Women's Quarter Series: Nina Otero-Warren

Nina Otero-Warren: A Trailblazer in Education and Politics

I found the amazing Nina Otero-Warren's quarter in my office drawer. I must have stashed it away without looking and came across it last week. Her contributions to education and women's rights are truly inspiring and can remind us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, even if it's not your own culture. Also, the fact that my favorite suffragette, Dr. Alice Paul, requested Nina to head the 1917 New Mexico chapter of the Congressional Union (precursor to the National Woman’s Party) warmed my heart. It's reported that Alice Paul and other suffragists had realized that the support of the Hispanos of New Mexico was crucial to winning suffrage, so Nina was an ideal choice. Being a strong woman, Nina insisted that suffrage literature be published in both English and Spanish, to reach the widest audience. And on that note, it feels appropriate to provide a Spanish version of this blog post too. I used ChatGPT to provide it below the last photograph. Any errors in the translation using that program are unintentional.

Quick facts:

• As a Republican party nominee, she was one of the first Mexican-American women to run for political office in the U.S. congress but it was reported that with her stance on Spanish-language instruction in schools, a drive for the employment of Hispanic teachers, and news of her divorcing her cavalry office husband once she learned that he had a common-law wife and children in the Philippines, ultimately cost her the election
  
  
• Following in her mom's footsteps of being an activist for social and educational developments, she was controversial in her advocacy for bilingual education in New Mexico schools while also fighting so that Native American children weren't sent to boarding schools that were off their reservations.
  
  
• Due to prejudice against divorced women, Nina would claim to be a widow, which is why she continued to use Otero-Warren.
  
  
• The words on her quarter next to her likeness is Spanish for the suffragist slogan, "Votes for Women."
  
  

Sienna photograph of Nina in a stylish hat, glasses, and business coat

 

My favorite photo of her laughing - she is a senior citizen;
still wearing a beautifully stylish hat.

Spanish Version: 

Nina Otero-Warren: Una Pionera en la Educación y la Política

Encontré la increíble moneda de Nina Otero-Warren en el cajón de mi oficina. Debo haberla guardado sin mirarla y la encontré la semana pasada. Sus contribuciones a la educación y los derechos de las mujeres son realmente inspiradoras y nos recuerdan la importancia de preservar el patrimonio cultural, incluso si no es tu propia cultura. Además, el hecho de que mi sufragista favorita, la Dra. Alice Paul, solicitara a Nina que encabezara el capítulo de Nuevo México de la Unión del Congreso en 1917 (precursor del Partido Nacional de la Mujer) me llenó el corazón de calidez. Se informa que Alice Paul y otras sufragistas se dieron cuenta de que el apoyo de los hispanos de Nuevo México era crucial para ganar el sufragio, por lo que Nina fue una elección ideal. Siendo una mujer fuerte, Nina insistió en que la literatura del sufragio se publicara tanto en inglés como en español, para llegar al mayor público posible. Y en esa nota, me parece apropiado proporcionar también una versión en español de esta entrada del blog. Utilicé ChatGPT para proporcionarla a continuación de la última fotografía. Cualquier error en la traducción usando ese programa es involuntario.

Datos rápidos:

• Como candidata del Partido Republicano, fue una de las primeras mujeres mexicano-americanas en postularse para un cargo político en el Congreso de los Estados Unidos, pero se informó que su postura sobre la instrucción en español en las escuelas, su impulso para la contratación de maestros hispanos, y la noticia de su divorcio de su esposo oficial de caballería una vez que se enteró de que tenía una esposa de hecho y niños en Filipinas, finalmente le costaron la elección.

• Siguiendo los pasos de su madre como activista por el desarrollo social y educativo, fue controvertida en su defensa de la educación bilingüe en las escuelas de Nuevo México, mientras luchaba para que los niños nativos americanos no fueran enviados a internados que estuvieran fuera de sus reservaciones.

• Debido a los prejuicios contra las mujeres divorciadas, Nina afirmaba ser viuda, por lo que continuó usando el apellido Otero-Warren.

• Las palabras en su moneda junto a su imagen son en español para el lema sufragista, "Votos para Mujeres".

  "Una fotografía de Nina en un sombrero elegante, gafas y abrigo de negocios."
  "Mi foto favorita de ella riendo - es una persona mayor; aún lleva un sombrero bellamente elegante."

Staying S.A.N.E. During Election Season: Vote & Chill

Image 1. shows a woman voting. Image 2. shows same woman at home relaxing.

Welcome to my little survival guide for navigating the treacherous waters of the upcoming election season. In this post, we'll explore some easy strategies for keeping our cool while the U.S. political sphere spins around. Here is my simple acronym to remind us to take care of ourselves: S.A.N.E.

