EXPECT SURPRISES

Picture this, visualize the best, believe in what is, and speak graditude for the possibility of life outside the box of limitation. WOW such an invitation to consider expanding who I am, and what I can prepare for in the next decade. 2011 is a welcomed time of change! In the past decade the world was FREED from the 2000 fear of computers crashing, and we were also awakened by the cry of wall streeters lamenting over stocks plummeting. ALAS, we came to KNOW that our souls were built to last through eternity regardless of the economy! Looming ahead in 2011 is the grand mystery that says "come follow Me" ~ "trust Me when I say that you were born for the purpose of bringing God pleasure in your childlike AWE as you seek to be more like Him that sent you. Therefore, with great clarity and confidence, I climb one step at a time, one moment at a time, towards the light and I am raptured by the surprising, unsurpassed ways of my Lord! What this world has become shall NOT decrease my hope in the morrow! The bright light ahead bekons promise and adventure. Trust I must the hand of God that provides more than my mind can conceive. Expecting that doors will be opened, that His way shall prevail! Trusting His lead ~ I purchased Casa De La Luz on 12/30/09! Amusing and confusing the mystery of HOW was that possible, I humbly give thanks for His ways are not mine. (This was originally written on 12/24/09 after packing for my first adventure to Lake Chapala) Oh God, I thank You in advance for the plans You have in store for me. I greet each day expecting to be pleasantly surprised and more and more good pours into the frame of my daily experience. Halleluiah ~ All praise be to God, the Creator of all GOOD! ~ 2011 will be Heaven on earth as I follow Him, trust and obey. AMEN!

VILLAGE LIGHT

Tourists seek the peace and quiet of a typical Mexican village ~ but EXPATS know and will tell you that living in Ajijic, Chapala, or Loreto has it's own white noise. We do not hear the humm of a freeway, we do not hear jets flying above, but we do have other sounds to get used to. A shot of tequilla or a icy margarita is not the choice drink at dinner for an expat. We grow accustomed to the crowing of roosters at all hours of the day and night, the clacking of weavers’ looms on rooftops and the sound of horse’s hooves on cobblestone streets. The song of church bells, the city band practicing the same three songs repeatedly and out of key, and the excited screeching of little kids in the nursery school next door. The EXPAT alarm clock is the sound of the garbage truck just after dawn and the concert of birds at sunrise. The LIGHT of TRUTH is GOOD!

Weather Permits Play

JOY or for JOY! Regardless of the BEAUTIFUL mild temps in Chapala - Babs is looking forward to her THANKSGIVING 2010 VISIT! The Guadalajara Reporter on September 24, 2010 stated that Chapala’s main tourist beaches gradually reduced in size, but that children and their families continue to PLAY ~ the sounds of laughter and music ABOUND! Ajijic’s waterfront "Parque de la Amistad" were saved by the construction of the Malecon boardwalk. Chapala's malecon remains a BUZZ with music and laughter! The high water has done little to deter local tourism. Even with the summer holidays and long Independence Day weekend behind, visitors continue to stream into the north shore area to witness Mexico’s largest lake in all its glory. The estimated water volume is 6.5 billion cubic meters, hitting 96.58 on the elevation scale, a 79-centimeter increase compared to 2009. Huzzah ~ JUST on month and 2 weeks till Thanksgiving! PLAYFUL hummingbirds flutter contentedly because Florence Merrifield, "Flossie" moved to Ajijic 20 years ago from Yakima, Washington. She turned her home patio into a virtual hummingbird refuge. Flossie keeps 16 feeders numbered, cleaned regularly and filled with the simple syrup that the tiny visitors adore. Currently, there are about 200 mouths feeding at what she calls “Flossie’s Fast Food Fly Through.” My plans also include a visit to The Christ Church Angelican Parrish in Ajijic to THANK GOD for all He has provided ~ with the new Reverend Danny Borkowski. A native of Dallas, Texas, Borkowski has a long educational pedigree that includes a Doctorate of Ministry in Ecumenical Studies from the Graduate Theological Foundation. He was ordained in the Holy Orthodox Church in 1980 and the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf in 1998. Borkowski holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics from the University of Dallas and a Masters in Mathematics from the University of Houston. Time to PRAY and PLAY in Chapala! The scenery on the roads around Lake Chapala catches the eye, with its lush green hills and flowering trees offering stunning vistas across the water. Driving on HIghway 104 on the North Shore of the lake, you MUST keep your eyes fixed firmly on the road! As anyone who lives in Vista del Lago knows, the potholes are deep, plentiful and, in some spots, cover the whole width of the road. Try to keep your RENTAL car from busting a tire, losing a muffler or suffering other undercarriage or steering damage is difficult. The real danger lies in the curves, where oncoming drivers may decide not to slow down to negotiate the ripped up pavement on their side. THEREFORE take a BUS!

