M is for Muy, Muchas, Malo & Maracuya

Tags

Frizztext Story Alphabet M, Learning Spanish, mal, Maracuya, muy, muy bueno, muy malo, spanish alphabet

Frizztext’s alphabet challenge rolls on to the letter M.  Shall we roll through a few words that I often hear in Latin America?

The road is muy malo!

Anyone who has lived in Latin America will often hear the word “Muy.”   “Muy” (Moo-ey) means ‘very,’ as in this food is ‘muy bien’ or ‘muy bueno’  or ‘muy rico.’  In any language, good food is good food!

Pitalla-tomato sauce over chicken & pasta – Mola textiles add color to the table!

Muy Rico – Sopa de Mariscos

Sopa de Mariscos is a hot soup filled with seafood, and yes, it’s muy rico/very rich!

Malo is never a word one enjoys hearing because it means, ‘bad.’  

Postcards from Zeebra’s Flying Carpet #4

Tags

Hand-painted concrete floors, skillet pizza, what to cook when you have nothing in the kitchen

I get by with a little help from my friend!

Manabi Ecuador – Day 7 of Barbara’s visit

… I’m afraid we have a bit of a runaway train here…  I left Barbara with the finishing touches on the second application of black paint so that I could resume work on tonight’s pizza.    Living off the grid for a dozen years, I’ve ‘mastered’ the art of cooking in a skillet.  Every so often I burn the brownies or burn the bread, but usually the end result is a close facsimile to oven-baked food.    So instead of painting with Barbara, I am making sure that the pizza crust doesn’t burn in the skillet.

(I have a strong suspicion that Barbara might sneak over to my computer and type a side-story to all of you while I am cooking.  Hence the suggestion of a runaway train…)

Postcards from Zeebra’s Flying Carpet #3

Tags

Ecuador, hand-painted floors, La Division, painting concrete floors, Places to eat in Jama Ecuador, Postcards from Zeebra Flyinc Carpet 3, restaurant exclusivo jama, Restaurant Exclusivo Jama Ecuador, where to eat in jama ecuador

What are those women doing today?!!!

Thanks, everyone, for your great feedback about the Postcard series! Barbara has enjoyed riding copilot in the WordPress seat, and one of these days she might join us with tales of her own! The riverhouse sits ‘one curve back’ from the mouth of the river, and during the rainy season, an amazing amount of debris washes past the house and later finds its way to the Playamart shelves! As the pelicans fly, the beach is very close; by land, one walks parallel to the beach about a mile to that petite village of La Division.

Alison and the shoe thief! (La Division Ecuador)

Did anyone else see the face?

The shrimp ponds prove year-round feasts for the birds.

One feels as if time has stopped when Jaime, one of the lone icons on the river, passes the house in his primitive boat.

Jaime, one of my downstream neighbors, often sets out crab traps and promised to bring us five dollars’ worth manana.   Little did any of us know that strong rains were in our future!

Postcards from Zeebra’s Flying Carpet #2

Tags

Brunch, Hand-painted floor designs, Hibiscus Tea, jama ecuador, Mint Tea, Painting on concrete, Playamart, Postcards From Zeebra Flyinc Carpet 2, What is Playamart?, Wordpress challenge A Day in my life, Xavier Cevallos Jama Ecuador

Brunch with the Birds! *Hibiscus Ginger Tea” (Note beaded ‘arm bands’ are made by the Kuna Indians)

Manabi Ecuador –

Barbara and I continue to squeeze as much as we can into each day of her visit, and her remarks about what I consider a normal life make me realize that my life is far from the norm!

Barb:  “This morning I am handed a wonderful looking drink…..made up of whatever Lisa has on hand….I asked her what was in it, and she assured me I did not have to eat/swallow any of the debris  …..mmm I say….debris???  and she says yes….So my mind starts thinking of natural stuff she has in her little herb garden, which I’m a little apprehensive  as it could be anything…..mint leaves…other leaves …and well maybe a twig or two…only Lisa knows…So not wanting to hurt her feelings ….(I’m such a good friend)   I ventured into drinking it and guess what??   It was great…. liquids, leaves, twigs and all!!  I drank it ALL”

Postcards from Zeebra’s Flying Carpet #1

Tags

Changing dollars in Ecuador, Ecuador Snakes, hand-painted floors, Postcards from Zeebra Flying Carpet, Restaurants in Ecuador, Vacation at the beach, Vacation in Ecuador, What is Playamart?

