Gayle Brennan Spencer – sending random thoughts to and from South Austin
Watching all the families interact with the temporal art during the annual Chalk It Up festival sponsored by Artpace makes one wish Houston Street were closed to automobile traffic every weekend.
Not sure who installed the two striking storefront murals across the street from the Majestic Theatre, but the reflections from the streetscape intermingle interestingly with them.
A 15th-century gilded sculptural altar from Spain covers one wall of a chapel at the Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera on the outskirts of Guanajuato toward Marfil. Enriched by his family’s mining interests, Captain Gabriel de Barrera built a compound of haciendas and gardens at the end of the 17th century.
In addition to the main house were chapels, stables, aqueducts, chapels and housing for laborers. While some of remaining tall rock walls are now roofless, the main casa was turned into a house museum in 1979.
Wandering the landscaped grounds leaves little doubt the ex hacienda is now a popular spot for destination weddings.
No matter from what direction one approaches, the rich hues of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato make it stand out against the city’s blue skies. Built between 1671 and 1696, the church houses an Andulusian statue of the Virgin and Child encased in glass on its altar.
The statue was a gift from King Felipe II (1527-1598) of Spain presented to the city in 1557 in recognition of all the riches sent from the mines to enrich the crown. The Virgin represents the city’s patron saint and is believed to be the oldest image of the Virgin sent to the Americas. Along the way, her scepter was replaced with a rose, particularly appropriate as the basilica fronts the Plaza de la Paz.
Tucked around the images and statues of the saints inside are reminders of the prayers of those who visit. A silver arm or leg left in hope of a mended limb. A heart milagro for assistance for an organ beginning to falter with age or a young heart broken. Photos of babies in need of cures. Ribbons of wishes for the safe return of family members who have crossed the border to seek work in el norte.
Postcards from Barton Springs 