Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Maria poem
Maria's in her hammock
no need to be surprised
She had it woven to her likeness
it's a fabulous disguise
Maria in her hammock
swaying by the sea
Her eyes may be deceiving
but those lips are brass can be
September // Good Riddence
Yelapa, September 2017 ... a month best put behind us.
I can compare it to the last slushy days of March, in the North of Canada, waiting for the final banks of dirty snow to melt.
Heavy rain for over 2 weeks now, every day. A blessing, but
makes everything more difficult. I turned back from going to school last Friday, so much mud along the trail it's very slippery, and you either walk through the creeks with your shoes on, or off, or try and traverse make shift bridges and sand bags !!
We are a month behind our normal climate. I expect it will rain well into October. If you are coming before Halloween, be prepared !
So much tragedy in the world. Las Vegas.
Frightening.
Devestating.
Yelapa is still so removed from the outside.
But we know; we are aware, and take greater comfort in our community when catastrophe happens. The basics of life.
Connection.
Speaking of ...
Internet connection has been impeded due to weather, both Yelapa wifi and Infinitum Telmx. That why I'm late.
As of today, so far so good.
Most every other day the power goes off.
28 hours straight last week.
Thunder storms that wake you up trembling and smirking.
The echo in this bay has got to be some of the ultimate acoustics. It's mind mending !!
Light shows. A summer extra, free of charge.
Lightening so close you can't look with your eyes closed.
No hurricanes. or earthquakes or tsunami. For that, and more, I'm grateful.
Rain keeps us cool, or cooler than without.
Leeks in palapa roof to be expected.
Two tiny frogs seeking shelter, and 2 lizards have disovered cat food !
If it's not one thing it's another !
School is going great. Google yelapaschoolproject.com or visit the facebook page. We are just getting going.
You can check on updates and areas where Yelapa students need your help.
Full moon we will not see in Yelapa tonight.
I can't even see Puerto Vallarta !
It's time to break out the lentils, and light the candles.
Power is on, for now, but in Yelapa, this time of year, you have to be prepared.
One ex girl guide signing off, with photos to come asap.
I can compare it to the last slushy days of March, in the North of Canada, waiting for the final banks of dirty snow to melt.
Heavy rain for over 2 weeks now, every day. A blessing, but
makes everything more difficult. I turned back from going to school last Friday, so much mud along the trail it's very slippery, and you either walk through the creeks with your shoes on, or off, or try and traverse make shift bridges and sand bags !!
We are a month behind our normal climate. I expect it will rain well into October. If you are coming before Halloween, be prepared !
So much tragedy in the world. Las Vegas.
Frightening.
Devestating.
Yelapa is still so removed from the outside.
But we know; we are aware, and take greater comfort in our community when catastrophe happens. The basics of life.
Connection.
Speaking of ...
Internet connection has been impeded due to weather, both Yelapa wifi and Infinitum Telmx. That why I'm late.
As of today, so far so good.
Most every other day the power goes off.
28 hours straight last week.
Thunder storms that wake you up trembling and smirking.
The echo in this bay has got to be some of the ultimate acoustics. It's mind mending !!
Light shows. A summer extra, free of charge.
Lightening so close you can't look with your eyes closed.
No hurricanes. or earthquakes or tsunami. For that, and more, I'm grateful.
Rain keeps us cool, or cooler than without.
Leeks in palapa roof to be expected.
Two tiny frogs seeking shelter, and 2 lizards have disovered cat food !
If it's not one thing it's another !
School is going great. Google yelapaschoolproject.com or visit the facebook page. We are just getting going.
You can check on updates and areas where Yelapa students need your help.
Full moon we will not see in Yelapa tonight.
I can't even see Puerto Vallarta !
It's time to break out the lentils, and light the candles.
Power is on, for now, but in Yelapa, this time of year, you have to be prepared.
One ex girl guide signing off, with photos to come asap.
Monday, September 4, 2017
Goodbye August ... Hello September
Sorry about the spelling mistakes ...
