Marianna In Costa Rica / Spain/ Costa Rica/ Roatan Honduras

Three Countries, Three days, three weeks.

2011-12-27T08:30:00.002-06:00

This all began about a month ago, I was on the Island of Roatan, as you can see its in the Caribbean, of the coast of Honduras. I had a friend there old friend that was having serious problems with visa and passports, and just living in Roatan. I was teaching Zumba, doing on line work, dealing with a number of really horrible situations. He and talked much, and resolved some issues that were part of our separation in friendship. We resolved the issues, and he shared with me his desire to leave and go back to Costa Rica where we have been previously. Now this is just a friend almost like family to me, we ended up before leaving House sitting in the jungle in a lovely house private on a dirt road with very little access to the real world. Nature was abound and in the morning peaceful and filled with wildlife.

With much talking and thought, we both decided to leave the island, it was time. The issues with the roads, being all tore up, the black water sludge that was being pumped into the sea, lack of tourism, and poor economy, crime rate escalating, murders, muggings, taxi's holding you at gun point. Made this beautiful place become a scary situation, especially at night. Roatan is a beautiful place,but with the amount of drug deals that come directly into the island the amount of gangs that are infiltrating the island, it was dangerous. We held on to our faith, believed we could go and make a way back in Costa Rica. I did some research, found that a small town called Quepos, right around the corner of Manuel Antonio, had some good possibilities for both him and I, continuing my research, found its resorts, hotels restaurants, still draw lots and lots of people. The Marina had just renew there financing and now in a short time the finishing of this marina will begin and produce more revenue for this little fishing village off the coast of Pacific Ocean.

The Trip was thoroughly thought out, I planned so it was not a struggle to make our way back to Costa Rica
. I helped fix up this house we were sitting, the realtor came took photos and before we knew it the house was sold. The date was on the 22nd of November that the owner was taking occupancy.

OUR DATE WAS SET. On the 21st, We took a ferry from the island at 6:30 am loaded down with three suitcases, a carry on, computer and banners I boarded the Ferry. An hour long tripin to the sunrise to the mainland Honduras. From Honduras I paid a taxi to take me to the bus station to go to Teguchigalpa. I got there just in time to buy the ticket and board the bus. This trip was hours and hours the whole day actually traveling through mainland Honduras. Beautiful but dangerous country,various types of terrain, from flat farmlands to steep rocky mountains. Honduras is now the number one country in the world for crime and murder, so gracefully left with out a problem. I spent the night in a seedy, dirty little hotel around the corner from the bus station. The noise level at night was horrible. Screaming drunks, prostitutes, and motorcycles blasting most of the night. I ate at a little Chinese Restaurant across the way that was outrageously good and cheap. The next morning at 5:45 I dragged all that luggage around the corner one block to the Tica Bus Station and bought the next leg of the trip.

Nicaragua, Entered the bus after eating breakfast at the bus station in a tiny little soda on the side of the station that actually was quite nice and had plants and a parrot. The food typical Honduran, not my favorite. This bus was beautiful, luxury style, with air and bathroom, Crossing the boarder in Honduras to Nicaragua,simple but had to unload all the luggage our self and pass through customs, Although the Nica's, were kind to me and didn't search anything and passed me right through the fee then dollars. The trip was gorgeous and pleasant, the sites in Nicaragua are very pretty and memorable. Ometepe, is spectacular to see in real life. I was smiling most of the time thinking how amazing this is, and how I had very little money to do this and managed to make it happen.

I got in this brain wave, playing games with myself on the bus, to see if I really had this ability that my friend says I have. For many years, I feel or think something, and its strong and then it comes to past generally with in the day or the hour. So I thought ok If I have this, lets see if I can make it work. So I just let my mind go, saying I want to see whats coming before it comes. I thought of a man in a red shirt, I saw it in my minds eye, and about 20 seconds later a huge group of people were walking on the road side and in the middle was a man in a red shirt?? ok that was fun, I continued to do this and was shocked at what was happening during the ride through Nicaragua Wow I really do have this if I could only just tap into it and make it work for me! Other friends call me Bruja, this is a slang word for witch, but its not a bad connotation like Americans think. It means you know things before they happen. Continuing on the trip it took most of the day to cross Nicaragua,Lovely country. I saw an old ox cart with oxen a some areas that have not progress through time. I saw brick makers making bricks in the hot sun, Many Sugar cane fields, lots of coffee plantations, Banana plantations, gorgeous hills and mountains. Rich valleys with crops of sorghum,and spices. A really shocking area of Homes like something Out of California's Pasadena, or Beverly hills??? Wow... and then very poor shacks made of nothing but tin and dirt floors. Children playing with no clothes on, dogs running a muck, and chickens and turkeys wandering about everywhere.

Then we got into Managua, interesting metropolitan city. They day Dangerous after 10 at night. Nice that Tica bus now has hotels built into the bus station, so you disembark, and unload and walk around the bend and there is the check in counter for the very nice modern clean classy small hotels with about 25 or so rooms. Indoor gardens, birds, and really shockingly modern!
Rooms rate 23 a night, very reasonable, the beds were beautiful the best so far in months, the sheets smelled of vanilla, the pillows crisp and so comfortable, towels perfectly laundered and soft.

I saw this couple board the bus in Teguch, and I watched them in the bus as we traveled. The woman was vibrant, and man quiet and introverted. Such opposites in personalities. I loved her, was Leary of him. But when I was checking in they were also, so I asked what they planned on doing after check in. Going to eat and have a drink. I asked If could go along with them, and of course they said yes.

So we all went in a taxi to the of all things the Mall in Managua, cool multi level mall with lots of restaurants and things to see. Hadn't been shopping in months and months, although I didn't buy anything, not much money to spend it was fun to watch the people and look at the products, VERY CHEAP very cool and fun. I ate at a bbq Nica style in the mall, My god that was good good.. had a drink of Flor de cana, had to that is the countries rum! and then back the room. To rise early in the morning to load and move on.

Heading towards, Costa Rica we moved very fast, the little game I played earlier I continued on this leg, I had a sense that something was going to happen to the bus, I actually spoke it out about five minutes in to the new part of the journey. I felt it, although the bus sounded fine I could sense something was going to happen, that we were either going to be stuck or transferred to another bus.

Then I forgot about it for about two hours, this particular driver was hauling ass, he was moving so fast it was making me feel sick to see the country side flying by. We got into Granada, and I felt really strongly about the mechanical problems of the bus. Although no sign at all no smell, nothing. As soon as we passed Grenada, I smelled a burning of oil or fluid, then about 20 minutes later I heard it. I heard some sort of strange noise, he kept going passing cars, big trucks, buses and whatever cows were on the road. I noticed he was having trouble shifting gears, hmmm Transmission problems?? Then we crossed the boarder into Costa Rica. That was a mess, Getting into Costa Rica now is a task and half. Show you have cash money more than two hundred I was told, Show you have credit cards, show you have valid passport, where are you going, search through your things, how long are you there?? Well I was smart when I went to customs I told them I was living here before, I had some business to do, and well they passed me right through with no issues, of course I speak Spanish and I smiled allot this helps! The bus sat for about half or more hour, when we loaded back up, I knew something was going to happen. He started it up and it went but it was struggling.

I don't think anyone else noticed everyone was eating laughing talking. I listened to the engine, We went about 10 miles and then we stopped to let people out, when we stopped the bus just croaked. When he tried to go it wouldn't move, no one even noticed then I knew I told my friend lets get out things from above were going to transfer to another bus, he was shocked saying what are you talking about. I said get our things lets get prepared, about five or more minutes past, the driver got off the bus went to the back opened up the engine area, I saw him get tools, no one else was watching, I got our things and started to get out, then he came and told us I was the first one out the door. I went right across the street, bought a celuar chip and got my CR phone right then. I knew we were going to be stuck and so I figure make the best of the time. We ended up transferring to another bus making us about two hours late into San Jose.

I called my friend in Santa Anna, this is who we were going to stay with while trying to get to Manuel Antonio south, to find a place to live. He came but four hours later, sitting in the bus station till almost 11 at night, tired hungry and wanted to sleep. I ended up staying in Santa Anna for some three weeks, not able to find a place in Manuel Antonio, online or in the two trips I made to there to find a place. Finally five days ago I hooked up with a company called Costa Rican places here in Manuel Antonio, and this lady found me a small, clean affordable place. I have no furniture, hardly any food, didn't celebrate Christmas, but I am safe and sound and with shelter now.

A three day, trip From Roatan Island to Manuel Antonio Costa Rica was a great trip! inexpensive and interesting. Now I am here in Quepos, finding its changing daily developing, and becoming a very cute little town. The new bridges and road has obviously change the life of this dead little fishing village. Now its seemingly teaming with life and beginning to redevelope, I like that I am close to everything, walking distance, I do miss the nature and gardens, but in time I hope to have orchids and plants and make the place a little doll house. I will be teaching Zumba here soon in the Teatro Copaza so stay tuned for more adventures.

THINKING ABOUT THE MODERN GYPSY WRITINGS

2011-09-30T09:11:00.001-06:00

When I began this blog it was only about sharing with my friends and Family what life I had in Central America outside of USA. It has been years of living in Central America, with many adventures, travels, incidents accidents, miracles and disasters. I have experienced some things in life that even if you tried to describe it there is no way you can picture the cultural changes and life changes I have been through. Strangely enough My children don't really ask me about my life or my adventures or what I have experience so now instead of making my family aware and friends aware, its mostly about writing and sharing my thoughts on paper. OR should I say on computer?

I do miss Costa Rica unfortunately the danger factor here caused me to come to Roatan, although Honduras according to the press, it is the most dangerous place to live. EVERY WHERE IN THE WORLD NOW HAS IT'S very dangerous and bad sides exposed to the press. But seldom are the good points put into blogs, Facebook groups or pages or on the net. With this in mind, lately I have been blogging about Zumba, Fitness Program that Changed my life when I visited USA this last time. I knew about Zumba saw the videos, but to do it live with huge groups of people impressed me so much that I realized this was something that belonged in my life. THAT I WANTED TO BRING BACK TO ROATAN HONDURAS and hopefully effect others lives as well.

Its not a salvation by any means , I know there is much more serious causes out there and I read and am Aware but its something that I have passion for and It does effect lives.

I can say that living here is an Adventure in itself, STILL with out a car, transportation is really a whole process here. When my car was stolen some four years ago and ran into a building by the thieves catching it on fire, I Never realized that I would be four years later on foot still. Although like Zumba it build strength when you have to walk every where, and gives you humbleness, BUT I STILL WISH someone once in a while would stop and pick me up!!! The simple life of walking on dirt streets, and seeing things as you walk has a changing effect on you. Recently when walking down the path to the main road I had a flash back of a day when I was living in Ibiza Spain shortly after the thief of my car, ( I went to Ibiza to see it and work and my gypsy adventure was out of frustration with robberies and crime so I gather up my airfare and just left sought work that is why I went ok) now back to the walk.. I was walking here in Roatan making my way to the main road to catch a taxi to go to my Morning class, when I flashed back to the one day I walked in the morning from My apartment in Jesus, to the other side of Ibiza this took hours, I was all dressed nice, took a cut across a field and saw interesting mud houses, like back in the old days turrets and strange storage tanks made of stone.

In the flash, I began to realize that we as people are only as strong as we want to be, How hard this was for me someone who had three vehicles at one point in my life to now on my feet day after day.. STILL AM, I am not complaining by any means but the point here is With walking, my exercising on top of the struggling to live, I have seen and experience something that most people who get in the car and wizz past don't see or realize. The disasters, the drama, the terrible things I have experienced has made me become wiser for whom I am not sure yet, but those disasters has created a strong individual, that still to this day want's to be young and be the Modern Gypsy. I am not the Gypsy like you would automatically think of living in a little cart being pulled down the road by horses but a Gypsy in respect that they love life no matter what they find ways to make things work and they go on adventures and find place to live.

Something about not owning much is freeing, I use to have everything. Homes, cars, beautiful gardens, a business that was at one point thriving, BUT WITH ALL that came a pile of stress and bills! now I own nothing and I have very little stress and well no bills.

I am hoping that with this New Career Zumba Fitness I can help others and it carries me to some very interesting places in the world! I want to see more ( and not just by walking)

Musica! ZUMBA, TROPICAL HEAT

2011-09-10T08:52:00.001-06:00

STARTED THE ZUMBA IN ROATAN classes this week, it seems to be going well, people are talking and actually showing up!! I love to dance if you are a previous reader of my blog you will know this about me from years back, this is nothing new for me. Something about the tropical heat and the Music that makes me move like a crazy woman.

So funny I went to Cool Beans a darling coffee shop in West Bay last night it was like a Q.A meeting that someone has created lots of people where there, when I arrived there were a couple of people were saying there is the zumba lady. One lady came to me and said I don't think you have bones in your body cause I can not believe how you move! that was funny I laughed.. heck yeah I have bones and right now there hurting! but hey I keep moving and I know that through this lives are going to be changed!

Mine is~~~~~~~ I am so grateful so dragging my sad depressed body and mind to Zumba when I did! I THANK BETO! GINA! TANYA! ABRAHAM... so being so talented and shaking the world. FOR JAHNEA AND ANDREW JENNIFER! and KIM WITHERSPOON! wow all you guys are amazing dancers! thank you

I miss the salsa dancing I wish there was a club here on the island where I could do that too! But who knows I may be going to Costa Rica in a two months to do the LOS SUENOS Again, and If I do YOU BETTER BELIEVE I AM GOING SALSA DANCING! Right now I am listening to Salsa trying to get motivated for my ten AM Class, I hope people show up???

The tropics produce some of the best music ever, not to mention the best coffee in the world comes from Central America! (got that going too) Well just an update and I want to say hi to all my blogger fans!
Come see me in Roatan dance with me and enjoy the heat!

READING BACK A FEW MONTHS AGO

2011-08-24T23:36:00.002-06:00

Just a few months ago I wrote on my blog about how I was wanting to go back and how I missed Central America, Talking about this ZUMBA craz and how I was listening and dancing to this music for real months and years back and now it has become my daily work out. Just 7 months ago I was wishing and now I am back.

This reminds me of something, It is this, when you want something bad enough you can manifest it, and by that I mean. You actually bring it to life, this concept although can be dangerous as well, because instead of a positive thing you manifest you likewise can manifest the negative things you dwell on or fear. But some how I remained in positive frame and brought back to my life what I have learned to love.

This Latin American life is not for everyone, even so there are many different types of people now living in Latin America, it is a tough one. Resilient I think is a good word to describe it, patience is probably the biggest lesson gringos, Canadians and extranjeros have to learn. Why? because it just moves slow and the reaction time is completely different than those North American cultures or European, English Cultures.

THINGS TAKE TIME to get done, no one moves fast.

Saying that! I am now who would have known a ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR, EX INTERIOR< LANDSCAPE AND SPECIAL EVENT DESIGNER GONE ZUMBAADDICT. Never would have told you that a year ago. In relation to the Things go slow, I have two locations to being my Dancing classes, Exercise Fitness programs. One is a very beautiful location but is suited only for the people on that end of the island and for tourists.

The other is in an old rustic location and yes its rustic, but for some reason I like the space. The dance floor is huge the right type the way it sit facing the sea is really cool. BUTTTTT RIGHT NOW I HAVE NO SOUND SYSTEM. None, being a little bit put off, and discouraged this evening I realize how slow things are around here and no one moves to fix it. Now its up to me to find a way to put music in this beautiful RUSTIC LOCATION, just so I can live out my ZUMBA desires and my passion for dancing.

Problem is, things move slow, the open house is in a week, you can't just go and get a stereo or and IPOD system I don't honestly think there is a place here that sells them. AND if they did It would be so expensive its not possible. FRANKLY I don't even have the money to do any sort of sound I am just beginning, single alone No work, and just returned back. FRUSTRATION already set in. So tonight in talking to one of my zumba girls in USA she said ASK. SO right now I am asking. I need a miracle for this to happen. MOST IMPORTANTLY THIS TYPE OF FITNESS PROGRAM IS ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC, LATIN MUSIC ZUMBA MUSIC, has some American in there but not much. How can you shake your A$$$ with no SOUND.

Anyone that really knows me, KNOWS I LOVE TO DANCE.

MAKE IT MOVE MAKE IT HAPPEN lend it borrow it, rent it someone... CLIMBING MOUNTAINS means success?

Zumba Roatan & Back in the Tropics

2011-08-19T22:06:00.002-06:00

Zumba brought me back, I hope it keeps me here for a while? I was doing Zumba every day in USA that was the only thing really aside from my darling grandson that kept me alive and going.

He would go with me at least once a week to Zumba and he actually danced right along with me. Kids love that music, he had a little friend there named Junior. Those two would dance and cut up and really enjoy the Latino music, sing the songs really shake it.

Junior is the son of a woman I met while doing Zumba, Shawna, she and I became really close there for a few months and developed a very nice friendship. She was an amazing dancer! She inspired me to move and we were always side by side exercising together. I hope some day she will come to visit me in Central America.

Now I have studied with the best Gina, and Abraham from the Zumba corporation to learn to be an instructor and I plan to teach in Honduras. Making the 126Th country for Zumba Fitness. It will be listed in the Zumba class finder in Honduras international Division of Zumba fitness.

It was a long flight back I actually had to disembark one plane because it had no pressure readings in it right before we began to take off. We had to wait about 25 minutes to find another plane and load up take off out of phoenix. Heading to Houston we landed about three fifteen am. I tried to sleep but all the cleaning people in the airport were so loud it was impossible, my connecting flight was at ten am. I landed in At 12:15, it was so hot I was in shock, still not really adjusted yet and its been a week today.

I believe it may take a while. I been setting goals on finding the right location for the classes and I believe I have found them. I hope my body can do this? I did ok in the cooler weather but this heat makes you sweat ten times more. You don't even have to move to sweat you just do!

But today was a cool day, It rained most of the day, waking up the sound of Tropical rain to me is beautiful, much different than the Pacific northwest rain. COLD DARK DREARY. Here its hot light, and humid. The smell of the rain on the plants to me is refreshing. I love the way this one lily smells here when it rains, its white and has a sent that is carried for many feet. YES we do have heavy rains its a hurricane storm they say but we will see. I been through a few of these tropical Storms. Normally its all hype, scaring away the tourists. Right now its raining pretty heavy but no wind and it is fresh for the first time in a week. I bet I sleep super well tonight.

I am missing my little Zumba dancer, I Talk to him today on Skype amazing Skype he did his little dance for me. I sang a song for him and he did his moves for me. Darling little Juliano... soon another little grandson will be here named Colby, I bet his is going to be a real live wire! wonder if he will dance with his NONA

Facebook pages, from Central America to USA

2011-06-27T10:47:00.003-06:00

Coming from Central America to USA the adjustment has been hard again. I try to be open minded but wow its tough here in USA .

I been working on several things in the past few months and one is learning the social media world. Working on building pages first for an Event called " Big Sip Oregon" an event that took place in March in Portland Oregon. This was a wine tasting event where they sold very great quality wine's for discounted prices, Big sip was the first page I did for a company.

Then I moved onto Monterey Wine Festival, this page was up and running I just modified it and made it grow from 300 to 2500, then one more called the WEST COAST CHOWDER COMPETITION. That page was fun, great graphics fun sponsors although not many fans, as much and I was working it I found that if you have no imports its pretty tough to get fans.

I have learned so much even about graphics, also what days are the best for publications.

I Just did a Zumba Page, for a woman named Jahnea, its Jahnea Zumba & Advocare, this one is located in Vancouver Washington, I hope she does well with her page so far has over 100 fans in less than four days!

Soon I will be publishing one for the NORTHWEST FOOD AND WINE SHOW IN Portland Oregon. This show is in November here in Portland, I hope by then I am far far away!

I mean I love my children, but this Northwest is not for me. I been looking for work, that is a subject that could take a whole day to write on! So I am going to just leaving it as I am looking, NOTHING AT ALL YET!

I have so much background... from Designing events, weddings,fabricating floral displays, art props, decor,interior, landscape to now: Publicity, press, social media, graphics, goes on and on. I know that if I set my mind to something I can do it.

I just talk to someone about a Salsa Festival, Dancing Salsa not eating salsa, about doing his publicity for the festival. But I guess that was a wash no answer yet from him and it has been a week. I keep punching away at this key board writing, talking chatting, applying. I mean I don't how much more to do I have not given up in months on how to find something to keep my survival. Thank God right now I am at my sons house.. the reality is I WANT MY OWN PLACE I want to be independent as I am. Although this has been a real learning experience here in USA again, in more than one way! I have learned much about people, life, and a new type of work.

Last week we had one day or so of good weather, I decided to walk from the bank Columbia Credit Union to my sons house which is probably about five miles I estimate? It was nice, I walked then rested, had plenty of time to think about things,(with out a car in USA is much more difficult than in other countries) I pretty much walked because I was dropped off and didn't have transportation, even though I waited in one point for a bus for like ten minutes never came? so I continued walking, it was beautiful the walk. I realized how gorgeous all the flowers and plants are her in the Northwest, but not the same as walking in a tropical country.

No animals few birds and way to many cars! but I did enjoy the walk and made some good sense of things that has happened. Sorting out thoughts I think it healthy. By the time I got home three hours later I was so tired I laid on the sofa thinking I am grateful for being here. More tomorrow, life is different for sure! Never would dream that at this stage I would be like this? BUT the good thing I have learned more, how I use it on the other hand is another thing, but I have I really have learned more about people, your lifestyles, and about how you can do what you really set your mind too!

Central America,HOT LATIN MUSIC and how it effects you

2011-05-31T23:41:00.003-06:00

This Zumba craz is so ironic to me, that here I was in Central America for all those years, listening to the most wild regaeton and Latino music, then learning the best of the best dances to it.

Now here in USA hearing some of the music that we would listen to in the Monkey Bar in Jaco, dancing all night long too or at Genesha, or at Le Loft and just dance dance dance.

Now this very same music is my work out music here! Makes me think of all those times fun times watching people salsa, merenge talking laughing drinking and more missing my friends such as Rossy, Raquel, and Orfa.

I loved my Orfa great Columbina girlfriend who was always so direct, out-front telling it like it is but loved the music. She would sing songs and listen to the music videos, which in Central America is still on the air. We would spend evenings just listening to music, playing dominoes on the tiny balcony. Hot balmy nights right near the beach the sound of the waves crashing, the frogs beating like drums keeping the rhythm of the music. Some how no matter how difficult it was it seemed to disappear as we played and just listen to those hot Latin hits.

They have lots of music videos there. Honestly I am dying to go back, even with all the problems some how seems so simple compared to all the issues and problems of USA. And I thought it was bad there? when I hear all the robberies, and killings, and child crimes,It was simple and refreshing knowing that I only had to worry about rent, power, phone and food. Clothing optional! it was so hot you didn't wear much. But here TONS OF CLOTHES shoes always covered up. So when its time to Zumba I am colorful and remembering my days in Central America. I hope I get to return soon, I always have been a dancer, music lover. Its not my whole life but I have to say that Music and Dancing makes things disappear and you become lost in the moment, which helps ease the pain of life. I LOVE MUSIC ( I would love to sing too I use to be an ok singer)

2011-05-19T01:19:00.002-06:00

Curiously again no desire to write or blog in weeks. The last time I wrote was on the Mango's that use to call my name on a regular basis when I lived in the Tropics. Lately, working in the wine industry for a good friend producing the Monterey Wine festival and the West Coast Chowder competition that is about to happen in June on the 10th and 11th, has made me only concentrate on developing ways to get media coverage, on the Internet and otherwise. Hopefully this will push me to the right frame of mind to begin on my own once again writing a and doing something with that writing. I still have the desire once this Event is over to try to find the way to develop This Chocolate, pastry concept that I have had for years now. I know its a lot of work to do this publicly but I just have this desire to make these delicious delectable treats and have more than myself enjoy them. Although I have not baked one thing since I have been IN USA, actually no desire, as I said only concentrating on marketing this event. But I am growing in the media field tremendously. I find new things daily and thank god for Facebook. I mean how many of us are addicted to that social Media page? LOTS!

I have gotten over 2400 people on the Monterey Wine Festival page. I am hoping I can use this knowledge to do something for myself in the media end to develop, as I said my writings and my foodie concept.

I spend most of my TV time on stations, soaking up all I can about different foods, and productions, finding interesting companies that have developed out of flukes or dreams.

I for sure am one that has always believed in your dreams, I will admit recently NO DREAMS No DESIRES AND NO AMBITION other than working on this event for my friend.

Tonight something happened, I was watching a show on the lottery, I saw and heard something that was very familiar, when talking to a few of these people who had life changing experiences with the lottery, I heard someone say. That holding on to your dreams creates a draw, an attraction to the desires that you dream upon. Well I guess this is where I have gone wrong recently. I LOST THE DREAMS< I LOST THE DESIRE and I am hoping that I can pull myself up and get these idea's and hope and faith back to do something once again.

I am truly for those of you that THINK YOU KNOW ME and DON'T a dream maker. I have set my mind on things I wanted to do from the time I was a small girl, and made it happen. THIS IS THE KEY, SMALL CHILDREN DREAM< AND THEY IMAGINE> AND THROUGH THAT IMAGINATION COMES REALITIES! to be innocent as a child and to believe that you can do something will allow you to do it. Children do not have all those adult fears, and stress and peer pressures that make them second guess if they should do something. I watched my Darling Grandson tonight, and through that I saw , his actions, along with this program made me see, how much zest for life a child has, and how imagining yourself into something can happen. Drawing and attacting the things you want is possible. I have done it, I just have lost the desire. I think there is more out there for myself and for people who are creative and have a great imagination this is the time.
With all the developments wow its only up to you. Continuing on my quest, soon I will be taking up the challenge to dream a bigger dream and make something happen, and not just for me. But for many others to enjoy.. After all whats better than making yourself and others happy?

MANGOS SEASON MISSING IT

2011-04-26T10:18:00.002-06:00

I sat in the little office where I am working on this Wine event for my friend Tina yesteday, eating the most delicious Mangos.

WE bought them at this quaint store in Vancouver Washington called O DONG MARKET. It is an Asian Market that Tina and frequent about twice a month. I saw them there a couple of weeks ago and only splurged on one, then I went back the following week and bought two more. I would eat mango frankly every day when I lived in Central America, I even did a nightly Mango while lying in a hammock before going to bed.

Mangos seem to induce sleep and they are the most succulent, sensual fruit, aside from Guanabana that I have ever eaten. As I was working on the internet, eating this mango my mind was traveling and thinking about the smell of the mangos as you pass through Orotina Costa Rica, one the most highly planted areas with Mangos in Costa Rica I believe?

The smell of the flowers in bloom, and then when the trees are in full fruit it is amazingly sweet. Its not intoxicating but it is luring and makes you want to stop at every little stand that is built on the side of roads. Some of these stands are just loaded with different varieties, large ones small ones. Yellow ones, Peach colored ones, Pink ones, ones tinged with melon color, ones splashed with Red and green. GOD HOW I LOVE MANGOS!

I was typing away on the computer and dreaming about all the good things I have made with these mangos, then I got on Twitter. I post and do Social Media right now for www.montereywine.com and the West Coast Chowder Competition, I was on the twitter making posts about our Sponsors, when I saw a post from Food and Wine magazine on Twitter about Mangos and what they believe was a good way to use them. I had to laugh!!! I mean I am not making fun of FOOD AND WINE but, the fact that I was eating them, dreaming of them and they were talking about them in such a way that is so high falutant, made me laugh!

They are the most delicious things ever! when you buy them here they are green and have very little flavor, but At the O DONG they sell them in a mature state. YELLOW AND GOLD and WOW sweet as candy. I think the best way to have them is just sliced with salt and chili, the way the Central Americans eat them and not all dolled up and made out to be such a fancy little fruit! They are one of my passions in life.. MANGOS GIVE ME THEM DAY AND NIGHT AND IM HAPPY!! I think I need to go to O Dong today ?? Looking forward to more MANGOSSSSSSSSSSSS

Thoughts of Sunshine Early Mornings & ZUMBA my release

2011-04-21T00:27:00.004-06:00

I had some sort of vision's yesterday morning less than 20 minutes after I woke up. I saw myself in the early morning sunshine, waking up in my bed in Costa Rica.

