Published Works

El Taxi, or El Toro?
Hemingway said there are two types of spectators at a bullfight: those who identify with the bull, and those who identify with the matador.

The Biggest Mistake I Ever Made In Mexico
You might think the biggest mistake I ever made in Mexico was packing up and driving north to Taos to escape the cinder bearing, stinging hot winds from Chiapas. But you’d be wrong.

The Five Senses of Frida
Frida Kahlo was a captivating artist and an intriguing, seductive woman. If we hadn't figured that out from the many books written about her, we would certainly have gotten the point from the motion picture, "Frida."

How to Correct Misconceptions about Mexico and Lose Your Friends At The Same Time
We who live in Mexico, whether full- or part-time, have a duty to correct the enormous amount of misinformation perpetuated by foreign media. More creatures live with their heads in the sand than the ostrich.

Las Posadas, 2001
"What is Christmas like in Mexico?" asked my friend, Edward. It didn’t take much encouragement for me to eagerly share this experience:

Mexican Village
(winner, Best Article of the Year, The Mexico Network) -- Cover Story --
This story could take place in any village in any state in the paradise that is known as Mexico. The names of the people may be different, but the stories will be the same.

Seabiscuit's Home: Willits
In the cool, green quiet of Northern California, there lies the Republic of Willits. Some say it's a satellite of Texas, and might be the last stronghold of the American cowboy. There's a reason people say that.

How Do We Know We're Getting Old?
Will we have to pluck chin hairs and put them on our balding heads? Will we shrink to the same height as Al Pacino? Will our upper arms look like we're wearing a kimono when we're not?

It's Tough Being The Only Painted Hussy At a Tent Revival Meeting
When a sweet young thing saw an immense diamond glittering on the zaftig ring finger of the voluptuous star, Mae West, she cried, "Goodness!" to which the infamous West replied, "Dearie, goodness had nothin' to do with it."

If You're So Worried That I Can't Make It Without You, Why Did You Leave?
Guadalajara, a city where the trees wear white trousers and the music is so loud, even Helen Keller was heard to rasp, "Turn that thing down, will ya?"