BajaNomad

Mi nombre

Eli - 9-17-2010 at 02:05 PM

I started to write this explantion on the Viva, Viva, Viva Mexico post and decided that it really deserves it's own space and besides, we were kind of drifting from the orignal purpose of the post by discussing my name there.

I sure didn't mean to ruffle feathers, I really do belive that gender really is irrelevant to what we have to say.

Honestly, just thought all these years that most everyone knew I was a woman. And when k-rico brought it up, I thought; oh he is new to reading my posts, (I haven't posted much the last couple of years and he and others that didn't know me from the past would like to know).

I always thought Eli pronounced L-E was a common nickname for Elizabeth.
Maybe because I think in Spanish as well as English.

I also acknowledge that Eli pronounced E-lie a common name for a male in Hebrew.

I still think Eli is ambiguous.

My true and legal name is Sally Elizabeth. Here in Mexico I have been called Sara or Sarita since I was kid, (for what that is worth).

When I first stated posting on the old Baja Amigos board, it was almost all male contributors. Two things that I did not want to influence peoples perspective of what I said was in regard to my gender or who my father was. I wanted my words to stand on their own. Of course, that was only the first year more or less, and than once I had established myself neither mattered anymore. And I still don't think it does.

Oh, and not that this is relevant to my opinions and how I express myself, I am just a plain and simple ol hetero-female.

Woooosh - 9-17-2010 at 02:11 PM

"I am just a plain and simple ol hetero-female"

I think the lesbian "Elizabeths" go by Lezzi... lol

I have never given gender a second thought when reading posts or looking at screen names. It may matter to some people- but I def know better than to match wits with a woman at a keyboard. In person I can hold my own- but let a woman sit and simmer in front of a computer... and I'm toast. It's better for me not to know.

[Edited on 9-17-2010 by Woooosh]

Sallysouth - 9-17-2010 at 03:36 PM

From one Sally to another, I can say that I love reading your posts and think you are one very special woman! Nice to hear your voice again Sara!!

Eli - 9-17-2010 at 03:46 PM

Hi Sally, Good to connect again.

Wooosh, good point.

By the way Wooosh is ambigous on the gender as is K-rico and Lee, now that I think of it, hummmmm. Why do I think Y'all are guys, and who cares...........

Udo - 9-17-2010 at 04:16 PM

Looks like we all need to start posting our photos as our avatars to end the confusion.:yes:

I'm with woooosh, when reading posts,:O they all appear gender-neutral.;)

sanquintinsince73 - 9-17-2010 at 05:13 PM

Me da igual, Eli. Me gusta reading your post's.

No Gender Confusion for Me

Gypsy Jan - 9-17-2010 at 05:40 PM

Hi Eli (Sara),

Your voice has always been distinctive; your posts are something that I read and savor over and over again

I was never concerned or confused (well, really I never cared) about your gender.

The way you write, the pictures you paint in words are too valuable to be classified in he/she ID ghettos.

Just my humble opinion as a human being.

[Edited on 9-18-2010 by Gypsy Jan]

k-rico - 9-17-2010 at 05:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Your gender seems blatantly obvious by how you write. I never even gave it a second thought.
Saludos.


That's an interesting comment. I was the one who thought Eli was male when I commented on the following and used masculine pronouns to refer to Eli, probably just because I have a friend named Eli, and he's a he.

How does the following convey the gender of the writer?

Originally posted by Eli

"Dennis, I am certainly your friend, after all I am a friendly sort of soul. I admit that I have always walked in my own little world, you are right I don't want to see the problems, I cannot resolve them, so I look for the good where ever I can find it. One of my favorite games is to see if I can get a groucy clerk in a store to smile, not always, but usually I can.

I have always been in awe of the graciousness of humanity, more than not where ever I go people are kind to me. I prefer to walk among the people who live a simple life as I do, maybe that is why. I really don't know why I am so blessed, but I sure do like my world."

DENNIS - 9-17-2010 at 06:04 PM

So...why are you saying this???? You're a bit more vocal these days than you've been in the past.

What's up in your life that you seem to be drawing your friends to join?
I'm only curious, Eli, as I tend to be.

DENNIS - 9-17-2010 at 06:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
Your voice has always been distinctive; your posts are something that I read and savor over and over again

I was never concerned or confused (well, really I never cared) about your gender.

The way you write, the pictures you paint in words are too valuable to be classified in he/she ID ghettos.

Just my humble opinion as a human being.



Wonderful sentiment, Jan.....so well written.

Skipjack Joe - 9-17-2010 at 06:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico

How does the following convey the gender of the writer?


