2024-10-30 16th Anniversary

2024-10-30 16th Anniversary
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2024-10-30-16th Anniversary

Debbie Zapata

And by the way........HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

Besos besos!!

La Werita at 1009pm wishing you sweet dreams and a lovely Wednesday October 30

Piloncillo

Werita
YES ALSO, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!WITH ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU
"A TODAS LAS MUCHACHAS BONITAS..." , sobre todo a DEBBIE ZAPATA

Pedro Infante - Las mañanitas

2024-10-12 Chula Tú

2024-10-12 Chula Tú
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2024-10-12 Chula Tú

Debbie Zapata

One night in 1995 I had a dream about meeting a man who would love me for myself, my INNER self. I woke up from that dream saying no no no. I had not had the best of results from the men in my life. Since 1992 I had been in a state of intense dismay and anger, and yet here I was having the kind of dream that assured me I would someday find the man I had been meant for? Even to the point of showing me the moment I would know for certain who this man was? No no no!

And yet, in the dream I had taken the steps necessary to move forward, to cross a street and get close to this man, to say "There you are!" and see him smile.

Many years later, after Time mostly healed my wounds, I still had the images of the dream in my mind. It had never faded, even though I had tried very hard to make it go away. The dream had done its job: planted a seed that grew into the idea that I would someday meet my intended life partner.

Then my doctor wanted me to try water aerobics as a gentle physical therapy for joint and spine issues. I did not (and do not even now) know how to swim but he assured me it was not a requirement for the class so I gave it a try. The pool is where I first noticed Marco. Nearly every day that I was there he was among the lap swimmers, but he moved differently than they did. That is what caught my eye: he swam as though he was meant to live in the water, he moved gently with no noisy splashing, he was as much a part of the water as the water itself. It was beautiful to see.

Eventually my aerobics class fell apart, but I kept going. I liked being in the water, it did help my spine at that time, and by then I was addicted to watching Marco swim. Of course I did not know anything about him, we had never even said hello. Until one day when he swam over to me after he
finished his laps and asked me if I wanted to learn how to swim. Of course I said no no no. He showed off a bit, doing a somersault, saying how easy it was. I said "Easy for you, but not for me." We chatted a bit and then he said good bye and left the pool.

I still like to tease him about that morning because he does not remember talking to me at all. I obviously had not impressed him while I was in the water! But that day was the beginning of shy smiles and helloes between us, and eventually, in 2008 after my Dad had passed away, Marco and I began
finally to talk a bit, mostly while we were soaking in the therapy pool after the morning's workout. By the time of my 50th birthday in September of that year I was hoping that Marco was the man from my dream, but the actual dream conditions had not been fulfilled yet. I was being a little silly, I suppose, but I felt that I had to see The Man the way I had seen Him in the dream.

Then one day I needed to go to my bank, a short walk from the house. They were not open yet so I made a lap or two around the block and during the return leg of one of those laps I saw Marco waiting with his bicycle by the locked front door of the bank. My heart skipped a beat as I thought "Oh, look, there he is!" And as I walked the last steps forward, to be greeted by his beautiful smile, I felt myself blending into that long ago dream. My heart was singing "There you are! There you are!"

And the rest is history: the dream became a reality. One with its own twists and turns, of course, but always full of love, respect, curiosity for life, and incredible joy.

Debbie Zapata, October 2024
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The Power of Love: Beyond Hypnosis

First Impression about DEBBIE

The first time I saw DEBBIE walking, I was completely mesmerized. Her presence was so captivating that I couldn't look away. In Mexico, there is a beautiful compliment for beautiful women: “CHULA TÚ.” Although I felt it was the perfect time to say it, I had always learned to be respectful of different cultures, so I never dared to mention it to her in her country.

A Special Encounter

Over time, our relationship solidified and DEBBIE became my formal partner. One day, during a television interview, I was offered to be hypnotized to improve my performance in an important event: the “Ultramarathon 6 Day Race.” At that moment, I was asked to choose a code word that would activate the hypnosis. Without thinking, I answered “DEBBIE.” It was a decision driven by curiosity, but it turned out to be a turning point in our relationship.

THE MAGIC OF LOVE

From that moment on, the bond we shared grew even stronger. However, I discovered that the true MAGIC OF LOVE did not necessarily require hypnosis. I learned that by facing my own WEAKNESSES, I could transform them into STRENGTHS, and that this path of self-knowledge and love is achieved thanks to the presence and support of DEBBIE. Her love inspires me to be better every day and invites me to discover the depth of OUR EMOTIONS TOGETHER.