The sun always came through the window so early around five A.M. and would stir me and rouse me right out of bed, immediately I would get up make my coffee and enjoy that early morning sunlight out on the balcony.

I had the same habits in Roatan, I would wake about six, hit the hard wood floors, go down stairs make the coffee and open the screen door to look at the new day. Enjoying the quiet of the morning sometimes putting on good music to welcome the day.

Then to sit on the balcony above the house and watch the birds listen to there songs and gaze out to sea. Many times reading early in the morning when your comprehension level is higher for me was a good way to start my day.

SUCH A STRETCH FROM WHAT I AM DOING NOW, How I wish I could be back doing that! As I said in the last blog, my only outlet now is ZUMBA, It takes me back to that latin life and makes me forget where I am. Makes me remember all those beautiful mornings, and impressive sunsets, with the sounds of latin music in the background.

Here my routine is drag myself out of the bedroom where I am staying, I hardly can wake up sometimes at 8:00, then go pour myself a cup of coffee that is already made, turn on the telelvision and watch and listen to all the depressing news that is out there. I SO MUCH RATHER BE WAKING TO SUNSHINE THE SOUNDS OF MUSICS AND BIRDS SINGING.

I am trying to Adjust, it sure aint coming easy here. I look so foward to the Zumba classes, kinda of pathetic that this is my only outlet?? curiously I wonder myself about this! I have a teacher her name is Jahnea, shes a young mom self supportive and is a ball of energy. She is more of a Street dancer, a hip hop type of Zumba teacher. Although she does do Latin music she excells in the hiphop versions of this exercise work out. She really works you hard, and I love her smile, shes a doll. I am happy to be in her classes, She is in Vancouver Washington teaching at the Hazel del grange.

Another Class I attend twice a week is in the same buidling, taught by Jennifer. She is a very good latin dancer, and has a huge following. I think it is good to have a varied, classs. Jennifer does not do much Regaeaton, where as Jahnea does. I enjoy the Regaeton, it reminds me of JACO BEACH COSTA RICA where I spent so much time. Its a rough kinda hip hop type of Latin music and its enjoyable and fun.

I am still working on the www.montereywine.com, West Coast Chowder Competition for Tina, and doing ok getting us Sponsors. But the best part of our day is Tina and I going to do our latin dancing! This particular event I am working on is in June mid month, So I am trying to plan what I will be doing after this is over. My work for her will be done, and well maybe my life will change once again? Nothing much else going on for me, the chapters of my life right now are quiet, boring, not much interaction, sometimes very lonely. Who would have thought that in this time of my life it would be such as this?

ZUMBA Working My Brain My Body

2011-04-08T16:47:00.003-06:00

Thank god the sun came out today, those months and months of gray were surely getting to me. If you have never been in a place where you are living that has no sun you can't understand how some people feel with out it. FOR ME its not good. SO Thankfully it came out today! I been doing Zumba a lot the past three weeks, I'm so grateful for my only friend here TINA she and I have been trying to do it at noon, in the evening and today it was in the morning. They were going to Seattle today so our work day was cut very short. They wanted to leave at noon, so Tina and I went at 9:30 today and worked out very hard. The thing about Zumba is, that it is my mind lifter, working out my brain, remembering the routines and the steps that are easier for me I am positive than most of the women and men who live here and are unfamiliar with Latin music or the dance. I can tell you this much, I am so sore I can hardly move today. The cold weather makes it difficult to move those old joints. But Thankfully I shook my ass pretty darn good today! I plan on going tomorrow.~~~~~~ Seriously its the only thing I have right now. I use to be a jazzercise lady, when I was away I learned how to do all the Latin dances, if you read the blog years back you would know, sunshine and dancing, Beach and swimming. Horseback riding, walking a lot and having good times with lovely Latin women, and men. Now my only Latin experience is Zumba! soooo when I am in the class and the music begins I start out slow especially the last few days bad cough and hard to get moving. Then when my adrenaline kicks in I AM OFF, I hear the music and I see the moves but I'm not there, I'm dancing with friends and remembering all sorts of fun and wonderful different things during that whole hour. I totally get away from the gray the cold the rain and the dealing with fitting back into USA society. So after Tina and went to the office, sweaty Hot and then worked a bit then I was dropped off. I don't have a car or any sort of way to get around its a good thing they pick me up. I swear if it wasn't for her I have no clue what I would be doing right now. I am temporarily helping them with all there Social Media work, and pages I have built for there events one is www.montereywine.com and there facebook page is Montereywine the company. The others are www.asirenstale.com a book that Tina wrote recently that is really cool! I was the first to read the script as she wrote it, I have it on LULU as an ebook and on Amazon.com for her, I built her a page on Facebook, in the same name A Sirens tale book. Then the last one is West Coast Chowder Competition on FB. What I do is find sponsors and do all the media on these events, I make so little times are very tough. commission only but its better than sitting here and doing nothing. Finding a job at my age is not easy in USA. I have dropped my dreams for a while and plan on finishing this up with them and then who knows??? someone recently who is just a friend on FB told me, Marianna you are a beautiful lady, talented and so alive, you inspire me don't be sad or depressed about your situation, take it as your life is your book, and right now this is just a few slow chapters. Something like that she said? I found that good. Shes right its just a lull before the excitement again! My get away is Zumba, I literally go into another world when dancing, ITS A VERY GOOD THING. For those of you who read and don't really know me just a reader. I AM A SURVIVOR, I made a way on my own for years with out help, I worked made a career. I raised two boys pretty much alone but with the help occasionally of my family who would watch them now and then. But I worked hard, and I survived in a third world country alone. I had many adventures and I made a way where there was none. I've have lots of ups and lots of downs. This is a low but not the lowest. The lowest was some years back when I returned from Spain. It is a difficult time for millions of people right now, Instead of tearing me apart, be compassionate, and lift one another up. If you are out there and are having a hard time and you read my writings let me know If I can pull from my experiences to make you feel better I think that is a good way to help ones self as well. I BEEN THROUGH SOME HELL IN MY LIFE and damn it if you think I'm weak, I'm strong its just hard sometimes to be the perky happy person we all love to be around. The reason is, I think that people are afraid to try help, when all of us need love, a touch, a hug, a pat on the head. I hardly ever get that.. and it effects you. With out human touch the body grows old, and we all need love! THIS IS MY REASON TO LOVE latin music as well, every one of there songs is about love, losing, gaining, begging you not to go, telling you how stupid you are if you do leave! and sharing how much they love you.. Passion is what it is called. WHERE IS THE PASSION ANY MORE?

YERNING FOR THE HOT SUN OF ROATAN

2011-04-07T08:41:00.002-06:00

Not crying but I'm really growing so worn out like a pair of sneakers that get worked out in day after day and not washed! That's how it feels when you wake up to the same gray day, day after day here in Portland. I mean I use to live here years back, no wonder I ran like a gypsy in the night! I seriously wish I had a camera, so I could post on this blog and make it better, but that was stolen as well in the last robbery. Its just so darn dark here, and today expecting SNOW IN APRIL? COME ON GIVE ME A BREAK HERE! I remember feeling the sun burning on my skin early in the morning when I walked to the water taxi to my first job in Roatan. The very first day, I had to be there at 8:00 I lived on a hillside up a steep road that was all dirt, the sandy beach front road was connected to mine near the west end of the bay in WEST END. I got pretty early, before 6:00 got all ready.I had a long backless dress on and sandals,(its hot and you can wear pretty much anything) I walked down the hill I was fine the hair was good the makeup was good. But from the moment I stepped onto the beach road, next to sea I felt the humidity and the sun blaring on my shoulders, I started to sweat, I had a big arrangement for the boss for the first day. I wanted him to see I was thankful, and created something really cool with orchids for his office. I was carrying this down the road when I couldn't find a taxi I got all flustered the heat was now burning on me, the hair started to go I could feel sweat dripping down my back then I decided to take a water taxi, but the guys are so lazy they didn't want to take just one person. Told me I had to wait! I couldn't I didn't want to late the first day. I begged practically then scolded cause there so lazy they could care less, laying on the dock like a bunch of ol iguanas. Finally someone volunteered to take me. We flew across the water in the early morning around 7:30 I was soaked with sweat and the sun was crisping my skin on my back and shoulders, the wind of the boat off the water was cool and felt so good, the water's reflection was diamond like, and in the close vicinity of edge of the boat you could see the bottom of the ocean. WHAT A WAY TO GO TO WORK! Although I was worried how I was going to get there on time, the idea of walking early in the warm sun then riding a water taxi to work was a cool way to arrive at your first day on the job. I would do anything right now to have that sun burning my shoulders, the way it feels here is so opposite that is a difficult adjustment since I been living in hot tropical climates for years now. It is strange how the dark damp weather effects the body as well. I never knew I had so many aches and pains! I think I rather deal with the bug bites and the sand in my toes than deal with the damp dark days that are never ending , waking up every morning to look out the window and see the same scene day after day. Branches that are darkened tones of black and deep gray with moss growing on them, leafless and lifeless, the sky in the background a steel gray and sometimes a bit of a pine branch here and there. It reminds me of a terror movie where they show the woods all cold and scary! BOY O BOY! ... Off to work!

Weekend blahs

2011-04-01T10:36:00.002-06:00

The weekend is here, I am in Portland Oregon and guess what? It has rained more than a month with no sun. It showed it's face last evening for about a hour too late to even enjoy it, and with out a Sunset! I miss my sunsets I love them, Its a peaceful time of the day, watching the Sun slide into the water, sometimes catching a glimpse of a green flash. It is true you can see that flash I have seen it many times. Yea sooooo, really unusual situation I am in, I have little if not any friends here in Portland. I lived here for awhile years back very tough to make friends in this miserable City, and I can say that! It was voted the 2ND most miserable City in the USA. AND I'M HERE IN IT?? God forbid! I handle my emotions here cause it makes you feel so depressed and so miserable and so alone. Tonight though the gal I am helping out Tina, who has written this great book called A Sirens Tale, is taking me to a place called Ring Side. Its a fabulous famous Old steak house but they have recently remodeled so it should be a good evening. Funny though?? she asked me last night to invite some friends.. I laughed I SAID WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??? you see me everyday I'm with you every day, we are now working out doing Zumba four times a week, WHAT FRIENDS DO YOU KNOW THAT I HAVE HERE?? She said well there has to be someone you want to invite? Honestly I only have about three people here I talk to, Jon, Tina, and Barbara. But Barb was an old client, I did many events for her when she was working for Radial Larsens, Jon is a good friend and ex employee, he has his life we occasionally talk through out the years. He' is a blazers fan so I'm sure hes going to that game tonight. I think this is suppose to be a sort of birthday party for me? Although my birthday was last month its going to be celebrated this evening by the three of us.NICE So I broke out a dress I have from Central America, and some heels. It will be the first time ever wearing a dress here since I arrived almost three months ago. NO REASON I GO NO WHERE so it will feel really special tonight to be pretty! I miss the sun, its so tough to be smiling and happy in this, at least the sunlight makes you feel alive, other wise I am feeling zombieish. Those sunsets mean something to me, it as if the world says good night and you say thank you for another beautiful day. It was almost ceremonial to me, so many people would watch the sun going down. In Spain when I was there, I saw actual drummers on the beaches drumming to the sun. Pretty interesting, and it felt good to watch that, although they reminded me of latent Hippies! wearing those darn pants that looks like your carring a load. But at least they were happy and enjoyed the moments. Other than this, no plans for the weekend, Other than working on A Sirens Tale facecbook page. This is the book that Tina wrote, I am trying to help her get publicity on it and get it selling. It is quite interesting, the imagination this lady has is wild! and I love the fact that these creatures are capable of changing there forms. Check it out www.asirenstale.com FEED BACK on this and the blog is needed, I want to continue writing, hoping I get my readers back I have lots to share with you on Central America. Maybe tell you about the Copan Ruins and what I felt and saw while I was there for four days, what do you think?

Roatan Experience

2011-03-30T23:31:00.003-06:00

First Thank you Readers, I thought perhaps all the readers had faded away because of my lack of consistency on writing, but I can see now that its attached to the blog and twitter I am picking up readers again. Some of you have said I needed to proof read some of the blog, let me make an excuse here for THOSE USA AMERICANS that have never had Internet or a computer in the tropics and dealt with losing connections after you have written the whole blog before you could spell check or had a computer that wouldn't operate correctly due to the heat and humidity. THERE WERE MANY times I would write so fast and then post just to get it up because of power outages or loss of connection so I apologize, if you feel my grammar is is not completely correct, or that my spelling is bad! I never claimed to be the perfect person. So forgive my errors. Oh phewww now that that is out of the way, this is the one good thing about USA that the Internet is flawless and fast and that the computers all work fairly well when some hackers aren't trying to interrupt your technological life. ON TO THE ROATAN experience. Roatan is a beautiful Island, much different than Jaco Costa Rica, the culture and the feel, more bugs, and different weather patterns, clear blue seas, not mucky dirty black water filled beaches. Amazingly beautiful, with the cruise ships every day and night , entering the horizon early in the morning slowly creeping in like an immense resort gliding across the sea, to a enormous,glowing Disco tech or building floating aimlessly in the dark fading into the night. It was such a incredible sight to see daily, I never grew tired of watching the ships, I would think about life in many ways how things come and things go how big opportunity's come into your life and then pass you by if your not aware. It could slip away when you blink your eyes . This is how the ships appear in the night. You can watch them, then they just fade away so quickly. I mean your thinking wow that is a strange analogy, but its true of everything in life it comes and goes. Same as my career, it came and went, came and went, it went this time hard.. like a shot in the night. So possibly a big ship is coming the Last ship. I am not a traditional person, never have been. I always felt there was something different or better. Being single like I stated in my last blog is tough at this age for most people, but it seems the past four years or so I have adjusted to the fact that I am not with anyone and I am who I am with out verification of a man. NOT SAYING I WOULDN'T BE WITH ONE,but I'm good like I am. I enjoy Adventures.. I guess you can say I am addicted to adventure, Rather than being the home body being satisfied with sitting watching TV, reading, and not doing much more than that. NOW DOES THAT SOUND LIKE A LIFE??? well that is what I am faced with now being back in USA. My life at the moment consists of this: Being picked up every day by my friend who wrote a very cool book, called A Sirens tale, they produce trade shows for Food and Wine, I do multi media, Facebook, Twitter, and make calls, I am now going to Zumba because I pleaded with her to let me dance somewhere and get exercise so now the two of us go. Then I am dropped off, I come into my sons house I greet them sometimes cook but only maybe one time a week. I watch TV go to bed this is every day. I don't go out, I don't have phone calls, no friends here On Saturday I go to Zumba my son lets me use a car, I sometimes go to see my grandson, come home. Stay the weekend in the house, IT RAINS ALL THE TIME so not much you can do.. although I have gone shopping with the kids a few times. NOT MY IDEA OF LIFE. My questions to myself is this? is this a time to just not be doing anything and try to learn something from this? and then build up steam again? to be able to go and enjoy the life I feel I deserve which is a leisurely life, simple of course ! I am not wealthy, nor do I have insurance, nor Social security, or savings any more. I have nothing.. but I learned one thing living in Central America. YOU DON'T NEED MUCH TO BE HAPPY, and for some reason I prefer that life? I would love to be pampered, I would to be taken care of, but I don't have anyone throwing offers at me and I am not sitting here waiting for someone to caudal me in there arms and say HERE YOU GO DON'T WORRY AND IT COULD be very pretencions of me to say this but. I just know if I don't do for me it won't happen. I know how to build the castle and I could if I had the courage build it again. I felt alive in Roatan not dead, When I went to Copan before I arrived in Portland, I felt euphoric, the Mountain coffee farm and the hills of Guatemala in the distance, the rivers the fresh morning air eating outside, with food made over an open fire stove under the cover of palm leaves. MADE ME REALIZE how lucky and special I was. I felt alive.....

SINGLE IN CENTRAL AMERICA

2011-03-28T09:02:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I spoke a little about the life adjustments here in USA. I guess what your wondering is, how is it that someone who lived in USA most of there lives, moves away, with out knowing anyone virtually, begins a life in a semi third world country, goes on tons of different adventures, and can not get back into the life that she once had ITS NOT EASY, you become adjusted to a completely different life style,Food adjustments, its not traditional or easy I would say, but I always have been a bit different, Maybe you could? I love adventure now, and the thought of being stagnet with out a social circle, nor transportation, nor mounds of money in USA makes the whole world of difference in being able to transend into the old way of life here.It feels virtually impossible. Being Single in Central America was not hard at all, first the men are much more agressive than they are in USA where I lived, I mean I was out in the public in USA in Vancouver Washington, worked in big hotels, and golf clubs, social clubs, and went out occassionally. Never did men look or even talk to me. But there I would be walking down the street, mind you I got tan, had dark hair so they knew I was not a tica but thought perhaps Columbiana, or Argentinan, or some other latin country. They would smile, greet you, sometimes if they saw me more than once in one day would flirt.The community of women were generally nice and friendly, I met couples married and unmarried, in the years of living there did have a nice base of people I knew and did a few things with. But being single is much more difficult to mix with groups than being a couple. I had my friend Rossy, and Cristina, Eida, Helen, Orfa, Carolina, Pili, and a few more, and Carlos, Jonathan, Luis diego, Carton, Tom, And so many more. In comparisons to here: I lived in Vancouver Washington for 11 years, I had only a small number of friends, not many did I ever go out with except some of the jazzercise girls, So what I am saying that in that 11 years I had two or so friends. Single was so tough, Central America much easier. I brought my wieght down by more excerise, Walking is the thing you do, swimming, and of course the heat helps keep wieght down as well. I moved from Jaco beach because of the crime, the putas, and the drug dealers became so violent that it was actually a part of my life. They came after me in a couple of incidents, because I was a witness to a robbery in my own home. I caught two of the major Drug dealers waiting outside my house while a whole gaggle of thieves ravaged my home. It became obvious they were threatening me, and I had no defense. Work slowed as the economy became dead, and I saw the handwriting on the wall and made a move to Roatan where another friend of mine from Jaco moved to open an Ice cream business. I took A gay friend of mine Clint who worked for me for years. It was an easy transition, latin america mixed with tons of Other cultures. In that 7 months in being in Roatan I had a huge circle of friends, who now talk to me weekly and some even daily on line. THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN HERE. Now mind you feeling sorry for myself is really hard to admit, but I think its more like kicking my self in the ass that I made a move to isolate myself with out realizing how difficult this was going to be. I am working for a friend, doing social media, in an office where no one else is around, its in a place that is industrial but hardly anyone around to met period! I am with out car, but the weather here is COLD COLD COLD AND ITS MARCH! still have not had any sun this month, and since I been here for the past three months I only recall four days of sun. TALK ABOUT DEPRESSING! It would be different if I was located in a city where I could go a near by coffee shop and sit, or hang out somewhere, but there is nothing around here. I think if your single and you have guts, and you are not afraid of having a beautiful time then try it. I think I should write a book on Leaving called LEAVING thats it. And I explain how one gets a point where the know its time to leave, I mean you could apply this to relationships I suppose as well. The only thing is, I do have two sons and a grandson. 1. Older son is very busy and has a huge circle of friends, I am happy for him and now a new girlfriend so the social life is good. BUT WHO WANTS THERE MOTHER AROUND ? ask your self this, would you want your mom living with you at age 35? I think its wrong I enjoy my son and his new love, but I just don't think this works, ( if I had the cash I would get a small place but I don't at the moment) 2. Second Son, tied into an emotional roller coaster relationship with an older woman, not a good situation and our communication is very little. HE HAS NO PHONE she controls all the contact. 3. Grandson is adorable but then again, I have only seen him on weds when I am to watch him simply because they are working the other grandma has him and its not really easy for me to get there or around. Life was hard in some respect's in the tropics, I missed the kids, but how do I ever get back into the life style here? I miss my clothes, I have few here, I miss the food, I miss the sun, the dancing, the people, the walking, the swimming and of course the peace. Stress was not a part of my life, and now it is.

ROATAN EXPERIENCE

2011-03-27T12:56:00.004-06:00

Thank you for the one person, who was out there reading on the blog again. I use to have a load of readers, but the fact that I have not written consistently caused me to loose that audience. The original reason for the blog many years a back was to inform, friends and family of my existence in a semi third world country and tell them of my adventures. It grew and grew and I met so many people from the blog, I even have had people send me airline tickets when I as dying to go back after one of my not so pleasant cake walks, which in turn made me return to USA. Once again here I am DANG IT! My heart after all these years of working like a slave, doing design work, some 15 hours or more a day for almost all my life and I am 57 now,( although I am proud to say I am physically doing fine and in great shape, that's about the only thing I got going for me ) that I feel like Adventure is really where I want to be. Single still many years of it,I am not a dog nor am I stupid, but I have kinda just put the love thing in a closet and really just live for whatever every day brings me. Back to the Roatan Experience, I don't want it to be over, I didn't do what I went to there to do! the fact that Roatan has such colorful stories, history beyond most peoples knowledge, and the spiritual qualities of the Island is super compelling to me. I was thinking today about one in particular that made me think ok this is really weird. You MAY OR MAY NOT BELIEVE THIS and you can say, or think what you will of it. Lots of people have not experience first hand spirits or ghost's or the supernatural. SOME OF THE BEST SELLERS and GRAND MOVIES are based on these subjects. I can say first hand I did experience, along with My assistant Clint. Well one evening sitting on the balcony, We were talking about the weeks that had past and four or so incidents that happened to the both of us that were the strangest things we have ever experience. I had shared with him about some readings I have done over the piracy of the Island, the famous pirates that were a part of the changing of the civilization of Roatan. I had read some facts about a man that some four and half years ago found treasure and had escaped the law and had invested the money that he had cashed in on. AT THAT VERY MOMENT, WE WERE ON THE TOP LEVEL OF THE BALCONY looking at the cloud formations. Now call it coincidence, but a huge skeleton head formed in the sky and we both looked at each other shaking our heads saying ARE YOU SEEING THIS? Ok you are saying shes totally fabricating this! No it was real, my skin crawled his face was white and he went in the house. I stared until it completely changed form. After I laughed at him, It could have been us imagining, but the form stayed for a long time in the same place and did not change. As the breezed blew it scattered the clouds and above the that face was a mass of stars like I had never seen before. The mouth of the head then changed and opened very wide, as if it was yelling at me to move. I didn't I stayed, become more hypnotised. I told this all to Clint as I was laughing at him, but he insured me that he felt something and it scared him. That he never wanted to talk about those things on the balcony again. Later that week, I found out the owner of the house I was renting, the wife that was new, died in the bedroom of mine which is where the balcony was adjacent to. NOT THAT this was a connection but it became more and more evident that super natural occurrences, did happen in this house. Roatan to me is unfinished in my mind, I still have to complete the experience. I have to find a way to support myself in my adventures. Something for new readers so you know a bit about the writer: Female, 57 years old, single Italian decent Lived in USA most of her life, California, Oregon, Washington. Was a high end Event designer, landscape, interior and Weddings LOTS AND LOTS OF WEDDINGS AND PARTIES, Catered, Wrote for a news paper with my own advice column on design or whatever came to my mind LOL Was always a creative writer, and artist, in paint, sculpture and any element I could find! I did lots of trade shows, Was on stages, did backdrops for TV and a few sets but never had any stinking money. Reason!! SINGLE RAISING TWO BOYS and working my booty off! After almost 28 years of slavery I call it, I decided to sell everything and leave USA, I went to Central America and from there had a ton of adventures. Scanning back some of the blogs were crude and had some pretty depressing information in them, but out of darkness comes humor, and out of bad situations come good things. I HAVE DEVELOPED in such a way with writing that I feel, possibly its gotten better. In the recent experience in Roatan, that made me switch gears come to USA and visit my sons and one grandson, I lost a book that I was writing over the past three years. A book about the Wedding industry, behind the scenes, craziness, secrets and hilarious stories. It was on a key and on my computer that all got stolen. So now I figure I'm not doing a whole lot here. Fitting into USA society is really not coming together as of three months here yet. I decided to purchase a new key, and start up the blog, help my friend with social media networking, and build a few pages for her NEW BOOK A sirens tale, and begin to re-write mine. Plus might as well write my Modern day gypsy stories about my adventures. I would love to hear feed back from anyone out there. Also if you know anyone who wants to escape and hear about a life outside of the norm, let me know. Marianna

ROATAN EXPERIENCE

2011-03-25T09:15:00.003-06:00

Roatan , is a beautiful place,Barrier Reef, palm trees, sandy shores of pure white, winding roads, rolling hills, trade wind breezes.
I am sad I can not be there to enjoy the Island and the food, the people are are different than My experiences in Central America Costa Rica. Although after that last experience I chose to return to USA for some time to be with my sons, see friends I thought? and just try to return to the life I knew before. Something is to be said about LEAVING A PLACE AND RETURNING? Not as easy to assimilate, as I you think.

I have been back for three months and still have not adjusted to the life in USA yet, I don't believe it is going to happen soon either.

I found that the people of Roatan were friendlier, they seem to have mixed feelings like the Costa Ricans but were able to embrace the foreigners in a different way.

The reason perhaps is because of the mixed culture there that has been there since the the Spanards invaded the island. The three or four or five cultures I saw were the Indios, Honduranas, Iselanas, Garafunas. Then comes the Gringos including Canadians, and Europeans. The Mix of people for me was fun, you were able to feel the Latin life but also the other cultures effected your life living in Roatan.

Spanish is one of the languages that is spoken in Roatan, but the real language feel is the isalena, a blend of English, and Garafuna. I can understand it some but not much. Its comical most times to listen to them chat to one another, it has a pleasant song like quality to it.

If I had not have such a horrible experience with the Robbery I believe I would still be there enjoying the sun and the Island vibe. Lets just say this I don't believe my adventures are over, I have had some very incredible and some very simple adventures that have added flavor to my personality and my spirit. If you want to hear more let me know I would like to continue on this blog but Im not sure my readers are still out there I need some feed back about this and If so I will continue and tell all the stories I have in my treasure trove of mystery.

BACK IN THE USA

2011-03-24T09:33:00.002-06:00

Well months have past, I was doing so Well in Roatan, If I tell the whole story today its way too much to put on this blog. Just lets say this. I was Robbed once again, the friend of mine living with me did not lock the door. While we were out promoting the business, someone came in and took everything including Cash. Why Cash your thinking right? I had just paid for the permits for the new business lots of money for these permits in Roatan. Business permits for a foreigner, takes more time that a resident. You can not open a bank account unless you have these requirements fulfilled. It was one night shame on me, one night and one night only. I left it in a purse hidden. I was afraid imagine of all things to bring it with me, for fear someone would take the purse. Well they took it alright out of my house! DAMN IT it was so devastating the violation of being robbed is something that is so frustrating, mind boggling, and tormenting. Not knowing if those who entered your house, was watching you, do they really know who you are? In a small Island Like ROATAN everyone does know who certain people are. Alright to sum it up once again robbed of everything I owned, it wasn't millions of dollars it wasn't like I had super valuable things but the total robbery amounted to about 8 or more thousand dollar. Pretty devastating for me, I thought about it for about two weeks, I immediately called my sons told them about it, one told me to come to USA where he felt I was safe and stay with them. The other didn't have much to say. I truly love the latin life, I am wondering how to live in that and avoid the trauma's of robbery? I love the food the people, I mean there is good and bad where ever you go, but seriously?? 5 times now including a car???? I could write a book on robbery, probably should just write some short stories on the life in Latin America and maybe they would get sold, replace double the money that has been taken from me! So, now I am completely with out practically everything except my health. The things I do have is this: One pair of jeans, one pair of tennis, a few dresses, some earings, nothing for hair, nothing for nails, nothing for writing like a computer, no camera no car, ok lets say this. I was a woman with everything you could imagine, I had two of everything, Even Cars. Now Im pretty much gypsy LOL I WANNA SAY, but not in my spirit. I was successful, a designer with goals and a column in the papers. I was in demand, I had a beautiful home and all the things in the American Dream. Now I have different values, I have no material things, and I need them but how to regain them in this economy, and in USA is a mystery to me, and how life twists and turns and you land up in a situation you didn't expect. BUT THE GOOD THING IS I HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE AND I CAN WRITE ABOUT IT AND I CAN DO SOMETHING THAT THE AVERAGE CAN'T I can say I am free of burdens, no responsiblities when it comes to debts! This is what I have...

