Spanglish Chick

I’m pretty disappointed in the lack of media coverage of the devastation in Chile after the 8.8 earthquake, one of the largest ever recorded, that hit last weekend.  There are no television fundraisers, no food drives and images of cargo planes dropping relief supplies and no Spanish version of “we are the world.” 

After Haiti’s earthquake, you were unable to turn on the TV or go online without seeing “donate to Haiti.” It was awesome to see everyone hugging and joining together in an effort to bring Haiti back to life … where did it all go? I understand that some people are feeling the effects of “disaster fatigue” and might feel that Chile is a country that can handle the aftermath since it seems they have better resources and what not. But lives were lost, towns have crumbled, we truly don’t know if the people there have it all  … remember Hurricanes Ike and Katrina? New Orleans and Houston practically fell into Third World status when those bitches hit. Some people are still recovering from those hurricanes and this is the U.S. 

Chile needs our help, too. Whether it’s donating to the Red Cross to help people not just in Chile, but elsewhere when disasters strike, making a donation to a Chilean animal shelter (pets were affected, too) or just taking the time to buy Chilean products at your local store to support the country’s exports … as a culture, as a people and as Americans we should support the beautiful nation of Chile in rebuilding itself …  please don’t wait for the media to make that choice for you.

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Eduardo at the airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Recently, a friend of Spanglish Chick took some time out of his life in Houston to lend a hand in the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Eduardo E. shared with us his thoughts and experience in the stricken nation. Spanglish Chick applauds Eduardo for his heartfelt, selfless contribution and for all the humanitarian work he has done not only for Haiti, but with all his charitable endeavors.

Why did you feel compelled to go to Haiti?
My initial reaction was that I felt I had to do something in response to the situation occurring there. When my job asked me to go I did everything necessary to prepare without giving too much thought to the (health & security) dangers associated with the trip.

What did you see?
To be honest, I stayed primarily in the airport area during the unloading and loading of supplies from the planes to the trucks that then took it to the tent community. I would depart in the morning from Miami and stay through late afternoon/evening in Hiati. I was there for 2 days. The destruction I saw was limited because the airport was 20 miles away from the epicenter from where earthquake struck.

How did you feel about what you saw?
During one of the stays I inquired about going into the city, but I was told by several U.S. Military (that was there assisting with airport logistics and security) that it was not recommended and that they hadn’t gone out there due to security reasons. The Haitian people I met seemed to be bewildered by the situation. I think part of them had gratitude for the aid, but another part of them may have felt as if we were encroaching on their territory.

What can people do to help?
At this point, I think many people are experiencing “donor fatigue,” but the sad thing is that the situation will not be resolved soon and it may take up to three years for levels to reach pre-earthquake status. I think that the global community can use this experience to improve the situation for the better and demonstrate that we can come together as a community during times of need.

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From time to time, please take a moment to check out our “visit friends we support” links on the right hand side of the front page. We update the list every month. 

Spanglish Chick is not paid to promote friends. We truly believe that these are great sites and places for our readers to check out. All organizations and establishments are chosen based on the appreciation of us at Spanglish Chick.

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Valentine’s Day is not about being someone’s “boyfriend or girlfriend.” Nor is it a time to cringe at being “single.” The Day has several historical meanings, according to several sources.

There were several Saint Valentine’s and they were not all linked to romance. Instead, there are different stories and traditions linked to St. Valentine. When St. Valentine was persecuted as a Christian, he left a letter to the jailer’s daughter. It was signed “from your Valentine.”

“The high court of love” was established in Paris on Valentine’s Day. It dealt with love contracts, betrayals and violence against women.  Judges were selected on the basis of a poetry reading.

In some traditions, Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses and leaves secrets and presents for children. In Finland, it is translated to “Friend’s Day.” It is a day about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones.

In Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, Valentine’s Day is known as “Dia del Amor y la Amistad” (the Day of Love and Friendship). Although it is similar to the US version in many ways, it is also common to see people carry-out “acts of appreciation” for their friends.

In most of South America the “Dia del amor y la Amistad” and the “Amigo Segreto” (Secret Friend) are quite popular and usually celebrated together on the 14th of February. One exception is Columbia, where it is celebrated every third Saturday of September. The latter consists of randomly assigning to each participant a recipient who is to be given an anonymous gift, similar to the tradition of Secret Santa during Christmas.

