Friday, February 28, 2014
Lo Que La Vida Me Robo, Capitulo 77, Dimitrio Shows He Has A Heart And Maria Tries To Take Jose Luis For A Ride
Well, I want you to know that I am going to do it. I surrender. I
copied the number into my mobile phone for the storied Power Coaching duo
‘Julia y Susanlynn’ out of today’s glowing article in the WSJ. Then I put the newspaper in the recycling bin
just as the guys in the green truck were rumbling their way up my street. It
was not a perfect solution, I reasoned—someone will have to put up the
necessary suitcase of cash— but I knew I had hit the limits of my resources. I
had had enough. It was time to bring in the pros.
Yesterday my diagnosis of high lipid levels was
disappointing. But when the orthopedic surgeon said that I also had ‘Nerfazo
Elbow’, well, that was the end. I just sat in the waiting room and cried. I thought I was using proper nerfazo
technique for tossing the balls at my television—heaven only knows I have had
enough practice—but it turns out I was putting English on the ball as I threw
it. Now I have to lay off the nerfazos during the stupidest part of ‘Robo’.
Those characters simply will not listen to me—what am I supposed to do?
So I am putting Julia y Susanlynn on notice. You two
have got to talk some sense into the characters of Robo.
Later I saw my shrink. He suggested that I might be
a little too involved in telenovelas; that I might be blurring the lines
between real life and Televisa life. What does he know?
When I got home today, Mr. June was sorting out some
books for donation. Right on top of the pile was a pristine copy of the book,
‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’.
I wondered who had purchased the book and then I read on the flyleaf
that it was a gift to me, some 24 years ago. Fancy that. I never read it but I
figure that this guy’s advice to the characters of Robo cannot be any less
effective than mine has been.
So, you annoying characters of ‘Robo’, until Julia y
Susanlynn can make their way to Aguazul, you may find the Mr. Steven Covey’s
advice helpful as you navigate the doldrums of this very LONG telenovela. I
hope so. You are getting (collectively) stupider every day.
Per Mr. Covey, here is how our characters could become highly effective people.
Independence
The
First Three Habits surround moving from dependence to independence (i.e.,
self-mastery):
Habit 1: Be Proactive – For Dimitrio
Take
initiative in life by realizing that your decisions (and how they align with
life's principles) are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your
life. Take responsibility for your choices and the consequences that follow. (Steven Covey)
Dimitrio
and Adolfo get into a tussle on the lawn of Josefina’s house. Dimmy tears up
the check that Fina has written him. Adolfo says it doesn’t matter, when he
next sees Josie she sill give him another. He comments that Josie is willing to
pay for a teeny bit of love, and, by the way, she doesn’t seem very well
satisfied by Dimmy in the love department. Dimmy punches Aldolfo again, but Josie
prevents a full fledged fight by calling on Adolfo. Dimitrio comes up toward
Josie’s front door and she reminds him that he no longer lives at her home. She
asks that the next time he comes to the house he should ring the doorbell, AND
she wants her house keys back.
Josie
says that what she does is no longer any of Dimmy’s business, but he disagrees.
She is still his wife and what she does is his business. He doesn’t want her to
throw her money at the wastrel Adoldo. He starts to tell her that she still
doesn’t get it but she interrupsts him to say that he taught her very well. No
man would want her for who she is so she will have to pay to have a little love
in her life.
Dimitrio
asks about the kiss he witnessed Adolfo give Josefina. She says Addled did not
ask for permission to kiss her but that his kiss felt more sincere to her than
any kiss she had ever received from Dimitrio. Dimitrio admits that he was never
honest with Josefina.
Dimitrio
now confesses that he is a dirtbag, a lazy, good for nothing man who would do
anything for money and who believed that his good looks and family name meant
that he deserved the easy life. If the world were a little more just he would
be the ugliest, most unhappy man in the world, and Josefina would be the most
beautiful. Dimitrio looks extremely sad and Josefina stricken as he hands her the
house keys and walks away.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind – For Alejandro and Montserrat
Self-discover
and clarify your deeply important character values and life goals. Envision the
ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life. (Steven Covey)
Montserrat
and Ale repeat their request that JL and Angie be little Lauro’s Godparents.
Ahh,…How…STUPID. Yep, Montserrat is asking her former lover (whom Alejandro tried
to kill a couple of weeks ago and who is still recovering from a gunshot would
inflicted on him by Alejandro) to be her precious baby’s Godfather.
(Nooo,
shouts your distraught recapper! My mind boggles and nerfazos wing their way
through the air toward my television screen.)
Angelica,
who is dying anyway says, “Sure, I think it is a great idea. Plus, I think it is
so cool and romantic that Montserrat and Ale got divorced just so they could
get remarried.” Angie sounds empty headed for the first time in the series but
she looks really cute in the Kelly green dress.
Alejandro
and Jose Luis spar over the remarriage idea. Montserrat says that before she
was forced to marry Ale without her feelings being taken into account. Jose
Luis insists in a bitter voice that she was just part of a business
transaction. Alejandro wrote a check for Montserrat just like he was purchasing
a mare.
Ale
agrees. The deal he had with Montse’s Mother was a terrible idea, but he has a
right to try and make up for his mistakes. Doesn’t he deserve a second
chance? (Alejandro, dude, do you really
think you should be asking the man you just SHOT a couple of weeks ago such a
rhetorical question?) Jose Luis cannot believe it either. “You are asking ME?”
he says. “To my face?”
But
Montserrat says, “Yeah, that right. I want to be Ale’s life compansion, raise
out children together and live happily ever after. That is the life that I
pick.”
Jose
Luis asks Montse of she is under any pressure, but she says no. She want’s Ale
and that is that. Jose Luis, still incredulous, asks Ale why he felt the need
to come in person to tell him this? Ale replies that he knows JL is important
to Montserrat. JL asks if Ale is still jealous and he says yes, of course this
still bothers him, BUT, he has to get over it. That is why he is asking JL and
Angelica to be the godparents to his son.
JL
says he needs to talk to Ale, alone, before he decides. (Uh-huh. That makes
sense. Because Ale just SHOT JL a couple of weeks ago and I cannot recall that
JL ever got an apology for that little misadventure.) The girls go out shopping
for the baptism and leave the men to take care of business.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
A
manager must manage his own person. Personally. And managers should implement
activities that aim to reach the second habit. Covey says that rule two is the
mental creation; rule three is the physical creation.
Jose
Luis cannot believe Ale. First he sends Refugio with a message to threaten JL
and now he wants him to be the baby’s godfather. Ale says that he thought of
selling the Hacienda or moving to another country with Montserrat but he knows
that JL will always follow them sooner or later and fight for her love. The
only thing that will stop him is death.
(May
I note here that both men have objectified Montserrat to the point that she is
less like a prize mare being purchased for a stable than a piece of meat torn
between two angry dogs? This is gross.)
JL reminds Ale that he saved his life twice,
and the circumstances of such. Ale still doesn’t understand why JL did not just
let him be killed and take Montserrat. JL says he is just not that kind of a
person. JL felt really awful about lying to Alejandro, because he discovered
that Ale is not that bad a guy. They admit that they grew fond of one another
back in the day.
But
Ale says he was fond of JL’s other sefl, Antonio Oivares. He dispises Jose Luis
Alvarez. JL says Ale’s scorn is nothing compared to the hatred he feels for
Alejandro.
Well,
now, Gentlemen. That was a lovely chat, wasn’t it?
JL
asks Ale if he understands that If he accepts to be Laurito’s Godfather he will
be in Montserrat’s life forever. Ale replies that that is was his wife wants.
JL says that nothing has changed, but Ale tells him that EVERYTHING has changed
because he gave Montse her freedom and she chose him. JL asks Ale if he can
really bear to be around him? Ale says yes, because he now trusts Montse. JL
tells Ale NOT to trust in him! Ale won’t.
JL
then taunts Ale that there is one thing he can never be robbed of; the knowledge
that he was the first man in Montse’s life. He remembers that taste of her
skin, her lips and that she gave herself to him for love. Ale says he will be
the last and that JL should treasure his memory of Montse, because Ale has not
the memory but the reality of all of her days and nights.
Ale
takes his leave and Jose Luis punches the down throw pillows on the sofa. “Why
didn’t I kill him?” he asks?
(I
thought that question had alrady been asked and answered, JL. Because you are
not that kind of a guy. Or so you say. Oh Good Heavens. WHERE are Julia y
Susanlynn? Recording this macho crap is
giving me a headache. I need to get in a hot tub with bubblebath; Calgon, take
me away.)
At
the Hacienda, Refugio continues to blow up Esmeralda’s mobile phone. Nasty
Maria tells Esme to answer it or she will do I for her. The calls are driving her crazy. And why won’t she take
that guy’s calls anyway? Esme tells her that this is none of Maria’s business
and grabs back her phone.
Interdependence
– For The Whole Cast
The
next three habits talk about Interdependence (e.g. working with others):
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Genuinely
strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships.
Value and respect people by understanding a "win" for all is ultimately
a better long-term resolution than if only one person in the situation had got
his way.
Father
Anselmo is waiting for Ale when he gets home. Ale asks after Maria but the
Padre has no news of her. He and Victor called the police. They thought she
might be at the Hacienda but they have been calling all day and no one answers.
Father Anselmo is very worried and is afraid she will do something stupid but
Ale thinks that Maria knows what she did was wrong and that is why she is
hiding.
(Alejandro,
all I have got to say is that it is a good thing that you are good looking and
athletic. You are so stupid—you could be hit by a parked car.)
They
talk about Rosario. She told Father Anselmo about the divorce. Ale explains
that the divorce was Rosario’s idea (ka-ching to all the members of the Patio
who already got that). Ale was tortured,
yawn, by the idea of Montse and JL and Rosario told him to give Montserrat her
freedom and let her choose. Montserrat chose him, now he trusts her but it is
very hard to know that JL will always be a part of her heart. Ale tells a
shocked Anselmo that he and Montse asked JL to be the baby’s Godfather. Fr
Anselmo demands to know why and Ale explains that he wants to keep him close
and out in the open. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, so to
speak. Ale thinks, like several of the good folks here on the Patio, that JL is
just waiting for Angelica to die so he can make his next move on Montserrat.
(Gag. I guess she IS just Campeche Barbie with no free will. Whatever.)
Father
shakes his head to Ale that this decision is a mistake, but his jaw is dropped
agape like a wide-mouthed bass when Ale confesses that sometimes he is sorry he
missed killing Jose Luis when he shot him. Anselmo is appalled, and reminds Ale
that if he does not show some sincere repentance for the act of attempted
murder, God is going to have a hard time forgiving him.
(Is
that what Mr Covey means by a win-win?)
Refugio
is with JL in JL’s townhouse . Refugio is so worried aobut Esme. She doesn’t
answer her phone and he is sick of the message. JL tells Refu that he is going
to accept the offer to become Lauro’s Godfather because Montserrat wants him to
be in her life. Refugio tells him he is nuts Can he imagine the three of them,
together? It will be a nightmare! JL now starts his heuristic crazy talk. He
and Montse were madly in love when her mother sold her to Alejandro. HE WUZ
ROBBED. And around and around spins his little mind. He has been trying to fall
in love with Angelica but every time he sees Montse all the sadness and rage
return. If there is any justice in the world, then ONE DAY…
At
the Hacienda, Maria, wearing her wrist bandages like a badge of honor,
discovers that Esme is out for a walk. She picks up Esme’s cell phone and calls
Refugio. She taunts him as he is desperately asking her about Esme’s
whereabouts and well being. Maria tells Refu that she thinks that Esme is mad
at him, that is why she didn’t take his calls all day. And, she asks, are you
the bastard that beat her up? Maria says that she will tell Refugio where Esme
is, but first she wants a favor from him…
Dimitrio
is practicing at the skill of playing well with others. Sitting in a large desk
chair, Dimitrio looks quite grown up as he talks with—his brother-in-law,
Tomas. ¿Que que? You say? He asks Tomas if he understands why Dimitrio left
Josefina. Dimmy then tells Tomas that he needs his help; he is the only one who
can keep Josefina safe from Adolfo!
