Author Archives: Lisa Renstrom

Since the June 6th, the rally to celebrate and add “Defund the Police” to the yellow “Black Lives Matter” on 16th street, DC has risen to the occasion. More peaceful protests, art on the boarded up windows, vigils and opportunities to take a knee, My neighborhood app – next door – with asks to helpContinue reading “Black Lives Matter”

When I made the reservation for a month in Oaxaca it felt like the right thing to do. If JTEJ or AAJ could come after other parental visits it would be wonderful. That did not happen but my Knight in Shining Armor did come and explore the first week. We got bikes, we walked, explored,Continue reading “The Last Days in Oaxaca”

El Valle de Anton, an hour from the coast we found lodging at Crater Valley owned by 3 generations of women gardeners. Ellie found a magnificent playground where she could be the adventuresome, ebullient, muscular, fun loving Ellie. J mastered the rope walk! J fell asleep in my arms soon after this shot – nothingContinue reading “January Panama Visit”

The two images above capture my love of Mexico, my long, long relationship with Mexico and the concept that threads can connect people over decades. What energy maintained the connection? A photograph. Familial “bonds.” Weird similarities. Bruno’s father was born in 1900 and had his son when he was in his 50’s. My father, bornContinue reading “Bruno Gonzalez – Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca”

another glorious monday to friday with AAAA & J. We had lunch at Coral Bagels left, bought new shoes at Merrick, visited parks & neighbors, lots of great meals, saw Eugenie again and met Olivia! Anderson & Friends Anderson is busy. Anderson is inquisitive . Waking up with Anderson is magic. We ask if theContinue reading “Jan 2020 with A+J+A + Ada & Asti”

Cari arrived Jan 15. A few days before Isila, Maria Elena and Mole left and before Cathy and Corey arrived. Today we climbed Bob’s prescribed route to the amphitheatre which apparently exists for the Guelaguetza “Fiesta de los Lunes del Cerro” . It was glorious to run, jog, walk, trot, talk, explore. Thank you CariContinue reading “Jan 16, Oaxaca Glorious with Friends”

The bells from the many cathedrals and churches begin chiming at 5:30 ish. Calle de Xólotl 118B, a rough hewn marble/granite stone walking street usually has one or two dogs and half a dozen people using it to get to where they are going. The walls of the homes and businesses light up in theContinue reading “Jan 15, 2020 a Day on Calle Xolotl”

Bob, took this picture of me on the 3rd of 3 extraordinary rides. The first to up to Monte Alban, the second to San Felipe Del Agua and Libramente Norte. The path to the left enroute to Teotitlan del Valle. He navigated both countryside and city, found the rails to trails and stopped for color.Continue reading “Oaxaca & Bob, my Knight in Shining Armor”

Week 2 The Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca. Almost 1000 species indigenous to Oaxaca on 2.32 acres besides the Church of Santo Domingo, built by the Dominicans (inquisition), taken over Benito Juarez to initiate reforms and occupied by the military for 100 years.