Sunday, December 30, 2012
Happy New Year One and All
.... and so it goes ... I received word the other day a dear old friend died, much too soon.
He is the second one this year, two 54 year old men, gone but not forgotten.
I count 13 pleasure boats in the cove. Nine are pretty good size cabin cruisers. I hope they
are all in the restaurants and stores spreading some money around to the women selling
on the beach and at the waterfall as well.
New Years eve will be in Yelapa, and the Yacht Club puts on a great party. I did start a
tradition a few years back, to do an Irish Jig before we left the house, so I shall see if I can
resurrect it tomorrow. I'll dance for those of us still here, moving into 2013 together.
I also plan to recite The Cremation of Sam McGee, something my Mothers brother John
would act out from memory for us all, at family gatherings. I can't do it by heart, but
practice makes perfect.
I have to get back online and investigate the birds in this area. There has been a Hawk or is
it Osprey, or small eagle, soaring over the house for days, with a loud, constant chirping.
There are two of them living in the tree behind the house. The pelicans have been very
active too. flying in circles above the village, then out to sea, and back. The other day, sitting
at the kitchen table, a group of 12 or 15 of them were flying right at me ! It looked like they
were going to fly straight into the house, but of course they didn't.
On my to Casa Delfin on Friday a whale was breaching off in the distance. I saw it jump
4 or 5 times, until a boat got too close and she went down.
It rained on Thursday. Very little at first, but then actually rained enough to give the yard
a good drink. It's all dry again now. Good dirt is hard to come by around here. We are
experimenting with a large round black plastic compost er , but it's days are numbered, I
can tell. Santiago brings us 2 bags of " soil " , on his mule, for 100. pesos. Sometimes it's
better than others, but it's something. There is no Garden Center or Nursery in town,
at least not yet. There is a lot of sharing of clippings and roots especially during the
summer.
Saturday I saw the most beautiful sunrise, ever. From my swinging bed, the sun rises over
the hills and everything is illuminated, sky, sea, jungle, for less than a minute, it was
stunning. I am receiving it as a gift for the coming year, a sign of what lays ahead.
I wish that the world would stop fighting so we could all share the peace of a beautiful
sunrise. I know you do too.
Cheers and very best wishes for a New Year ....
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas in Yelapa
Feliz Navidad Amigos ....
A perfect day at the beach yesterday. I don't get over there very often anymore, but it
used to be a Sunday ritual. It's about a mile walk, through town and across the river.
We crossed at the bridge yesterday, and watched the birds and the horses bathing. So
tranquil, especially compared to the constant music of the waves. The river is our source of
water piped into the house, so we are always relieved to see a good amount of water still
running, coming down the waterfall in town as well. It's really quite a sight to see all the
pipes, both plastic and galvanized, criss-crossing the path, the rocks and gardens, heading
into each house along the way. There is always work to be done, as the summer rains can
move or damage pipes. We pay a yearly fee to have a man on stand by to fix any problems
that arise. It isn't an easy job, and can also prove to be very dangerous. We have 2 large
holding tanks, that we have to check every so often, to be sure they are filling up and
working properly. So far so good this year.
I'm very sad to say that just as we arrived at our favorite spot at Hotel Lagunita an older
gentleman who had been swimming, suffered an apparent heart attack, and was pulled
from the water by another swimmer close by. People were preforming CPR, and pumping
his chest, but could not get a pulse. A ponga arrived quickly and transported the man and
his wife to Boca, where an ambulance had been called to meet the boat. So tragic.
It isn't the first time we have had tourist die in the water here. I'm thankful we weren't
there to be a witness. Especially since my Father in Law, Joe Velardo, died only 11 days ago.
He was 85 years old.
A lovely man, who had a long and happy life. But still, a great loss. He will live in our hearts
forever.
We are carrying on as best we can. A few decorations up in the house. Many people in town
have spectacular trees and lights. Tonight we will go out and about to admire all the effort
people have put in to making Yelapa beautiful. Many family members, who are away in the
USA or Canada come to visit this time of year, and you can feel the excitement and the
joy of these families. Many times the visitors returning have not seen their families for many
years, and you can see in their eyes and their smiles how happy they are to be back in this
little paradise of Yelapa.
I wish I could just click my heels and be with my Dad over the Holidays, and another click
to send me to Ottawa for a little egg nog with my beautiful nieces, but I know life is about
making sacrifices and choices, so I carry on here, happy to be in a home I love, and to feel
the love of my family and friends, both new and old , living and dead, many gone too soon.
I am grateful for the peace that lives in my heart and I wish the same happiness to all.
Merry Christmas, from my palapa to yours !!
A perfect day at the beach yesterday. I don't get over there very often anymore, but it
used to be a Sunday ritual. It's about a mile walk, through town and across the river.
We crossed at the bridge yesterday, and watched the birds and the horses bathing. So
tranquil, especially compared to the constant music of the waves. The river is our source of
water piped into the house, so we are always relieved to see a good amount of water still
running, coming down the waterfall in town as well. It's really quite a sight to see all the
pipes, both plastic and galvanized, criss-crossing the path, the rocks and gardens, heading
into each house along the way. There is always work to be done, as the summer rains can
move or damage pipes. We pay a yearly fee to have a man on stand by to fix any problems
that arise. It isn't an easy job, and can also prove to be very dangerous. We have 2 large
holding tanks, that we have to check every so often, to be sure they are filling up and
working properly. So far so good this year.
I'm very sad to say that just as we arrived at our favorite spot at Hotel Lagunita an older
gentleman who had been swimming, suffered an apparent heart attack, and was pulled
from the water by another swimmer close by. People were preforming CPR, and pumping
his chest, but could not get a pulse. A ponga arrived quickly and transported the man and
his wife to Boca, where an ambulance had been called to meet the boat. So tragic.
It isn't the first time we have had tourist die in the water here. I'm thankful we weren't
there to be a witness. Especially since my Father in Law, Joe Velardo, died only 11 days ago.