Refu
and JL arrive at the Hacienda. Refu runs to find Esme in her room. Maria thanks
Jose Luis for being willing to talk to her. JL remarks that she did not leave
them with any other choice…Maria says if he had told her who he really was and
what he really wanted when he came to the Hacienda, she would have helped him
to be with the woman he loves. JL doesn’t see any point in discussing
might-have-beens but Maria start her pitch with a familiar theme. The two of
them WUZ ROBBED of love. But it is not too late to get back what is theirs. As
much as it pains her to admit this, HER Alejandro and HIS Montserrat do love
one another. But if they join forces, Maria is sure that the two of them can
destroy the bad love.
JL
comments on Maria’s bandages and that she might need a different kind of help
but Maria retorts that Alejandro is all she has in the world and she is losing
him. Jl tells her they have nothing to discuss. Does she actually think that he
would help her after what she did to Montserrat? She tells him that, so far, he
has been ineffectual and afraid, but he corrects her—his is not afraid. He
likes to keep his conscience clear, that is all.
(HUH?
Does anyone else see an innocent in the room with these two?)
But
he hasn’t really played fair, all the lies he told, the impersonation of
Antonio Olivares. Maria corrects him that Ale banded together with Graciela to
sell him Montserrat—that is why he lost her. JL responds that Doña Graciela
manipulated everybody; her daughter, Alejandro, him, everybody. They were all
her puppets. Maria responds that Alejandro knew exactly who he was dealing with
when it came to Graciela. For years she had been coming to the Hacienda as Don Benjamin’s lover. Ale knew
that she would do anything for money. JL hopes everything she is saying is a
lie. But Maria continues, Ale took advantage of the fact that Graciela resented
the fact that she had been cut out of Benjamin’s will. He had left it all to
Ale, his only son. (Note: That sounded portentous. Hmmm). Now Maria rubs salt
in the would and tells JL that playing fair has not gotten him anything. Nada.
Ale tried to kill him after he spent his time at the Hacienda as a hero, saving
Alejandro’s life. She tells him that he is an idiot. Wake Up!
Montse
and Angelica come back to Angie’s house. Montse is on her way back to her own house
to be with her baby. Angie says she would have loved ot have had a child with
Jose Luis, but, cough, cough, she doesn’t have enough time for that. Angie is
breathing hard when she says she will never be a mother. Montse offers her the
feeble comfort that at least she will be able to love little Laurito, when Angie
passes out on the floor. Montse yells for JL, who is not there. Montse yells
that she doesn’t know what to do!
(We
noticed, Montserrat. Pick up your cell and call someone, say, an ambulance?
What, are your fingers frozen or is it just your brain? Have mentioned that it is a good thing you are
good looking? Ack.)
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Use
empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them
to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you.
This creates an atmosphere of caring, and positive problem solving.
Refu
and Esme are in her guest room at the Hacienda.Esme is yelling that she cannot
believe that Maria came into her room and told Refu where she was. If she did not
answer the phone, it was because she did not want to see him.
Refu
feels really bad for not coming to her house that night. Maybe he could have
prevented the bad man from hurting her again. Every since he fell in love with
her he has wanted to protect her. He takes her in his arms. He begs her to
forgive him. But he wants to know who did this to Esme. Is it the same man who
beat her before? Yes, Esme says, but she is not going to tell Refu his name. He
is a very powerful man, and it is better for both of their sakes if Refu
doesn’t know who he is. She will only tell him if he promises not to take any
action against the man. Refu will not promise. They resolve their
misunderstandings and Esme tells Refu she cannot go on with out him She likes
the woman she is with him better than the woman she was when working at La
Escondida. They embrace.
Habit 6: Synergize
Combine
the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no
one person could have done alone.
Back
in his dad’s old office, Dimitrio admits that he understands that Tomas doesn’t
trust him. But he is doing this for Josefina. Tomas tells Dimi that he worse
thing that ever happened to Josefina was falling in love him. He will get the
parasite (Adolfo) out of his sister’s life but Dimitrio is not going to get a
centavo of her money. Dimmy reminds Tomas that he has already told him that he
does not want her money, he just wants her to be okay, to be happy, to have
someone love her. Tomas remarks that if he really feels that, it seems he might
have a heart after all. Could Dimitro be that man? Dimmy shakes his head no. He
is not that man.
Graciela
walks into the room and begins droning on and on about Josefina, insulting her.
Dimitrio tells his mother he does not want Josies money. When Gracie is aghast
at that thought Dimitrio walks away and tells his mother that she would not
understand. He will not waste her time talking with her.
At
the Hacienda maria and JL continue their
dance. She tells him he has lost Montse forever and he tells her that he
will not compromise his honor to join with her. She then makes a mysterious
request. She wants him to come with her to see something with his own eyes. She
has two horses saddled already. They go out together and Esme and Refu head
back to town.
Continuous
Improvement
The
final habit is that of continuous improvement in both the personal and
interpersonal spheres of influence.
Montse
is at Angie’s bedside and an EMT is in attendance. He tells her that her vitals
are stable but that she should go to a hospital to get the care she needs. She
refuses. She wants to die in her own bed. Montse doesn’t understand why Angelic
has given up—aren’t there new treatments? Angie explains that her parents have
spent a fortune and even taken her to other countries to give the best medical
care available.
She
doesn’t want radiation or needles or to allow her body to be hurt like
that any more. She doesn’t want JoseLuis to see her die like that. She just wants to
spend her last days in Jose Luis arms until she takes her last breath. But
little Laurito won’t have a godmother for very long. Montse gets in bed with
Angie to hold her and cries that she knows that from heaven Angie will take
care of Baby Lauro just like her Daddy is taking care of her. Angie begs Montse
to take care of JL after she is gone.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Balance
and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable,
long-term, effective lifestyle. It primarily emphasizes exercise for physical
renewal, prayer (meditation, yoga, etc.) and good reading for mental renewal.
It also mentions service to society for spiritual renewal.
Ale visits EZ Basurto at his office in town. Basurto tells
him they have issued an arrest warrant for Maria Zamudio for assaulting Carlota
and trying to kidnap his son, Lauro. Ale asks that Basurto allow him to deal
with Maria. She needs help, not jail time. Basurto warns him that he will agree
but that Maria looks like a ticking time bomb to him and that next time
something really terrible could happen.
Maria and JL have ridden their horses out into the country.
Maria tells JL that she was out riding the other day and came across something
that she thinks JL would want to see.
A new path has been made through the forest. Joaquin
Arechiga drives up to a group of men and they refer to him as the Patron. Maria
asks JL if he knows Joaquin Arechiga. Of course, answers JL. He is my suegro.
Maria helpfully points out that Ale and Joaquin are business partners and if he
is doing something secret on these formally neglected lands, it cannot be good.
It is JL’s JOB to look into this.
Jose Luis does not like what he is seeing on little bit. If
Alejandro is involved in what JL thinks this is, he could lose EVERYTHING.
Maria reasons that this would make him as poor as they were as kids. JL cannot
believe what h is hearing. Does Maria WANT Ale to lose everything? Maria says
that Ale would not lose everything. He will always have her. She would rather see
him behind bars that to see him living happily with the woman she hates so
much.
Julia and Susanlynn, it is now up to you .
Elna June
Labels: robo
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Hola, Amigos:
I hope you enjoy the recap.
Anita, can you accept donations for the suitcase full of cash that Julia y Susanlynn charge for their excellent advice?
I think it would do Susanlynn a world of good to make a little field trip to Campeche with Julia and get out of the dratted snow before the next big storm.
And I look forward to hearing how all of YOU would advise our characters as they drift about in the extension doldrums.
Elna June
I hope you enjoy the recap.
Anita, can you accept donations for the suitcase full of cash that Julia y Susanlynn charge for their excellent advice?
I think it would do Susanlynn a world of good to make a little field trip to Campeche with Julia and get out of the dratted snow before the next big storm.
And I look forward to hearing how all of YOU would advise our characters as they drift about in the extension doldrums.
Elna June
Dearest Elna June, no kidding, you've got one of the most imaginative minds I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for sharing your perspective on this crazed cornucopia of characters.
I cheered you for "May I note here that both men have objectified Montserrat to the point that she is less like a prize mare being purchased for a stable than a piece of meat torn between two angry dogs? This is gross." So true!!
And I do love how you are completely on point about our alleged main love interests:
Ale - "You are so stupid—you could be hit by a parked car."
Montse - "Have mentioned that it is a good thing you are good looking? Ack."
Sigh, Ale is no Capitan Damian Fabre, that's for sure.
I would love to write more, but tonight was the first night of Carnaval here in La Paz and I think my brain has been dissolved by a veritable smorgasbord of tubas, accordions and Very Loud singing. The tubas and accordions I loved. The singing, when off-key (as it often was) I could have done without. It all ended at 02:15 with an exuberant display of sirens from every police car and ambulance in the city. For 30 minutes.
So now, my reward for staying up late, is YOUR recap. And I will enjoy it again when I re-read it tomorrow with a clearer head. For now...THANK YOU!! How brilliant of you to use "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". That is also a book I have spied on our bookshelf but have never opened. Oh well, it's in storage now and I like your version much better anyway.
I cheered you for "May I note here that both men have objectified Montserrat to the point that she is less like a prize mare being purchased for a stable than a piece of meat torn between two angry dogs? This is gross." So true!!
And I do love how you are completely on point about our alleged main love interests:
Ale - "You are so stupid—you could be hit by a parked car."
Montse - "Have mentioned that it is a good thing you are good looking? Ack."
Sigh, Ale is no Capitan Damian Fabre, that's for sure.
I would love to write more, but tonight was the first night of Carnaval here in La Paz and I think my brain has been dissolved by a veritable smorgasbord of tubas, accordions and Very Loud singing. The tubas and accordions I loved. The singing, when off-key (as it often was) I could have done without. It all ended at 02:15 with an exuberant display of sirens from every police car and ambulance in the city. For 30 minutes.
So now, my reward for staying up late, is YOUR recap. And I will enjoy it again when I re-read it tomorrow with a clearer head. For now...THANK YOU!! How brilliant of you to use "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". That is also a book I have spied on our bookshelf but have never opened. Oh well, it's in storage now and I like your version much better anyway.
Hmmm...how to advise our characters? I would tell them to simplify their lives:
Ale, Montse, Rosario and Laurito should go on an extended holiday on a Disney cruise. The longest one that is offered. Maybe bring Tia along too.
Dimitrio should go to a kibbutz or some sort of communal farm where he can see a direct reward (or not) for his actions. Work hard, you eat. If you get the occasional worm in your lettuce don't worry, it's organic.
Exhaustion has set in and I'm off to bed. More tomorrow!
Ale, Montse, Rosario and Laurito should go on an extended holiday on a Disney cruise. The longest one that is offered. Maybe bring Tia along too.
Dimitrio should go to a kibbutz or some sort of communal farm where he can see a direct reward (or not) for his actions. Work hard, you eat. If you get the occasional worm in your lettuce don't worry, it's organic.
Exhaustion has set in and I'm off to bed. More tomorrow!
Oh, I just LOVE it! I read the Covey book years ago and don't remember a dang thing! You've inspired me to go back. But you've also dazzled me with your endlessly clever ways to present your recaps of these drear, demented episodes. Bravo!