The old Chesley Chicken will be become the new Little School, starting with English Classes, and growing into Art, and Music, and maybe Cooking ? We shall see. It's a very small space with some room for expansion, but not much !
It's a fantastic start, and I'm excited to get started !
Church bell ringing now, at 6:15 am ... not sure why ??
Yelapa schools are looking for volunteers to go assist in English Language Learning. With more and more people coming to stay, I hope we can set up a volunteer program to give these kids a hand up. It's so important.
Yelapa School Project is the name of the new Website.
It's on your Google now ! We haven't reached the final stretch yet, a few photos to add and change, drop down menu for more specific information, linking the Facebook page and accounting/ paypal procedures. This means forming the committee to get this off the ground. Not sure how long that will take but it is now a priority, so before my next post is the goal !
One of the Yelapa Folklore dancers, from 1st year Prepa, has been selected to join the Puerto Vallarta dance group on their trip to CHINA !! On the 18th of this month !! Outrageously exciting !! Jenny Lorenzo, Neto and Lupita's daughter, from La Guera water taxi, Taco Ramona's Grandaughter !!
Can't wait to see her Thursday !!
Rain overnight again last night, close to an inch every night last week. Good.
Growing season is at her peak !!
Enjoy your Days of September ...
The old Chesley Chicken will be become the new Little School, starting with English Classes, and growing into Art, and Music, and maybe Cooking ? We shall see. It's a very small space with some room for expansion, but not much !
It's a fantastic start, and I'm excited to get started !
Church bell ringing now, at 6:15 am ... not sure why ??
Yelapa schools are looking for volunteers to go assist in English Language Learning. With more and more people coming to stay, I hope we can set up a volunteer program to give these kids a hand up. It's so important.
Yelapa School Project is the name of the new Website.
It's on your Google now ! We haven't reached the final stretch yet, a few photos to add and change, drop down menu for more specific information, linking the Facebook page and accounting/ paypal procedures. This means forming the committee to get this off the ground. Not sure how long that will take but it is now a priority, so before my next post is the goal !
One of the Yelapa Folklore dancers, from 1st year Prepa, has been selected to join the Puerto Vallarta dance group on their trip to CHINA !! On the 18th of this month !! Outrageously exciting !! Jenny Lorenzo, Neto and Lupita's daughter, from La Guera water taxi, Taco Ramona's Grandaughter !!
Can't wait to see her Thursday !!
Rain overnight again last night, close to an inch every night last week. Good.
Growing season is at her peak !!
Enjoy your Days of September ...
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Goodbye August
Buenos Dias Amigas y Amigos ..... I hope everyone is doing ok this extreme weather season !
I arrived home August 8th and it's been raining almost everyday since then.! 1 inch to 1.5 inches generally, with one or two 3 inch days. This is our rainy season so it's welcomed, the wind is a pain when your live in a Palapa, but I should be used to it by now !!??
Yelapa lost her long time friend Luckey Gillet. He died July 15th, thereabouts, of a heart attack, at home in Nevada City.
Just like that, with no warning, sitting in his chair.
He was 73 or 74 years old.
A hugh blow for so many people, he probably made friends with everyone he met, if he liked you. Too bad he never got to writing a book, it would have been facinating. He will be conspicuously absent from the beach, and Tacos y Mas restaurant especially !!
Sipriano's wife Marta died within the same week or 10 days.
With peace and bravery and lots of love around her. A brain tumor that was only diagnosed 6 months ago, or less ! She probably wasn't 60 yet.
And then Marcos, " The " seller of jewlery on the beach.
Father of Daly, and Kevin, and Sergio, and Aron, and Vero, and Marcos Jr. .... died tragically in the same time period.
The siblings lost their Mom only 4 years ago.
They were both early 60's.
I was away for all the saddness, and Life continues, with memories of good times and another Guardian Angel to watch over us !
So much destruction and loss around us.
I have Yelapa Hi Speed internet now, and Videos of Texas, and North Korea, and The CBC National News covering NAFTA, and Hurricanes are coming in loud and clear.