I do want to write, and I hope I can continue on this blog of my life, the people who read this you probably all dropped off by now, I haven't written in so long and its been inconsistent. I am going to try to continue give updates on what happened describe things that have occurred to me while living single in the Central Americas. EVENT WENT TO THE MAYAN RUINS ALONE on a bus!.. but wow now in USA not adjusting and wishing I was back. Life is certainly different here.

DEC 2010

2010-12-03T08:23:00.003-06:00

ITs been a really hectic couple of weeks, My office job is not exactly what I bought on for but I am grate ful at this point to have the job. I am working daily on figuring out the business I came here to do. Which is Chocolate, Flowers, and great wine and coffee. We have found several locations but they have fallen through, one was rent was outrageous great spot perfect to me, with a house above incredible possibilities, then the situations is this: the people live in USA old Islanders, the house has been vacant dying to be restored and brought back to life and I have the power and the vision to do it. THe issue is in reality, if I do this and spend lots to invest in it its all done they die or decide to sell? then what? They refused to come down on the rent, and the interior is only sheet rock, there is no electrical finished work, its all finish work that needs to be done, no bathrooms done its all like in the the last stages of remodle. TO ME PERFECT to make an example of what I can do to a place! and the location is sooooooooooo cool. WIth great walk by and all the cruise ship people come directly to that spot. We couldn't negociate nor do they want to, its been empty for years. The second place, got rented the day before I could talk to the guy, the third. ANOTHER GREAT LOCATION!! CORNER OF WEST END Going to WEST BAY, been empty for a number of years too. Large location with everything I need and a place to design the garden and add structures like I want. The interior is all wood some modifications have to be done and thats ok! the equipment is almost all there even the bar. Ok so we got to the second stage with this one, It is a Tall Italian guy strange looking, weird looking and acting, First we found out that he has these apartments in the back. People walk directly through this location and in the back of it to get to those apartments. We talked about that and I told him that has to be resolved, he tried to convince me of letting them come thru day and night with a gaurd I SAID ABSOLUTELY NOT! not if you have all kinds of things in there and where would you put them, every night, he told me I would have to pay for a new entrance to the apartments. I thought about it and figured out a solution to it , a side entrance which he already had a gate. Simply build some steps costing roughly $80 dollars. So I agreed, then I saw that it smelled like cat piss and caca everywhere I noticed alot of cats and asked who are all these cats belonging too??? he said mine! I Said 30 cats? he said yes i said what in the world??? I said well that is a huge problem I told him he needed to remove the cats he said don't touch the cats. ITS AN OBSESSION that many cats, told me he spends like 400 a month for cat food, I laughed! then he asked for a 6 grand deposit for nothing. Didn't go towards rent nothing. I LAUGHED AGAIN, Robber ok down right nutty robber. Sick shame too the location is gold. I wouldn't kill the cats, although my son said get a bb gun! spraying them water wont remove them they wil return and spray everything. He said if you remove my cats I will be depressed, and I think that the amount of rent I am asking for is not worth removing the cats! laughing again I thought wow what a stinking shame this is, Corner place has the right size the right rent, the right equipment the perfect location on a corner could be come a landmark, and all because of cats and well his deposit probably so he could go to Italy and ski. (He mention to me he was going in January to ski) So still in the same position, still need a car, still want to do what I have dreamed about for years. I WANT THIS TO HAPPEN, I see the place.... It has a cool front a garden that I designed with beautiful tables made from natural things, roots and wood trunks, glass tops and stone, lots of bamboo and lights, a water feature either in the corner or the center, Candles at night with coral art work that we have created from all the pieces and interesting things that wash up from the reef. When you walk it the colors are extreme from red on the bottom fading to chocolate at the top, a rounded bar with awesome stools, Lounging sofas in pretty colors, of hot pink and reds and chocolates, Fresh flowers abound in beautiful glass vases on glass tables made from nature. In fact there are sculptures that we made from wood, and articles of the sea. I REALLY INTERESTING PLACE AND FUN TO BE IN, the smell of the flowers fill the air, the coffee draws your attention and then the smell of chocolate. Imagine all that! wow... really sensual! I know I am capable again. All those years in the floral industry all those years of working 15 to 17 hours a day producing incredible designs and creations for hundreds of people, insures me that I am capable of doing this again only this time more refined, and with the addition of almost everything I love! AMOR Y PASSCIONE! the love of flowers, chocolate and coffee, the passion of wine and life. IT WILL HAPPEN ALL I KNOW IS I FEEL IT I SEE IT AND no matter how this looks, Im am keeping the dream... dreams can happen. HOW is not my place to know its to know I have this dream for many years but now its really clear as to what... and I know its going to come.. I am waiting for you amor with all my passion.

2010-11-17T06:36:00.002-06:00

Its a beautiful day to wake up and hear the sounds of the tropical birds singing. Today is a good day, I went with a new friend/ client to the Cigar bar where I found several people I knew, eating all you could eat chicken wings and drinks. Its a good concept and it brings lots of people. Like a once a week dinner party with chicken Wings it was a really clear cool night. No wind no breeze just tropical feeling. Lots of people at the Cigar bar in West End. Interesting to me.. I ate and sat at the end alone looking out over the sea. The people ate drank and left ate drank and left, including my friend Clint. He left to meet someone so I stayed and finished the one beer I ordered. Came home t read emails and saw the new website sample that is not really what I was hoping for, in fact several disappointments last night in those emails, I'm hoping that today those disappointments turn into better results as the day go ons. One I don't know how to approach but I'm going to try.

So in a few days we will be back in Costa Rica, we have a Client there that wanted us to come and do the hotels for Christmas, plus I have an issue with my bank account there and it may be good to just once and for all close it out and with draw the money. Then begin an account here in order to move forward.

Life right now is good, I mean we still don't have TV nor radio but its all good. The sofas that were so scratchy and ugly I had slipped covered here in a micro fiber in suede. THEY DON'T HAVE SUCH THINGS AS SLIP COVERS HERE so I had to have someone sew them. Little spendy to be real but I'm happy to have it and I am happy to have her that knows how to do things be able to make a living and survive. Waldina is a good person and her helpers are great workers. Although don't expect to get it right away. I order like 3 months ago but finally last night it showed up. The sofas are beautiful now. Bone suede with bright orange throw pillows. Looks super! See there is another good thing!

Well not much more to say today I have to get ready I have an early morning event, and luncheon today. Hope it goes well!

Updates on Costa Rica coming.

MUY EMOTIONAL

2010-11-14T07:31:00.002-06:00

I thought that yesterday was going to be an easy and great day, First I was suppose to be at work early because I had a meeting with three of the execs from Exxon. I had them at the hotel the day before doing a site tour on the property and dealing with there event issues. I thought It would be good to go in early and get the contract all ready to sign before they left. THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN. I got up so early but stayed on the computer too long and was late missed the bus. I called my driver I have which is here on the Island called Alex, Alex was hung over because the night before was his surprise birthday Party, so never the less I was late in my eyes in going in. I finally arrived at 8:15. When I arrived I had a note that another client was coming in to sign and deposit. I printed out all the details of the events for the up coming week, since I am leaving to Go back to Costa Rica to do the Los Suenos Resort in Herradura Costa Rica. Los Suenos is fabulous man..! in that I was thinking hurry and get everything you can done and in order before you leave. So I did, I walked around handing out the schedules of the upcoming weeks events to the chef, the Restaurant manager, and the I.T. man. Then met up with the girls from Exxon. We went over a few things. The GM showed up in the Office to add his comments and then they left.

Early in the week he and I had a disagreement on something my boss wanted me to do in accordance to the dealings with Exxon. I won't go into the details but I felt strongly against doing something he ask me to do. I was not happy when I left his office and he knew it, just then someone had walked in and asked what was going on I mention this person exactly how I said it to him and she ran to tell him I said that. I'T wasn't anything I didn't tell him directly to his face and he knew I was against his idea. I Mean I know this guys my boss but people do have there own minds, maybe mine is different alright but I do have judgement and I was totally against what he was pretty much demanding me to do. I gave him my point which he closed his ears to, and then did what he ask me to do. In saying all this, the whole issue was invalid after yesterday but it continued to be a thorn in his side. I manage to close the deal with Exxon, Although I was told its easy to sell the place I am working at, nothing to do with me period, and that I was pretty much a number of bad things. This whole thing pist him off and credit was not giving to me in fact I went through roughly 30 or more minutes of brow beating, a little cussing was in there, and some slanted name calling. I sat calm, I hardly reacted, when I did it was distorted by his reactions. I am curious about this man? I wonder if he had issues in other places in USA? is that why hes here? I mean he does have good ideas, comes with experience. Although earlier in the week I was told what does age have to do with a job? this was in reflection to how I felt on this very same issue. I just feel that having experience in something does benefit you in solving issues or doing the task RIGHT? Well I just was beat to death by this yesterday I decided to leave early after that. I felt like the whole day was upside down. It should have been a day where I was told WOW good job thank you and I hope you have a great week while I am gone.

SAD THING IS: He has some sort of object of hate toward me,I have addressed it as something he told me twice about someone else and the association of this other person with me. Ok I'm not feeling sorry for myself but I have experience in this, For some reason I HAVE BEEN THE OBJECT OF A FEW PEOPLES HATRED and have used me as the object and purely innocent, is it the look I have, is it the fact that I am talented and a little smart and some are very jealous of this? My mother knew she saw that this happened many times in growing up, I was a excelling person, and some people have envy WHY? I have no harm in me toward anyone to be honest. If your decent to me and good me I am good to you, If your rude and mean and down right hateful I respond in a way that is defensive. NORMAL.

I may be a lot of things but one thing I'm not is a cancer, nor a poison to anything. I know what I see and yes it has to be hard to be in his place, but treating people with out regard, telling you what your not, insinuating that you are this or that, is not how to win over people. I mean I don't think I ever treated anyone that has worked for me like this. I'm so down trodden lately.. I mean I have literally got four huge contracts that are signing.. producing. What is it when one person finds anything to attack you?

I feel really badly over this situation and it continues to get worse, attack after attack, what he may not realize is other people see it and they feel bad for me. They come to me and pet me and touch me and said they don't understand. I tried to explain to one person who is nearest to me at work, that I have had this before. I realize not everyone can love you, but to be in fear, stress and worried daily about saying anything is not the way to live. I'M CAREFUL I HARDLY SPEAK TO THIS MAN, it doesn't matter I can say thank you that was nice and get a response from him " OH NOW YOUR SARCASTIC" when in reality I thought it was nice.

Never the less its not fun, yesterday was a freaky day, I was suppose to go and look at a location for the new business doing floral, chocolate and decor and coffee, We have been planning this for more than 6 months, the location fell through yesterday, 2 blow.. Yesterday thank god is yesterday!

Woke up early today to rain and dark dreary looking weather, when I was invited to go swimming and hang out with a new friend, she called me last night has a spa here called BAUN SUERTE beautiful place look it up in Roatan, but I guess maybe later if it clears up.

Well I am gonna try to stick it out there, do what I can keep producing and when I am ready walk. I Love people, we can try to love all of them some just won't accept you.

Sounds of Parrots squawking and our cat purring

2010-11-11T06:08:00.002-06:00

Roosters crowing in the distance, birds cheerfully singing today. The Parrots are all alarmed I don't no why?? And a lonely little rooster I can hear down near the beach is crowing desperately to wake up the sleeping dead. Its pretty still today, although I can see from my balcony a bank of massive storm clouds full and billowing, moving towards me. The sky is clear above me and the sounds of little bugs and birds are quite clear today that all are happy that the winds and the rains have move away for a while.

Yesterday I woke to see one cruise ship and while I waited for a ride to go to Infinity Bay Resort, West Bay Roatan. I saw another one come easing in. They move so slow but so powerfully.

I mean its quite the thing to see early in the morning, or late at night all lit up like a floating hotel or giant resort. Some are up to 14 story's or more high. Its beautiful in the early morning. I remember when my father or my mother would tell me that it was so pretty in the early morning hours and I use to think wow thats nice, and who cares? Its only for old people! So I guess I have arrived at the old people stage.

I Just love the morning, reason is. Calm most of the time.. peaceful, no noise from the outside world. And nature seems to be very alive in the early morning. All are working on finding there breakfast, trying to live another day, simple life process. Arise, eat and play.

Wouldn't that be grand? I have work almost my whole life, since I was very young 13 I believe. And I am about to begin again a design business here in Roatan. I'm sorry its my passion, I know that if you love or have enjoyment in something that you do to make money, you will be successful. Its hard to predict life isn't it? I mean just when you think you understand something happens and it all changes! I wasn't confused when I decided to come here, I was clear about what I wanted to do, but now I see that the need for my Floral Art and design is more in need here as the other idea I had as well.

A little detail about the new business Idea I am working on! It has Just about EVERYTHING I LOVE ( Remember my theory If you love what you do or you have passion for what you do you will succeed)

Great Coffee:

Coffee has been a big role in my life since I was about 10, my father drank it weak, my mother drank it strong. ITALIANS LIKE STRONG but my dad hated it.. I love it strong. We always drank in the afternoon's in our demitasse. Tiny little cups with the strongest coffee you can imagine, lots of sugar and a little cream if you will.

Years ago the only people who know or drank this were Turkish, Italians, Spaniards, Israelis, and other middle eastern countries folk. But now its common everyone knows about coffee. Some of the best Coffee I have ever had in my life came from Central America, Living in Costa Rica was a blessing when it came to the Coffee, CHEAP AND DELICIOUS cause of the prevalent amount of farms there, Now I find that some of the Honduran Coffee can compete. They are not as good as marketing the Coffee here as in Costa Rica, but I am going to get my hand in that area soon.

Chocolates:

Always had a love for chocolate, In Costa Rica I visit a couple of farms where the cacao grows and saw the old process of the beans and roast and the way of centuries of developing the Chocolate. The form we use now is very processed, in compared to the real state of the orginal use. I found in Honduras, that the Orginally Chocolate was grown here,by the Mayans. Its a whole beautiful history about the chocolate and soon I am going to the area to meet some of the growers to find a source for the chocolate I want to sell in the new business, I already have some of the coffee connections and was told that theses same families also grow the cacao. In Copan where the Mayan ruins are. THAT SHOULD BE very interesting! Few weeks ago I did a big event at Infinity, When I was finished with the decor a lady came over and complemented. Come to find out she lives in Copan and has a Hotel there with the coffee fields. I thought that was amazing as I was thinking this, I needed to meet someone who could connect me and I drew this to me.

Plants and Fresh Flowers:

They are life, they add to our environment, bring joy and happiness, color and fragrance and memories. Well the connection for the Flowers is an old friend of mine Eric Shibata, we have been in Contact now for several months trying to develop a plan to bring the best of the world here to Roatan. The best Floral and plants... Fresh Flowers that make people happy, send them to the cruise ships, use them for weddings, adorn Conventions that sometimes are dry of color.

LIFE it spreads happiness.. and gives so much pleasure.

Wine:

It is the passion of life, Wine is a pleasure that only wine lovers understand, being introduce to wine as a young girl I know pretty much a lot about it and one thing I know it goes to your head fast! its a different feeling to be drunk on wine! Wine is a good complement to the chocolate and with some bits of cheese wow great snack, something that I am sure everyone will enjoy.

Wine adds depth to life and insight to many problems, Wine is a healer, wine is a thinking tool, wine is a body relaxer, Wine is a love inducer. I LOVE WINE

Still the quietness is abound, soon I will hear phones ringing, people yelling and doors crashing, as I enter the job. In a few months time the soft sounds of the morning will be with me for longer periods and then the after noon and evening will be filled with the sounds of people enjoying cappuccinos, wine, chocolate and the smell of gorgeous flowers.

Absolutely Beautiful!/ Amor's and Pasciones

Waking up to Cruise ship passing the vista

2010-11-02T06:24:00.004-06:00

This morning the sound of people talking below woke me up at 5:30 or so. I got up just in time to see one of the four cruise ships coming into port today. Roatan is certainly becoming a destination place. REASON FOR moving quickly on the wedding industry here. I am working on the business AGAIN.. God don't I ever give up?? We have a gal name Tori she is American and is doing the bookkeeping, administration, and web work,when things get rolling here. Clint has been doing sales and is actually doing very well with it. He has made sure he is contacting hotels, resorts and more to get them to know we are available for the first Fresh Flower design company in the island. Not only fresh flowers but we want to do Chocolate dipped goodies, and great coffees. We don't need a location right now, the floral work will come first and we can do many events, weddings, hotels and more with out that store. But to have a nice place to visit and hang out here with that beauty behind it would be really interesting.

We have actually about four jobs lined up now! and I am working at the resort doing my Sales and Catering job selling the events, booking the events, regulating the events and designing the events. Its quite a job, and its not my passion. But it is helping me move in the direction I need to in order to make it happen here! I think it is going to be just fine and I finally found the right place to position myself.

Now If I can just manage the strange things that always happen on this Island!

We are excited about the possibilities here and happy to be here! is just incredible at times to be working right on the beach front with super white sand and crystal clear seas.

Today as I stated earlier we have four not two as normal or one, but four cruise ships coming in. I am going into work early because of my conference with the group I book from BASF. Executives from Central American division .Then work on another big bid for a group that is coming in Nov called Gesso. Its a gas corp. The cruisers will arrive at ten. I have to prepare and area for the group for lunch so they are private and have seats and food ahead of the crowd. But today would be wonderful to be able to get away and buy food and things I need. The HOUSE IS EMPTY NOTHING IN THE WORLD TO EAT PERIOD! its bare.

Very hard to get around when you don't have transportation. I keep saying that the truck I want is coming, it hasn't shown up yet! DANG IT I need a car so bad.. but at this time not enough money to make it happen. Three or more years with out a car, you think I would be use to it. I mean walking is fine I do a ton of it. But when you need to run across the island to buy food cause there is none here. It makes it really rough.

Ok Well progressing on the living situation, little by little its starting to look like someone who knows something about beauty lives here, the house is all blue inside, not pretty ugly washed blue over natural wood, We repainted the kitchen in a beautiful tourqose color with seats of bone and blue shell print at the bar, the living room is a disaster, scratchy sofas ugly fabric and just the style and form is uncomfortable. I NEED FURNITURE TOO! i DID HAVE this lady make slip covers but when we tried to use them they didn't fit and they were a brown color when I asked for bone or off white. So I have to call her and get her to take it back and remake it. SHE I M SURE WONT BE happy. I laughed when I saw they didn't fit and the color was weird. Pretty common in Central America! but hey maybe we will get it in the next 6 months after waiting three months for them.

Well just a quick post today have to run and get ready to work, fill my eyes with half naked people today hope some are pretty!

Island stories

2010-10-31T06:32:00.002-06:00

Many Islands or tropical places seem to have great stories or histories. But this island of Roatan has some of the best.

I was told there is a mountain of skulls and bones somewhere here and that the islanders will not go anywhere near that place. Of course out of the fear of the site and the imaginings of what could have happened. It could be from the slaves or it may go back to the Mayans. Maybe brought ship loads of bodies here to dump where no one lived in those years? I don't know but I find that interesting and I want to go and see where it is. At times where I work at Infinity Bay Resort, which is on the West Bay at almost the end .. infinity.. I do feel strange things. Sometimes a strong heaviness when you walk the property. Sometimes I can feel forces that are pushing against you and then after I feel this something weird or bad happens. We had sequences of bad luck for days one time after I felt there were some sort of dragon spirits, or large Evil presence. I had walked through the long pool area to the back office where I work I felt so pressed down and being chased after. I looked around and thought ok weirdo.. stop thinking strange things. Changed my energy to thinking in the flowers the beauty of the place and moved my mind to a better level. But as I walked I still felt it.

Places or Locations that are centered nearer the equator, or there origin is in a particular position, what I mean is the island is in this position, it sits on top of Coral and crystal. Crystal is a conductor of energy as well as many other things are but the earth is matter and matter is formed energy. I guess my point is that strong vibrations, energies are easy to feel here.

Back to what I was saying: As I walked I kept thinking of really good things, and moving my mind to better subjects rather than noticing the pressure the heaviness that was actually there. WALKING THROUGH IT. When I got the office all hell was breaking loose. Arguing, things going wrong, lets just say the atmosphere in that office was terrible. I walked out walk to the housekeeping and talk with the supervisor there. He was very down, looked depressed. The sun was blasting, I didn't understand why?? what was going on with him? I took like two minutes to get away from that office. He told me "Marianna I don't know why I feel like this today but I feeling attacked, I feel heavy. I knew right then what I felt was real. It could be spiritual that feeling I felt. Something that floats over that property. Many things go wrong there in sequences, not really normal things. Most don't find the connection but I do!

I walked to the end of the property one day it belongs to Infinity the end of the Island. I felt worse when I got down there although this location is ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR LOCATIONS! I knew something was weird there.

I found out later that some of the owners of the land,( share holders) had gone to do little party you might say serious, and strange things had happened on the land. Even tried to enter this hole that is there and when ever anyone goes into the candles and or lights flash lights go out. Nothing can keep them on. Fires go out there.. SO that later in finding out some of these things which I will tell in another blog, I knew that all I felt here is real.

I believe in good and evil, Evil does exist everywhere, being aware of it is a good thing. Battling it is also a good thing! so that day I battled the evil that I felt and I conquered it. Occasionally I still feel something but who knows who's spirit remains in those areas, who knows the actually history of this property where I work? Maybe if anyone has the history of that particular part of the Island I can find out and understand what it is that sometimes controls things there?

Happy Holloween

2010-10-29T05:53:00.005-06:00

Walking up here is a dream, every morning when I rise I look out my balcony to the sea to a view of beautiful trees, birds and the distant ocean. This place is through the history magical. I have read many of the history stories of the Island and you can find them on the net simply by googleing. Although they are relatively the same story some vary in details and facts.

But experiencing the Island with out knowing any of these facts is a real eye opener. Before I knew anything here about the History other than it was British founded, which is not true it was Christopher Columbus and his Spanish Galleons that were the orignators, or I personally think and believe it was the Mayans. Reason is there are areas here that resemble Meditation and prayer and war. It could be said that the Mayans came here to learn there SHAMAN knowledge, the Island has a presence of spirituality its clear to many people.

But this is my opinion in talking with some of the Islander's and folks who have been here for many years. For the most part, I have heard some very interesting stories in just the few months of living here. Not only have I heard stories but I have experienced some episodes that may be evidence of some of the tales that are told here.

My first experience was the very week I arrived. I decided to walk to the right of where I was staying which was Chili's, a small sort of cabina hotel.Lots of backpackers and divers stay there. Cheap and rustic,and I mean rustic.Beautiful gardens natural and jungle like. I took out going directly to the right. For some reason I just felt drawn to this, THIS IS THE TRUTH NOT MADE UP!

AS I walked I discovered many cool places, little bed and breakfast's Lilly Pond, a Brit and a Honduran that own that. I have since become friends with them. On past to the Half moon bay, around the bend to Lands end and onward. As I walk I approached a fork and took the center road. To my right was a turret, I recognized it from being in Ibiza where many pirates, and Spanish wars also took place. I saw it covered with some Trailing plants and really didn't pay much mind to it. I keep moving forward, seeing many homes, project of really nice and upscaled houses and apartments, not finished? I thought, another effect of the economy of course. Going farther I came upon a coral like area with a few trees growing in it, in passing this area an strange feeling came over me like a wall of force stopping you from passing strong energy.

I kept going but did put some thought into that part, I also had an imagination of people in that area. Moving down the road and around a small bend were more really nice houses one occupied and past that a point of the Island. It was dark and rough and big clumps of volcanic rock and coral mixed, as I walked the road way was embedded with white clumps of coral lots of different types. I looked to my left and there was a wall, a concrete wall with an opening in it and a small path leading to it. The wall obviously was a break I am sure even though the sea here is calm no waves because of the reef. The Reef is massive practically surrounds the whole Island and its filled with life. As I walked to it I entered the opening like a doorway but with out the door.

I could see some waves but not very big, small waves and lots of formations. People say that nature does strange things and that Plants and Rocks and nature can take on forms of human things or resemble things. In the moment I sat down I felt something but didn't know what it was. I looked out and stared and was thinking what this was like many years ago. I looked at all the rock formations and was fascinated with the shapes and effects. ROUGH HARD you can not touch it or walk on it. There was as small concret path that went to sea I mean small I walked to the very end of it and looked out, then turned. As I turned I looked into the rocks and began to see faces, lots of them. All forms and shapes and in terror, many of them sad and looking wild. SOME with mouths open and screaming. I shook my head looked again and I kept seeing them as if they were frozen in the rocks. I got fear at that moment, I picked myself up and left.. it was very close to sunset. I got out of there as fast as I could and walked past that same Coral Garden area.. feeling like something was drawing me that place.

I then looked at the turret and a story came to my head. I knew in myself that is had some significance to the wars and slaves,MIND YOU I HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE HISTORY OF THE ISLAND. I had returned twice to this area since and still felt the same feeling as originally.

What I found out is:

Pirates inhabited Roatan along with the Slaves that were forced to be here from the mining wars of Spain with the pirates. From what I was told the slaves were Caribbean, afro -Antillean they were forced from the Spaniards to come here to help with mining of the silver and gold that they wanted to bring back to Spain. The process of the transport of the slaves, was as other story told is that they were crudely shipped masses in small open boats, tied hands and ankles some five or more together. When they approached land they were tossed out to swim or to jump to land. Many of them were sick and hungry, some had no strength. In approaching the black Coral coastlines they were struck against them smashing maiming and even killing some. As they struggled with the sick, dead and injured tied together they tried to escape or to get to the land they were brought to.

It was told that the lives of those killed were stuck in the rocks. Some of the coastal areas here are treacherous and rough. Making it very difficult to climb upon. Once cut by this coral the wound takes many days even with a healthy body to heal. I can imagine how that must of looked and felt for those people. Thrusted to a island that they had no idea who or what they were going to face.

I have had some experiences here on the Island in the four months of living here that are not really scary but unexplainable to most people. Even one night while watching the stars on my roof top balcony, something with out form whizzed past me and Clint both, neither one of us saw it but we felt it and we heard it. IT WAS NOT A BIRD OR A BAT.. it was a strong force, later we looked up and saw in the clouds a head forming.. We both said lets go in.. and nothing more was said about that..

THERE IS MORE , many tales and stories, this island is rich in many things and spirits I believe are one. !! stay tuned for more

BEAUTIFUL OCT MORNING

2010-10-28T06:26:00.003-06:00

Wow I got up early today just couldn't wait to get on the internet. I finally got a modem yesterday here in Roatan. I had a modem from USA long time ago but they want over a hundred dollars a month to use it. The modem they use here is a small chip that you insert in the computer a TIGO stick. Works great! I been doing with out Internet now for some four months in the house. I have it at Work but really can't access my blog, or Facebook or anything other than the work I have there because of shared files and computers.

The Infinity Bay has been a salvation, I'm so grateful that I have this job, for the fact that it has lifted a little burden off my back with some income. Although now My friend and assistant Clint is actually been going out and doing marketing for the business that I have done for some Thirty years.