I think you can. Here's one of Eli's fairly recent posts which I think clearly convey her gender.
Quote:
Originally posted by Eli

I do know that when it is time to come home to Baja, every day for the last week or so I start counting the days; 7 more nights and I will be home in my own bed, 6 more days and I will be able to take a shower in my own beautiful bathroom, 5 more nights and I will see the stars again, 4 more mornings and I will see the sun rising off the Sea of Cortez, 3 more days and hopefully Tio Cat will be meowing Grammmms at me, (although my grandson always puts out food and water for him, my cat pretty much disappears when I leave and is a bit lean when I return, I wonder where he hangs when I am gone?), anyway, two more afternoons and I will be hugging my family at the airport, just one more day and night I will finally be HOME sweet home!

bajafam - 9-17-2010 at 07:13 PM

Hmmm, didn't really give it much thought, though I suppose from the Viva Mexico thread I assumed Eli was a male. Not sure why though...I guess because I have a male cousin named Eli. At any rate, I find your posts very eloquent and lovely to read. So, thank you for that!

k-rico - 9-17-2010 at 07:21 PM

Skipjack Joe,

There's certainly a feminine tenderness to those words. Interesting topic.

[Edited on 9-18-2010 by k-rico]

Eli - 9-17-2010 at 07:23 PM

Jan, how truly eloquent, how kind of you to say.

Skip Jack, Your right, the grammmmms is a dead give away. I had forgotten that I had written that, I wonder was it a year or two ago.

K-rico; As I assume you agree and most everyone will concur, gender doesn't matter, sometimes it comes thru in my writing, most likely much of the time, but not always.

Kate; You can call me anything, but late for dinner, jeje. Someday, I am going to make it to La Paz to one of those Nomad meets, and I hope we finally do sit down to break bread.

Sanquinteen, thank you, another proof that gender is ambivalent.

Soulpatch, what is obvious to one leaves another obliviously in the dark. Don't know why I said that, it just flowed so nicely, I have to leave it here.

Udo, your proof positive, that a picture doesn't help, I think you are the guy in the picture, but sometimes I wonder if you both are sharing the writing.

Dennis, why did I say what I said when I commented to you that I am certainly your friend, etc. ect.? I felt your comment compeled me to explain my perspective of the Mexican community, which is really how I see the whole world. I am kind of naive, and I like me like that. I am almost 60, I don't think that my wonder of humanity is ever going to change, hope not!

Or why am I commenting on who I am? I guess because Lee kind of jumped me about my perspective on the gender issues related to my calling myself Eli and I felt the need to explain.

Or why am I writing now, when I am usually quite and sometimes don't even visit the board for months at a time?
I bet if one looks back on the dating of my post, they would find that most have been written in the summer, when I am (happily) alone and far from home, but for sure I miss Baja. I note that many who write here are craving Baja as they write.

Unlike my need to paint, which is absolutely daily, the urge to write is hot and cold. I write when I have something to say, most of the time, I have nothing to convey.

bajafam - 9-17-2010 at 07:45 PM

Me too Eli!! There are days when the word sjust come tumbling out faster than I can get them to line up coherently on paper (or screen) and then there are days when I just listen. Please, don't feel the need to explain yourself...or your name...or your gender. Please, just continue to grace us with your words when you have something to say. And your thoughts when you don't .

Thank You

Gypsy Jan - 9-17-2010 at 08:33 PM

Eli, all I said was truth.

Dennis, thank you for your kind comments.

Natalie Ann - 9-17-2010 at 08:47 PM

Eli by any other name would still be... sweet Sarita.:yes:
Abrazos fuerte a ti, amiga.

nena

Udo - 9-17-2010 at 09:01 PM

Thanks, Eli (my mother's name also). :tumble:
My wife Jana never posts on this board, but she is a Baja trooper and I'm so proud of her that she loves Baja as much as I do and we can fully share our passion. She deserves to be in the photo with me.:bounce:
Quote:
Originally posted by Eli

Udo, you're proof positive, that a picture doesn't help, I think you are the guy in the picture, but sometimes I wonder if you both are sharing the writing.

Sallysouth - 9-17-2010 at 09:05 PM

Yep, what Natalie said!!

Thinking back

Baja Bernie - 9-18-2010 at 05:43 AM

Sara, I don't know why but as I read your 'mother' post, Viva Baja, and now this one my heart takes me back to a young lady who had just crossed the border to be with her father...the guy we all know as Jimmy Smith. I remember how introverted she was and just plain scared by being in the States.

These feelings are then coupled with my picture of the same young lady looking so lost in the Tijuana Airport as she helped her dad on his last trip back to Los Barilles.

I felt that I was back in Barilles visiting with your family and how your granddaughter taught this old guy...how to properly fold freshly washed clothes..."No! like this". Your grandson and his comment about his grand papa scratching his back...Yep! I remeber so many things.

The things you have brought to your family and the role you have played in Baja...and the land of the little people would amaze the casual visitor.


Thank you for allowing me to name you friend and more.