Is this what I really wanted ? No, but it comes with this package called Life, and in the world we live in now, it's harder to disconnect. Yelapa doesn't feel so far away anymore ... but I'm grateful for the positive things Hi Speed brings, making my Blog, and Instagram, and Photos easier to enjoy !
Power has been out fairly regularly, partly there is work being done on the lines, and partly weather and faulty equipment. There was a sign posted to announce power outage on Saturday, 10 - 2, which was novel. It did go out, but 3- 6 instead. Usually I'm not using any electronic equipment when it's raining, and stormy, and no power.
There are pin prick size holes in my roof, large pin size, and
water will come through the first few days of heavy rain, then they swell up and hopefully stay that way till the end !
Usually I know where they are, but there have been a few surprises lately !
And the bugs are bad in the summer, not like Northern Black Fly bad, but this is our time for mosquitoes, ( Denge ), and swarming termites looking for a home in the support beams,
( also not good ), and, we could change the name from rainy season to house fly season!
No seeems , and see ems, you can't get rid of or swat buzzing around your ears and nose !
I bought, home made by local, bug repellant in Terrace Bay, and I love it. I could be her Mexico Representitive, it's so good, but I'd have to smuggle it into the country !
Burning coils, incense, no egg cartons yet !
Candles every night, prepared for power outage plus bugs love light bulbs ! Yelapa nights there is always a candle burning.
Many business here and throughout Mexico have a candle burning at the altar of their dead, day and night.
It's lovely.
My neighbors, Maria and Jim, both seen by our new Doctors yesterday, we do have 2 full time now !! Both of them on antibotics but not serious. 83 and 85 respectively. No family.
Just us.
Changes at all the schools, again this year, with maybe the exception of Prepa, grades 10 - 12. That's where Im going this year, starting Thurday, twicw a week one 50 minutes ESL class. ..
to be con't ..
I arrived home August 8th and it's been raining almost everyday since then.! 1 inch to 1.5 inches generally, with one or two 3 inch days. This is our rainy season so it's welcomed, the wind is a pain when your live in a Palapa, but I should be used to it by now !!??
Yelapa lost her long time friend Luckey Gillet. He died July 15th, thereabouts, of a heart attack, at home in Nevada City.
Just like that, with no warning, sitting in his chair.
He was 73 or 74 years old.
A hugh blow for so many people, he probably made friends with everyone he met, if he liked you. Too bad he never got to writing a book, it would have been facinating. He will be conspicuously absent from the beach, and Tacos y Mas restaurant especially !!
Sipriano's wife Marta died within the same week or 10 days.
With peace and bravery and lots of love around her. A brain tumor that was only diagnosed 6 months ago, or less ! She probably wasn't 60 yet.
And then Marcos, " The " seller of jewlery on the beach.
Father of Daly, and Kevin, and Sergio, and Aron, and Vero, and Marcos Jr. .... died tragically in the same time period.
The siblings lost their Mom only 4 years ago.
They were both early 60's.
I was away for all the saddness, and Life continues, with memories of good times and another Guardian Angel to watch over us !
So much destruction and loss around us.
I have Yelapa Hi Speed internet now, and Videos of Texas, and North Korea, and The CBC National News covering NAFTA, and Hurricanes are coming in loud and clear.
Is this what I really wanted ? No, but it comes with this package called Life, and in the world we live in now, it's harder to disconnect. Yelapa doesn't feel so far away anymore ... but I'm grateful for the positive things Hi Speed brings, making my Blog, and Instagram, and Photos easier to enjoy !
Power has been out fairly regularly, partly there is work being done on the lines, and partly weather and faulty equipment. There was a sign posted to announce power outage on Saturday, 10 - 2, which was novel. It did go out, but 3- 6 instead. Usually I'm not using any electronic equipment when it's raining, and stormy, and no power.
There are pin prick size holes in my roof, large pin size, and
water will come through the first few days of heavy rain, then they swell up and hopefully stay that way till the end !
Usually I know where they are, but there have been a few surprises lately !