Use this day as one to focus on how to pamper yourself, to honor and love yourself. Too often women see themselves as “loveable” only if they are in a relationship. Think of all the people who bring love and joy to your life and you to theirs.

Honor their presences with a card, chocolate, or just a hello. This is a day to feel love for one’s self and to share with those significant to you and what they mean to you.

Hug a friend, your dog, even a tree! Hug life and the opportunities to have a loved one and to be loved.

Valentine’s Day should not be a day where one’s focus is on what is lacking, but rather, on what is good and loving in our life. Begin with yourself. Treat yourself to that chocolate, a flower, or whatever makes your heart glow.

Eva Szego, MA, LPC, LMFT
Los Colores

Eva is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Family Therapist, Board Certified Art Therapist.  Her practice, Los Colores, is located in Houston.

If you have a question for Eva, please click here to email her.

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When commercial holidays like Valentine’s Day come around you can’t help but notice that so many people get caught up in the “I’m sad to be single, or I suck because I’m in a bad relationship, or I’m going to be cynical about the whole idea because if I can’t be happy no one will” mode.   I firmly believe these people need a drink.

Then you have the uber-romantics who make you want to vomit because they insist on flashing their romantic feats to the whole Facebook world, when we truly know it’s them trying to convince themselves more than them convincing others.  Ay Dios, these people need a drink, too.

Either way, you’re bound to run into one of these people than the one couple or person who is secure in their current lifestyle. This is America. We all have issues at some point. And our biggest opponents are often our diets and love.

With that said, have you ever really truly thought about all the types of love that surround you? I hope you know there isn’t one kind. And I’m sure at some point, you’ve had one. I’ve decided to compile a list of love below. Am I expert? Haha no … but I have been through a lot in my life and seen enough well into my 30+ years to have an understanding of the concept of love.  Have I had love in my life? Yes and no. What does that mean? It means I’m still finding it all around me. You’re never too old to experience any part of life. Even love.

So if you’re feeling a bit cynical this Valentine’s, or you’re trying to convince yourself “he/she really loves me,” take a moment to reflect on a love you once had, will have or never knew you had.

Self Love: That’s exactly what it means. Loving yourself. It’s a beautiful  thing. Now don’t get all cochino on me and think I’m talking about self gratification. Not the same, but if it helps you … then do what you have to do. Self love is the strongest most secure love you will have in your life. Why? Because if you can’t love yourself then you will not know how to offer love to anyone else.  It’s neither selfish nor arrogant to love yourself. It can do wonders for your self-esteem, confidence and inner beauty.  People will find you more attractive and interesting if you are secure in yourself.

Unconditional Love: Yet, another beautiful aspect of love.  Often compared to true love (which is between lovers), unconditional love means to love someone regardless of one’s actions or beliefs, most often between family members, long lasting friendships and sometimes even pets (yes, pets).  This love is an unbreakable one. I know this love firsthand, and it can make you tear up with joy just when the thought hits your senses. I know this love … because I am a mother. The love between a mother and her child is the most sacred and selfless love a woman will ever have in her lifetime. No matter the lack of perfection this love will never change. And it will never be shallow. You would give your life for this love.

Undying love: If you have ever read Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved” letter you would feel the undying love he has in his heart for the woman he loves.  Another tale of undying love is the movie, “The Notebook.” This love holds no boundaries. It’s passionate, caring, sexual, captivating, stressful and creates a bond in life and in death.  It is often a love that is torn and fought for yet remains timeless. If you ever get to experience this type of love, be prepared to have a small nervous breakdown before it all comes together.

Infatuated Love: Another self explanatory love. It’s more infatuation than real love. It’s a love struck crush. In other words, you think you’re in love. There’s nothing wrong with a little infatuated love from time to time. Although it is often short-lived it can make you smile and feel good. Just don’t let this one take over. It can turn into Obsessive Love if you don’t watch it. Obsessive love is often a negative and one sided. Como se dice … no one is happy in crazy psycho love. Enjoy it while it lasts, then move on.

Platonic Love (friendship love):  One of the most non-sexual loves out there people. Thank goodness for an emotion with no pressure to put out.  This is a love filled with respect, hugs, good conversation, and if you can imagine … normal behavior! Platonic love is up there with self love and unconditional love. It’s easier to come by, dependable, not too hard to handle and it’s honest.  Embrace your friends. They love you as much as you love them.

