Looking back at 22 years of living in Mexico

A Rocky Road

Yesterday, driving home through the rain, I found myself grumbling about the dreadful road I have to travel to reach my little casita. On either side of this battered road are large developments filled with expensive homes. One of them also has countless horse stables that come alive whenever they host international equestrian competitions. Hundreds of spectators attend, along with riders from around the world. Police and military are present because so much money is involved. I was told that a single horse can be worth $200,000 or more—not to mention the luxurious trucks and trailers used to transport these magnificent animals.

My non-Mexican mind couldn't help asking, Why aren't these roads repaired? I've already replaced a couple of tires and the struts on my little Chevy, a car never designed to withstand this kind of punishment. Someone explained that because I live outside Centro, neither the developers nor the homeowners are responsible for maintaining the roads, and the city claims it isn't either. Meanwhile, sections of the road are repeatedly torn up because aging water pipes underneath continue to leak. I have no idea why this latest excavation has been going on for weeks.

But enough complaining. The moment I arrive at my quiet home, surrounded by green fields and the abundance of flowers brought by the nearly daily rains, I remember that the drive is worth it. It struck me that this road is very much like my own life. I have slogged through disappointments, heartbreaks, pain, and endless tests to arrive at a place of peace and beauty. This aging body has finally accepted that true joy is found within. My twice-daily yogic meditations have become the highlights of my days. They are where I discover stillness, and more often now I experience the awareness of simply observing my life—as though I were watching a movie. From that perspective, I understand the karmic idea that we come to this earthly school to experience, to learn, and, hopefully, to grow mentally and spiritualy. During these extraordinary times—when political divisions deepen, deception is exposed, and so much of what we once considered "normal" is falling away—I often think of the old saying, often called a Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times." Yet I have complete faith that the Earth will endure. Nearly everything we once relied upon is being shaken apart, but after this rocky passage we will each have the opportunity to choose our path. We can choose clarity over confusion, compassion over division, respect over conempt, and love over fear. Or not. Free will has always been our gift. Artistically, I find myself waiting for inspiration for a new series. These quiet seasons come and go, and I've learned not to force them. Instead, I recently enjoyed spending a day in the studio with another artist, experimenting with cold wax and oil painting. I also began a small painting of cats. I've never considered myself an animal painter, but I happily accepted this assignment from my youngest grandson—who is now a grown man. He has always been what I think of as a cat whisperer. Ever since he was a little boy, cats have been drawn to him, and he to them. He seems to communicate with them effortlessly. Even a difficult, troubled cat we once had—the one I jokingly called mentally ill—would happily drape herself across his shoulders while he quietly showered her with love and compasion.. Painting his three favorite cats has become an unexpected creative detour, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the challenge. Recently I also pulled out a book I wrote more than thirty years ago called Better Than Before. It included exercise suggestions, healthy recipes, and my thoughts about aging. At the time, I had no real concept of what being truly old would feel like. Reading it today, I smile at the enthusiasm that filled those pages. That enthusiasm is still with me, although it has softened during this final act of my life. One passage especially caught my attention: "There is joy to be experienced, adventures to be lived. We can fall in love with life all over again. Our transformation process includes feeling beautiful. Our bodies can still move gracefully and radiate health." My body no longer moves quite so gracefully. I no longer search for bigger adventures. Instead, I treasure a quieter life. I enjoy solitude, peace, and the freedom of not needing to stay busy all the time. I still look forward to teaching my encaustic workshops. Sharing decades of artistic experience with others continues to invigorate me. Years ago, a gallery director here told me I should make ugly art because, according to him, "that's what sells in Mexico." Perhaps he's right. But ugly art has never called to me. Beauty, hope, and light still do. Recently I designed a new logo. What do you think?

Comments from a student

Encaustic Painting Workshops - with Ezshwan Winding By Linda Lamb If you've ever wanted to paint with fire (and let's be honest, who hasn't?), encaustic workshops are your ticket - melted beeswax, pigment, heat – it's pure alchemy. There's nothing quite like the tactile, layered quality of encaustic painting. Several local artists offer small-group intensives where you can explore either cold or hot wax mediums here in San Miguel. My personal favorite is Ezshwan Winding, who guides students through the ancient, yet endlessly modern art of encaustic painting. Her classes are a joyful journey of technique, experimentation and hands-on fun. It's painting with fire, yes - but it's also meditation, finesse and magic all in one. Ezshwan herself is a force of nature: passionate, soulful and brimming with a creative energy that fills her studio like music. That's no accident – she spent years alongside her late husband, legendary jazz trombonist Kai Winding, whose spirit of improvisation and rhythm still lingers in the air to inspire. Just like jazz, encaustic art invites you to loosen up, play with the unexpected, and embrace happy accidents. Best to come with no expectations because this art form is a lesson in pure surprise. Ezshwan offers encaustic and cold wax workshops, and welcomes vacation workshops through Vacation With an Artist. By the end of your class with her, you won't just walk away with a one-of-a-kind creation, I guarantee you'll leave with a little more fire in your creative soul.

In this time of upheaval...