He was 85 years old.
A lovely man, who had a long and happy life. But still, a great loss. He will live in our hearts
forever.
We are carrying on as best we can. A few decorations up in the house. Many people in town
have spectacular trees and lights. Tonight we will go out and about to admire all the effort
people have put in to making Yelapa beautiful. Many family members, who are away in the
USA or Canada come to visit this time of year, and you can feel the excitement and the
joy of these families. Many times the visitors returning have not seen their families for many
years, and you can see in their eyes and their smiles how happy they are to be back in this
little paradise of Yelapa.
I wish I could just click my heels and be with my Dad over the Holidays, and another click
to send me to Ottawa for a little egg nog with my beautiful nieces, but I know life is about
making sacrifices and choices, so I carry on here, happy to be in a home I love, and to feel
the love of my family and friends, both new and old , living and dead, many gone too soon.
I am grateful for the peace that lives in my heart and I wish the same happiness to all.
Merry Christmas, from my palapa to yours !!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Every nights a party ....
I am having trouble signing in to my blog, but I'm here now, somehow.
What a treat to have people you love come and visit. So fun to see peoples reactions to all
the birds and bees and butterflies. Not to mention sleeping on a swinging bed, next to the
ocean. It's particularly nice when it isn't their first trip and they know their way around
town a little, how to get to the beach, and the town waterfall, and the stores. It takes a while
but the looking is half the fun. It's also important to know how to live in this environment,
and treat it with gentle care. As in Septic System, for example. My guests had to endure
some major inconvenience with that one, but came out smelling like roses !!
First job in the New Year is replace the 30 year old Septic System here. Much of the
problem comes from roots and sand, but it's past due. What a good way to start 2013 !
I'm relieved my guests left when they did, only because I had assured them we have very
few snakes here, but upon coming home the night they left, there was a snake.
I didn't see it until it was too late and I crushed it's head when closing the door. It was an
accident. When I went to the kitchen to turn on the light to access the damage a large
toad jumped over my feet, and I screamed. I try not to scream anymore, but this was all
happening in the dark, and Lily the cat was not helping matters .... you have to go with the
flow and let it roll off your back around here, or you'd be a nervous wreck !!
Debbie got married on Wednesday. What a fantastic time we all had. To bed at 3:30, and
i was not the last one standing. There were most of the population of two villages in
attendance, there must have been at least 100 coconuts sliced opened and consumed ...
either pure or mix your own Pina Coladas etc. Someday I will know all about posting photos
on this machine !
A very busy week, gearing up for Christmas, ( though it's hard to get the feeling with the
palm trees swinging in the breeze ) The ocean is still rough and many visitors are getting a
wet welcome. We can only hope it will calm down soon, and the sun will shine for those
looking to work on their tan over the holiday.
For me, I must get back to scrubbing the grime off the rock wall in the living room. It's
only 2.5 ft. high, but the salt collects and turns brown in some places....not good.
Not a big job, and i only do it once a year, so no complaints from me. I'll have a cold Corona
to celebrate another job well done in my Palapa in Yelapa ...
much muchness to us ALL !!
especially Nicole & Donna who have birthdays today ....and make the world a better place !
What a treat to have people you love come and visit. So fun to see peoples reactions to all
the birds and bees and butterflies. Not to mention sleeping on a swinging bed, next to the
ocean. It's particularly nice when it isn't their first trip and they know their way around
town a little, how to get to the beach, and the town waterfall, and the stores. It takes a while
but the looking is half the fun. It's also important to know how to live in this environment,
and treat it with gentle care. As in Septic System, for example. My guests had to endure
some major inconvenience with that one, but came out smelling like roses !!
First job in the New Year is replace the 30 year old Septic System here. Much of the
problem comes from roots and sand, but it's past due. What a good way to start 2013 !
I'm relieved my guests left when they did, only because I had assured them we have very
few snakes here, but upon coming home the night they left, there was a snake.
I didn't see it until it was too late and I crushed it's head when closing the door. It was an
accident. When I went to the kitchen to turn on the light to access the damage a large
toad jumped over my feet, and I screamed. I try not to scream anymore, but this was all
happening in the dark, and Lily the cat was not helping matters .... you have to go with the
flow and let it roll off your back around here, or you'd be a nervous wreck !!
Debbie got married on Wednesday. What a fantastic time we all had. To bed at 3:30, and
i was not the last one standing. There were most of the population of two villages in
attendance, there must have been at least 100 coconuts sliced opened and consumed ...
either pure or mix your own Pina Coladas etc. Someday I will know all about posting photos
on this machine !
A very busy week, gearing up for Christmas, ( though it's hard to get the feeling with the
palm trees swinging in the breeze ) The ocean is still rough and many visitors are getting a
wet welcome. We can only hope it will calm down soon, and the sun will shine for those
looking to work on their tan over the holiday.
For me, I must get back to scrubbing the grime off the rock wall in the living room. It's
only 2.5 ft. high, but the salt collects and turns brown in some places....not good.
Not a big job, and i only do it once a year, so no complaints from me. I'll have a cold Corona
to celebrate another job well done in my Palapa in Yelapa ...
much muchness to us ALL !!
especially Nicole & Donna who have birthdays today ....and make the world a better place !
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Winter in the Tropics
Winter has arrived in Yelapa. It's not cold enough for my beautiful woolen mexican sweater,
but I don't think it will be long. Two mornings in a row it was a little chilly. 20 c. at 7 am
The ocean has cooled and the wind that blows tells us, Christmas is coming !!
The sun still shines most days, all day, but the intensity of the summer heat is gone, and
I can actually sit on the deck and enjoy some rays, at least for a little while.
Growing tomatoes, basil and mint, with cilantro and sunflowers to come. Planted 3 more
pineapple tops. The yard is looking good. Such a challenge planting on the side of a hill !
My favorite so far are the Bird of Paradise, and the Bella Donna I planted this summer have taken hold, but no flowers yet.
