Just say no!

March 28, 2020 by spixl

Remember the Not for sale! building at the corner of Matamoros and Crespo? It’s been one of the buildings in a “mal estado” (bad state) since long before my first visit to Oaxaca in 2007. A portion of the Crespo facing wall finally collapsed at the end of an extremely wet 2012 rainy season. And, following the September 2017 earthquakes, what remained of the wall gave way, necessitating a barricade along the sidewalk.

As last Sunday’s stroll in the time of… showed, the barricade was in the process of getting its own facelift. It’s finished and it looks terrific.

However, as the owner, with the help of the artist, continues to make clear, the answer is NO. The building is not for sale!

By the way, while trying to locate the oldest photo I have of this wall, I discovered that I had missed the tenth anniversary of View From Casita Colibrí. It was March 25, 2010, with the post, Awake at 4:30 AM, that I began this blog. Its last line reads, “Whatever the reasons… here’s hoping I become a little braver in revealing myself, don’t let my perfectionist streak get in the way of posting and I stick with it!” I’ve definitely stuck with it, have overcome my fear of the writing and photos not being perfect (though I try to maintain my librarian commitment to accuracy), and have hopefully allowed a bit of “who I am” to be expressed in these ten years of blog posts. Here’s to another ten!

Posted in Buildings, Creativity, Culture, Signs, Travel & Tourism | Tagged abandoned buildings, blog 10th anniversary, blogging, crumbling buildings, dilapidated buildings, DNL UNKLE, murals, Oaxaca, photos, popular travel destinations, street art, wall art | 35 Comments

35 Responses

on March 28, 2020 at 3:27 pm | Reply Kerry Compton

Whether I’m in Oaxaca or Oakland (or toque de queda in Tlacolula), I enjoy your posts and pictures. Felicidades de su décimo aniversario.
- on March 31, 2020 at 1:50 pm | Reply spixl
  
  ¡Mil gracias!
on March 28, 2020 at 3:32 pm | Reply Jerry Gilbert

We watched that building every day after discovering your blog in Feb. Love the new improvement , thanks for the update.
- on March 31, 2020 at 1:51 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks! They are working on the inside, as I write.
on March 28, 2020 at 3:37 pm | Reply Mary

Thank you for your dedication. Truly enjoy your perspective on my beloved Oaxaca de Juárez.
- on March 31, 2020 at 1:51 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thank you for such kind words!
on March 28, 2020 at 3:39 pm | Reply Jan McGeorge

Happy Anniversary from a constant reader and fellow Oaxaca lover! I truly appreciate the thoroughness of your posts, whatever the subject matter. I learned of your blog in such a strange way–buying something off Craigslist from a stranger in my California city. When I admired all the wonderful block prints on her walls and told her that I still had my head full of all the fantastic ones I had just seen on my last trip to Oaxaca she promised to send me a link to your blog and I’ve been delighted to find it in my email ever since. Perfectionism is both gift and curse and I’m glad you feel that you have found a good middle ground (and your photos are always fantastic).
- on March 31, 2020 at 1:54 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Great story! Thanks for reading and the much appreciated comments.
on March 28, 2020 at 4:03 pm | Reply smarshasherman

Happy anniversary. Keep up the wonderful, beautiful work. It nourishes the soul in these insane times.
- on March 31, 2020 at 1:54 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Sandi. You and Bill, be well up there!
on March 28, 2020 at 4:11 pm | Reply Norma L Schafer

Happy Anniversary, Shannon! Well deserved kudos.
- on March 31, 2020 at 1:55 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Norma!
on March 28, 2020 at 4:41 pm | Reply Diane Winters

¡Diez años – Felicidades! I love following your blog, indulging my own fantasies of living there one day.
Meanwhile, holed up here in Oakland, CA, waiting it out,
Diane
- on March 31, 2020 at 1:56 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Diane, Oaxaca will be waiting. Stay safe up there!
on March 28, 2020 at 4:44 pm | Reply Dean Michaels

Happy Anniversary Shannon! You should be in a guide book because you’re definitely one of the best things about Oaxaca!
- on March 31, 2020 at 1:57 pm | Reply spixl
  
  OMG, flattery will get you… Thanks for being such a champion!
on March 28, 2020 at 4:52 pm | Reply Kay Michaels

Happy Anniversary Shannon!!! Here’s to many more great years.
- on March 31, 2020 at 1:59 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Mil gracias Kay and thanks for the encouragement!
on March 28, 2020 at 5:01 pm | Reply Alana

So glad I have had the pleasure of seeing Oaxaca through your window of words. Thanks.
- on March 31, 2020 at 2:42 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thank you for your continuing support. Please stay safe up there!
on March 28, 2020 at 5:15 pm | Reply Susan Darling

Yes, another 10! I love your writing & photos that bring a slice if Oaxaca our way. Please keep it up!
- on March 31, 2020 at 2:42 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, I’ll try!
on March 28, 2020 at 5:15 pm | Reply Susan Darling

Yes, another 10! I love your writing & photos that bring a slice if Oaxaca our way. Please keep it up!
on March 28, 2020 at 5:18 pm | Reply franciefuhrel

I’m a huge fan of your blog!! Love your perspective on everything there in and around Oaxaca. My next trip has been canceled, naturally. We, in our family are staying at home and following guidelines for going to the grocery store, handling all kinds of bags, packages, and so forth, before they come into the house . Thinking all the time where our hands have been (handling gas tank handles, atm touchscreens and so forth. I wish you all the best for your continued good health and that of everyone in your family, both relatives and all your friends.
- on March 31, 2020 at 2:44 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Francie! Good to know you are staying safe. At least here, I don’t have to worry about handling gas tank handles. 😉
on March 28, 2020 at 5:24 pm | Reply AB

Muchisimo Gracias, for the insights, perspectives, news, most importantly with your pics ( which tells ” mil palabras”). Mucho Felicidadas !!!!!
Be well !
- on March 31, 2020 at 2:45 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks for continuing to read and your always encouraging words. Stay safe up there!
on March 28, 2020 at 7:06 pm | Reply Marilyn Albright

Looking forward to another ten years of great photos and commentary we can all learn from!
That building is fantastic! I wonder if the colors were approved by the authorities.
- on March 31, 2020 at 2:50 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Marilyn. Who knows about the colors, though it seems like I have seen each individual color on a building or two in the Centro Historico. It’s putting them all together in such a geometric way that makes it look fresh and modern. I went by today and could hear work going on behind the closed doors. Hmmm… wonder what it will be.
on March 28, 2020 at 7:24 pm | Reply Nancy Jeffries

Happy Anniversary! I’ve enjoyed reading your posts for a long time! Felicidades!
- on March 31, 2020 at 2:51 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thank you for reading and your kind words!
on March 28, 2020 at 7:36 pm | Reply James Peck

Muchas gracias Shannon!
- on March 31, 2020 at 2:54 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks! And, thank you for the beautiful photos of your garden that you and Mary post on FB.
on March 28, 2020 at 9:24 pm | Reply Lanita Busher

Bravo to mi amiga!
- on March 31, 2020 at 2:58 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks!