po County
In sisterhood,
Forever Tango
the area with very little baggage, but with why this combination of rhythms, echoes, cious prosecution, even public burning of
By Alba Balboni heads full of dreams, languages, knowl- memories, thoughts, frustrations, nostalgia, people daring to dance in couples, because
edge, habits, pains and vices. Locally, the loneliness, hopes and hopelessness, longing according to the moral rules of the time “the
Is it fashionable? Is it fascinating? May be… wounds of the genocide perpetrated by the and pain gave birth to this music. It had “a devil will be in between two people dancing
The truth is that it has been around for at government on the indigenous people of the butterfly effect” in the chaotic world of the together”. Waltz was a joyous, festive, enthu-
least 120 years. Many people had tried to region were still open, the stigma of racism beginning of the twenty century. siastic and positive encounter between two
define it, to capture its mystery in a few and slavery was lingering above the region people. Tango came to Europe with all its
words with different degrees of success. It like a toxic cloud, the measureless pain of These flattering of wings started in the subtle complexities and deep meanings. It
remains elusive, escaping language and its the tragic and devastating Paraguayan war, poorest outskirts of the town somehow have came to Europe when the continent was
limitations, because it is a language itself, where the blind ambition of the politicians managed to have universal significance. starting to open up to the mysterious and
it is a music, it is a dance, it is a way of of the country’s neighbors, Argentina, Brazil complicated world of psychoanalysis, and
assuming life and its consequences. and Uruguay, did not have any objections to The simple songs of the beginning evolved its wild search within the exclusive territory
the killing of most of the adult and adoles- into richer and more complex songs. Original of the mind and the soul. It took Europe by
Many still cast shadows over the origin of cent male population of Paraguay in pursuit tunes where enriched by poetic and meta- surprise, offering this unabashed encounter
the name, reluctant to admit the proud of a shameful victory of sorts. Tango came phorical lyrics, singers step into the picture between two real people, in the shivering
African roots of the name Tango, even about in that kind of Historical landscape. to lend presence and originality to all perfor- flesh of their complexities.
when Spanish Dictionaries as early as 1802 mances. The original precarious movements
were using the name and defining it as a A ritual dance was born that night gave way to a complicated dialogue between The music and the dance have continued
house where slaves would meet to cele- From the infinite confrontation two people dancing with the heart and the their evolution; they have been transported
brate reunions and dances, with permission Between man and his destiny, soul as well as the body. Wildly condemned and translated to every corner of the world.
of their masters. Racism is still obscurely Pain, anguish, rebelliousness, dreams. at the beginning by the local aristocrats andIt seems to have its own way of reaching
hiding in the local culture somehow, where Somebody call it tango, the clergy, as an almost pornographic dance, out and grabbing people’s heart. It seems
even local politicians or prestigious news- Nobody knows why or when. was finally accepted after Europe received itto breath, beat and pulse in every corner
papers resort to the use of racial slurs when May be it was God who decided it with enthusiastic open arms. of Buenos Aires. People come from all over
tempers get somehow out of control. From In that latitude and that time. the world to search for hidden clues of its
the names of dances associated with tango, Tango made the trip to the Old Continent magic.
like candombe and milonga to the rhythm As beautifully described by Ridardo Ostundi hidden among the few belongings of the
it will be hard not to admit the African in his poem, Tango was born simultaneously, Fragata Sarmiento’s crew members and In the complex world of today, where people
roots of the tango as it is today. It represents on both banks of the Rio de la Plata, the reached Europe at a very special time. Waltz compulsively grab ear phones and electronic
therefore the largest and longer lasting gift wide unruly brown flow of water that fills the had been accepted as a couple’s dance at the devices to escape reality it offers a different,
of the African people to the people of South wide gash to the heart of South America, on beginning of the XVIII Century. During exhilarating challenge. The meeting of two
America. The 1853 Constitution facilitated the days when communication was difficult the industrial revolution there was a true vulnerable, fragile, delicate human beings
the coming of immigrants to the region and slow, perhaps like a divine inspiration or social struggle trying to establish a public willing to surrender to the mystery of the
and set the rules for the definite abolition of an answer to prayers, coming strictly from place for the couple and the waltz came to moment, to the enchantment of an embrace,
slavery, corroborated years later by laws that the heaven above the mystic river. It was a publicly acknowledge and accept the couple defying differences, distances, ages, color of
declared free all slaves coming to the country time of change, perhaps a time of sorrow as a social unit. According to the French the skin or unsurpassable different ways of
and acquired by masters under foreign laws. for many, of complex emotions and feelings. researcher Remi Hess this dance came after looking at reality.
Millions of immigrants were coming to Nobody has been able to explain how or many centuries of group dances and fero-
My Smiler which was reflected in the invitingly warm a nearby table. I felt like a candle whose flame
blue of his eyes, had captured my attention. had been snuffed out with no warning. I was
Trying to sound politely disinterested, I
asked who else was a member. He named a
My insides felt like an ice cube melting in a restless and bored for the rest of the evening. few people I knew, Mary, Sarah and then...
By Judythe A. Guarnera drink on a hot summer day. Steve. As my heart did calesthentics in my
I convinced myself after a few days that I chest, I cleared my throat and asked, in what
As the Program Director for a divorce I had recently finished a book entitled, had overreacted to that chance encounter. I hoped was a casual voice, “Who’s Steve?”
support group I belonged to, I often was too “Smart Women, Foolish Choices.” It had Fate intervened that very night; my friend
busy at meetings to meet newcomers. The inspired me to open myself to the endless pos- called, begging me to join his support group. “Oh, he’s the new guy, the one who was
group went to Lyons, a local coffee shop, sibilities that new relationships could bring. Lack of attendance had plagued them from sitting next to me at the coffee shop the
after the meeting for dessert and a chance to This was pretty brave for a newly divorced the start. He explained that the therapist in other night.” We then chit chatted for a few
talk in a more relaxed setting. woman, fresh out of an almost thirty-year charge had indicated she wouldn’t continue, minutes, my friend convinced, I hoped, that
marriage. The encounter with “my Smiler,” unless there was at least one more person there was no chance I would join the group.
The officers would often arrive late after as I had already dubbed him, was my first who agreed to come each week. Before I hung up, as nonchalantly as I could,
taking some time to discuss business. One opportunity to try out my new philosophy. I told him I would give the group a try. His
day I was making my way down the tables, My reaction not only startled, but scared I thanked him for asking me, but reminded relief was nothing compared to mine.
stopping to talk to people I knew. I noticed me as well. I was looking for friendship, not him that I had been in the divorce group for
one of my friends sitting next to a man I romance, but something told me that this more than a year and was ready to move onAs I stepped across the threshold the first
had never noticed before. As I chatted with could be the romance of a century. to some non-divorce type activities.
night, I felt a jolt of electricity when I saw
my friend, I realized that I was wishing he “my Smiler” sitting on the couch.
had an “off” button, so I could concen- Unfortunately, “my Smiler” and my friend A visual image of the man with the incred- CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 - SMILER
trate on his seatmate. This new guy’s smile, left a few minutes after I had found a place at ible smile interfered with my thoughts.
Women’s Press February & March 2011 Spirit & Peace 7
I Want to Share Soul Path
These Moments
Alignment
By B.U
By Elaina Geltner
I want the share these moments...
To give up your life, having to care for your parents I have always felt a strong urge to
who are senile, is a difficult task. Suddenly I feel be a catalyst for transformation. It
overwhelmed! With no life! And dedicated to is my greatest joy to be a witness to
them who have become children again. To think people stepping into who they truly
for them and try to guess through their penetrat- are! I always “knew” that if everyone
ing gaze what it is that they are searching for... could just stop trying to be what they
thought would get them love, security,
Nobody is taught to be a caregiver, less of all , for and the approval of others, and instead
your parents, who regress back to being children, be who they truly were, we could have Photo by John Nyberg
taciturn , moody and to try to understand what is the world of our dreams. At the age of
happening to them. It is not easy, one’s life. They are
in another world, dealing every day with this tremen-
16, I began many years of study in the
fields of spiritual, psychological and
Remembering a Wonderful Woman
dous uncertainty that they may leave at anytime. personal growth, trying to find out By Sonia Paz Baronvine
where I fit. I became a massage ther-
Sometimes I wish that this responsibility lie apist, studied Hands-on-Healing, On a cold rainy day, looking out my by yet another physician friend from Peru,
on all their children, but I am the only one left counseled troubled teenagers, worked window at the wet grass on the quiet park, Isabel Ruiz MD ( R.I.P ). Dr Sarmiento
with this. I feel very alone, sad... struggling with with Native American teachers, and I think of my friend Chelita. went to medical school in the University
an emotional load that I have been carrying for taught pre-school, while continuing to of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain graduat-
a long time now. It’s tremendous! But this is the assist others on their Spiritual Paths. That is how we called Doctor Graciela ing in 1984 and she did her residency at
life I must live! What became very clear to me was that Sarmiento, a Peruvian born physician who University of Kansas School of Medicine.
I was not going to find a discipline that died tragically, south of Ensenada, Mexico. We had long conversations about our
I am a Chilean woman, 61, and just living in the encompassed all I was here to do. In my She had gone along a group from San Luis lives in South America, we being neigh-
present. The future does not exist for me... 30’s, I consciously surrendered to being Obispo, California in a mission to Baja bors her from Peru and me from Chile, we
a pioneer and began working closely with the Flying Samaritans, a charitable had similar cultural, culinary and musical
with non-physical teachers, guides and group that does free medical procedures memories. She was married and had three
Smiler Continued: healers to synthesize and refine this for underprivileged/needy people in rural children, I did too.
system. Together, we have created Soul Mexico.
I surreptitiously chose a seat at the opposite Path Alignment which brings together Years later, she saved the life of my oldest
end. I remember little of that evening, other all the different tools, techniques and The Beeachcraft A-36 plane took off from son, when he was an inpatient at Arroyo
than that sensation of an electric current concepts that I have used over the years the San Luis Obispo Airport, and landed Grande Hospital, taking over his medical
connecting me to the blue-eyed smiler. with hundreds of students and clients. in Ensenada, Mexico. It then, took off for treatment and aggressively treating him
Fortunately no one sat between us, or they I am grateful for the privilege of assist- it’s final destination in San Quintin in with antibiotics and thus controlling his
might have gotten caught in the electrical ing people in finding out what they are Baja California. At about 15 miles south rampant infection. I was forever in her debt.
crossfire. doing here and how to do it. of Ensenada, the pilot called the control
tower and said he was climbing to get I attended a Catholic Mass in her honor,
I left that night, plotting how I could see above heavy fog... radio contact was lost along my son now a young man, at Saint
more of this man. When I heard that a well- around 2 PM. Patrick’s Church in Arroyo Grande,
known politician would be speaking at the Elaina Geltner is the co- founder California. At least 600 or more people
university, I called several friends from the and director of QuietStar Center The people aboard the plane were Roger were there, the church was filled with teary
support group, suggesting that we attend for Transformation, an ordained Lyon an attorney and pilot from Cayucos, eyed family members, friends, colleagues,
the speech. I boldly added that I would be minister, the originator of Soul Path Doctor James Thornton MD a plastic patients and neighbors. We heard about
willing to call Steve, as we could all fit in Alignment™ and the creator of a line surgeon from San Luis Obispo, Andrew Graciela’s kindness and tenderness, about
his van. Then I asked Steve to pick me up of Transformational Essential Oils. Theil a Cal Poly Student and Paramedic and what a great woman she was, a great wife,
first, so I could direct him to the homes of Bringing 35 years experience as a body- my friend Doctor Graciela Sarmiento MD mom, daughter, sister, friend, neighbor and
the others. I made sure that I sat next to him worker and intuitive healer, she is now a physician who worked at the Community a super doctor.
at the event, and then hustled to reclaim my teaching and writing so others can learn Health Center in Oceano, California. All
seat on the way back, as well as the one next these techniques. She can be contacted of them were wonderful selfless people, She leaves behind her husband Jocelin, and
to him at the coffee shop afterward. (Flirting at (805) 458-7373 or by email: doing what they loved, helping the poor. her children Maya, Saioa and Sebastian. I
is like riding a bike; you never forget how to elaina@QuietStar.com. had the pleasure afterwards to meet her
do it, even 30 years later.) I met Doctor Graciela Sarmiento in 1993 sisters Camuncha, Patricia and her brother
More information at at a BBQ at the house of another physi- Francisco, all of them sweet as Chelita. I
What I discovered later, was that my bold www.QuietStar.com/SoulPathAlignment.htm cian friend, Alba Barberia from Argentina. asked them to please let her mom and dad
tactics fit right into “my Smiler’s” plans. I found doctor Sarmiento to be sweet, back in Lima, Peru, know how much Chelita
I wasn’t the only one who had experi- bright, fun and someone very friendly. She was loved and admired by so many, but what
enced that electricity! After twenty years of had moved from Seattle with her family to an imprint she left forever in my life.
marriage, that smiler is still my best friend. work at the CHC Clinic in Oceano, hired
8 NOW News Women’s Press February & March 2011
website (www.SLOFilmFest.org) and What do you really want to do that can be added and require 15 to 30
International Film Festival
strategic online advertisement. minutes a day to start doing three times a week? You can increase the time proudly presents...