Its doing well to be real with you, We have such great opportunity here in ROATAN! I think that the job I have is just a stone to step on to get to the real place I need to be in ROATAN.

I love the location of the resort, but as normal Corp jobs the people, and bosses are really something to deal with. ITS NOT USA and they keep trying to make it that way. REASON I AM NOT IN USA??? really sick of dealing with the politics and attitudes, and the lies of the typical mentality of them. I love the fact that I work in a beautiful tropical place, but now I am not even allowed to eat outside? AMERICAN WAYS OF NOT MIXING WITH THE CLIENTS, or maybe just one mans power?? Anyhow no complaints I am grateful!!! and pleased I can learn! SOON GOOD THINGS COMING!!! and I am open and ready for them.

Living in Roatan is surley different than COSTA RICA, many people speak English since this is a British founded Island, and the other two languages one of which Island talk is sometimes hard to understand but Im getting it now... funnyhow they can change there accent depending on who there talking to, Great to be here in many respects.

The down side of this place is, no shopping, no furniture places no Appliance places hard to find things period. AND ESPECIALLY hard to get around, with out a car its a challange. At least in Costa Rica we could ride the transit, and get to most places very inexpensively and fairly fast. Here no transit, taxis horrible, expensive and roads are few one around the whole island and some arterials. Where I live is above one popular area and its a little difficult to get through and into any other area. BUT ITS BEAUTIFUL! and the view to the sea is gorgeous, the night view of the stars from my balcony is astounding! its so clear and so full of stars. The Clouds seem to float in forms here, and in letters, last night it spelled out ROCK... WHAT??? yea it actually spelled out Rock... Strange happenings here on the Island, many spirits and energies that are evident to some and really strong and apparent to someone like me.

For example a friend of mine AMANDA, a SHAMANA has told me of stories of the slaves and how they were tossed out of the boats, and how the spirits of some of the past remain on this Island. Its quite interesting and appropriate for this up coming weekend!

The day is begun and I must get ready to go to the hotel, I have to walk about a mile to catch the transport bus so I have to run but stay tunned to the details on the history of this island and know that I am sensitive to the nature of it and the energy that exsist here. IN OTHER WORDS YOUR GOING TO GET A REALLY GOOD STORY that is worth the reading! have a good day!

2010-10-07T12:41:00.002-06:00

See those bananas? They are called Apple Bananas, My god are they ever good. There short and stout, and full of flavor, I think Clint and I ate so many It made us strong! So beautiful now since the Rain has been pouring for days on end. We ate all those you see there and now another group is coming maybe this week if it gets warm again.

I am shocked really that is cools down so much, I am not use to this kind of weather. In fact I only have one little sweat shirt, no covered shoes, no sweaters or pants. One pair of jeans to speak of and you can't wear those every day! I went on my day off and bought the lobster I talked about I bought a pound of tails for 120 limperas, equal to about$6.30 cents. Is that high for Lobster? I got about four or more tails. And I bought big shrimps for $4.00. I tried to find a sweater or a pair of pants or a rain jacket but no one that I asked had anything like that in the little run down Coxen hole stores.

Swear to god as much as I dislike USA I think we need a Walmart here! I believe they would sell out daily.. I need so many things!!! simple things that most people do take for granted I am in dire need of. Perfume would be wonderful as well! NOT COMPLAINING I'm just being a girl right now.. I feel sorta neglected in the woman area. I use only soap in bar, I have the basic shampoo and conditioner, some lotion and thats it!!! One day off a week is hard to get things done... The bus system here is really hard its tiny little buses as I said previously and they stop every five seconds with people in people out taking hours to get half way to town.

Enough of that Complaining!!! on with life! Well I should say things are going well at Infinity Bay Resort. EXCEPT! for me is stressful, the burden of most of the sales are on me, but I just try to not stress relax let it flow and do what I can. I can't force people to sign but I try to encourage them.. What I really want is to be doing something creative as I been saying. I sure hope this comes soon! When you are an active person who has been creating things for the majority of your life, and your sitting in an office looking at the same walls everyday, or staring at a computer everyday is not a creative persons ideal. Yes I can do this, yes I can be good at it too.. but my real passion is MAKING THINGS BEAUTIFUL! EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL! Ya know recently I had someone I talk to on the phone tell me this" you sure do have lots of dreams" This person has been following this blog for some years now.. They mentioned a couple of circumstances that I wrote about. Saw me on Facebook and messaged me and gave me the phone to call so I did... I thought about this statement of their's, about the dreams. And I realized that some people have dreams but rarely follow after them. Some people like to call others who have dreams Dreamers.. as a bad connotation, some people don't ever have dreams. Then there are people who have great dreams, follow after them and make them come alive. Dreams are the things the give us motivation to do something and generally if you have a dream you can make it happen. It's those dreams that have creative many things in the whole world! So yes maybe I was born to be inventive and dream and make things happen.I thank this person for saying that and I know in time this dream will be alive once again.

We all have things we want, it may be fantasy?? but turning fantasy into fact your in the postion to build bigger and bigger fantasies. That is the creative process!!!

2010-10-04T15:27:00.002-06:00

Well its been a week since I wrote on this blog, The rainy season has hit us now and we had a threat of a hurricane. That was a farce nothing happened, but the storms that came after have been very radical, lots of blasting wind knocking things down and raining like normal in the tropics. My friend and assistant is hating it I am finding it a refreshing from the blasting heat and sweltering waves of heat that hit you when you walk about.

Things have been busy at the Infinity Bay, lots of inquires keeping me busy writing out contracts and contacting people. I am finding that My Spanish is so much better having to read it constantly or daily and it is showing me that I find Spanish to be a beautiful language, some of the words in Spanish I like better than the words in English.

As far as the ideas of creating, its still going and in fact were making progress. My sales person is doing a good job contacting the right companies and resorts. I think its going to be doing very well before long.

I have been going snorkeling until the rain came, almost every Sunday. Hours and Hours in the sea, swimming and seeing the most beautiful reef! Wow so amazing the formations, the colors the fish the shapes of the coral. BRAIN CORAL IS WEIRD AND ITS ACTUALLY BIGGER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE! I sometimes have a little fear when I am snorkeling come of the coral looks very dangerous and sometimes you get in a situation where the water is super shallow, so you scrape by hoping that you don't touch it with your body, your feet or your hands. In my case it could be my boobs..!!! I have seen massively huge Lobsters, You can not touch anything in the reef on this side which is where I live in West End, Nor in West bay. It is completely Protected.. so taking a lobster is out of the question! UNFORTUNATELY! They have to be one of the ugliest things in the sea aside from Octopus. Although I love to eat them both.. I would never dare to touch one. Ohhhhh then there is the sea cucumbers.. YUKKYITY YUK looks like something familiar and really black and ugly!

I love nature, I love my place I am living and so grateful I am here in ROATAN! I am in love again, in love with life... I feel alive once again but I do want my creative person to remain alive so I am seeking the way to develop her passion . Her love! and that is all about nature.

Being here is different than in other parts of Central America, the American, British influence, Garafunda, and European makes is a very interesting place.

I do miss the food from Costa Rica the fresh everything... although we do get similar product its not as plentiful, or available as in Costa Rica. I do miss my few friends, I have heard from a couple almost weekly so thats a nice feeling.

I have met lots of new people here making life very different. I am happy about many things and as I said grate ful. I know that I am here for some reason and the reason is coming.. I hope Im drawing it to me like I should and it manifests it self real soon!

Speaking of Lobster, Did you know Honduras is one of the major suppliers of Sea food in the world? and Lobsters are very prevalent So Guess what?? tomorrow on my day off I AM GOING BUY SOME LOBSTERS! its not expensive here I can afford it!!! Also Conch and if its fixed correctly its delicious! SEA FOOD YUMMMMMMMMmmm.. No more news as of now! Keep reading send me notes and let know what you think and if you want to visit Roatan just let me know!

Too much time between posts

2010-09-25T15:41:00.002-06:00

Its just too much time between blogs that I feel like I lost touch with my own self. I been working so much that I hardly have time to enjoy life. I like the resort, its beautiful and the opportunity to meet many people could be huge. But I feel like I'm lost in the computer world and my creative genius is gone south. I been looking lots at Photos of my work of past years, and looking for new ideas in other Websites of Weddings and events and I feel I am getting inspired to break lose.

I mean not from Infinity Bay but to develop a lost art that supported me for so many years, it raised my two sons, bought me a home, cars and well pretty much sucked the life out of me too because I was doing everything in the business. Now I have a great game plan. Meaning this: I want to develop it in Roatan, There are no real designers here per say, I was a very high end Event designer, award winning and Now there is an opportunity for me do this again. But the plan is different as I said. I already have someone who is going to take care of customers, track the customers, deal with the orders, and help out in administration, I have a sales person, and plan to find a runner guy, someone who goes and gets products that I need for that specific event or party. Leaving me to do the pretty work.. I think its going to go very well, I will incorporate a new idea into it, dealing with Chocolate. I have the connection already in place and now its just getting the contracts and the clients and were off and running.

I know that it may sound wild, I have a job but this job is completely different than I thought I was being hired for. It is basically sales, phone, Computer, and numbers crunching numbers. I CAN DO IT AND I AM but the creative genius in me is sad. I think in life you have to do those things you love in order to succeed. I think its great I have this income and Its sure is helping in a new development stage.

But in reality the lack of time to enjoy life?? I mean I have one day a week to do things, and then its normally Sunday. Here on the Island Sunday almost everything is closed. ONE GROCERY STORE IS OPEN but It very far away and I still do not have a car. If this goes right I may have an option to lease a cool Toyota Tundra truck this is what I have been wanting for years. HOW I don't know I don't care I'm not worrying how all this is going to work out I am just keeping the idea in my head and going for things.

I will say this I am grate full for this job its just at 56 I think life should be a bit more fun. I have lots of fun in the last 7 years but lots of trudging, now perhaps with the right moves the right plan it could be better. If not GREAT.

Today is beautiful day the sun is out the wind is blowing its hot but not blazing hot. Tomorrow half a day here cleaning out this mess I work in, and finishing up one contract. Seems people are not signing as fast as I would want, I know the economy is showing me that its much more difficult to get them to agree than when I was in business before. But with events destination weddings its not that tough to sell, they need it I have it and I know how. FILL THE NEED you will succeed.

Have a great sunday

Now the job comes

2010-09-06T12:48:00.002-06:00

Part of my garden under the house the house is three story That tree is planters palm and is about 35 or 40 feet tall

So we moved into the house, split the bills half and half and found that the whole house was painted blue inside, except the Bathrooms Mine is a weird monkey puke green or should I saw a slime green, and his is conch pink. The tiles are gorgeous not expensive ones a computer print but simulate rock. So soon on the agenda is painting, regardless of the colors its a cool place! BUT THERE IS A LOT OF BLUE the kitchen is cookie monster blue with really nice marble counter tops and stainless steel fridge, and black cook top. It could be a awesome set up done right.. But I'M GRATEFUL! SO GRATEFUL I Don't think anyone can imagine how Grateful I am? to be away from that filth and stink of apartment in JACO and to be away from the thickening Crime scene, the garbage that is out of hand now and the prices that are sky rocking in a surely down trodden economy? dose not make sense any more.

Roatan is beautiful, its really different, but beautiful. I think I am pretty lucky in many ways, I may not have a TV, or Radio or furniture or car or well for that matter much of anything... but Im so lucky to be living what I feel, and what I dream. So many people just talk, never put action in anything they imagine. But I learned that what ever you can dream of whatever you can imagine it is possible for it to become your reality. It doesn't have to be travel or living in an exotic place like I have been doing. It could be you want to open up a business? or you want to have a beautiful sofa, or you just want to do something different for yourself. Maybe your sick of your situation with your wife, or your husband and you always think in your head you wish you were alone or doing something completely different.. THEN MAKE IT HAPPEN. So you want o buy that diamond ring? and ask someone to marry you but your thinking how can I buy this my work will not provide that amount of money. Well think it enough and some how some way it will come to you how.. NO NOT BY ROBBING A BANK! I knew you were thinking that.. its just amazing how the mind is the inventor of anything you need and want. When you want something bad enough you can make it happen don't cry about I don't have this or that be grateful for what you have and it brings a lot more to you! So go one believe whatever it is your wanting right now to happen and I promise you it will!

I always wanted to live in a tropical place, I forever thought oh my god how I am not married, I dont have tons of money and that kept me from getting more.. Now in these past few years I have learned that you yourself have the power to do anything you set your mind to do. AMAZINGLY ENOUGH it comes.

The Job comes:

I had written lots of places before arriving here, also had written lots of places in Portland Oregon as well, No response from any one there but had lots of responses from people here. ( deciding factor on where I was going!) I had an interview with Carnival Cruise line to decorate the port for Christmas, so I went hopped on a bus, caught another bus that was free and headed out to French habor! I had a great interview with them and then headed back to West bay to see a new friend I met. I carried the portfolio with me When he saw some of my work he exlaimed! GO TALK TO THE GENERAL MANAGER RIGHT NOW. I said why? for events he said yes.. well in my mind I was saying cool this is just what I wanted to be doing sub contract for the bigger resorts.

I went the interview went well and in two days negotiated but it was the director of events at Infinity bay resort. Well! that was nice... lets see how this works out now. I have been here two months now and its very rough, not much organization, Im not just doing decor, Im actually selling the events, answering inquiries for rooms, and honey moons and trying to book conferences. We have a great facility and I believe in time I will do very well here.

Its a beautiful place and as I said I'm very grateful for the things that have come to me and are still coming! FUNNY Im still believing in the pickup truck I NEED THAT NOW MORE THAN ANYTHING! getting around this Island is not easy, in fact its worse than in Costa rica, the transit system is not really very good, the Taxis are Super expensive and things are not located near one another. No malls, only a tiny one, Three grocery stores but very far apart and lugging food home on the bus, and lugging up a steep hill then up three flights of stairs is surely getting me in better shape! BUT IM STILL NOT LOSING WEIGHT? anyhow this is the next thing that has to come to me soon! I need transportation! BAD so I hope this happens SUPER SOON THIS MONTH!

In a few days I will post photos of the house so stay tuned

Friday Sunset Barge Party

2010-09-03T08:58:00.002-06:00

This is Captain Perry's Barge Bar Near my house
Mayan Stone Carvings at the Hotel in Tegus

As I was saying in the last blog, Getting here was literally a miracle, The one thing that really freaked my beak was the airport when we left Teguchigalpa was so cold in the morning that I was shivering to death not use to the airconditioning being so cold so early. I had my Purse, my computer and when the call came for boarding I was the first seat in this small 15 or so passenger plane. I jumped up and boarded the plane was half full when they went to close the port.

My foot was actually on the port as its part of the floor in the first seat. They shut it and slammed my toes into the port. I jumped and yelped, they opened it and let me loose. Fortunately my foot was ok just a little red and painful. The flight was short and nice one hour or so. I watched out the window as we flew beautiful sites of Honduras below and then we came to the sea. The Caribbean is so beautiful from the sky or the ground. The colors range from 7 shades of blue. Deep to pale to clear blue. As we passed La Cieba I could begin to see the islands in the distance.

I have been to Roatan before so I knew which one was my destination. Watching as we approached I began to smile, knowing that a new adventure awaited me. The feeling of excited filled my head and my heart and joy was inside of me before we landed.

The unknown to most presents fear, but for me it brings excitement to know I will be discovering all sorts of new ideas, places, foods, ways of transportation and living.

We disembarked, waited for the luggage. The small and quiet airport was with out many arrivals, it was early almost 8:00 am. We were five of the 15 waiting on the luggage, when it arrived I realized I was missing something??????? I searched and I looked I ran back out to the tar mac and then ask the young Islanders that were unloading the plane if they saw a black case with my Computer??? No they said

Oh my I was such in a hurry to board I left it at the airport in Teguchigalpa. Now I really was panicking. Reason everything in the computer? it was my only form of communication too. It had my Magic jack in it my information, Birth certificate and more, copies of passport lots of important documents. MAN I WAS UPSET, I went right away to the desk of the airlines, and Asked if they could call and see if it was still there or if someone had picked it up. I described to the lady what it looked like and what was inside. She made the call and yes someone had picked it up who worked in the airport. THANK GOD!! the next day the flew it in for me at no charge and took extra special care of it! Wow that was a relief.

So on our way to West end which is where I wanted to land we had a taxi, of course seeing we just got off the plane they figured dumb Tourists. I spoke Only Spanish to him and he asked me where are you from. I explained I Just came from Costa Rica and I lived there and was planning on living here in Roatan now. He didn't care he still charged us some 25 dollars to take us to west end.

West end is the beach front with all the shops, restaurants,Bars, Discotechs and life! lots of dive shops and souvenir shops. Its a nice little community not much like Jaco but still a community where you can walk to places, so my thoughts were that being with out a car this would be best for now. Close to things being able to get out and meet people and communicate in order to learn more about the Island.

NOW I live in West End, as I said in the second week after we stayed at Chilis, which by the way is a back packers heaven, Super simple rustic pretty surroundings, but WOW IS IT A MOSQUITO BOG! my god We got ate alive, the owner has this idea that leaving all the cuttings from the plants and the rotting fruit is good for the plants, in reality if it was on a compost pile and decomposed and then put on the plants yeah! but To leave it all over, number one it is messy, number two the water and moisture stays and collects in the leaves and rotting fruit, making it very attractive for lots of bugs, and mosquitos, and san cudos. TINY LITTLE PESTILENCE, that bite like lions. Number three the water that drains off the washer that runs daily is sitting on top of the ground in one main area that breeds the mosquitos. So YEAH after almost two weeks there I was nothing but bites and the rustic part of it had gotten to me to no extent. They gave us a big cabin, rough wood floors, clapboard walls with cracks, even the floor you could see the ground below. No paint just rough on the feet too. Well we thought we were alone in this cabin, my friend and I Clint. My long time assistant and good friend. ( NOT A BOY FRIEND MORE LIKE MY SON) when one day they sent these middle eastern boys they came walking in late at night and stomped into the space and just making all kinds of noise, I was shocked? I thought well how come they the check in people didn't say you will have someone staying in the cabin with you and give us warning? It was a bit scary because we were both relaxed I was laying in the hammock in my surrong, and sitting in a small chair just relaxing late at night around 11:00. WEIRD SITUATION! they scared me I had my purse out who knows who they were? Not to mention we were in the back of the back of the back of the property the last cabin in the jungle, it could be anyone?? So that spurred me to find a place like NOW We just asked around and someone gave us a number of this woman named Harmony.

We went Snorkeling and that was so fun! I have been before Clint never. He struggled fighting the water and the fins until I just stopped him and explained how to float become as thought your part of the water and let your body relax and the water will take you on a journey. He practiced a while then he got it some but still struggling. I kept going, I went far saw so many fish, sea flowers, brain coral, coral of every variety. Fan coral and Many Urchins, Puffer fish, huge angel fish, Lion fish and the most beautiful Red and brown poka dot fish??? Wow what an experience. We have been snorkeling ever since that day once a week at least.

Well that next day we found the house perfect, both of us wrote a list and didn't show each other the list. We wrote what we wanted and what the house we felt look like. He described blue, I said wood, I said great views he said quiet, me too with out dogs. In fact the list was almost identical. Well in a hour we packed up went in a taxi to see the house met the guy and signed on the dot. It was the perfect house everything we described. WE both have been drawing things into our life, My assistant Clint has not believed that I could do this so I been having read a couple of book's that I have and still read and it helps in changing your energies and bringing positive things and in fact all things you desire into your life! MORE TO COME

Roatan Life and Working

2010-09-02T12:05:00.004-06:00

Statue out front of the Mayan Hotel

Roatan Beach front West bay
Well, I manage to sell everything in about two weeks time and make enough to get the tickets to fly to Roatan and to rent a hotel and look for a house.So I packed up what I could take in Three suitcases and only kept a few choice items that meant something to me. Such as

Photos of my children and one of my good friend Sharon and I

My Italian cooking utensils

My mortar and pistils, one my son made me the other was from Italy

Two pewter mirrors, one from Nicaragua, the other Costa Rica

My new coffee maker

A bar set Paul Brown bought me that is chrome

all my capuccino cups from Italy ones my mother had made for me as a little girl

The rest some fabrics, and a few clothes,

Three pairs of shoes, makeup the clothes didn't amount to much

I caught a bus to San Jose Costa Rica, the problem was the night before we had a little celebration with some of my close friends, Orfa, Helen, Joey, Eida and one other. I drank four glasses of wine, these days I just cant drink.. More than two glasses and I am sick the next day or have a horrible head ache. But I felt really good! and happy with my old Friends so I didn't care nor did it hit me that I was over the limit.

Staying at Ofra that night I got up early our bus to San jose left at 5:00 in order for us to arrive at the airport at 8:00 to fly out at 10:00. Well the whole windy bus ride was too much I ended up vomiting the whole way. Two and half hours of vomiting and deathly ill.

When we arrived at the airport I could barely stand I was so weak. I looked I'm sure like living hell. I stumbled in dragging all three suitcases, a carry on a computer and a heavy purse. Hit the tax station to pay your fees to leave the country, the gal at the station ask me if I was sick, she must have notified the clerks at the counter because when I manage to drag my carcase over to the check in, they immediately ask me what I was sick with. I simply said I got car sick and had vomited all the way from Jaco.

So they would not let me in until I felt better, which was about half an hour. I finally came back to check in and they passed me through.

Boarded the plane:

I first flew into Teguchigalpa Honduras, this is the Capital of Honduras its located in the center of this hilly range, the plane actually has to fly in circles three times to land. That was fun after being car sick for several hours. I almost thought I was going there again! But I held tight and made the landing and disembarked. We grabbed a taxi after bargaining with the airlines for a ticket to Roatan. They didn't have any thing open so we had to stay for two days in Tegus in order to get a flight out to Roatan.

Then the Taxi driver took us to what I had looked up on line and it was in the most dangerous part of the city. I said NO the moment I saw it so I asked him nicely just take me to a safe and good place. We ended up at the Mayan Hotel beautiful! practically five star. I got a nice suite top floor, when I looked out my window it was about dusk, there was a huge statue of Jesus like in Rio starring at me down at my room. Massive statue with arms extended. I felt protected, then I looked below and there was hundreds of houses stacked against each other covering the hillsides, next to the statue was a giant sign that was lit up saying COCA COLA! so Jesus loves Coca cola I thought?? Pretty funny really.. but such a cool site when it was dark and all the lights of the city were down below with the towering savior above.

We spent the two days site seeing, going to a very cosmopolitan mall, where I was surely impressed that Not many Americans or Costa Ricans know how sophisticated the Hondurans are?? SHOCKED really reminded me of things I saw in California USA in Beverly Hills. Very upscaled, So I bought just a few little things that I could fit in my carry on, a pewter shell plate, small for jewelry. A pair of white shorts, a white long flowing dress for the beach, some sandals. Now that I am here on the Island my sorry I didn't buy more. Not a whole lot here to shop, no household items, no stores to buy accessories for the home, No real good clothing stores or cheap ones at fact. No shoes. All the shoes are plastic, flat sandals, ITS AN ISLAND everyone wears flip flops. So it was a little shocking Coxen hole the main city here is something out of the old west. Dirt roads, all beaten down clapboard buildings, houses on stilts, run down broken down buildings with people living in them and selling things out of them. But the great thing is! The cruise ships, lots and lots of cruise ships every week. The ports are spectacular! the shops in the ports expensive but nice.

I manage in the two months I been here to get around but it AIN'T EASY wow!!!!

Without a car really tough. One main road, most things are located in or near Coxen hole, or French Harbor. I have only discovered a few places.. reason is.. I found a house beautiful house and I moved in the second week I was here and in that second week I manage to get a job a very large resort. MORE TO COME!

New Life new adventures!

2010-08-14T16:03:00.003-06:00

Life is different here, As moving To Roatan renewed my energy. The choice was balanced by a friend of mine that had moved here in the first part of April. She hadn't planned on moving here but fell in love with Roatan, bought a business like that! and then just came back to Costa Rica and packed up and moved. SMART LADY! soooooooo about a month or so later she emailed me and said Marianna I am thinking about remodeling this little Ice cream Shop called Caribbean Creamery. The first person I thought of is you. She said I am not going to spend a whole lot of money but I am willing to pay your airfare, and a little bit for you to do it. I thought about it for like three or four weeks, I had a project going so I couldn't just up and leave. I did some research and checked out hundreds of photos of Roatan, and read lots and lots on the Island before going. I booked my flight, long flight by the way from Costa Rica costing about 500 dollars. Came in and was not that impressed right away. But when we got to her house and I saw the area she bought in I thought to myself my god this would be perfect for a business I have had in my head for some three years.

I didn't have much time to look around, since I worked pretty hard long hours to finish up in a weeks time. The last day she gave me money for he water taxi and I took a few hours before I flew out to check some things out. I went out in the taxi in the clean, clear Carribe.. My God was it ever so preciously beautiful. The driver ask me if I wanted to snorkel out there, I said yes but I didn't have the 50 bucks for the rental of the mask, flippers and snorkel. He opened the cabinet on the boat and showed me he had tons of them. So I took one took off my dress, which my bikini was on under it and put it on and dove in .

The water was cooler than Costa Rica and way cleaner, I swam a ways to a point near the end of West Bay.( Which is where I am at now) there is a point its all lava very strange formations. I swam and came near it as I know from my past snorkeling experiences, that most fish hang out in that area. Well the water there appeared to shallow but it was a mistake. It was deep deep deep.. I looked down and saw huge fish, Seriously HUGE! and it scared me so bad that I began to breath really hard in the snorkel. I swam fast as I could, faster and faster.. scared as hell! Got the boat and they guy was laughing hard. I said in Spanish what? he asked are you afraid? I said yes he said why? I said cause I saw something huge and I have no idea what it was.. he said was it shark? I said I didn't take the time to identify it I just ran in the water pretty much! he was laughing so hard I said get me in the boat.. I flipped my flippers as hard as I could getting up some what then only to sink back down.

I kept kicking and kicking but couldn't get my self up enough to get in the boat, he suggested use the motor on the back, but I took one look at that blade and the fear that was in me and SAID NOOOOOOOOOOOOO no way! With my luck I would cut my leg or foot off, bad enough I have a bad foot that constantly hurts, there was no way In the world I would step on that. So he helped pull me in laughing the whole time while I was practically hitting him to shut up.

I laid on the floor of the boat exhausted and he was still smiling. He told me not to be afraid but I couldn't help it that was the first time in my life I felt fear like that, well I lie maybe the second time the first time was when I was kayaking and a shark came up to my kayak an swam right along next to me for the longest way.. but anyhow! We drove around the Island I saw how beautiful the sites were and the homes the mansions, and the poor areas the ghettos, the Beaches and hillsides, with forests and jungle mixed and I thought, hmm I could find some kind of work I'm sure in ROATAN.

So he dropped me off on the beach in front of Banana Rama, a lady came up to me asking for massage, I said come and get me in a hour. I wanted to swim more before I left so I swam, she came back to retrieve me, and then did the massage right in the sand on a sirroung. It was good not great, but my body was so tired from painting and fixing for a week that anything would have felt good.

A touch is needed on the human body and rarely do I get touched so I was loving it!!!