Puppy Love: One of the most innocent yet naïve forms of love. This is often a person’s first form of love towards a possible significant other.  We have all had this love and have learned from it. Oh G-d did we learn. Puppy love is just one of those wacky life experiences you have to endure in order to figure yourself out. Puppy love hurts like hell. You’re all goofy and shy about it. You dream about your lover (or wanna be lover) constantly. You know what I’m talking about all you NKOTB fans.  It’s one giant delusion of grandeur.  Eventually, we all grow out of it.

Romantic/Passionate Love: A love that is intense, indulgent, emotional and euphoric. Romantic/Passionate love will make someone put your ass in a love song (thank you Beyonce and Alicia). This love is a mixture of lust, intimacy and intense physical and emotional reactions all at once. Your love and sex is on fire. This type of love can fizzle over time or move onto something f*cking awesome.

Committed Love (f*cking awesome):  Combine every emotion you have ever had … good and bad. Then layer it with commitment, dedication, sharing, honesty, devotion, understanding, sacrifice, trust and faithfulness. Those may sound tame, but when you combine them with Romantic/Passionate love, you my dear, have just found your life’s bliss, committed love.  In committed love you become one. Commited lovers often make a life together. Everything changes yet it still feels like home.  You will have found a love many people strive for and often try to force.  There are some people who cannot fathom nor understand a love this deep. This is one of the most loyal and complicated, profound and affectionate emotions you will ever know and have in your life.  This is true love.

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Welcome to our sneak preview!
Spanglish Chick is an online publication, magazine, journal and blog dedicated to anyone who appreciates fun, honest and informative journalism from the perspective of a Spanglish Chick or those who support her. Tell us what you think about the website and articles? Tell us what you want to hear, see and read from Spanglish Chick? Have a like or dislike? We want to know about it!
Email us at admin@spanglishchick.com.

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From time to time you will see Spanglish Chick’s flikr feed at the right bottom portion of the front page. We like to use that space to provide you with photos from places, events, gatherings and rallies we have attended.

The current feed is displaying photos from a pro-life protest in front of a new Planned Parenthood building that has been built here in Houston. Although SpanglishChick supports a woman’s right to choose, we felt it was newsworthy to document this protest. We feel that everyone is entitled to be heard.

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Kat Von D

People aren’t always what they seem.  As soon as I walk into a room, people peg me as Irish. Granted, my looks fit the bill. I’m pale with a few freckles thrown in for good measure, blue eyes, high forehead, and a pointy nose. Just looking at me, you wouldn’t know that I’m Scotch-Irish, German, and more Cherokee than someone of my skin color should be allowed. Oh, and Jewish. That’s right. A Scotch-Irish, German, Cherokee Jew. Who would’ve guessed?

It stands to reason, then, that the people whose faces we all know from movies and TV and tabloids aren’t always what they seem.  And if you take a closer look at the celebrities we all know and love, you might find more Latinos than you were expecting.

Take Cameron Diaz, for instance. Tall, thin, blonde hair, and some of the brightest natural blue eyes I’ve ever seen in my life. It would be easy to label her Nordic and be done. But the last name … Diaz? Oh, yes, she’s Latina. Her father was a second-generation Cuban American. She might not be able to respond to you in Spanish, but she says she’ll understand what you’re saying.

Houston native Alexis Bledel is another “closet” Latina. At least with Diaz, you get a hint with her surname. Learning that Alexis is Latina is likely to catch someone completely off guard, but in reality, her Argentinian and Mexican roots are more ingrained in her than Diaz’s Cuban roots. Alexis only spoke Spanish until she began elementary school as an English as a Second Language student. Even fellow Latina America Ferrara was surprised when she heard Alexis speaking Spanish at an interview with a Spanish language magazine.

I was amazed to find out that someone who played Italian so well that I thought she really was Italian turns out to be Latina, and Jewish. Jamie-Lynn Sigler, best known for her role in The Sopranos, has a Cuban-Jewish mother, and a Jewish father. Not only is she fluent in Spanish, she’s also fluent in Greek. The girl is full of surprises.

