Ecuador – About a week ago I drove to Guayaquil for what turned out to be a five-minute meeting and then returned with an extra passenger – the lady who worked at the check-point/security desk at the meeting!
After hearing me state, “Yo soy Manaba!” to a couple who stated they were from the same area, she casually stated that she was going to Santa Ana for the weekend.
“Today? Hoy?” I asked.
“Yes,” she smiled. It was a Friday afternoon, and I wondered if she commuted that long distance to work.
“Do you live in Santa Ana?”
“No, I live in Guayaquil, but I’ll be visiting family.”
“Are you going by bus?”
“Yes.”

Yes. Remember: First time visit – Go by bus!
A bus trip would surely represent six or more hours of travel for her, vs. three with me, especially if we took the route less traveled.
“Ride with me,” I suggested, as it was almost 4 in the afternoon.
She did not need to go home, was ready to travel, and shortly before 5 we joined the congested arteries of end of a work week in Guayaquil and headed north out of the city. Somewhere between my asking if we were on the right road – or if I should be in the right lane or left lane or center lane, she mentioned that Santa Ana was not actually her destination – but she was going to Ayacucho.
“Ayacucho!” I laughed, “I can drive that with my eyes closed! It’s no problem for me to drive you all the way to Ayacucho. I can drive that road with my eyes closed. I used the internet each week in Ayachucho! I shopped at the market next door to the cyber.”
Once we were out of the city, the almost due-north route and four-lane driving gave us opportunities for easy conversation. Her reasons for going to Ayacucho were somber ones; her beloved aunt had died the month before, and a misa/rosary service would be held in Ayacucho.
Judging the lingering sunlight, I predicted that we would be off the major highway before dark – and the worst part of the drive would be behind us. The pastoral east-west route wound through a rural section, one that had only two areas of bad highway. We would get through the first/worst section before dark. Good. I kept that information to myself, but realized that an ominous cloud at ‘ten o’clock’ might provide a glitch in our travels. Dark blackish-purple in color, it towered vertically and reminded me of storm-dodging days in the USA.
“Do you see that dark cloud ahead? It looks ugly; in Mississippi, that might bring a tornado or hail – but a very bad storm… Let’s try to imagine that storm moving to the left and out of our way. We’ll be turning(left) not far after Palestina. Let’s nudge it over to the coast!”
With a lighthearted attitude, we collectively pushed the clouds with our hands, much like pushing aside a curtain, and then we talked about tornadoes — and I told her about a double rainbow long ago in Louisiana – when the left end went into my driver’s window, and when I turned an S-curve, the right side of the rainbow came through the passenger window…
When that story was over, we were on the rural highway with a tiny bit of lingering daylight, and rain straight ahead. The highway was already shiny with rain, and we slowed and prepared for the bad section of highway. Thankfully the other (few) autos drove with care, and in slow mode, we dodged potholes or eased through them – always easier when the driver in front obviously knew the hazards of that stretch of road. Slow to an almost halt was a sure signal that a giant hole lurked beneath the rain-flooded highway! We called those holes ‘piscinas’ – the Spanish word for pools.

Sometimes at Poza Honda I took flash photos of the rain and drizzle. The rain drops always turned out ‘backwards’ from how I have always drawn them!
With a talent for spotting piscinas and speed bumps through a curtain of rain, my copilota earned her free fare through the towns of Colimes and Olmedo and finally to Santa Ana and Ayacucho. An hour’s drive stretched into two hours, and even in small towns/communities, the streets had turned into little streams, and the rivers were swollen and threatening to jump the banks.
Half an hour from Santa Ana, the cloud burst was barely a drizzle, and the streets and highways were dry for the last part of the journey.

Ayacucho in the daytime.
“Muro!” we exclaimed surely 100 times – even after we emerged from the rain! I laughed and said that if we had a dollar for every muro, we could have a really nice dinner!
We reached the Ayacucho church about five minutes before the misa ended, but it was nice to transfer into that serene setting, observe the priests, witness the greeting from family members, and send thanks for the safe journey – including thanks to my own army of angels! (Surely it takes an army to sometimes keep me safe?)