Then I loaded up my things and flew back to Costa Rica, thinking all the time about Roatan and how could I get there how much money would I need? and what could I do. NEVER REINVENT THE WHEEL. Do what you love have passion in what you do and success will come to you! thats what I heard in my little now blond head.( brunette for years age has cause me to die it blond) So it was weeks of thinking and planning and putting out the energy to the world, and to my friends that I would be moving to a place that is unique in the world! ROATAN

Moving on

2010-08-09T16:32:00.002-06:00

Well I was right about Moving on, the things and the life in Jaco became so miserable, the crime so high and the tourisum low. Rates of crime higher than I could remember, the shot two people the weekend before I left in the place I always would frequent to dance, then I made up my Mind to seek out a better option. I friend of mine had bought a small shop in Roatan Island Honduras, beautiful tropical Carribean Island with calm seas. She wrote me to come and remodle her little ice cream shop I thought about it and decided that would be a good idea. I went spent a week and fell in love with Roatan. At that Time when I returned to Costa Rica the incidents were getting worse, I had one small contract doing a landscape and building a outdoor kitchen and bar and an outdoor shower for a client from Cananda, I was thinking the whole time I wanted to move, weather it was back to USA with my sons, or somewhere More tropical and safe that could be more supportive of my work and I could exsist a little better.
We finished the job in a month, it was not easy. We hauled all the tools on the bus, I woke up early every day drug things to the bus stop, in dirty clothes for work in the garden, Picked up all my workers on the way in the bus and paid there way. We rode for miles to an area Called bejuco. This is right near Parrita, that is outside of quepos near Manuel Antonio. Tiny little beach town, everyday walking from the bus more than two miles to the house in the heat early dawn hours, finishing at 2 or 3 walking back the two miles with the guys. Now remember I am a hands on person, besides with out me the guys hardly work. So I dug and pick axed, and hauled and lifted and planted right along with them.
ONE MONTH OF THIS, missing the bus now and then having to wait for hours in a dirty stinky four walled bus stand in the heat, garbage every where.. I thought each day my god if people really knew what I do to exsist, sometimes I would have flash backs of the life I had before, the hard work in the floral and event business but how glamorous and beautiful it was I would find myself remember events and reliving them as to not see the situation I was in. The lady we worked for, found me on Facebook Marianna Love, she found out I did all kinds of things and hired me site unseen on Facebook!!! THANK GOD FOR HER DENISE! she let me be creative and was so kind to us, when she finally came to see the work was in shock! loved it and me and all of us. She treated me like an angel. She saw how hard I worked and was amazed that I had the stamina to keep doing it, I told her sometimes in distress you keep going no matter, that I was happy to be working and I was glad she trusted me.
We bonded and Im so happy she came from Facebook into my life.

So I told her I was thinking of moving to Roatan she was curious, but I didn't give her details of when or how.
When we finished I made a goal, I told Clint my friend and life time assistant, that I was going to sell everything and move to USA or Roatan, depending on what happened. I would wait 6 weeks to try to find more work and if in that time I didn't I had to leave, I had to get out of Jaco or I would be dead soon. Not just the threats or the style of life but the work and the lack of work the lack of food and money was scaring me and practically distroyed me.

So that six week mark came, I was tyring to find work I had a job for a bar I spent hours on the design working with this guy from Canada but he failed to come through and in fact shorted me of the money he owed me for the time and design, the interpetations, the sourcing and more. So I said Im not waiting on him Im moving on.

I placed and add daily on Facebook I talk to people, I chated on msn, I posted on Craigslist and with in Two and half weeks I had sold everything I owned including some of my clothes and shoes and even all my plants, 17 orchids, huge large Potted palms beautiful outdoor furniture I designed, Even my paintings I painted. I had very little left

Only three suitcases I could bring on the flight. I contacted several places in Roatan and I got immediate response. From several resorts for Wedding designer and events, and from Carnival Cruise line to help with Decor for the ports. So I thought ok thats positive, nothing from Portland or Vancouver area where I was thinking to return. In fact I got lots of negative responses and the thought of going back to gray days, rain constant, buying a huge new wardrobe of heavy clothes and boots, and facing bronchitus yearly was not exactly my idea of my retirement.

Soooooo I chose Roatan, And wow what a flight and experience before that So stay tuned I plan on catching everyone up and I hope you enjoy these adventures, they are true to life, many times I dont tell all the really bad things because Its so sad or depressing that people would not believe it true but as for NOW I HAVE MOVED ON TO ROATAN HONDURAS

TIME PASSES ON TO THE NEXT

2010-07-06T08:12:00.002-06:00

As time past things calmed down but the same thugs are on the streets, threatening and bullying and robbing. I stayed away I didn't go out at night for months and months. I been trying at that point to get jobs outside of Jaco. I manage finally to land a couple of landscape jobs and do those very well, working early in the morning to afternoon. Stopping at 1 since the heat is so horrendous! Can't work past 1:00 pm. Coming home exhausted. I work right along with the workers, hauling out trees, and chopping, pick axing, and cutting pruning more. Load after truck load of materials and finally after a month of work we finished the beautiful landscape in Faro Escondido. A house sitting on top of a ledge of the sea cliff and below a private beach. I stayed away from anyone in the town so not to have any issues. For months I did with out TV, and the things that were stolen from me. I never had enough money to replace anything so just did with out. Then after I finished Faro I landed a job in Bejuco mind you months have past with no work what so ever. Doing with very little, and making it. Hard but I did it!! In the mean time I met up with a foreigner from Canada, Strange man , lets just say hes a lawyer, and knows how to get his way( so he thinks) or pushes to get his way always. He was ordering me around on the internet to do this and do that, and demanding I find the things he needed to do this so called business he wanted to start. He heard about me through a client and saw the work in a Condo I did was impressed I guess? and Then wanted to meet me. We met up and he ask if I could help him get this business together. So I dilgently worked on it for 6 months, never did he send money, I asked him several times to put money in my bank with the report of what I have accomplished and and sending him all the information he would demand from me. After about 5 months he said he was coming back and would pay me when he arrived. During this time I was doing a landscape job in Bejuco for a beautiful lady and I was enjoying making her place pretty for her. He showed up one week and requested, or should I say again demanded that I take time with him while he was here. So I left Clint in charge at the job site with the two other guys I had working and I went with this man for four or five days to do what he needed. He doesn't speak Spanish and has no clue how Costa Rica operates. So I was assisting him in everything you can think of from finding Attorney's, paper work, materials, leases, sites,design, and just everything you can imagine( still no payment) I asked him the second day I was chaufering him around if he would please pay me for the past work and now. He agreed to pay but I never saw the money. Getting more frustrated with him as he is a super difficult man to work with I bit my tongue and kept going with the hopes that in the end I would have this Design job of doing his new so called Piano bar of all things in Jaco? I invited him over to my other clients house to see the work, eat with us and find out more about me. Even though he had me do all these things for him he still was questioning my abilities, and my character? ok I was about at my end with this CHARACTER, MEET ALL KINDS HERE IN JACO WOW! he came and My client the woman did not like him and told me to be carefull. Finally Embarrassed at him from some of the things he said and did to me and my friends. I was ready for him to leave. He asked me to drive him to the airport and return his car. STILL NO PAYMENT, I told him then you must pay me today, well he missed his flight and we rushed back to get another one he was successful at finding a flight from his agent that books everything for him. Returned the car and at that moment I said please pay he said well I don't have time. I knew that the Airport had an ATM and I litereally walked him to the ATM and helped him get me money, but it was less than half that I ask for and then he left. I waited for weeks for him to deposit the rest finally after me bugging he sent through western union some cash but still short 160 dollars. He sent a proposal to my friend on the lease pretty much demanding she do all the remodle that is his responsiblity, and lower the rent and more and more. And then wrote me a letter after she responded and said NO to everything, this guy writes me to straigthen out the mess, I wrote back saying there is no mess and its between you and the lady with the space. PEOPLE! so after hearing this I gave up ON JACO AND COSTA RICA I Made a new plan. I can not suffer this anymore. I had another so called job fall through at the same time. After all that I figured this is enough enough enough. I had an idea that came to me about three years ago and thought ok maybe this is the time to move on this

Part three Threats

2010-06-22T23:11:00.002-06:00

So from that day on I did not leave the house at night at all when before I would walk down town since it is close have a cappucino talk with people sit at my friends coffee shop and simply watch people. Or go out to dinner, and dance go to Monkey bar or one of the other places to dance. It has been more than nine months or so that I have not done any of that. I would see them on the streets passing in there black windowed cars, there is one he has red rims on a black car, hes a biggie hes been here a long time smashed the legs of transvestes here to get them off the streets, of course probably paid by the Beatle bar to do that so it would not effect the business. The other is from limon, so three to five guys here that do all the same thing. Control the streets with drugs and do most of the crimes here. Its been a rough year, hardly any work. Although I been in a postive frame and getting little jobs here and there. I Did manage to do Los Suenos this past Christmas but the budget was ridiculous for a huge resort, even though they lend help for me, and fed me and picked me up and dropped me off with their private bus service. But Seriously it wasn't enough money took me 6 days and when I finished it I flew out to USA and stayed with my son and his new girlfriend for two months and just cooked up a storm. When I returned the woman that lived next store was still at it. Clint my assistant and good friend was here all along he came in November. He told me that She partied constant while Iwas away. Well it was the second day I was here.
The party went on from the middle of night till late that afternoon but not with out trouble.
About ten am, I saw many Columbian girls and some Columbian guys and some really bad people I have seen out and in the streets. The big black man was there too, they were all out on the balcony in front of my place. The balcony is a two person wide and very long. I have a sofa out there cute in zebra and lots of big pots and plants everywhere. Well~~~~~~~ it went like this they were drunk and of course using drugs. They all sat on the rail and on my sofa and then began to talk about me.. lies she made up all kinds of lies they began kicking my window. Drugs and alcohol causes people do such horrible things and to inocent people too. I was frightened and scared I closed the blind. Mind you I woke up to this, I got low on the floor and went to the side of the apartment where no windows or doors where. I saw the lady that lives below the owner of the girl nexts door apartment. She banged on the door they had gone in and they began to fight. Then another woman and two other girls went down stairs and they began to fight. It was s huge womans brawl.. but strong not like AMERICAN WOMEN I MEAN MEANNNNNNNNNNNN women.. ok her and Angelica fist fought and she told her to get out of the apartment and to shut the music up. Then the shit hit the fan, some guy came out and began shooting. I heard gun shots I called the police they came in many cars Angelica called the police I think at the same time. More came but the idiots didn't even know how to manage the guns they had. The fumbled about dropping a big automatic gun. When someone next door through the trees fired on one of the police, he didnt know what to do. It was awefull I laid on the floor scared and trembling. Then the people little by little left but only after threating her and shaking fists at my apartment. Mind you I did nothing its just the type of people ok not good.. hour past, the police came again every hour for three days the police came and then I suggested to Angelica put up a camera to watch who comes in a out of here so she did. That caused a rukus, then came the eviction. But the girl didn't move she kept making more parties untill about three months later finally moved out wow what I day of celebration but from those day forward I was carefull not to be out alone not to walk at night and not to be near the street.

More tomorrow

Part two of the threats

2010-06-21T17:54:00.002-06:00

Ok so I know now how dangerous and serious it is and who they are in reality. It becomes more and more frightening as time goes by. The level of crime rises here last year, fewer tourists as the economy weakens and the crisis is now in effect here. The drug dealers doing more and more crimes and the police doing less and less. One day I was working on this event, I had to go do San Jose to talk to big companies I walked for miles that day in down town San Jose, my feet had blisters all over them and I was pretty exhausted from the work, walking and little food.

I came home late around 8:30 got off the bus this is a two and half hour ride to Jaco. I got off the bus walked about two blocks in the dark with the heels I had on all day, sore and tired and exhausted I heard loud loud music. In my head I said NO PLEASE NO NO MORE PARTIES PLEASE NO MUSIC TONIGHT! then as I approached and got closer to the little bridge near the invu a poverish area near where I live I saw about 15 or more guys standing right next to the bridge were I was about to enter. The music was the car of a big black man, who lives here the doors were wide open and he was on the phone, With whom??? when I began to enter one of them said oh there she is, another one said Now she will know! I heard that they thought I didn't speak Spanish and I literally RAN AS HARD AS I COULD ACROSS THE BRIDGE in FEAR. I saw the car of the one who threatened me he was parked below using the excuse of cleaning their previous lived apartment. But in reality he was waiting for the person in side to drop things down and put in the car and transfer this into the other car in front. IM SURE THIS IS WHAT HAPPEN. When I got up the stairs the nieghbors blinds were closed I saw my blinds were closed??? CURIOUS I NEVER CLOSE THE BLINDS.. I began screaming someone ran, I open the door and the house was a diaster. The stole everything just about. I ran outside immeditately and screamed at the guy ( I know wrong thing now to do but I was so pist off I knew it was him and IT WAS HIM) he drove out fast, probably passed the stuff to the one in front, and then he drove back in an acted like he was shocked at what was going on. I called the police they came did nothing. The thief came up and walked into my house as the police was there, NEVER BEFORE HAS HE ENTERED I told him to get out now screaming. I said you are behind this you are behind this. He held his hands up in my face and see have them check for finger prints my hands are clean.. YEA Ok right.. It was a disasterous night, when the police left I told the Owner down stairs imagine this she never saw anything? PLEASE... I ask her why she permitted him back in there when she knew with all the trouble they had with them and not paying there power bill in her name? while she was talking to him. I scooched into the apartment below this happend fast ok? and I looked around to see what he was cleaning? there were no cleaning materials no brooms no nothing NOTHING.. so he used opening up the apartment as the excuse they climbed up and got into the small window on the side and busted up things and stole my tv, camera, ipod, and more. SAD I never did replace them. Never had the money. Well when I noticed that I took note. He finally left but I was scared to death and the house was a shambles and I could not sleep for more than a week , nor did I feel to go out of the house. ( MORE TOMORROW)

Well Im back, STILL IN COSTA RICA But wow what a story

2010-06-20T07:54:00.003-06:00

Well Im back, Were do I begin and how do people catch up with me and begin following the blog once more?

Ok its been almost a year since I have entered a post on this blog, many reasons. One was I was working on an event for Costa Rica that took many months of hard driving mad pounding your head into the wall work. It fell through~~~~~~~~~~~~ Since then I had two trips to USA to visit my son who is now not with the bruja he spent almost 6 years that practically ruined his and my life. THANK GOD THATS OVER! All I could ever do was just pray she would leave him. It was worse than that wasn't that simple of course. So now hes moved on to a beautiful young woman who is a treasure to know and actually respect me as far away as I am. Lots of things in life have changed in a year. Amazing how the world has gone through so many different changes in a year??? I have continued with trying to work in design, with hit an miss jobs here and there I toyed with the idea of moving back to USA. Only to have mad outright fights with myself not to go back. I love my Sons, my grandson, but I still have lots of life left in me to see more and do more, so as of now not returning.

Staying in Costa Rica is a questions though??

There is so much to tell! A year ago this place was a mad house, the complex where I live was filled with people living here. Mind you this property could be so beautiful its a little island of land, with the river flowing next to it surrounded with trees. Not far away about 200 meters is the sea. In the mornings you hear the roosters crow the dogs barking the birds singing and sometimes the sounds of Macaws and toucans screaming out there crys. There are four apartments. Large like Condos. Mine is filled with ferns attached to the railins, large chinese palms and lots of tropical plants with more than 13 orchids. My chairs are coverd in a green and white zebra print with a sofa for three in the center of the balcony for gazing out. A year ago this building was completely occupied. Below: I young handsomes tall Tico with a beautiful dark haired columbiana. He was a drug dealer, she at times worked as a puta in the bars. For a while things were fine and quiet, I never knew what he did but was curious about the different people who came to pick him up in the morning or at night.

Soon they began fighting like cat's and dogs. The Girl next door also a put was best friends with the girl below. Constant partying began from 3 am to 1:00 pm sometimes Loud thumping house music, and crazy drunk drugged people in and out and disrupting my life. I was miserable I couldn't move paralized by them practically. Moving to a new place was difficult ,since spent my money to move seeing my children in USA. While all this partying was going on I was staying away from my house, keeping out of site of the crazy, spending time trying to meet people and laying out on the beach. Jaco as just completley fell apart here in the last year. Well the party escalated to full blown Minaical craziness. People coming and going. I feel asleep early one evening on the sofa I live up on top you have to come up the stairs next to the other apartment and walk around the balcony to get to mine right? well someone came in while I was sleeping, Probably the girl next door and stole my camera and my phone and left me laying. In the Morning I woke up because my alarm did not go off on the phone. I was suppose to get up early that day to Go so San jose for this job I was working on. I searched frantically for the phone and couldn't find it then I looked to the end of the bar and found my camera was gone. I was so mad and scared as to who entered the house while I slept and took these things? The Ejoyment of Costa Rica after that day left me, I began to wonder and toy as I said about what I should do. It didn't stop there.

The little Gal below, Beautiful tiny bodied big boobied Columbiana with raving black hair had come to me some months back about making her some curtains, I had sewn draperies and pillows for the girl next to me ( her friend) And so she wanted me to fix up her place. I agreed, not knowing what she was at that time or what he was. She gave me some cash a hundred dollars. Well on this very day that I went to San jose the phone and camera stolen I went and got her fabric to sew the draperies. Not realizing they were in on this robbery.

Long story short I never made the drapes, My machine I borrowed broke no one here to repair it so I return it, and tried to find someone else with a machine. Ended up one day he was below me yelling at me to come out! I came out on the balcony, never have talk to this guy before. he demanded I sew the drapes. I explained what had happened. He was furious! demanded I do it now. I was unaware of all these facts that I shared but I knew they were all friends. He never entered any of the parties next door, he was out working the streets. Well in a short time, I heard the neighbor lets say her name was Marie euengia and Christina were talking on the my sofa on the balcony. My window is always open when I am home and Iwas on the computer.I could hear them wispering and saying something like just tell her its ok and take the fabric and then we will get back later? Well I didnt understand that and was not really listening close as I was busy but did hear it. You know kinda half listening?

Later a week or so she came to me asking for the fabric I had offered during the demading earlier to take the fabric and have someone else make the drapes. He wanted his money back, but I didn't charge to sew them for the nieghbor it was a gesture of kindness and favor. Same for her, Just pay for the fabric. I gave her the reciept she could see I spent a little more than she gave me. Took it never said a word.

Next day he ask for the money didn't want the fabric. Bigger reasons Im sure. I told him I didn't have it on me right now and that he had the fabric now and to just have someone make the draperies. Well about two days later on a Sunday afternoon I was walking to my friends restuarant at the end of town when a small car came barreling down the road and jumped the curb and almost hit me I heard it and saw it and ran off the side walk into a field and then crossed the street. I ran and kept running, they chased me and cornered me. It was them. They demanded the money or they were going to harm me. Seriously at that point I didn't even have 20 dollars in the bank. So how could I give the money and the fabric. Now I realize of course! WHO HE WAS AND HOW DANGEROUS THEY BOTH WERE.. ok now im really scared but thinking its best to stay in and not go out at all for a while. Never telling anyone this happened.

Come back tomorrow for the rest of this and a continuation of the life of Marianna in Costa Rica/ Spain/Costa Rica and now where??

Fourth of July Weekend Laferria and more

2009-07-06T09:55:00.002-06:00

Well I meant to write earlier but just caught up in things the deaths of my friends families and well just thoughts of my own singleness here.

I have not felt like writing much as you can see, there has not been a whole lot of posts with trying to find work and all the other complications of life. Although I am really trying to stay on a positive vien..... But Today I was impressed to write a few things.

First the worst part then the rest on a less heavier subject.

I have two friends here who in the past weeks has suffered loses of there family. One was 29 years old with heart that just failed. The other was 5 years old with a problem in the brain. We never know when are time is to leave and go on.. The reason for our lives could be just to add to others or be some sort of benift to those we leave behind. I woke up this morning with that. The reason most of us are here is that there is something special about each person. Each has something different about them that is special and can change the lives of others by our presences.
Half the time I don't know what my purpose is here? Really... I dont know why I am living and what is the reason for me? I think on this because I was taught by my mother god rest this woman.. that we all have purpose and that we should find the purpose and live it to benefit the world and others.
Ok yeah I agree I want to help and be a benefit, but for me I really dont know sometimes what the heck I am for??? on this other subject with my friends. I know what the purpose of both the brother and son where for. The brother of my friend, was 29 years old, the heart just stopped. He was the support of the mother lived with her for all his life and was her close companion. I am sure he was a great suport and help to her and the family. He was a gift to his mother and brother.. He I believe for my friend is something he should treasure as a family to instill on the little one that is growing up as an example of how you should be with your parents. Some children after they are grown love the parents but don't stay in contact with them, don't see if they are in need of anything or are well, or ill or need anything.
This child was there for her... she was single no husband. Not that the son should or could take a place of a husband, it was just that he believe out of respect to make sure his mother was taken care of. He had family he carry out his life but lived under the same roof and was always there for her. She I hope will learn how to be strong from the experience of his actions and use it for herself. The brother my friend I hope learns that his brother was super special and to try to teach the little one and himself how to be more of a support to his mother who needs to feel the love of her children.
Her husband died many years back and she raised her children pretty much alone.. I can relate to this.
Now on the boy, Mind you this is my own feelings on this The boy had brain problems always something wrong for his short but long battle of 5 years of brain problems. HE was a plesant little boy always complimenting his mother telling her how beautiful she was, how much he loved her. And now never to be sad that he was with her. She went through a separation of the marriage, leaving her with 5 children to provide for. He was with her at work and at home and was some sort of support in his way for his mother... same as the 29 year old ( truely loved their mothers) when he past he left her a present. The memory of how strong this little one was... of how he was in pain and yet still found the strength at such a young age to compliment and encourage his mother. What a gift he was.. that she got to share this for 5 years. I called her told her to pass his love and his wonderful ways to other children and that he was her heart of hearts to know she was lucky in a way to get to experience something very difficult that would only make her a much more understanding person of life and to be a role model to the other children. I know that.. its difficult, I lost two brothers, my mother and father. I saw death in its face at the very moment on the three, my brother I was there at the moment the lights went out. My father too.. My Mother too.. So I know what it looks to see death.. I realize what all of them shared with me. And that I am a strong person for experienceing so many things of life and death.

I am the type that when my friends are down they call me to pick them up.. they call me to try to understand. I don't know all the answers but I manage to work thought an figure out a few things and be a help to them.

We all have experienced some sort of tragedy, I guess dealing with it is how we get on with our lives. Some people live in the tragedy a long time.. not healing from the pain they feel. Carrying this into the rest of there life and passing on the pain to many others. Some of us heal fast and move forward and take the tragedy and turn into something positive. THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE... using those experiences to do something good .

ok now lighter subjects:
La ferria.. I went this week in hopes to find a fruit called zapote, its that one I pictured that was brown like a potato outside and orange inside it taste like pumpkin pie to me..but to no avail none was available.. DARN!! I am craving it now. I bought mimones, and hicotes, Watermelon pinapple, and these wierd bananas that had a slight tinge of melon color almost peach color. They are torpedo shaped and taste wonderful! better than any banana I have ever ate. So been eating those daily now since Friday. It was so hot at the la ferria that I went in my bikini top and skirt. I was sweating like crazy even with that.. I only stayed about 20 minutes. I drank my fav sugar cane with orange juice fresh squeezed in front of you cane and orange.. then walked about and shopped.
Not many people.. its pretty sad in some cases here... not many people any where. The beaches are empty i sure hope this Surf competition brings business.

Then the weekend. Well several places were celebrating the USA independence day here. With four displays of fireworks on the beach. Beach Fires and parties in all the beach clubs. I attended one at Genesha. It was nice the owner knows me know so I was sort of treated like VIP. I know almost everyone that works there so it was very nice, I kinda felt like I had family. It was a nice party I had two drinks nothing more and danced to some really good music but two Djs from USA.
There were many people the place was packed they had fires on the beach and fireworks. I decided to go to monkey to see if Rossy was there but she has gone home after closing the coffee shop. Our normal is to go together at 12:15 at night on the weekends. But she had gone home I stayed for about an hour then went home.
Well again the woman next door had her weekend party.. I fell asleep about 4:30 TErribly bad I couldnt sleep I was on the internet for hours... She came home at 6 began the house music and it lasted till about 11:00 then repeated the next night. I slept good last night she was dead I suppose. I told the landlord THIS IS IT I CANT NOT TAKE HER DOG PEEING ALL IN FRONT OF MY APARTMENT AND THE MUSIC.
I play my rent on time yet they do nothing to her. Shes been there two years me only one in the up coming months. Oct to be exact. I am going to have a talk with the male part of the ownership here today. I just am very sick of the lack of respect this woman has. I refuse to talk with her period. I wont have fights with my niegbor.. I want him to deal with this. She wont listen to me anyway.. I ask several times to turn down the music but she says ok and goes in and turns it up.
So whats the point of arguing???
I hate to move my place is so pretty and very big.. close to everything. But I may be facing that so to save my self.
I read yesterday about sleep deprivation.. can cause DEATH an more... with sleep the body does not process sugar either well causing weight gain too. I was very shocked to read all the things that results from Sleep deprivations..

Well I hope this weeks brings work of any sort.. and more sun, more fun.. and happiness.. I need it and want it all!!! pura vida??

GOD I FORGOT I HAVE ABLOG maybe no bodys reading

2009-07-02T20:22:00.003-06:00

ITs been so long and so much has happen that I have completly forgot I have a blog. I don't know if I even have any readers any more. So much crap has happen in the last few weeks. Its crazy. I just came back from a two day thing in San jose. I went for a job interview for some event center there but It ended up not really turning out like I had thought. We will see how this pans out in the future,
I been Talking to a good friend of mine of many years she plans on coming here some time in fall along with Clint who is now going to return for good!
My friend found me on Face book and its been so nice to be chatting with her and telling her some things about Costa Rica, that has comsumed me lately.

BUT FIRST I MUST REPORT THE WEATHER AND ODDITIES:

Weather has been rough lately lots of rain and bad storms. The sea has been ultimately high the highest I believe I have ever seen it. Soon there is a world surf competition and people are begining to come and practice on a sea that is dangerously wild. The weather can be perfect in one moment in the next it changes to wild wind and rain, Although I still go and visit the sea there hasnt been much beach to lay on.
Rocks are every where, huge logs too.. dangerous all together.
When the Surf competition hits the end of the month I hope the sea is better for there sakes. It will take place In Playa Hermosa not more than five minutes from Jaco. Already they have built towers and structures for people to watch and buy products. The beach I am sure will be filled with consessions and people.

Much has happened but I only remember a few things to account in this blog.
I been trying to find any sort of work, and found a little here there's not much really to speak of. But I manage to get by.. some how some way it works out.
Thats fine but I would like to be heading towards my goal of finding bella and getting someone to invest so I can begin moving on this.. this is a charmed life I should say but better than charmed would be to accomplish a goal I had since I first arrived in Costa Rica.
I have done two tours in the last month one was three days and the other was four. Both gentle men were professionals and it was the first time in Costa Rica. I did very well on the first one and the second one was more interesting.

It was someone I replied to an add on craigslist looking for an English speaking guide. I responded coresponded and landed it.

