Roadside Mary, near Loreto, Mexico, Lisa JonesMoore 2014

This humble shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe stands on a lonely stretch of highway north of Loreto, Mexico and very is near the Bahia Concepcion (Bay of Conception). Bahia Concepcion os one of the most beautiful, rugged places on earth. The Virgin's simple beauty is stunning, and the offerings humble. Tonight is the Feast of the Virgin, celebrated throughout Mexico. I have such warm, loving memories of the people of San Miguel de Allende on this night-and especially of Susie, who opened her home, and heart, to us.

MANY THANKS to Rebecca Brooks for her challenge, 12 Days of the Virgin, it has been such a pleasure to revisit my Mexico images and memories, and to see what others are posting! Please visit Recuerda Mi Corazon for for "Mary Love".

Day 11: A Virgin a Day, Celebrating the 12 Days of the Virgin of Guadalupe

The Virgin of El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende, by Lisa JonesMoore, 2014

On my last day of my magical trip to San Miguel de Allende in 2013, with the fabulous Rebecca Brooks, I decided to take a walk through El Charco del Ingenio, the gorgeous botanical gardens just outside of town. I was feeling travel-weary and over-stimulated, and needed to go to a place of natural beauty and quiet. Words cannot describe the utter beauty and stillness of this place. This humble image of the Virgin (and a foot) painted on a rock by the side of the path says it all: This Way, To the Virgin.

For more "Mary Love", and the 12 Days of the Virgin (celebrated throughout Mexico), visit Rebecca's blog, Recuerda Mi Corazon.

Day 10: A Virgin a Day, or "Mary Love"

Impromptu Shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe, with flea market finds, 2014, Lisa JonesMoore

I created this "spontaneous" shrine after visiting the Tuesday Market in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I took these lovely items back to the bed and breakfast where I was staying, and created this table-top shrine in the courtyard of the beautiful Casa Carmen. It has been "percolating" in my studio for a year now...I think it's a "keeper". It speaks to me on so many levels. Please visit Recuerda Mi Corazon for more Mary Love, in celebration of the 12 Days of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which is a major festival throughout Mexico in December.

Day 8 & 9: A Virgin a Day

Two Virgins of Atotonilco, near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, by Lisa JonesMoore, 2014

Two beautiful Virgins from the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Frankly, sometimes I feel like the "headless" version of Mary...she's still glorious and proud, and knows where she is headed, even if it appears otherwise. (no pun intended)

Visit Recuerda Mi Corazon for more "Mary Love"...or the 12 Days of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Day 7: A Virgin a Day

Virgen La Gruta, by Lisa JonesMoore, 2014

Another beautiful Virgin on the grounds of La Gruta, a very magical place. La Gruta is a hot springs resort near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I spent nearly two glorious hours in the stimulating waters there, and most of that time was in the "grotto" itself. No words to describe this experience. Perhaps "other-wordly", "womb-like", "nirvana"...

I felt Her presence was there, embracing, warm and loving. (no "religion" required to feel Her presence)

Please visit Rebecca Brook's Recuerda Mi Corazone here, for MORE "Mary Love", celebrating the 12 Days of the Virgin of Guadalupe!

Day 6: MARY LOVE OR A VIRGIN A DAY

NEON ROSE MADONNA, by Lisa JonesMoore, 2014

I spotted this beautiful Virgin-behind-glass in a small village near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico...right across the street from a family of pinata-makers whom we were visiting. What a wonderful evening. Visit Recuerda Mi Corazon for more Madonnas, in celebration of the 12 Days of the Virgin on Guadalupe, a major holiday in Mexico, full of music food, love...

Day 5: A Virgin a Day or Mary Love

"Virgen del Mar", encaustic wood, metal, barnacles by Lisa JonesMoore, 2014

Found this beauty on the beach in the Puget Sound area of Washington state. My, she sure gets around...for more Mary Love, please visit Rebecca Brook's beautiful blog, Recuerda Mi Corazon, here.

A Virgin A Day: Day 4

Amore Incondizionato, encaustic, collage, Lisa JonesMoore

Totem 1 (detail), encaustic, mixed media, collage, Lisa JonesMoore

Madre? Is That You?, encaustic, mixed media, Lisa JonesMoore

Mary, with Red and Blue, encaustic, mixed media, found objects, Lisa JonesMoore

I am participating in "A Virgin a Day" with the lovely Rebecca Brooks, here (Recuerda Mi Corazon), celebrating the 12 days of the Virgin of Guadalupe. I had the privilege of visiting San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, last year during this most beautiful celebration. People, businesses, homes and hearts are all "open" during this most sacred time in Mexico. Music, food, love...all around.