And the bugs are bad in the summer, not like Northern Black Fly bad, but this is our time for mosquitoes, ( Denge ), and swarming termites looking for a home in the support beams,
( also not good ), and, we could change the name from rainy season to house fly season!
No seeems , and see ems, you can't get rid of or swat buzzing around your ears and nose !
I bought, home made by local, bug repellant in Terrace Bay, and I love it. I could be her Mexico Representitive, it's so good, but I'd have to smuggle it into the country !
Burning coils, incense, no egg cartons yet !
Candles every night, prepared for power outage plus bugs love light bulbs ! Yelapa nights there is always a candle burning.
Many business here and throughout Mexico have a candle burning at the altar of their dead, day and night.
It's lovely.
My neighbors, Maria and Jim, both seen by our new Doctors yesterday, we do have 2 full time now !! Both of them on antibotics but not serious. 83 and 85 respectively. No family.
Just us.
Changes at all the schools, again this year, with maybe the exception of Prepa, grades 10 - 12. That's where Im going this year, starting Thurday, twicw a week one 50 minutes ESL class. ..
to be con't ..
Monday, June 5, 2017
Hello June
.... GOODBYE, MAY ....
May seems to last a while around here, beginning with 9 days of Festival of Guadalupe, then Mother's Day, Student Day, Teacher Day, ( Day of the Child on the 30th of April ).
It's also the month of First Communion and Confirmation,
with 50 kids participating. The Church is standing room only at most large events, and that day was no exception.
Many people waiting outside for the Entrance and Exit.
Food and refreshments are sold in the front, but every family
has a fiesta planned for the afternoon, either at home or on the beach. The kids get an impressive gift of a small, white
bible, a candle, and prayer book, etc.
May is also my Dad's Birthday,'s, (90 years ), my Mom's anniversary,( 19 years ), my 1st wedding anniversary, ( 28 years ),
not to mention the numerous other birthdays, baptisims, and anniversaries celebrated around town.
The Village also marked the passing of one of her pioneers,
bidding farewell to Dona Beta, the mother of 9? or 12? children, many who still reside within a stones throw of each other.
The Mother of Pollo Bollo Jaime, famous for BBQ.
No way for me to be sure how many grandchildren she had, but I would be safe to say, at least one in every grade at Secondary.
Nine days mourning, as is the tradition.
Church bells ringing this Monday morning, at 6:30 am.
Somewhat unusual. Be sure to ask in the Village today ...
One of the things about all these special occasions, is the relatives and friends who arrive to share in the celebration.
People from Yelapa, who now live elsewhere, are SO HAPPY to be back home, and their kids are in heaven,barefoot and soaking wet.
People really take the time together, reminding us we don't know
when, or if, there will be a next time !
And people who are newly arrived ...?
They have never seen anything like it !!
Then, after all this, Dia de la Marina, June 1st.
( my 2nd wedding anniversary, 15 years )
Fun .... lots of fun. More shade this year, thanks YC, and every year there are new friends to see.
It isn't for everyone, that is for sure ... the music is blasting,
the kids are screaming, the brass band is playng, there's one bathroom, the ice melts, the sun is unforgiving ... people can and do get hurt, but a great time is usually had by the majority.
I didn't get in the water this year, it was too cold !! Serious !
It has warmed up some, but even this morning, the weather is a little chilly and stormy for Yelapa June. Serious!
We need rain. So dry. So brittle and dusty. Not many mosquitoes
bothering me, flies either. No crabs, though I saw 2 the other day, trapped in the shower ...
It has to rain, it must rain, before I leave for my Vacation !!
7 days from now !!!
It's " full tilt boogie" till then. I'll be gone 7 weeks !!
From Vancouver, to Winnipeg, to Lake of the Woods, to Great Lake Superior, to Ottawa, to Sydney, Nova Scotia.
There's a lot to do to prepare for a trip like this ...
not the least being a few more fiestas, ...
to send me on my way ...
I will be able to post in July, as long as I can get my phone working.
I wish you all safe travels, as the adventure of life continues ....