I will be laughing all day about "...you are so stupid you could be hit by a parked car.)"
So true. Our sculpted galan and our Campeche Barbie doll are lovely indeed. But not a lot going on upstairs. I guess you can't have everything.
I'll look forward to the Dimetrio portion of the episode since the other parts sound very unpleasant.
Bless you, Elna June, for being so clever, so funny, but also so wise. There was some very good Covey advice scattered throughout this entertaining recap. And for us lucky readers, it was definitely a Win-Win!
I will be laughing all day about "...you are so stupid you could be hit by a parked car.)"
So true. Our sculpted galan and our Campeche Barbie doll are lovely indeed. But not a lot going on upstairs. I guess you can't have everything.
I'll look forward to the Dimetrio portion of the episode since the other parts sound very unpleasant.
Bless you, Elna June, for being so clever, so funny, but also so wise. There was some very good Covey advice scattered throughout this entertaining recap. And for us lucky readers, it was definitely a Win-Win!
There are so many wonderful phrases that could be highlighted, I wouldn't know where to start! EJ, I bow to your amazing imagination and style. A recap extraordinaire. This whole write-up should go in the sidebar.
Very impressed with Dim last night. I mean, gees, he made his mother bang her own forehead with those blasted two fingers of hers. And his statement to Fina. My goodness. Could we petition the writers to spend more time with this side of the plot line? I can't get enough.
Then we have the stupid. The whole macho posturing between the alpha males, I've seen gorilla posturing that was more interesting. (Hmmmm. We did call SR Little Gorilla in Amores V---so maybe apropos?) Anyhoo, it was stupid and demeaning to both women. Padre should slap them both silly.
If JL aligns himself with Maria after listening to her rantings, well, he deserves what he gets. I've not been a fan of the guy, but he needs to get a grip now. Honestly, he is no better than Maria in his attitude, he just hasn't HURT anyone. YET.
These people who think that somehow they can MAKE a person fall for them is just, well stupid. Listening to Maria last night, I just was amazed. Like she was soooooo successful before when she had Ale to herself. Go find Adolfo.
Watching Monse be all worthless there for awhile when Angie fainted made me a little worried. You have a child...breathe and learn how to deal in a crisis. I would personally like to see Monse move away from the trophy wife look. Don't know about anyone else, but those dresses made of expensive material don't clean up well with spit up. Just sayin'.
Daisynjay
Very impressed with Dim last night. I mean, gees, he made his mother bang her own forehead with those blasted two fingers of hers. And his statement to Fina. My goodness. Could we petition the writers to spend more time with this side of the plot line? I can't get enough.
Then we have the stupid. The whole macho posturing between the alpha males, I've seen gorilla posturing that was more interesting. (Hmmmm. We did call SR Little Gorilla in Amores V---so maybe apropos?) Anyhoo, it was stupid and demeaning to both women. Padre should slap them both silly.
If JL aligns himself with Maria after listening to her rantings, well, he deserves what he gets. I've not been a fan of the guy, but he needs to get a grip now. Honestly, he is no better than Maria in his attitude, he just hasn't HURT anyone. YET.
These people who think that somehow they can MAKE a person fall for them is just, well stupid. Listening to Maria last night, I just was amazed. Like she was soooooo successful before when she had Ale to herself. Go find Adolfo.
Watching Monse be all worthless there for awhile when Angie fainted made me a little worried. You have a child...breathe and learn how to deal in a crisis. I would personally like to see Monse move away from the trophy wife look. Don't know about anyone else, but those dresses made of expensive material don't clean up well with spit up. Just sayin'.
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by 
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 8:02:00 AM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 8:02:00 AM EST
Elna June: Wow! is what I've got to say about this recap. You've improved upon everything. Well, what is Joaquin doing?
EJ- I think someone, a boss perhaps, gave me that book many years ago and it also languished on my shelves until I gave it away. Oh well. Since I'm not making a total mess of my life like these people, I guess I don't need it. Very clever, amiga.
Ditto on everything you said about the stupid male posturing and objectification of Monse. Ugh!
Ale told Padre that Monde is the one who wants this grandparent arrangement, but that's false. Gracie is the one who brought it up, he latched on to it and badgered Monse, and she reluctantly agreed. Our hero obviously has a flawed memory. I'm glad that we did find out what Rosario said to him to turn the tide.
I won't shed a tear if Ale is arrested, along with Joaquin, for drug trafficking or whatever illegal activity is going on on his land. It's HIS land, and like an idiot he agreed to lease the land to men he doesn't trust, and hasn't bothered to find out what they want it for.
Ditto on everything you said about the stupid male posturing and objectification of Monse. Ugh!
Ale told Padre that Monde is the one who wants this grandparent arrangement, but that's false. Gracie is the one who brought it up, he latched on to it and badgered Monse, and she reluctantly agreed. Our hero obviously has a flawed memory. I'm glad that we did find out what Rosario said to him to turn the tide.
I won't shed a tear if Ale is arrested, along with Joaquin, for drug trafficking or whatever illegal activity is going on on his land. It's HIS land, and like an idiot he agreed to lease the land to men he doesn't trust, and hasn't bothered to find out what they want it for.
Elna June, you have elevated the bar of excellence and creativity into the stratosphere. Beautiful and eloquent. The Covey connection was inspired.
"Angelica, who is dying anyway says, “Sure, I think it is a great idea. Plus, I think it is so cool and romantic that Montserrat and Ale got divorced just so they could get remarried.” Angie sounds empty headed for the first time in the series but she looks really cute in the Kelly green dress". My favorite lines - stunning.
As my dear amiga Judy noted, I will also continue to savor "...you are so stupid you could be hit by a parked car.)". Excellent!
I fear I have no advice for our struggling characters. I am selfishly languishing in my confused upset emotional haze, unsuccessfully struggling as to why the writers have distorted my JL's character as to be unrecognizable.
I continue to be dissatisfied and unhappy with Ale and he and JL fighting over Monse is getting irksome and tiring. I now want Angie to get angry, stand up and fight for her man for whatever time she has left! Don't be understanding Angie, lay claim to your man just as the two stupid galans are doing to Monse. Grrr.
Kudos to Maria for twisting the Joaquin situation to her advantage. Like Graciela, she is relentless and single minded. And pure evil.
Sylvia, loved "Ale is no Capitan Damian Fabre". Indeed he is not. Thank you for the reminder I will recall the imagine of DamFab in his white pants to cheer me up.
At least Dim is beginning to think and change. Can't happen fast enough for me.
Elna june, this was superb.
Happy Friday all!
Diana
"Angelica, who is dying anyway says, “Sure, I think it is a great idea. Plus, I think it is so cool and romantic that Montserrat and Ale got divorced just so they could get remarried.” Angie sounds empty headed for the first time in the series but she looks really cute in the Kelly green dress". My favorite lines - stunning.
As my dear amiga Judy noted, I will also continue to savor "...you are so stupid you could be hit by a parked car.)". Excellent!
I fear I have no advice for our struggling characters. I am selfishly languishing in my confused upset emotional haze, unsuccessfully struggling as to why the writers have distorted my JL's character as to be unrecognizable.
I continue to be dissatisfied and unhappy with Ale and he and JL fighting over Monse is getting irksome and tiring. I now want Angie to get angry, stand up and fight for her man for whatever time she has left! Don't be understanding Angie, lay claim to your man just as the two stupid galans are doing to Monse. Grrr.
Kudos to Maria for twisting the Joaquin situation to her advantage. Like Graciela, she is relentless and single minded. And pure evil.
Sylvia, loved "Ale is no Capitan Damian Fabre". Indeed he is not. Thank you for the reminder I will recall the imagine of DamFab in his white pants to cheer me up.
At least Dim is beginning to think and change. Can't happen fast enough for me.
Elna june, this was superb.
Happy Friday all!
Diana
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 8:17:00 AM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 8:17:00 AM EST
Elna June, thank you for expressing with such eloquence and humor much of what I thought and a lot of what hadn't occurred to me about the monumental stoopidness of our friends in last night's episode. If Montse and Angelica had stayed bback in the kitchen and pretended to prepare a snack but listened in novela-style to the conversation we would be spared over 50 episodes of foolishness. Too bad Ale has used up his rage because JL's telling him to his face about his wife how he would always remember the taste of her skin and how willingly and with love she gave herself to him. . .and only death will stop him from fighting for her love. Now that little monologue was worthy of a serious ass whuppin'! I say totally remove and repurpose JL's table. No. burn it.
Can you imagine how much better Maria's life could be if she would use her resilience, tenacity and powers of creative reframing of reality in a career of some sort. I don't know. Covey must have been translated into Spanish? She has convinced JL to jump on her loco-motive now that he thinks he's got a chance to save Montse from Ale's eeevil, dirty business: this is an honorable calling for him. Meanwhile the woman he swore to make happy for the rest of her days is coughing up blood and wasting away in the arms of the woman he really wants.
Enough of them! Dimmie is headed for redemption. I do think we're supposed to believe both he and Adolfito have fooled around and fell in love with Fina.
EJ, thank you. Your recap is brilliant. I read the Covey book years ago but don't remember much about it, I hope somehow he can learn about this amazing use of it. I was surprised to see only four comments as I started to write mine. Maybe others are stunned and frustrated too. Can't wait to see everyone's reactions. Take care, stay warm, -6 in Ypsi.
Can you imagine how much better Maria's life could be if she would use her resilience, tenacity and powers of creative reframing of reality in a career of some sort. I don't know. Covey must have been translated into Spanish? She has convinced JL to jump on her loco-motive now that he thinks he's got a chance to save Montse from Ale's eeevil, dirty business: this is an honorable calling for him. Meanwhile the woman he swore to make happy for the rest of her days is coughing up blood and wasting away in the arms of the woman he really wants.
Enough of them! Dimmie is headed for redemption. I do think we're supposed to believe both he and Adolfito have fooled around and fell in love with Fina.
EJ, thank you. Your recap is brilliant. I read the Covey book years ago but don't remember much about it, I hope somehow he can learn about this amazing use of it. I was surprised to see only four comments as I started to write mine. Maybe others are stunned and frustrated too. Can't wait to see everyone's reactions. Take care, stay warm, -6 in Ypsi.
Dear Elna June:
Perfection! That is what this recap is, pure perfection! How clever to use the Steven Covey quotes.
I am glad that Ale and JL had this little chat, clears the air a bit. They should have done this instead of the shoot out. At least now each of them knows where the other stands!
I was as surprised as everyone else when Dimmy had that chat with Tomas. Amazing! Dimmy is growing up and has become manly from experience, who would have thunk it! And still dissing Mummy, you go Dimmy. Loved how Graceless was thumping her own forehead. She needs to do that to herself at ten times a day, if not more.
I still like JL, even though he's got some issues, but he is a man of honor. I think he's listening to BM right now to get some info, like intelligence gathering. He knows darn well, if he aids and abets BM, Monse will neva, eva forgive him y punto. I still think that JL has a lot of good in him.
So glad that Esme and Refugio have reunited. I don't like it that he took her back to Aguazul. I don't want her within Pedro's reach at all.
Padre cracked me up! Seems he is always the last to know. I liked his voice of reason to Ale. Now if he would just get to know JL a bit more.
Ms Elna June, thanks once again for this most perfect recap and your little asides too.
Perfection! That is what this recap is, pure perfection! How clever to use the Steven Covey quotes.
I am glad that Ale and JL had this little chat, clears the air a bit. They should have done this instead of the shoot out. At least now each of them knows where the other stands!
I was as surprised as everyone else when Dimmy had that chat with Tomas. Amazing! Dimmy is growing up and has become manly from experience, who would have thunk it! And still dissing Mummy, you go Dimmy. Loved how Graceless was thumping her own forehead. She needs to do that to herself at ten times a day, if not more.
