Dios me salve Maria.

I wouldn't call myself a super devout Catholic even though I went to Catholic school my whole life and will send my children to Catholic school one day. But, I love God. I love the Baby Jesus. La Caridad del Cobre. La Virgen de Regla. Or any Incarnation of the Virgin Mary for that matter. But for some reason, I seem to be very much fascinated with and drawn to religious pictures, figurines, artifacts, and/or motifs. (Maybe I was a saint in my past life? Hmmm...Santa Katerina. Not a bad ring.)

Anywho, on a recent trip to Mexico, I made a pit stop to the local market to do some shopping. Some of the stores are very formulaic and cater to tourists with their sombreros, tequila shot glasses, and silver jewelry. I'm a little more authentic than that. But I popped into this one store and I was relieved with their more traditional and unique local selections. After browsing some beautiful hand painted pottery, a vision appeared in my midst! La Virgen! La Virgen de Guadalupe to be precise. Mexico's Mary.

In a wooden box, I found beautiful vintage looking photographs of la virgen on sepia paper, with accents in bright blues, golds, and garnets made the image so distinct and delicate. Immediately I thought, "OMG. this will be perfect for my casita!" It has become my new project. Now that I think I'm all HGTV, finding the perfect aged frames for these photographs is going to be my mission. Ill be hitting flea markets, consignment stores, and thrift stores for my bargains. And I'm excited for it.

Asi que, say a little prayer for me and my new DIY endeavor! Amen.

Here's to you. Here's to me.

Kathy.