For better or worse, I'm back! I usually get tongue tied trying to talk on the radio off the top of my head not to mention, the net is more for public info. So I decided to get this down on paper to try and pass on a few words. (OK, I have a big mouth!)
After my unexpected, feeble attempt at some body modification when my new tire on my motorcycle went flat coming to work Saturday before last, I had a pretty serious wreck. I guess my higher power decided it was time to provide me with a new set of challenges as everyone was probably tired of hearing the same old stories. And at the same time renew my faith in humanity and joy for living here on the rio.
For many of us the economy has been beating us without alternate sources of income for some time so there's no use bitching about it. I still say that I am grateful for living here where poverty has been a way of life for many years and for us, it is easier to maintain a reasonable lifestyle at a minimal cost. I am also blessed with a local family that has adopted me four years ago and still teaches me many things to apppreciate even when you have nothing.
I won't get into details of hardships over the past year, because we have all had them. I do my best to help those in need when I can and I don't always use the best judgement. I am also known for saying what is on my mind although my perception isn't always clear and I have been known to be wrong. For that I apologize.
True fact, I am an artist that walks to a tune of my own and am easily distracted in a conversation. But that's not what I am here to talk about. Nobody here knows me very well, but I asked a friend to do a "call out" for medical supplies. The response was humbling and overwhelmed me. So much so that the words "Thank You" almost sound shallow. But with the donations of supplies, food and money, I was able to get a cast for my leg that will ease my 12 block walk to and from work immensly as well as to buy the antibiotics and pain pills I needed. You know who you are and you have my heartfelt gratitude.
I will have this cast for at least 3 months as I fractured the tibia and declined them to screw it up. I also broke some bones in my other foot, but nothing that won't heal itself, and I donated a good portion of skin to Guatemala's highways, but thanks to you I am on the mend. I am also now being tested for staff infection that I may have contracted at the Santo Thomas hospitals emergency room. The motorcycle, well, I just need to replace my three week old tire.
I also want to thank those of you who participated or attended the flea market under the bridge. The locals are a buzz the next one, but I have some details to work out with the Mayor and a few other people first. But it was a big success from what I understand. Not a lot of money made, but that word is getting pretty ellusive.
So that's about it for now without going into a long boring novel. It's time to get on with my new set of challenges and see what tomorrow brings while attempting to keep the shop going in slow times and also seek new ways to eke out a living. That is looking good as I have already been commissioned for one portrait so far. I would also like to mention that until this stabilizes and I can get the swelling issues under control, my shop hours are apt to vary extremely, but PLEASE feel free to call me at any time during the day, if there is something I can do. My phone number is 4076 2091.
All my blessings for your support and being here,
Kevin
