CALIF KAYAKERS

Have you witnessed the moon rise above a shimmering lake? Did time stop when you were up close whilst hearing a Canadian goose nibble the moss? A quenched murmuring of certain graditude for the bounty. Did your flesh prickle in the breeze of twillight? Has your face been broiled rosy by a campfire? Heart warmed by the laughter? Soul satisfied by the sounds of life in the thicket? Is it time to surrender to the whimsy of meadows brimming wild bold flowers?
I think so! Stretching my boundary a few miles away from what is known --- with a purpose to drown my senses with a spectacular canvas of color yet to be named among a thriving metropolis of ground hogs. Witness the tiny heads pop up in the midst of lavendar and orange. Agree with a "YES" inside knowing that this is what inspired cowboys to saunter on horseback to a place called THUNDER MOUNTAIN. At Plasse's Resort tiny white necked birds worbel, chipmunks scurry, and geese feast in this bit of Sierra Heaven! Hmmmm, why wait until summertime to hear the bird symphony? An afternoon rightly perched at the Pirates Lair for a run along the river would do me good. Maybe a quick stride round Lodi Lake? Perhaps a slow saunter to the West on Highway 12? ALAS, a true tale of pirates found just 25 miles from home flying the way of the crow. Once crowned as the Poetess of Korth, is it time to leisure once again with a good book? With body cradled in a Aiderondack, my soul stirs to the gentle lapping of the Delta. Why not drive a bit west and take a rest? It tis Spring and time to renew~KAYAKS-TO-GO - A two hour drive going EAST on Highway 12 onto HWY 88 towards TAHOE. Not to far from Jackson is BEAR LAKE RESORT. Just 25 miles down from Silverlake; Cables Lake; Red Lake; Blue Lake - a kayakers morning choice of 18 manicured greens surrounded by lakes! Paddling across quiet clear waters, without green fees, snyc a whole in one view of Sierra Pines standing tall all around. Take plenty of time to draw each breath, and greet the wild that blossoms in the spring. Bucket list items to be checked off - Enjoy long weekends exploring the Alpine lakes nearby. DOING IT NOW as opposed to waiting just seems like the right thing to do! The last weekend of July each year is a TRADITION at Silverlake Family Camp. The photo of my ANNUAL cabin for a luxury weekend in silence with a grand PUT IN SPOT at Silverlake. Yeah - kinda hard to top this BLISS! The signs reminding: SLOW DOWN - watch your DUST. Whoa- slowed down, walk a path up through the tall people, the vertical towers of strength that vibrate elation simply for the air! Not making a sound, not disturbing the peace of dust, treading gently, smiling softly. Same time next year, sittin royal round a circle of friends. Driving the Delta Loop on a Sunday in July coming home from a weekend in Santa Rosa, visiting with Momma Mia - Daydreaming and wondering about Korth's Pirates Lair. Rode the thin road that hugs the Delta, the water was standing up to catch the Delta Breeze.....the view of Mt. Diablo crystal clear. A writers paradise, Korth is only 24 miles from my front door. The address is Isleton just 48 miles east of Napa Valley's elegant DOMAINE CARNEROS. Bay area folks escape their concrete landscape to mix among the Valley of the Moon residents. Toasting beauty with a goblet of wine listening to JAZZ with a long vista of vineyards. Like manicured avenues stretching with a design to please, a garden for all sensory, a must see. Create a fantasy weekend with a westward drive along highway 12 towards Sonoma to breakfast at The Boon Fly. A red barn structure the entrance that disguises a sprawling acrerage of country French styled units. Great service, food and atmosphere! Narrow streets that take you on a curve! Could not have imagined what I saw. A cottage dining room - no walls between the outdoor fireplace and a private spa. Masterful suites featuring alfresco bathing. Wonder about showering outside in the rain? Open air, heated teak boards for your feet, and blue skies make for a marvel anytime. Sparkle in the sun inside fantastic intended detail to enhance comfort while experiencing joy at full blossom and marvel at God's decadent extravagance! Take in all the sights, breathe the rich aroma of grapes, tiny cafes, sudden stands of giant Eucalyptus, farmers, a variety of charm, the connectedness of each discovery. All splurges made possible with trust that the best is yet to come. Each destination a short drive from the Valley of San Joaquin.

Ocotlan, Jalsico

Ocotlán was founded in 1530. Two main cathedrals line the plaza. One is the church named La Purisima ("The Most Pure"), which is one of the oldest buildings in Jalisco. The altar is dipped in gold. The other cathedral, more recent than La Purisima, was built in the late 1800s and dedicated to Nuestro Señor de Misericordia (Our Merciful Lord), which honors a vision of the crucifix on October 2, 1847. After a large and powerful earthquake destroyed most of the city, including the original church, the following day, a Sunday, when the faithful were attending a Mass outside of the destroyed church, a vision of the crucifix was claimed to have been seen. Ocotlán borders Poncitlán and Tototlán and is only fifty minutes east-southeast from the city of Guadalajara. It is located on the northeast end of Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest lake. Greenville, South Carolina is a sister city to Ocotlan. As of 2005 the city of Ocotlán had a population of 81,165. The new Library and Media Center Fernando del Paso recently opened to the public and is operated by the Universidad de Guadalajara. This modern building is inspired by the lineal constructions of the university center. With an impressive lobby of multiple heights in which the main elements of the visual composition of the space are the books themselves. The building was designed by the young architecture firm LeAP, based in Guadalajara.

http://www.ocotlanjalisco.net/

COSTCO GUAD

Ivory Forest Firm
SIZE FULL BED ( NOT QUEEN )
Sealy Posturepedic Mattress set
Box Spring Included
COSTCO ONLINE Item # 568017
$599.00 online USA price
PHONE: (52) 333-777-4040
Address: Av. Vallarta 4775
Fracc. Camichines Vallarta
Guadalajara, Jalisco 45020
ACROSS FROM COSTCO a HOME STORE with lots of nice home decorator items
http://www.thehomestore.com.mx/HS/

Soaring Soul

Inflamed with delight, my soul is soaring and my feet rest gently on the Mexican tile in my new kitchen. My heart is swimming deeply, immersed in the liquid love of all that I have experienced. All the sites, colorful people, aromas, vistas, music, art, villages, cobbled streets, church bells, in Ajijic, La Floresta, San Antonio and Chapala have been cellularly implanted into the receptive quantum physics of my being! In tune with the voice that takes care of my essential steps, no questions asked, any trips to the island of regret have been quickly, willed out forever banned, Qtipped and consciously cancelled! Awakened to my future, clearly I hear the call to come, fill up, and trust the truth, the mission of my purpose. My adamant determination to allow my compulsory desire to explore the City of Chapala, its history, the lake, and to acknowledge it's woo, has become the intrinsic, timeless Bienvenido that has set my soul into a spin that in turn welcomes the reality of work...with a fiesta of graditude for my family, my friends, my job and the plans that unfold before me. The poetess stirs inside as I resonate with the gentle poem written by Fernando Maquero from San Miguel.

R E G A L O
Te regalo este lugar, hermana
Te reagalo este pedazo de cielo
Para que vengas a mirar la luna
Y las estrellas
A traves de las rams y las flores
En este instante
De ningun tiempo
Que tambien te ragalo.

G I F T
I give you this place, sister
I give you this piece of sky
So you can come and look at the moon
and the stars...
Through the branches and the flowers
And the Eucalytus leaves
In this instant, of no time,
That I also give you.

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