My favorite so far are the Bird of Paradise, and the Bella Donna I planted this summer have taken hold, but no flowers yet.
Big ocean today. Stormy all along the west coast I understand, all the way to California,
and maybe even B.C.
The tides are high this time of year. Getting on the Water Taxi in Boca with Mimi on Friday, we had to load on the beach, as the pier was in the sand. A newborn rides with us. His Mom
carried on to the boat by her husband, and all the men around pitch in to help get them safe
and comfortable. The Baby is passed, from woman to woman, to be admired, before being passed back to Mom. No wonder the children are so relaxed with all their extended relatives. They get broken in pretty fast around here !
Many of our regulars arrived on the 28th. Yelapa has turned back into the tourist town, but
there are not enough people to support all the restaurants. Hopefully traffic will pick up in the New Year. Hopefully for my local friends who rely on the business.
Yelapa is a popular place for weddings, and I signed up with the Universal Life Church to be
a pastor. I had thought about it many times after Isabel died, and officiating Taylor & Kayley's wedding Nov.4th was a great experience. I look forward to doing more, as well as
memorials and baptism.
Nicole is arriving on Sunday, as well as a move in to Casa Delfin, ( my house keeper job ) so I doubt I will post next week.
I have had a quiet week. Still unpacking and organizing and enjoying watching The Voice.
The marvels of the internet. It has certainly expanded my world down here. I even have
Netflix now !!
Yelapa has jumped one century, maybe 2 in less than 15 years . No more bathing in the river, although a few still do, no more washing clothes on the rocks. The first purchase
for any family who could, was a washing machine, and we were all so proud.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Yelapa is no exception.
Sunday night Ranchero music blasting from different locations, roosters, dogs, children
playing. The sounds of a contentment. The sounds of home.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
goodbye Gloria, nice knowing you
Jeff's Mom Gloria died last week.
I heard she was 87 years old.
I would see her around Vallarta now and then, during the summer especially, walking around in her track suit.
Gregorio knew her much better than I, and would call out to her. She'd give a big smile, and wave. I bet she knew alot of
people, and she did kinda stick out. Tall, thin, gringa, white hair pinned up in a bun ... cruising.
I only spoke with her once, on the beach in Yelapa. I was sitting on the sand, and she under the umbrella, in a beach chair. We discovered I was born the same year as her daughter, 1960, and her daughter was born in PV.
She went on and on, telling me stories of that time, not
that long ago. She said there was only one taxi and one police car ! One taxi and one police car !!
If you have been to PV recently, you'll know things have changed enormously.
It hit me right in the face that day on the beach, listening to her. Not a knock out punch, but a wake up punch....
time passes with a blink of the eye, no matter what, we can't stop it. Surrender and enjoy the passing.
Thanks Gloria.
I heard she was 87 years old.
I would see her around Vallarta now and then, during the summer especially, walking around in her track suit.
Gregorio knew her much better than I, and would call out to her. She'd give a big smile, and wave. I bet she knew alot of
people, and she did kinda stick out. Tall, thin, gringa, white hair pinned up in a bun ... cruising.
I only spoke with her once, on the beach in Yelapa. I was sitting on the sand, and she under the umbrella, in a beach chair. We discovered I was born the same year as her daughter, 1960, and her daughter was born in PV.
She went on and on, telling me stories of that time, not
that long ago. She said there was only one taxi and one police car ! One taxi and one police car !!
If you have been to PV recently, you'll know things have changed enormously.
It hit me right in the face that day on the beach, listening to her. Not a knock out punch, but a wake up punch....
time passes with a blink of the eye, no matter what, we can't stop it. Surrender and enjoy the passing.
Thanks Gloria.
Dia de Revolution
Pitch dark at 7:00 pm. The light on the large boat that sailed in earlier sways in the night. There are no sillouettes,
only darkness. There are no stars and little movement, just the light swaying with the tide.
My first few times alone in Yelapa, I would be wake up in the night, and see the sailboat lights, or the fire flies, and wonder how or who could be floating out in the sea, or in my
kitchen.
Tuesday, Nov. 20 was Dia de Revolution...1910 .... !!
School kids parade down the beach, dressed in traditional costume, young boys dressed up like Poncho Villa. Older
kids put on a gymnastics show.
Later in the afternoon there was a Dance Performance at the school. So well done. SO much work going into the costumes and the organization.
Always so much going on. The locals always up to something ... I gotta get out more !!
Many US people celebrating Thanksgiving. Myself and 6 other Canadians joined the group. A happy tradition to go to April's Passion Flower Garden. If you have never been there before, well the whole thing would "blow you away"...
Dana sings ... and people dance ... a great night.
Home by 10:00
I am trying, again, to get some kids to come by for English Tutoring. My volunteer work here. I had 2 great students
last year, but they moved back to Morelios. Very very tricky to work out a schedule, and kids are shy, and reluctant, and stare at me with a blank face, even when I think I am speaking my best Spanish. I've been at it at a while, so I'm begining to get in their rhythm.
For instance, after the afternoon meal at 2 or 3 and a siesta,
if you're lucky, they are back at it again, so 5 or 6 in the after
noon works well for them. It didn't work so well for me, but
if I want to be involved, I'm going to have to adjust, and I already have. I will have tutoring lessons, in my home,
Fridays from 5 - 6. But.
I can't start this Friday because Mimi and I are going to PV to buy paint and supplies to get her Establishment up and running again. An old concept, called " Flying by the seat of your sarong "
There won't be Mimi's LIVE Friday Nights anymore, at least for a while. We'll start with a library, clothes exchange, pastry and light lunch. Homemade Pickles anyone, Coleslaw ?? Candy Apples ??
I am happiest when I stay busy, active, involved.
That's not a hard thing to acomplish in Yelapa.
Listen , more than you talk, and be very, very flexible.
You'll have friends all over town, in no time .
only darkness. There are no stars and little movement, just the light swaying with the tide.