2024-10-15 Vestida de Color de Rosa

2024-10-15-Vestida de Color de Rosa
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2024-10-15-Vestida de Color de Rosa

Debbie Zapata

I had no idea that Marco liked me so much in pink, especially the girly pale pink of this jacket. I don't mind a bolder shade like fuchsia, but I really do prefer not to wear pale pink.

However, I buy my clothes at secondhand shops and there are times when I can not pass up a perfect-except-for-the-color item such as the jacket in this video.

I think if I had to pick a color that I liked best for Marco, it would be yellow, because of a shirt he often wore in our earliest days getting to know each other.

Thinking about it makes me fly back in time to a day when I planned to surprise him at the pool to thank him for a CD he had left tucked into the screen door of my house. The staff said he had not been there that morning, so I left, disappointed at missing a chance to connect at a moment when I knew that he felt for me what I was feeling for him.

Sometime later he explained about that day. He had taken a group of students to climb one of the hills on the outskirts of Agua Prieta, and joked that he had waved to me, had I not seen the yellow spot on top of the mountain that day?

Ever since then if either of us mentions the yellow spot, we both get the giggles.

I am not sure if I still have this pink jacket, but I do hope Marco still has his yellow shirt!

Debbie Zapata, October 2024

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The Beauty of “Vestirse de Color Rosa”

Dressed in Pink: A Visual Impact

The moment I saw Debbie dressed in pink, I was CAUTIVADO. This colour stands out like a “SPOT” in the day, night or early morning. Although she does not like this colour too much, I must confess that A MI ME ENCANTA. The way it ILLUMINATES HER PRESENCE IS REALLY SPECIAL.

A Flower in the Garden

Debbie, dressed in this VIBRANT SHADE, reminds me of a BEAUTIFUL FLOWER. I compare her to a ROSE IN A RADIANT GARDEN; her colour TRANSFORMS THE WHOLE ENVIRONMENT AND ADDS A SPARK OF LIFE. Every time I see her, I feel as if I were watching a BUTTERFLY FLYING GENTLY OVER A BLUE LAKE, creating an image that stays in my mind.

Los Ojitos Traviesos

Beyond her appearance, HER MISCHIEVOUS EYES UNDERLINE HER CHARM. Not only does the color of her outfit catch the eye, but HER PERSONALITY SHINES EVEN MORE, as if each shade of pink she wears HIGHLIGHTS HER JOY AND ESSENCE. Her way of dressing, far from being a simple whim, becomes an EXPRESSION OF HER INDIVIDUALITY.

2024-10-16 Ansiedad

2024-10-16-Ansiedad
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2024-10-16-Ansiedad

DebbieZapata

Being apart from the person you love is never easy, even for someone like myself who needs a great deal of solitude in order to feel settled and strong. Marco and I learned (like all couples must) how to respect the need for personal space in our relationship and still spend as much quality time together as possible.

At this point we are living very much apart physically but we are more connected than ever emotionally. This is not the same type of separation as the one forced upon us by foolish government red tape in 2010. That was traumatic and came at a time when we were still very much in a honeymoon phase, never expecting to be torn apart through no fault of our own.

But this decision was logical and even methodical, having to do with more red tape on the horizon, my declining health, and a vague sense during the last two years I was in Mexico that I needed to leave. NOW. GO GO GO. That sensation grew and grew until I began to wonder if there was going to be some sort of horrible disaster that the Universe was trying to protect me from. I never felt that I was going to leave Marco, but it became very important that I leave Mexico. WHY?

I came back in November of 2018 and spent the next year getting resettled here, adjusting in a sort of reverse culture shock. I had adapted so wonderfully to life in Mexico: I loved the country beyond any place I had ever been, and yet at the same time I was relieved that I was here. Again, WHY?

In early 2020 I received my answer. When the pandemic hit all I could think was Thank You Universe, you may not have explained yourself clearly (do you ever really do that anyway?) but you made sure that I was where I needed to be in order to keep Mother safe. And since that time, as she moves through her nineties, I am even more grateful that I have been able to be here and focus on helping out any way I can.

This would never have been possible without Marco's support. I didn't tell him at the time about that fear I felt those last years, I couldn't. Even for me, with many years of trying to listen to messages from the Universe and obey them, thus living in harmony, my uneasiness seemed so silly, but looking back, it was necessary to feel that dread or I would have been too selfish to leave.

I also firmly believe that these years have made our relationship stronger. Marco and I have learned to truly appreciate each other, to listen more (most of the time: sometimes we both turn into our Evil Twins but we try to keep that from happening too often); to explain ourselves as clearly as possible when we talk to each other, to not be afraid to mention anything we are feeling, to explore all the topics that interest and entertain us. We have rediscovered old pleasures such as reading aloud, and new ones like the world of sumo.