SPREAD YOUR WINGS

DESTINATION: Guadalajara (GDL)
Mexicana out of Business August 2010
VOLARIS out of San Jose $230.00 USD roundtrip
VOLARIS out of La Paz $90.00 USD roundtrip
NONSTOP trip time 3 hours 40 min from SAC
LUSH greens, blue WATERS and the SOUND OF BIRDS!
With the blessing of furloughs and black Fridays at the City, numerous occasions will allow this BIRD to spread her colorful wings and fly to Ajijic to visit new friends! One charming Bed & Breakfast is featured in this blog post for friends to get the FEEL. Ajijic is situated on a narrow strip of land between the mountains to the north of Lake Chapala. It is surrounded by the San Antonio Tlayacapan mountains to the east and San Juan Cosala grand sierra to the west. It is 4 miles west of Chapala. Its average annual temperature is "68" degrees. The Inn Keepers of Los Artistas B & B, Kent and Linda are great hosts who speak English. Due to Ajijic's tropical latitude, the sun is warm year round; due to its relatively high elevation, it is seldom hot or humid. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October with an average rainfall of about 34 inches. Even during the rainy season, participation generally occurs during the evening or at night. December and January are the coolest months and May is the hottest. Overall, there is very little temperature variation year round: daytime highs in January are around 75 degrees; daytime highs in July are around 80 to 90 degrees which result in fantastic lush gardens and color! The perfect respite from the bhussle and bustle of traffic, news, telephones and the hectic pace of the USA. This B & B in Ajijic is close to transport, grocery, and many delicious restaurants. The breakfast served in the morning is substantial, and usually offers a hot dish, as well as fresh fruits, juices, toasts, coffee. A double bed for a single nite is $68 USD. A trip to explore the location of my ideal SHANGRILA for my style of retirement. For my remaining 30 years I shall enjoy and entertain among a group of like minded expats and locals in a casual jungle style while enjoying 75 degree temps year round. Kayaking the lake, exploring the surrounding historic villages and writing my book. On Wednesdays, the local market is only two blocks from this B & B. This location is quite convenient, even without a car, as the local bus lines run a block away. A bus trip into Chapala is only .25 cents USA. Explore AJIJIC, dazzle about the peeps found in town square, listen to the Mariachi's, focus on the inhabitants, your dreams, and SQUEAL!
TRAVEL arrangements to Los Artistas B & B
CLICK ON THE LINK on the right
Constitution #105
45920 Ajijic, JA
Mexico
Phone: +52 (376) 7 66 1027

GUEST REGISTRY

MY awesome CO-WORKERS suggested today that in lieu of KEYS for CASH for a week in Lake Chapala, that my friends would be delighted to shop locally and purchase decorator items for the Casa De La Luz. Kinda like a bridal registry, but a NEW CASA registry, where the guest will have a quest while visiting Lake Chapala. Items needed can be found at Walmart in Lake Chapala, or from COSTCO in Guadalajara. Mexican style furnishings which will be enjoyed for years by family and friends that come to linger around the lake. Sojourners may choose to enjoy a three hour luxury ETN bus ride from Lake Chapala to a popular Puerto Vallarta beach for the day too! Each gift will remind Barbarito of her treasured USA Chicas! Light, love and JOY to all who wish to come and make themselves at home in a shared Hacienda of LIGHT. Blow up beds will be available until more luxury is afforded. Lounge in a leather chair near the fountain while sipping a margarita ~ MUCHO BUENO! Esquela for Spanish available by the MAGNIFICO locals! English said with a smile works!