An hour after saying ‘Goodbye’ to my new friends, I unloaded the truck and then parked in the private parking lot, walked the few blocks ‘home’ but first peeked into the Chinese restaurant about 50 steps from the apartment. Ten o’clock exactly.
“Is the kitchen still open?” I asked.
“Si!”
I ordered food to go, but they nudged me to sit at a table, ‘We don’t close for half an hour.”
And now, one week later, I am here in an almost-empty setting (everyone is dodging the virus and surely not dodging the owner?) to dine, check the world news, check on the virus stats, and share this story!
The gist of this post is not about safety or being protected by an army of angels or even a slight wonder about one’s ability to coax a storm to move to the coast (because it did and left behind a lot of damage!) — but it’s about being totally present – in the moment.
The mind does not wander when one is driving through a storm on a rural highway in the night, as safety depends on intense focus and concentration. Sometimes when drawing or painting, I find myself with that same focus. With watercolor, one can make a huge mistake with one tiny jiggle in one important area. Painting a bird’s beak – especially the point – is a great example, or leaving the white splotch of reflection on an eye.
As more people are coaxed or ordered to ‘stay home’ – there are many fun exercises that also give the brain a good workout. Recently I drew a few square designs for ‘repeating’ textile patterns, and I marveled at what a good brain workout it provided. I could almost feel a new section of my brain getting exercised that normally stays in sleep mode.

(This might make a fun repeat design.)
I challenge you to do a simple drawing ‘repeat’ pattern – similar to a very basic design for wallpaper or fabrics or floor tiles. Before computer programs, how did artists draw those beautiful designs? Ha, I’m not sure, but instead of my own tutorial, I’ll point you to the artists with more experience! Start with something simple, like circles and triangles – just have fun. For me the brain challenge is when cutting the paper into four pieces — after the first attempt, I remembered to label the paper with A,B,C,D before using the scissors!
Get a few sheets of paper, scissors, tape, a pencil and have fun! Even taping the four pieces together and then putting them back in original form – is a discipline in attention! If you do this, please share your feedback!
For a very nice detailed instruction, this site breaks it down into easy photos. Go here: REPEAT PATTERN BY HAND
Seriously, though, stay well everyone and pay attention to what the doctors, scientists and specialists advise.
Until next time on line,
Lisa
There you are! Thanks for sharing your latest adventure. Stay safe Amiga ! ❤❤❤
You were on my mind a few days ago – in Jama and El Matal. Playamart had restocked, and today I’ve been prepping the merchandise… Tomorrow it’s time for the saw and hammer and nails! Hope all’s not too crazy there.
Little crazy working for the Government and the public is a little panicked about what their futures are going to look like as the restaurants and everything else close and they are left without a paycheque. Everyone is waiting to hear what the government is going to do. I am working but have the door locked to outsiders! Hopefully, no one stressed enough to kick it down 🙂 Safe travels my friend!!
si, keep that door locked – you have definitely earned the right to be proactive in your health and safety!! I’ve enjoyed seeing the Canadian news reports – they don’t seem to linger on silly topics but stick to what’s important…
The bye-word seems to be “be safe” at any juncture of any conversation. It is the sincere reminder that we do require not only of others but ourselves to “be safe” in physicality but in verbal presence. Be kind should also be added.
Raye xoxo
Oh yes, be kind is oh so important… just by doing that, many of our world problems would vaporize.
Is there an ancient symbol for ‘be kind and safe?’ — if not, there should be!
I see a new post of yours – last night the computer battery died about thirty seconds after I (hurriedly) hit publish!
I love tagging along on your marvelous adventures. You meet the best kindred spirits. Vancouver is in lockdown, with universities going on-line and closing classes for the next week or so and St. Paddy’s day parade was cancelled. The TED Talk was brilliant – thank you for sharing it.Keep safe and take care of yourself. I’m using this time to catch up on reading. Hugs and more hugs coming your way.
I think that when this is all ‘history’ and we reflect, we will also cherish our freedom, our health, and our ability to pull together..
Books are a lovely option, and even if I have to read the old ones again, I treasure them even more with each reading! Of course I have lots of art projects to keep me busy… Books are for when I need a time out – and I treasure that luxury!
A story, a lesson and valuable information! What more can anyone want from a post, Lisa? Sending a whole heap of those virtual hugs 🙂 🙂
Thank you, but would you please send one of those decadent desserts with those hugs?!!!!