Nelly, at nearby La Division, asks if we remembered to bring small change to pay for lunch!

When the bipolar internet connection allows, I will be sending random updates while my friend Barbara is here for a two-week visit.  Barbara and I have been friends since the year 2000, when I moved from Mississippi to Costa Rica, where she was a neighbor.   She now lives in the Republic of Panama and is using a few of her air miles for a two-week pass on the Zeebra’s Flying Carpet Express!

Like a good student, Barb arrived in Ecuador with plenty of one-dollar bills.  Many people do not heed the warning to bring lots of ones.  A large hotel or restaurant can easily make change for a twenty, but a small “Mom and Pop” restaurant usually struggles when you pay for a six-dollar lunch (for two) with a twenty-dollar bill.

Remember to bring lots of one-dollar bills!!!

Thankfully Barb is a seasoned traveler and understands the woes of poor internet connections.  My neighbor  Jody (four miles away!) confirms that her internet service is horrible as well, and she also awakens early so that she can upload images.   She, like me, realizes that our service could be worse:

“… But then I remember Honduras where there were 3 important factors which had to come together to get an email out. 1) electricity, 2) a working phone line,  and 3) a server who chose to serve.  The last was always a crap shoot!  When all three were there together at the same time it was a cause for joyous celebration!!!”

Jody added, “While in Honduras one of our friends had a baby in the States and sent us a picture which while it took forever to down load,  and it clogged up our entire Internet connection for days as pieces of the gargantuan baby appeared….an eye one day, an ear the next!!  Needless to say we contacted the proud parents when the Internet was open again and asked them please not to send us anymore photographs, no matter how cute their new baby was!!”

Yes, it’s often difficult to wait long slices of time for an email to open – only to discover that it’s a forward or a huge image file that drags the system down to an earthworm’s speed.  Many people are not aware of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of an email that not only takes time to load but often is costing a small fortune at a cybercafe as well!

Barbara’s visit is going great, and I am slowly uploading ‘breaking-news’ images to share with you!    Here are a few to illustrate a summary she penned this morning. Enjoy!

Barb leaving Malecon 2000 (Guayaquil)

“…I am having a fun time here with Lisa….We are painting her floor in what is going to be her “Artist Studio/Gallery where she will paint and have her Paintings on sale.  My body is a little sore from all of it but the work is worth it… 

Concrete floor in studio gets a facelift; while the paint dries, Barb and Lisa explore the area!

…We walked to town late yesterday…..about 3 miles .. but hopped one of the little taxi’s (kind of like the ones in Thailand) to get home. The day before we walked to the beach (2 miles away) and collected driftwood for her to make tables and chairs (yep…I did write that right) tables and chairs!!

Yes, Barbara finally visits the closest branch of Playa Mart, where the shelves are restocked daily. The only problem is that it’s hard to find a checker to help you!

…Anyway it was so hot and yes I did get sunburned….so we conned a dump truck driver that was headed back past Lisa’s place to drop us off…that was fun!! Mmmmm and I am wondering WHY I am so sore?????”  (Barb Seibel)

How many people have the honor of riding in a dump with an FBI chofer?

How’s this for a first-class co-pilot seat?

Because the bodega floor carried scars from life on the shrimp farm, it was first scrubbed numerous times with a special cleaner and then received two coats of ‘Agua Stop’ as a barrier between the concrete and the custom designs.

A first-class upgrade with Hibiscus-Ginger-Mint tea enhanced this particular segment of the Flying Carpet Ride!

Using the back side of a strip of vinyl, we are testing several experiments on this studio floor.

I will close with Barbara’s narration:  ” Yesterday after a quick break from painting…(popcorn … yummy but is this lunch??) Lisa walks down a couple of steps into her “Studio” and screams…..”A SNAKE!!”  – Am not sure who scared who the most … Lisa scaring the snake,  OR the snake scaring Lisa ….. OR ME from her scream!!  So what does Lisa do? She recovers, grabs her camera and WALLA ( voilà!) does a photo shoot!!  I on the other hand am still recovering from “heart failure” from her scream!!   But alas…all was good as the snake wanted away from Lisa as quick as possible and slithered out the door. WE continued on with our painting as if nothing had happened.“

A surprise visitor sneaked into the studio to get a sneak peek at the artwork!

