SOINUAREN BIDAIA (THE ADVENTURE OF AN ACCORDION)

Febuary 11, 2010


All of us the musicians that we throw our heart into a particular instrument, reaching a special bond with him, doubting if that inert being that seems to be an extension of our body doesn’t have life itself. So after countless hours of travel and experiences with him, we begin to name it, and so on. But even as Annie Proulx´s narrates in her book “Accordion Crimes” that thrilled me to see that in her book she mentions one of my songs “Zolloko San Martinak” in where our instrument can become a protagonist of an amazing story. Edna Annie Proulx was born in Connecticut (USA) 1935. After majoring in history, she became a journalist until her appearance in the literary world. Some of her books have received the Pulitzer or the National Book Award. One of her best known novels is Brokeback Mountain but the book that has captivated me is “Accordion Crimes”. Sicily 1890, a craftsman and his son travel to America carrying with him only, his masterpiece a button, ivory and varnished lid accordion. From there on different characters will be appearing, their dreams and their failures, showing us a stark reality of a country in full effervesces. Africans, Polish, Italians, Swedes, Irish, Basque and so on will provide the fuel for a big lie, that of anyone who knows that becoming an American will reach wherever they longed. The price is a change of a name, a language, a culture, at the end, your personal essence. Those who refused to change suffered the consequences but also who did “sell” themselves for the promise of something better spectacularly failed. The real success is based on the inside pride of yourself and not on selling something that does not exist. Bringing out the magic we have within is the real secret of success and our best weapon is the power of our mind to achieve our goals, because the mind, our mind is the only one that can become whatever we want to be.

LURRIKARA (Earthquake)

Febuary 4, 2010

Personally I consider that some of the Medias have given an exaggerated treatment about the Haitian earthquake, nearly a month ago. Besides the morbid curiosity, the harsh images or even the idea of an alleged conspiracy, the truth is that in Haiti, thousands of people suffer from hunger, thirst and the loss of their loved ones. But what really gets my attention is how the changes of destiny are experienced differently, by the spectator and by the protagonist. Our attitude here is of despair and sadness, while the Haitians are engaged saving their lives, having no time to experience these feelings. Their minds and bodies are in a constant pressure in fighting for survival.

How many persons have spent 10, 14 or even more days under the rubble, without no water, no food, defying our biological laws of survival and against all odds they have been rescued alive? What kind of secret device triggers the man, pushing him to wage a frantic, savage and even desperate struggle for life? The human species, like any other, holds many secrets. I admire the physical and mental ability we hide inside. It’s just fascinating! The struggle for life sometimes so forgotten in our “first world” is reborn with an unusual strength in the places hardest hit by disasters. It is curious, that we,

that have it “all” lose the passion for life while those who have “nothing” fight and have the strength to cling to it more and more. The truth is that soon, no one will remember the tragedy lived in Haiti and again, as usual, what has been news for days will disappear from our eyes and therefore from our thoughts. Let us make an effort in not to forget and to remember that human beings even in the most adverse conditions proves to have an irrepressible desire to survive and to experience the greatest gifts of all,

to live life.

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LANDATZEN

January 29, 2010


JANUARY, is just ending and also the biological clock, so different from ours, beginning to show the signs that the changeover period is coming. Although the large snowfalls and the strong storms will still cross our skies, filled with strength, knowing that winter resists the scourge of the powerful sun, any curious person that comes close to our meadows, forest and mountains can clearly see that the day lengthens more and more and the night begins to lose its hegemony. The birds begin to sing, and taking position at the start line, ready to take part in the frenetic and passionate stations of life. Our nature, even though timidly, begins to awaken from a lethargy winter, once again giving us the opportunity to witness this miracle that year after year takes place from time immemorial. This Saturday, January 30 by the hand of Urdaibai´s Foundation, all nature lovers has an appointment at the church of Axpe 9:30am, to celebrate Busturia´s Tree Day. At this encounter, besides planting species as ash or alder trees, among others, they will also discuss the main characteristics of botanical and faunal environment. I just adore Busturia, its prairies, the mountains and, of course, the people. There I find unique places, open spaces that give me personal inspiration where the magic of every corner awakens memories almost forgotten. Its fauna, the vegetation and even the farmhouses and the large village homes together form a perfect balanced collage along with the dramatic union between the land, the river and the sea giving us one of the largest enclaves of diversity in landscapes and ecological of Euskadi (The Basque Country). With initiatives like this we can work together to support our nature so exposed and abandoned long ago. A simple gesture that I encourage everyone to participate and support it with great enthusiasm. For more information contact: info@fundacionurdaibai.org Enjoy!


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