Compassionate Women

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Dinner
    • Confection
    • Beverages
  • Health & Beauty
  • Bits & Pieces
    • Animals
    • Travel
    • Tidbits
    • Resources
  • Stella the Dog
  • Shop
  • Cart
  • Checkout
  • My account
redbubble banner

Making a Movie in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas

August 11, 2020 by Jillian Leave a Comment

making a movie in the rio grande valley of south texas
rio grande valley
rio grande valley
harlingen, texas

I moved to the Rio Grande Valley of South in Texas in late 2016 because there was just something magical about it and I knew I wanted to film a movie there. I had a dramatic thriller in mind, with a strong female lead and tight-knit plot full of unexpected twists and turns…

Well, I did end up filming a movie in the RGV, but it was nothing like what I originally planned. From 2017-2019, I worked tirelessly on my movie, which ended up being a documentary project on the history of the region. The seed was first planted when a friend who grew up there clued me into the little-known Jewish history of the Valley. He suggested I look into it for myself and the deeper I looked, the more I found.

Thus began a long but rewarding journey that ended with a feature length documentary I directed called Remember My Soul. The film investigates how the Sephardic Jewish diaspora in 1492 set forth the practice of crypto-Judaism in colonial Mexico, and how these invisible Jewish families settled the Rio Grande Valley and contributed to traditions of borderlands culture. In this post, I share how the project came together, what it was like filming in the Valley, and the many photos I took during filming that reveal the marvelous landscapes there.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Tidbits, Travel Tagged With: blog, cinesol festival, compassionate women, crypto jews, documentary, femaledirector, femalefilmmaker, jewish people rio grande valley, jewish roots, jillian glantz, library of congress, rio grande valley, south texas, south texas research, travel blog, university of texas rio grande valley, womeninfilm

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto & Historic Downtown Roma

January 15, 2020 by Jillian Leave a Comment

our lady of lourdes grotto & historic downtown roma

roma texas

pink flowers

In March 2019, I took a mini road trip to visit the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Rio Grande City, as well as the historic downtown district of Roma, both located in the southern tip of Texas at the border of Mexico. I had passed through Rio Grande City once before but never been to Roma. Both are known for their historic buildings, their rich histories that include the Civil War, as well as the Grotto and Roma’s scenic overlook of the Rio Grande River. So, despite the sweltering March weather of South Texas, I grabbed my camera and decided to check it out.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Travel Tagged With: compassionate women, hargill first baptist church, hargill texas, historic buildings, historic towns, our lady of lourdes grotto, our lady of lourdes grotto & historic downtown roma, rio grande city, rio grande river, rio grande valley, rio grande valley civil war trail, roma texas, scenic roma overlook, south texas, starr county, Texas, texas history, texas travel, travel, travel blog, vegan blog

Don Pedrito Jaramillo Shrine in Falfurrias, Texas

May 26, 2019 by Jillian 2 Comments

don pedrito jaramillo shrine in falfurrias, texas

don pedrito jaramillo shrine

don pedrito jaramillo shrine

The Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, where I currently reside, is a very religious place. Historically, it was a Catholic region, due to the colonization that took place by Spanish conquistadors in the Americas. Here in the borderlands, curanderos (healers) played an important role in providing spiritual advice and remedies for physical and emotional ailments to people who could not afford to see doctors. Curanderismo is quite diverse, but traditionally incorporates elements of Catholic and indigenous medicine. The most well-known folk healer from this region is Don Pedrito Jaramillo, who was born in Mexico but spent the last quarter of his life here in a small town called Falfurrias.

My friend and I decided to drive up to Falfurrias and visit the shrine on a hot, sunny day in South Texas. It was a magical place, and here’s what I saw…

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Travel Tagged With: catholicism, compassionate women, curanderismo, curandero, curio shop, day trip, don pedrito jaramillo, don pedrito jaramillo shrine in falfurrias texas, don pedro jaramillo, falfurrias, folk healer, rio grande valley, shrine, small town, south texas, starr county, Texas, texas travel, travel

Old Hidalgo Pumphouse & World Birding Center

December 24, 2018 by Jillian 1 Comment

old hidalgo pumphouse & world birding center

old hidalgo pumphouse & world birding center

old hidalgo pumphouse & world birding center

Last June I visited the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse in Hidalgo, Texas, a town that lies right on the border of Mexico in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Reynosa sits just on the other side of the Rio Grande River. Hidalgo was founded in 1852 and was first named Edinburgh, after the birthplace of Hidalgo’s founder. It became the county seat and the name was later changed to Hidalgo, which literally translates to “son of something” or loosely, “gentleman,” because it referred to someone of noble rank. The Hidalgo Pumphouse dates back to 1909, when it was built to service over 40,000 acres of land that needed irrigation, and was in operation until 1983 when a newer pump plant was opened nearby.