Barb has many years’ experience as copilot in the floor-painting tasks!

Did you enjoy the postcard?

Barb with an incubating sunburn…

More soon,

Z (and Barb!)

Embracing Life

Tags

botanical gardens, computer woes, internet speed in latin america, museo loco guayaquil, things to do in guayaquil

Hammocks represent well-deserved slices of rest, though one has to remember to squeeze the marrow from each day.

“The first symptom of the process of killing our dreams is lack of time. The busiest people I have known in my life always have time enough to do everything. Those who do nothing are always tired and pay no attention to the little amount of work they are required to do. They complain constantly that the day is too short. The Truth is, they are afraid to Fight the Good Fight…” Paulo Coehlo  (From Coehlo’s Blog, The Good Fight)

Connection Speed Envy!

Sluggish internet is one of the major complaints about living off the grid in Latin America. Uploading images, opening or sending emails, and opening new pages can be quite frustrating. Many times the “like” function will not work, and one can forget trying to comment or read the drop-down box that brings comments into your space.  Ask your computer to do a simple task, and then sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee while it churns before kicking it back!   In the wee hours of the morning when most of the internet users are sleeping, my connection gets an injection of energy!  That’s when I catch up, if my schedule allows extra snoozing time after I’m finished! Here are some screen shots from a few weeks ago:

L Stands For Many Great Words in Spanish

Tags

Frizztext Story Challenge L, Spanish words that begin with L

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

There are many great Spanish words to be tagged L for this week’s Story Alphabet.  Although many people claim that they know little Spanish, they will most likely know some of these words! Through the magic of technology, this post will sail out of the starting gate while I am en route to Guayaquil to meet my friend Barbara!

lago near Mindo Ecuador

L is for lago/lake (Above)     L is for leche (Below)

Yellow Boots!

Tags

Happy Boots, Meeting others while traveling, Mindo Ecuador, Paying with cash in Ecuador, Traveling Alone, yellow boots

(Ecuador)   While exploring the town of Mindo on Sunday afternoon (most attractions were closed) I admired these children’s bright-yellow boots!  They were pleased that I loved them!

After a brief conversation, they went in one direction, and I went in the other.

Green, Lovely Green

Tags

foliage details, Green images, guayava tree, hummingbird images, Mindo Ecuador, still waters

Taking advantage of faster internet service in the wee hours of the morning, I present to you an assortment of green images for Ailsa’s Where’s My Backpack.

All of the images were taken last weekend in Mindo Ecuador.  Enjoy!

Remembering The Equinox

Tags

Cocoi heron, Equinox March 20, Marking the sun's placement on the equinox, Spring Equinox

The elusive Cocoi Heron aligns with the setting sun. 20/March/2013

Finding creative ways to mark the sun’s placement during the equinox and solstice is often challenging.   This cocoi heron mystically selected this spot as if to volunteer for the task!

Share this:

If anyone is ‘for’ fracking, I would love to hear why. If you are against, please share this post with others. If you have not heard about fracking, this is a good place to start. Read on, please.
Z

musingsofanoldfart

My blogging friend Z at www.playamart.wordpress.com suggested we make fracking a new curse word, given what it does to the environment and people.

Don’t Frack Us Over….is a new slogan I would like to submit for your consideration.

Why is fracking a curse word when it provides access to all that natural gas?

• Fracking takes 4 to 6 million gallons of water per frack. Each well has about ten fracks, so that is 40 to 60 million gallons per well. If you frack an area with 2,000 wells like they did Utah, that is 80 to 120 billion gallons of water.
• Fracking water is loaded with chemicals to grease the skids and is highly toxic. Yet, the toxic water finds a way to get into the aquifers we drink from.
• Fracking blasts arsenic, methane and mercury gases and particulates into the air. It cannot be fully contained given the intensity…

View original post 499 more words

Don’t Count Your Chickens…

Tags

Chickens, Disappointments, Don't Count Your Eggs Before They Hatch, Eggs

Chickens are surely the icon of farm life worldwide!

