One-Eyed Doll

A couple of months ago, a boy showed up at the White Rabbit, claiming that he had bussed from Monterrey, Mexico to see us play. I thought he was joking, but no. He had come six hours and crossed the border to come to our show. I told him that if he started a street team in his town, that maybe we would come and play! Well, he DID. Soon enough, he even set up a show for us to play with his band, FLAMEBACK in Monterrey! This guy does NOT waste time!

I didn't sleep Wednesday night.. TOO excited for our trip to Mexico!! Thursday afternoon, we met up in San Antonio at Frank's house. He was originally planning to join, but he didn't realize that he needed a passport to enter Mexico. Next time!!! So, Edy, Sahira [an amazing graphic designer and videographer!], Number Three and I left for Mexico! Edy drove us in style in a big SUV type of vehicle. We had no problems getting in, passed all the checkpoints quickly.. I tried to sleep, but just closing my eyes for a bit was good for me.

Edy and Sahira told us all about Laredo, and how it's filled with gang wars and drug dealers who pray to the saints to kill their enemies.. There are little chapels everywhere, all along the highway. They said that the drug dealers only really mess with each other though, and that it is fine to just drive through, with your windows up. :)

I sewed straps onto my new show dress on the way and stabbed myself at every bump. A little blood on the dress, even before I've played in it!! A little blessing for the show..

We arrived in Monterrey in the evening. It's a bustling city with lots of cops, busses and traffic! The cops don't seem to have or want much control over traffic. They're pretty laid back about it all.

Edy's mama's house is beautiful. It's comfy and really feels like a home.. Mama and sister greeted us at the door with a big smile, and immediately started playing with my hair. :) She doesn't speak any English, so I got to try out my four words of Spanish on her.

Later, she made us an amazing meal - chorizo [if I spelled that right] and tortillas and beans!! WOW. I mean, wow. this lady can cook. A whole bunch of people came over, and we had a full night of talking and getting to know eachother. Jessica Silva was one of them - the girl who has been posting vidoes of herself playing and singing my songs!! She and her little bro [he's 11] came by. They were SO SWEET. I gave everyone posters, tee shirts and bracelets. I couldn't help myself.

After everyone left, I got my first night's sleep in a long time. It felt AWESOME. I woke up super late to another huge Mexican mama meal. I normally don't eat meat, but if she makes it, I'll eat it. :) No exceptions. I love my Mexican mama, and her home cookin..

Sahira gave me a little traditional Mexcian doll that looks like me. :) She's got pigtails with bows and a bright green and pink and blue dress! And her arms and legs move around! YAYYYyy! I haven't set it down once, except to write this.

We're playing a show tonight. Should be a good one. I hope so. I wonder how people here will like us.. I'm kind of nervous. At least I know that my new Mexican family loves me, no matter what. :) I'm going to have to learn some phrases for sound check.. Edy is so cool. He's going to test my amp and make sure everything works right here.

I think everyone is gone.. I'm gonna go check it out.. I'll write some more tomorrow, after the show!

amor y gratitud,
kimberly