My first few times alone in Yelapa, I would be wake up in the night, and see the sailboat lights, or the fire flies, and wonder how or who could be floating out in the sea, or in my
kitchen.
Tuesday, Nov. 20 was Dia de Revolution...1910 .... !!
School kids parade down the beach, dressed in traditional costume, young boys dressed up like Poncho Villa. Older
kids put on a gymnastics show.
Later in the afternoon there was a Dance Performance at the school. So well done. SO much work going into the costumes and the organization.
Always so much going on. The locals always up to something ... I gotta get out more !!
Many US people celebrating Thanksgiving. Myself and 6 other Canadians joined the group. A happy tradition to go to April's Passion Flower Garden. If you have never been there before, well the whole thing would "blow you away"...
Dana sings ... and people dance ... a great night.
Home by 10:00
I am trying, again, to get some kids to come by for English Tutoring. My volunteer work here. I had 2 great students
last year, but they moved back to Morelios. Very very tricky to work out a schedule, and kids are shy, and reluctant, and stare at me with a blank face, even when I think I am speaking my best Spanish. I've been at it at a while, so I'm begining to get in their rhythm.
For instance, after the afternoon meal at 2 or 3 and a siesta,
if you're lucky, they are back at it again, so 5 or 6 in the after
noon works well for them. It didn't work so well for me, but
if I want to be involved, I'm going to have to adjust, and I already have. I will have tutoring lessons, in my home,
Fridays from 5 - 6. But.
I can't start this Friday because Mimi and I are going to PV to buy paint and supplies to get her Establishment up and running again. An old concept, called " Flying by the seat of your sarong "
There won't be Mimi's LIVE Friday Nights anymore, at least for a while. We'll start with a library, clothes exchange, pastry and light lunch. Homemade Pickles anyone, Coleslaw ?? Candy Apples ??
I am happiest when I stay busy, active, involved.
That's not a hard thing to acomplish in Yelapa.
Listen , more than you talk, and be very, very flexible.
You'll have friends all over town, in no time .
Monday, November 19, 2012
poem: beautiful sea
beautiful sea
new born babies ride the ponga
dressed up from head to toe
they'll sleep in baby hammocks and in
old wheelbarrows
pretty girls with precious bundles
head up river, home
grandmother to meet them with
a bundle of her own
poem : river walk
river walk
my blood flows in this river
cool water rushes through my veins
swallowed by the power
a path of constant change
ancestors have called me here
to gather up the bones
grinding them to river rock
turning ashes into stones
a restless soul digested
ruby lips belong to me
a lost lagoon with her mouth
wide open
spits me out into the sea
High Season Saturday Night !
Just to give you an idea of what a High Season Saturday
Night in the Village may consist of.....
It's rare that you will experience all these sights and sounds
simultaneously, over a prolonged period of time, but not impossible .
If you live out of town far enough, most of the excitement may float right over your head, and out to sea.
For others, the sounds of life echo thru the canyons, producing a chaos that words can not describe, yet I shall try.
Keeping in mind, I wouldn't trade my swinging bed in this
Palapa in Yelapa, for any Condo in Redondo !!
November Saturday Night ............
many more boats coming and going, local ponga boats too
and fro, riding the waves out into the pitch, girls screamimg,
boys laughing.
big yachts, small yachts, with spotlights big enough to
light up the playita.
more boats, playing music that assaults, then disappears.
wedding at the Hotel Laguanita, fireworks !!
fire dance at the Baracudda,
R&R&R at Angelina's, Juanito's Jukebox blares Rancho
Polka music,
Brian's blues or Jeffs maps at El Cerito,
Quinenera at the Casino, Church Bells, Church Band,
Cantina on the upper path, especially poplular at 9 am
ATV's cruising the beach, making pick ups and deliverys.
Dogs barking, as usual, fights break out.
Not long before the first fisherman arrive to start their
day, the party has taken a needed rest, but will start back
up Sunday, shortly after 9:00.... AM !!
Vive Yelapa !!!
Night in the Village may consist of.....
It's rare that you will experience all these sights and sounds
simultaneously, over a prolonged period of time, but not impossible .
If you live out of town far enough, most of the excitement may float right over your head, and out to sea.
For others, the sounds of life echo thru the canyons, producing a chaos that words can not describe, yet I shall try.
Keeping in mind, I wouldn't trade my swinging bed in this
Palapa in Yelapa, for any Condo in Redondo !!
November Saturday Night ............
many more boats coming and going, local ponga boats too
and fro, riding the waves out into the pitch, girls screamimg,
boys laughing.
big yachts, small yachts, with spotlights big enough to
light up the playita.
more boats, playing music that assaults, then disappears.
wedding at the Hotel Laguanita, fireworks !!
fire dance at the Baracudda,
R&R&R at Angelina's, Juanito's Jukebox blares Rancho
Polka music,
Brian's blues or Jeffs maps at El Cerito,
Quinenera at the Casino, Church Bells, Church Band,
Cantina on the upper path, especially poplular at 9 am
ATV's cruising the beach, making pick ups and deliverys.
Dogs barking, as usual, fights break out.
Not long before the first fisherman arrive to start their
day, the party has taken a needed rest, but will start back
up Sunday, shortly after 9:00.... AM !!
Vive Yelapa !!!
What's Next ?
Holy Cow !!
Time flies .... and my mind wanders ...
to quote Nick Chopty.
September melted into October, and yet it still doesn't feel like November .... The humidity is about to break soon, it has to !
It rained at the Russell wedding ceremony, November 4th, a short, light sprinkle. Even though the air is wet, and the skies cloudy,
that may have been our last rain until June !!
Yelapa has taken on her high season personality. Voices
and flashlights on the path. Signs on poles announcing
the latest Restaurant opening, Movie of the week, Yoga Schedule, Spanish Lessons Beginning....
Life in Yelapa could never, ever be dull....
Whales are returning too. There have been quite a few so far, even a Mama and Baby right in the bay, in front of Casa Vieja.