I still like JL, even though he's got some issues, but he is a man of honor. I think he's listening to BM right now to get some info, like intelligence gathering. He knows darn well, if he aids and abets BM, Monse will neva, eva forgive him y punto. I still think that JL has a lot of good in him.
So glad that Esme and Refugio have reunited. I don't like it that he took her back to Aguazul. I don't want her within Pedro's reach at all.
Padre cracked me up! Seems he is always the last to know. I liked his voice of reason to Ale. Now if he would just get to know JL a bit more.
Ms Elna June, thanks once again for this most perfect recap and your little asides too.
Dear Elna June,
Opened up Caray Caray this morning (even though I have a deadline at work and shouldn't) just for the pleasure of seeing your take on this episode. So wonderful! I love this idea! Man, these character not only need Covey, they need YOU.
I am going to read it again to savor it more fully when I have time this afternoon and will comment more extensively, but for now thanks so much--and also I hope you are feeling well, too!
Best and thanks for your wit and wisdom! Julia R.
Opened up Caray Caray this morning (even though I have a deadline at work and shouldn't) just for the pleasure of seeing your take on this episode. So wonderful! I love this idea! Man, these character not only need Covey, they need YOU.
I am going to read it again to savor it more fully when I have time this afternoon and will comment more extensively, but for now thanks so much--and also I hope you are feeling well, too!
Best and thanks for your wit and wisdom! Julia R.
Excellent theme, Elna June.
I don't recall hearing one of my favorite novela lines in this series, "El corazon no se manda." It's a lesson I learned a long time ago and it's actually very liberating to know that. When you realize you can't make anyone else love you you stop the insanely humiliating things you might do in a vainglorious attempt to make that happen. That is a lesson Maria is refusing to learn. Basurto may be a jerk and very dishonest but his advice was correct. Maria needs to be locked up (though I don't see him making any effort to find her). The wrist-cutting was a definite manipulation that didn't work and the attempted kidnapping of Laurito was the logical next step in Maria's criminal attempt at stealing Alejandro from Monserrat. Did she think that Monserrat would kill herself over losing the baby? Or would Maria have killed the baby?
No matter. Alejandro is wrong-headed here in thinking that Maria shouldn't be in prison. She is not crazy in that sense because she knows what she is doing. She does know she has committed a crime and she ran to avoid being caught. She should be in a psych facility, then prison.
JL -- after being manipulated by Graceless -- should recognize Maria's brand of manipulation. I agree that he is gathering information. He should know by now that Alejandro is not a dishonest man and may be honorable enough to question whether Alejandro knows anything about how Joaquin is using these lands.
Which Alejandro felt he had to lease to him to get out of the jail cell.
The idea of keeping one's enemies closer is usually wise. The manner in which Alejandro and JL dealt with each other almost needs to be seen as though they were two kinds with a need to prevent hostilities between each other, so they create a family tie to prevent it. Like in the ancient world myths. If Monserrat loves Alejandro as much as she says she does (and I don't think she's lying) he has very little to worry about.
Although the issue over who took her virginity is extremely dated.
I'm still not ready to see redemption in Dimwit because there are too many episodes to go but it is refreshing to see him stand up to Graceless. Tomas is absolutely right to not trust him yet because he needs to prove himself worthy of that trust.
I don't recall hearing one of my favorite novela lines in this series, "El corazon no se manda." It's a lesson I learned a long time ago and it's actually very liberating to know that. When you realize you can't make anyone else love you you stop the insanely humiliating things you might do in a vainglorious attempt to make that happen. That is a lesson Maria is refusing to learn. Basurto may be a jerk and very dishonest but his advice was correct. Maria needs to be locked up (though I don't see him making any effort to find her). The wrist-cutting was a definite manipulation that didn't work and the attempted kidnapping of Laurito was the logical next step in Maria's criminal attempt at stealing Alejandro from Monserrat. Did she think that Monserrat would kill herself over losing the baby? Or would Maria have killed the baby?
No matter. Alejandro is wrong-headed here in thinking that Maria shouldn't be in prison. She is not crazy in that sense because she knows what she is doing. She does know she has committed a crime and she ran to avoid being caught. She should be in a psych facility, then prison.
JL -- after being manipulated by Graceless -- should recognize Maria's brand of manipulation. I agree that he is gathering information. He should know by now that Alejandro is not a dishonest man and may be honorable enough to question whether Alejandro knows anything about how Joaquin is using these lands.
Which Alejandro felt he had to lease to him to get out of the jail cell.
The idea of keeping one's enemies closer is usually wise. The manner in which Alejandro and JL dealt with each other almost needs to be seen as though they were two kinds with a need to prevent hostilities between each other, so they create a family tie to prevent it. Like in the ancient world myths. If Monserrat loves Alejandro as much as she says she does (and I don't think she's lying) he has very little to worry about.
Although the issue over who took her virginity is extremely dated.
I'm still not ready to see redemption in Dimwit because there are too many episodes to go but it is refreshing to see him stand up to Graceless. Tomas is absolutely right to not trust him yet because he needs to prove himself worthy of that trust.
Oops; a typo above. I meant "two kings."
The scene between Monserrat and Angelica made me think of Melanie's death scene in GWTW. Melanie asked Scarlett to take care of Ashley and Scarlett agreed to, only to realize 10 minutes later that it was Rhett she really loved. The difference here is that Monserrat knows she loves Alejandro. She does not have to suffer Scarlett's fate.
Daisynjay, I disagree with you on Monserrat's look. If dressing as she does gives her the confidence to fight Bitch Maria, she shouldn't change her look. It's her armor and those platform heels can be deadly weapons when necessary!
The scene between Monserrat and Angelica made me think of Melanie's death scene in GWTW. Melanie asked Scarlett to take care of Ashley and Scarlett agreed to, only to realize 10 minutes later that it was Rhett she really loved. The difference here is that Monserrat knows she loves Alejandro. She does not have to suffer Scarlett's fate.
Daisynjay, I disagree with you on Monserrat's look. If dressing as she does gives her the confidence to fight Bitch Maria, she shouldn't change her look. It's her armor and those platform heels can be deadly weapons when necessary!
EJ thank you for another witty and insightful recap. We all understand and I share your frustration with our seemingly brain dead characters. Your comments about Ale and Monse's mental capacity made me LOL.
So in addition to macho posturing and wishing he had killed JL, he decides he knows how to best deal with Maria. How does he think his wife will react to this request after her tia was assaulted & their child almost kidnapped?
While we know men often underestimate women, I get tired of galans dismissing troubling/violent behavior. Will Ale have to see Maria attack Monse or his Mom for him to get it? And based on what he has done to this point, he'd still give her a pass.
At Dim is providing compelling viewing.
So in addition to macho posturing and wishing he had killed JL, he decides he knows how to best deal with Maria. How does he think his wife will react to this request after her tia was assaulted & their child almost kidnapped?
While we know men often underestimate women, I get tired of galans dismissing troubling/violent behavior. Will Ale have to see Maria attack Monse or his Mom for him to get it? And based on what he has done to this point, he'd still give her a pass.
At Dim is providing compelling viewing.
Wow, Elna June what a fantastic and creative recap! I loved your intro, too. Guess you just have to try and control your nerfazo throwing. Thanks. You had me laughing this a.m. Your colorful comment about the objectification of Montserrat was very true.
The highlights for me last night were the two shocked reactions from padre Anselmo when Ale told him about JL being the godfather to Lauro and when he told him he wished his shot would have killed JL.
I love Montse's look and the fact she dresses everyday because she can. Hey, she has a staff to take care of the chores. I look forward to seeing what she is wearing.
Also, I was glad that Angelica has decided to continue at home but not so glad that she asked Montse to look after JL after she is gone.
Dimitri seems to be wanting to break with mama Graciela. I hope he does.
What else does BM have to do to convince Ale she is dangerous. He needs a Graciela finger flick to the head to wake him up to the truth.
Jarifa
The highlights for me last night were the two shocked reactions from padre Anselmo when Ale told him about JL being the godfather to Lauro and when he told him he wished his shot would have killed JL.
I love Montse's look and the fact she dresses everyday because she can. Hey, she has a staff to take care of the chores. I look forward to seeing what she is wearing.
Also, I was glad that Angelica has decided to continue at home but not so glad that she asked Montse to look after JL after she is gone.
Dimitri seems to be wanting to break with mama Graciela. I hope he does.
What else does BM have to do to convince Ale she is dangerous. He needs a Graciela finger flick to the head to wake him up to the truth.
Jarifa
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 9:50:00 AM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 9:50:00 AM EST
I had the good fortune of watching this in HD last night. A good friend said I could watch it and she happily sat there doing some studying (NOT!) while I made my own snide remarks at the TV. How nice not to be at the mercy of Hulu Plus.
Elna June, I've gotta say that I was REALLY looking forward to your take on all that happened last night as it was a frustrating episode for me. The Steven Covey approach was pure perfection!
I ESPECIALLY agree with your comment re the alpha males turning Montserrat into an object. That little convo between JL and Alejandro was frustrating for me. JL, for one brief moment, knew he was losing the object of his desire (he just refuses to believe he has already lost) and had to resort to the lowest of blows in telling Alejandro how much he remembered his physical closeness to Montserrat. Honestly, it stunned me that those words came out of a man's mouth because it sounded more like the words that would come out of a female mouth. Sorry, but women can say such ugly things to other women and this sounded more like a feminine attack than a macho male attack.
In his interaction with The Whore Maria, I will definitely give JL some points. I LOVED how he picked up Maria's hands and told her outright that she needed help. I think that JL is the first person to confront Maria about the significance of what she had done to herself. Ironically, it was obsessed meeting obsessed in that scene.
Secondly, when JL was with The Whore Maria watching the thugs and Joaquin on Alejandro's lands, I LOVED how he incredulously asked Maria if having Alejandro lose everything and end up in jail was what she really wanted. His delivery was perfect and on target. Maria's ridiculous response should have given him a wake up call right then and there as to her mental state.
When I REALLY wanted to punch Alejandro was when he told EZ Basura in the most calm manner ever, that he would be responsible for Maria. This is when I yelled at the TV and said: FOOL!. Someone please explain to me how this man can be so blind as to not see Maria's slow downward spiral?!
Beautiful writing and analysis, Elna June!
Fatima
Elna June, I've gotta say that I was REALLY looking forward to your take on all that happened last night as it was a frustrating episode for me. The Steven Covey approach was pure perfection!
I ESPECIALLY agree with your comment re the alpha males turning Montserrat into an object. That little convo between JL and Alejandro was frustrating for me. JL, for one brief moment, knew he was losing the object of his desire (he just refuses to believe he has already lost) and had to resort to the lowest of blows in telling Alejandro how much he remembered his physical closeness to Montserrat. Honestly, it stunned me that those words came out of a man's mouth because it sounded more like the words that would come out of a female mouth. Sorry, but women can say such ugly things to other women and this sounded more like a feminine attack than a macho male attack.
In his interaction with The Whore Maria, I will definitely give JL some points. I LOVED how he picked up Maria's hands and told her outright that she needed help. I think that JL is the first person to confront Maria about the significance of what she had done to herself. Ironically, it was obsessed meeting obsessed in that scene.
Secondly, when JL was with The Whore Maria watching the thugs and Joaquin on Alejandro's lands, I LOVED how he incredulously asked Maria if having Alejandro lose everything and end up in jail was what she really wanted. His delivery was perfect and on target. Maria's ridiculous response should have given him a wake up call right then and there as to her mental state.
When I REALLY wanted to punch Alejandro was when he told EZ Basura in the most calm manner ever, that he would be responsible for Maria. This is when I yelled at the TV and said: FOOL!. Someone please explain to me how this man can be so blind as to not see Maria's slow downward spiral?!