Glad you’re keeping things positive over there!
🙂 🙂
An encouraging post, dear Lisa. Making a repeating pattern by hand sounds ideal. 🙂
It’s a fun challenge, and after scanning the image into the computer, it’s fun to color it in various ways, then ’tile’ it and see how it looks.
I’m glad to know that you’re ‘over there’ holding down a sense of calm — our planet needs as much serenity and calming energy as possible right now.
🙂 🙂 🙂
I love this skill share site. I have shared it with all of my friends who are currently in quarantine…one is a teacher in China. Thanks, Lisa.
Yes, being creative is a great trait to have when confined or limited in options… Thank goodness we have internet, though I have to go to a pubic spot to use it – — but the Chinese Restaurant has few clients these days/weeks, so I’m not in a large public space.
Thanks Debbie!
Glad you’re safe and what an excellent story. As you know, we’re getting ready to move, and we keep moving our moving date closer and closer, hoping to be able to get moved before there’s any restriction on travel other than using common sense. But as with everything else, I have to trust that God has it in his control and if we’re supposed to get moved now, we will. Otherwise I’d have no problem was just staying home for several weeks. LOL. My husband already works from home, so that’s a blessing.
janet
Yes, I’ve enjoyed your posts, and watching your trips — and followed a ink for a view from the window (?) but the link did not work.. I assumed that you changed your mind on publishing that one.. Si, wherever we are, that’s where we should be, and creative people probably do better at seeing these restrictions as ‘the cup half full’ instead of half empty.. Down time means time for reading or writing or photos or drawing or cooking or — whatever.. so many options! \I made a trip to \Playamart a few days ago and brought back lots of driftwood to finish the bed/headboard.. we needed the rainy season to ‘restock’ the shelves at the beach!!!
The post published on the wrong day so I deleted it and posted it the next day. 😉. Sounds like you have plenty to keep you busy.
Rainbows and angels always smile on good Samaritans. And may they also help in our fight against the virus. Keep healthy, Z.
You, our dear friend Don, are one of those good Samaritans and walking angels.. Thank you for putting more sunshine in my day!
Back at you, Miss Z. You have no idea how I look forward to your posts.
Ditto to you.. I loved your last post about the hot water/bath.. We need as much humor as possible right now to keep the spirits positive!
Hi Lisa, so good reading you and remembering Guayaquil and so many other places with yoo and our wonderful Ecuadorian girly buddies tour !
I watched the two videos, very different but very interesting….
Thanks from France struck by Covid-19, but with hope, joy, civic-mindedness to fight again this bad virus 🙂 , Love, Helene
Si, I’m thinking of you and watching the world stats and thinking of how many people are affected by this.. Also thinking of Lise and knowing that wherever she is, she casts a calm spell over everyone!
Our borders/international flights are now closed by the end of this day.. Ecuadorians have until the end of tomorrow…
Fun trip, and I’m glad you made it safely. And the bonus: a new friend!
Thank you Emilie! Si, and also new ‘faces’ to look for next time in Ayacucho!
How are things there? Hope all is calm and normal..
No calm and normal. Actually, I’m calm, just being cautious and staying in. I’ve missed too many events the last few days, but since I’m (supposedly) old and have a compromised immune system, I’m removing myself from social situations. My immune system hasn’t been the same since I had dengue 4-1/2 years ago.
Hope things are better there. Crazy panic buying here. No toilet paper on the shelves! Anywhere! Thankfully it was on sale a few weeks ago and I stocked up. May Ecuador not go as crazy as the US has.
Si, a few weeks ago i did the same, and like you, the 2nd-time dengule plus chikV slammed my immune system.. I feel it too…
Tomorrow starts the pedestrian ‘lock down’ unless going for grocs or meds.. ditto for driving, and even parks are off limits… i am not sure i agree on that, as fresh air is not onoly important for health but also mental health! we’re lucky that we have lots of hobbies, so self-imposed isolation is not a curse for creative people!
I agree on parks. As long as people don’t congregate, it’s good. Do you have many cases there or is this preventative?
Reblogged this on Jude's Threshold and commented:
A great video on drawing, my favorite!