Flying fish, and Dolpins and Whales, and that's just while I'm having breakfast !!
Yelapa is a very popular destination for weddings, all which seem to include fireworks now !! Even Birthday Bashes on the Beach give us a firework display, and Quincenara's
at the Casino !! Lily likes it less then me, but not by much !
I am going to give it all I got to keep this Blog active.
It is my inspiration, and motivation to stay connected to my craft, to my writing.
I discovered this passion of mine on the corner of Elizabeth Ave. and Lakeview Drive, sitting on the curb waiting for Rosalyn to appear ... I was and would always be, a writer.
So going full circle, I dedicate this blog, to the little girl sitting on the corner, right now, waiting for her friend,
dreaming her dreams, and believing in all her possibilities.
k
Familar faces, new stories,
Time flies .... and my mind wanders ...
to quote Nick Chopty.
September melted into October, and yet it still doesn't feel like November .... The humidity is about to break soon, it has to !
It rained at the Russell wedding ceremony, November 4th, a short, light sprinkle. Even though the air is wet, and the skies cloudy,
that may have been our last rain until June !!
Yelapa has taken on her high season personality. Voices
and flashlights on the path. Signs on poles announcing
the latest Restaurant opening, Movie of the week, Yoga Schedule, Spanish Lessons Beginning....
Life in Yelapa could never, ever be dull....
Whales are returning too. There have been quite a few so far, even a Mama and Baby right in the bay, in front of Casa Vieja.
Flying fish, and Dolpins and Whales, and that's just while I'm having breakfast !!
Yelapa is a very popular destination for weddings, all which seem to include fireworks now !! Even Birthday Bashes on the Beach give us a firework display, and Quincenara's
at the Casino !! Lily likes it less then me, but not by much !
I am going to give it all I got to keep this Blog active.
It is my inspiration, and motivation to stay connected to my craft, to my writing.
I discovered this passion of mine on the corner of Elizabeth Ave. and Lakeview Drive, sitting on the curb waiting for Rosalyn to appear ... I was and would always be, a writer.
So going full circle, I dedicate this blog, to the little girl sitting on the corner, right now, waiting for her friend,
dreaming her dreams, and believing in all her possibilities.
k
Familar faces, new stories,
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Are we there yet .....
It rained ALL DAY yesterday. Not a heavy gully washer, but steady. Maybe 10 cm. about 5 -6 inches.
Just when you thought it couldn't get greener or wetter or any more steamy, it is all of the above.
2 days to go, October !!! We can anticipate rain thru the 1st week or 10 days, until the "official " end of the rainy season. Gracias a Dios. It's been a particularly hard one.
One of our neighbours is recovering from Dengee, a young man about 14 years old. He is up and about now, but he looks like he got hit by a steam roller. He's going to be fine, and already is looking better, but
he'll remember this summer for the rest of his life.
I'm quite certain I had Dengee a couple of Septembers ago. 10 days no food, just water, splitting head ache behind my eyes, bones feel as if they are fire. Can't sit up, stand up, walk. Very very bad.
I never did go to the doctor, so I don't know if I had it or not.
Another neighbour had it just before me, she was tested, and then i got the same sickness.
I'm told it would show up in a blood test.
I have also had the Yelapa Baptism, Scorpion Sting Experience also in September .
First time I got stung twice, on my fingers and right hip, second time on my eye lid ! two days before
my birthday, in January.
It was already half drowned on my face cloth, but still.
That was also the day Lily had to go to the Vet for her abortion.
Another neighbour, Jaime helped me get her there.
Gracia a Dios.
So long September....and Happy Birthday Beautiful Cate ...
I'll keep learning how this Blog works. I'd like to have different sections for different content, pictures
maybe, and a place for feedback and comments.
Pretty high exposure, but it's time to walk thru the dark curtain, jump in with both feet, go for it .....
My Poetry is my main focus, and want to have both books available for purchase in the next few weeks.
Still some work to do on them, after all this time, but I'm almost on the other side.
In the meantime I will keep posting little tid bits of Yelapa life, as I see it, for those of you who would like
a little taste of your home away from home.
And for my family and friends to get a better sense of this Alternative Lifestyle, and what we mean when we say " Gourmet Camping"
much muchness says the Mad Hatter ...
k
Just when you thought it couldn't get greener or wetter or any more steamy, it is all of the above.
2 days to go, October !!! We can anticipate rain thru the 1st week or 10 days, until the "official " end of the rainy season. Gracias a Dios. It's been a particularly hard one.
One of our neighbours is recovering from Dengee, a young man about 14 years old. He is up and about now, but he looks like he got hit by a steam roller. He's going to be fine, and already is looking better, but
he'll remember this summer for the rest of his life.
I'm quite certain I had Dengee a couple of Septembers ago. 10 days no food, just water, splitting head ache behind my eyes, bones feel as if they are fire. Can't sit up, stand up, walk. Very very bad.
I never did go to the doctor, so I don't know if I had it or not.
Another neighbour had it just before me, she was tested, and then i got the same sickness.
I'm told it would show up in a blood test.
I have also had the Yelapa Baptism, Scorpion Sting Experience also in September .
First time I got stung twice, on my fingers and right hip, second time on my eye lid ! two days before
my birthday, in January.
It was already half drowned on my face cloth, but still.
That was also the day Lily had to go to the Vet for her abortion.
Another neighbour, Jaime helped me get her there.
Gracia a Dios.
So long September....and Happy Birthday Beautiful Cate ...
I'll keep learning how this Blog works. I'd like to have different sections for different content, pictures
maybe, and a place for feedback and comments.
Pretty high exposure, but it's time to walk thru the dark curtain, jump in with both feet, go for it .....
My Poetry is my main focus, and want to have both books available for purchase in the next few weeks.
Still some work to do on them, after all this time, but I'm almost on the other side.
In the meantime I will keep posting little tid bits of Yelapa life, as I see it, for those of you who would like
a little taste of your home away from home.