Beautiful writing and analysis, Elna June!
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 10:49:00 AM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 10:49:00 AM EST
Continuing on because I was running out of space: I sure hope Osvaldo gets some award for his portrayal of Dimwit. He was excellent last night. As so many have pointed out, his facial expressions are first rate. I LOVED the look he gave Graciela as she was standing there telling him how to get Fina's money.
It was perfect.
Of all the actors in this TN, Osvaldo is the one I want to meet in person. I hate his character, but I love the actor.
Fatima
It was perfect.
Of all the actors in this TN, Osvaldo is the one I want to meet in person. I hate his character, but I love the actor.
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 10:52:00 AM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 10:52:00 AM EST
EJ-- MOI? Why ME?
Suitcases full of cash? Why not check out the Juventino Lending for a Good Cause Society? Ooops, there has been a recent name change. It is now the Agua Azul Borrowing Society, LLP, Pedro Medina, Owner and CEO.
I personally would not recommend doing business with him or any of this side businesses. (JL, Are you listening? You'd better watch out.)
Send checks or use PayPal to Julia and Sysanlynn directly. Let them deal with the IRS on their sudden influx of cash. (And it will be a lot. They can try to write it off as business expenses.)
Now, pardon me whil I go back and re-read the Seven Habits of Highly INEffective People in Aguazul.
Suitcases full of cash? Why not check out the Juventino Lending for a Good Cause Society? Ooops, there has been a recent name change. It is now the Agua Azul Borrowing Society, LLP, Pedro Medina, Owner and CEO.
I personally would not recommend doing business with him or any of this side businesses. (JL, Are you listening? You'd better watch out.)
Send checks or use PayPal to Julia and Sysanlynn directly. Let them deal with the IRS on their sudden influx of cash. (And it will be a lot. They can try to write it off as business expenses.)
Now, pardon me whil I go back and re-read the Seven Habits of Highly INEffective People in Aguazul.
I am still wondering why Adolfo is keeping his mouth shut about seeing Maria with the knife. He knows she's dangerous and you'd think he'd at least have told Dimwit because after all, Maria was looking to attack his sister.
Could it be that Dimwit's past treatment of Monserrat have led Adolfo to believe that Dimwit wouldn't have cared? I'm sure that had Maria been after Nadia and Adolfo had heard about it he would have dragged her to the jail by the hair.
Could it be that Dimwit's past treatment of Monserrat have led Adolfo to believe that Dimwit wouldn't have cared? I'm sure that had Maria been after Nadia and Adolfo had heard about it he would have dragged her to the jail by the hair.
Enjoying all of the comments immensely.
Fatima, I found myself smiling one second and then agreeing with many of your astute comments, amonth them "I think that JL is the first person to confront Maria about the significance of what she had done to herself. Ironically, it was obsessed meeting obsessed in that scene". You nailed it.
Diana
Fatima, I found myself smiling one second and then agreeing with many of your astute comments, amonth them "I think that JL is the first person to confront Maria about the significance of what she had done to herself. Ironically, it was obsessed meeting obsessed in that scene". You nailed it.
Diana
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 11:38:00 AM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 11:38:00 AM EST
Dear Diana, thank you for the shout out! You made me smile a huge smile. :))
Fatima
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 11:53:00 AM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 11:53:00 AM EST
Urban, I think you are correct re Adolfito (I like it when Fina calls him that, because I think she really does NOT mean it to sound like a term of endearment)thinking that Dimwit does not care about Montserrat.
Adolfito does not have the benefit of the slow and tedious transformation we are seeing in Dimwit, so why should he believe that his "friend" has changed?
Have you noticed that Adolfito's hair is not as greasy? I wonder if the hair cut is coming next. I suspect that Fina's words to him re being a bore may have silently hit home.
Could we possibly see a change in Adolfito as well?
As for why he has not mentioned The Whore Maria and the Knife episode, I think Adolfito is too wrapped up in what is going on with Fina and Dimwit. He has no idea about The Whore Maria's latest stunt.
My hope is that once he finds this out, he might open his little mouth and spill the beans to someone (other than Pedro, of course).
Fatima
Adolfito does not have the benefit of the slow and tedious transformation we are seeing in Dimwit, so why should he believe that his "friend" has changed?
Have you noticed that Adolfito's hair is not as greasy? I wonder if the hair cut is coming next. I suspect that Fina's words to him re being a bore may have silently hit home.
Could we possibly see a change in Adolfito as well?
As for why he has not mentioned The Whore Maria and the Knife episode, I think Adolfito is too wrapped up in what is going on with Fina and Dimwit. He has no idea about The Whore Maria's latest stunt.
My hope is that once he finds this out, he might open his little mouth and spill the beans to someone (other than Pedro, of course).
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 11:59:00 AM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 11:59:00 AM EST
I haven't yet read the comments -- I will do so with pleasure later on -- but before I run out, I had to tell you how much I enjoyed your...your what? MetaRecap? (But oh how I wish you had told me about your arm pain before. Now that it has become full-blown nerfazo arm, however, there is no time to waste on regrets: you must rummage in your closet for your official Lanchanerfazos™ and begin to use it at once. If Mr. June, in a fit of tidiness, has thrown the El Tal model away, please know that The Patio can supply you with a replacement.)
I very much enjoyed your Seven Habits framing device which made this rather depressing episode not a bit depressing to read about. In fact, those of you who have not yet seen it -- stick to the Elna June version. You won't regret it.
And thank you for reminding us how hilariously easy it is to sell a set of rules for life. (Hey, that's an idea: a set of Rules for Watching Telenovelas: Learn a Little Spanish without Losing Your Mind™) I admit, however, that my favorite bits were within the telling of the story itself, the skewering of the macho posturing, the throwaways like "Alejandro is so stupid he could get hit by a parked car" or about Montserrat: "It's a good thing she's good-looking." This is excellent work, EJ!
Just a couple of episodes back, when we all hoped...er...I mean thought that José Luis was dying, Angélica was furious at Alejandro. Now she is trying to get Montserrat to make one of those crazy deathbed promises to look after poor lonely JL after she is gone. I have to wonder: could Angélica -- dear, sweet Angélica -- be setting herself up as JL's avenging angel? Is she trying to do from the grave what JL himself has been unable to do for himself -- recover his stolen mare?
Joaquín's dirty dealings and María making hay out of them? We don't know enough to speculate. But we do know something that María does not: Pedro Medina is behind the whole thing; and Pedro most emphatically does not want the navy poking around into his business.
P.S. Have you noticed? Refugio and Esmeralda have their own song! And Refugio himself sings it (well, Carlos de la Mota does.) Here it is -- 'Lo que siento por ti'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kHkdNM7w6k
I very much enjoyed your Seven Habits framing device which made this rather depressing episode not a bit depressing to read about. In fact, those of you who have not yet seen it -- stick to the Elna June version. You won't regret it.
And thank you for reminding us how hilariously easy it is to sell a set of rules for life. (Hey, that's an idea: a set of Rules for Watching Telenovelas: Learn a Little Spanish without Losing Your Mind™) I admit, however, that my favorite bits were within the telling of the story itself, the skewering of the macho posturing, the throwaways like "Alejandro is so stupid he could get hit by a parked car" or about Montserrat: "It's a good thing she's good-looking." This is excellent work, EJ!
Just a couple of episodes back, when we all hoped...er...I mean thought that José Luis was dying, Angélica was furious at Alejandro. Now she is trying to get Montserrat to make one of those crazy deathbed promises to look after poor lonely JL after she is gone. I have to wonder: could Angélica -- dear, sweet Angélica -- be setting herself up as JL's avenging angel? Is she trying to do from the grave what JL himself has been unable to do for himself -- recover his stolen mare?
Joaquín's dirty dealings and María making hay out of them? We don't know enough to speculate. But we do know something that María does not: Pedro Medina is behind the whole thing; and Pedro most emphatically does not want the navy poking around into his business.
P.S. Have you noticed? Refugio and Esmeralda have their own song! And Refugio himself sings it (well, Carlos de la Mota does.) Here it is -- 'Lo que siento por ti'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kHkdNM7w6k
Novela Maven, thanks for the song info.
Jarifa
Jarifa
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 12:23:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 12:23:00 PM EST
Oh and I just love this line:
"JL now starts his heuristic crazy talk."
and then followed closely by this one:
"At the Hacienda, Maria, wearing her wrist bandages like a badge of honor…"
(though truthfully, they struck me more as a fashion accessory that worked well with her new color(less) palette.
"JL now starts his heuristic crazy talk."
and then followed closely by this one:
"At the Hacienda, Maria, wearing her wrist bandages like a badge of honor…"
(though truthfully, they struck me more as a fashion accessory that worked well with her new color(less) palette.
EJ--Well, after thinking it over and putting Mr. Covey's excellent advice to work (Be Proactive), I will accept donations of cash towards a Julia/Susanlynn vacation (hehe--there might be some left over for me to join the Cap'n in La Paz).
What a tour de force. EJ, you have outdone yourself for creativity and dead-on perception. I think you are outthinking the writers. Wish we weren't two weeks behind Mexico and probably 15 days behind the writers so they could check in on Caray.
You have certainly outdone my abitlity to comment cogently, so I will sit back and absorb the wisdom of everyone else.
I did enjoy the visual of handsome Ale getting hit by a parked car.
I did not enjoy, but heartily agreed with the visual of Montse turning into a piece of meat.
That ditty Ale spounted about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer does NOT work in telenovela land. What can Ale do, shadow JL 24/7, put hidden cameras all over the hacienda to track Montse's movements--or maybe a GPS tracking system on her car. Geesh, spare me.
Sad to say that after Angie passes on, she may be able to watch over Laurito from above, but JL will be a loose musket ball.
I'm not criticizing Rosario's make-over, but I think it's interesting that she has also learned to speak without a trace of a lower class accent, sayings, etc. Come to think of it, she showed little traces of her background when she showed up at Padre's. He still uses idioms and has a slightly pueblo accent. Maybe she took elecution lessons in prison. OTOH, I'm surprised she cannot read or write. There must be a reason for her to still be illiterate.
What a tour de force. EJ, you have outdone yourself for creativity and dead-on perception. I think you are outthinking the writers. Wish we weren't two weeks behind Mexico and probably 15 days behind the writers so they could check in on Caray.
You have certainly outdone my abitlity to comment cogently, so I will sit back and absorb the wisdom of everyone else.
I did enjoy the visual of handsome Ale getting hit by a parked car.
I did not enjoy, but heartily agreed with the visual of Montse turning into a piece of meat.
That ditty Ale spounted about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer does NOT work in telenovela land. What can Ale do, shadow JL 24/7, put hidden cameras all over the hacienda to track Montse's movements--or maybe a GPS tracking system on her car. Geesh, spare me.
Sad to say that after Angie passes on, she may be able to watch over Laurito from above, but JL will be a loose musket ball.
I'm not criticizing Rosario's make-over, but I think it's interesting that she has also learned to speak without a trace of a lower class accent, sayings, etc. Come to think of it, she showed little traces of her background when she showed up at Padre's. He still uses idioms and has a slightly pueblo accent. Maybe she took elecution lessons in prison. OTOH, I'm surprised she cannot read or write. There must be a reason for her to still be illiterate.
Anita, come on down! I know you like to travel.
NovelaMaven, thank you for the link to the Esme/Refu song. Very cool!!
Slightly off topic, I was amused to see that a number of the carnaval booths (both food and game), had little TVs in them and the vendors were watching telenovelas while waiting for things to get busy.
NovelaMaven, thank you for the link to the Esme/Refu song. Very cool!!
