6.24.2010

guest post...

You've met her before and you see her images every Monday morning at four lovely women, she's "Aliso Viejo".  Finally you get to put a face with a name.  Isn't she just lovely?  


Pamela has been teaching Spanish for 20 years - she speaks several languages and has taught in Tucson, San Francisco, Nashville, Brentwood and now Newport Coast.  Pamela has traveled and taught in Europe, competed in triathalons and is the proud mother of 3 year old Jorja.  She comes to us today with a GIVEAWAY - something near and dear to her heart - oh and she's giving away THREE!  Take it away old friend...


Lotería - Mexican Bingo

El mundo es un pañuelo (it's a small world) and you never know where things will lead. This Mexican Bingo game inspired me to become a collector of sorts, create all kinds of activities for my students and, most importantly, gave me a wonderful new friend. Let me explain how it began.

I was shopping along Olvera Street, the oldest street in Los Angeles.  It is preserved as a walking street lined with shops, restaurants and museums, when I came across this game in a pale purple box. The images on the front jumped out at me: a beating red heart, white papel picado floating in a blue sky, and a green frozen paleta (popsicle) among others. The colors were so rich and bright almost like they were painted on a mural in old pueblo. I was excited to buy it, open it up and look at all of the beautiful designs.

One card after another reminded me of things I had seen or eaten in Mexico. I noticed the artist's website on the back of the box: http://www.teresavillegas.com/loteria/, so I decided to find out more. On her website, she has many historical references about the game. The original icons are seen everywhere in Mexico, from clothing to arts and crafts. She also explained many of the items she painted for this version, all 54 of which she painted on canvas and are on tour around the U.S.

Seems funny that a small purchase has given me such diversion and has impacted my life, however, this is quite true. I have shared this game with literally hundreds of people (can you say Rick Bayless?) and now I would like to share it with you. So blend up a batch of margaritas (helps your Spanish pronunciation), get some friends together, and play away! You can play for money, candy or just use popcorn kernels or beans.


If you win, be sure to yell out ¡Lotería!
Collect your game and immerse yourself in the beauty of old Mexico.

TO WIN - just leave a comment, easy as pie. 
If you would like extra entries, you can become a new follower or blog about the giveaway, just be sure to leave me a comment/link so I know and I'll throw your name in the hat twice.
I'll announce the THREE winners (from my temp' home in Seattle) on Monday.

18 comments:

Silver Strands said...

Yes. Pamela is lovely. Nice read :)
oxox
Denalee

Henley said...

Lovely she sure is. Please put my name down!

sunshine said...

Yes, Pamela is indeed lovely, and accomplished! I can see why she was attracted to the artwork on the cards, it is quite appealing. Fun having a guest post!

Jillian said...

Oh it is such a joy to put a face to the name. I enjoyed this post very much!!

MJM said...

I have my copy of this beautiful game already, but trust me, it's fun to play and the cards are beautiful!

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Thanks for introducing me to Pamela! Beautiful artwork on those cards and a great giveaway! I'm in!

pamela said...

flattering introduction, thank you jeanette. you would never know that is me sitting here in old p.j.s and glasses! looking forward to the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Fun giveaway! Enjoyed Pamela's informative post. It's nice to know the artist has deserved recognition for her art.

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

I love the images- great giveaway- thanks for hosting!

Maria said...

Pam! How awesome! A game and beautiful and historical artwork! What could be better???? Wow - and SO many languages spoken!(Need to schedule language classes for the dynamic duo - if you just can't make it to s. FL - send your suggestions :-D)

Unknown said...

Oh, I will check her out! What a cool giveaway, I would love to have these, how unique! XO!

koralee said...

Love this post...Hope your trip to Seattle was amazing...I love that city.

Reya Mellicker said...

Sweet! When I lived in San Francisco, everyone I knew had at least one Loteria deck. The illustrations are incredible, aren't they?

D&D said...

what a lovely story. LOTERIA!

FB said...

i was in pamelas class in high school and she gave me one of these games when i graduated. she really did bring life into our classes with activities like this!

Beatnheart said...

Looks so fun and interesting count me in twice...I’ll mention you on my blog cause now I know how to!

bronwyn said...

What beautiful images. Nice to put a face to the name to. :)

Anonymous said...

Absolutely & a wonderful story. Thanks to you both for sharing. I am proud to call Pamela, my sister! XO ~ Michele