All Reid’s descriptions were straightforward, fun and easy reading. He writes, “Once the sun sets and the wind howls, no-one goes shopping and the streets are deserted…except for stray cats and dogs.”

MEXICAN AUTUMN - Paperback (Feb. 9, 2006) by John, Howard Reid www.Authorsden.com/johnhowardreid.com Amazon, ca and Amazon UK Print & Kindle My Review Mexican Autumn "Mexican Autumn" was the judge's choice for First Prize in the British "Donard Short Story Competition" that attracted 673 entries from around the world. Re-titled "Sunrise", it is now the initial chapter in a book of inter-related short stories by John Howard Reid, entitled "Mexican Autumn". http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewshortstory.asp?id=38070 Most of Mexican Autumn takes place in Bahia de los Angeles, a sleepy little fishing village on the east coast of Baja, California. Because of their government’s ban on fishing, many of the villagers were forced to give up commercial fishing, and become entrepreneurs, artisans and craftsmen much like what is going on now here in the states because of unemployment and job loss. Just about every house, no matter how humble, featured a adorned statue of La Dolorosa (The Lady of Sorrows). Reid described Los Angeles as, “The village of 300 souls in a sheltered bay, full of islands, large and small. Great fishing, spectacular scenery, friendly people, and good accommodations….” Lucky or not, there was only one paved road leading the tourists to what is called the Miraculous Super Center in the middle of the village. Each time I read the name Miraculous Super Center, I thought of WalMart and how it monopolized the market and forced so many out of business. The owner of the Super Center, also known as Mayor Mendez, had a firm grip on the people, physically, emotionally and monetarily. Also in the middle of the village is the Bahias Museum which offered a variety of interesting displays of town history, artifacts and wildlife. It was the woman-loving Dr. Jorge Santos, who worked as curator of the Museum for extra money, despite the fact that he had no patience for the Gringos' language or customs. He also ended up marrying twice, once coincidentally to a Gringa by the name of Felicia Castleton who lived in Camp Gecko from mid-August to mid-Spring. He later called her, an empty vessel with no soul. He adored her artistry in paintings and her money provided him a more than adequate home for himself at Camp Gecko. For more information and wonderful pictures of some of the true residents, artists and craftsmen, check out the following website, http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info/bahia-artists.htm. One story I enjoyed was Another Man’s Poison where Dr. Santos tackled the on-going problem of what to do with stray cats and dogs… All Reid’s descriptions were straightforward, fun and easy reading. He writes, “Once the sun sets and the wind howls, no-one goes shopping and the streets are deserted…except for stray cats and dogs.” The third story is a Priest Forever, where a retired priest was seeking out a dry, hot place where he could rest and dream. Father Henry Bishop, who just turned 65, ended up quite by accident in los Angeles. Perhaps, it was the hand of God that led him to this little Catholic village with no church. He was welcomed and went from complete anonymity to being a counselor and mentor for spiritual thirsty souls like Rosa Delgado, chief gossip and local cantina or tavern owner. When she asked what he thought about their village passing a law to allow electric past 8:00 at night, he answered to her dismay, “The light is a spiritual light within us…without our souls, within our minds. It has nothing to do with the lights of Bahia de los Angele's….The Lord’s people are free to choose light or darkness for themselves - - with His blessing!” Evidently, two hours sleep before midnight was twice as good as an extra two hours after. There’s often a lot of truth in these old sayings. The older we get the more we realize this. The Gringos and Gringas were known for burning the candles at both ends. Rosa wanted her fair share of the tourists’ money while they were partying. The Spanish are known for their fun loving ways and their fiestas. They are likewise known for their day time naps, their boozing, their romancing and their easy laughter and spiritual faith. They advise us ”to make every day a holiday. There is nothing like good tequila and fine food to help a man relax…” It wasn’t until years later in November, 2007, the electric lights actually started working 24 hours a day in Bahias de los Angeles. The Zone of Silence…one of the last stories that stands on its own, is a truly magical place for art, science and poetry to come face to face with creation and Christianity. Check out the following http://mexicolesstraveled.com/silence.htm. It muddles our senses just like the Bermuda Triangle. Below are my favorite lines from some of the poetry from this story. “The lines I always quote when I’m angry with myself for doing something stupid, or missing a golden opportunity: That’s life Between the shadow and space I am what I am And I am what I am not.” Silence The road to nowhere Route to obscurity Gateway to nothingness A poet enters The Zone of Silence Every day And every lonely night Silence surrounds me." Reviewed by Joyce White Sculpting the Heart Book Reviews Author of Sculpting the Heart And Sculpting the Heart’s Poetry