To learn more about the SLO Film Festival, as you want to. Add one indulgence per week as a reward to your self!
visit www.SLOFilmFest.org. • Gift your self a relaxing bath or a hot spring soak
• Expensive chocolate or wine
SLO Symphony Ball & • A new plant Come celebrate women in film with wine, snacks, stimulating
Auction • Lunch date with a friend. panel discussions with industry pros and great movies such as:
• Make the time to give yourself something special.
Marking the Symphony’s 50th anniversary,
the San Luis Obispo Symphony’s Annual Add the days up to a 4 day weekend of special nurturing time knowing I Know a Woman Like That
Gala Ball and Auction will reflect the year that you’re indulging your self in care and self-love. Everybody can do "Transformative in the way that it regards life from
1961-the year the Symphony was officially something. Here’s where you start:
the perspective of age." - Roger Ebert
For more information Family Law Facilitator slo law libr ary dealing with divorce
online visit: 788-3418 class
http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/government/ Here is information about the San Luis
department_directory.htm Women’s Shelter Program of SLO Obispo Law Library which provides current Non-legal divorce advice on the practical
(805) 781-6401 or legal materials that meet the legal research aspects of dealing with divorce and other
88059 781-6400 ( 24 hours hotline) and information needs of Law Library users family law issues, is offered at monthly
Child support services in San Luis Obispo County. We serve all educational workshops, Dealing With Divorce.
California Rur al Legal members of the community and county
The Department of Child Support Services Assistance government. Workshops are held the 3rd Wednesday of
establishes paternity and court orders for (805) 544-7994 each month at 7 PM. $10 donation.
child and medical support and enforces these 1050 Monterey St., Room 125 544-9313
court orders by collecting support from non- Creative Mediation San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
custodial parents. (805) 549-0442 805.781.5855
Fax 805.781.4172 WCC BETTER Progr am
1200 Monterey St. Senior Legal Services Project
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 543-5140 Building Enduring Ties That Enrich Relationships
Mailing Address : Victim and Witness WCC provides non-custodial parents with a
P.O. Box 841 Asistance Services trained community volunteer monitor on a
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406-0841 SLO county superior sliding scale fee basis to meet court requirements
805.781.5734 courts The San Luis Obispo County Victim/ for supervised visitation after divorce.
Fax 805.781.1293 Witness Assistance Program works to reduce 544-9313
The Superior Court handles civil, criminal,
small claims, and traffic courts for the the trauma, frustration and inconvenience
County of San Luis Obispo and the State of experienced by victims, witnesses, and family
clerk recorder California. members affected by crime. We do this by WCC pro per clinic
providing a wide variety of services to victims
Here you’ll find information and forms you Superior Court General Information Line of crime and their families, in addition to Sponsors a legal clinic for self-represented
need to get married, register to vote, file a 805.781.5143 supporting victims and witnesses throughout litigants
fictitious business name, record documents the criminal justice process.
and obtain birth, death and marriage Criminal Court Operations Through the Family Law Project, monthly
certificates. The Clerk-Recorder is responsible 1050 Monterey Street Room 220 Director: Cindy Marie Absey divorce clinics are offered for litigants who
for vital and official record documents, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Assistant Directors: Karen Coffey & Jennifer will be representing themselves in court in
elections, Board of Supervisors’ records and Misd/Felony Cases: 805.781.5670 Cudworth family law matters. At the clinics, volunteer
many other processes and functions. Phone: 805.781.5821 attorneys provide one-on-one legal advice to
Civil Court Operations Toll-free: 866.781.5821 participants.
San Luis Obispo Office : 1035 Palm Street, Room 385 Fax: 805.781.5828 Clinics are held the 4th Tuesday of each
1055 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 E-mail: victimwitness@co.slo.ca.us month a 5:30 PM. Reservations are required.
Suite D120 Public: 805.781.5677 Courthouse Annex Room 384 $40 donation.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Civil Appeals: 805.781.5677 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 544-9313
805.781.5080 Probate: 805.781.5677
Fax 805.781.1111 Family Law: 805.781.5706
WCC
2011 Board of Directors
Robin Rinzler | President
Rebecca Said | Vice president
Janet Potter | Treasurer
Sonia Baronvine | Editor Women’s Press
Vickie Steffensen | Board Member
Amber Baron | Board Member
Resources
For a complete listing, visit
wccslo.org/resources/
Thanks!
12
805 544-9313
www.miravistaapts.com
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Quiet • Non-Smoking