And for my family and friends to get a better sense of this Alternative Lifestyle, and what we mean when we say " Gourmet Camping"
much muchness says the Mad Hatter ...
k
Thursday, September 27, 2012
September Evening
No power yesterday. Hell of a storm around 5 pm, heavy winds, thunder & lightening up the mountain.
Cooking Fresh Tuna in the dark, just like the good old days ....
Downton Abbey on the computor with battery charge, so it isn't all that bad, except no fan.
The rain cools us off real good, but it doesn't take long to get back up to muggy and steamy.
Somehow the power came back on around 2 am,are they really up there in the Jungle in the middle of the night ?? I guess so, Himito does it all the time !!!
The ocean is brown, no relief there. If it doesn't rain for a few days it can clean itself up pretty good, but
with rain everyday, you don't want to get in ....trees, branches and all, logs, and dirt , coconuts floating around like little heads bobbing around. Whatever falls or gets thrown in the Canyon, will make it's way to the ocean, eventually. Unleass you have people like Jim & Rich cleaning out the creek by Casa Vieja, one
year they collected 70 bags !! Rich is gone, and now Jim pays Jose to clean it up once a week.
There is less and less garbage every year, a very good sign. It also has made a huge difference once we got weekley garbage pick up.
Every Thursday at 7 am, we all haul our garbage to the pier, to be brought over to Boca. It's quite the Social Scene ...wheelbarrows, dogs, kids, men & women ....some days the boat is full to the brim, and how
they keep all those bags on board is beyond me . Sometimes one falls off the front, but not very often,
thankfully.
Poor Jose has been fighting an infection in his leg recently, so not able to work. His wife explained to me it's something that will heal itself at home, with bed rest and keeping it elevated, the Cure All Lime, and frog juice; Live Frog Juice!!
Get a live frog from the creek, wash it off good, then rub it over the infected area .... once a day !!
It seems you will need a new frog every day, since after the treatment, the frog will take a hop or two
then drop dead !! Fortunately, we have no shortage of frogs ....unless Jose needs them all !
Count down to October. It is so quiet here, it can get deafing. Everyine is hot, tired and ready to put
some clothes back on. We are ready to dry out our lives !!
Slowly the part timers will start to arrive. Already many have their return dates and calling us for wish lists from Trader Joes, Whole Foods, etc. At this point it seems i crave very little from the North, making my
home here and adapting pretty good. I always want the Toms toothpaste though ( not Cinamon ) and
i miss the Saturday Globe & Mail , N.Y Times comes in second best.
I'm going to get working on a poem about October, the anticipation of feeling normal again.
Truly, at times it's so hot and humid for so many days, it's hard to feel normal, and you can tell by the looks
on the faces of the people passing by, they're not feeling normal either !!
But, soon, very very soon, we will be enjoying warm sunny days, swimming in the ocean, soft blankets on the bed, and all the men will have put their shirts back on !!
Cooking Fresh Tuna in the dark, just like the good old days ....
Downton Abbey on the computor with battery charge, so it isn't all that bad, except no fan.
The rain cools us off real good, but it doesn't take long to get back up to muggy and steamy.
Somehow the power came back on around 2 am,are they really up there in the Jungle in the middle of the night ?? I guess so, Himito does it all the time !!!
The ocean is brown, no relief there. If it doesn't rain for a few days it can clean itself up pretty good, but
with rain everyday, you don't want to get in ....trees, branches and all, logs, and dirt , coconuts floating around like little heads bobbing around. Whatever falls or gets thrown in the Canyon, will make it's way to the ocean, eventually. Unleass you have people like Jim & Rich cleaning out the creek by Casa Vieja, one
year they collected 70 bags !! Rich is gone, and now Jim pays Jose to clean it up once a week.
There is less and less garbage every year, a very good sign. It also has made a huge difference once we got weekley garbage pick up.
Every Thursday at 7 am, we all haul our garbage to the pier, to be brought over to Boca. It's quite the Social Scene ...wheelbarrows, dogs, kids, men & women ....some days the boat is full to the brim, and how
they keep all those bags on board is beyond me . Sometimes one falls off the front, but not very often,
thankfully.
Poor Jose has been fighting an infection in his leg recently, so not able to work. His wife explained to me it's something that will heal itself at home, with bed rest and keeping it elevated, the Cure All Lime, and frog juice; Live Frog Juice!!
Get a live frog from the creek, wash it off good, then rub it over the infected area .... once a day !!
It seems you will need a new frog every day, since after the treatment, the frog will take a hop or two
then drop dead !! Fortunately, we have no shortage of frogs ....unless Jose needs them all !
Count down to October. It is so quiet here, it can get deafing. Everyine is hot, tired and ready to put
some clothes back on. We are ready to dry out our lives !!
Slowly the part timers will start to arrive. Already many have their return dates and calling us for wish lists from Trader Joes, Whole Foods, etc. At this point it seems i crave very little from the North, making my
home here and adapting pretty good. I always want the Toms toothpaste though ( not Cinamon ) and
i miss the Saturday Globe & Mail , N.Y Times comes in second best.
I'm going to get working on a poem about October, the anticipation of feeling normal again.
Truly, at times it's so hot and humid for so many days, it's hard to feel normal, and you can tell by the looks
on the faces of the people passing by, they're not feeling normal either !!
But, soon, very very soon, we will be enjoying warm sunny days, swimming in the ocean, soft blankets on the bed, and all the men will have put their shirts back on !!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
September Morning
No water in the Tank this morning ! Climb the hill in my pj's and Crocks to change to the old, cement tank we hold in reserve. Sometimes, this time of year can be just as tricky as the dry season..... pipes get blocked with sand , black plastic lines get broken from falling rocks, or fast growing roots and vines .
It's a very dangerous operation, climbing up to the waterfall and beyond to repair water lines. We have a man on the job, paid yearly to maintain the line, now I just have to find him !!
