My Life in Argentina and Beyond

People in Argentina are walking on well-lit streets and avenues, where there are lots of people in case of an emergency or robbery. This hasn’t happened before (not to my knowledge and/or not when I lived there). The crime rate did start to be high around November 1997, but this seems to be something altogether more serious and worrisome

If there is one thing that Argentina has it is good looking priests. I have seen that a lot and in my novel Different Flags, Padre Luis, is very attractive. That said, I also know about nuns (and other women) drooling. I have seen it often. I mean Optional Celibacy for both men and women. As someone I loved once said: Women are human beings too. She was referring to nuns. She knew some who left to get married and raise a family. Because of my own Forbidden Love, I would love to see optional Celibacy in the Church in my lifetime. It will in no way benefit me personally, but it would bring me relief and peace of mind. And the women in love with priests (I mean truly in love and not just lust, all that) will be relieved too.

riday, July 10, 2009: She wore black moccasin shoes and thick opaque stockings. Her skirt was an old hounds tooth. The lime green top with the large white buttons kept her warm in the winter. Her black and white hair was cut short. The dark brown eyes had wrinkles everywhere, as did her face. But I loved her and I felt protected when I embraced my aunt's thin little body.

hursday, June 25, 2009: I know is not politically correct. Here it goes: Though I do not approve of adultery, I admire South Carolina's Governor. He travelled to another country, risked his political career, marriage and family for a woman. Had it been just sex, he could have hired someone, like others before him. Were I his wife, I would be start divorce proceedings, but I am not. Yes, maybe he should have admitted it from the beginning, but what politician would? Eugenia Renskoff

Nadia died early in the morning of Thursday, June 10, 1999. It must have been at around 2 A.M. That’s when she must have noticed that the candle on her night table had caught on something, probably a piece of paper. She must have rushed to the kitchen and got some pots and pans to make noise. But nobody came to her aid until somebody on her floor (the 10th) noticed that there was smoke coming from under the door. The fire dept. found her with her hand clutching the house keys. Otranto and Niebla, her 2 older dogs died with her. The Rolex watch she was wearing (a souvenir of her prosperous days) was stolen by somebody. May She rest in Peace!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009: Today is the 10th anniversary of the last full day of Nadia’s life. She had come to my apt. as she did almost every morning and was standing on one of my chairs trying to fix the white drapes in the window looking out at Avenida Maipu. She was happy (or content) when she came to my place. Nadia, who had her own apt. messy and dirty, in part because of her Alzheimer’s, often did the dishes when we were done with tea in my living room. I still cannot believe that so much time has gone by since I lost her, Otranto and Niebla, her two older dogs.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009: My experience when I loved my Forbidden priest in Argentina reminded me of Peyton Place, the famous 1950s novel and movie. There was lots of gossip going on and lots of secrets. My secret( I often feel that my love was one of these) was an open secret. Nobody dared say anything, but I am almost positive they all knew about it. I loved him and I loved the small town I lived in, but, yes, it was full of underground tension and not-to-be-mentioned things.

Friday, March 9, 2009: Sometimes I feel guilty because I have to deal with the neighbor in Argentina who may have neglected Chiquito when I left her to take care of him. And I wonder if he, up there in Doggie Heaven, resents it. I know that maybe dogs are not supposed to have souls, but I feel that they have souls and feelings. It is necessary for the time being to keep up some sort of relationship with this woman. There is no one else and there are things over in Argentina that need to be done.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009: Once, a long time ago, I stood before a priest and told him I was in love with him. My declaration of love seemed like a confession, but it was true and real. I have never regretted it. In fact, if I had to do it again, i wouldn't hesitate--except that a different ending would make it great. Greater.

Friday, May 2, 2008: It is finally beginning to look like a story for the screen. I can see how the main will act, what she'll do, how she'll do it. A sheltered young woman falling in love with a priest in a foreign country. I'm happy that it is coming true. It's finally the first step of the reality I have always wanted.