks to Of Course I Could Be Wrong, sidebar
Thanks to Mad Priest, sidebar
Thanks to The Guardian, United Kingdom

THANKS TO HOLY BULLIES and HEADLESS MONSTERS: Video exposes religious right's talent for anti-gay misdirection, omission

This hideously bad video is by former Family Research Council intern Anna Maria Hoffman and she wants us to "stop the hate" of those who support so-called traditional marriage. Though it was excruciating to watch, especially the couple of seconds (Girlfriend can't sing. Not a lick!), her attempt to outline the point of view of those on her side of the marriage equality argument actually helps us.

Not because of what she says, via bad cue card reading, but because of her tone, how she misdirects the argument, and what she omits.

1. Tone - Ms. Hoffman whines about that those on her side of the argument are unfairly attacked, yet she makes it seem that those of who support marriage equality are doing it because it's a "trendy" thing to do. To the vast majority of us, gaining marriage equality is not like going to the new club or attempting a new dance. We have a desire to affirm our love and see our families protected as all Americans do.

2. Misdirects - Hoffman lists an entire set of reasons why so-called traditional marriage is in danger such as the rate of divorce and households without a father. However, none of the reasons she lists has anything to do with gays and lesbians getting married. Nor does she say how allowing gays and lesbians to get married would exacerbate these problems.

3. Omission - Finally, Hoffman seems to be taking a page from the Maggie Gallagher book of "Whine about being called bigots to cover up how bigoted our tactics are." She goes on a spiel about how unfair it is that those like her are labeled as "bigots" simply because they support so-called traditional marriage. Is she serious? Was Hoffman asleep during her entire tenure at the Family Research Council?  Hoffman seems to conveniently omit the many, many times her organization has demonized gays, labeled us as the "dangerous other," and expressed desires that we be either deported from the country or put in jail. And that doesn't even begin to cover the cherry-picked studies the Family Research Council uses against us.

Hoffman is unfortunately indicative of religious right group employees and spokespeople. They want to claim victimhood for being called bigots while at the same time spewing their bigotry.

You simply cannot have it both ways.

Hat tip to Jeremy Hooper. 

http://holybulliesandheadlessmonsters.blogspot.com/2013/02/video-exposes-religious-rights-talent.html 

ATTENTION ANGLICAN ARCHBISHOP RENNIS PONNIAH: Same Sex equal marriage rights considered in Thailand

The Rights and Liberties Protection Department and the House committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights have held the first of a series of public hearings to consider civil unions that would allow same-sex couples equal marriage rights.

¨More than 200 people on Friday attended the first public hearing held to discuss the possibility of a civil partnership bill that would allow same-sex couples equal marriage rights, according to the Bangkok Post.

The meeting was jointly held by the Rights and Liberties Protection Department and the House committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights; and was held Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Bangkok.

The Post reports:

If the bill becomes law, it would be the first of its kind in Thailand.

The House committee chaired by Pol Gen Viroon Phuensaen, a Pheu Thai Party-list MP, started drafting the bill a year ago after receiving a complaint from a gay male couple. The couple said they had been denied a marriage certificate.

Three more public hearings will take place at Chiang Mai University on Friday, Khon Kaen University on Feb 22 and Prince of Songkhla University on March 1, respectively.

Opinions from the public will be gathered and used to amend the bill before being proposed to the cabinet for further consideration.

If the cabinet rejects the bill, the supporters have pledged to collect 10,000 names of eligible voters or at least 20 members of the House of Representatives to forward to parliament for consideration.

The bill would give same-sex couples the same marriage rights as other couples, said Setthawut Rugsujitrat, a participant at the public hearing...¨ there is more

http://www.fridae.asia/newsfeatures/2013/02/10/12234.thailand-holds-public-hearings-to-consider-civil-union-bill?n=sec

Thanks to Fridae Asia, sidebar

MY VALENTINE GUSHETH FORTH: I am grateful for thousands of Valentines who have been loving and giving to me for as long as I remember.

I spend hours everyday in my art studio.  I paint paintings (and more) in my studio and I have hours of time in my mind to run my very own real (mostly) life NEWS replay.  Actually, it's not just old news that I rehash in my mind but it's my very own full-length FEATURES (where sometimes I've been leading man and even remembered my lines) that intrigues me so.  A private showing of my own history drama, both good and could have been better, scenes/acts (they weren't always a smash).  My life observed by Leonardo Ricardo/Leonard Clark, me, spin reels and reels of playbacks, no editing please, in my head everyday. I'm thrilled, to have captured (mostly) memories, and I have time with, just me, to see them over and over again.  

Here I sit on the eve of my 69th Valentines day and I feel I have covered much ground, lived a full measure of possibilities and held almost nothing back.  I let what will be, be! I think I have played a full hand with the very good hand I have been dealt. A full/four color vividlife complete with vistavision, booming stereo and lots of good luck (and even a little grand standing and up staging too).  The real deal, the real McCoy, I got to act out being the real me and the saga goes on.