That is so sweet of you, and yes, the drawing exercise is a good one.. last night i did a cluster of bamboo leaves for the repeat.. tonight i’ll refine and improve the first attempt! Thanks again, and I look forward to your post about what’s happening – and if it is written in the stars!
What an adventuress you are, Lisa! That was a brilliant, edge-of-the-seat piece of description. And it places our complaints here in Scotland about potholes into perspective!
Keep inspiring, keep drawing, and try to keep safe as this virus reveals so much brutal truth to us about inter-connectedness, the importance of treating our planet and fellow citizens with respect – and what the price is if we do not…
Yes, there are many lessons – even in self discipline — and finding out if we like spending time with ourselves!!!
There are more lovely stories that have happened already, and I look forward to sharing more..
Tomorrow starts the ‘lockdown’ here in Ecuador. No more incoming passengers – not even citizens after midnight tonight.. and tomorrow they will be enforcing the no pedestrian/driving rules unless going for meds or groceries… restaurants can deliver but not have clients in the dining area… all to help us, and hopefully the virus goes into hibernation…
Thanks Anne! Sending warm thoughts your way.
I love to hear how easy you are getting around in Ecuador and dodging all the difficulties. I am on voluntary quarantine and just today the government put my area on lockdown, so more quarantine for me.
Valentina, you’ve been on my mind – oh my, news in your country is so distressing, though some sources say that Italy is one country that is being transparent, so we’re able to see the true picture… a good warning for any to take note and prepare…
Tomorrow is the first true day of strict control on even pedestrian traffic, so the apt is well stocked, lots of quinoa, lentils, healthy choices.. I’m also working on some fabric designs which is a fun challenge, so for me time will fly by… if only all people encouraged their creative side, this time of quarantine might be easier.. the community here is very nice, strangers offering to do things for strangers — and i’m witnessing it often! Sending you strong vibes and knowing you’ll be bursting thru this in creative ways — and lots of color!!!!
Thank you for good vibes and thoughts Lisa. Italy has been hit very hard, the tenacity of its people will win the battle. You are absolutely right, this is the time to allow our artistic side to come out and express our feelings. I like the fabric design you are doing, it’s very vibrant and cheerful.
Wonderful post Lisa.. and loved your narrative of your journey with your extra passenger… And pushing clouds away with our minds, I have done more than once Lol… And in my mind its worked.. LOL..
Many people if they find themselves isolated can do nothing better than be creative and Staying in the moment…. Essential, to keep positive, and our vibrations high with humour and loving intent and actions…
I think you did all of that upon your travelling home Lisa…
Life in the world is about to undergo a major Shift! in how its been in the past.. But I know all is as it should be, All is meant, and it may just wake people to what is really important in our lives..
Along with bringing communities together..
UK has started its lock-down procedures..
But this morning hubby and I went to our plot, no one else to be seen, I got a lot done.. Planted my Gladioli and put up nets for my sweetpeas…
So ALL is well in Our World.. and we are creating our reality in the now of our moments Lisa..
Sending Huge hugs and mind how you go,, especially over potholes.. 😉
❤ ❤ ❤
Ditto for you, and thank you for your update – and your recent posts… Gladioli and sweet peas – one’s life could not be dark when pretty flowers smile as if they’re true pets. Do you ever have trouble ‘harvesting/eating’ those beloved plants? I cringe when I snip the mint – for some reason it seems so sensitive – yet it’s hardy, but even when putting it in hot water I think , ‘Yikes! poor babies!’
I’ve learnt to ask permission as I silently thank them for their beautiful gifts whether it be flowers, fruit or vegetable 🙂🌱🌷 I have a lovely little corner of mint, and love my nettle teas and mint teas . Much love Lisa .and Gratitude.
Take care as this is the Big Shift! All things are meant, as we look at the positives out of this. 💚🙏💚🌸💕
Oh what a drive. I’d have been so tense, and exhausted by the end. I like the idea of the repetitive drawing, but have so much to catch up on with the blog and photography that I’ll probably just stick to that. Gotta watch that TedX talk now.
Alison xo
Your energy just never seems to let up, my friend. I’m glad you’re finding positive ways to respond, though I would expect nothing less from your corner of the world. Stay safe and healthy!