We all appreciate the versatile egg!   Scrambled, poached, over easy or hard boiled, eggs are also an important ingredient in many recipes.  They are often upgraded to an art form in the Easter tradition, but if we allow those eggs to incubate and hatch, we will soon have fluffy little puffs of chicklets.  Those chicks quickly morph into egg-laying hens (or roosters that give us sunrise wake-up calls!)

Don’t Count Your Chickens…

Tags

Chickens, Disappointments, Don't Count Your Eggs Before They Hatch, Eggs

Chickens are surely the icon of farm life worldwide!

We all appreciate the versatile egg!   Scrambled, poached, over easy or hard boiled, eggs are also an important ingredient in many recipes.  They are often upgraded to an art form in the Easter tradition, but if we allow those eggs to incubate and hatch, we will soon have fluffy little puffs of chicklets.  Those chicks quickly morph into egg-laying hens (or roosters that give us sunrise wake-up calls!)

The Less-Traveled Road to Mindo (Ecuador)

Tags

Canoa Ecuador, Hummingbirds, Mindo Birds, Mindo Ecuador, Riding the Bus in Ecuador, Sarah Dettman Tours

Mud boots are mandatory for this trip! Are you ready?

If people were ‘tailing’ me this week,  I probably lost them before I reached the end of my journey!  On Friday, my friend Sarah Dettman and her tour group drove from Quito to the Pacific coast.    After a late lunch break with a few local friends at Palo Santo Cafe, we toured the Jama area, the Riverhouse and El Matal Fishing Village then drove to the popular beach destination of Canoa.

Luchy’s Palo Santo has come a long way in a year. (See: “It Started With One LIght Pole.“)

HummingBrunch

Mindo Ecuador Hummingbird Brunch!

Here’s a hummingbird “Brunch” sampler from Mindo!

Yippee! Lunchtime!

Tags

$3.50 almuerzo Ecuador, Happy for lunchtime, lobster for lunch, lunch at el matal ecuador, lunchtime, typical almuerzo ecuador, Weeky Photo Challenge Lunch

Today’s Special: Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots, Rice, Chifles, Maracuya Juice

This weekend finds me travelling, and a three-bus journey delivered me to Mindo Ecuador around 8:30 last night.  A unique slice of heaven in the cloud forest, Mindo boasts one of the highest bird counts on the planet.  (430+ species!)  A white-tailed hummingbird reminded me of that fact first thing this morning when it zipped past me on the balcony of my hospedeje!

This week WordPress asks us,
“Show us what you actually had for lunch.
Show us what went into your lunch — a stunningly saturated pile of red radishes at the farmer’s market, or the process by which you construct the Ultimate Turkey Sandwich.
Show us what a mealtime is like at your house. Who’s there? What are they doing?
Show us a photo of someone truly enraptured by what they’re eating and capture the deep satisfaction of an enjoyable meal.
If you don’t have time for lunch or eat on the run, show us that.
Show us your favorite place to sit while you eat lunch, or your favorite place to prepare food.
Capture a candid photo of the guy behind the counter of your favorite greasy spoon.”

Since I’m in transit and am about to be immersed in this amazing outdoors heaven, I’m posting an image from the files.  Here’s an image that captures someone anticipating deep satisfaction of an enjoyable meal.”   Barb, forgive me in advance, but the world will surely agree with my choice:

(El Matal Ecuador: Barb’s happy spirit and enthusiasm is infectious!)

Presently writing from the Dragonfly Inn’s lovely restaurant,
More soon!
Lisa/Z

Postscript: Manana Means ‘Not Today”

Tags

Bamboo construction, Manana means not today, palm thatch, work ethics

Manabi Ecuador-

Some of you might remember my post from December, “Manana Means Not Today.”    I am pleased to report that manana finally arrived today, almost four months late!

Gatito the carpenter eyed the (slight) water damage from the poorly-installed window then slowly rubbed his jaw as we discussed those old tablas (boards) that his crew failed to replace and sundry other details that were never finished.

K for Kuna

Tags

fr, Frizztext story challenge k, Global Warming, i can do this painting workshops, Kuna Indians, kuna mola, Lisa Brunetti art, san blas islands

Late Afternoon Break-

Lo siento, (I’m sorry!)  I apologize in advance for veering a bit off course for this week’s story alphabet via Spanish words.  How can I not include Panama’s unique Kuna Indians in this challenge?

