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Very interesting Mike, and the photos you included are impressive. It's hard to imagine how people are getting by with all that ash.

The volcano's effect on flights and other aspects of life have been regular occurrences since I've been here. I hope for everyone's sake that you're right that a major eruption is unlikely.

Thanks for the heads up!

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Yes, hopefully it gets through this phase of activity without causing too much negative health affects and population displacements. I read an article wherein a man living in a town beneath the volcano said he couldn't imagine not living under the volcano - that the volcano makes life interesting. Let's hope it doesn't get too interesting!

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Have you read Under the Volcano? I've tried many times and can never get into it. I'd really like to read it though.

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I first read Under the Volcano in my late teens. I found Lowry’s use of language captivating, and the story itself had a profound effect on me (probably a lot of that had to do with my age and impressionability at the time). But it has stuck with me through the years. There is a line in the book, wherein Lowry uses a ferris wheel as a literary device to move the book’s introductory “present” back in time - ““Over the town, in the dark tempestuous night, backwards revolved the luminous wheel”. I once had a photography business, and I named the business “Luminous Wheel”. It is a book that really wormed itself into my brain, for whatever reason. And it deepened my curiosity about Mexico. I owe it a lot.

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There is a movie, Under The Volcano. I prefer visuals.

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Oh yeah that's right. I keep forgetting about that. I'll have to look to see where I can view it. Thanks :)

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Hello Tracey, I am just noting you write stories about Mexico! The movie, Under The Volcano, is easy to obtain and watch. I watched it. It is haunting me. Perhaps, the richness of the author's writing can offset /soften the otherwise "tough human reality". I am certainly projecting my own sensitivities. Let us know if you get a chance to watch it. We can continue to dilute Mike's stack with movie reviews. LOL

ps. You never know where the stream-of-consciousness will float you to, Mike.

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May 29, 2023Liked by Mike Leavy

I had no idea about this. Funny how little we hear in the news really. I’m curious if the hot kava rocks being hurled into the air are hitting people or buildings? Or just falling on the unpopulated sides of the volcano?

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The story goes like this....the nuns at the convent in Puebla had an unexpected visit from the bishop or some such church royalty. They broke the neck of a turkey and rounded up whatever chiles, and seeds and spices and even chocolate they had and made something called Mole. Maybe we should all visit Puebla sooner than later.

ps. I am trying hard to get my mind off the hot pelting rocks.

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The rocks right now are falling harmlessly on the mountain itself.

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What Aguas Frescas did you and Victor drink from causing you both to sneak in romance into what otherwise might be cautionary story-writing? I have seen El Popo's peak right outside my plane window seat. In that moment, I focused on undying love (versus undying fury as you suggest). I am back. Hard not to. I agree with Victor. The visuals are stunning. Maybe it is time to see the movie Under The Volcano again.

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I blame it on coffee, which I don't think I can technically get away with calling an agua fresca.

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