La Vida Yaya

Funny how people treat you differently when you stop caring what they think and start doing your own thing. I'm not trying to write a cliche motivational speech, just an observation about the psychology of human behavior in reaction to things that are somewhat outside of the norm. Such is the case on those days that I remember to smear my favorite red lipstick on during broad daylight to accent my usual color pallet of red and black outfits, boots, scarves, and flowers. It's just lipstick but people treat me differently. I get more smiles from everyone, men, women, and children. People comment on my outfit as if it's the first time they've ever seen me wear it. They just can't seem to pinpoint why they feel the need to stare and speak. I get a kick out of it of course. I did spice it up even more today with an even bigger red rose pinned on my dress. When it's just the rose alone people know it's the rose they like but when it's the red lipstick, it'...

The HMFF is the largest tribute to Mexican film in the world and will again showcase the creativity, ingenuity and charm of Mexican cinema in six of the nation’s most influential cities: Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Following the success of the Hola Mexico Film Festival (HMFF) in the United States in 2009, the renowned international festival is back for the second year on US soil commencing in April 2010.  The Hola Mexico Film Festival is the largest tribute to Mexican film in the world and will again showcase the creativity, ingenuity and charm of Mexican cinema. The international festival will screen contemporary films like the 2009 LA Film Festival award winner, Los Que Se Quedan (Those Who Remain) alongside classic films like Sexo, Pudor Y Lagrimas (Sex, Shame and Tears), paying tribute to Mexico's biggest hits. April 29 to May 4 General admission tickets range from  $8.00 - $14.00 and VIP tickets are available for $40.00. Vi...

The City of Los Angeles officially declares April 23rd, 2010 as “Ozomatli Day” to celebrate and recognize the fifteenth year of the LA-based and Grammy-award winning band, Ozomatli. This celebration will include a special presentation of “Ozomatli Day” by Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and Los Angeles City Council members at the Los Angeles City Hall. I have followed Ozo for years, since I moved to LA in the early 90s. My college roommate was Rocio Marron who played with Quetzal. Our group of friends at USC's Latino Floor (residential housing) would follow Rocio around to all her gigs, see Quetzal play with Ozo and other LA bands like Aztlan Underground, Quinto Sol, Lysa Flores and other groups no-longer in existence like Mazzy Star. All very talented group of musicians and friends.Although I will always be a die-hard Quetzal fan, I can't help but feel an immense amount of pride for the Ozo boys. I've gotten to know them a little more in recent years being an official Ozohe...

I was watching an old Antonio Aguilar film the other day and thought how wonderful the film was because Sara Garcia was in it. I know her best playing the loving and often hilarious granny in Pedro Infante films. Another thing that made me think about her was buying the Mexican chocolate Abuelita recently at Vallartas for a coworker who wanted to make some at home. I had some made for a special occasion and it was delicious. Very comforting on a sunny but cool day. It's nice to introduce a new convert to the sinfully rich decadence of Abuelita. Now I'm not sure if that is in fact Sara Garcia on the Abuelita box but it sure does look like her and Wikipedia says it's so. And who better to be on that box of warm, yummy goodness than a warm, fuzzy, spitfire of a granny. She seriously does not get enough credit. Without her in those Infante and Aguilar films, the story lines would all be about macho men on horses singing to delicate flowers of women. But with Sara Garcia in the ...

Everyday is a day to learn about Black history and culture. I don't think you can realistically separate it from "American" culture, but alas, I think it continues to be of importance despite the progress we've made to be colorblind. We still need to be mindful of how every culture, every person, and every region contributes to society and how it affects-- and is very much a part of-- our daily lives. Perhaps the best way to pay homage to the Black community's contributions is to spotlight things that are already out there to do in and around LA that will expand your knowledge of African American history and culture. You don't need a specific festival or event in February to learn about it although you can find them and participate this month and year round. Check out these links below and create your own learning experience. Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum: http://www.claytonmuseum.org/ St. Elmo's Artist Village: http://www.stelmovillage.org/ The ...

Did you know that the Mexican Consulate of Los Angeles hosts a wide-variety of cultural events year round? Aside from the major festivities they sponsor across the city, they also host in-house events such as art exhibits, lectures, and film festivals. Last year they hosted Building Brides, an art exchange panel discussion with artists from the US and Mexico; Cuarteto Mexicano, string quartet; art exhibit by Lawrence J. Herrera; Viva Mexico LA kick-off reception; history of Mexican Cinema courses;  Candida Peña's "Piedras/Stones" exhibit; a Day of the Dead event called El Fieston de las Calavaras ; Un Encuentro con Agustin Lara musical performance; and even children's events such as the screening of the film La Leyenda de la Nahuala and Q&A with the director. Their next event is a look into the golden era of Mexican film with screenings of   Ahi esta el detalle (Juan Bustillo Oro, 1940) on January 21 and Historia de un gran amor (Julio Bracho, 1942) on January...

Talk about the worst time to celebrate the arts, right after the holidays when everyone is spent, literally and financially. Luckily, there are many wonderful arts institutions that make visiting them easy and affordable. This year marks the first annual Los Angeles Arts Month’s to be held every January. Its mission is to raise awareness, appreciation, and participation in the arts in Los Angeles in all forms. It is an open invitation for all to discover LA's arts and cultural offerings. Long considered a haven for artists and creative expression, the Los Angeles art scene includes—world-class museums; concert halls and cultural institutions; gallery rows; theatres; public art complexes and renowned art; theatre, film, and design schools.  Los Angeles boasts the country’s largest creative workforce, which includes a world-renowned film industry, and employs nearly 1 million people throughout the region. Below are a few websites with calendar of events during LA Arts Month. Cl...