Cinco de Mayo and the Colors of Life

​I love art and I tend to pick up the effort when time allows. I have my materials ready and I get into the brushes and colors of paint to create joyful work whenever I can. I also love watching others’ art work.
 
This past weekend, our town hosted an amazing art show. It was entertaining and most importantly, well organized. However, I can’t help to automatically think about an incident that turned mine and my husband’s date into pure discouragement.
 
We were at the end of our browsing as we entered the “Featured Artist Alley” and walked upon some paintings by a white haired man. We admired them as the paintings took us back to an anniversary vacation we had taken in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a couple of years ago. We discussed where we would hang the piece of art work in our home. However, nobody asked us about our interest, and it was obvious we wanted more information since we had made side comments to the couple sitting outside the tent. At least 10 minutes went by when a blond woman entered the same tent. Automatically, she was approached and asked if the artist could tell her more about the art work. My heart dropped and I walked out.My husband looked at the white haired man sitting outside the tent and said, “interesting- we have been in the tent for several minutes and no one offered to help us.” The white haired artist replied with his shoulders shrugged and turned away. I looked at Mario and said, don’t worry about it because nothing you say will help change his mind.
 
What this “artists” does not understand, is that his highly priced work would have been a lovely addition to our home. He either is not interested in making up for his hard work and is willing to lose a potential client just because of the way we “looked”. Or, he does not value his work. I doubt a true hard working artist would have preferences as to who is considered elite enough to own a piece of his.
 
Either way, we are better offbeing ourselves and me continuing how to make life with a variety of colors. Those that care to join will find true friendship and love.
 
Speaking of, this coming weekend, many will celebrate “Cinco de Mayo.” While it is not an official Mexican Holiday, I love the fact that many of my friends remember Mexico during this time. I hope that one day all Americans from the US will value every culture and their positive contribution to the rest of the American culture. Mexico is not just a vacation destination where you can create beautiful artwork. The Mexican hospitality is well known and loved. I am thankful that my beautiful new country of the United States of America has worked to embrace diversity. This is why I wonder, why do I still feel discriminated against for the way I look?
 
I have really tried to give this incidence the benefit of the doubt, but ultimately there was something this man did not like about us and his assumption was gathered by our outward appearance. When I was younger, I would dismiss those occurrences by making excuses that, "they probably think a young person can't afford it." However, I am in my mid 40's now! I’m OK with not being liked, until I get compared. I have been blessed and don’t need to seek others approval, but I do deserve respect. I would love to hear your perspective.
 
Feliz Cinco de Mayo and Viva México in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!