I went to visit the Old Pumphouse on a hot Thursday afternoon. It has been converted to a museum, and like the other parts of the lower valley, attracts birds because of the tropical climate, so it also functions as a birding center. I was the only visitor there, so it was quiet and peaceful, and I was surprised by just how beautiful it was. History and nature are two of my favorite things, and being able to combine the two is even better!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Travel Tagged With: amphiteater, birding center, compassionate women, explore, flowers, garden, hidalgo pumphouse, hidalgo texas, history, international bridge, museum, nature, old hidalgo pumphouse, old hidalgo pumphouse & world birding center, pumphouse museum, reynosa, rio grande river, south texas, Texas, texas history, travel, vegan blog, world birding center

The Garden at La Posada

April 28, 2018 by Jillian Leave a Comment

the garden at la posada

garden

seedling

I’m really bad at gardening. I can’t even keep house plants alive for more than a couple of months. So I started buying only cactus in the hopes that they are low maintenance enough for me and my gardening deficit. Plus, my compost pile has been sprouting new fruits and veggies, which was unintentional on my part!

I have a friend that volunteers bi-weekly at an apartment complex called La Posada that is part of my city’s housing authority. One of the volunteer programs she runs is the communal garden at the complex. Yesterday she gave me a tour, and I was so impressed with all of the beautiful things growing there! Luckily, I happened to have my camera with me and took photos.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Tidbits Tagged With: children's garden, communal garden, community garden, compassionate women, environment, environmentally friendly, fruits & veggies, garden, garden photos, gardening, grow your own food, housing authority, nature, south texas, the garden at la posada, vegan, vegetable garden, volunteer

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

HEY THERE! I’M JILLIAN.

I live near Houston, Texas with my rescue dog Stella! I create cruelty-free recipes that are delicious, to demonstrate that it's easy to follow a plant-based lifestyle. Not only are the health and beauty benefits noticeable, but it creates a more sustainable planet and keeps our animal friends safe & happy. In our spare time, Stella and I also love watching movies, reading, snuggling, and taking long walks! LEARN MORE…

SHOW YOUR PITTIE PRIDE! This design was inspired by own rescue pittie, Stella, who defies pit bull stereotypes every day.

pittie power t-shirt

Pittie Power T-Shirt

Watch My Documentary!

remember my soul

Feature-length documentary that uncovers the Jewish history of the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas and the customs & traditions the Jewish people there have contributed to.

Subscribe to my mailing list and receive a FREE RECIPE E-BOOK as a thank you!

