Stupid is as stupid is

Stupid is as stupid is;)  That's right folks, "Stupid is as stupid is"
We've all said things we wish we hadn't said. Usually in the heat of the moment, or, just as a wisecrack that we didn't know would trigger a deep seated hurt in someone, or, have 'it' become a burden in our own every day life. Or, done things we shouldn't have done-------no matter the consequence.

The 1st of 2 stupidest errors (if you will) I remember the most was when I got my 1st of 2 speeding tickets. I was driving back from Stahmann's Pecan Store with my yearly cache of nuts for Christmas baking. If you've ever driven on the old Mesilla road, you noticed that the speed limit changed every 4-5 miles. I was looking at so many homes being built at an almost frenetic pace on farmland. My thoughts were at how stupid this building was because it's a known fact that there is a finite amount of arable land. And, the first people to complain about the cost of fruits or vegetables are the occupants of those same houses, who either choose to water lawn, ornamental trees and shrubs, and, not bother to grow so much as a patio tomato plant. To my dismay, I saw the red lights blinking in the rear view mirror. So I pulled over and had my license, registration and insurance cards ready for the sheriff by the time he got to my window. I was hoping to talk myself out of the ticket because I'd never had a ticket on my record. Well, needless to say, during our small conversation I mentioned the above thoughts. The instant the words left my mouth I knew one of those homes was his. He handed me my ticket, instead of a warning, and to "watch the speed limit signs. Not the houses."

Error number 2 I have committed more than once. That is, "sure I'll help you anyway I can." Which often turned into me doing their work instead of just helping.

I am happy to report that Albuquerque is a city of speeders, and now when I volunteer my help....it is just that "help".

What brought the above title and tirade is the research I continue to do for genealogy. In An Illustrated History of New Mexico by Thomas E Chavez pages 121 and 125, I read the following:

     You [New Mexicans] must improve your land and develop the vast resources of your country, or the new race will come in here and displace you. I hope and pray that the next time I come here I shall surely find the old race of Mexicans that we found here long, long ago in the past, improved --- brought to a higher degree of improvement and cultivation. Without that they will be displaced, not by force, injustice and violence, but by a better, stronger higher race, that will develop the resources of the country. New Mexico has a pretty hard name all over the world; I have said some pretty hard things of New Mexico; I have no feeling against the people. The people sit here and growl and eat garlic.
     You must ... get rid of your burros and goats; I hope ten years hence there won't be an adobe house in the Territory. I want to see you learn to make them of brick, with slanting roofs. Yankees don't like flat roofs, nor roofs of dirt.
                         ----Address of Gen. William T. Sherman in Santa Fe, October 28, 1880 as also printed in The Santa Fe New Mexican

100+ years down the road people are still building adobe houses with flat roofs, eating more garlic than ever, and, still raising goats:)
Sherman died Feb 14, 1891. I wonder if he ever regretted the above address to 'you' New Mexicans. Shades of delusional ego? Maybe. But so many person(s) have had an attitude of and spoken about a superior race of people. What is that?
I still have the Native American attitude of not being able to own the land. The land (earth) belongs to everyone.

I remember the first time I noticed the question about race was on a school document during 4th grade. Before that my Mom filled out the required school forms. Under the column "RACE" there was no hint of what to write. But, the next question was "Are you at least 1/4 Indian?" I thought we were all the HUMAN RACE. Even some published (and sometimes great) historians and explorers would write about "a peculiar people" found in their travels. Then go on to describe the people. I was once told, "you ain't white." I just laughed at the ignorance. One of my friends came unglued.

On a happier note, made contact with two more cousins. Just hearing their voices lifted my heart. My Grandpa Julian often said, "la sangre sabe" and "la sangre no se niega."

The Hispanic Cultural Center has a small but nice genealogy section. I visited the HCC and the downtown library last week. Met a couple of nice people at HCC. Unfortunately we couldn't connect any of our family names. Also, met a very nice gentleman at the Main Library that gave me some more pointers to pre-statehood documents. He is no longer a member of the HGRC, and said The Special Collections library had "kicked us out of there." Don't know what that means, but will pay a visit to that department for land plat copies.

I'm also glad that more New Mexicans have taken the Concealed Carry class.

Over the past several months have been writing a blog prematurely titled The Tell, that spills the beans on everything that led to my freedom from work and marriage. Don't know if I'll ever post it. But it helps to see it documented. And, who knows, the time may sometime become right time to post it;)

Praying for Israel, the persecuted Christians in Syria and Iraq, people having problems with flooding in NM. But, thankful for the rain relieving much of our drought.

Be blessed.