If I were playing Bridge, I would consider myself as playing out a lifelong hand that still looks headed for a Small Slam.  It would be a Grand Slam if only I could be sorta famous again, make big money (like I once did) and have the freedom to do as much for others, like that has been done so generously to/for me. Yet, I have everything in a personal and fully-packed/passionate life to be thankful for.

Thanks be to God and all of you who have come to the table and played your hand graciously with me and you are good sports too.  You who have been so loving and giving with/to me.  Thank you.  

I am grateful for thousands of Valentines who have been loving and giving to me for as long as I remember.  Way, way back to when I remember my first Valentine, my Mom, Ardythe Beardsley Clark.  

I love you truly, yes, I do.  I have kept score and you ALL are my winners both now and before and I am humbled when I ask you to be my Valentine once again this year.

Happy Valentines Day

Leonardo Ricardo/Leonard Clark Beardsley
Sacatepequez, Guatemala
St. Valentines Eve, 2013

VALENTINES DAY CODEPENDENCY TUNE UP: Codependency describes behaviors, thoughts and feelings that go beyond normal kinds of self-sacrifice or caretaking.

Codependency does not refer to all caring behavior or feelings, but only those that are excessive to an unhealthy degree

Patterns and characteristics Codependency describes behaviors, thoughts and feelings that go beyond normal kinds of self-sacrifice or caretaking. For example parenting is a role that requires a certain amount of self-sacrifice and giving a child's needs a high priority, although a parent could nevertheless still be codependent towards their own children if the caretaking or parental sacrifice reached unhealthy or destructive levels.^[2] Generally a parent who takes care of their own needs (emotional and physical) in a healthy way will be a better caretaker, whereas a codependent parent may be less effective, or may even do harm to a child.^[2] Another way to look at it is that the needs of an infant are necessary but temporary whereas the needs of the codependent are constant.

People who are codependent often take on the role as a martyr; they constantly put others' needs before their own and in doing so forget to take care of themselves. This creates a sense that they are "needed"; they cannot stand the thought of being alone and no one needing them. Codependent people are constantly in search of acceptance. When it comes to arguments, codependent people also tend to set themselves up as the "victim". When they do stand up for themselves, they feel guilty.

Codependency does not refer to all caring behavior or feelings, but only those that are excessive to an unhealthy degree.^[6] Indeed, from the standpoint of Attachment theory or Object relations theory, "to risk becoming dependent"^[7]may be for the compulsively self-reliant a psychological advance, and "depending on a source outside oneself ... successful, or tolerable, dependence" ^[8] may be valorized accordingly.  Codependency describes behaviors, thoughts and feelings that go beyond normal kinds of self-sacrifice or caretaking. dependent"^[7]may be for the compulsively self-reliant a psychological advance, and "depending on a source outside oneself ... successful, or tolerable, dependence" ^[8] may be valorized accordingly.Co-Dependents Anonymous offers these patterns and characteristics as a tool to aid in self-evaluation.^[2]

Denial patterns: I have difficulty identifying what I am feeling. I minimize, alter or deny how I truly feel. I perceive myself as completely unselfish and dedicated to the well-being of others. I lack empathy for the feelings and needs of others. I label others with my negative traits. I can take care of myself without any help from others. I mask my pain in various ways such as anger, humor, or isolation. I express negativity or aggression in indirect and passive ways. I do not recognize the unavailability of those people to whom I am attracted. Low self-esteem patterns: I have difficulty making decisions. I judge everything I think, say or do harshly, as never "good enough." I am embarrassed to receive recognition and praise or gifts. I do not ask others to meet my needs or desires. I value others' approval of my thinking, feelings and behavior over my own. I do not perceive myself as a lovable or worthwhile person. I constantly seek recognition that I think I deserve. I am jealous of the relationships between others I would like to have as my own. I have difficulty admitting that I made a mistake. I need to appear to be right in the eyes of others and will even lie to look good. I perceive myself as inferior to others. I look to others to provide my sense of safety. I have difficulty getting started, meeting deadlines, and completing projects. I have trouble setting healthy priorities. Avoidance patterns: I act in ways that invite others to reject, shame, or express anger toward me. I judge harshly what others think, say, or do. I avoid emotional, physical, or sexual intimacy as a means of maintaining distance. I allow my addictions to people, places, and things to distract me from achieving intimacy in relationships. I use indirect and evasive communication to avoid conflict or confrontation. I diminish my capacity to have healthy relationships by declining to use all the tools of recovery. I suppress my feelings or needs to avoid feeling vulnerable. I pull people toward me, but when they get close, I push them away. I refuse to give up my self-will to avoid surrendering to a power that is greater than myself. I believe displays of emotion are a sign of weakness. I withhold expressions of appreciation. Compliance Patterns I compromise my own values and integrity to avoid rejection or others' anger. I am very sensitive to how others are feeling and feel the same. I am extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations too long. I value others' opinions and feelings more than my own and am afraid to express differing opinions and feelings of my own. I put aside my own interests and hobbies in order to do what others want. I accept sex and/or sexual attention when I want love. I am afraid to express my beliefs, opinions, and feelings when they differ from those of others. I make decisions without regard to the consequences. I give up my truth to gain the approval of others or to avoid change. Control patterns: I believe most other people are incapable of taking care of themselves. I attempt to convince others of what they "should" think and how they "truly" feel. I become resentful when others will not let me help them. I freely offer others advice and directions without being asked. I lavish gifts and favors on those I care about. I use sex to gain approval and acceptance. I have to be "needed" in order to have a relationship with others. I demand that my needs be met by others. I use charm and charisma to convince others of my capacity to be caring and compassionate. I use blame and shame to emotionally exploit others. I refuse to cooperate, compromise, or negotiate. I adopt an attitude of indifference, helplessness, authority, or rage to manipulate outcomes. I have obsessive, compulsive thinking patterns and cannot focus on daily activities. I use terms of recovery in an attempt to control the behavior of others. I pretend to agree with others to get what I want. [edit]

