El Matal/Jama Canton/Manabi Province/Ecuador
December Solstice – 2014 from the Middle of the World/Ecuador!
As you dash between social engagements during this holiday season, take a quiet respite and think about where you are on the planet as the sun reaches the northernmost point in its yearly cycle. Tomorrow it begins its journey to its June reunion in the southern hemisphere, while reminding us that we also make progress – a little each day.
Ponder where you are in Life and if you awaken with a smile in your heart. If you don’t have that smile, try to figure out why and what can make your spiritual life happier. Surround yourself with happy people, and reach out to others who are less fortunate than you. If you’re facing challenges, send a quiet “Thanks’ that you have intelligence and the ability to find creative alternatives to the ones that have proven to be ineffective. As my nephew Don stated, “We make choices every day…” (See: When the World Outside my Window Goes Insane.)
Although some challenges all but break us, we realize later that they formed us into stronger and wiser people. I’ve witnessed many positive results from the ongoing crisis at nearby El Matal, and the biggest one for me is getting to know many of the locals who live at their own Ground Zero. If one steps into the arena with empathy and an open heart, the social barriers are dissolved. Those who are actively addressing the problems are ‘one’ in spirit, and they embrace all who show their support.
As most people prepare for the festive holiday gatherings, traditions and feasts, the people of El Matal are anticipating the approaching spring tide of December 24th. I visted El Matal this past Wednesday and took photos as the municipality resorted to emergency measures to protect the thin necktie of land that remains.
The next four images illustrate the changes from June 2012 until December 2014:
Although they are not pretty – and I have witnessed how unstable these boulders can be when they shift and fall near my house on the river – they will help protect the front-line properties.

Victor’s restaurant looks abandoned, but they were open for lunch a few hours before this image was taken. I worry about the loss of revenue during this ongoing crisis.

I also worry about the safety of unsuspecting people who assume that the rocks are stable. The waves erode the underlying sand, and the boulders shift and sometimes tumble.
Hurried for time, I will leave these images in the ‘Pending’ folder and hope that they reach you tomorrow/Saturday. (I gave those exhausted gerbils and hamsters a day off while I went to town for faster internet!) I will be home at Casa Loca until early next week.
Warning: The rest of this post is very image heavy! Z

I remember in May 2012, the road was about where this man is walking, and there was ample perpendicular parking in front of Victor’s restaurant.
The following few images were taken along the incoming road that connects Jama with El Matal.

The upper end remains stable with sand bags in place since March 2014. See “It’s Devastating” to compare what they faced in December, January and February a year ago. (https://playamart.wordpress.com/2014/02/02/its-devastating/)[/caption
[caption id="attachment_13307" align="aligncenter" width="529"] The sand bags appear to be doing their job, holding a united front on the upper end since March 2014.
As always, thank you so much for your support not only for this blog but also for your empathy for those who continue to face the destructive tides at El Matal. It’s one thing to view via photos from afar and another to hear the crashing sounds of the waves at night and wonder if the monster is creeping closer.
Send strong positive energy to this area on December 24th. Thanks in advance, Z
Oh, I hope the boulders work!
Sending strong energy for El Matal. These photos really show the damage and erosion throughout the years. It’s frightening.
Z, my heart goes out to those who are making the great struggle. All the best, BTG
Better times ahead! Happy holidays to you 🙂
Will pray for you…
I hope that all works out with that beachfront! Merry Christmas and happy new year to you Z! Let’s plan some magic carpet rides in 2015! Hugs – B
Empathy, sympathy, love, light, energy and wishes for a happy, healthy, safe outcome for all and a better new year.
May it work! May the people still have the energy to fight – and Merry Christmas and a New Year with much joy!
Incredible.Sending prayers and sympathy for those caught in this never ending struggle.Let’s hope the boulders work and more hibiscus planted, a symbol of perseverance. Peace, joy, love and laughter to you, Lisa, this Chiristmas.
Greetings from Benoit! Lisa, I have just found your website. I have been so fascinated with your travels and experiences that I read 3 hrs the first day. You are an amazing artist and gifted writer! Madge
Sounds so scary. I imagine it is sort of like our tornado season, where you keep an eye on the sky because you never know when your world can be literally wiped out. Stay safe my dear.
hi Lisa, your beach and boats and huts made me smile: Xmas time for us in Europe means snow – can you imagine, do you remember?

I cross my finger that the protection of El Matal will work. And yes, now is the time to ponder about our existence and what our lives are about. I wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas holiday.
yes of course, Lisa. I send strong positive energy to El matal, hoping your efforts and efforts of the community will have effects. With hope !
Incredible photos! It’s great to actually see the progress at El Matal. I’m captured by your bird photos, too! What a gift you give to the world with these images along with poignant-yet-hopeful commentary. As a home owner in El Matal, this really lifts my spirits. Thank you, Lisa!
Of all the things I should have realized, and never thought about, the action of the waves and sand around the boulders is right at the top of my current list. Of course I’ve stood on a beach and had the experience of the waves washing away the sand from beneath my feet. And of course, it can do the same with the rock. We don’t worry about that here, around the jetties, because the chunks of granite used to build them are so massive — they’re not going anywhere. But these boulders — yes, they could tumble,
May all El Matal be safe — from shifting boulders, pounding ocean, and, most importantly, from fear or pessimism. A new year is coming, and perhaps even better solutions.
Wonderful selection of photo’s I hope the Spring tide is not a high one.
Wishing you a Happy Christmas to you and yours
Sue
I will spend positive vibes from now til the 25th – just to play it safe. 🙂 ❤️
Merry Christmas Z. Take care!
Love your positive words of inspiration and hope despite the hardship you and your community have seen. Sending positive energy and hope your way. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
I hope the tide is not too high and the boulders do their job, but I know how very ferocious the ocean can be. Hoping you have peace at Christmas time and best wishes for 2015
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