RADIO NEWS

The band Los Tigres del Norte return to Guad to fill the Telmex stadium with over 30,000 fans. They are known as the leading voice of the immigrant and are also named the “voice of the pueblo”. They are real musical storytellers. Last year the song "La Granja" (the farm) sparked controversy because the lyrics criticized the Mexican government’s handling of the drug war. Their 1996 song
“El Circo” compared the Mexican political elite to a circus, and was banned from many radio stations. The lead vocalist Hernandez told the LA TIMES “La Granja is a fable. The song speaks of all the problems in Mexico, through a fable with little animals. We wanted to deal with the problems our government has – narcotics trafficking, the violence — what we already know and live. There is nothing to offend anyone, it is simply a representation of what is happening to us. We always sing what the people want to hear, and what the people are living.” Los Tigres has never apologized for their narco-themed songs and instead insist that they are part of a reality. The public decides which songs they like. When Los Tigres were told they were not allowed to play "La Granja" it was okay for they know that old and young Mexicans sing out Los Tigres lyrics whether they like them or not. It’s the same with English lyrics. Sometimes folks don’t know the meaning of the words, but they sing along anyway.
“Concert for two guitars and Orchestra.” Two of Mexico's symphonic guitarists are Israel Vazquez and Maurico Diaz. Beetoven in Guad for Summer 2010 Series. Mucho music talent and diversity in Guad, just 30 minutes away from the Lake. The whimsy graphics that promoted “Los Beatles Sinfónico,” on with a photoshop cover mimicking the Beatles’ 1969 album “Abbey Road,” the songs to be played span all of the Fab Four’s career, including the beloved John Lennon solo song “Imagine” as a no-doubt emotional finale. Everybody has their favorite Beatles style, whether in early hits such as “All My Loving,” in the poignant love ballads such as “Michelle,” “Here, There and Everywhere,” “Something” and “Yesterday,” in the genre-busting hits such as “Penny Lane,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “Eleanor Rigby” or in the hard rocking pieces like “Back in the U.S.S.R.” and “Golden Slumbers.” The group
“Los Beatles Sinfónico,” plays in GUAD summer 2010. Tickets 200 to 350 pesos. Discounts of 50 % for seniors! VIVA LA MEXICO MUSICA - Plenty of good concerts ahead!

MUCHO GRACIAS

Mucho Gracias, Happy Thanksgiving 2009 in Loreto with Benito y Jilly! Their love, enthusiasm and generosity shall remain deeply appreciated. We were greeted on Sunday's arrival 11-22-09 with a planned BBQ of fresh Chocolatte Clams and Fresh Blue Shrimp - Locals gathered to welcome us with invitations to a Morrocan Feast and a Thanksgiving Roast! This cast of international friends included Paul, Jeff, Jill, and Sherrene! Casa Benito was filled with fantastic aromas, laughter and hugs as this society of appetite affeciendos planned an unforettable week of treats for all! It was indeed a grand adventure of family, friends, food and spectacular vistas! Sunday a BBQ with friends, Monday was a shopping day and dinner under a Palapya. Tuesday breakfast at Islas then Barbarito luxuriated at the local spa and Benito took John to Port Escondido. Tuesday night was a Morrocan Event at Jill y Ricks B & B. Wednesday we drove up to San Javier and had steak and lobster for dinner. Thursday John y Barb walked Loreto streets and then had a magnificient Thanksgiving Turket at Paul and Jeffs splendid Hacienda!

HAPPY in the GULF

Dolphins dance --- a short bus drive from Lake Chapala. Sergio's 3 days of swimming with a wild dolphin changed his life so deeply, friends encouraged him to publish his personal journal about it. The journal became a book that has now sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Read the book, Hay House Publishing - Sergio Bambaren is the author, the title is "The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer." The film has done outstanding in Mexico and the Spanish version in 15 countries of South America. Dick Weaver's song is only heard on the English version. Nancy and Dick Weaver - friends of Momma Mia.

NEW HOPE BEGINS

2010 begins a NEW DECADE full of HOPE! Our days are full of pleasures, of moments that we allow ourselves to FEEL happy. But JOY is the answer, the HOPE, the COUNSELOR when we choose it in spite of circumstance. I had an amazing childhood, and that perhaps is what helped shape the way I view the world today. I found myslef in dark places and I trained my mind to focus on the blessing, to seek the good, to acknowledge the bright side of things, to let go of fear and choose the indwelt JOY to consume me. People choose to be negative, and I choose to bless them, release them, and avoid judging. Choosing to hang around positive folks that radiate joy is a wise choice. I choose to provide an open space in my soul for JOY to abide - and this is a command from God. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice!”. Joy is also a subject that I have studied. It is a learned response, a behavior of saints. Developing generosity towards others includes giving compassion, mercy and kindness in high doses. As you give, so do you receive and as the recepticle of such generosity, JOY is the result. JOY abides inside, it does not come from outside of ourselves. JOY and laughter are not the same. Giggling at humorous things is not to be compared with the ever present Holy Spirit that dwells inside. JOY is not created by anything I say or do - JOY exists in each soul, it is the spark, the seed that grows when it is not encumbered by fear, doubt and the restraints of judgement. As a glorious creation of God, Iam a blessed container of JOY. Yet when my human body is tired, I get cranky. When things are out of order, I can get controlling. While at the mercy of world news, I do get opinionated and frustrated. Ahhh, but when I let go, and let God, I release JOY as the antedote to my human weaknesses. "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God. — Isaiah 61:10

