ayer y hoy (yesterday and today)

Yesterday I went to the English Library to hear a Writers Group panel speak about writing. I got there late and missed half, but I was in the presence of writers, which often inspires me to write. It's been breezy here in Merida lately. I can still hear the wind blowing strong against the trees.

Martine's Basil Plant

I also visited my friend Martine yesterday. She has the biggest basil plant growing that I've seen. I am going to move my small basil plant into a bigger pot!

pancakes with side of mango

 This morning I tried one of the those recipes I've seen on Facebook where you watch the short video of it being prepared. It was two-ingredient pancakes and it worked well! Mash one banana, then mix one egg in with it (I added some chia seeds) then pour in pan to cook. I thought they came out pretty good. If you like, give it a try.

These two Sisters were walking in front of me. I don't know why,
 but I love when I see them on the streets in any city.

Today I walked to the Slow Food Market, I picked up salad greens, brown eggs, ginger root (to make ginger iced-tea), pumpkin seeds, and radishes. Then I had lunch with two friends Martine, and Alex, at the yummy Korean restaurant in that area. I love meeting with these two expat friends. We enjoy each others company, and offer each other support and different perspectives. Actually, that is true with most of my friends!

I also got to see another amigo Jerry for a little while. He's smart and funny and we had some good laughs. 


This social community, plus staying in contact with other good friends around the world has added so much to my life. It's worth the time it takes for writing long emails, and having skype calls. Is there someone you have in mind, or would like to hear from? If you choose, take a few minutes and let them know you are thinking of them.
Namaste

muscle fascia

Travel size foam roller

Are you familiar with muscle fascia? It's a band of collagen-connective tissue beneath the skin that wraps around internal organs and connects to muscles and bones. Many years ago at a gym I remember using a foam roller, and rolling on it with my quads and sides of my legs. It hurts, which shows how tight that can get. I continue to use my travel size foam roller which helps stretch and loosen things up a little.

Dr. Christiane Northrup posted a good article about it here: http://www.drnorthrup.com/muscle-fascia/?utm_source=9988964_A_CN&utm_medium=email&utm_content=5612&utm_campaign=email_Newsletter_Northrup_2016&utm_id=5612

densely-packed collagen fibers that wrap around each of your internal organs and connect them to your muscles and bones - See more at: http://www.drnorthrup.com/muscle-fascia/?utm_source=9988964_A_CN&utm_medium=email&utm_content=5612&utm_campaign=email_Newsletter_Northrup_2016&utm_id=5612#sthash.kAvVIKRX.dpuf

densely-packed collagen fibers that wrap around each of your internal organs and connect them to your muscles and bones - See more at: http://www.drnorthrup.com/muscle-fascia/?utm_source=9988964_A_CN&utm_medium=email&utm_content=5612&utm_campaign=email_Newsletter_Northrup_2016&utm_id=5612#sthash.kAvVIKRX.dpuf

densely-packed collagen fibers that wrap around each of your internal organs and connect them to your muscles and bones - See more at: http://www.drnorthrup.com/muscle-fascia/?utm_source=9988964_A_CN&utm_medium=email&utm_content=5612&utm_campaign=email_Newsletter_Northrup_2016&utm_id=5612#sthash.kAvVIKRX.dpuf

densely-packed collagen fibers that wrap around each of your internal organs and connect them to your muscles and bones - See more at: http://www.drnorthrup.com/muscle-fascia/?utm_source=9988964_A_CN&utm_medium=email&utm_content=5612&utm_campaign=email_Newsletter_Northrup_2016&utm_id=5612#sthash.kAvVIKRX.dpuf

yellow

Apparently Holly is a prophet and predicted the Pats win, and on top of that we won the little Superbowl pool for the first time.

What a game!

If anyone can pull a win off like that, it's Tom Brady. He has a gift for scoring points in very little time.

This is bad selfie at the movie theater. We went to see La La Land at the VIP theater in the mall that has recliner seats, and waiter service. Just the experience makes it worthwhile. We all enjoyed the movie, but I liked it more than George, and other other two friends. There is something about going for your dream, and the reality of not always believing you can have it, and not giving up, that inspires.

I wish I had the determination and confidence of Tom Brady, but I don't. Some days are just a challenge. I am more clear on what I want to do, but then I get bogged down with how to do those things 'here'. Or I get questions regarding the newsletter (as my new position as editor), that I don't know how to answer, and have to get a few others involved.  Yes, there is a learning curve.

I can't complain, I am still happy and grateful with our choice to reside in Merida. I just want to share that it may seem like an easy or cush life, but believe me, your own personal challenges and struggles do not disappear. Or times when you have do some some undesirable research or task, it can feel too heavy.