May seems to last a while around here, beginning with 9 days of Festival of Guadalupe, then Mother's Day, Student Day, Teacher Day, ( Day of the Child on the 30th of April ).
It's also the month of First Communion and Confirmation,
with 50 kids participating. The Church is standing room only at most large events, and that day was no exception.
Many people waiting outside for the Entrance and Exit.
Food and refreshments are sold in the front, but every family
has a fiesta planned for the afternoon, either at home or on the beach. The kids get an impressive gift of a small, white
bible, a candle, and prayer book, etc.
May is also my Dad's Birthday,'s, (90 years ), my Mom's anniversary,( 19 years ), my 1st wedding anniversary, ( 28 years ),
not to mention the numerous other birthdays, baptisims, and anniversaries celebrated around town.
The Village also marked the passing of one of her pioneers,
bidding farewell to Dona Beta, the mother of 9? or 12? children, many who still reside within a stones throw of each other.
The Mother of Pollo Bollo Jaime, famous for BBQ.
No way for me to be sure how many grandchildren she had, but I would be safe to say, at least one in every grade at Secondary.
Nine days mourning, as is the tradition.
Church bells ringing this Monday morning, at 6:30 am.
Somewhat unusual. Be sure to ask in the Village today ...
One of the things about all these special occasions, is the relatives and friends who arrive to share in the celebration.
People from Yelapa, who now live elsewhere, are SO HAPPY to be back home, and their kids are in heaven,barefoot and soaking wet.
People really take the time together, reminding us we don't know
when, or if, there will be a next time !
And people who are newly arrived ...?
They have never seen anything like it !!
Then, after all this, Dia de la Marina, June 1st.
( my 2nd wedding anniversary, 15 years )
Fun .... lots of fun. More shade this year, thanks YC, and every year there are new friends to see.
It isn't for everyone, that is for sure ... the music is blasting,
the kids are screaming, the brass band is playng, there's one bathroom, the ice melts, the sun is unforgiving ... people can and do get hurt, but a great time is usually had by the majority.
I didn't get in the water this year, it was too cold !! Serious !
It has warmed up some, but even this morning, the weather is a little chilly and stormy for Yelapa June. Serious!
We need rain. So dry. So brittle and dusty. Not many mosquitoes
bothering me, flies either. No crabs, though I saw 2 the other day, trapped in the shower ...
It has to rain, it must rain, before I leave for my Vacation !!
7 days from now !!!
It's " full tilt boogie" till then. I'll be gone 7 weeks !!
From Vancouver, to Winnipeg, to Lake of the Woods, to Great Lake Superior, to Ottawa, to Sydney, Nova Scotia.
There's a lot to do to prepare for a trip like this ...
not the least being a few more fiestas, ...
to send me on my way ...
I will be able to post in July, as long as I can get my phone working.
I wish you all safe travels, as the adventure of life continues ....
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Happy Birthday Guadalupe
Yelapa Catholics celebrate the birthday of The Virgin of Guadalupe, every year at this time,
for 9 days. Nine days being the amount of time morners grieve their receently dearly departed. The town is decorated with pretty flags, and the new church bell rings at 5 am, and afternoons and evenings. Every neighbourhood takes turns in procession, with the Statue of Our Lady of Gualdalupe, carried in reverence, leading the way. It's a beautiful, wonderful celebration.
Confirmationa and First Communion took place this Sunday. Everyone dressed up, and on their best behavior, including the kids, haha ! Even standing room was full, with 2 priests officiating ! The church band rocked out , and makes the whole things come alive !
So much planning to prepare for all these Festivities, as it means many trips to Puerto Vallarta, or Tuito.
Is that why everything is , always, an hour or more late ?? No.
That has to do with time zones !
Mother's Day right around the corner .... have to wait and see what mood strikes me, if I'll dress up again this year. Always so much fun to see these Women let loose once a year.
Maybe a good idea this year is to take " my official photograher Davin " and try for some
classic portraits .... for prosperity and Facebook !
I've been invited to a pre- mothers day dinner at The Yacht Club Tuesday night.