"Eli"

Pompano - 9-18-2010 at 06:03 AM

Eli....I hate to be the one who tells you this...but..



In addition to being a female....You are Norsk..Norwegian. Seek help immediately.


Eli: Norwegian and Danish short form of ELIZABETH or ELIN

Eli - 9-18-2010 at 06:29 AM

OMG- and now I am Norsk, geeez, I think I am due for an identity crisis!

And it gets even worse;

Sally Elizabeth Lask on my passport & voter registration

Sally Elizabeth Smith Seaman on my IMMS card

Sara de La Vos on my business cards

Sara Lask by the guy that runs the grocery store here on the corner

Eli on Baja Nomad

VOS on Thorn Tree

I am called:

Grams by my grandkids.

Sal by daughter

Sally by my son-in-law and by many of my friends.

Sarita de La Vos, Dona Sara, Dona Sarita or just plain Sara or Sarita by many who know and love me............

And I was called Sala Beth, ONLY BY MY DAD, and that was when he wanted to tease me.



[Edited on 9-18-2010 by Eli]

Eli - 9-18-2010 at 06:41 AM

Bernie, Your reminders of that moment in a not so easy time evoked a few sweet tears, yep, I get lost when I cross that boarder going North, and I did not need to be, everyone was so kind and helpful, you especially!

As everyone generally is kind to me on this board.

Nena, Sally will we connect at the gallery this year? I have created and bought some really fun new stuff that I would love to share with you.

Udo, I think you live in my neighborhood, can't help but believe that you and your wife must have stopped in at Caleb's at sometime and used the John down in the gallery? Please say hi, next time we meet and I will be happy to buy you both a cup of coffee.

Bajafam, it is fun, ain't it?

O.k., it looks like it is finally stopped raining, I am going to go do stuff.

gnukid - 9-18-2010 at 06:42 AM

I'm looking forward to the One Woman Show "Mi Nombre Eli" touring this year!

Standing Ovation - NY Times

Compelling - The Post

The Greatest One Woman Show of All Time - ElSudCaliforniano

oldlady - 9-18-2010 at 06:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Eli
I sure didn't mean to ruffle feathers, I really do belive that gender really is irrelevant to what we have to say.


You go, PERSON! Rah!

Pompano - 9-18-2010 at 07:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by oldlady
Quote:
Originally posted by Eli
I sure didn't mean to ruffle feathers, I really do belive that gender really is irrelevant to what we have to say.


You go, PERSON! Rah!





Just a minute here!


shari - 9-18-2010 at 07:14 AM

I LOVE THIS THREAD....and just am bursting at the heart to hang out with you Eli and hopefully some of your parientes...sit around a fire and hear your stories!!! cant wait for spring....

oldlady - 9-18-2010 at 07:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano




Just a minute here!




All that just for co-pilot's "additional rib", are you a lucky coot or what? Ain't technology grand? ;D

wessongroup - 9-18-2010 at 07:22 AM

Must say I'm the last to know... really lame.. some folks show up ... but others do not... or their posts do not reveal their gender (to me), like I said I'm a bit slow...

I'm a little better on pictures... they have no gender what so ever to me.... oh, my just saw Pompano's pictures pop up....

Well, I try and read the thoughts and/or thought within the posts... first...

And I thank all who have such great ability to express themselves so well and share it all ... who ever they are... as your all great ... thanks..

wilderone - 9-18-2010 at 07:55 AM

Ellie (!) - I'm curious now - maybe a bit out of the loop of previous posts in case you've explained - but who were your father and grandfather? Tell us stories - thanks.

durrelllrobert - 9-18-2010 at 09:56 AM

Thanks for your last U2U. did you have any damage or flooding from huricane karl ?

toneart - 9-18-2010 at 10:33 AM

Eli,

Although you don't post often, until the last few days, I remember you as a mother and an artist. I also remember the photos of your artwork a couple of years ago. Your life and your work is impressive!

I too, know the mainland well. I lived in San Miguel de Allende and plied my arts there; glass art and music. I have traveled every bit of the country by auto, train, bus and plane. The country is so diverse. The feeling is entirely different in Veracruz; people dressing in all white; Panama hats; Marimba bands...more Caribbean in flavor. I also remember almost being nearly bowled over at night by giant Norwegian Water Rats, brought in by the ships in the harbor. That must really be a sight, them scurrying down the tie lines, in a hurry for whatever food they can find. I thought they were diving for my ankles. (shudder).

I haven't seen your daughter post here in awhile. It is good to take a break though, occasionally.

Nos vemos en la futura, yo espero!

Tony

Eli - 9-18-2010 at 05:45 PM

Bob, I hear Vera Cruz got flooded, but even though it is only and hr. away, I don't know how bad. I can tell you that Coatapec just got a good drenching. I haven't heard the birds for a couple of days, where do they go when it storms? I have images of hunkered down birds huddled away hiding from the wind and rains.