Marco may be far away from my side, but he is in my heart and soul, just like Mexico is and always will be. There would be no Debbie without Marco. Thank you, mi amor.
Debbie Zapata, October 2024

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Long Distance Love: La Belleza de Un Abrazo Lejano

The Impact of ANSIEDAD on a Relationship

ANSIEDAD can come in many forms, especially in long distance relationships. When you feel the INTENSE connection like the one between Debbie and me, it can lead to moments of SWEET ANSIEDAD, where the desire to be together becomes OMNIPRESENT. I had never felt the CANDOR OF A HUG like the one I experienced with her the first time, and that quickly turned into a search for greater closeness.

The PASSION that Unites

As our relationship developed, so did our PASSION. Every encounter, every call, became a moment of anticipation filled with LOVE. I felt that ANSIEDAD por tenerla en mis brazos, tener sus encantos, musitando palabras de amor, deseando besar sus labios con fervor. With each KISS, we begin to SEAL OUR COMMITMENT: a BEDTIME RITUAL that meant so much to us.

HOPE in the Distance

Although we are physically separated, our SOULS are intrinsically UNITED. EVERY DAY, the end of our conversations becomes a DATE FOR LOVE, where we remind ourselves how much we LOVE EACH OTHER. The ANSIEDAD that accompanies those daily calls is a reminder of the INTENSITY OF OUR BOND, and gives us HOPE that one day we can share those PLEASANT EXPERIENCES TOGETHER, enjoying each hug that we so long for. Thank you to the UNIVERSE for having united Debbie and Marco Antonio “PARA SIEMPRE”.

2024-10-16 Cama y Mesa

2024-10-16-Cama y Mesa
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2024-10-16-Cama y Mesa

Debbie Zapata

Subway Foot Long Sandwiches.

Tortas from El Rinconcito.

Tortas De Chilaquil.

Chiles en Nogada.

Platos at Nancy's in Teotihuacan.

Tortas from Tony's.

Tamales de Adobo.

Frijoles Charros.

Rosca de Reyes.

Blue Corn Tortillas.

Flor de Calabaza.

Chorizo.

Tradicionales Bolillos.

Pineapples.

Pan Dulce.

Hot Dogs with Chipotle.

Huitlacoche.

Tacos de Ojo.

Biñolos.

Quesadillas.

Tamales Jarochos.

Tlacloyos.

Esquites.

Tamales de Elote.

Frijoles Negros.

Piggy cookies.

MOLE!!!!!

Thank you, Marco for sharing this delicious food with me in person over the years, and for continuing to share by sending pictures of the incredibly creative dishes you make for yourself now.

And about the cama...........I will see you in my dreams!

Debbie Zapata, October 2024

 

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Cama y Mesa: EL AMOR QUE ALIMENTA NUESTRA FANTASÍA

LA BELLEZA DEL AMOR

Since the beginning of my relationship with Debbie, the CAMA Y MESA have become symbols of OUR DEEP CONNECTION. Every day is a celebration of the LOVE we share, where our IDEAS AND DREAMS TAKE SHAPE. Life together is a CHALLENGE, but also an ADVENTURE worth living. Together, we explore the most intimate parts of our HEARTS, discovering SECRETOS QUE FORTALECEN NUESTRO UNION.

Nourishing Our Bond

The moments we spend together, whether at THE TABLE ENJOYING A MEAL OR IN BED SHARING DREAMS, are essential to keeping THE SPARK ALIVE between us. Knowing what Debbie likes to eat or drink is more than just an act; it is a way of expressing LOVE AND CARE. Every choice becomes an opportunity to GROW OUR RELATIONSHIP. We learn to balance not only our LOVE, but also our PASSIONS AND DESIRES.

Strengthening Conversations

Daily, we immerse ourselves in conversations about HONESTY, SPIRIT AND VALUES that many consider LOST TODAY. This is something MY ANCESTORS TAUGHT ME and I wish to SHARE with Debbie. Our dialogues are a CRUCIBLE OF KNOWLEDGE. In addition, we enjoy reading, choosing books ranging from history to science fiction. Thus, each encounter is ENRICHED, NOURISHED AND BRINGS US CLOSER. In this mix of LOVE, FOOD AND CONVERSATION, WE DISCOVER THE ESSENCE OF OUR BOND.

2024-10-17 Enloquecido Por Tu Amor

2024-10-17 Enloquecido Por Tu Amor
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2024-10-17 Enloquecido Por Tu Amor

Debbie Zapata

Life with Marco has been a lesson in how to live in harmony, in a state of balance between what we WANT to do, what we NEED to do and what we CAN do.

In many ways I am an extremely selfish person. I have to be in order to function. If my body says NO I have to decide whether that NO can be ignored or must be respected. Making the wrong choice can create days, weeks, or even months of agony.