He is a producer of videos and clips,and shows on TV, I can not reveal the name but he has some good shows that people would know about. He came here with the intention of fliming wild areas, and adventures for a new pilot on TV called Work hard Play hard. About two young women who do adventures together. Opposite in styles but should be funny and interesting.
He wanted things that are not quite the common tour. So I found everything except one that we booked and it went a rye. But should the show be accepted, I will be working with them and the crew on finding more for them to film.
He flimed alot I mean alot. We started out in San Jose I picked him up at the airport and drove us to Jaco but stopping and some beautiful places, for him to experience some of the real Costa Rica that most Tourist don't do or see. Example:
Top of the jungle mountain in rain forest clouds drinking fresh coffee that was picked down below the mountains from the peoples farm. Make in a sock the way they have for years here the flavor is strong and so fresh and very tasty. We ate Casero cake made of corn and savored the coffee along with it.
Then drove on ward almost dark to a place were all the fruit is sold in masses. Things he has never heard of or seen, or tasted. The vendors were so nice and had us sample all sorts of odd things. HE was amazed and I was happy to see his face as he gracefully tried things he was not sure of.
We loaded up with goodies and I drove onward in the dark to Jaco. I explained to him that in the dark the first time it seems long but its a beautiful ride in day time and when you go back you will see. Sure enough when he did leave he wrote and told me WOW IT WAS GORGEOUS.. and he made it back fine on his own that in its self is a miracle because there are no signs the roads are curvy and winding and there parts of it not finished and it just stops.
After arriving in Jaco I checked him in a hotel near my place I booked for him. We had a little snack, and a couple of Caparinas and then decided to go out for the evening. We went to a couple of places so he could see the town. He liked it very much this was part of the job. Because he needed to see the night life as well for the segment.
The following day I had planed for us to do a private quad tour on properties not on the tours so he could see things. But the my friend Gravin was busy so I said ok lets go to Esterillos. In the drive he was very happy looking at the incredible country side and commenting. WE got in to Esterillos and I showed him the endless beach he did a little filming there, then I showed him the Mermaid that is out in the ocean that has a great story. I cant tell it now but soon as the pilot is out I will tell the story. I asked the owner of the hotel who built this mermaid if we could talk with him. He was out of the area and said some other time. So he filmed the Mermaid, feet in the sand, and waves close up the mermaid.Then we drove back to do the tour. FUN FUN FUN only two quads me on the back of Gravin and him alone.
We went high up in the jungle rain forest as we climbed it became lush and greener, a little cooler not much. Soon we crossed riverd and streams and then all of sudden, saw ducks wild ones on the road, Cows wandering about all over. THEN TO MY LEFT as Graven drove we saw a waterfall so down to the fall we went and he flimed my feet dangling in the fall and all of the fall and areas surrounding the falls. Leading out of the fall we climbed higher.
Now we really saw something spectacular. Slowing driving upward on a graded hill of packed dirt. We saw about 40 monkeys traveling from tree to tree right in front of us close up less than 20 feet. THey stopped all the monkey gaurds stopped and watched us and then signaled to the other monkey's to move forward. The stopped in front of us we stopped turned off the bikes, Then he filmed then playing eating and grabbing mangos. Some were doing the cheekie cheekie.. ( YA KNOW) being they saw a female.. funny I thought!! I laughed actually. It was a beautiful thing really they were in awe of us and we were in awe of them.
After about 15 minutes we moved on to the top of the mountain I mean the very top. ABOVE THE CLOUDS.. wow that was outstanding. MARVELOUSA.. watching the clouds move past us and around us he got great footage of clearing of areas and filling of areas and watching the formations of the clouds change right in our faces.
Then the utlimate. There is a place its a little restaurant, but not like you may imagine. ITs nothing but posts, raw trees, holding up a roughly made roof. WIth dirt floors and a wood burning oven fire to cook on. It sits on the top of the mountain rough wood tables made of slabs of trees, and stools are stumps. The woman gave us some fresh cooked yucca with butter yummmmmmm.. then coffee the way I described earlier, then casero cake empanadas. Enjoying this was fun then came the toucans right there to inspect us. So he ran with his video cam and got great footage of them close up and singing.
I saw the rustic sugar cane squeezer machine its a crank with a vice and a crude funnel that the juice somes flowing out of. I notice all the cane sitting there big shoots of it. I asked her if she could make us some but to wait because I thought this would be a good thing for the two girls in the show to try to do them selves. Ok so he got ready to shoot it, I was on one side, graven on the other, and the lady in the middle shoving the cane through. kinda like the old washing machine Idea where you feed the clothes through to wring them out??? yea thats it!!
I CRANKED WOW THAT WAS HARd the first time the second time harder the third time she trippled the same cane in half and I could harldy crank it. I told this guy that would be hillarious if the girls were trying and one go the hair caught int here while she was doing it.. He liked that..
NOW COMES the tasting... its green in color and it washes down this crude dirty looking black metal spout.
She put in a container as it flowed out and then went and put a bit of wated in it and served us in glasses the juice. REFRESHING AND TASTE SOME LIKE ICE TEAT WITH SUGAR.. but funny he said im gonna make a joke. The sugar bowl was sitting on the counter.. he took a drink said NO NEEDS MORE SUGAR
we all laughed. SHe got the joke it was pure sugar cane NO NEED for more sugar GAWD!!!

So we drank and then mounted up to head back. Going down being very happy with the results of the day. We ended up at Genasha, having a mechelada, and watching only one of our most beautiful SUNSETS here..

The next day was suppose to be the repelling of waterfalls but that all fell apart, something happen with the reservation I made.. but we did end up driving to Manuel Antonio he saw the area and we met a friend who he knew had aplace called the blue monkey. So we visited and returned home. that night a great Sushi dinner at Sunamis, and then out for the last evening.
He met rossy and we all had a great time.
Now this week I met another two men who are developing an Event center in San Jose, I had an interview but as I said I am not sure about how this will turn out. I spent two days at there home with other employees of theres too, Its like abig compound . So I was not alone, they also have a development in Esterillos of all things!!! Called Las Olas. It is in the begining stages, but I would love to have a piece of that for Bella Esperanza.
Well more on this tomorrow I sure hope I still have readers I been so bad about writing.
I have to find somewayto make money off this or other internet things!!! GOT ANY IDEAS?? let me know.. life is ok.. tonight I am going with out with Rossy. I haven't seen her since Sunday we had a great Italian dinner at this little place that is truely authentic here. Then later we had coffee and talked at her coffee shop.

MORE TO COME

STILL HERE IN COSTA RICA

2009-06-15T07:25:00.003-06:00

Although I have not writen in two weeks , I am still alive and living in Costa Rica.
It has been raining the past few weeks about three times or so a week. Last night I was awaken to the sound of crashing rain. It's kinda plesant but yet startling too.
The river that I live next to swells in the rain, really makes lots of sound in combination oof the rain hitting the tin roof that covers my apartment. The sound of rain on tin is certainly loud.. a completely different feeling about the rain.
The sun was shinning bright Yesterday it was one the best days since Rossy and I went to the tortuga Island.
The Sun came up really early I felt it shinning on my face as I laid in the bed, surrounded by all white sheets white bed covers and white billowy curtains.
When you lay in my bed as you look To the left the view is peacefull morning gazing out over the mountains, with the light clouds hanging over the tips of the hills. Very pretty, the green grasses now are very high from all the rain. It's hot its not cold , I do notice in the mornings it is breezy and very fresh... I like this time of year.

I got up and made coffee as normal, Cleaned up from the night before. I had a freind over we ate popcorn watched Tv Drank wine and hung out.. So cleaning up and doing dishes, and just hanging out in the early Sunday Morning time.. I went back and forth to the bedroom several times but the last time I looked on the tin roof of the cover for the Washer and dryer .This cover sits in line with the bottom of the window of my bedroom making a platform to the window, since Im on the second floor.. the palm trees in the background with bougenvillas in hot pink bloom.. cover the small structure. Huge planter palms behind all that with a giangantic Jungle trees past that. There sat a small Orange monkey sitting on the tin roof looking in the window of my bedroom.

The windows are huge they are about 7 x6 feet. Two of them end to end so the view is great its really nice actually.. I saw this for the very first time ever since I lived in Costa Rica. A monkey so close I could touch it if I opened the window so I slowly walk to the window I had orange shorts on and a orange bikini top and he stopped and staired... he was orange too? Maybe he was thinking I was a relative? I dont know but it was strange he just stopped and swayed back and forth and watched me I smiled and talk to it.. stayed there for a few minutes for me to enjoy.. Never in Town Have I ever seen a monkey that close!!! I was delighted, smiling and thinking this is great luck sign for me.

A few minutes later a friend of mine showed up the one that was here the day before I asked if we could go to platya Esterillos, which is fifteen minutes away from here. They agreed. We loaded up and went for the ride to mountain to get the car, from a taxi. We tried to start it and it wouldn't start, pushing this old jeep wouldn't get it to start so we took yet another taxi up the mountain where they live and got another friend to help push the car. Rode back down with surf boards and all our gear for the beach.
Got it started and then drove to Esterillos for a beautiful Sunday on this endless beach.
When we arrive the tide was very low so surf was not that good.. we just bought some things to eat and munch on ,put up hammocks and I threw my surrong on the sand. We laid around talking eating coconuts and drinking the milk from some that were close.
In the trees behind us were lots and lots of Macaws making so much noise you had to talk over them in order to be heard.
We walked the beach picked up shells and played in the tide pools.. saw an eel and then walked back to the jeep.
Hung out for another hour or so then came back to Jaco after going to the house they changing their clothes and getting cleaned up.
We went later and ate Isreali food and got stuffed.. I had humus and home made peda bread, they had swarma, and lamb with salad and rice.
It was a nice Sunday, one of the best days since Rossy and I went to the Island.
Other than this I been watching the macaws lately close to the apartment, trying to find any sort of work.. strange as it is I know how to do so many things, so much talent and nothing going on.. I am little weary but not sad. Right now Im trying my best to stay positive and believe that something good is coming my way soon!!!!

( HOPE ITS IN THE FORM OF DOLLARS)

Isla Tortuga, and our Beverly hill billys boat

2009-05-24T07:50:00.012-06:00

This is a lapa, They call them lapas, Red Macaw many today at my house, this one is tame Here is What I call the Beverly Hill billy boat we rode on for the wedding in Isla Tortuga

Coming up to the island, OUR Beverly Hill Billy boat took for ever it should have been called TORTUGA INSTEAD OF THE ISLAND ( Tortuga =Turtle )

Aproaching the Island

We left at 7 am more or less, wadeing out in the beach at Playa Herradura, catching a small ponga that took us to this boat. I was thinking oh not so bad but after arriving to the island four hours later.. I had a change of heart, especially when I saw all the other boats that pulled up. Not only did we have a long trip but we had to wait out in the water some distant away from the shore in order for yet another ponga to take us all the beach. Waited about half an hour for that.. But it was nice once we got onto the island

This palm tree was on the upper deck along with a one arm mermaid and this guy who was one of the crew members. He probably just made that hat today to for the trip over. The boat was filled with the wedding party and guests, although they did not offer us even a glass of water. Not very organized. I tried to sleep some, as I got in late with Rossy the night before, waking me up at 6.00 am with only two and half hours of sleep.. he was trying to be cool the deck hand!

There she is the one arm Mermaid poor thing..at least put a sling on her! now your begging to understand why I called it The Beverly Hill Billys

Now your about to see why It was the Beverly Hill Billys boat, this is what we should have arrived in! This manta Ray flew past us as we waited for our other ponga with guests on deck drinking laughing.. music going and they glided right up on the beach the ramp came down and they all exited with out getting wet!! ok Next time Im going on that one!! OH MY GOD you should have seen Rossy and my mouth when that flew by, and all the other yatchs!

There is rossy we were laughing and thinking where did we go wrong??

We got to the island I was starving, I only ate some spaggetti sauce the night before little tiny bit with some meat, no pasta.. and then danced in the morning only time for a peice of toast. Four hours on the boat I wanted to eat this parrot. I was not asking everyone if they sold drinks of crackers anything I didn't know If could wait for the food for the weddding. It was prepared but they had to warm it and get it all ready that could be an hour.. so we walked about, I saw this parrot on the perch and told rossy lets bbq this Im starving she laughed alot at me.. We looked in the souveiner shop but no food. The beach was pretty the sand was white I found big peices of coral. The sun was partial it was cloudy and sunny perfect for tanning and laying out

As you can see it was a nice place, its only open in the day, walking the island is prohibited, you can only use the beach and that is it. There was a small place that sold food but wasnt ready till about 1:00 so we just laid out I drank some wine and wow got really tipsy fast!

The wedding was at 2:00 we had to leave at three so we were only there a couple of hours, shame to go all that way? stupid really.. that Boat really was a turtle

The weddings here are done by a lawyer not a minister, although you can have one a lawyer has to assist, they had one in Spanish a female, and one person translated in English because obvioulsy the Groom was a Gringo, marrying a Tica Here is the lovely couple.

I wandered about taking photos, many of us were but I think I got some good ones, We had a surprise brides maid show up but as you can see they were serious faced in this photo during the ceremony. It was fast maybe about ten minutes max, and she was done and off drinking champagne!!

Now don't get me wrong, but I wasn't impressed with the flowers, I was a high end wedding designer, of course this is Costa Rica But For crying out loud Gerbers??? that wilt in five minutes? And we have some of the most incredible tropical botanical flowers in the world. WHY NOT ORCHIDS AND baby gingers..???

The grounds were basically picnic areas but very pretty, I enjoyed it there I would like to return on a different boat soon and really hang out and snorkle and play.

This little darling is the daughter of the bride, she has three children, previous mariages.

She was adorable I tried to get as many shots as I could be she was camera shy. This shot was during the ceremony and she was wrapped up with looking at the surprise bridesmaid

Well here she is the surprise brides maid. This wild pig came strutting down the aisle on the path with roses, and then entered under the table of the ceremony. They said this is a sign of good luck , everyone was laughing the thing was pretty tame too.. use to the Island visitors. Wow first time I seen one of these! and the little girl too!

This is the other brides maid the older daughter of the bride, she picked her up so she wouldnt go after the pig

Well she did her part and said I guess the party is over and took off as soon as the ceremony was finished.. I thought this was so funny! And interesting too.. she was curious about what we were doing, not only just looking for food but curious.

Thats Rossy looking on as the finished up the ceremony I was walking around taking photos of everyone and every thing. It was a nice day, I enjoyed it as tired as I was I some how had forced some energy out of me.

The wedding was about over at this point and we were all just waiting for the kiss the attorney asked the all the questions and then they signed the papers. FAST AND QUICK Just like that done!

There they are again smiling now its about time for the kiss

Well I miss the kiss I was busy taking shots of the attorney and other people and so I missed it but this is the attorney.

He helped put the arch way up and build it out old palm leaves and some leaves, from a tree, pretty simple this wedding.

Here is the little darling again having fun with the flowers. She was so dang cute! I was in love with her

Here is rossy watching here play as you can see all of us were watching her

Isnt she adorable!!!

They tossed the bouquet and the gal that finally caugth it is a tica, she had to toss it five times kept throwing it over the side where this guy was.

The next bride and groom!

Just a tip to let you know

2009-05-22T20:06:00.002-06:00

I am going to the Tortuga Island tomorrow here in Costa Rica with my friends. Its a boat ride with food, drinks and fun on the Island, party, swim snorkle on white sand beaches. Tan is going to be very dark after tomorrow. I already am but wow after this I need photos! Plenty of pictures will follow. Today was filled with chores, I had gone to San Jose yesterday, and didn't get back till late. I went with my friends from Portland again to the Cima hospital for his eye problems. But today was filled absolutely.

I woke up very early the music was playing next door again, crazy girl, simply because the landlord was gone to his farm in the mountains.
So I didnt sleep much because Rossy and I were at Monkey bar last night till 2:30 dancing and watching a dance show with all BLACK BEAUTIFUL MEN!!! the bodies were incredible.. and could they ever move! it was so fun.
We had one capparina and that was it. I came home before she did.
Then after waking with the music, I made coffee, got on line and began working putting adds on for the condos of my clients that needs to be rented. I am trying to be a help to him and myself. I will be a personal consierge should they rent. So I spent plenty of time listing them on Craigslist. COSTA RICA. I will again and try to put photos this next time.
Eating a little breakfast of passion fruit and watermelon and one egg, I went down and painted the giant bamboo that I began two days ago second coat today looks sharp. I painted them a bone color glossy enamel. Wierd I thought at first but now they look sharp.. I like it I might paint a small brown line on the caps. where the growth of each layer is.
Then I potted more plants and changed out things, I cleaned up the kitchen it was a diaster with dirt god!! what was I thinking!! I planted all my seeds in the starters for the new garden I am going to construct. Every one here is in shock no one does this here..
just the whole day was filled with doing things around here. but tomorrow I got to the ISLA TORTUGA so please read about this adventure and enjoy the photos of the beautiful islands in the pacific ocean.

GOOD MORNING WORLD

2009-05-20T07:54:00.002-06:00

Well I think the discotec has stopped! It was so nice to wake up to quiet, with birds singing. I felt hot stuffy when I woke up this morning. Sun was shinning bright making it warm as you pull yourself up an out of bed. I stumbled about the apartment open the door first thing to looked outside.. to see the new day. GOOD MORNING WORLD I said. No noise so pretty out, with the colors of all the plants this morning being so vibrant to me. it just seem wonderfull to be alive.
I want to explain about the discotec if your not understanding. For the past month or two.. I should say. The girl that lives next door has come home all hours with people, and turns her stero up to the ultimate volume and blasts house music till all day or middle day one time till the next day. I was so frustrated. I can not call the police, as she will know Im the one only me and one other person lives down stairs and thats her very good Columbian girlfriend. THe owner lives below here but they say they can't hear it. which I doubt. They say the doors are closed the air is on they don't hear it. IMPOSSIBLE!!! its so loud the whole places shakes.. this week three times one at 6 am, one at 5 am and the last which was Sat, at 5:30 am till Sunday afternoon at 2:00. Yelling dancing on the balcony this time. This was the first time I lost my temper. I was sleeping on the sofa trying to rest good because the bedroom was too hot. I heard them come in loud and drunk. Probably stoned on Exstacy, I got up slammed my door hard knock something down in side that was how hard I slammed it.. then slammed the window shut as well . She was out there dancing on the balcony next to my window I was ready to put my fists in her face! this is the first time in ever I felt this.
I didn't though I beared with it horrible it was.. tried to eat got dressed and left for the beach. My friends met me it was Sunday our normal day at the beach. We talked and I explained again what I have been going through to my friend Orpha.
She said don't do or say anything Marianna, her friends are Columbiana, and she is or could be dangerous and could hurt you or do bad things to your place. Now more frustrated, I thought there has to be a way.. later In Orphas house Phili her daughter and were brain storing on what I could do to defer this music, maybe something sinister..!!! I walked home as soon as the rains came and thought all the way home. I hate to have to move, the place is so beautiful now and I have spent alot of time and my own money to repair things. Ok so what? Ok So try talking to the landlords

I go down Angelica and I were outside thats the owners name, Jimmy the husband Gringo.
We talked I explain not mad not with anger. I said Angelica I have been very kind and patient about this, There are lots of bad people out there and some are coming here and going in and out like its nothing. She is doing something to obtain the drugs, and drinking is very hard now. It is only going to escalate. ( of course were speaking in Spainish) I explained ,Yes I am older but young in my spirit there fore I have not said much to her about any of this except three times asked nicely at those early hours to turn the music down slightly so I could return to sleep.
She never does..then I said I have work so hard all my life to be a person who respects, and tries to treat others decent. I respect her and I don't get involved with things that goes on in front of my face. I want respect too this is not good, if it doesnt stop I have to find another place. I also pointed out you have two young impressionable Children and you are permitting this to go on about you. People coming going,, who knows whats going on in there.( kinda have an Idea) But the nationalites of the people Are dangerous and I will not get invloved with a war with any of this. Please talk to her, please tell her she has to stop.. come to find out she hadn't paid all the rent. So that was a plus in the action of her going and speaking to her about all this.

So well she did!!! and it has stopped for now its only been three days. But the girl was scared and begged that she didn't throw her out in these hard times. I told Angelica, listen if she has money to fiesta and do other things.. she has money to pay the rent.. no excuses!!
That day Angelica went to the local hardware store, bought some high bar stools, she called me in and aske me to do a project for her. Make cushions so I agreed, and I was happy because now we are buidling a bond. The next day I talk with Jimmy about the garden. I helped him trim all the bushes and palms and disucssed the idea of building a vegetable Garden near my side where the sun is full most of the day. Making it a raise bed. I went bought all the seeds and and now were talking alot. Then in the Morning Yesterday, they asked me to go along with them to Punteranas to help them find the fabric for the chairs. I was thrilled I wanted to get out of Jaco for a few hours. I got dressed put the makeup on and we took off about nine. It only took us Twenty minutes to go there when before it was an hour or more.. they made the new Freeway and wow was that fast!!! soon the new one to Jaco from San Jose will be done and I can not wait to see how that goes?? anyway we drove around tried to find fabric, that didn't work. Nothing in this little fishing town that sits on the edge of the mouth of the bay. Puntereanas could be a beatiful place if the government would invest money in it but its run down. Old buildings ghettos, old old stores. IT looks like its set back in the early 30s. IT was fun Jimmy took lots of pictures of old things saying soon you may not see this. We ate at this place on the beach front, and talked it was very nice. Then we walked around in the strickening heat. GOD WAS IT EVERY HOT!! I sweated maybe 3 kilos off! At the end of the day in Punteranas, we wizzed by the pier and stopped and bought from one of the Shrimp boats shrimp. Jumbos I got like 40 Jumbos for 7 thousand colones. Amounts to roughly 12 dollars right now. IT goes up and down daily. I plan on having shrimp tonight!!
Then we drove back stopping at two hardware stores, because I wanted to try to find a drop light for my dinning room table.( HERE NOT A COMMON THING BUT I THOUGH GIVE IT A SHOT) well I did see quite a few of them modern ones but not bigg enough or too expensive, or just plane ugly.

So coming home putting away my wares, talking on the computer for about two hours to my Son Brandon and to My friend Terri. Brandon and I are doing famously now! Things have all turned around with us. I am so happy to have my son back! I enjoy his stories and his questions on life.
I can not wait for him to come here in Aug!!! I have so many visitors coming. NOW IF Can get Jordan, Nancy, Julian here.. thats my youngest and his girlfriend, my grand son. THey just don't make any money period, its hard for them as its hard for everyone. I wish I could just send them the tickets....( thinking how????:( ) They want to come for Christmas but I am not going to be planning on them coming its a nice thought. I haven't spent Christmas with Family in Five years.
OH well on to the visitors, My Ex boyfriend is coming in July, Brandon in Aug, Maybe a good friend in Sept or Oct, and Clint my good friend and asssistant for so many years is planning on coming back in OCT. Wow ok this is a first!!! I got to get some good little jobs so I can entertain well and not be worried about paying things..
honestly I dont worry any more Worry only stops the good from coming. Im very positive in these days and it sure is paying off for me.
I feel great and I am looking so relaxed no stress.
You think How?
Ok I just put in my mind that everything is going to be fine, I put a smile on my face and think pleasant thoughts and change the way I use to think.
I try to believe that everyday is new! and something good is coming...!!
AND GUESS WHAT IT DOES!!
Good morning world!

Weekend in Paradise..

2009-05-15T07:30:00.003-06:00

MAYBE?? I was woke up at five am Again the sounds of house Music from the neighbor who parties all night. She brought the party here this time. I am fine now at first I was angry it was five am.. but I made coffee washed the dishes, sat outside trying to relax and wake up, and now I am fine. Its just that I can not complain the landlord who actually lives below her. The reason is because half the time he is not here. He is a Gringo, married to a Tica. They are the type that wont do anything because she pays her rent on time. She and I are both very clean and have made our places look spectacular.. he has fear she will argue and leave. Calling the police with her living right next door is not an option. It will only increase the party and make her angry making my stay here more miserable than listening to some pounding house music several days a month. Its a situation alright. I love my peace I never bother anyone, but this is too much. If I try to talk with her, which we talk every day very much she will agree and keep doing what she does. I tried somewhat already. So how do I reslove this? one person said while shes sleeping do the same thing... but I am not going to do that. Thats showing her I am at the same level. So I think I will ask if we can talk alone tomorrow and see how to get her to understand how it effects me. Even if she lowered it a couple of notches it would be fine... anyway enough of complaining here.

The skys lately are cloudy, lots of thunder but little rain. Its hot in the day, at nights it has gotten cooler making more pleasant to sit here with out air condition.
Yesterday I went with my friends from Portland again. They met me on here the blog. The blog brought them to me.. and now they have built a house in Parrita, which they want to sell because they want to move to another area. The house is super nice two story and has three bedrooms sits in a palm orchard so its really quiet!!! to bad I don't have a car!!! I would move there!
They are asking me to help rent it or market it for them so we discussed it on the way to San Jose. The husband has an eye problem, we went to Cima the best hospital in the country. They are taking this very fast.. already in two days he has had all the tests and will be operated on I am sure the next week. I had to drive as they put drops and medicine in him for the exams.
She drives but can not see well at night.
We miss the turn off when he was driving and hitting the brakes very hard and blew the right front brake line. We didnt know untill I dropped him off so she and I could go look around for hours.. the brakes were flush to the floor. I went to a gas station and had them put in brake fulid to find out the guy in the station said it was leaking out. OK???? now what? the mountain drive is dangerous as it is with brakes, curvy dark at night steep and very difficult to drive. We drove around like that I handled it fine while were in the city with city traffic that is insane.. I was super carefull but felt like I am not sure about driving this over that Jungle.
After we ate we talked, I took him back for more tests, then had coffee and talk with his wife. When he was done I told him I wanted to see if someone could at least stop the line up so we could get to a place today to get it fixed. It was late and in San jose Two hours and half away from there home and mine.
So I found I small mechanic that did brakes only. He showed me it was bad the whole line was broke in half. I suggested cutting it stopping it off at least so I could make it home. He did just that.. we got on the road it was raining a little but the drive was fine I compensated for the lack of one brake but it was fine much better than dealing with no brakes that were absolute mush..
We got home it was so hot in my place I quickly opened all the doors,one window and put the fan on. I ripped off all my clothes put my surrong on and lit candles and sat outside for a while on the computer.I could hear all the different frogs so pretty at night, lots of bugs too many different sounds, Quiet for a long time then you could hear in the distant the discos playing there music but in a far distant. I talked with an old friend Terri.. and laughed and chatted then laid on the sofa and that was all I remember. Then waking at five am to the HOUSE DISCO and people standing at the door waiting to get in.

Well today is Friday, I go the market on the street. I also am going to have something framed. I hope to buy flowers today for the house too... being that I was a high end event designer most of my life, interior and exterior designer.. I love beautiful things, flowers supported my children and my self. Flowers were my life for many of those years. I want always to have them but no one sells them here. Scarce and really I don't know why Columbia is the best resource in the world and its close.. Costa Rica has the most beautiful tropicals but you cant buy them..
Off on my adventures for the Weekend! PURA VIDA

FUN FISH AND FRUITS

2009-05-13T21:40:00.004-06:00

Today was a beautiful day, It started out pretty early I woke up at 4:45 and the sun was up! but that did not persude me to keep my eyes open. I laid back down and snoozed till 7:00 then made my coffee and got on line to see what new mail was there. To my surprise a few from old friends and one from a maybe new one?

Then I talk with the landlord about the pile of junk that has been laying out there as long as I have been there and how it is a bother to the quiet view in the morning. I agreed to help pay for it to be hauled off. Then he jumped up and said he would get it done. For me to find a truck.. Later I took a walk about 10 ish and walked into the hardware store where all the trucks park that want work. I talk to one guy waiting he had a small truck I told him to ask for Jimmy and he came while I was walking on the beach.

I began to walk but first to see some huge 6 inch round bamboo I spotted 8 months ago in an empty lot was cut and all very nice lenghts. I asked several times about them, so today I gathered them up and went on my walk.
At the end of the beach I saw small pongas, I asked they very thin fraile fisherman if they would sell me one. Yes for the price of less than two dollars. So I got me a fish and walked back. No one was on the beach it was almost completely empty except for one or two ticos walking.

Walking back I stopped at the bamboo spot, called a taxi and had them pick me up. IT just so happened it was a friend. He helped me put it in the back and drove to the house. I plan on sanding it and staining it. Using as a sculture in the house.
Then when I returned all the junk that has been there was hauled off! I was so happy. I ate some yogurt checked mail and then left for the nursery. I want to try to build a rasied bed here. I honestly have never seen anyone with a vegetable garden in Jaco. I thought well maybe I should ask what grows best, Although its filled with tropical plants, flowers and trees.
I found out some good news not much but a few good things will do well. Friday is the day.

This is the inside of the pod called guava pod, the seeds you suck on are furry and most. They are sweet and almost have a cinnamon flavor.
This is A fruit that is orange inside its called Zapote, It has a huge pit that is black similar to the shape of Avocado. The flavor to me is like pumkin pie. VERY GOOD use it in a blender with sweetend condensed milk and ice WOW WHAT A DELICOUS SHAKE OR SMOOTHIE

GUAVE POD< PASSION FRUIT< MEMONIES..

