Hey ya'll

This is actually the second draft of this entry. Even though I was nearly done I figured on threat of attention spans (I don't think I would've read it all either) I decided to start over.

Well as you can tell by my recent activity I'm still alive. My apologies though for spamming your inbox with my posts. I figure I'd do something after a few months of inactivity. These are some of my better photos I've taken since then.


You'll notice most of them are of 19th century reenactors in action. The event took place on May 9th 2009 at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. The park lies just north of Brownsville, TX (about 1 hour drive from where I live). It seems only on special events are there any living historians/reenactors at the battlefield; this one being my 4th visit. So if you can't tell from the photos, I had an absolute blast. There were supposed to be alot more reenactors there but the whole porky pox scare (swine flu) kept the number down to about 7-8 people who lived in the area. They seemed pretty enthusiastic when I asked if I could join. After a small exchange they said they could use more Mexican soldados, of which I'm more than happy to be. If I can choose which unit, I'd like to go as a soldier of the 4th Line Regiment; either as a regular or a cazador (elite light infantry/sharpshooter armed with a rifle). I was told they could probably use more US infantrymen as well, so it's entirely possible I can switch sides to suit the event. They also invited me to come drill with them sometime this month or in July; I'm just waiting for their reply.

The Battle of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma were the first two battle of the US-Mexican War. The really sad thing is it's a major event that's largely forgotten on most people here in the US and the locals; which is even worse. Not to say the park doesn't get visitors, but every time I visit, I have the entire place to myself. That living history demo I went to, less than 10 people were there with my family included. So if you have the opportunity and means to go, I encourage y'all to do so. Best part is the park is entirely free.



* More info on Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site can be found here.


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** Here's some footage I took of a 6lber cannon being fired at the 163rd anniversary event.


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*** Here's a vid of me demonstrating how sharp cord grass is during my first visit. This stuff litters the battlefield. Keep in mind this was chest high during the time of the Battle of Palo Alto. Despite its green color it actually caught on fire from cannon wadding during the fight on account of its natural volatile oils. Fortunately today there are paths so you don't have to walk through it.


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**** For those interested here's an excellent detailed essay on the Battle of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma provided by the US Army Center of Military History

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More on my arts front. I haven't really been drawing at all these past few months. Just have no drive to do anything, but that's nothing new. There was a mascot contest I was going to enter for a local con but it's to late to really do anything about it since the deadline is this month. I do kinda plan to do a gift for one of my favorite artists though. He/She will remain nameless for the time being since the person collecting these gifts to present this artist intends this thing to be a surprise. That deadline is in July. So if I can get off my butt, I'll get on it.

My projects haven't changed. Priorities are still with that Roman funny animal/anthro graphic novel I'd like to make; including writing the script and making character designs. However I'm also thinking that making one on the Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma would be great on bringing awareness to Palo Alto NHS. Unlike the Roman one it's not going to be funny animal/anthro. So yeah just a thought.


***** TO THOSE I WATCH: I'll fess up. I haven't been critiquing your work because I just don't have the energy too. I know it's selfish and all but the sad fact is I'm pretty lazy about that lately. I figure those that appreciate those long winded critiques of mine wouldn't like some generic "how cute" or "wow that's cool" comment. So I decided not to comment anything at all. I'm really sorry too, I kinda feel like a douche' about it. But I figure ya'll deserved an explanation.




That's all I have for now. I know this post seems long but be thankful you didn't have to read the first one heh. Hurt my eyes just reviewing it.


Take care now!


- Xavi