The list goes on with celebrities like the redheaded Joanna Garcia, who has a Spanish-American mother and a Cuban-born father and played the daughter of the very Caucasian Reba McEntire on the sitcom Reba. There’s Avatar star Zoe Saldana, who spent a big part of her childhood living in the Dominican Republic. And don’t be fooled by tattoo artist Kat Von D’s decidedly German surname of Von Drachenberg. Her parents, who both have European ancestry, hail from Argentina, and Kat was born in Mexico. Even Disney star Vanessa Hudgens is a mix of Irish, Native American, and Chinese-Filipino-Spanish.

And don’t think I’ve forgotten about the men. You’ve got Charlie Sheen, who’s real name is Carlos Estevez. His father, Martin Sheen (whose real name is Ramon Estevez), is Spanish and Irish. Benjamin Bratt’s mother is Peruvian.

Former MTV VJ LaLa Vasquez, a proud Latina from a Puerto Rican family, said in her blog, “One thing about being Latina is that there isn’t one look that comes with the territory. I don’t expect people to know my cultural background just by glancing at me … If you’re lucky enough to visit various countries in Latin America, you’ll be baffled to see the blackest of the black and the lightest of the light living together. And I dare you to ask one of them to prove their Latinidad.”   {Latinidad, most literally, is the identity of Latinos/as. More figuratively, it is a sensibility and way of being-in-the-world that expresses who one is and what one’s culture is about.}

Spanglish Chick Contributor Karah Leigh lives in Houston with her boyfriend and two awesome dogs. Known for her on-air talent at Houston’s 94.5 The Buzz, Karah is not only ‘in the know’ about music, she’s in the loop on pop culture and celebrity entertainment. Visit her Houston Examiner page for more juicy celebrity news and updates!

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KarinaNistal…..if you haven’t seen this singer/songwriter perform just yet you have been definitely missing out and need to make this a priority.  You see her onstage ….she looks amazing but then you close your eyes and the rhythms flow through you as you just  keep moving to her freestyling not wanting to stop. She had had several years of being featured on numerous Dance and Hip Hop releases, then Karina decided it was time to release her own first full-length bilingual debut album, Nistyle on (Starlightbeats). She has been featured at the 2007 Latin Billboards Music Awards & Conference then she toured with her collective Rebel Crew to the Middle East with Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) to provide support and morale for our troops.  She is not unfamiliar with the MUN² bilingual video network or SXSW Music Festival in Austin as she has been showcased there too.

Overall Karina is in the public eye performing regularly with her 8-piece band of outstanding musicians, The Karina Nistal Band at Bohemeos cafe, House of Blues Houston, several local festivals and cities all over Texas and has many supporters and fans who will keep their loyalty to this talented chick.

Name: Karina Nistal

Hometown: Houston, Tx

How are old are you?
aw, come on…you know a woman can never tell her age

What kind of day captivates you?
There’s nothing more astounding to me than a warm and sunny day to bring everything to life.

Who has inspired you the most?
Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, La India, Sade, Lauryn Hill, Selena, Janet
Jackson, Billie Holiday, Mary J Blige, MC Lyte, Stevie Wonder, Hector
LaVoe, Buena Vista Social Club, Los Hermanos Lebron, Eddie Palmieri, Al
Green, Earth, Wind, & Fire, the Doors, Michael Jackson, Los Amigos
Invisibles, Masters At Work, Bob Marley – just to name a few 

When did you decide music was the path for you?
In high school I was always doing the ethnic days (5 de Mayo), talent
shows, choir competitions and I realized I love to sing so much I want to
sing for a living for the rest of my life.

What project are you working on now?
The completion of my sophomore album “Nistalgia” *sigh* more to come soon.

How is it working w/ a bunch of guys in a band?
LOL – Working with the fellas is fun. They are pretty low-maintenance and
have the best interests for the band in mind. They are constantly making
suggestions on how to improve our live show and on top of being completely
talented, they know how to work as a team. We are like our own family.

Do you have any advice to people wanting to pursue music career?
This industry takes A LOT of persistence. Make yourself accessible, play a
lot of gigs especially if they will give you the exposure. Be friendly,
promote yourself daily, don’t be afraid to take rejections (not everyone
is going to like what you’re doing.)
Put something towards your goal everyday and most importantly NETWORK! You
never know who you’ll meet.

When is your next show?
Our next show is Saturday, Feb 6th at Last Concert Cafe – 1403 Nance,
Houston 77002 at 10pm!