Sane: (adjective) Having a healthy mind; showing good judgment and understanding.

I've never seen so many of us red-faced as with our highly charged political climate. Anxiety is rampant even before casting our votes or awaiting results. This year, I'm taking a different approach. Once I've chosen the candidates I will vote for [see below], I'm shifting my focus back to my life. America is full of stressed-out people sharing memes, articles, and engaging in debates. While I've done my fair share in the past, this year it feels fruitless so instead I will make my decisions, vote, and chill. 

Here's how I hope to keep my sanity:

S - Shut Off: Unplugging for Mental Health

In the midst of political noise, I will disconnect. I will set boundaries to limit news and social media. Instead, I have decided to engage in more offline activities and rediscover some hobbies or try some new ones.

A - Actively Disengage Arguments: Navigating Political Discourse

I will still challenge divisive rhetoric by helping to cultivate empathy for differing viewpoints but I will also exercise my right to say that I've made my decisions and don't want to engage in further discussions. I want to navigate political discourse with grace and encourage those around me to be mature and do the same.

N - Nurture My Body: Engaging in Physical Activity & Fresh Food

I will take care of my physical well-being by engaging in some consistent exercise. Whether it's a brisk walk or Qigong, I know that physical activity helps reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall health. Also, I have to make sure I am really nourishing myself with the right foods. Sometimes when stressed, I will go for an easy option that is not always the best for me.

E - Embrace Appreciation, My Family & Friends

I will focus more on being thankful for the great things in my life. I want to reflect and express gratitude for little things and cherished moments much more. Refocusing on my life, family, and my personal well-being is healthy.

I can hear naysayers' question, "But what if the election results are unfavorable and democracy seems to be at risk?" Then, my friend, you can adopt the following plan with me! No matter your political leaning, if the election goes poorly for the US you can:

* Stay Informed * Get Involved in Advocacy Groups * Contact Representatives *
* Support Legal Challenges * Stay United with Advocates *

Ultimately, even if some people label my S.A.N.E. goal as selfish, I know in my spirit that my mental and physical health are vital aspects of my life right now. I hope you too will prioritize your own well-being too. ❤️

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*Side note: let's not forget that the US Presidential election is only one position we are voting for! These other elections are so important. 

U.S. Senate: Approximately one-third of the 100 seats in the Senate will be up for election. 

U.S. House of Representatives: All 435 seats will be up for election, as they are every two years. 

Governors: Several states will hold gubernatorial elections. 

State Legislatures: Many states will have elections for their state legislatures, including both upper and lower houses. 

Local Offices: Various local positions, such as mayors, city council members, and school board members, will also be on the ballot. 

Ballot Measures: Voters in some states may also be asked to vote on various ballot measures and referendums.

A Poet’s Canvas: Composing Amongst Cattails and Calm Waters

Tree with mixed green leaves in front of a lake shoreline of cattails.
Baby blue skies and long white clouds.

This summer, I will again embrace the beauty of nature and the joy of poetry during some tranquil breakfast picnics by the lake. Recently, I indulged in two blissful hours of reading and writing. The peaceful scene inspired me to pen some free verse that captures the essence of the moment. “The Grace of Silver Droplets” reflects the shared yet solitary experience of two people connecting with nature and themselves.

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**The Grace of Silver Droplets**

Lakeside, as morning unfurls with a gentle stretch,
my poetry finds form before the geese even herald the sun.
In this park, solitude is a shared presence with others, yet in essence, alone.

A fisherman,
in silent silhouette a stone's throw from shore,
hushes his vessel.
His boat drifts along, cradled by calm,
towards wispy cattails. 

Upon the grass,
soft silver droplets linger for the sun's warm kiss.
Each blade glistens,
as do the shimmering waves,
sparkling like silver sequins upon the lake's gown.

This day, we find our own harmony
and peace moves between us with the elegance of a passing dragonfly.
Our minutes unfold into memories and we enjoy this time.
His joy his, and mine is mine.

From Wishes to Witness: The Materialization of a Forgotten Dream

In the quiet corners of our digital archives, memories lie dormant—
the tiniest of seeds planted in the fertile soil of our imagination.

Do you ever scroll through your old Pinterest boards? I did the other day. I came across my "Tiny Homes" inspiration board while doing a digital detox to consider deleting old boards that may not be needed any longer.

Suddenly there it was, the Coho Cottage. Mr. Ross Chaplin's creation—a whimsical fusion of wood and wonder that captured my heart back in 2009. Its walls whispered of cozy evenings of reading by the wood-burning stove, warm breezy mornings on the porch, and moon views from a gable window. I used to picture myself there as a part of its story, weaving my own chapters into its timbered frame.

But life has a way of nudging us toward unexpected paths, doesn’t it? When the time came to choose a home, practicality won over whimsy. A brick 3-2-2 starter home became the best choice and my cottage dreams faded into the background, gathering digital dust.

