Sol de Mexico

I was taking the back roads from New Braunfels to San Marcos and passed by this place...which I've passed by many times before. I've always wanted to stop in...and did just that today.

It's literally out in the middle of nowhere. But then again, so many places in Texas are out in the middle of nowhere. It's the Sol de Mexico...a little place that offers some wares that have a Mexican flavor. Well, you know my love for that Mexican flavor, so here we are.

They had some pretty large iron works out in front.

I wonder how my landlord would feel if I put some of these in my front yard?

I kind of like the roosters, but are you really going to find someone who wants these in their yard? Maybe there's a specific niche for them somewhere...like a chicken farm?

This guy was a little smaller. I like his sandals.

Nice little double swing, but it was so rusty, it probably would have broken if two people sat in it.

Metal "art"...I do like the one with the bird.

Frog planter...

I actually like these tiny little benches. They're certainly not built for comfort, but if you make a nice little cushion for the seat, these would be really cute.

So, now we're inside. Some Talavera-like pottery...

I do like the suns...

And some sinks...

They also had copper sinks. These were really cool, but I wonder how they would hold up as sinks. Doesn't copper get blue when it ages? Maybe they're treated with something. I wonder how they'd look after a few years.

Tile numbers...

This was a very eclectic place with everything from Jesus pictures to candles to furniture.

These urns were pretty neat..and only about $30. They would be a lot more at Pier 1.

I like the metal Mexican mirrors, but I'm not crazy about these. I get a little tired of the over-use of the Texas star down here in the Lone Star State.

As is evident here...

And here...

Call me crazy, but I kind of like these colorful lamp bases. I know...you definitely need a "theme" to use these, but what the hell.

I thought this was cute, too, but I didn't want to pay $25 for it.

It reminded me of the Mayan huipils that the women wear in the Yucatan...

A bucket of bobble-heads...

And vanilla. I don't know about you, but I had second thoughts about buying one of these when the temperature in this place was about 100 degrees and all of them had condensation inside. Maybe it's okay, but I'm just saying...

And a pencil drawing of Robert Duvall. (Huh??)

So, did I buy anything? Yeah...they had some clearance items for next to nothing.

And the frog spoke to me. I couldn't say "no".

On another note, when I walked into the store, the owner introduced herself and asked if I had any questions. I told her I lived nearby and just wanted to stop by because I love anything having to do with Mexico. She said, "Well, my store is a lot safer than actually going to Mexico." I'm thinking, "Really?? She sells Mexican stuff and she actually said that??"

**sigh** I just rolled my eyes and walked away. American people are really clueless about Mexico. But maybe that's a good thing, because when I go to Mexico, I really don't enjoy being around the obnoxious gringo Bubbas (or gringa Bubbettes). So, if they're afraid of going to Mexico, I'm all for it.

I was reading some Mexico blogs the other day and came across a couple that made an impression on me. I hope they don't mind my sharing their posts. One is Countdown to Mexico. She made the following comments about why she and her husband love living in Mexico:

Family love: Moms and teen daughters arm in arm. Large family groups laughing at restaurant tables.

People in love: Couples on benches sitting close together, talking and kissing oblivious of their surroundings.

Kids: But no sullen kids with hand held video games. Laughing kids chasing each other around the kiosko or walking arm in arm with their families, or painting ceramics with a group of other kids.

Dancing: Several couples danced in the street in front of the stage, people smiled their direction. Across from us, a couple walking by friends spun together for an impromptu dance on the sidewalk. She passed her purse to her friend and danced several songs, clearly loving the music and each other.

People sitting on benches: Like us, all the benches were occupied by people relaxing after a meal or a stroll. If you are on a budget and can't afford to eat out, you can still enjoy the music and the social environment and never spend a cent.

The air: Last night was so perfect. We sat there in our sleeveless dresses and bare legs enjoying the perfection. A bit of humidity to make the air feel smooth, the temperature absolutely perfect. A nice breeze rippled through now and then.

Smiles: I'll end this one, people smiled and smiled. And not just us, although I did my share. People here are happy, really know how to be happy. And usually all it takes is to be sharing a meal or a conversation with friends and family outdoors while enjoying some excellent music. It's contagious.

And the other one is from Viva Veracruz. This couple lives in Mexico and this is what they reported on a recent trip back to the states:

"It seems as if there is a pall over the U.S. There is an almost oppressive atmosphere that covers like a black cloud. We suppose it is the economy and the several wars that are bringing people down here in the U.S. Those issues are certainly downers.

The odd thing is here in the U.S. we are still first asked about the dangers and drug war in Mexico. Those problems have not surfaced in any way affecting our lives in Mexico. We continue to believe that bad press about Mexico is emanated here in the U.S. to keep from hearing that whooshing sound - the one that would be made from the mass exodus if people knew how much better life is in Mexico.

Sure, like everywhere, Mexico has its problems. But the difference in ambiance or spirit if you live in Mexico as compared to the United States is dramatic. Mexico is a benign and neutral republic. Its mellow and satisfied mood is not rubbing off or being affected by the very different almost panicky mood of Estados Unidos. Doom and gloom are not looming large over the head of Mexicanos.

Surely being the watchdog over the entire world has its drawbacks. Mexico's laissez-faire approach to foreign affairs seems to suit them just fine. And yes they do have their own drug war going on - but it seems to be almost solely confined to the participants of both sides of that issues - it si far removed from everyday life in Mexico."

So, there you have it...some of the reasons I love Mexico.