The yellow part is the fruit, crack open the green cover and suck on them

The same guava pod and memonies and Passion fruit

Here is the after of the fish I bought at the beach today WONDERFULL! I filet the fish.

Here she was before I cooked her

So after the vivero, the nursery I had gone to my friends salon. I haven't seen here since she came over the other night to bring me popcorn. We talk every day. We chatted and discussed a plan for the weekend. Our day at the beach hopefully if it doesn't rain.

ITs been raining some and cloudy and thunderous.. but hot always hot here.

SO BEAUTIFUL I am so lucky. I was so happy today with the fish, fruit the fun... and oh yeah the garbage is gone!

Wondering what I been doing?

2009-05-09T20:06:00.002-06:00

I been doing a little of this and little that lately. Painting, rescuing Plants and repotting them. Went one day to San jose with my friends from Portland Oregon. We spent the day shopping and hanging out. Very nice to be in the company of them once again. We bought things to fix our houses up. Me not that much.. only a ceiling fan, small clock for the wall and a carpet for in front of the sink. Its not easy to find cool things here, but I do know where to find items. Simple things as I stated before on here is generally the most difficult. It is not a country of big design or beautiful items the country it self is the beauty here so being creative is the key to making someones place beautiful.
I always find ways but its not easy here at all.
I have not gone out, or into town in the past week at all. I walked a little but have been home doing things here. The laundry was an effort since I haven't washed in a couple of weeks. I just don't have enough to make it worth it so today was a big laundry day starting at seven am. Fun to hang it on the lines and smell it when you remove it to take it all in.
I don't know I find pleasure in the most simple things any more.
I had visitors last night Orhpa and Rossy came by. Rossy has never seen my place and was in love with it. My friends are becoming closer to me.. its very nice to have people who care. Things are changing in my life here.. and now I have more contact with family. Alot has changed in the past couple of months. THANK GOD!!! I actually was contacted by an old old friend who she and I have been soul mates as friends for years. I was lost to her she had no idea where I was untill one day her daughter Shannon, googled me and found me on face book. Now I am in contact with here about everyday in the past few days. Its so nice to be chatting with my buddy again.
She wants badly to come and visit, but I am sure finances are the problem. I told her its very cheap now to travel to Costa Rica, that I have a great place near the beach that she would be perfectly welcomed to stay here for how ever long she could. Maybe that will happen too? I don't know but I do know that things are changing for me.
Its been a week of just doing domestic things, and I plan to continue fixing and just hanging out being creative here for the next week or so.
We have had some rain really nice actually cooling down the days, now you can hear at night the numerous sounds of various types of frogs croaking in the small river that runs next to my place. Its a mis of thumping, drumming, cricket sounds and many strange sounds. from clicking to almost bird like sounds. But its all frogs or toads. I am acustom to the sounds since I have been here for a while but for a stranger I am sure its wild to hear. It almost like hearing some sort of music.
The other night I notice the fire flys, there so pretty at night. Lightly glowing off and on. Here they are very small black and fly slow.. The float from the ground and make patterns. I enjoy listening and watching morning and night.
Today I had two palmomas wild ones, these are wild pigeons. They are hues of rose with irredescent blues on the wings. Large too not small like domestic ones. Shy not agressive.. very pretty to watch.
Other than this not much doing.. I went to Friday market got passion fruits that are egg shaped and have a seed texture inside. The flavor is undescribleable but I am in love with it! so it must be passion....
I bought those guava seed pods again, Avocados that are huge so good, strawberries, grapes, green beans small and fresh. I had to have fresh squeezed sugar cane juice. Wow is that ever delicious.. kinda like Ice tea with sugar, green in color and full of anti oxidents. Then the pineapples white and yellow that are super sweet at this time. Sugar like no acid.
My fridge is filled with fresh goodies this weekend, that is pretty much my highlights..
Not a whole lot of people this week here, tourisum is down. WE need people to come and visit and enjoy the beauty of this place. So think about it want a nice place to warm to visit where food is good and the airplane ride is cheap now? Come to Costa Rica!

Woke up to a fresh rain

2009-05-03T08:15:00.003-06:00

Waking up a fresh Rain is always inviting when the weather has been as it has lately. Hot ,sticky, down trodden, so this should wake all the plants back up clean up all the dust that has crusted everything and cool down the atmostphere. It feels so nice, sitting out on the balcony smelling the fresh coffee and sipping. The coffee here is the best, the life too along with it.

Those guys called yesterday don't know what they said because the phone they were using was cutting out. That happens all the time here half the time phone system hardly works. I didn't bother to call back, one of my guy friends that I told the story too was disgusted said something really good. Said the Tourists that come here are very inconciderate of most people. USA tourists are the most embarrassing, really loud obnocious, and rude. Which that was rude... but today is a new day and new things has arrive the rain is a great sign of freshening.
I feel refreshed, but the only thing is today is my beach day with Orpha, guess that is not happening. Its cooler than I have remembered it being here in May. Normally not much rain, but this is nice.
Lots of Parrots and hummingbirds singing and fighting about who is getting the nectar first. They pretty big here not small like in the USA, I saw some in Spain those too were tiny. ,The climate here produces big things.. thats an understatement!
I had one of my friends from Nicauagua Call last night she lives right up the street, she is 21 years old and very cute. Sweet.. loves to just chat with me.. funny I have Women of every age as friends, from 18 to 50. The younger ones like to be around me, reason they say is that I am funny and beautiful. So nice to have sweet friends like them. I am lucky, I do have a nice assortment of beautiful friends. A few male friends here too but most of them are always after one thing. Regardless of age, this is the nature of most men. I am not afraid to say it, I have experience this my whole life.. here is more out in the open, sex is not a bad thing nor is it something that is sequestered here. I can say this, when I lived in USA not very often was asked out, in fact hardly ever.. never even looked at Ignored mostly, but here!!!!! wow!!!
The best thing I can say is its very nice to be complimented, and asked constantly, but I do get tired of some of the locals constantly asking me for my company. I just smile never am I rude and I politely slip away or go on to another subject. Its constant.. I am not complaining, I am just stating its a different world here, you can not compare it North American standards. I am use to it now at first when I came here was shocked and thought ok they are targeting me.. but its not that at all. Its when they see someone who is attractive they tell you. Its not harrassment its compliment. So I am lucky in that aspect.
VERY LUCKY..
Was reading yesterday about Sicily I want so badly to visit my heritage, I have a couple of goals here in the next year. One is Maybe to go to Columbia for a visit, and to see Sicily if I can. My friends from Spain keep writing me to come and visit them too. In fact a friend from Italy is coming this next week. He may be staying with me. He lived in Spain and I became friends with him and his good friends. Really funny guys. They wrote me last week to tell me they were coming. I told them they would be smart to have me take them around. I will see what happens,I am not making any solid plans till I hear from him. It will be the first time In Costa Rica so I am sure hes going to want to see all the famous places.

Well... its nice today I am happy to be alive and living in Costa Rica, Today is a new day and new things are about to happen.

Nothing much more going on

2009-05-02T13:47:00.002-06:00

Some sort of Holiday again, there are lots of people in town this weekend. It began yesterday, I got up normal time slept on the sofa again because its so hot, got dressed in my surrong and bikini to walk to beach and then to the La ferria. Friday is our fruit and vegetable market at the end of town. Not to many people there but the streets were begining to fill up with cars and people walking by the time I walked all the way back. Its quite a distances from my apartment. I would estimate about three miles maybe? Maybe less, but its hot and when you walk you feel like your treading down. I did it but boy it was hot. I was absolutely Soaked by the time I reached the house.
Then later I had sorta a date if you wanna call it that? I met this guy from New York, but right now I am not thinking to highly of him or his friends. He met me on Thursday evening, asked me for lunch I went to his condo as he asked.. he wasn't there called after I paid the taxi to go there, walked about mile and half back to this taco bar and had humus. Said he would find me took him a hour after that I had paid already then he said lets go in the pool at my place I agreed to walk back but I wasn't wanting to go in the pool. We talked He asked what I was doing today? I was there about an hour chatting and drank a beer with him. I told him nothing. He has five friends in the condo, I said why don't we invite some people, you pay for the food I cook and we all have a nice afternoon. It's some sort of holiday here so everyone is out and about and on the beach. The condo is right on the beach front so you can see all the people and swim in the pool. He agreed it would be really fun so we made a plan. Ok So I saw all the them last night we talked about it, I invited maybe ten of my girlfriends. I left my number so they would let me know but we agreed I would come there about 11:30 or 12:00. I did exactly that got up early made breakfast drank my coffee interneted, researched on some reciepes.. and wrote a list for the store. I took the taxi again to the condo, NO ONE THERE.. and to this moment has not called. Its 2:00 the party was to be at 2:30 Needless to say, I was disapointed, and discouraged, and a little mad. So I walked back on the beach, its near the la ferria so it about three miles back. All dressed up with no where to go.. Feeling super down,
I hate that when people committ and then flake, I am a woman of my word.. when I say I am doing it I AM DOING IT.. and I was so disapointed. I was looking forward to cooking for a group and enjoying food together talking and being social.
NOT only this but what are my friends going to say to me? FREAKING MEN!!
So walking back sweating like a pig.. all pretty, hair washed ,makeup on wedge heels, and cute dress.. Paid my water bill rested in the mas x menos grocery store so I could cool off. Ended up buying corn chips cheese, conditioner and water. To make some stupid NACHOS! instead of a great meal with friends.
Now I walked home, ate this wierd fruit pod thing called guava but it sure doesn't look like guava.. and sat here and thought about life itself.
I generally have respect for others, And If I have a problem with something I committed to I tell them I can't do it or call or something. Although he doesn't know me well and I don't know them.. Even though he told me they were fire fighters from NEW YORK and were invoved with 911.. You would think they would be decent( NOT) I still think you should at least tell someone you cancelled plans.
Can you tell Im mad?
Now My day is just sitting around looking at my plants, doing absolutely nothing. BELIEVE ME if i see them tonight out honestly I dont know what I will do? I want to just ignore them and tell them to you know what? but on the other hand I want to say why would you do that?

The security gaurd at the condos said they left very early around 9:00. Strange I left the note on the door but no word. SO WRITE THAT OFF, there loss I am a very good chef, and they missed out on the opportunity to enjoy time with me, my friends and my food.
I thought as I walked that is the very last time I will never offer anything to anyone again. NEVER.. and I am the type of person who enjoys giving. That ruined it for me some how?

Ok on to other things:
I have made few inquirys for jobs this week but nothing yet. I tried to talk to the hotel gal three times no repsonse. So I keep hoping that something good is coming I say it daily and believe in my heart I am going to be just fine.
We have had some different weather here, cloudy and cooler in the afternoon then about 5:00 its hot as hell. during the day hot. Little bits of rain not much.. other than that NOTHING MUCH MORE GOING ON

Beach In The Morn

2009-04-28T17:09:00.002-06:00

Today was very calm, I slept on the Sofa last night because my bedroom these days is so hot that you can not sleep past 5:00 am. The living room is a bit darker and cooler and I usually keep the door open so a slight breeze if there is any comes in. The fan is constantly going moving back and forth the air is hot and still, even so that fan never stops. I don't rest well this past month or so way to hot. I have used the air condition but not alot because of the electrical bill it makes. So I tough it out at night, in the late afternoon if I am here I put it on, to cool down the oven of a living room. Anyway, I got up pretty early today, ate fresh strawberries and Mango mixed together, drank strong Coffee and then walked to the beach with a friend, I picked her up early she is not use to getting up so early but I just wanted to do a long walk on the beach and feel good in the fresh as it gets here early morning air. Being that it really is not that fresh at least early its not that hot. So we walked a long way she was sleepy yawning the whole time tripping over rocks while I strutted rapidly on all the fresh wet sand. The Tide was out pretty far you could see the small boats coming in. We walked all the way to the south end of Jaco. Saw three boats, fishing boats, small in size old and blue. We asked what they had today was pargo, Red snapper. I wished I had my money with me I had no idea they were loading from the beach to the trucks. Tomorrow I will go again and buy nice fish straight out of the boat. Make ceveche and fry up some. The fish here or I suppose anywhere that you get it the moment it comes out of the water taste so good. There is literally no taste to it except clean and fresh soft flesh. I like it with Garlic and butter, little of coating on it.
Then after that, We walked back and decided to just lay in the sun for a little while. She was so tired she fell alseep, I went in the water, but had a little bit of fear today. The reason for that was Sunday I was at the beach with Orhpa, Phili her daughter and Carolina her other daughter, when Joey this Gringo that lives here walked by with Susie his dog. Remember Eida? her husband. He said that he had many stings from manta rays in the island which is not far off the beach. He said there were so many out there baby ones. So When I went into the water I didn't go very far just enough to soak myself when I squatted. I came back She wokeup and said she wanted to go into but not alone. So I returned we played for maybe Fifteen minutes. She is very light skin, Me on the other hand, tan and not tender. We laid for another fifteen, untill I suggested we go. I heard a yell it was a black girl in the water with her boyfriend. They ran towards us. I asked what was wrong she said she saw a manta ray. I knew not to go back in. Although it is strange in the morning for them to be in the surf, generally you see them in the afternnoon. Feeding? and in the surf, they fly through the waves. I was a little shocked so I said lets go..
We walked back I said my good byes came back to the house folded clothes and checked to see if Internet was on. NO all day no internet untill now 5 or so oclock.
I fixed a dress, painted my toes, watched some USA NEWS depressing, wont do that again for a long while.. and then visited with her she came by and my nieghbor. They made us drinks, with Milk and vanilla all whipped up in the blender, wow was that ever good. Cold frothy and delcious. I am going to try to make it, its easy but I never thought to put Vanilla in ice and milk and mix it.

Now I am just hanging out. I do want to paint maybe tomorrow I begin a new painting. See how it turns out.

2009-04-25T13:27:00.006-06:00

This is MAX he is the only Bulldog I ever saw in JACO.. Arya and Erics house in Parrita that is for sale

Cows behind the house

Fighting for the melon rhines

The cows that come daily to Arya's House in Parrita, to feed on watermelon rhines and other things she feed's them. That is the orchard in the background that day they had knocked down lots of trees, not sure why? Julian hugging his ducky

Posing for me..

Me Jordan, Julian all playing

GOD NINAAAAAA Do you have to take another picture?

Oh well Jordans eyes where shut , Clint, Nancy Julian

Julian, Jordan, Nancy

Julian Jordan Nancy

Jarvis and Brandon

This is one of the living rooms on three of condos my clients owns

This is Jarvis Brandon's Dog Cade and Holly friends of my son's

The new park in Jaco very pretty the plants grew so much since I took this already.

This was the day before I flew to USA

Horses just wandering about Jaco during the day.. WHO KNOWS WHO THEY BELONG TOO?

The mountain view from my windows in back
Orchids in my bedroom so beautiful the colors..

The view from the other side of my bedroom Incedible Boganvillas and Palms

How my kitchen is looking Cabinets stained with a tint varnished with Marine varnish.. these were plastic cabinets with plastic pulls I stained and put new metal handles. Stools are from Artisica.. a place that sells European furnishings in San jose.

Its been a long time since I posted

2009-04-25T02:58:00.003-06:00

Its been a very long time since I posted and there is a whole lot to talk about. It was March 28th the last post. This is when a client of mine showed up from USA and called his chaufer to pick me up transport me to the airport to meet him when he arrived. It as if I am now a personal assistant to this man, when he comes to visit Costa Rica. He is the one with the Two condos I decorated for him. They are Called Vista Las palmas, sitting right on the beach front of Jaco. They are the most beautiful Condos in Jaco Beach Costa Rica. I have been a little bit busy, not in working but in just living, helping and being a Mom again. There is so much to say.. I am home late from going out with Rossy to the Monkey bar to see a new DJ here in town. It was worth it.. I danced the whole time so did she.. and It was a great work out since I havent had a whole lot of real work outs lately. It was great really.. Any of you know I am a lover of any sort of dancing. This night did not include any drinks for me at all.. Rossy on the other hand had a couple of her regular Tequilla's and one ciaparinia. I Just didnt want to drink any alcohol period.
Fun to see everyone enjoying all ages.. not just the young. Here you will see every age at various places.. dancing talking laughing and having a good time. I JOINED IN TONIGHT.. and if felt so good.. a great relief from the past few weeks.
I just wanted to post tonight to share that and I plan on telling a lenghty continuing story that is hopefully interesting to those who want to read. I saw quite of few people that knew me tonight.. strange??? because of the majority of these people, I know maybe five or six.. the rest know me but I have really no clue who they were. It was almost wierd to be honest.. I get the same thing when I walk through town or home, or to a friends or just walking period. EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE FRIEDLY HERE.. I said hello buenos, or hola... and como estas.. or q tal? como le va? I would smile and act as if I know who they are but I DIDNT KNOW?I giggled a couple of times cause I thought how in the heck do I know this person? one for sure really had me boggled. I had to ask Rossy like four or five times WHO THE HECK SHE?? come to find out it was one of my competitors.. who had attended my grand opening when I open the store here a couple of years ago.. She was antagnoistic.. and said some pretty mean things.. I saw her recently at a gather with my client and tomorrow I will begin the whole April saga. When she saw me at the dinner I was invited too she didnt recognize me but the name she knew.. aske me a few questions and I found that strange? because I didn't recognize her then.. it was a brief meeting at the opening and I had to politely tell her and another gal to leave.
Tonight she made it a point to come right up to me, and say "HELLO MARIANNA HOW ARE YOU?" So I said well thank you and stood shocked as I stopped cold in dancing trying to recall who she was, when Rossy explained she knew who it was and said to me, I though hmmm well that was nice actually and I will make it my turn next time to greet her as well. Fogiving and forgetting it really a good way to live. It sure does take all the anger out of you.. and allows you to move forward with your life and relationships. I am pretty easy to forgive people, I kinda of always have.. its others who cant forget. So in that I leave you for tonight and tomorrow should be prove to be a good read... at least take you out of your world and pull you into mind for a few momemts summing up my April.

Ok so good morning: I was woke up by a phone call from a local guy who sells plants hes waiting with panting breath for this little job I may have at the OZ hotel. I was not happy since I didn't fall asleep till four am. I ate some good bread I bought at the la Ferria that had anise and Sesame seeds in it. Watched a portion of a movie.
Ok so here is what has been going on the past month.
My client from USA comes and goes and now stays in his new Condo I finished.. but it never seems to be finished. Almost everytimes he comes I add more or do something else. This time it was suppose to be for a photo shoot for a new guy he hired for the internet.. but well I dont think I should reveal all that because well its just a sketchy deal I believe.
So I dolled the condo all up worked my tail off for him and supposeably for the x wife, which she has not come here personally to see the finish work yet. Needed floral arrangements he said he loves my floral.. I would hope so since I do have a real gift for that and I create things that are out of the normal and really unusual.. he says they are pieces of art really.. so its a pleasure to work in that form for him.. Well I spent many days running around for him, finding calling, cooking getting him a maid.. dealing with her. Meeting the girlfriend from USA and more.
I planted planters on his 7th story, and redid some things on the 9th story condo. His places are now for rent he has three here in Jaco. They are fabulous if I should say so myself.. he says this not me... so I am happy he is pleased with my work.
But it goes farther than this, it is really as if I am his personal help. I was a bit pushed this time he really is a great guy and I love his company but I am going to have to speak out next time and say I need him to pay me hourly at least. Since work is very dead. So that consumed alot of my time. In between all this I spent some days or mornings at the beach for an hour or so a day. Its been VERY VERY HOT so hot you find it difficult to walk. I had my hair done a little lighter.. looks nice and I spent time with Orhpa and Rossy in the past month. I also got a call from OZ to give a proposal for the landscape for there new pool, and one for the Managers house. I went to both places took photos walk mind you to both locations that takes time. I came up with really good ideas and sent my bid but they have not said yes yet. I did talk to the owner who is an North American. He said probably.. its not a huge amount of money but sufficient to keep me for a couple of months. SO I AM WAITING TOO ON THIS.. I have my fingers cross and I have stayed in constant contact with all of them.
I walk there and just say hello and asked yesterday aproximately when? they said about 21 days. WOW ok I will make it some how!!!
Then one day in the past three weeks I had a message from my son in USA.. we have not had allot of communication in the past year. I began messaging him and we had nice conversations. He told me in one recently he was stressed and was feeling bogged down. I remembered I had a ticket I didn't use I asked him, if would like for me to come and help out.. for a couple of days. So I called and found out I could pay a fee to change the dates and add, a return trip. I did it in a moment.. I was so happy to be connected to him again.
I flew out two days later. I didn't really tell people what was going on I just packed and left, had the neighbor water my plants and take the keys to take care of my place.
It was a long flight some reason the lay overs in Houston are awefull now. Almost 6 and half hours?? GOD ITS HORRIBLE.. I mean I was so bored untill I recognized this black cart driver from one of the many times I have sat in the airport, also had him drive me to a gate before. So I stopped him in passing and asked if I could just ride with him for the next five or so hours and hang out. Better than sitting or buying or drinking or eating all that time.
He said yes of course.. so I had a great time with him. He yells CARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT when he is passing travelers as they walk to the next connections but its the way he says it that is hillarious.. like a fog horn. So we had a very nice time. About 3 oclock he said why don't you go to the end of one gate where there is a restauant and bar and hang for an hour and I will come back and pick you up? so I said sure he dropped and I visited with people had a beer and ate a salad.. and then he came to pick me up.
We rode for another hour or so then dropped me off at my gate and flew into Portland. My son picked me up late at the airport and we went directly to Applebys and had some hor de orves and a drink and talked with his three friends.
The following day Him and spent some time and then went shopping to find things to put into his house. I helped him decorate and redu a few things, I was very busy for about 9 days, I planted out front and just all around helped, as much as I could.
On Easter I invited Two of his friends, my other son and his girlfriend and my grandson, and one of my friends for dinner. I made Milengiani.. like lasagne only with Eggplant, and ham with apricot and cinnamon clove, orange glaze, a salad.. and we had a nice desert. It was a great time we all enjoyed so much everyone was happy and playing an laughing like long time ago. I spent several days with Julian just him and I and Clint came to visit us too.. We sure had a nice visit my little Julian and I.. he speaks some Spanish to my surprise!! A three year old, knows all his colors and remembers everything GOD I WISH I COULD?? and he is very polite. He does simple math too? wow he is really getting smart. Puts a puzzle together in a snap! So we did fun things and he enjoyed me as much as I enjoyed him.

My son and I are renuing our relationship and I can not be more pleased, I feel so content with life. My two sons are actually talking some what now, and things are changing .. So who knows maybe one or both will show up here one day to visit me????

I talk with Clint his plan is to come in the fall, I sure hope so?? it was for the spring now its the fall. He needs to just rent his place and make the move.. His place is nice in Vancouver. has big property and a small house on a corner lot where all around him is brand new houses being built and in very large scale.. the market is so flat he doesn't dare try to sell but he should!! because the way he speaks is that his future is here in Costa Rica with a nice spa and small gay resort. I WANT HIM TO DO THIS!!! I think it would be very healthy for him. For him its depressing there in Vancouver, all the dreary days . So all went well, one night I took Jordan, Nancy, Clint and Joe and Sharon all out for dinner for a birthday celebration.. that was a blast.. It really was a nice time we all went and listen to live music after wards. So my visit this last time was the best ever.. the most successfull since I moved here.

I went to fly back early around 4:00 am because the flight was at 6:45 only to find a long line of people maybe 300 of them. Waiting? I didn't know what was going on, but there was bad weather in Houston and they had been cancelling flights left and right. Which through four hours of waiting having to have my son come back and get me, they manage to get me out the following day but on different airlines. I stayed the night with Clint, he did a spa night for me and we made Cabbage rolls that were delicous For our dinner. Did me a herb foot bath, and some really good facial cream. It was so nice to visit with him and just reminise and plan for the future.

Waking up at 3:30 to go the airport to come back... well the airplane was delayed about 30 minutes then in San Francisco, another 2 and half hours of waiting four and half or more on the plane to Houston, then five hours of waiting there to a three or so hour flight to Costa Rica. GOD I WAS TIRED... then I arrived late in San Jose at that time there is no buses or shuttles that are cheap you have to pay a taxi a hundred or more bucks to get to Jaco.. or pay a hotel and go through the hassle of going all the way down town to the sleezy bus station and catching a bus.. well to my suprise a person I know and who use to work for me was standing there at that hour looking for faires.. I didn't want to go with him but I ended up doing it.. everyone wanted so much money and I didn't have but ten dollars in my wallet.. I had to get a bank atm.

So TONY OF ALL PEOPLE took me to Jaco in his rig for toursits. He was very calm and polite and complimented me much.. but I was cool and didn't become confrontational at all. Actuall we had a nice conversation and he manage to tell everyone I know that he took me to Jaco.. OK WHATEVER!!!! I mean everyone I know asked me OHHHHHH TONNY TOOK YOU? WHAT HAPPENED.. I wont mention all the conversation but he reminised a bit about some of the good times.. I Just listened and said yeah...So I paid him more than I wanted but it was better than sitting there and going to some hotel and well in two and half hours more what is two and half more hours after all that ??? I was in my own home and bed.

The following day I had so many calls, all my friends wanted to know what I brought back, which was clothes from USA and I sold quite a few already. I found some not too expensive and bougth them hoping to make my money back and I have pretty much still more to move.. But I know I will sell more and if I don't its ok I need new things.

This week, I cleaned the apartment very well , watered all my plants alot washed down the balcony and spent time walking allot. I also spent a couple days visiting my friends that are from Portland who live in Parrita, they built a home there and are wanting to sell it. Its in the middle of a palm orchard that produces the fruit for palm oil and other palm products. It is a very nice house.. aside from having a very nice time with them and enjoying the peace out there, I ate way too much!! we had the best ice cream in this little place that was new! We rode into Jaco and went to the Friday Market to buy fruits and veggies, and eggs and more.. then went to the hardware store so she could buy these hook things they use here on concrete walls. Then off to Orpha to have her hair done and I went to the house to leave my things, returned and went with her to eat at a new place in Jaco.. ATE TOO MUCH AGAIN!! GOD... but we had so much fun talking and visiting.. Arya is her name.. people that were in my life a few years ago are back now..

Then later that night I went with Rossy to the Monkey's and danced as I said. Now today I have to meet someone who writes me on the net all the time who has read this I believe and wants to meet up for Sunset.. I am washing and hanging clothes on the line, and just resting .. Maybe the beach.. This is a concencious of what has happen over the past month there is a little more details but that pretty much sums it up.

Well good things are happening in the midsts of diasters... always something good comes.. I look forward to the coming weeks, I plan on doing some paintings for my place to pass time, look for small work doing whatever I can to exisit, enjoying my friends, talking with my family again!!! and just appreciating what life has to offer.

Living in Costa Rica is probably one of the better adventures in my life.. and all that has happened has caused me to become a stronger person, who really appreciates all things now. This place is not for everyone, it has lots of pitfalls like any place but for me the warm weather the beach the exotic food's the friendly people.. makes up for all the ugly that has happened and goes on here.