Village life is returning to normal, slowly, after the most recent tragedy. It's been 3 weeks since young Hugo died, and the pain and shock begin to lift.
The resiliency in this Community is amazing.
This small village is so interwoven , you are never alone in your pain or your joy. Parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. This connection must provide such a grounding experience growing up, so many examples of strength and courage and will to live on.
Two days, no rain. The black clouds are forming up river, and the air is thick and wet; you could slice it.
Days like this it feels like 8:00 am, even if it's noon ... the bay is flat, and steel, the jungle so green it permeates, the air still , but not for long .....rain is on the way, but how long will we have to wait ??
Everything gets packed up at the first sound of thunder, the start of the rain. Computor, printer, cd / ipod player. The wind can blow the rain into the house from any direction, the roof could spring a leak,
the electricity could surge, you jusr never know and have to be prepared.
From my Palapa I'll watch the fisherman bail out their boats. Many times they are out there in the pouring rain, in thunder and lightening storms, trying to keep their boats from sinking, They just can't wait till the
storm is over, or they'll be fishing for the boats instead of Tuna !
Already this year, a large sailboat came off it's mooring, and crashed into the rocks below Garcia Rentals.
Sad, but not unusual around here. The boat that crashed in Boca a few years ago has finally been washed out to sea. I hope we don't have to wait that long for this boat to disappear.
I have yet to get over to visit all the amaxing women living on the other side of the river. I haven't heard but i wouldn't be surprised if Patricia, and The Oasis got flooded, again this year. Last month the Lagoon looked larger to me than I can ever remember...but I'm sure Patricia & Valentine have seen worse.....
Ahhh .. Thunder begins ... The weather watchers tell me we have a Tropical Storm coming our way, but
predicted to go up and away.
Well, I won't fool with Mother Nature.
I will sign off so i can prepare for what may come at us today.
k
It's a very dangerous operation, climbing up to the waterfall and beyond to repair water lines. We have a man on the job, paid yearly to maintain the line, now I just have to find him !!
Village life is returning to normal, slowly, after the most recent tragedy. It's been 3 weeks since young Hugo died, and the pain and shock begin to lift.
The resiliency in this Community is amazing.
This small village is so interwoven , you are never alone in your pain or your joy. Parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. This connection must provide such a grounding experience growing up, so many examples of strength and courage and will to live on.
Two days, no rain. The black clouds are forming up river, and the air is thick and wet; you could slice it.
Days like this it feels like 8:00 am, even if it's noon ... the bay is flat, and steel, the jungle so green it permeates, the air still , but not for long .....rain is on the way, but how long will we have to wait ??
Everything gets packed up at the first sound of thunder, the start of the rain. Computor, printer, cd / ipod player. The wind can blow the rain into the house from any direction, the roof could spring a leak,
the electricity could surge, you jusr never know and have to be prepared.
From my Palapa I'll watch the fisherman bail out their boats. Many times they are out there in the pouring rain, in thunder and lightening storms, trying to keep their boats from sinking, They just can't wait till the
storm is over, or they'll be fishing for the boats instead of Tuna !
Already this year, a large sailboat came off it's mooring, and crashed into the rocks below Garcia Rentals.
Sad, but not unusual around here. The boat that crashed in Boca a few years ago has finally been washed out to sea. I hope we don't have to wait that long for this boat to disappear.
I have yet to get over to visit all the amaxing women living on the other side of the river. I haven't heard but i wouldn't be surprised if Patricia, and The Oasis got flooded, again this year. Last month the Lagoon looked larger to me than I can ever remember...but I'm sure Patricia & Valentine have seen worse.....
Ahhh .. Thunder begins ... The weather watchers tell me we have a Tropical Storm coming our way, but
predicted to go up and away.
Well, I won't fool with Mother Nature.
I will sign off so i can prepare for what may come at us today.
k
Monday, September 24, 2012
poem : yelapa creatures
yelapa creatures
scorpions spiders mosquitos bats
gekos lizards skunks and rats
crickets singing giant bees
roosters sleeping in the trees
land crabs termites scrawny cats
donkeys horses and their craps
badgers squirrels little weasels
mice and ticks large flyinfg beetles
armadillos lots of frogs
cows and bulls and barking dogs
butterflies and fireflies
dragonflies and fleas
ants of all description
are everywhere they please
burning garbage burning gas
sure hope this trip is not my last
poem : hot august night
hot august nights
the ground rumbles
under my bed
true grit heading my way
down the canyon
bones and rocks shrink
in anticipation
earthquakes split the sky
snap me open
like a beverly adjustment
munchkins climb my spine
one thousand
two thousand
white blue yellow green
flashing zapping bolts
short circut my world
leaves me breathless
deaf
and blind in one eye
Sunday, September 23, 2012
wet + hot = steamy
and off we go ....
By this time of the year, ALL of us are in a holding pattern, of hot and wet, and steamy ...
Wanting and needing as much rain as possible, in these last weeks of summer, and yet, we ALL
have had enough.
The smell.
Dirty wet dog, rolled in dirt and mud, with a mixture of caca, and rotten fish guts thrown in.
It doesn't smell like that all the time of course.
Most of the time, especially after a good " gully washer " it's so rich and green, you can smell deep into the earth, and she smells sweet.
Light, Texture, Smell ....
It all makes me feel very awake, grounded, connected to the cycle of life and death and life.
The beauty in the moment. The moments are the journey.
To live so close with Mother Nature, hummingbirds come face to face with you at breakfast.
The sea is calmer, this time of year. Like glass most of the time. The Water Taxi rides are exquisite,
as long as you don't get caught in the rain.
You can see it sometimes, a black curtin pulled from the sky, heading right towards you, or you
towards it. A 3 minute downpour and we're thru it, .... or not ....
You can hear it too. Coming down river, like a wave. It can take a while, but it gets closer and closer,
louder and louder. Dash around to move furniture, cover /unplug electronics, clothes off the line,
hurry, hurry , because , here it comes.
