Moving Blog

Please follow my blog at www.nundeya.com I will continue to post information, pictures and updates on my website.

Opehqueh

Last week we started the project at Junior Theatre in Balboa. We had a small class but it's the perfect size for the project. To see what we did in class please go to:

http://opehqueh.wordpress.com/ and check out our students blog.

Today was a nice second class, we had two students missing but two more students added the class. I'm really excited to see what the students come up with in March.

Last night Crystal and I got together to talk about the project and we wanted to give this specific "New Development" project a name. We looked for Mixtec words that resonated but my peeps make it hard to find Mixtec words... so we started looking for Nahuatl words. We came across a word that really resonated to both Crystal & I, "OPEHQUEH," which means "They began." Our project has a name.

The purpose of this project is to create a new work while educating youth in Theatre Arts. This project will explore technology through the lens of a classic art form. With this project we will involve young artists, community members, families and technology agencies in the process of writing a new play. The play, intended for all ages, will explore the positive and negative effects of technology on multiple generations and the ways in which we communicate with one another.

This project is broken down into four sections: the research, workshop, writing and production. Right now, our class falls under the research section, working with students to have a better understanding of technology amongst teens.

Please enjoy the picture of Crystal & I . Also, be sure to comment on our Opehqueh blog.

love

-m

The Grant

Last year in the summer the San Diego Foundation released a grant- The Creative Catalyst Individual Artist Fellowship, where a group of selected emerging San Diego Artist could potentially be awarded a grant. The grant was for artist in all disciplines with the gift of time (one year), space (the sponsor company that the artist could apply under), mentorship (from the sponsor company, and community to create new work (the project would need to involve the company).

Well, in the summer, with the support of my friends (the Chones & Chanclas ladies) I applied from the grant. I did not apply for this grant because I was creating a project specially for the grant, I applied because a few months back the C&C ladies got together and talked about creating a new theatre piece that would potential create future projects for us.

So, in July I started the application. I barely made the application deadline because I had written down the wrong date (and to be quite honest the writing was not my proudest... I'm not a good writer I know... so imagine me writing something last minute... not good).

Luckily, the message got through to the company I applied and my application was selected. Once the company selected my application, I had to apply with the company for the grant, so we did!

In November we (San Diego Junior Theatre & Me (individual artist) were moved to the next phase, the interview. I was interviewed in front of 6 people who asked me questions about my project and past works.

In December I got a phone call from JT congratulating me, "We got the grant!" I immediately called my partner in crime, Crystal Mercado and told her "we" got the grant... although the grant is under my name, Crystal has fully been involved in this project, which I am very happy about.

So, the question you might be wondering is... "what the heck is this project you are talking about?" right?

Well, check out the article: http://www.signonsandieg.com/news/2011/dec/23/San-Diego-Foundation-grants/

more to come soon!

Post Mexico

It's been quite a while since my last blog. So, here it goes...

After Mexico, Ken and I returned to Seattle. Ken got his job back at MT. I returned to the Seattle Children's Theatre. Also, as soon as I came back, I went back to work on the Vagina Monologues and La Causa. I came to a busy schedule, which I felt blessed!

A few month later and after applying to different jobs, I got a response from La Jolla Playhouse. The Director of Education & Outreach came to see me teach at SCT. I was offered the job as the Education & Outreach Associate. With this offer, I was able to move back to my beloved home, San Diego!

I moved back to San Diego and Ken joined me early this year. Ken got a job at a company close to home, where he is Drafting! Ken and I started saving money for a place, again! This time with the help of our agent and my lovely parents, we were able to put a down payment for a small little house in Paradise Hills.

The greatest thing about moving to San Diego is that I have a nice network of theatre friends.

Recently, a nice opportunity came my way in San Diego. A grant through the San Diego Foundation. I'm currently in the application process. I wont know much about it until mid or end of this month.

More on this... later. Promise.

For now, till next time :)

The Project

Can life really be this difficult and at the same time be so great? I feel that this minor torture will pay off. Mama's Unidas is the first US project which will be great. I know it. Las historias de las madres, que an sufridro. Forcing myself to script write.

Teatro Nundeya is moving along, stronger than what I hoped. Teaching classes, directing and creating! Viva la Raza

New Toy

So, for the past month or so (since ken and i have been back) we have been going over the thought of getting a new car. There are various reason for it, primarily- my car is breaking down. We have researched vehicles to see which is most dependable, spacey and budgeted right. I really wanted a truck, not gonna lie. The thought of knowing I would never need to ask anyone for a favor just made me all bubbly and excited. However, Ken kept on insisting in viewing one specific car which he knew I would love. The Honda Fit. Now, i was unsure of it because it looks very small- oh how deceiving. Not small at all. The inside of the car is very roomy my very tall friends such as Darrin and Usman could fit perfectly in the car, I'm sure. Also, it converts literally in almost a flat bed. All of the sits can be laid down making for much space. The miles seem great 35 to the gallon. And it's very highly rated. The price was a little higher than what I would have wished to have payed but it really seemed worth it for what we are paying.

The car will be use mainly for my work. Driving around Seattle in my old Contour was a hassle because my car was starting to run on its last leg. It made me wonder all the time if I was gonna get stuck in the middle of the freeway with my car. My car is a four cylinder car and it's only running on three. It was my first high school car. I am sad to see it go- kind of. hehe.

I know I could have invested 2,000 dollars to get my car fix. I know I could have made it work if I really wanted to but I feel by having this new car, I am forced to 1. maintain a long lasting job.

Long lasting job- speaking of which, the one thing that motivated to get the car was to begin our business. Now I really do not have an excuse such as; i cant go, it's too far, I cant make it... now I can. I have a great husband, great computer (to get the business going), car... and a lot of motivation...

So, kicking 2010 awesomely....

Update

We are back in the states. We had a great time. I really wanted to blog while we were away but lack of internet made it difficult.

We did a lot of house improvements while in Oaxaca. Ken became really good at laying floor. I assisted as well mixing the concrete and placing the side tiles. We painted the rooms with very bright and colorful colors, we added a ceiling fan to the house-much needed, and we change all the outlets in the house. Despite all the housework we did, Ken and I continued to travel and had loads of fun.

When we arrived to the the US, Ken returned to his job at Mettler Toledo. I think his company was really happy to see him again!

As for me, I came back to two projects, La Causa and The Vagina Monologues. La Causa is a show about a character named Marta Hernandez, who is a migrant farm worker. It takes place in the 60's and this character tells her experiences and encounters with Cesar Chavez. It really is a very good show with a great message! The Vagina Monologues are exactly what the title says, a show about Vagina's and they are all Monologues.

Oh, I'm still also an independent contractor for the Seattle Children's Theatre, so that helps with some bills... thank god for Ken and his job :)

till next time.