It's soon time for the holidays and this year I'm going to enjoy what happens between October 31st and January 1st. I was such a bah humbug last year that I never actually caught the spirit of the season. I wasn't ready for the holidays and just felt totally overwhelmed and the next thing I knew, they were over. Poof! To counter that, this year I've already started drinking hot apple cider with sticks of cinnamon and have been simmering spices so that my home smells like the holidays. I've also got a few fun things on the calendar with friends --

holiday teas, evenings planned to listen to carols, drink a hot toddy or two and leisurely send out holiday greetings.

And I'm planning some "me" time in the form of a massage or two to keep sane. I'll need them because November and December are going to be busy months. In addition to the upcoming holiday show schedule, I'm also now spending more time taking portraits of people (click on here for a look). I always found taking portraits to be incredibly intimidating until I recently decided that I wanted to expand my comfort level with it. I started by asking a few friends if I could take their portraits and they thankfully concurred and what I've learned is that my subjects are only as comfortable or confident as I am. How curious! I've discovered a few ways to get over the shyness the camera can bring and am now having a blast connecting with folks and getting them to relax into themselves and ultimately into the lens. So if you are desiring new photos of yourself or your family or pets, I would love to capture your gorgeous essence.

In terms of the shows I'll be at this year, here's where you can stop by and see me and find out what Hot Tamale Arts has been up to:

The first is the Celebration of Craftswomen
(www.celebrationofcraftwomen.org) a show that I have attended for years at Fort Mason and have always loved and have been wildly inspired by the talented women who bring their creations to this event. The event is juried and I worked up the courage this year to actually apply myself because I was really in touch with my desire to be a part of this event. I think the organization is a great one and so when I found out in August that I was accepted, I was absolutely thrilled. It was an early birthday present in the form of a thick envelope. Love
those!

Show details:

Celebration of Craftswomen: December 2nd and 3rd at Herbst Pavilion in Fort Mason in San Francisco

Chillin' Productions Holiday Party : December 2nd@ Mezzannine 444 Jessie Street www.chillinproductions.com

Appel and Frank Holiday "Stocking and Stillettos" Show: December 7 at the Regency Theater on Sutter and Van Ness (www.appelandfrank.com)

Vestitiroupa: December 10th at the Canvas Gallery (www.vestitiroupa.com)

Feria Urbana: Thursday, December 16th at the Canvas Gallery (www.feriaurbana.com)

And lastly, this holiday season marks my 13th year in San Francisco. I cannot BELIEVE it's been 13 years, but yes, on December 30th, 1993, I boarded Continental's flight and bid farewell to my life in New York and headed West. The adventure has been greater than my imagination could ever have conjured and for that I am so unbelievably grateful. I could never have become who I am today without San Francisco and the people and opportunities this most magical place has brought me. Gulp! Still, curiously, change feels like it's in the air and because I am feeling quite bold these days (alright, just this minute), I think it's time to finally answer that call for change. And hope of course, that wherever it leads me, you will join me in the proverbial next chapter.

Wishing you a holiday season that makes you tingle from head to toe with wonder, gratitude and love,

Best,
Mayra

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