Slightly off topic, I was amused to see that a number of the carnaval booths (both food and game), had little TVs in them and the vendors were watching telenovelas while waiting for things to get busy.
Angelica doesn't have a mean bone in her body so I see no revenge in her.
As to Rosario's illiteracy, I think this is a PSA moment. I would love to think that Monse and Carlota spent the last seven months teaching her to read but it would have been nice for the writers to tell us.
As to Rosario's illiteracy, I think this is a PSA moment. I would love to think that Monse and Carlota spent the last seven months teaching her to read but it would have been nice for the writers to tell us.
Cap'n Sharkbait, it's nice to know that the good people of Mexico love their TN just like we do!
I envy you (in a positive way) your trip down there. It must be marvelous to be soaking up the culture. You are one lucky dog!!
Fatima
I envy you (in a positive way) your trip down there. It must be marvelous to be soaking up the culture. You are one lucky dog!!
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 12:59:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 12:59:00 PM EST
Hello, all. EJ, thank you for another creative, spellbinding recap. Your recaps are always a bright spot in my day, and is always look forward to your wit and wisdom. I wish that I could sit down with you over a nice lunch or dinner..even breakfast...and let you sift through the puzzle pieces of me and mine. I have read many references to Coveys book, but I have never actually read it. Don't we all just crave a few simple steps to self improvement and success.
as for Julia and I offering these characters our services for a briefcase of cash..well, I can only speak for myself. I have trouble getting my own family members to take my advice......for free. At this point in time, I think that my list of life lessons would be quite short : 1) Try to keep your mouth shut as much as possible....this is a version of "walk softly and carry the biggest stick you can find " 2) Let things unfold (I stole this from hub. it is his favorite saying. I do not know exactly where he got it, but he says it....a lot. Once , he went to a seminar and came home with the phrase "I do not own this problem." That one got old fast. 3) stuff happens; it is what it is, so what, keep going 4) strive to be happy....I stole this one from Desiderata. 5) try to stay vertical and keep moving forward 6) Things could be worse...and probably will be
Do you think that any of my musings could help any of these characters???
Susanlynn, listening to a forecast for more snow on Sunday and Thursday....help
as for Julia and I offering these characters our services for a briefcase of cash..well, I can only speak for myself. I have trouble getting my own family members to take my advice......for free. At this point in time, I think that my list of life lessons would be quite short : 1) Try to keep your mouth shut as much as possible....this is a version of "walk softly and carry the biggest stick you can find " 2) Let things unfold (I stole this from hub. it is his favorite saying. I do not know exactly where he got it, but he says it....a lot. Once , he went to a seminar and came home with the phrase "I do not own this problem." That one got old fast. 3) stuff happens; it is what it is, so what, keep going 4) strive to be happy....I stole this one from Desiderata. 5) try to stay vertical and keep moving forward 6) Things could be worse...and probably will be
Do you think that any of my musings could help any of these characters???
Susanlynn, listening to a forecast for more snow on Sunday and Thursday....help
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:04:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:04:00 PM EST
Many people seem concerned about Rosario being illiterate. I hope that I do not get in trouble for letting you know that Tia taught Rosario to read in AR.
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:09:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:09:00 PM EST
Fatima and others, Mr. Sharkbait visited a local dentist two days ago (who spoke perfect English, having gone to school in Marin), and told her that I speak much better Spanish than he does because of my telenovela addiction. She was highly amused to learn I can tell someone to get out of my house five different ways, and that I have an arsenal of bad names to call someone, should I need to. (So far I have NOT!) Apparently she and her assistant are both telenovela fans.
I can also report that crying babies do not seem to be as much of a big deal here as they are in the USA. Of course this is based on just a couple of weeks here so I'm not an expert, but there sure were a lot of crying babies being strolled along the Malecon last evening while parents enjoyed the colorful sights of Carnaval.
Anyhoo, yes we are VERY lucky to be down here. The weather is divine, but I know my pals are still suffering in snow and freezing temps and I feel bad for y'all. The very hard winter in the USA (and Europe) continues to be news down here, both in the newspaper and over the daily radio nets (VHF and SSB).
Susanlynn, I would love to see Tia and Rosario form a friendship! Reading and writing lessons while caring for Laurito sound just perfect.
I can also report that crying babies do not seem to be as much of a big deal here as they are in the USA. Of course this is based on just a couple of weeks here so I'm not an expert, but there sure were a lot of crying babies being strolled along the Malecon last evening while parents enjoyed the colorful sights of Carnaval.
Anyhoo, yes we are VERY lucky to be down here. The weather is divine, but I know my pals are still suffering in snow and freezing temps and I feel bad for y'all. The very hard winter in the USA (and Europe) continues to be news down here, both in the newspaper and over the daily radio nets (VHF and SSB).
Susanlynn, I would love to see Tia and Rosario form a friendship! Reading and writing lessons while caring for Laurito sound just perfect.
My mind boggled when Ale said Malaria just needed a little help,but not police custody ,QUE demonio? She tried to kill your pregnant wife,kidnapp your baby and you say she just needs a little help? And he is dumb not having body guards on his hacienda,atleast they could inform him,something fishy was going on.
Im glad JL didnt step to the dark side ,yet ,i got chills when he said to himself " Why didnt i kill him before"?
I also cannot believe Ale is trusting Ezequel knowing well he works for Pedro,the man trying to ruin him,someone should be warning Carlota that Ez is not as "sweet"as he appears to be
Im glad JL didnt step to the dark side ,yet ,i got chills when he said to himself " Why didnt i kill him before"?
I also cannot believe Ale is trusting Ezequel knowing well he works for Pedro,the man trying to ruin him,someone should be warning Carlota that Ez is not as "sweet"as he appears to be
Ah i forgot Ale does not know of the intended murder..But a person who tried to kidnap a baby should not be scott free ,needing a bit of help but JAIL.And the actress playing Angelica is very beautiful and strong,she should definetly appear in more telenovelas,maybe as our bad girl!
Alejandro still doesn't know about Maria's intent to kill Monserrat the night of the concert. Nobody but Adolfo knows that. That's why I'm still annoyed with him for not having spilled to somebody. Anybody.
Yes Urban,not even to Dimitrio,his supposed best friend,he does not care about anything,is more irresponsible then Dimitrio.He definetly deserved that smack from Dimitrio.
Cap'n Sharkbait! Isn't that FANTASTIC that your Spanish was so good that it was commented upon. That is great!!
My friend who was letting me watch on her television last night said she caught on pretty quickly that I love the word imbecil! You betcha I love that word. HA ha!
Demetrios, I really like the actress playing Angelica, too, but please don't put her in a bad girl role. She is playing this role to perfection. I thought it was nice that Montserrat encouraged her to seek other treatments for her condition. I do wish she would give it one more try. It is very painful to watch her be so ill and then have JL betray her in this way. No matter how he tries to justify it in his mind ("they stole her (Montserrat) from me"), he IS betraying Angelica.
He would be in the slammer right now suffering greatly if it were not for Angelica. This upsets me to no end.
Fatima
My friend who was letting me watch on her television last night said she caught on pretty quickly that I love the word imbecil! You betcha I love that word. HA ha!
Demetrios, I really like the actress playing Angelica, too, but please don't put her in a bad girl role. She is playing this role to perfection. I thought it was nice that Montserrat encouraged her to seek other treatments for her condition. I do wish she would give it one more try. It is very painful to watch her be so ill and then have JL betray her in this way. No matter how he tries to justify it in his mind ("they stole her (Montserrat) from me"), he IS betraying Angelica.
He would be in the slammer right now suffering greatly if it were not for Angelica. This upsets me to no end.
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:30:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:30:00 PM EST
Yeah ,she could always star as a protangost.But i loved how Angelica bribed the police to set JL free,that was amazing!
Demetrios, yes, she bribed them alright, but I saw it as a "good" bribe.
Honestly, she and Fina fascinate me the most. The next person I would like to meet in real life is the actress playing Fina. She looks like someone you would want as a friend!
Fatima
Honestly, she and Fina fascinate me the most. The next person I would like to meet in real life is the actress playing Fina. She looks like someone you would want as a friend!
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:39:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:39:00 PM EST
Well if you and Fina turn friends ,dont ever invite Shameless to shopping! Oh and Addie can stay in the bar alright.
Oh Demetrios, you are So funny!
Fatima
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:47:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:47:00 PM EST
Thanks for another marvelous and wickedly clever recap, Elna June. I always look forward to see what you will come up with next. Well done.
I thought that godparents are selected on behalf of the child. What better godparents than its mother's ex-lover who is his father's sworn bitter enemy, and a dying girl who likely won't even be around for his first birthday?
What wonderful thoughtful parents...
Maria has her flaws but at least she has managed to stay on top of things back at the ranch even while nursing a wounded heart and wounded wrists. Where was Macario when the narcotrafficantes were moving in? She would have been a better choice as capataz (or would that be capateza?).
Is anyone picking the oranges?
Carlos
I thought that godparents are selected on behalf of the child. What better godparents than its mother's ex-lover who is his father's sworn bitter enemy, and a dying girl who likely won't even be around for his first birthday?
What wonderful thoughtful parents...
Maria has her flaws but at least she has managed to stay on top of things back at the ranch even while nursing a wounded heart and wounded wrists. Where was Macario when the narcotrafficantes were moving in? She would have been a better choice as capataz (or would that be capateza?).
Is anyone picking the oranges?
Carlos
Susanlynn, I think your advice could definitely help, and certainly wouldn't hurt, our cast of numbskulls. Meanwhile, Patio Peeps, please do not worry about securing our fee! Angelica has promised us a good chunk of her fortune if we can straighten any of these people out.
Personally, I am still hoping for the Magical Cancer-Killing Pregnancy for Ange.
My first word of advice is for Esme. Absolutely under no circumstances should she go back to Aguazul while Pedro is alive and free! Even Ale's hacienda is too close, since Pedro is up to shady business nearby and she likes to walk outside. She should go stay with Tia Pru in Mérida and look for respectable work there once her bruises heal. Meanwhile, Refugio should be applying for a transfer or looking for other work so he can join her.
I think Dim still has a long, long way to go on the road to redemption, but at least he is headed that way, unlike some other people *cough*JL*cough*. I really enjoy his scenes. He is fantabulous to watch.
Shouldn't Ale be worried that no one is answering the phone at the hacienda? Isn't he wondering what's happened to the housekeeper? Missing one or two calls could mean she's stepped outside or is in the loo, but no one answering repeated calls all day long should be alarming! And he knows Esme is there...did he try calling Esme to find out what's going on? She wouldn't answer Refu's calls, but she would probably answer if Ale called.
Elna June, I am going to ask Ange to send you a first-class ticket to Aguazul posthaste. I think JL and Ale need some serious therapy before they can benefit from any life coaching.
Thanks for the fantastic recap!
Personally, I am still hoping for the Magical Cancer-Killing Pregnancy for Ange.
My first word of advice is for Esme. Absolutely under no circumstances should she go back to Aguazul while Pedro is alive and free! Even Ale's hacienda is too close, since Pedro is up to shady business nearby and she likes to walk outside. She should go stay with Tia Pru in Mérida and look for respectable work there once her bruises heal. Meanwhile, Refugio should be applying for a transfer or looking for other work so he can join her.
I think Dim still has a long, long way to go on the road to redemption, but at least he is headed that way, unlike some other people *cough*JL*cough*. I really enjoy his scenes. He is fantabulous to watch.
Shouldn't Ale be worried that no one is answering the phone at the hacienda? Isn't he wondering what's happened to the housekeeper? Missing one or two calls could mean she's stepped outside or is in the loo, but no one answering repeated calls all day long should be alarming! And he knows Esme is there...did he try calling Esme to find out what's going on? She wouldn't answer Refu's calls, but she would probably answer if Ale called.
