Recently in oldies Category

I was feeling down today and did the natural thing. I called my mom. She was still asleep when I woke her but refused to get off the phone. She always brings about a smile. I love her so much for that and at times hate myself for choosing to settle so far a distance from her.

She called me a few days ago and hinted that perhaps I no longer loved her because my calls were so sparse as of late. I often think that moving to New York City and not being able to be near to provide support makes me the proverbial bad son.

These old pictures are beginning to fade into oblivion. I tried as best I could to restore them. It is incredible to believe that they have held on to their marriage all these years, through both thick and thin. There were times that I really believed would be the end of this pair but some how they manage. Mom lost her virginity to him and he found his opposite-sex nemesis in her, it was love at first war-of-the-rose sight. Theirs is a life long battle of togetherness. They wake up every morning, put on their battle gear, and charge. Then come the puns, sarcasm, eye-rolls, pretending, and the 101 Cuban side remarks, all rolled up into an inseparable j’nai se qua. When they do happen to put the act on hold and get out of character, you see the reflection of these two young lovers who couldn’t then, as they do now, stay away from one another.

Mami & Papi...

These were taken in Cuba during the early 70’s when the Cuban population was still allowed to stay at some of these now-for-tourist-only hotels.

This picture was in bad shape. It required hours worth of resoration time but I love the end result. It has a certain je no se qua. I love the old school poses. Everyone one looks officially ready to be photographed in those stances. I especially love the up-hill perspective of this image.

From left to right: Abuela, Mami, Tia, & Abuelo.

I have been slowly but surley digitally restoring old pictures. Here is one I just finished of my mother (left) and my Aunt (right). Aren't they cute?

Speaking of Che...
Most Cubans have all sorts of revolutionary iconic pin ups at home as a keep-el-comitte-de-defensa*-at-bay tactic.

*The Committee of Defense –a neighborhood spy unit usually led by the nosiest person of self interest on the block.

Me and my brother celebrating good times.

Look at me acting grown with a Cigar in my mouth.

My first birthday.