* indicates required

compassionatewomen

Compassionate Women
First banana nice cream of the year! 🍌 I made a First banana nice cream of the year! 🍌 I made a chocolate peanut butter flavor with chocolate flakes, topped with organic strawberries. And Cece got her own little side of nice cream minus the chocolate! 🍨
.
.
.
#nicecream #icecream #icecreamlover #glutenfree #plantbased #crueltyfree #dairyfree #veganfood #vegansofinstagram #veganlifestyle #vegana #veganeats #veganfortheanimals #vegan #veganlife #vegansofig #vegansnacks #veganism #vegans #veganfoodlovers #veganfoodshare #vegan #vegandessert #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #healthyeats #homemade #dessert #foodstagram #yum
It was a beautiful day at the park. Lots of turtle It was a beautiful day at the park. Lots of turtles! 🐢 And a photograph project taped to a tree 🤔
.
.
.
#park #parks #nature #naturelovers #naturephotography #nature_perfection #walking #stroll #turtle #turtles #pond #greatoutdoors #trees #dogsofinstagram #dog #dogs #dogmom #doglovers #rescuedog #pets #dogsonadventures #pitbull #pitbullmom #texasgirl #texas #photooftheday #photos #photographylovers #photogram #furbaby
My favorite place on Earth. Got super sun burned b My favorite place on Earth. Got super sun burned but totally worth it! 💗
.
.
.
#rescueanimal #rescueanimals #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #ranchlife #ranch #animalsanctuary #animalrescue #animalovers #animalsofinstagram #animallovers #animalfriends #animal #animals #equine #furbabies #adoptdontshop #donkeysofinstagram #donkeylove #donkey #donkeys #horses_of_instagram #horselife #horse #horselover #horseoftheday #horsestagram #horsesofinstagram #horses #texasgirl #farmlife
Some of the beautiful horses of Miracle Ranch Resc Some of the beautiful horses of Miracle Ranch Rescue at sunset, although they are stunning any time of day 🐎
.
.
.
#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #horselover #horselove #horseofinstagram #horseoftheday #horsestagram #horseaddict #horses_of_instagram #horselife #rescueanimals #reels #rescueanimal #animalovers #animalfriends #animallovers #animalsofinstagram #animallover #animalsanctuary #animalrescue #animalrights #animals #ranchlife #video #videooftheday #veganfortheanimals #furbabies #cuteanimals #texaslife
Some of my newest plants! And new booty pot 🍑🌱
.
.
.
#plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantlady #plantaddict #plantsofinstagram #plantlife #plantas #plants #plantaddiction #plantmama #plantcollection #plantlove #plantlover #plantmom #plantparenthood #plantlovers #plant #houseplants #succulents #cactus🌵 #lithops #carnivorousplants #ivy #cactusysuculentas #cactuslover #nature #nature_perfection #houseplant #veganlife #vegansofig #plantbased
Gluten free (and vegan) sourdough bread from a loc Gluten free (and vegan) sourdough bread from a local bakery. It's been so long since I've had real sourdough, it was very flavorful 👅 Cece gave it 2 paws up 🐾
.
.
.
#sourdough #sourdoughbread #bakery #bakedgoods #homemade #homemadebread #bread #breadlover #glutenfree #glutenfreevegan #glutenfreebaking #veganfood #vegansofinstagram #veganfortheanimals #veganeats #vegan #veganlife #vegansofig #veganism #veganfoodie #veganfoodlovers #veganfoodporn #veganfoodshare #veganlove #vegana #healthyfood #healthyeats #healthyfood #delicious #foodstagram
🕸️🕷️ . . . #nature #nature_brilliance #n 🕸️🕷️
.
.
.
#nature #nature_brilliance #nature_perfection #naturelovers #spiderweb #spiderwebs #spider #greatoutdoors #thegreatoutdoors #walk #photooftheday #photographylovers #photo #photogram #veganlife #vegansofig #animalovers #animallovers #animallover #bugs #beauty #beautiful #texaslife #texas #texasblogger
Cece thought my groceries from Target were for her Cece thought my groceries from Target were for her 🥹🥹 I'm excited to try some of Tabitha Brown's new vegan items and I hope the vegan peach rings are good 🤞🍑
.
.
.
#veganpower #veganfood #vegansofinstagram #vegancommunity #veganlifestyle #veganfortheanimals #veganeats #vegan #veganlife #vegansofig #vegansnacks #veganism #veganprotein #vegans #veganfoodie #veganfoodlovers #veganfoodshare #glutenfree #healthyfood #healthyeats #healthyfood #plantbased #crueltyfree #snacks #target #popcorn #candy #vegana #veganfoodporn #yum
Thanks so much to This Little Piggy Sanctuary for Thanks so much to This Little Piggy Sanctuary for letting me visit today! 🐽 Pigs are so full of personality, intelligence, and a lot more work than most people realize. These pigs (and resident ducks) are now living the good life in a safe, loving place! 🐷
.
.
.
#pig #pigs #piggy #piglife #piggies #piglove #animalovers #animalrescue #animallovers #animalsanctuary #animalrights #animals #animal #animalfriends #farmanimals #friendsnotfood #animallover #animalsofinstagram #veganpower #vegansofinstagram #veganfortheanimals #vegan #veganlife #vegansofig #veganlifestyle #veganism #rescueanimal #rescueanimals #texaslife #texasblogger