Where can we find info on you?
www.karinanistal.com, www.myspace.com/karinanistal,
www.facebook.com/karinanistal, www.reverbnation.com/karinanistal

What do your message to the world would be?
Life your life with joy, peace, and L.O.V.E. (living on various elements)

What is your favorite cartoon?
I had to answer this question the other day and I remembered about a dozen
cartoons from the 80’s – I used to love Inspector Gadget, Ghostbusters,
Teen Wolf, Thundercats & Heathcliff just to name a few.

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When you look at her artwork – you wonder what inspires her to paint.  Her images are so exquisite that they can keep you in a daze, waiting to see what is next.  As she pours her soul onto the canvas, it seems to capture a certain infatuation as you see things through her eyes.

Name: Julie Zarate

Hometown: Houston, Tx

How do you feel about your art?

I feel it is continuously evolving. When I hit on something new, whether a style, a medium or an execution, I tend to get really excited and run it into the ground until I’m tired of it … then move on to the next thing. But I love revisiting those old friends, and creating with the new things I’ve discovered along the way, I wind up with something of a fusion that I really like.  I guess you could say it’s rather incestuous.

What kind of mediums do you work in?

Pretty much anything, really, except watercolors — I never could get the hang of those.  I started out in ink, moved into colors by way of tempera [poster paint], and ultimately acrylic.  At the time, I was so afraid of oils.  Seeing as I am self-taught, I knew there were many rules that came with working with oil, so it was daunting. But when I found myself trying to replicate the look of oil with acrylics, it was tedious. I took the plunge then, reading as much as I could, experimenting, etc., and now oil is my favorite medium. When I discovered what it does with wax [encaustic], it opened up a whole new world for me. At some point, I would like to try my hand at watercolors again, though.

What inspired you to become an artist?

I don’t really know the answer to that. It’s something that I’ve always had in me since before I could even write my name. It’s a primitive thing that I’ve tapped into and have appreciated all of my life. You may as well ask me what inspired me to be human.

What is your background training in art?

Apart from the mandatory public school classes and an Art Appreciation class in college, I have no formal training. What I learned, I learned from studying other artists. The public library was a great tool for me growing up, and I was always drawn to picture books. Ultimately, those picture books became art books.  I have a pretty good collection of books of my own now, to which I refer to time an again.  When I actually began painting, I used to do reproductions of other artist’s works.  Some of my early influences were Diego Rivera, Patrick Nagel and Paul Gaugin. I used to believe that the closest I could get to it looking like the original, I was successful. Then I realized that success lied in doing my own thing. But I learned a lot in those reproductions; things that are difficult to explain in a classroom.

What do you feel motivates you to paint?

Several things:  being aware of my own mortality and knowing my time here is short; the sheer desire to feel the weight of a brush in my hand and create something new; having a good excuse not to do housework.

Do you support any organizations in Houston?

The local art and music scene

What is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat any day of the week?

Van Loc Vietnamese Restaurant serves up some of the best food in town; Brother’s Tacos, though, is the bomb.  If I could get there easily, I’d have to say Treebeard’s is my favorite restaurant in Houston, hands down.

When is your next exhibit?

I have a few, actually!  ARTOPIA 2010 by Houston Press on January 30th at 2101 Winter Street; EL CORAZON 2010 at the Bath House Culture Center in Dallas; WORLD OF IMAGINATION V.3 at the APW Gallery in New York; BEAUTIFUL GRIM [to be announced] in San Francisco.  I also have some work up at GALLERY CHIMMAYA in Los Angeles and BETZ GALLERY in Houston at the moment.

Where can people find your artwork and you?

I’ve just signed with BETZ GALLERY, so you can find a good portion of my work there. As for me, I’m usually in my studio cranking it out.

Have you ever traveled overseas? Or where would you go and why?

I’ve never traveled abroad, unless you count Oahu.  I have a mental list of places I would love to visit:  Cuba, Spain, Vienna, Japan, Turkey … but I would want to come back home.  [It’s a Texas thing ]

Any words to the upcoming artists?

Just keep on keepin’ on. Don’t be daunted by perceived failures, because everything you do is a step toward success. Also, if you’re in it for the money, hang up your beret.  You have to LOVE what you do.  And when you do, it shows. 

What is your favorite drink?

Ginger Ale

What is your favorite quote?

“We are the facilitators of our own creative evolution.”

-         Bill Hicks

You can find Julie Zarate’s amazing art at http://www.six06.com or become a fan on Facebook @ Julie Zarate

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