COMEDY
Burque is for lovers
Zach Abeyta is a comedian born in Santa Fe.
Love in New Mexico definitely has an extra spice to it, and it doesn’t just come from the chile.
We talk with our eyes, we speak with our hands and we love passionately the people in our lives.
I think most of us in New Mexico come from a matriarchal family, where the women, especially our grandmas, are definitely the boss of the casa. But the No. 1 ruler in the family is love — sometimes followed by a chancla thrown across the room for not closing the door or shutting it too hard.
Sometimes love is shown indirectly. Like when your grandma loads you up with all the food in her kitchen before sending you home. Each plastic container containing something different from the label on the outside.
One time my grandma sent me home with 20 bags of frozen green chile that she softly put into my arms. I told her it was enough green chile for years. What do I do with it?
She kindly replied with her sweet voice, “I don’t know, mijo, but be careful, it’s hot!”
Love is sometimes a grandma teaching you to two-step in the kitchen while making tamales.
She would take my hand as she led the way and say, “Girls always like a man who could dance, especially one that could lead, so you better learn now.”
Over 20 years later, I shared a dance with her in that very same kitchen to show her I never forgot any of the lessons that she taught me.
Now, as a 36-year-old man, I’ve experienced all kinds of love. Serious relationships that lasted for years, only to end with me and two dogs that I’ve cherished longer than any actual relationship. I have experienced puppy love, dumb love and love spicier than any Sadie’s salsa. I’ve run past red flags and green flags, you have to take them both in New Mexico, especially if your favorite style is Christmas.
Loving Chicana girls from New Mexico can be trickier than any hike in the foothills. Especially when you like girls so Chicana you don’t know by the heavy makeup if they are from New Mexico or just gothic.
Sorry if I’m just a sucker for a pair of drawn-on eyebrows and a good pair of hoop earrings. Just be careful when that makeup comes off at the end of the night because you might be in for a little surprise. Sharpie eyebrows disappear and smiles now turn into crying later.
As I get older, I am more careful with my heart and my mind. No more late nights on Central and more early evenings staying home. Learning to love yourself so you don’t see the attention from negative places. Laughing more with strangers. Spontaneously calling your friend just to let them know they are doing great. Showing up at your mom’s house to make dinner unexpectedly. Going fishing with your dad like you’ve been saying.
Love is special, so don’t forget to make it a part of your daily recipe.