New Years resolution... Spend more time with donke New Years resolution... Spend more time with donkeys! 💙
.
.
.
#donkey #donkeys #donkeysofinstagram #donkeylove #ranchlife #ranch #farmlife #animals #animal #animalovers #animallovers #sanctuary #animalrescue #animalrights #animalsanctuary #cuteanimals #veganlifestyle #veganlife #vegansofig #veganfortheanimals #equine #photooftheday #vegansofinstagram #veganpower #vegancommunity #vegana #friendsnotfood #sweetanimals #animalfriends
Trying my hand at aquatic plants 🌱 . . . #terra Trying my hand at aquatic plants 🌱
.
.
.
#terrarium #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantlady #plantaddict #plantsofinstagram #plantlife #plantas #plants #plantaddiction #plantmama #plantcollection #plantlove #plantbased #plantlover #plantmom #plantparenthood #plantlovers #plant #waterplants #houseplant #houseplants #vegansofig #veganlife
I literally got the last bag of Beyond Steak Tips I literally got the last bag of Beyond Steak Tips left in town and I'm glad I did bc they're so good! Paired with gold potatoes, broccoli, and veggie gravy 😋😋
.
.
.
#veganpower #veganfood #vegansofinstagram #veganlifestyle #vegana #veganeats #vegan #veganlife #vegansofig #veganism #veganprotein #vegans #veganfoodie #veganfoodlovers #veganfoodporn #veganfoodshare #veganlove #healthylifestyle #healthyeats #healthyfood #vegandinner #foodstagram #foodblogger #foodlover #foodpics #delicious #dinner #foodphotography #yum #plantbased
My Thanksgiving cactus is blooming! 🌸 . . . #ca My Thanksgiving cactus is blooming! 🌸
.
.
.
#cactusclub #cactuslover #cactus🌵 #cactuslove #cactus #cacti #blooming #bloom #flowers #flowerstagram #flowers🌸 #flower #houseplant #houseplants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantlady #plantaddict #plantsofinstagram #plantlife #plants #plantaddiction #plantmama #plantcollection #plantlove #plantlover #plantmom #plantparenthood #plantlovers #beautiful #nature_perfection
I made sure to stock up on vegan supplies from Tra I made sure to stock up on vegan supplies from Trader Joes when I was in Austin last weekend. The salmon spread and ginger brew are *chef's kiss* 😘😘 I haven't tried the chocolate yet but I have high hopes for it! 
.
.
.
#veganfood #vegansofinstagram #vegancommunity #veganlifestyle #veganeats #vegan #veganlife #vegansofig #vegansnacks #veganism #vegans #veganfoodlovers #veganfoodporn #veganfoodshare #veganlove #traderjoes #chocolate #foodstagram #foodpics #foodlover #foodlovers #yum #veganpower #veganfoodie #yummy #healthyeats #vegana #snacks #foodblogger
From my first conference as a grad student this pa From my first conference as a grad student this past weekend in Austin! It was a great experience, especially having fellow students from my department there. The pollen in Austin tried to take me down, but did not succeed! 🤧
.
.
.
#gradschool #gradstudent #gradlife #conference #symposium #texasgirl #texas #texasblogger #texashistory #history #historical #borderlands #austintexas #austin #presentation #vegansofinstagram #vegan #veganlife #vegansofig #phdstudent #student #photos #photogram #photooftheday #texaslife
My wall of historic photos from the Rio Grande Val My wall of historic photos from the Rio Grande Valley, courtesy of the public library in Raymondville, TX 😊😊
.
.
.
#photowall #photo #photogram #photos #photoart #photographylovers #photographs #southtexas #riograndevalley #wallart #diy #blackandwhitephotography #blackandwhite #oldphotos #historical #history #homedecor #homemade #texas #texasgirl #vintage
Follow on Instagram

Meet Cindersmella Stella – my pretty, pretty rescue pittie!

stella the rescue pit bull

Products

  • pittie power t-shirt Pittie Power T-Shirt $24.99
  • Fight Like Fannie Lou $24.99 – $27.99
  • pittie power sticker Pittie Power Sticker $2.99 – $5.99
  • pittie power magnet Pittie Power Magnet $4.70 – $7.84

Recent Posts

  • Making Coffee with a Moka Pot
  • Vegan Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese
  • Joe Byrd Prison Cemetery in Huntsville
  • The Healing Properties of Crystals
  • All Natural Homemade Conditioner for Hair Growth/Health

Recipes

recipes

Travel

elisabet ney museum

Animals

happy dog

Categories

Privacy Policy

  • Privacy Policy

Tags

animals austin beauty breakfast coconut oil compassion compassionate compassionate women confection cruelty free dessert dinner dinner recipe dogs gluten free gluten free recipe health healthy healthy eating healthy food healthy recipe love nature non-GMO nutritional yeast organic peace plant-based plant power plant protein recipe rio grande valley south texas Texas travel turmeric vegan vegan blog vegan cheese vegan food vegan recipe vegetarian veggie veggies women

Archives

Copyright © 2023 · Genesis Sample Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in