Wilderone, My dad was Don Jimmy Smith. You can hit the serch button and still find his posts and comments made by many as to who he was. After all he was much loved on this board in the beginging. Someday I will again write my vision of him, but that will have to be another thread on a another day.

Tonart, if you ever make it down my way, let me know, we should sit down over a cup of coffee and chat.

Shari, I am doing some serious dreaming, if I can't bring the family, I think I am coming anyway, the 1st tour of March tempts me mightly. It's on my bucket list and I am not getting any younger.

Pompano, very very funny, I concur, a woman can use a lot of words........ay, yi, yi!!!!!

Sigh............... and with that I think it is about time we put this thread away. I hope my point has been made and most concur Eli is simply a name that can swing both ways.

Saludos, Sarita

[Edited on 9-19-2010 by Eli]

Udo - 9-18-2010 at 06:18 PM

Coffee would be great, Eli.

However, in regards to using the sanitario at Caleb's...we could have stopped there but I need to be enlightened as to which town the "Gallery" is in.
We may not have been paying attention when we stopped there.
Quote:
Originally posted by Eli

Udo, I think you live in my neighborhood, can't help but believe that you and your wife must have stopped in at Caleb's at sometime and used the John down in the gallery? Please say hi, next time we meet and I will be happy to buy you both a cup of coffee.

Eli - 9-18-2010 at 06:54 PM

The gallery is in the same building as Caleb's restaurant, downstairs at La Casa de Vos, Los Barriles. How far off is your Baja home?

Udo - 9-18-2010 at 07:59 PM

Currently about 1200 miles to the north.
I think you know my neighbor...Stan Houck and his wife, Angelica.

I have been to LB three times, but my wife has not.

However...

We plan on making LB/LR our winter home in our RV (camped in one of the beautiful RV parks). Our summer home will be in Bahia Asunsion.

Sallysouth - 9-18-2010 at 10:14 PM

Sara, I just spoke to Mija Juanita today.We talked about me taking my ol Dad down for the holiday, probably Thanksgiving but maybe Christmas. Will you be in LB then?I would love to see you again.She lives in El Tule now, but I can get to LB if you are there.U2 me ?,another Sally!!
;D

The Many Faces of Sara

Eli - 9-19-2010 at 04:36 AM

And just when we thought this thread was finally dead. I do like to act, and every year Shakespeare comes to Los Barriles. Here are a few of my characters that I have put togeather to show that no one really knows.

[Edited on 9-19-2010 by Eli]

Many faces of Sara.JPG - 44kB

wilderone - 9-19-2010 at 08:13 AM

"... my dad was Don Jimmy Smith"
No need to say more - now I understand. I've read the books, I HAVE the books - brazos

Eli - 9-19-2010 at 08:23 AM

Udo- next time your in L.B. and have an extra minute or two, Y'all come by and say hi.

I won't be there until mid Nov. at earlist. I am in and out of the gallery, so if you can U2U me, I will make a point of being there to greet you myself.

Bajatripper - 9-20-2010 at 01:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Eli


Or why am I commenting on who I am? I guess because Lee kind of jumped me about my perspective on the gender issues related to my calling myself Eli and I felt the need to explain.


Does this mean that someone has an issue with you, Eli? 'Cause you know where you need to take it if it's an issue someone has with you:lol::lol::lol:

Eli - 9-20-2010 at 03:39 PM

The only thing that immeditaly comes to mind is the Great Turkey of San Ignacio?

Bajatripper - 9-22-2010 at 02:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Eli
The only thing that immeditaly comes to mind is the Great Turkey of San Ignacio?


Sorry, Eli, I should have been more specific. There have been two threads now, one saying that someone had issues with him and that he was interested if the same went for others, and the second one, where someone said that nobody had any issues with him so he must be doing something wrong. :lol:

David K - 9-22-2010 at 03:14 PM

Great thread Eli!

It is pretty cool when the children of Nomads (or Amigos de Baja) begin posting here!

Two generation of Baja experiences... Shari & Sirenita, Bajalera & Bajatripper, Jimmy Smith & Eli, zforbes & bajaboy, are there more?

Eli - 9-22-2010 at 03:48 PM

Baja Tripper; I know, whew, so much goes right over my head............some times I am so oblivious, geeez. oh hum.

Yep, maybe someday we will be reading your granddaughters post David, wouldn't that be awesome?

Sara

David K - 9-22-2010 at 03:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Eli
Baja Tripper; I know, whew, so much goes right over my head............some times I am so oblivious, geeez. oh hum.

Yep, maybe someday we will be reading your granddaughters post David, wouldn't that be awesome?

Sara


Yah, she might ask me why I let her (then 12 year old) mother play with a red diamondback (south of L.A. Bay)!!!