Mola Textiles made by the Kuna Indians of Panama

When I  lived in Costa Rica, I often visited my friend Barbara, who lives in the “Amador” area  of Panama where the Panama Canal merges into the Pacific Ocean.    The Kuna Indians’ unique ‘mola textiles’ colored the artisan markets in that area, and I always paused to admire the rich colors and finely-crafted works of art.

My interest at the time was on stained-glass windows, and I was preparing to capture the beauty of stained glass in watercolors.   The first ‘Mola” concept was a collective project to nudge Barbara out of a painting block.   I sketched the design, and she and her daughter Bobbe and I floated the colors with a relaxed ease.

Doing Something Right

Tags

Awards, Doris Terrain of Symmetry, Faces of Hope, The Hug Award

Approaching matters bassackwards, I will quote the comment I sent Doris of The Terrain of Symmetry.   “ Oh amiga. I told you that i would open this post and reply after my final painting session for the day. As I read your beautiful post, this song (from my painting playlist) began at the same moment. Talk about magical – it brought me to tears to hear that amazing song as backdrop to your words. “

Here is the song that was playing (Thanks to KYSEVENKUROI, who is always presenting great music and unique items of interest.)

Doris’s preface reads : “As of late I really do not do awards but this award was different, since this week was international women’s day  I decided to nominate and share this award with several bloggers whom I have come to know, these women had a great impact on me in many ways with what they share each day with their many talents, visions, and expectations about the world, to me they are genuine life changers.”

And here is her beautiful post: FACES OF HOPE

http://miartedoris.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/faces-of-hope/

Every so often Life humbles me to tears, and Doris’s beautiful tribute arrived on the heels of Hugh’s Snow & Zeebra post from last week.   Doris also honored me last year with another lovely feature.

http://miartedoris.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/arte-vidacolor-y-fotografia-lisa-brunetti/

Enjoy it here: Lisa Brunetti: Arte, Vida, Color y Fotografia.

And there was Patricia Farmer’s lovely feature as well in Jesus Jazz and Buddha – The Totamente Zen Art of Lisa Brunetti.

http://www.jesusjazzbuddhism.org/zen-process-and-the-art-of-lisa-brunetti.html

My heart swells with gratitude to all of you who follow my ramblings; your amazing support shines through each week – the string of comments for International Women’s Day post quickly broke Z’s old record – I was dumbfounded with the amazing and fast response  – ‘Who me?

Yes, because many of you shared it with others via the reblog option.  Thank all of you so much for sharing that post with a wider audience.

Doris, thank you again for your kind and beautiful spirit.  Your image belongs on that slideshow with us!

Love,

Z

5-Song Playlist

Tags

CCR, County Line Road Country Rock Music, Daily Post, Daily Prompt Playlist, Dawn Bird Audio, Einaudi Piano Music, If Fish Could Fly, Kingfisher Audio, Music Playlist, Music Playlist for Painting, Wild Colorful Acrylic Paintings

Sneak Peek IF FISH COULD FLY

Since many tasks fill my days, I usually scan the WordPress challenges and  participate when one applies to something that is happening in my life.  Today’s Daily Prompt states: Tell us how your week went by putting together a playlist of  five songs that represent it.

This one prompted me into a smile!  Playlist?  Music?   Sometimes the live soundtrack from the river trumps any recorded music, so I will first share some dawn wake-up sounds from the mangroves of Ecuador’s Pacific coast.  And yes, this was recorded outside my window! (You might need to turn up the volume…)

Time Warp – Rolling Back The Years in Black & White

Tags

Farm life in Latin America, fresh cheese, images of horses, jama ecuador, Let's Be Wild Black and White, life in rural mississipp delta, Life on a farm in Ecuador, manabi ecuador, mule wagons, Nostalgia, Nostalgic images of mules, old fashion corn harvest, Queso Fresco, Shrimp farming, wooden saddles

Manabi Ecuador

Growing up on a cotton farm in the Mississippi Delta,  I thrived in the natural world of fields and hardwoods and that grand Mississippi River.  Horses, cattle, mules and chickens shared as much of my attention as the fields and lakes and river did.  Fishing, water skiing and horseback riding provided endless outdoor entertainment, and the summers slipped by way too fast.   Life in Ecuador reminds me of that vanishing idyllic syrupy life of my childhood when summertime was oh so very easy!