I had to do some soul searching about the importance of making new paintings in this time of gobal upheaval and I came to the conclusion that it is vital to create as much beauty as possible for myself and all others. I tried to post a video of an older video I made about choosig peace, but I can't attach any links to this blog. What can I do about the crisis happening to the collective - unless you are a billionare? I am am old lady, living a quiet, peaceful life: teaching, mediating and creating and those small actions are enough. I carry the peace in my heart and hope to share it with all I meet. If you can't see the predictament this world is experiening, you can't "fix it" So I am considering that truth of the evil, greed and lies those in power are perpertrating now and have been perpertrating on the world for countless years can no longer be hidded. I made a decision that one small way I can express my support for those who are suffering with raging prices is to offer my online encasutic classes at a big reduction, so any who are interested in expanding their thoughts and creativing to choose our own inner peace and hope. The link to the online clasees is; vimeo.com/ondemand/theencausticacademy - sorry that I can't post a live link, but for the month of April, 2026 the cost is only $99 from $199 for all 14 classes.

Someof my "Sweet Deams" painting were chosen for an art book

encaustic over an oil painting SD 480p

Time for new work

Recently,I had the pleasure of hosting several encaustic workshops - all included family members. I appreciate meeting all the new creatives that I wouldn't have met without the workshops. Yesterday, I took a deep breath and cleaned the studio. It needed it after I spent the last week working on a diptych.

Today, I am enthused to start a new painting, probably with a different color palette. I am thinking of a warm red. We'll see where it goes. Here's a nice interview of me and my work. Thank you Artsy Shark

Encaustic Workshops SD 480p

Encasutic Workshops in San Miguel de Allende

still teaching and loving it.

Online encaustic classes

Are Artists Always Young?

Under my high school yearbook picture, an unknown editor wrote, “Artists are always young.” At that time, I couldn’t imagine being old or even consider myself an artist. In my last post, I shared how long it took me to claim to the world—and to myself—that I was worthy of being labeled an artist. In recent years, I’ve begun to see some truth in that saying. As working artists, we are never finished; there are always the next painting to create, more techniques to explore, and so much more to experience in the realm of art. As the years of my life accumulate, I often hear, “You are an inspiration.” This always makes me pause and reflect, “Why?” I used to feel a twinge of resentment, thinking, “Why? Just because of my age? Just because I get out of bed every morning and have been for many years? Are you surprised that I can still function, take care of myself, drive, create, teach, and embrace life with joy?” Lately, I’ve come to understand that I am being perceived as an old woman. Could it be because I am? Are we so programmed to believe that someone over 70 is only capable of taking up space? I am here to prove that, whether an artist or not, living a long, full life is a gift filled with wonderful and heartbreaking experiences, joy and pain, light and dark. Aging has given me the opportunity to realize that all we have is this day, this moment to live and see each occurrence in life as a chapter in my earthly story. The lifetime of memories are just that, memories. More and more, I ask myself, “What did I learn from each experience?” I am playing my part in this play and may I play it well, lovingly, kindly and always learning. My mother often said, “Learn something new every day.” In this fast-paced world, the longer I live, the more I learn—much more than just one thing each day. I manage all my social media, my blog, website, Facebook postings, online galleries, as well as posting my meanderings on Substack. I take time everyday to find peace and joy in my meditations and prayer. And gratitude! Living in Mexico allows me to afford healthcare, which is crucial as I finally recognize and accept the cellular decay my body is experiencing. Fresh fruit and vegetables are plentiful. I have been a vegetarian for almost 50 years and the only drawback I experience is that I have to shop more often. Just this morning, as I drove back from my monthly acupuncture appointment, I felt happy and blessed to have a wonderful doctor who knows me and takes the time for deep conversations. We talked about color healing, Qi gong and the details about opening all the channels in the body that can be blocked…And I can afford the charge. When I choose to see ​allopathic doctors, I am impressed with the treatment and care. Through offering my encaustic workshops, I meet the most wonderful people who choose to experience encaustic painting under my guidance. I am invigorated by sharing all that I know about painting with fire and hot wax. Each person brings their own questions and energy. In the most resent private class the participant admitted that she had challenges with color, so I could focus on expanding her adventure with color balance and composition. This not only enriches my life but also contributes to my income, allowing me to live comfortably in my little flower-covered casita with a separate studio. 2 1/2 years ago I moved from a large home that I shared with another artist. It had 2 studios, my viewing room, big kitchen - lots of inside space and grounds to a perfect small sunny cottage. Living alone, my time is my own. I eat dinner at 4:30 most days, have hours of quiet and the studio is just a few steps from my front door. This post does not include a portion of my memoir about my big move to Mexico 21 years ago. This is about my life here now. I am grateful for this opportunity to grow in understanding of life in a different culture and of myself as an artist and and peaceful, happy woman. What is an artist’s lifespan in actual years on earth? There is no expiration date on creativity unless we decide to stop creating. I know more about my artistic progression, style, and voice than ever before. Looking back on more than 65 years of work, I find it interesting and sometimes surprising. The different styles, techniques, stories - I always have a story for each painting, I realize that a whole lifetime may not be enough to explore everything I want to discover. Ultimately, the quality of an artist’s work depends on dedication, openness to fresh ideas, and being true to our personal expression—not our age. Sometimes, it takes a lifetime. Another reminder: Someday is now. The recent photo is of me with my new great grand daughter and my grandson.