It is so loud, sometimes you can't hear yourself think. Really.
You have to stop thinking, and just sit back and love the rain.
Without it we would never cool off !!
I can watch the Banana Tress in the yard grow, maybe 6 inches a day.
The Bouganvilla, about the same.
Take cuttings and just stick them in the dirt to grow. Pull weeds by the roots as easy as carrots.
Now is the time for planting. The ground is soft and welcoming and almost anything will grow ....
The dampness begins to get on my nerves. Everyday another blouse or dress or bolsa to clean.
Nothing will be dry again until mid October. Luckily, clothes are a minimal requirement, so many are
still packed away, like blankets and curtins and extra accessories.
Summer living made simple.
I used to put all the books in plastic zip lock bags, but i don't anymore. Now that I'm here full time I just
check them once in a while for termites, and mold.
Fans .... How did they do it without them .... Most days, especially now, we all stick close to the fans.
The locals will burn the large cardboard egg cartons to keep the bugs away.
Unlike the dry season with so few bugs, they make up for it now.
Sometimes forced to go to bed shortly after dark, safe in the net with the lights off.
Termites swarm, Fireflies, look like candles flickering in the yard.
Beetles who crash themselves into the light until they finally collapse, on their backs, and wiggle around till they die, which can take a very long time.
The land crabs, who come early in the summer, by the hundreds, just after the first rains.
They are my favorite, except when they climb into the Palapa. I really hate that, hearing the Crabs fussing around in the roof. I can usually spot them, and we battle it out with the broom, and I usually win.
Poor crab hobling off with a missing claw or two. They seem to get on just fine like that .
There's more, and more, but for now I'll take a break and post a poem and hopefully a photo...
much muchness !
k
By this time of the year, ALL of us are in a holding pattern, of hot and wet, and steamy ...
Wanting and needing as much rain as possible, in these last weeks of summer, and yet, we ALL
have had enough.
The smell.
Dirty wet dog, rolled in dirt and mud, with a mixture of caca, and rotten fish guts thrown in.
It doesn't smell like that all the time of course.
Most of the time, especially after a good " gully washer " it's so rich and green, you can smell deep into the earth, and she smells sweet.
Light, Texture, Smell ....
It all makes me feel very awake, grounded, connected to the cycle of life and death and life.
The beauty in the moment. The moments are the journey.
To live so close with Mother Nature, hummingbirds come face to face with you at breakfast.
The sea is calmer, this time of year. Like glass most of the time. The Water Taxi rides are exquisite,
as long as you don't get caught in the rain.
You can see it sometimes, a black curtin pulled from the sky, heading right towards you, or you
towards it. A 3 minute downpour and we're thru it, .... or not ....
You can hear it too. Coming down river, like a wave. It can take a while, but it gets closer and closer,
louder and louder. Dash around to move furniture, cover /unplug electronics, clothes off the line,
hurry, hurry , because , here it comes.
It is so loud, sometimes you can't hear yourself think. Really.
You have to stop thinking, and just sit back and love the rain.
Without it we would never cool off !!
I can watch the Banana Tress in the yard grow, maybe 6 inches a day.
The Bouganvilla, about the same.
Take cuttings and just stick them in the dirt to grow. Pull weeds by the roots as easy as carrots.
Now is the time for planting. The ground is soft and welcoming and almost anything will grow ....
The dampness begins to get on my nerves. Everyday another blouse or dress or bolsa to clean.
Nothing will be dry again until mid October. Luckily, clothes are a minimal requirement, so many are
still packed away, like blankets and curtins and extra accessories.
Summer living made simple.
I used to put all the books in plastic zip lock bags, but i don't anymore. Now that I'm here full time I just
check them once in a while for termites, and mold.
Fans .... How did they do it without them .... Most days, especially now, we all stick close to the fans.
The locals will burn the large cardboard egg cartons to keep the bugs away.
Unlike the dry season with so few bugs, they make up for it now.
Sometimes forced to go to bed shortly after dark, safe in the net with the lights off.
Termites swarm, Fireflies, look like candles flickering in the yard.
Beetles who crash themselves into the light until they finally collapse, on their backs, and wiggle around till they die, which can take a very long time.
The land crabs, who come early in the summer, by the hundreds, just after the first rains.
They are my favorite, except when they climb into the Palapa. I really hate that, hearing the Crabs fussing around in the roof. I can usually spot them, and we battle it out with the broom, and I usually win.
Poor crab hobling off with a missing claw or two. They seem to get on just fine like that .
There's more, and more, but for now I'll take a break and post a poem and hopefully a photo...
much muchness !
k
Introduction
This is the beginning, but it sure took a long time to get here .
I have been writing since i was a young girl, but it was only when i reached my 40's , when the fear of rejection and the need for approval became less of an obstacle in reaching out, and sharing my poems and stories.
Yelapa was a big inspitation to get me moving in that direction. So rich and diverse and unique.
My intention is to blogger !! every Monday Afternoon ....
I'll share my experiences of living in a Palapa in Yelapa, stories of village life, and community.
I will also be posting some of the poems, from both of my Poem Books, as well as new poems,
and stories, new and old.
I am excited to be starting. I hope everything works out as I imagine.
I will be setting up a gmail account to receive comments, and feedback.
Vamos a ver ...
kelley
I have been writing since i was a young girl, but it was only when i reached my 40's , when the fear of rejection and the need for approval became less of an obstacle in reaching out, and sharing my poems and stories.
Yelapa was a big inspitation to get me moving in that direction. So rich and diverse and unique.
My intention is to blogger !! every Monday Afternoon ....
I'll share my experiences of living in a Palapa in Yelapa, stories of village life, and community.
I will also be posting some of the poems, from both of my Poem Books, as well as new poems,
and stories, new and old.
I am excited to be starting. I hope everything works out as I imagine.
I will be setting up a gmail account to receive comments, and feedback.
Vamos a ver ...
kelley
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