Full stop Turkey Dinner ! 30 Women, all male servers.
Elanita wants to say Thank You, and I look forward to saying, You're Welcome !
Life and the Yelapa School Website project and potential keep moving on ...
excitement builds as I make the finishing reservations and prepare my suitycase for travel. I'm over the moon with the soon to be reality of being in my hometown, after 19 years ... what a gift to behold ...
and there is always first Vancouver , the city of my dreams.
I'm there for 10 days, with no caregiving, just re discovery ...
another gift to savor ...
Hi speed internet is available in Yelapa, seperate and apart from Carlos Slim and his
Infinitum. $ 2,500.00 pesos to install, and $ 700.00 pesos per month.
That means I can hook up Roko or Blueray; as over 30 satisfied customers have already done. I could watch NFB Films ! or Netflix, or Ted Talks ...
One day but not today. I can barely keep up to Youtube right now !
After Mother's Day, and Guadalupe's Birthday Party, will be Dia de Marina, June 1st,to honoring and celebrateing the men and women who have lost their lives at sea.
In Yelapa the focus is our Pescadors, The Fishermen.
It's A HUGE PARTY, on the little beach in town.
Shortly after that 24 or 36 hour Fiesta, Yelapa will curl up and rest for 4 months, and I will
be on my way to 2 months of vacation.
Preparation for receiving the positive, healthy, connected energy, we all bring to each other in these times of gathering and celebration .... Let the music play on inside of us ...
Happy Everything May !
for 9 days. Nine days being the amount of time morners grieve their receently dearly departed. The town is decorated with pretty flags, and the new church bell rings at 5 am, and afternoons and evenings. Every neighbourhood takes turns in procession, with the Statue of Our Lady of Gualdalupe, carried in reverence, leading the way. It's a beautiful, wonderful celebration.
Confirmationa and First Communion took place this Sunday. Everyone dressed up, and on their best behavior, including the kids, haha ! Even standing room was full, with 2 priests officiating ! The church band rocked out , and makes the whole things come alive !
So much planning to prepare for all these Festivities, as it means many trips to Puerto Vallarta, or Tuito.
Is that why everything is , always, an hour or more late ?? No.
That has to do with time zones !
Mother's Day right around the corner .... have to wait and see what mood strikes me, if I'll dress up again this year. Always so much fun to see these Women let loose once a year.
Maybe a good idea this year is to take " my official photograher Davin " and try for some
classic portraits .... for prosperity and Facebook !
I've been invited to a pre- mothers day dinner at The Yacht Club Tuesday night.
Full stop Turkey Dinner ! 30 Women, all male servers.
Elanita wants to say Thank You, and I look forward to saying, You're Welcome !
Life and the Yelapa School Website project and potential keep moving on ...
excitement builds as I make the finishing reservations and prepare my suitycase for travel. I'm over the moon with the soon to be reality of being in my hometown, after 19 years ... what a gift to behold ...
and there is always first Vancouver , the city of my dreams.
I'm there for 10 days, with no caregiving, just re discovery ...
another gift to savor ...
Hi speed internet is available in Yelapa, seperate and apart from Carlos Slim and his
Infinitum. $ 2,500.00 pesos to install, and $ 700.00 pesos per month.
That means I can hook up Roko or Blueray; as over 30 satisfied customers have already done. I could watch NFB Films ! or Netflix, or Ted Talks ...
One day but not today. I can barely keep up to Youtube right now !
After Mother's Day, and Guadalupe's Birthday Party, will be Dia de Marina, June 1st,to honoring and celebrateing the men and women who have lost their lives at sea.
In Yelapa the focus is our Pescadors, The Fishermen.
It's A HUGE PARTY, on the little beach in town.
Shortly after that 24 or 36 hour Fiesta, Yelapa will curl up and rest for 4 months, and I will
be on my way to 2 months of vacation.
Preparation for receiving the positive, healthy, connected energy, we all bring to each other in these times of gathering and celebration .... Let the music play on inside of us ...
Happy Everything May !
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