THE BEST GIFT

FREEDOM to choose LOVE itself, the BEST GIFT ever given. Our Lord gave us the choice to LOVE as we are loved. He does not force His love on us. Letting go of our desire to be loved by others frees the hostage of our desire and us, the warden. True freedom is felt when one knows that people and circumstances are not controlled by our desires. Cruelty exists because of the desire to control another. God loves us even as we doubt and resist His existence. As if a curtain was pulled back, I saw what was stirring the stars....angels! Yes, angels, angels, everywhere. Looking up to the celestial lights, I saw the flapping of wings as I trembled, resonating with the singing. At first, only one angel spoke. "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Then, the curtain was drawn back even more and the sky was filled with angels! "Glory to God in the highest!" they sang, "and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." The flapping of their wings stirred the air, it whipped our hair, and blew all fear from our minds and hearts! WOW! All stubborn resistence to surrender my mind, body and soul was blown away! Accepting Jesus as the only life saving companion quenched my desire to be known and loved! Our loving Father does not force His love, He waits and longs for us to choose Him. His love, kindness, humbleness, and selflessness, teaches that the only control must be that of ourselves. Yes, we must edit thoughts and control the tongue before words can pierce the heart of another. Remembering that Jesus, the King of Kings, humbly washed the feet of his disciples the night before he died for all of us to give us the FREEDOM to choose His love over whatever the world has to offer. This Christmas we can choose to be the reason of a smile in another, and know the joy of "giving in" and "giving up" of "letting go" and "watching God". Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will de done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. AMEN --- Our Father reveals all that we need to know to prosper and enjoy a good life on earth. "I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of His hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and the Name of His Son? Tell me if you know!" His Name is Lord Jesus Christ. Father, Son, Holy Ghost, the One who departed from His throne to come down and walk among us, to show us, to teach us, to die for us, to return and prove His victory over death, and to give us THE GIFT of eternal life. We possess an internal GPS for accurate direction. GOD'S PLANNED SALVATION (GPS) for us is the best Christmas gift we can receive! Oh Lord forgive us for refusing Your invitation to give You our minds, hearts and ears. Because You are Holy, and we forget that we were created as valuable vessels of thy Holy Spirit, we seek recognition of others when You have already affirmed and provided the truth of who we are. "Blessed be the Lord...according to all that He promised; not one word has failed for all His promises." 1 Kings 8:56 Lord we ask You to reveal Yourself as we search scripture for how to OBEY. May we find YOU, who art the BEST GIFT of the season. AMEN

RAINBOWS and SONGS

This morning as I exited my driveway I faced an awesome sunrise! Turning the corner to ramp onto HWY 120 west, a double rainbo crossed the freeway stretching from Manteca to Stockton! The blessing of such visual beauty is one unique benefit of being designed by an awesome God! Rainbows are optical and meteorological phenomenons that place God above all. A spectrum of light appears in the sky when the Sun shines onto droplets of moisture and we see a vision of a multicoloured arc! May these words give you resaon to rejoice each day as you listen to the joy of birds. I thank God for eyes to see such divine displays of His glory and for ears to hear the words of the season. God gives second chances, God gives new beginnings, and God gives us signs. We need to simply pause and look up and listen. May your soul be illumined with the words of this message. Receive and believe the Spirit of Christmas, receive Jesus, trust and welcome the TRUTH of a relationship with God! Pastor Marc Maffucci and Marshan Moultry sing Gloria in excelses de O! What does that mean? Pastor Marc explains, then at 3.33 minutes into his message Marc tells a story of a man named Jim who was just 6 weeks sober and it was his first Christmas without alcohol. During the service despair hit Jim as he witnessed families sitting together. Jim lost his wife, daughters, friends and job due to his drinking and he was overcome with a need to drown his feelings with booze. But just then, God sent angels to speak to Jim - Has God sent angels to speak to you?