Thanks to Wikipedia,  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codependency

CAT CORA -- INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY CHEF: ¨I came out when I was about 19 years old to my parents. I grew up in a very accepting family before I came out. But it’s always difficult to come out especially when you’re in your teens. It’s pretty tough.¨

Cat Cora at her new restaurant Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora 

at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore

This multi-hyphenated American celebrity chef has added one more thing to her already crowded plate – a restaurant in Singapore which is her first outside of the United States.

With the launch of Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora at Resorts World Sentosa, Cat Cora has become the only female chef to have an outpost in Singapore joining a market saturated with celebrity chef restaurants by the likes of Guy Savoy, Daniel Boulud, Mario Batali, Joel Robuchon, Wolfgang Puck and Tetsuya Wakuda. Ocean will feature many of the Mississippi-born Greek-American chef's signature dishes with Mediterranean-Californian influences and an Asian flair.

The Culinary Institute of America graduate shot to fame on the Food Network's Iron Chef America, a reality cooking game show based on the Japanese cult classic, Iron Chef. She was the first and only female chef since 2005 until joined by chef Alex Guarnaschelli last year.

The petite but feisty 45-year-old now runs five restaurants, two food and a cookware line and co-hosts Around The World In 80 Plates with Australian TV host-chef Curtis Stone which premiered on the Bravo cable TV network last year. It will premiere in Asia on the TLC cable channel on March 13.

Often photographed on the red carpet with her wife, Jennifer, of more than 10 years, the couple is in a domestic partnership in California where they live. They have four sons – three by Jennifer and the youngest by Cat in 2009. Aside from running five restaurants, two food lines, a cookware line and a soon-to-be launched footwear brand, Cat is also the founder of the charity Chefs for Humanity which promotes nutrition education, and provides hunger relief and humanitarian aid...¨ there is much, much more, 

http://www.fridae.asia/newsfeatures/2013/02/08/12233.cat-cora-opens-first-asian-outpost-in-singapore?n=sec

Thanks to Fridae Asia, sidebar

LGBTI IMMIGRATION GROUP: Finding a solution to ensure same-sex bi-national couples remain together

¨Finding a legislative solution to ensure same-sex bi-national couples remain together in the United States is receiving renewed attention as an LGBT immigration group took part in White House talks on Tuesday on comprehensive reform.

President Obama held two separate meetings at the White House on Tuesday to encourage support for his vision for comprehensive immigration reform, which includes — as laid out last week in his plan — a provision that would enable gay Americans to sponsor a same-sex foreign partner for residency in the United States.

The meeting in the morning was with 16 immigration and progressive groups, such as the AFL-CIO, the Center for American Progress, the National Council of la Raza, the National Immigration Forum; the meeting in the afternoon was with 12 business leaders, such as the Goldman Sachs Group, Yahoo!, Deloitte LLP, and the Coca-Cola company.

Rachel Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, was among those who participated in the meeting with progressive groups and was the sole LGBT group at the table.

“I think it was really an affirmation of the strategy that Immigration Equality has developed over many years, which is that we wanted to be just as much the LGBT group at the immigration table, as we had already become the immigration group at the LGBT table,” Tiven said.

While straight Americans can sponsor their foreign spouses for a green card through a marriage-based application, gay Americans are unable to do the same because of the Defense of Marriage Act and because they cannot marry in many places within the country...¨  

Thanks to The Washington Blade, sidebar

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/02/05/lgbt-immigration-group-takes-part-in-white-house-meeting/