Enjoy Norah singing Summertime while we wipe away the color and pretend we’ve stepped back in time.

…

J is for Jarabe

Tags

Agua, Frizztext Story Challenge J for Jarabe, Jarabe de Palo, Learning Spanish

Mototaxis line the side street beside Jama Ecuador’s central park.

Frizztext pointed out that my post, Remembering Jenny covers the J, and I was pleased to be a day ahead on the next letter for the alphabet challenge.   Disciplining myself to select words in Spanish for this round forces me to learn a bit more Spanish.   As an artist, I have often taken shortcuts to get my point across without using Spanish – I sketch the essence of what is needed, and most people understand!

Sometimes no language is needed; the AWOL spinning top landed in the market gutter! (Photo by Marie Groff) Guaranda Ecuador

The J in Spanish usually takes on the H sound.  I often type, “Ja-Ja-Ja-Ja” for “Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha” and hope that my friends make the connection in Spanish;  otherwise they must think I’m losing my mind!  Junio and Julio (June and July) are two more Spanish words that are easy to convert from English.

When I listened to a song by Jarabe de Palo, I smiled and thought, “Eureka! J is for Jarabe!”

Jarabe usually refers to a syrup, though it can also be a Mexican folk dance!

Here is Jarabe de Palo singing “Agua.”   This is a very easy video to follow while enunciating the words, even if you’re not sure what they mean!  Agua – Everyone knows what that means, right? (Water!)   Sed? – Thirsty!

Here’s a link to a lyrics translation for the song.   Scroll down to suggestion #3.

After watching the version with the lyrics, enjoy this official version!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEQqN3oQ8Vc

Visit Wilkipedia for more about Jarabe de Palo.

Just an expression sometimes communicates volumes! (Photo by Marie Groff)

See more at Frizztext’s post HERE.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Z

International Women’s Day

Tags

Alisa's Where's My backpack, Faces, Humble Women, International Womens Day

“Oh, to be 90!” What a serene smile! (San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua)

In honor of Internationsl Women’s Day, I present to you a sampler of humble-yet-noble women that I’ve met along the way!  Enjoy!  Z

Republic of Panama – Home of the Kuna Indians and their lovely mola textiles.

Maria – Jama Ecuador – She doesn’t know her special beauty!

The Datura Lady – Charapoto Ecuador – I once stopped and asked for a cutting of the datura that towered over the fence. Unfortunately the goats ate the datura!

What Life’s All About! Uninhibited comfort in one’s skin – or window!

Salt of the Earth Cecilia – Pueblo Nuevo-Islita Costa Rica

Young beauty! Playa San Miguel Costa Rica

Elegant Elisa – San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua

Another hard-working Maria! – Jama Ecuador

How can one not love this beautiful woman?! – Cuenca Ecuador

The Tortilla Lady – San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua

End of Day – After a long day of sweeping the streets, she was tired but smiling – Jama Ecuador

They might not have had a formal education, and their yearly income might equal what some spend on clothing alone, but these women have large hearts and amazing work ethics.  Take time this week to note those who chose to stay in the background.  Giving them five minutes of complete attention might be the high point of their day!

Break Time – (Shhhhh!) – Jama Ecuador

I always call ‘up’ to Maria, who is often ill. She always manages a smile!

See more posts in honor of International Women’s Day at Alisa’s site HERE.

Z

Surprises Come In Many Colors

Tags

NATURE

Surprises come in many colors

The strong dramatic concentric lines of the mola series sometimes spook others when the stark white background takes on a polar-opposite look.

Impromptu Company – Kill Them With Kindness

Tags

baby birds, Birds in the house, Cattle Egret, grackle

Look who came calling!

Hopefully some of you mystics will be able to help with a bird mystery or two…

About four months ago, a pelican left its group on the other side of the river and swam across to the rocks by the house.  I have never seen a pelican swim to this side or stand on any of those rocks that replaced the mangroves!  This particular pelican ambled up the huge boulders and perched on a rock about four feet from where I sat.   It looked as if it had something stuck in its mouth, and I extended my hand.  It quickly snapped at me, and I drew back my hand!   After about five minutes, I slowly backed away to retrieve my camera, paper and a pencil.  When I returned, the pelican was swimming back to the other side.

Two days later it returned for a short visit but did not come up the boulders. It posed for many photos, then meandered away. After that, the pelicans resumed their normal habits and stayed on the other side of the river!