Am I really an artist?

Picasso said, “every child is born an artist” meaning children are naturally creative, uninhibited, and expressive. The second part of the quote; “The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up,” suggests that judgment and thoughtless criticism can stifle this innate creativity and block us the rest of our lives. Were you told to “stay within the lines and focus on more practical aspects of life?” I was! My father said, “What good is art? You can’t eat it or wear it.” However,finally I have accepted the fact that I am an artist. It was was a childhood dream and ambition of my life time to say, “I am an artist.” Apparently​ I believed it was a far off aspiration that I had to earn. One just couldn’t say “I am an artist” without creating brilliant, perfect works of art and being accepted in important art communities. Making lots of money selling my art would certainly prove that I deserved this magical title. When I was just a child, I remember going into an art supply store and asking for “lamp black watercolor for transparent washes” I probably didn’t know anything about transparent washes, but I loved acting as if I did. I drew and drew,especially people. In a earlier post I shared that I almost didn’t make it into 6th grade because of ignoring the arithmetic assignments, I spent my days drawing my classmates. ( I am so old that math was called arithmetic) After years of attending art schools, getting my FAA degree, countless gallery shows, teaching hundreds of creative students both privately an in a university, I still didn’t feel that I was a legitimate artist. Thinking in terms of author Malcolm Gladwell’s proverbial 10,000 hours, which suggests that one achieves a certain degree of excellence only after so many hours and years of practice in a discipline, (I know that I have put in more than 10,000 hours.) This requires a person to hone their talents to such a degree that the necessary motor skills become instinctual, ​relying more one’s own intuitive powers. This is what I share in my workshops. I want to encourage the participants to “feel” the creative process rather than intellectualize it. Finally, I recognized that I have always been an artist in this life and have been developing my creative and mental qualities over time, constantly wanting to reach new artistic heights, share with others, both students and collectors. ’ve come to know that we who are involved in the arts for any period of time can experienced moments of inspiration. At this point, it can feel as though something has been handed to you. I have had students, both young and mature, be completely surprised by the outcome. That is such a a rewarding experience! I love sharing all that I know. Last week I was blessed by a delightful workshop participant who booked a one day private class. She said, “I am not an artist” I was motivated to prove to her that she just needed to trust her instincts and feel what she was doing instead of using her intellect. This is what she created that day

Sharing wisdom and experience

Color has always held deep significance for me. Having studied its effect on the emotions and the body for many years, I was surprised when Sherwin-Williams announced Khaki as the color of the year. It’s not a color I would ever choose instinctively — so I turned to AI to understand its symbolic meaning: “The word ‘khaki’ comes from a Persian word for ‘dust’ or ‘soil.’ It refers to an earthy, neutral, muted shade — typically yellowish-brown or brownish-green. Khaki is associated with nature, practicality, reliability, and military origins. It symbolizes a connection to the earth, functionality, and understated strength, while also conveying calmness and grounding qualities.” I understand the collective need for calm and centeredness — especially as we witness the ever-growing chaos in the world. It’s difficult not to feel fear, anger, or frustration, particularly if you’re constantly exposed to the news. But... khaki? Last week, I became acutely aware of my aging. Sometimes, even now, I’m startled by how old I am. The changes in my body are undeniable. A question lingered in my mind: Am I just taking up space on this earth? Still, I packed a large suitcase full of encaustic paints, tools, and supplies to lead a program at the Exploring & Manifesting the Creative Self retreat. I printed out Qigong materials and brought my Sacred Women Tarot cards for the “Intuition” sessions I was scheduled to lead. I was nudged out of my comfortable stay-at-home routine, joining a group of 13 women. We stayed at the same hotel, shared beautiful meals, and slowly opened up to one another. My heart expanded with each conversation. On the first day, I introduced myself, shared what I’d be teaching — and mentioned my age. That certainly got their attention. People are often surprised I’m still walking around, let alone teaching hot wax painting! It was a joy to lead the first early morning Qigong practice, offer tarot card readings after lunch, and introduce the group to the magic of painting with fire in the afternoons. The next morning, we began with Yogananda’s energizing exercises, followed by a color meditation, and more hands-on encaustic work. The hot wax painting was a hit. Seems as if I still have something to share. One woman told me it was her favorite part of the entire retreat. She said, “Ezshwan, you have to come back next year.” I replied, “If I’m still here…” She frowned. “Don’t say that.” But she doesn’t yet realize — what peace and love are waiting for us on the other side. <

New series of encaustic paintings

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Encaustic Academy SD 480p

Ceracolor portrait #2 SD 480p

I haven't fallen in love with Ceracolors yet, but it may take time and more experiementing

My first ceracolor portraitSD 480p

My website has been down for almost 2 weeks now because of trying to change the domain host. There is a tech woring on it. I hope it will be back soon. In the meantime, I am trying ceracolors for the first time.

A day with Ezshwan #art #artwork #mexicantown #sanmigueldeallende #conte...

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