When our relationship began, I was healed enough from emotional pain to be lonely and yearning for a companion. I was also recovered enough from a major health crash in 1996 to dare to believe that I could at least try to keep up with this man. We began our dance of balance from the very beginning: he sped me up, allowing me to cross thresholds I never imagined even approaching; while I slowed him down enough to appreciate the moments he was living, not just zip through them in a blur of yellow.

We both believe that we are The Perfect Couple, but if we listed our major differences on paper we would appear to be the most mismatched people on the planet. From basic things like the ideal time to eat our once a day meals (Marco in the morning, me in the late afternoon) to sleep patterns (we both wake up early but he also goes to sleep very early) we are opposites. Even to the point of Marco being the true athlete but me having the brute feet that would have saved him a lot of torture during the years we were doing our events.

We grew up in different countries. He came from a large family; mine was small. He loves to travel; I am a great tourist but travel is a horrible ordeal for me. Poor Marco, he was so excited in our early days when he talked about all the places he wanted to show me in Mexico. I warned him I was not a good traveler but he didn't believe me just then. Eventually he learned never to talk to me on the bus, to just let me curl up with my eyes closed and suffer. We laugh now about how I have no idea what he is talking about when he mentions sight references from various trips, because HE was the only one who saw them.

Marco loves to take photos, I hate having my picture taken. He will do necessary garden work, but I am the one who truly loves to play in the dirt. He tends to prefer a more strict timetable for his days, whereas I try to ignore both clock and calendar as much as possible. Marco likes to know where we will be walking when we leave the house, I prefer the spit at the corner method of deciding where to go. Of course that was easier here in Arizona. In Mexico I did like to have a general goal in mind, such as the Botanico or the bosque at San Diego or even the Zoologico.

I very much miss our walks together. I loved heading out the door with Marco at my side and the whole day ahead of us. We had many adventures over the years: we walked along the river, we found a beautiful tree that was a lot harder to get to than we had expected, we located The Red Thing. We visited with people like El Humilde, we listened to street musicians and even chatted with one old man who was walking in Huamantla and as he got to me he shouted "WISCONSIN!" with a big grin. Turned out he had worked in that state is his youth, and seeing me must have triggered memories.

We cannot have these walks at the moment and quite honestly I would have trouble with even one of our famous Baby Walks these days, but I know that the only thing constant about Life is Change. Someday we will walk together again. The trick is simply to believe, to trust the Universe. We were united for a reason. We may be separated in body, but our spirits are joined. We are brutes in OUR sense of the word: warriors who will never give up. As long as the Universe guides us, we will follow wherever it may lead. That faith in the Universe, in our relationship, is our super power that will overcome all obstacles. We will keep moving forward in love and joy until the end of time. And beyond.

Debbie Zapata, October 2024

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Discovering Mexico: A JOURNEY OF LOVE AND ADVENTURE

A BRUTE ATHLETE in Search of LOVE, ENLOQUECIDO POR TU AMOR

Before I met Debbie, my life revolved around ADRENALINE. I was a “BRUTE ATHLETE,” RUNNING aimlessly, SWIMMING in events that few dared to do (“BRUTE SWIMMING”, SWIM FOR A YEAR), and BIKING challenging mountains in Colorado, where I participated in an event similar to the “Tour de France.” and finally becomes an “IRONMAN”.
However, everything changed when DEBBIE came into my life, transforming my approach to life into something more meaningful and FULL OF LOVE.

From Expeditions to Shared Moments

DEBBIE taught me to be a “CIVILIZED BRUTE,” someone who could enjoy the BEAUTY OF LIFE and MUTUAL COMMITMENT. Together, we began to share enriching experiences, from DESERT EXPEDITIONS to JOINT TRAINING for ULTRAMARATHONS. Our challenges included 24-HOUR events and even 6-DAY competitions, EXPLORING OUR LIMITS AND ENJOYING AT THE SAME TIME.

ENTERING THE HEART OF MEXICO

Our relationship took us on various routes in Mexico, where we tried to share ADVENTURES of ULTRAMARATHONS (Running, Jogging, Walking and Swimming IM 8 hrs.) AND UNIQUE TRIATHLONS (9 hrs), AND THE EVENT NEVER DONE IN THE WORLD 3,167 HOURS TRIATHLON IN EXTREME CONDITIONS , facing EXTREME CHALLENGES. Despite the difficulties, we enjoyed the wonderful food, rich history and charming crafts that this country offers. DEBBIE and I discovered MAGICAL places that allowed us to deeply connect with our ENVIRONMENT AND WITH THE TRADITIONS of RURAL PEOPLE. THE TRUE MEXICO, A SECRET FULL OF COLORS AND TREASURES TO BE DISCOVERED.