Happy Flowers

Tags

Flower Quotes, Happy Flowers, SAAD, Winter Blues

These past few weeks have been difficult for a number of people that I know.    Some are caregivers or are dealing with chronic illness; some are recovering from the loss of a loved one;  others are struggling with personal relationships; others have heavy emotional burdens on their shoulders.  When one feels overwhelmed, the short days of winter and lack of color often enhance those pre-equinox blues.    Whether you’re in Iceland or China, Paraguay or New York,  despondent or overwhelmed, frail or well, these images from Cuenca Ecuador are presented with love to brighten your day!

Remembered or Forgotten: Remembering Jenny

Tags

Babydoll Carol Baker, Gospel Songs, I Shall Not Be Moved, Nostalgia

(Screenshots from movie clips)

Every so often someone on WordPress shares a post that propels me back into my lazy childhood days in the Mississippi Delta.   This week, Frizztext shared some music through his post, which magically transported me back to the dining room of my childhood home.( Do You Remember Me)

Standing to the right of my father’s chair was short colorful Jenny, the lady who presided over our kitchen.  After Daddy blessed the food, we witnessed meek Jenny slowly transform as she sang the gospel song, I Shall Not Be Moved.

Look Up!!!

Tags

Communicating with Nature, Egrets, Flying Birds, Herons, Howler Monkeys, Jaguar stories, Let's Be Wild Look Up, Mangroves, Moon, Paulo Coelho, The Valkyries Quote, Tree Art

From The Valkyries:

“…Paulo said, “I want you to pay close attention to the people who pass by.”

She did as Paulo had asked.  In the next half hour, only five people passed by.

“What did you see?”

She described the people in detail – their clothing, approximate age, what they were carrying.  But apparently that wasn’t what he wanted to hear.  He insisted on more, trying to get a better answer, but couldn’t do so.

“Okay,” he said. “I’m going to tell you what it was that I wanted you to notice:  All the people who passed by in the street were looking down.”

They waited for some time before another person walked by.  Paulo was right.

“Gene asked you to look to the horizon.  Try that.”

“What do you mean?”

“All of us create a kind of ‘magic space’ around us.  Usually it’s a circle with about a fifteen-foot radius, and we pay attention to what goes on within it.  It doesn’t matter whether it’s people, tables, telephones, or windows;  we try to maintain control over that small world that we, ourselves, create.”

The Valkyries – Paulo Coelho
.
Let’s Be Wild prompts us to “Look Up” this week.  Photographers and artists often look way beyond that 15-foot circle mentioned in Paulo Coelho’s book, The Valkyries.     Sometimes we are rewarded with refreshing surprises, like these young boys scampering in the ‘jobo’ tree in search of ripe plum-sized fruits.
.

Esta Casa Es Loca!

Tags

Acrylic Painting, Children's Art, Group Painting Projects, Hostal Palo Santo Jama Ecuador, I Can Do This Workshop, Lisa Brunetti art, Lodging Jama Ecuador, Spirals

Manabi Ecuador

Last weekend, my friends from the port city of Manta visited this rural farming area of Jama for the first time. Taking a day off from responsibilities, I joined them at Hostal Palo Santo, where we rented three cabanas and enjoyed a leisurely visit in the serene garden setting. With wide-eyed wonder, young Nicolas and Natalia tested the see-saw, touched their toes to the sky from the swing set and befriended a young kitten/gatito.

Natalia: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!
Nicolas: Snips and Snails and Kitty Cat Tails!

I suggested that we drive to my house to watch the sunset, and the seven of us drove the five kilometers for a comfortable end-of-day visit.   We weren’t prepared for Nicolas’ reaction!   From the moment he entered the house, he uttered this sentence of disbelief:

Here We Go Round In Circles!

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acrylic paintings, I Can Do This, Lisa Brunetti art, Slow Internet, Thank YOu

Here We Go Round In Circles

Many of you enjoyed the post, “I Is For Iglesia,” and especially enjoyed the view from the lighthouse window.  Here is another view (Above) from the lighthouse which reflects the recent vortex of energy that swirls around and around my life!    Whenever a strong burst of creative energy ‘hits,’ I often say to myself and those close to me, ‘Uh-oh… bad weather’s on its way.’