Monday, September 5, 2011

Louis Ramirez, A New Friend


To enable only patrons of several businesses and shops in downtown Santa Fe to park in their lot, Louis Ramirez, a  67-year-old retiree is employed to sit on a folding chair, guarding its entrance. I walked past him several times on my way to the bookstore and cafe where I often "hang out."  Being a very gregarious fellow, Louis and I had a long chat about his background,  He grew up in California in a Mexican family as either the 8th or 9th child in a family of 11 kids...he wasn't quite sure of his rank.  His parents were from Mexico but he has never been there and would like to go "someday."  In fact, he would be interested in doing some traveling beyond the western US states he has already visited.  When I asked him where he would like to go, he said, "Anywhere the good Lord wants to send me."  I gathered he is very devote, belonging to a non-denominational Fundamentalist Christian Fellowship Congregation. Louis has been in Santa Fe since 1981, and before his retirement, he worked at Grease Monkey doing "mechanical stuff."  Before that he did some construction work.  Before I could ask too many more questions, he turned the tables and started to interview me! When he heard that I'm originally from Wisconsin, he told me that I'm really a "Quesohead" ... Cheesehead sounds better in Spanish than in English!  After our fond adieu, I had a thought...I wonder if he will let me park in the lot now since we're such good friends?!


10 comments:

  1. classe le portrait,voila un voisin qui semble tres sympathique

    ReplyDelete
  2. Magnificent portrait in words and image, he look friendly and great for your project!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fine portrait that looks quite 'cool'.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nicely done, Kate. Steffe will be proud of you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Excellent portrait Kate and good interview too. Have a good day "Quesohead".

    ReplyDelete
  6. I enjoyed this interview and I like that Louis turned the tables on you. :))

    ReplyDelete
  7. You'll have to let us know how that goes Kate, the free parking!! Excellent portrait shot, looks like a bit of a character.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a wonderful portrait, Kate, and I think that you not only captured his likeness but his personality as well! Yes, Quesohead, I bet he will let you park in the lot!

    Bises,
    Genie

    ReplyDelete

Happy that you have visited my blog. Come back often; I appreciate your comments! Thank you.