Elna June, I am going to ask Ange to send you a first-class ticket to Aguazul posthaste. I think JL and Ale need some serious therapy before they can benefit from any life coaching.
Thanks for the fantastic recap!
Carlos...yes...I am glad that I am not the only one worrying about the oranges. Many of us remember that not picking the oranges led to most of the folks in CI sliding down a slippery slope and coming to a bad end. I am pretty sure that Joaquin has made a deal with el diablo, not Sunkist, and he is not picking any oranges. On Ale's part, perhaps thinking about oranges might have kept his raging , nouveau riche hormones under control. To quote Candide, Ale, you should have been cultivating your garden.
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2:18:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2:18:00 PM EST
Julia, esteemed colleague and all around levelheaded thinker and good egg......These people are not going to take any of your very excellent suggestions. I think that sending EJ there first is a very good idea. In the meantime, we could go down there and just hang out at the beach and try the local restaurants and bars. Then, after EJ has snapped these knuckleheads out of their fogs and we sober up and get that vague promise from Angie notarized, we could step in with our most excellent life coaching stuff. Here are two key phrases that I have picked up along my own path ..."what qualifies you to do that?, and "do you think you'd like that?" Also, I have worked with a lot of guidance counselors. That should help us get these people headed in the right direction...or..at the very least,....keep most..or some of them out of jail.
P.s. Maybe we should consider taking Carlos with us. I think that he might have some ideas about getting some of these layabouts busy taking care of the orange crop.
P.s. Maybe we should consider taking Carlos with us. I think that he might have some ideas about getting some of these layabouts busy taking care of the orange crop.
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2:32:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2:32:00 PM EST
"I thought that godparents are selected on behalf of the child. What better godparents than its mother's ex-lover who is his father's sworn bitter enemy, and a dying girl who likely won't even be around for his first birthday?"
Oh Carlos. You have made my day amigo. Perfection.
Diana
Oh Carlos. You have made my day amigo. Perfection.
Diana
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2:34:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2:34:00 PM EST
I can’t wait for the baptism.
JL and Alejandro will end wrestling in the pews and Angelica will likely hurl into the baptismal fount.
JL and Alejandro will end wrestling in the pews and Angelica will likely hurl into the baptismal fount.
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2:44:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2:44:00 PM EST
Fatima, to be fair, it was Mr. Sharkbait who commented on my Spanish, so I'm not sure that counts too much. However, I am getting along pretty well. There are ex-pats from Canada and USA who have been here 20 years who don't speak a word of Spanish and don't see any point in trying to learn. At least I'm trying. It's good to see that all that patio time is coming in handy.
Oxnard Huero, sure wish I could see your version of the baptism!
Oxnard Huero, sure wish I could see your version of the baptism!
Sylvia, I'm so glad you are making use of your Spanish! I can't imagine living in a place for years and years and never learning the language. That seems so limiting.
Susanlynn, I like your plan. I do my best strategizing in a lounge chair on the beach, anyway.
The advice I most often give my own friends, "This is not an insurmountable obstacle", I don't dare give to any of our fixated characters! It would just encourage their delusional obsessions!
Susanlynn, I like your plan. I do my best strategizing in a lounge chair on the beach, anyway.
The advice I most often give my own friends, "This is not an insurmountable obstacle", I don't dare give to any of our fixated characters! It would just encourage their delusional obsessions!
Elna June, your application of advice from Stephen Covey to our TN characters was pure genius! And layered in with your own wit, too! (i.e.,"You are so stupid—you could be hit by a parked car.")
Lila hoped that Covey could somehow learn about this use of his work. He died in July 2012, so maybe he's looking down and smiling (except when he's crying for our characters.) At least he might send down some strong vibes, along with the protection Lauro affords to his golden barbie--er--baby girl.
And such growth in wisdom and humility on the part of Dimitrio! I was truly touched by his speech and nearly speechless that he would approach Tomas for help in protecting Fina. He brushed off his mother with great finesse, enough that she did indeed finger-poke her own forehead. LOL.
I found him to be similar, but merely annoying in LQNPA. He has a slightly better part in Robo and has made a stellar run with it. I think he's more fascinating than our two dueling dummies. Hoping for the day when he and Fina melt into each other's arms.
Lila hoped that Covey could somehow learn about this use of his work. He died in July 2012, so maybe he's looking down and smiling (except when he's crying for our characters.) At least he might send down some strong vibes, along with the protection Lauro affords to his golden barbie--er--baby girl.
And such growth in wisdom and humility on the part of Dimitrio! I was truly touched by his speech and nearly speechless that he would approach Tomas for help in protecting Fina. He brushed off his mother with great finesse, enough that she did indeed finger-poke her own forehead. LOL.
I found him to be similar, but merely annoying in LQNPA. He has a slightly better part in Robo and has made a stellar run with it. I think he's more fascinating than our two dueling dummies. Hoping for the day when he and Fina melt into each other's arms.
Friends:
Thank you for all of your kind comments today.
Sylvia: You are beloved by me, amiga. I miss you and I am so glad you are able to keep in touch from La Paz. Thank you for your very kind comment.
I wish I was in La Paz to join you and Mr. Sharkbait for Carnaval.
I like the idea of sending Dimitrio to a kibbutz. I especially like the part about him eating worms. Big grin and hug.
JudyB.:I am SO glad you enjoyed the recap. And you are so right; the bits with Dimitrio are the best. When you watch the capitulo look for Dimmy's mocking of his mother's tone when she is harping on him about Josefina. It is so rude, so adolescent and so perfect for the (deteriorating) relationship he has with his dreadful mother.
Daisynjay: I am delighted that you enjoyed the recap. Sidebar worthy? Wow, not that IS a compliment for us old timers.
I giggled—no, guffawed—at your image of our Princess Montse in the royal blue dress with the diamonte belt dribbling Laurito spew down one shoulder. My children seemed to have a particular talent for throwing up on me just as I was walking out the door to work.
Pasofino: Thanks for coming by. About Joaquin's doings, I have made outrageous suggestions including oil siphoning from national pipelines. Those seem to have all been wrong. I have to guess we are dealing with just plain narco trafficking. Remember the epi where JL and Refugio were on a drug warehouse take-down? I suspect we may find out that this is JL's specialty training. Now that we have seen that in real life (the Guzman capture) the Marines seem to be considered trafficking specialists this storyline makes more sense to me.
Elna june
Thank you for all of your kind comments today.
Sylvia: You are beloved by me, amiga. I miss you and I am so glad you are able to keep in touch from La Paz. Thank you for your very kind comment.
I wish I was in La Paz to join you and Mr. Sharkbait for Carnaval.
I like the idea of sending Dimitrio to a kibbutz. I especially like the part about him eating worms. Big grin and hug.
JudyB.:I am SO glad you enjoyed the recap. And you are so right; the bits with Dimitrio are the best. When you watch the capitulo look for Dimmy's mocking of his mother's tone when she is harping on him about Josefina. It is so rude, so adolescent and so perfect for the (deteriorating) relationship he has with his dreadful mother.
Daisynjay: I am delighted that you enjoyed the recap. Sidebar worthy? Wow, not that IS a compliment for us old timers.
I giggled—no, guffawed—at your image of our Princess Montse in the royal blue dress with the diamonte belt dribbling Laurito spew down one shoulder. My children seemed to have a particular talent for throwing up on me just as I was walking out the door to work.
Pasofino: Thanks for coming by. About Joaquin's doings, I have made outrageous suggestions including oil siphoning from national pipelines. Those seem to have all been wrong. I have to guess we are dealing with just plain narco trafficking. Remember the epi where JL and Refugio were on a drug warehouse take-down? I suspect we may find out that this is JL's specialty training. Now that we have seen that in real life (the Guzman capture) the Marines seem to be considered trafficking specialists this storyline makes more sense to me.
Elna june
Cap'n Sharkbait, no matter if it was from Mr. Sharkbait, it is STILL a compliment. :))
How sad that people can live in a region for 20 or so odd years and not learn the language. Just think about all they have missed. They could be making special, lifelong friendships right now.
How wonderful that you are there and are our eyes on the ground!!
Fatima
How sad that people can live in a region for 20 or so odd years and not learn the language. Just think about all they have missed. They could be making special, lifelong friendships right now.
How wonderful that you are there and are our eyes on the ground!!
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 3:26:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 3:26:00 PM EST
Vivi:
I am delighted to know that I am not alone in having failed to read Mr. Covey's sage advice AND I am glad that you didn't need it anyway.
I, too, have noticed that nearly all of Ale's reportage is self serving. Also, didn't Ale lease the lands to Joaquin as a 'Get out of jail free' deal with Pedro? He had to know that something unsavory wa planned for their use.
Diana: You are too kind in your praise. Thank you. Isn't it crazy-making when our favorite characters (Angelica) suffer from temporary chirpiness and stupidity? Grin. I hope you have a great day and that you are not in the path of the latest storm we are hearing about.
Lila: -6 in Ypsi is just plain wrong. We need to plan a group visit to Sylvia in La Paz, ASAP. You are a good writer, Lila, and I am sure you would have found a delightful and amusing way to put a little ass-whoopin' on JL. Those two lead men could send me to a monastery, man. The macho swagger was just so OBVIOUS. I also agree with Urban Anthropologist that the harkening back to Montserrat's initiation into sexuality has much less meaning (at least here in the US) that it did at the time of the original setting of the story. I do know that his is still a very sensitive subject for millions of people around the world.
Mads: You are most welcome, amiga.But you have to help me out here on the meaning of 'Man of Honor'. I don't think I understand how that fits with JL's lies and deceptions and his telling Ale NOT to trust him in the future. His character confuses me.
Julia Rold: How nice of you to come by when you were on a work deadline! I have heard the siren song of Caray Caray right before deadlines and fallen into the Blog. It is so easy to do.
Thank you for describing this offering as 'wit and wisdom'. That made me smile.
Urban: Great comment on the phrase, "El corazon no se manda." I haven't noticed it either but I hate teh idea that you can make someone fall in love with you. So not true.
You are also right about Ale's blindness about Maria. This woman just kidnapped your BABY, man, get a grip and let the police have her.
Karen: Thanks so much for commenting. I always look forward to your feedback. This:
"While we know men often underestimate women, I get tired of galans dismissing troubling/violent behavior. Will Ale have to see Maria attack Monse or his Mom for him to get it? And based on what he has done to this point, he'd still give her a pass."
ITA.
EJ
I am delighted to know that I am not alone in having failed to read Mr. Covey's sage advice AND I am glad that you didn't need it anyway.
I, too, have noticed that nearly all of Ale's reportage is self serving. Also, didn't Ale lease the lands to Joaquin as a 'Get out of jail free' deal with Pedro? He had to know that something unsavory wa planned for their use.
Diana: You are too kind in your praise. Thank you. Isn't it crazy-making when our favorite characters (Angelica) suffer from temporary chirpiness and stupidity? Grin. I hope you have a great day and that you are not in the path of the latest storm we are hearing about.
Lila: -6 in Ypsi is just plain wrong. We need to plan a group visit to Sylvia in La Paz, ASAP. You are a good writer, Lila, and I am sure you would have found a delightful and amusing way to put a little ass-whoopin' on JL. Those two lead men could send me to a monastery, man. The macho swagger was just so OBVIOUS. I also agree with Urban Anthropologist that the harkening back to Montserrat's initiation into sexuality has much less meaning (at least here in the US) that it did at the time of the original setting of the story. I do know that his is still a very sensitive subject for millions of people around the world.
Mads: You are most welcome, amiga.But you have to help me out here on the meaning of 'Man of Honor'. I don't think I understand how that fits with JL's lies and deceptions and his telling Ale NOT to trust him in the future. His character confuses me.