Then today—a serendipitous moment when pixels and nostalgia collided. There it was, the little red cottage, resurfacing like a long-lost friend and in a moment of clarity, it dawned on me that the essence of the Coho cottage was mirrored in the charm of my Okie Blue Bungalow. My heart fluttered when I saw the similarities: bold colors met crisp white fascia and trim, gables stood confident each with three steadfast planks, and that enchanting front porch that beckons us to sit a spell.

Is it mere coincidence, or something more? Some call it manifesting—the art of creating reality from desire. Or perhaps God gave me a gift by weaving threads of familiarity into my memory when I was house hunting in 2022. Either way, my home now stands as a testament to the magic of reverie.

And I’ve realized that dreams, even forgotten ones, find their way.

So, my dear reader and dreamer, keep pinning your hopes and writing your lists. For who knows which ones await rediscovery and perhaps, just beyond the next scroll, lies one that has come to fruition which at one time you thought you could only have dreamed for.

 The tapestry of a home is woven with the threads of dreams once whispered to the night sky. - silver trumpets

 

A Drive to Remember: The Importance of a Get-Home-Bag

 

My Get-Home Bag (GHB) - shown in front but I usually wear it on my back

Today started like any other day. The sky was clear, and the roads were good, but the humidity was brutal. I have a 1-hour commute to work through rural areas and across state lines. I was about 40 minutes into my drive when Google Maps routed me to take an unusual exit. I know my way to work but always run Google maps in case anything changes and today there was a flood warning due to thunderstorms the night before, so I trusted it.

I'm glad I did. Google directed me to a side road to bypass a flooded roadway however, there would still be a 40+ minute traffic jam. Even with the alternative route, the traffic was slow, and fellow commuters were impatient. Some tried crossing over to the frontage roads but ended up stranded in mud so deep they couldn't even exit their vehicles. So I decided to just take it easy, crank up my music, and not stress.

Suddenly, while in stop-and-go traffic, my engine sputtered. The engine light came on and it struggled to accelerate. I turned off the radio and AC to listen, and it was clearly having issues. Since I was about to enter a two-lane construction zone with no shoulder, I pulled over. Then more warning lights appeared, and it stopped running.

So, there I was, stranded just outside a construction zone with the service road closed and miles of traffic around me. I knew it would take forever for my husband or a tow truck to reach me and I just couldn't sit there for hours. I checked the map and saw a high school down the road. If I walked there, then I thought my husband might be able to drive some back roads to get there and pick me up. The school was the only building in the area, with no other businesses for miles, and it was about a 10-minute walk away. So, I grabbed my cross-body purse and the get-home bag I leave in my car. I had to walk up the highway, cross a large muddy ditch in my business clothes [I'm sure the onlookers were amused] and backtrack down the closed service road to hike to the school.

There was a young lady sitting outside the high school when I walked up asking if I could use the restroom. She agreed but informed me they were in a power outage! Ha, of course they were. Luckily, I had a flashlight in my bag. I walked down a dark hallway, fitting for a horror movie, to find the restroom. I also had a battery backup for my phone, water, and a small battery-powered fan, which was quite a lifesaver as it got very warm in the building but was too humid outside to wait for my husband.

As a mini prepper, I never knew if I'd truly need my GHB but today I was so grateful to have it! This all worked brilliantly. I was prepared and didn't have to just sit in my car helpless.

In the photograph above of my bag, you’ll notice a couple of things. First, my bag is a small cross-body sling. Because I also carry a purse, a smaller bag forces me to be selective and not overload myself in case I need to abandon my car--like today. Most GHB's you'll see people suggest are simply too cumbersome. Additionally, this bag seems less "survivalist," allowing me to blend in better if I had issues in an urban environment. By the way, this is the same bag I grab during tornado warnings, so it serves multiple purposes.

What happened to me today is why I encourage contingency planning! Make a get-home bag for your car. It's not just something alarmists talk about on YouTube; it’s practical. Here’s what I have in mine:

• Flashlight
• Knife, section of paracord
  
• Change of clothes; including socks
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer; mask
  
• Battery-powered fan
• Thermos of water
• Hat;  trinket box of essentials
  
• Battery power bank
  
• Spare pair of eyeglasses
• My medication
• Mylar blankets; Hand warmers (so I don't have to update it in the winter)
  
• Work gloves 

**Many items are actually in zip-lock bags, so I have those if I need them. I also keep a spare pair of old tennis shoes in the car but was already wearing tennis shoes so going through a few inches of mud was no problem.

I hope this convinces you that being prepared makes a huge difference. Don’t wait for an emergency to get ready. Make your GHB today!

 

Short view of my walk today.