Have you ever heard, that 'motion can change your emotion'? It's a great tip. Sitting and thinking rarely helps, for me at least. But if you literally get up and move your body, do some stretches (or exercise) or take a walk around the block, or go out and meet a friend, it will create a shift.  Or at least take a few conscious, deep breaths. (It's amazes me how often I need to be reminded to do just that!) Your mood may lift, the task becomes bearable.

Adriene, (in Yoga with Adriene) always says to take responsibility for your own happiness. I would include well-being. Whatever that means for you. Sometimes it means to temporarily, physically remove yourself from a situation so it doesn't get worse (I heard that from my friend Alex). Sometimes it means choosing to make someone else's day better simply to smile at a stranger, or give your undivided attention to a partner or friend.

You catch my drift..... even sharing these thoughts has lifted my own spirit.

Bright yellow I noticed on my walk yesterday

As Julian of Norwich said,  “All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” One way or another, I know it will.

Some vignettes from the past week

Last Friday George and I went to visit our talented-artist friend Kreso, at an art gallery event. Afterwards walking back we saw the new 'big chairs' in Parque Santa Lucia. It totally reminds me of Edith Ann, for those of you who get the reference!


We also happened to walk by Mercado 60 which is a newer trendy sort of food court, with a variety of food options and live music on certain nights. The seating is mostly shared picnic benches and tables. It was the perfect time to check it out since we were hungry. We opted for burritos. Mine was a veggie burrito - served like a salad in a tortilla wrap, loved it. George liked his meat burrito as well.


 The band quickly had people dancing, and I thought the place had a great vibe

Tuesday morning George and I drove to Centro on his scooter and had breakfast at our old favorite place, Cafeteria Pop. We had our usual coffee, fruit parfait, and hotcakes. We discovered that they slightly raised their prices. That dish is now 65 pesos, but obviously still extremely budget friendly. After breakfast I headed over to attend a Women's Club board meeting.

After the meeting I went to visit my friend Martine, as we decided to start our own little informal writing group. She prepared a lunch for us - cucumber and tomato salad with pita-like crackers, and humus to spread on top. She also shops at the slow food (farmer's market). It's a great place to get organic produce, specialty items, and even fermented products, which I already mentioned. I have tried the kefir (which is a fermented milk) a couple of times now as well.

It turned into a full day, as our friend Alex joined us later in the afternoon. As evening began to cool the air and darken the sky, the three of us went our for some local Yucateccan comida. It was actually cold enough to enjoy sopa de lima, and salbutes.

(A salbute is a puffed deep fried tortilla that is topped with chopped cabbage, pulled chicken or turkey, tomato, pickled red onion, avocado, and pickled jalapeño pepper. Salbutes originate from the Yucatán peninsula- from Wikipedia).

On Thursday George and I were out, and stopped by to see our friend Jerry, and the one-and-only Holly.


Later, I was at a grocery store with my pal Mario and we noticed this young blonde woman, and her tattoo on her leg of a palm tree. It had sand below and a compass in the middle. Mario asked her about it and we learned she was visiting from Denmark, and just got that tattoo here in Merida this week!

It's nice to remember that people visit Merida from many different places. And someday when Mario and I have plenty of extra money, we know where to get our next tattoos.

...and Writing Enthusiast

Writing is another strong area I have. Again, not a surprise. Writing and exercise are things I love and always do anyway. It is another area to explore further. I hesitate to pursue some other strong interests in a work-way because I feel it could take the joy away. For example, art. I love to play with my paints and collage, but not with  pressure to sell, and not do it all the time. Does anyone else feel that way about making a hobby or talent into a business?

I may have mentioned that I volunteered to take over the International Women's Club newsletter. It involves writing, some creativity, and learning a new skill (all pluses in my book). My first newsletter begins this month so I'll see how it goes.
I can still contribute articles to The Yucatan Times, but have not sent any new installments lately.

Plaza Grande in Centro

Another project  in the moodling stage, is a collaboration with friends Mario, and Selena. It's too early to define but it involves three different voices/perspectives - a Canadian, a Yucateccan, and an American.

I'm just open to trying some new things related to writing that sound fun and different. Maybe a creative way to generate some income as a writer will appear. You never know.

Some things I love about writing: 
⇢A smooth pen and a blank page
⇢The beginning of an idea for a story, poem, or experience
⇢Sharing information, inspiring people I discover, and recommendations that add value for others
⇢A poetic word or line that appears before my eyes
⇢Relating to one-another
⇢My preferred means of expression, and communication- I am not as eloquent a speaker

and always, reading the inspiring words and stories of other writers.


...and now for a spontaneous haiku:

Creative Writing

You are a joy and a pain

But how I love thee

Fitness Enthusiast

Trying the Technogym at Milan World Expo

In my last post I mentioned Live Your Legend, and have been digging deep to figure out what to pursue to get back to work. I like the idea of having variety - doing a few different things. One area is to involve fitness. I have been a fitness enthusiast since high school, hello that's over 30 years now. (I even exercised during the years I was a smoker. Contradictory, I know, but I quit almost 16 years ago.)