Julia Rold: How nice of you to come by when you were on a work deadline! I have heard the siren song of Caray Caray right before deadlines and fallen into the Blog. It is so easy to do.
Thank you for describing this offering as 'wit and wisdom'. That made me smile.
Urban: Great comment on the phrase, "El corazon no se manda." I haven't noticed it either but I hate teh idea that you can make someone fall in love with you. So not true.
You are also right about Ale's blindness about Maria. This woman just kidnapped your BABY, man, get a grip and let the police have her.
Karen: Thanks so much for commenting. I always look forward to your feedback. This:
"While we know men often underestimate women, I get tired of galans dismissing troubling/violent behavior. Will Ale have to see Maria attack Monse or his Mom for him to get it? And based on what he has done to this point, he'd still give her a pass."
ITA.
EJ
EJ: I hadn't made the connection between JL, narcotrafficking and Joaquin. But, it does seem the most plausible explanation yet. Joaq isn't out in the woods just supervise road building.
EJ, your plot about the oil siphoning is MUCH more interesting than narco trafficking. You recappers (and I guess we commenters too) should be writing this script, I swear.
I wonder what my face looks like when people tell me they've been living here for some 20 odd years and don't intend to even try to learn the language? I'm sure I must be staring at them gap-jawed. Julia you are right, how limiting, and they can't even see that. One of the nicest and most interesting people I have met here speaks no English at all.
I wonder what my face looks like when people tell me they've been living here for some 20 odd years and don't intend to even try to learn the language? I'm sure I must be staring at them gap-jawed. Julia you are right, how limiting, and they can't even see that. One of the nicest and most interesting people I have met here speaks no English at all.
Haven't read the recap yet, but going by what everyone is saying, it's going to be worth the wait.
I just had to stop reading the comments to tell Susanlynn that this "Once , he went to a seminar and came home with the phrase 'I do not own this problem.' That one got old fast. " totally cracked me up.
Nanette
I just had to stop reading the comments to tell Susanlynn that this "Once , he went to a seminar and came home with the phrase 'I do not own this problem.' That one got old fast. " totally cracked me up.
Nanette
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 4:23:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 4:23:00 PM EST
All:
I will be offline for a while. Do continue commenting and I will join you again later this evening.
Thanks to all for stopping by. Please know that I will try to respond to each of you when I return.
Kind Regards,
EJ
I will be offline for a while. Do continue commenting and I will join you again later this evening.
Thanks to all for stopping by. Please know that I will try to respond to each of you when I return.
Kind Regards,
EJ
Elna June,
Absolutely superb! Magnificent! Your recap today was beyond expectations! Thank you!
I haven't finished reading all the comments. I will do so later during my dinner break.
I do angree with everyone that it is a stupid idea to ask JL and Angie to be Laurito's Godparents. I don't understand why Montse and Ale listened to Graceless. Oh, I know why. Because the monkey writers need some more drama to fill those extra capitulos.
INTENSE! That is the word I use to describe the scene between Ale and JL. I can see where a lot of the viewers can be turned off by these two macho men were arguing over Montse. It's hard to explain, and this might sound horrible, so brace yourselves out on the patio. It could be a cultural thing. I hate to admit this, but it didn't totally bother me. I thought this confrontation was more civil than the duel on the beach. I did like the fact that Ale controlled his anger. Especially when JL was so desperately trying to provoke him by telling Ale about him (JL) and Montse making love for the first time. That was a dirty move on JL's part, and I think that Ale demonstrated that he IS smart and is now thinking before reacting. He also showed his maturity by not punching JL's lights out. I didn't expect JL to take it to that level.
Where Ale has a weak point is with BM. I think he sees himself as her older brother, and feels some need to protect her, plus he feels guilty from her 'suicide attempt'. I am hoping that if he doesn't want her to go to jail, he sends her to get some psychiatric help. At least that way, she won't be able to lash out and hurt anyone.
No spoiler here, but I think the monkey writers want Ale to blindly protect BM because in the end it will be BM that hurts Ale the most. BM said that she would rather see Ale behind bars than with Montse. Maybe this will be Ale's wake up call about how evil BM really is.
I was happy to see the flashback scene with Ale and Rosario. Thank goodness Rosario is there for Ale. It makes such a difference when you have the good advice from your mama.
Loving the Dimi, Fina relationship. I can't wait to see what happens next between them and Adolfito. Dimi is slowly taking baby steps on his way to possibly redeeming himself.
Back to work...hasta pronto!
Absolutely superb! Magnificent! Your recap today was beyond expectations! Thank you!
I haven't finished reading all the comments. I will do so later during my dinner break.
I do angree with everyone that it is a stupid idea to ask JL and Angie to be Laurito's Godparents. I don't understand why Montse and Ale listened to Graceless. Oh, I know why. Because the monkey writers need some more drama to fill those extra capitulos.
INTENSE! That is the word I use to describe the scene between Ale and JL. I can see where a lot of the viewers can be turned off by these two macho men were arguing over Montse. It's hard to explain, and this might sound horrible, so brace yourselves out on the patio. It could be a cultural thing. I hate to admit this, but it didn't totally bother me. I thought this confrontation was more civil than the duel on the beach. I did like the fact that Ale controlled his anger. Especially when JL was so desperately trying to provoke him by telling Ale about him (JL) and Montse making love for the first time. That was a dirty move on JL's part, and I think that Ale demonstrated that he IS smart and is now thinking before reacting. He also showed his maturity by not punching JL's lights out. I didn't expect JL to take it to that level.
Where Ale has a weak point is with BM. I think he sees himself as her older brother, and feels some need to protect her, plus he feels guilty from her 'suicide attempt'. I am hoping that if he doesn't want her to go to jail, he sends her to get some psychiatric help. At least that way, she won't be able to lash out and hurt anyone.
No spoiler here, but I think the monkey writers want Ale to blindly protect BM because in the end it will be BM that hurts Ale the most. BM said that she would rather see Ale behind bars than with Montse. Maybe this will be Ale's wake up call about how evil BM really is.
I was happy to see the flashback scene with Ale and Rosario. Thank goodness Rosario is there for Ale. It makes such a difference when you have the good advice from your mama.
Loving the Dimi, Fina relationship. I can't wait to see what happens next between them and Adolfito. Dimi is slowly taking baby steps on his way to possibly redeeming himself.
Back to work...hasta pronto!
EJ, great suggestion! I'd love to meet Cap'n Sylvia and not just because our high didn't even crack 20 and we're getting more snow on Saturday and Sunday! :D
LaPaloma, thank you for that update on Stephen Covey. . .he has merely transitioned to a higher frequency and I think he would love EJ's use of his wonderful work! :D
Also ITA re Dimmie and Fina: Hoping for the day when he and Fina melt into each other's arms. Really enjoying their story.
LaPaloma, thank you for that update on Stephen Covey. . .he has merely transitioned to a higher frequency and I think he would love EJ's use of his wonderful work! :D
Also ITA re Dimmie and Fina: Hoping for the day when he and Fina melt into each other's arms. Really enjoying their story.
EJ: wow! Everyone was right. What a great recap!
Looks like there's quite a bit I can skip tonight when I watch the ep. The only storyline I'm interested in at the moment is the Dim/Fina one. I would have also added JL/Angie, but JL's gone stupid.
How many eps is this thing supposed to be? 165? 180? 200+? 10,000?
Looks like there's quite a bit I can skip tonight when I watch the ep. The only storyline I'm interested in at the moment is the Dim/Fina one. I would have also added JL/Angie, but JL's gone stupid.
How many eps is this thing supposed to be? 165? 180? 200+? 10,000?
Permalink posted by : Friday, February 28, 2014 at 5:27:00 PM EST
: Friday, February 28, 2014 at 5:27:00 PM EST
Its supposed to have 160-163 episodes like any other extended univision telenovela ,we will see.And i also like Dims transformation,i hope he joins the Marina!
Elna June - The party's over, but I must add to the praise for your marvelous, creative recap. Lovely morning treat.
Dim seems like the only character ready for Covey's 7-point plan. Fun to see Dim take on Gracie and join with Tomas to protect Fina. He needs to join the good guys cause he has the smarts.
Okay, JL and Angie are a poor choice for godparents from the baby's point of view, but it's nice to see Angie so joyful about it. She trying to cram so much life in her last days. I actually feel Angie's excitement about the christening more than I feel Montse's. There's no cultural taboo against getting a replacement godmom when Angie's gone, right?
Dim seems like the only character ready for Covey's 7-point plan. Fun to see Dim take on Gracie and join with Tomas to protect Fina. He needs to join the good guys cause he has the smarts.
Okay, JL and Angie are a poor choice for godparents from the baby's point of view, but it's nice to see Angie so joyful about it. She trying to cram so much life in her last days. I actually feel Angie's excitement about the christening more than I feel Montse's. There's no cultural taboo against getting a replacement godmom when Angie's gone, right?
Aren't JL and Angie just one set of godparents? The other set are Victor and Nadia, who will hopefully both have a long life, and hopefully end up together by the end.
Vivi,
In regard to Nadia and Victor being Laurito's "other" Godparents. In last night's epi, Nadia told Montse that she was disappointed that she (Nadia) was not going to be Laurito's Godmother. Montse said that Ale didn't want Pedro as the Godfather because he did not like or trust him.
It is a custom (or rule, I'm not sure)that if the woman or man chosen to be a Godparent is married, then their spouse is the Godmother/father. So, since Nadia is married, Pedro would be the Godfather. This marries rule only applies to the Baptism. When a child has their First Communion, at about the age of 8-10, their is another Godparent. But from what I remember, you only need one person. The next step is your Confirmation celebrated in the 10th grade; so at about 15 years of age. Again, you need only one Godparent.
Sorry if I bored you with all the information.
Back to work...hasta pronto!
In regard to Nadia and Victor being Laurito's "other" Godparents. In last night's epi, Nadia told Montse that she was disappointed that she (Nadia) was not going to be Laurito's Godmother. Montse said that Ale didn't want Pedro as the Godfather because he did not like or trust him.
It is a custom (or rule, I'm not sure)that if the woman or man chosen to be a Godparent is married, then their spouse is the Godmother/father. So, since Nadia is married, Pedro would be the Godfather. This marries rule only applies to the Baptism. When a child has their First Communion, at about the age of 8-10, their is another Godparent. But from what I remember, you only need one person. The next step is your Confirmation celebrated in the 10th grade; so at about 15 years of age. Again, you need only one Godparent.
Sorry if I bored you with all the information.
Back to work...hasta pronto!
Vivi,
I don't think there can be more than one set of Godparents. Even if one of them is terminally ill.
I don't think there can be more than one set of Godparents. Even if one of them is terminally ill.
Never ever boring Aunty Ann. Cultural information is ALWAYS interesting. I'm sure I speak for everybody. (gee, that sounds presumptuous...but really, we're all here to learn...)
JudyB, it's OK to speak for the group. We ARE here to learn, that's why we call our habit, er I mean learning, a Study Group.
Hah!...I remember when Carlos coined that term. Yes, indeed...we're not addicted to crap TV, we're part of an Español Study Group. So there.
That's a shame. Being married to Pedro disqualifies Nadia. She should fix that problem. By the end of this tn, I'm pretty sure Lauro is going to need new godparents.
Late comment to all you lovely commenters;
Thank you all so much for coming by. Life got in the way of my responding to all of your trenchant comments individually, but please know that I really enjoy your thoughts and opinions.
Hasta Pronto,
Elna June
Thank you all so much for coming by. Life got in the way of my responding to all of your trenchant comments individually, but please know that I really enjoy your thoughts and opinions.
Hasta Pronto,
Elna June
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Permalink posted by : Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 4:11:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 4:11:00 PM EDT
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