Exercise is simply a non-negotiable part of my lifestyle, for the following reasons:
     a) my mind - totally clears my head and improves my attitude
     b) the results - toned muscles, more strength, better endurance, and reduces stress, + more
     c) I just don't feel right if I haven't moved my bod enough

There are reasons and excuses why I didn't pursue becoming a fitness professional decades sooner, but I believe timing is everything.

Floor space for yoga at our stay in Boston, MA

During our travel-sabbatical-year, I found ways to get in some exercise as often as possible. For me,  yoga most beneficial in the morning because it smooths out the kinks and the stretches loosen me up for the day. Of course the practice also helps your mind stay present, and notice your breath. 'Marry the breath to the movement, and the movement to the breath.' Most mornings I was able to access yoga videos with wi-fi, on my phone.
(I also took classes at yoga studios in Austin TX, Playa del Carmen, MX. and Dublin, Ireland.)

Of course the majority of our exercise came from walking every day, especially while schlepping the weight of our backpacks. We also got to do some hiking and biking.

Hitting the road again, Warrington England

Biking along Danube in Vienna

Walking through the Badlands, South Dakota

Our bike tour in Valencia, Spain

 

George at the top of our hike to Holyrood Park, Edinburgh Scotland

On occasion we had access to a gym, or a small exercise room at places we stayed. There were instances where I used outdoor space and do some circuit/body-weight -training. We also happened upon parks in various cities with simple exercise equipment.

Park Exercise Equipment in Valladolid, MX

Group Tae Bo Class in Merida, MX (fortunately I could follow in a class
without understanding much of the language)

I vividly remember Padua, Italy. The hotel we stayed at had a rooftop deck space where I did circuit drills. It was around that time that an online-acquaintance, Dorene (she and her husband also changed their lives to embrace a travel lifestyle) posted some exercise circuits she received from her friend Mike Goncalves. He is a fitness professional and runs a business, The Wellness Bucket. I copied down the different circuits and tried them out - simple and effective to do anywhere for sure! Check it out. Later, when we stayed with my folks back in California, I had my Jillian Michael's dvd's to use.

(Just a picture from Padua, Italy since I mentioned it)

As much as I like exercise, I've never been one to spend hours upon hours at the gym, 60-75 minutes max. What I like about the Jillian workouts, and other circuit workouts, is that they typically range from 20 to 45 minutes depending how many sets you do, and are effective but challenging. I like that no-nonsense, let's-get-this-done, approach.

Typically I do, 30-ish minutes of yoga in the morning, some walking...... and in the afternoon or evening a circuit workout with cardio and weights, again 20-40 minutes.

Now, settled in Merida for a year already... I want to explore ways to pursue fitness, to encourage and help others move their body a little more, and personally experience the benefits exercise adds to your quality of life, or at least your day.

Spotted this red bike message, Warrington, England

Hello 2017

Feliz Año Nuevo.

This year-end was quiet as we did not attend holiday festivities.

We were dog-sitting our favorite Holly and didn't want to leave her alone. She's so sweet (for a Bull-Terrier).

Holly loves her Uncle George

 NYE was spent with a small gathering with good friends, delicious food, interesting stories, an abundance of wine, views of fireworks, and Chinese lanterns floating across the sky from a rooftop deck. Complete with a champagne toast at the new year.

On NY day afternoon, we attended a bullfight. We had never been to one and it sounded like something different to experience, and boy was it. Well, the best part was seeing with our friends Jim & Jackie. I don't know what I expected of this cultural spectacle. The matador in his colorful garb rides the fancy horse, doing a little dance trot. Then the bull enters. I will only say that watching the bull with those lance hook things stuck in his back and blood running down the sides was an image I still see. After the first round we left. I couldn't sit through more of the same. So that was my first and last bullfight.

Moving on.

I am enjoying Adriene's Yoga Revolution program. In addition, I happened upon another yoga challenge with Wanderlust TV - it's a 21 day challenge with Schuyler Grant, and this program goes into detail on every pose we learn, creating a solid foundation to sustain a lifetime practice. Let me just say, Day 1- 'shoulder floss'. Love it! For me, this is a great instructional supplement, and perspective from a different teacher.


I am also using this awesome resource to figure out what I am going to do/pursue this year.
Live you Legend This Bay Area company has been around for a while, started by Scott Dinsmore. Sadly, at an all too young age, he was killed in an accident climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and now his brave wife Chelsea is keeping it running. It's a global community as well.

Last night we watched President Obama's farewell speech. Well done Mr. President and you will be missed. I have no idea what the future holds, but I know who holds the future 😊  So we do the best we can, and make the most of each day.




p.s. Did you know that Mérida won the Cultural Capital of the Americas for 2017? Apparently it's Mérida's second time, the first was in 2000.