I hope I can remember how to blog

2009-03-28T10:47:00.002-06:00

Its been so long since I blogged I don't know if I can remember how?
I really have been doing some hard thinking, With all the bad news I have heard from USA and World news..it seems like everyone is on a downer. My thoughts are how can I keep from being affected by all the negative energy that is flowing in the whole world right now?
How? I bet your asking yourself the same thing? I haven't been down or depressed or unhappy in a very long time.
I think the reason is I have changed my ideas and thinking. I try everyday to believe that something good is coming to me regardless of what the world is saying. I believe that we buy into things, yes there is evidence of crisis, but for everyone to withdraw and give way or place only adds to the down side of life. I am greatfull everyday for whatever I have and its not a whole lot.. but I am so greatfull that I am able, that I can still do something to make people happy and try to instill some of the wisdom that I have been past on.
Try giving it may not be money or it may be Money or monetary things, but try giving something.. weather its a good word, compliment someone you wouldn't normally talk to. Share with someone you don't know, just open up to a more positve aspect of living. Whats wrong with doing something for someone? maybe it takes some of your precious time that you feel you losing more of because of the down trodden economy, or feel you don't have the abilty to give you need someone to give to you! Wrong.. I am really speaking from my heart.
When times are bad, its time to think,change your way of doing things, change your additude and how your deal with people. Change is good its not bad, and in the most adverse situations good things develope. I remembered something my mother told me.. I honor her words really.. she was brilliant, wise and witty. She said to me once, look into the face of adversity and cheer.. for there is a challenge you will win. Now that is a very positive statement from someone who at most times was outwardly negative. Athough she was brillant she had bad moments of negative thinking. Then I would notice she would shake it off and encourage others when she felt the worst. Making her gain in that challenging moment. Are you understanding my point here?

Life is full of adversities, Full of gains and successes.. It Is full. Enough for the whole world to grasp and have.

I have faith that things will change soon, not just for me but for many.

I don't have work right now, But I have faith that things will be fine for me.. it really is amazing how things develope when you have faith that it will happen.

Its not blind thinking its visonary planning, Knowing what you want and believing it. I still have my orginal Plan for a place I wanted to do when I moved.. it has not come together yet but getting close.. My point I think is that I need to give more, I need to be more open and understanding to others and maybe someone will be understanding with me.

How can you remain happy in a time with everything is crashing about you?
My key is:
First think about all that you have weather it is material or spiritual, and tangeable. GREAT FAMILY, FRIENDS. SPOUSE, Lovers, or friends... a companion maybe its an animal. Or for me like Yesterday my client. We have become friends.. I am greatfull for this re;ationship. When he comes here he calls for me to hang out and help him with just about everything. I sat on his balcony of his million dollar condo, on the 7th floor over looking the whole of Jaco.. Thinking wow who would have known some years back I would be sitting here enjoying this and thinking my life is not bad at all. To be able to enjoy and see the things I have seen.

I want to make it clear, I am not envious of him or wish it was mine. I was just so happy to be able to see the morning sun on the waves, the sounds of the waves crashing very peacefull. Thinking I am drinking coffee up here and enjoying.
Here is the reason I got to enjoy that. Because he needs help, he doesn't pay me to help him when he visits here.. But I always help him in anything he asks me to do. Find this, or that, or call for this or that.. help with his house, cook for him.. just help.AND I KNOW my giving is going right into a bank of return interest. Maybe not from him but it will be returned to me somehow.

Keep your chin up ... cheer in adversity because it will be a challenge YOU WILL WIN.

Pretty boring but still is beautiful here

2009-03-15T15:21:00.003-06:00

The reason I say that in the title is because it has been pretty boring this past couple of weeks.
I have not done much except work on perking up the kitchen, cabinets like I had told earlier and now new bar stools. To get these here was a major act of God.. I bought them some three weeks ago with Geraldo who had offered to take me to San Jose. When I purchase them they were not available in the wearhouse, they told me they would be available for pick up on the following Monday. Geraldo agreed to take me but I had a funny feeling he was just saying this. He had underlying ideas about me... I knew after being with him two hours.. CANT ANYONE JUST BE A FRIEND? ok back to the chairs... so Monday comes I don't hear from Geraldo.. I kinda put a cabash on him.. he only wanted one thing the reason he offered to give a ride.. I am more than positive about what he was thinking!! So about ten I called him said well what about my chairs.. ???"remember you agreed to pick them up today?" Oh he said? like I forgot? but then came excuses about an attorney, then I can't drive my car on certain days.. new laws, So I just said ok I will find a way, rather than ask him again and have to deal with his harrassment.

So a week went by I tried several people who may be going to San Jose to give me a ride so I could pick these things up.. but no luck. Then I found a transportation company that works outside the furniture store. The total of the chairs three of them, came to $ 180 more or less,the furniture store La Artisica, wanted another hundred to send them. I said no... so finding this transportation company was a great surprise, they wanted 3 thousand colones, which right now amounts to little more than $6.00. So I tried like four days to get them. Yes I talk to them they were aware of the chairs the name where.. but nothing got done. Five days go by I call again to find out they said to call La Artisica, ok now La Artisica, wants money to send them on this truck.. another 7 thousand, amount of 14 dollars for nothing they call it handling. Ok so I agree... then another day goes by.. I call again, ok they forgot to tell me to deposit the whole amount in La Artisica's bank account!! So I go wait more than an hour in line to do the deposit. The banks here are down to one or two windows, not many working in the bank.. but many people waiting to get served.

So after all that I call again.. yes ok tomorrow morning early they said. Tomorrow morning early came and went nothing showed up, night fall came I called once more and said well? tomorrow morning early.
Sure enough early the next morning the bar stools came. In a box with no instructions, but I managed afterI woke up had a coffee.
Then the following day I don't know exactly what happened but I was fine all day evening came and about 12 midnight I felt Ill.
I had the worst pain my stomach, it wrenched and felt like stabbing pains. I ran of course to the bathroom, and it shot out both ends like a faucet. This went on for the whole night and half the next day. ORFA my friend came brought something to stop it, and electrolites. It was so bad I thought I was paralized. I couldn't move after doing that for hours..
It has taken me three full days to recover. Today I feel almost normal. My mouth is raw, but other than that a little pain in the lower abdomen.
IT was scary...

Today only a walk to the beach for hour and 40, with my friends they had other plans. Came home made fresh lemonaide because its so stinking hot! I love the sour lemons here big rough skins, and orange flesh inside.. juicy! I made it in the blender with ice. then watched a great movie with Jack Nicholson.
I may go to dinner with Rossy, we did it last week and had a great sushi time! May give her a call and see what the plan is..
Other than this, Thinking about Jordan, soon is his birthday.

Cracking down on Jaco

2009-03-08T08:18:00.002-06:00

Been a slow week, my client didn't show up said something about having the flu.. but it could be other problems. Because we were unable to get into the condos to take photos for the webpage they wanted... So who knows what the truth is? All I know is that we could not be permitted in. And the owner has not had much contact this week with me.
So the hope of finishing those Condos is put on hold.

I did manage to the kitchen Cabinets finished, they turned out very nice. I guess I should have taken a before and after. I may have something in my old photos that has before in it so you can see the difference.
There dark pretty shinny , with the brush metal pulls. Where as before they were an off white laminate with plastic handles.
Looks a hundred percent different.
I paid this young nicarauguan, to help he redrilled all the wholes because the handles were different. But I notice after he in installed five or six, some were higher than others and some slanted. So we had a talk and I asked him to redo all of the them so they were all sort of similar.
He didn't understand why I would be upset? but I explained to him about how it looks and for me to see it everyday would drive me nuts. He laughed I laughed and then he changed it.
Haven't gone to enjoy the beach this week it was just too dang hot. You would fry in a matter of minutes. I love the fact that can I enjoy how the breeze feels and the sound of the waves when you lie in the sun, but honestly this time of the year seems hotter. I have been a little miserable because of the heat. I broke down yesterday evening and turned on the air. Just for a couple of hours. The apartment was like a sauna...being very unconfortable in the heat is not fun. It really wears you out. For example I walk to the center around 10:30 by the time I got two blocks I was sweating from front to back. JUST TOO HOT RIGHT NOW!

I spent time with Rossy this week, seems her business is doing well, I am happy for her. I feel good when I see places doing well and holding out.

It feels like alot of people visiting but not as many in the past years. Spring break is here and we do have quite a few of the students.

Really haven't done much except the cabinets this week and one little consultation for someone opening an new business here. This could be a nice job.

I talk with another friend of mine yesterday on this property that was owned by the father of a friend, who worked for the Columbian news paper. My editor Glenn Wright was friends with this gal, She and I had a lunch before I moved here and she told me about her dads property that was for sale here. She had sold to this Italian guy, which is now a friend of mine. I wanted that place.. but my house didn't sell in time, My Italian Friend scooped it up at a very low price.

Well now he is wanting to get rid of it.. hes tired of Costa Rica.. So we discussed a fair price. This property would be good for Bella Eperanza.. its big enough and close to the beach. I have my fingers crossed that I can find the way to obtain it and begin on the dream I had before coming here. Small world you know? That I should know the orginal owners daughter,come here meet the new one become friends and now some four and half years later.. it may be possible I can find a way to do something with this?

I keep hoping and never will give up the hope.. how it happens I have no idea all I know is that I will keep saying its going to, and somehow pieces will fall together.

Well about the crack down, Yesterday I noticed about 15 transit police, checking cars, passports and obviously looking for people. They were stationed all over our little three road town. Scary really.. but good too because it is a way to clean up all the junk that is going on.

Last night they did a raid on some locations taking bus loads of People to San Jose who weren't carring there passports or Identification on them at the time. The road up in pickups in there swat uniforms, jumped out ran in to places.. and scooped up people.

Two friends that I know from Nicaugua got taken.. one was crying I saw her in the bus. She waved to me and asked if I could help? So today I call her and see what happened?

IT is a different life here, with the good and bad.. sort of a wild west... but now more modernized.

But good that there is some inforcement..

Off to try the beach, its cloudy today so maybe not so hot!

My week was simple

2009-02-27T16:20:00.003-06:00

I have had a very simple week, with only working on the apartment, changing now the kitchen cabinets by painting them a very modern color and buying new hardware. I know its not mine but its so strange there are hand made crude doors with hardware that is meant for a storage garage. With the upper cabinets that were bought at some ready made, simple laminate with plastic handles. I thought looked at photos of modern kitchens, and came up with a plan. I hope it turns out good. Cost me very little, and I am not doing for any reason but to keep busy and make my living area feel good for me. So what I plan on doing is staining the bottom ones this redish orange tint, with stanless still pulls, very modern. Above I will first put some brown streaks in the laminate, then go over it with the tint, finally with finish with a marine varnish making them super shiny and modern.The bottom remove the hardware and tint them to match, adding the brush nickel sleek pulls. Ever since I saw all the modern interiors in Spain my taste has been drawn to this look. If I had a nice house? my own, you could bet it would be done perfectly right! with flair and feeling.Personalized by my extra little touches.
I have a work coming in the next week so I am happy not doing too much.
Other than that I been spending time with Orpha, Rossy, and one other friend.
Cleaning my house, taking care of my numerous plants that I know have aquired.
Today Friday I usually but not always go to the la ferria and buy my fruits and vegetables. Sometimes orchids or plants but today was so dang hot I could hardly force myself to walk. I took a taxi there then to the hardware store then directly home.

Nothing new going on really, no events this week but the town is full full full. Lots of tourists here so that is great!
I have listen to the all the drama, the stock market, the CNN daily news about the struggles of USA and some of the concepts of the forcasters. Funny, I heard one say some of the very same things I have said many times over and over about living simple. And all the life shifts that many are going through. I sat and thought wow I was really ahead of all this when I made my life shift and then when I bottomed here a year ago.
Life is up and down, you never know what is coming really. One thing for sure is that every day some comes to us, good or bad. Its how you use the situation, how you deal with it. Take it in stride, BOY DO I KNOW HOW TO DO THIS! and just enjoy the moments for what they are. Sound so hypocritical.. and I am sure that more than half of the USA American society, has no clue to how to roll with the punches and just accept what happens and move forward.

Not allowing the negative situations to effect you in a way that you feel so destitude. I know I really know how this feels I became so depressed, one time I shared my true feelings on this blog about my depression and WHAT NEGATIVE REACTIONS did I receive from people who would not know how to deal with any of the struggles I have been through. I will say I do have empathy for those people who are in loss of there whole careers, losing material possesions, and becoming desperate. Taking families lives, there owns.. I truely understand what this feels like. If you are strong,remember there is tomorrow... there is another way. And maybe this will allow you to develop a new plan on life. I know that when bad things happen something good is just around the corner. The key to making it to the corner is by believing in something that makes you feel good, happy or positive. Weather its faith, religion, meditation, exercise, or thinking of a sweet little babies face or doing something that brings you joy. Music too is healing... I know that dance for me makes me forget everything. Even if you put on a some great music you love and just force your self to move. This will make you feel so much better. STAY AWAY FROM ALL THE NEWS ON TV...its nothing but negative and only feeds the fear you already may have. Sounds like putting your head in the sand.. but the old saying is what you don't know wont hurt you is true. Sometimes its best.. I keep up with things, by reading but to listen to all that bad news is not healthy.
Have a good weekend! Do something different this weekend make it point to be ojective and do something fun.. or good for someone else.

Past Weekend

2009-02-24T08:25:00.003-06:00

I had a very nice Weekend, I went to a beautiful Italian Restuarant in the Marina Marrotts. It was first class all the way. Some of my friends and I all decided to get all dressed up and eat somewhere different. I suggested this place. We really enjoyed the incredible food, atmosphere and service. We all shared the bill so it wasn't so bad. Then On Sat we attended a costume party for Carnival. This is the time when many countries Celebrate and it was a blast! Many people there from all over. I invited the couple that I rented the condo to, and few other strangers that I met here in Jaco.It was fun...
Then on Sunday I did ,my normal Sunday beach thing with peele,and Orhpa. We go near the copa on sundays lay out watch all the people and the surfers. But this Sunday was not good.
The waves were huge due to high winds, the water was really rough. Two people entered together amist many other people in an area that has bad currents. They didn't make it. The Life guards zipped off on the jet skis, the Police drove directly on the beach with there white trucks and blue lights flashing. The Abulance was parked right near the waters edge.. No one could revive them.
Sadly we sat up at attention, and looked to see if they were alive.
Soon there after We made a choice to leave. It put a different spin on our pleasant day. I came home showered and rested. Later to go to visit with Rossy and see the new interent Cafe she is opening. Always changing and doing something to try to make money. Half of the new things she tries fails but at least she is trying.

I have a good idea for a new business too, but Of course Money is keeping it from Happening.
I will continue untill its right and then try what I have in my mind. Something everyone will like from young to old!
Have a pura vida week

Adventure of the week

2009-02-19T10:17:00.006-06:00

Jim and Chuck

David

Chuck speaking to the children, he works for Nasau

The class the The Group From left to right: David,Jim, Chuck, Ron, Rob, The teacher, Mark.

Me handing out gifts to the first group

The Group: Chuck Rob, David, Jim, Ron, Mark.. I took photos

How things happen to me is most times amazing, and really incredible how I am put lately in the right places at the right time.

Previously in my life I was involved with various chairties, United way, American Heart Association, and various churches for helping children, and here some two years back helping a little with the battered women, and in my own way doing what I can for young ones.. This is not something that is a passion as to say, for example those people who put all the hearts and souls into it. But it is something I have felt good about doing, and have helped through out my life whatever I could do for many poorer people than me. Giving is really a great thing, the feeling you get, the satisfaction of knowing that it is appreciated is in itself the best gift of all you could recieve. I have not had opportunity in the past couple of years to do much since I was so down and out myself. But I have even though I had given food, and some coins to a few of the street people we have here. I remember one time I took my son with me to Los Angeles California, to the grandious Flower Market where I would purchase truck loads of flowers for my shope in California. He was pretty young but I wanted him to come along and see how the life of his mothers business was. I usually brough clothes or something like can food to one ol bum that was there. He had spent so many years on the streets that he was literally green in color. The first time I saw him my heart broke, Really no one knows what really happens to people and how they can become so low that they have no strenght or power to pick them selfs up and realize who they were and who they can be, so they use drugs to forget. The beg for coins for alcohol to feel good, and warm there bodies. Then who ever cared for them before forget who they are and they become lost in a society that is dredges of life.

I cried when I saw this man, I know inside at one time he was something, Maybe had a huge company or was famouse.. but I knew he was hungry for love and support. Every time I went just about I would bring him clothes , try to talk to him about who he was.

Well my son saw that and I don't know what his impression was, he never really shared with me. But it was something deep in my heart that made me have compassion for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

I do rememeber my sons face, almost disgust, and the smell of him filling his nose his face contorted by the sight of this poor man. After that I knew that there was something very different about me in this respect. I have compassion for others always. Even if they don't care about me or have any clue what my life is about I want to give.

NOW ON TO THE ADVENTURE OF THE WEEK:

Some how like I said I am put in the right place at the right time......

I was walking to the bank, to find out how much of a balance was there, because the only client I had, said he deposited but when I tried to look on line it did not show. So I took a long morning walk. From here about two miles. When I got out of the bank a group of men, Gringos, North Americans, where standing outfront asking questions about some tours to a little stand on the corner. Another guy came selling articles of art but only spoke Spanish, one looked at me as I was walking and said do you speak English I said yes. Then he asked me to help them a little with translation. So I did, we began to talk after, and they invited me to have something to drink and talk.

I walked home and returned to the hotel on the beach where they were staying. We all talked about what they did and what I was doing here. Its really good to be connected to Tourists, because you just never know what they are here for? Buying property, selling property of theres, or just vacations. I explained what my career was in the past and what I have done for many people here in the last couple of years. Not just career wise but tours, and renting places for people and finding property just about anything they would want to do while visiting the country. We ate some lunch and then they invited me to go on the quad tour with them on Monday. They had made plans to go fishing three days. So on Monday I showed up as they asked and we had a nice dinner, but the tour for the quads was Tuesday I miss understood. So during dinner, all told what they were doing for a living. One was a specialist at Nasau, one was an owner of a large grocery store. One was a general contractor of a large plastering company, one was a general contractor for Medical clinics, hospital and large condos. Two were Computer technicians. All were directly connected by one man, the owner of the company that built medical clinics.

They are a group that travels to Costa Rica year after year and enjoys the beauty of the country and now have a different motive.

Last year on the tours of the quads they saw shaks, and very poor people. Its up where I would go to visit Christians Family and the freinds I have in the mountians with a very rugged road. The Terrain is rough and the quads are perfect to ride up steep hills, and nothing but dusty dusty paths this time of year. Well this year, they decided to pack suitcases with toys, dolls and used clothing for the children in the small villages. Most are barefoot and dirty, and don't have much to speak of when it comes to toys. I know this life I have seen it. They told me they needed someone translate and they would pay me to help. But I said no I would help not to worry.. They rented 7 quads and two guides to take us on this wild ride to help some of the children of the mountains. We rode for hours on dusty paths, I had a problem from the begining. I told the guide at the office that the steering was hard really hard and when I started it he ran strange. I could hear it. He said no you just don't know these quads I said ok but I don't know.

I was right about one hour into the ride, before we came to the first school, We were in a huge line following one another with dust and dirt flying I was third in. The gas kept sticking and would not let up at first I couldn't tell it was this, I didn't know why I was spinning out and curvt roads and tail spinning up mountians. I controlled it the best I could but it wasn 't easy.. I kept yelling because I would gun it and try to get it kick down, it would do it for a moment then begin again. I couldn't get any bodys attention to tell them I was a little frightened not much but I knew what was happening and I knew the road I was thinking I need to pass everyone and stop the guide and have them check it . Before something bad happened. The roads are pretty small some of the drop offs are super deep.Some parts of the road have crevieces that are huge. Big dips and well ITS FUN but also if your not familiar with things can be really dangerous. We got on a straight away The river was flooding across the road I gunned it and flew threw the river spraying mud on the rest in front of me.. then killed in front of the guide. He said WOW WHAT?? in spanish ...

I explained he checked it the others were unaware of what was happending and I knew we were going to the next little school in the pueblo but it was up a big hill and then levels out. I didn't think I wanted to chance it. SO when he checked of course it didn't do a thing, I said keep putting the gas on and watch. One more time, then it did it over and over and when he pulled on the cable it excellerated to max, so he said well I don't have tools we just need to trade with someone whos not afraid. OH OK???

So they switched me , but the guy driving it didn't realize is was bad as it was.. he has some trouble lets just say that.

So on to the real deal:

We stopped to have a drink of cold water at a tiny little store in a small village, I saw children so I called them to come about five or so came and I gave out toys and shoes and dolls, the faces were so endearing so shocked and almost scared. Not knowing who this gringos were, and who was this lady? with that dirt all over her and a helmet on? I talk to them and they graciously took the toys.

Next stop:

It was the first school, They had envelopes with childrens names and addresses and their Idea was to get other students of same age to do an exchange in letters. Most of the children there do not speak any english and have no shoes very little books. So I talk to the professor, the teacher and asked for the best students with the best writing skills to participate in this. We found four, we gave out some toys and money for the stamps and took photos of the whole class and the four with the letters. They were so happy to be participating in something across the world. To think they would become friends with someone the same age in USA. Pretty cool.. and I was doing all the negotiating and speaking for the group. It was such a blessing. But that is not all.

We rode another thirty minutes through some pretty rough terrain, I saw a small shak which was made of old wood the front was half open and had a metal roof on the right, the left a very small one room school. I said Stop I was in the front. We all stopped and got off and asked for the Teacher. He came to see what I needed. I told him we had gifts and clothes. He welcomed me. The Children all gathered around eager to see what these gringos had.

Dusty and dirty we all got the toys and clothes and I handed one my one in a box all the clothing and shoes to the teacher. When were done he said to me. I have a question? I said sure.. he said do you know where I can get help for finding an old computer or maybe you know someone who would give up one for us? we have very few books and not much to work with. He said they had been praying for someone to who would come and maybe give him an idea of what to do. You see if your a government school and have a computer even in those parts ICE will provide free internet for them to have access to information. But they do not give the schools any moneys or supplies.

I turned and explained to the groups what he was asking. IMMEDIATELY the man that owns the Contracting company for hospitals spoke out and said I have two in USA I can send. I told the teacher ok in a few months you will recieve a computer and I can help you put it in and work with you some when they leave. I took his phone number and I gave mine for him to contact me when the computers are here.

As we traveled farther and stopped once again, we all had a beer they talked and decided that when we arrived back in Jaco they would purchase a new one with speakers, and printer, copier scanner for this school. I was shocked, really I cried at the school when the contractored said he was willing to send him one with out hestitation. After one guy saw me tear up he began and soon all of us were in tears over the fact of the generoustity and the fact that we were now helping someone who really truely needed the help

We went some 45 minutes more over very rough roads, then we stopped on the pinacle of a mountain top where you could see from both sides clearing a huge portion of Costa Rica. WOW was that every breath taking. There on the top of this moutain was a small soda, very rustically made with crude materials and only a fire of gas for cooking what delicious food they served us. A typical plate of rice beans, fried plantains, and pork or chicken. With fresh sliced tomatos. WOW we all ate and relaxed the group took numerous photos of them on the mountain top and then we traveled back to Jaco but first stopping at a wonderfull waterfall for a moment to refresh. Then off to Jaco we went. Flying through the dirt roads at full speed. We all got cleaned up and took horses then to the top of the mountain above Jaco and rode for a sunset tour. I was exhausted the guys were worse. When we arrived at the top the sunset was perfect! We all drank beers with others that were on the tour aside from us. And then re counted the day over a glorious dinner together. How lucky I am to be able to meet such incredible people. To encounter experiences here that are so different from my world in USA. I am really blessed in many ways.

Maybe as I said before I DONT HAVE MUCH MATERIAL GAIN ANY MORE, and I survive with so little but I have more than material wealth To know and be able to help people in the way that I have been able to.. Just like the tour with the canadians. I showed them something they would never have experienced. With this, in the end NOT MY WORDS BUT THEIRS WERE we were so happy to have met you and with out you, it would not have been the same. So I feel lucky that I was able to help and be there for not just them but for the children who needed it.

I am truly gratefull to have met this wonderfull group of guys whos hearts are bigger than that mountain and whos sentiments are tender. THANK YOU<> ROB> DAVID( who by the way is hillarious)>RON> CHUCK<> they all live in Florida. Now next year we have a plan when they return. They are going to try to collect more to bring back so We can share with many of the children of the Mountain.

CELL PHONE DELIMAS

2009-02-13T09:36:00.002-06:00

AS many times as I have writen on here and stated that simple things here present themselves to be the most difficult, it seems that people just don't understand. Asumeing that Its like USA and its not. When it comes to Cell phones this is a major delima.
Lets go back to when I returned to Costa Rica in Sept. I made an application for a new cell phone at ICE, ICE is a Monopoly business run by the government. It is Lights, power, Cell, Phone, Water, and now Internet. You can not just go to a store and buy a phone and have the service of your choice. ICE IS THE CHOICE. So you make application and wait.....and wait..... and wait.. I have waited some six months for my cell phone. Every week I go and ask if the line is ready. Always the answer is next week. Ok I say I have become acoustume to the ways of Costa Rica, Much more patient that I use to be about ridiculous situations that could be so easy.

I leave thinking well I have lived this long with out whats another week. Finally the other day I was on my way to take photos of the condos new draperies that were installed. I decided to stop and I had all my paper work with me. Here to obtain a cell phone you must be a resident, or have incorporation in a company, meaning you have invested money in business, or tag onto another persons line who is a resident( which is what I did last time and that was bad). So I made my application according to my incorporation. Which was completly fine in Sept.
Ok so walking I thought let me stop maybe the line is ready. I go in wait my turn, then ask YES ITS READY!!!! YEAH!!! finally!!! ok I hand my papers over, they look them over carefully ask for passport idetifications and more. I have it all. In looking again he notices that the Incoporation was invalid as of Dec.. WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!! oh crap.. ok so you don't get your line! What???????? yes ok we have an argument I mean I blew up.. I was about ready to tear this guy up. I told him to renew my papers was costly why didn't back date the application? Ok now its complicated again. I had to find an Attorney here to renew the incorporation. That costs, its not free.. I do it have in five hours sent via fax from San jose go back to ICE right before closing with cell phone in hand that I bought in USA while I visited. He puts the chip in, puts the new pin from this chip, the phone says BLOCKED.... WHATTTTTTTTTTTTT??? ok god what else? He said it was blocked T moble in USA. They do something to the phone so that you can not use another service provider unless you unblock it. DAMN I went every where asking places if they knew someone who could unblock it. Here Cell phones Microwaves electronics are not cheap and not everywhere like in the states. HARD TO FIND GOOD ONES AND WHEN YOU EXPENSIVE!! ok can you say FRUSTRATION?

Well ok I let it pass that night, trying to get on line and find out information only to find out no internet for two days. Almost three days with no internet, making it impossible to resolve this.

Ok so Yesterday I spent most of my day looking up the restriction code online. THERE IS NO ANSWER I tried to chat many times but the site kept saying no agents available.. one Time I got someone she said yes she would send me the code, and said I must pay a refill in order to get it sent to me, Not MAKING SENSE, because I can not pay on the internet, the sites in USA do not accept International cards, nor accept my email name.. and why would I pay for a refill when the chip is a different country, meaning I wouldn't use the refill anyway? We continued chatting, then the internet cut off..LOST!! for god sakes.. how difficult can it be to get a cell phone?
Now I have two phones one from Spain same situation blocked, vodafone, and Nokia 2610 that is blocked. Sitting on my counter useless. I want to throw them as far as I can! So I suppose I have to go and buy a stinking phone here cheap again, that probably wont work half the time!!!

I contacted a couple of friends ask if they could help by contacting T moble but half the people don't know what there talking about in the T moble some say they never heard of that, some say you don't have to pay a refil, some say the phone doesnt have any block, BUT I SEE IT!!! and I read about it on the net. So who is right?

Well anyway minor things become major here. aside from that I am doing a photo shoot on Sunday for the condos so the client can rent these on the net for vacationers. Yes there is tourists here, in fact last week there so many I was happy to see that the world situation is not affecting it so much here. People are coming from all over the world to relax, and enjoy life.. because it is short. YOU CANT TAKE IT WITH YOU..
Today its very nice breezy and hot, I plan on going to Orotina I was going to go to San Jose but work up with a head ache and decided it best not to go today.
ON to what the day has for me...

Sunshine /construction/ noise in the morning

2009-02-06T07:18:00.011-06:00

The little river next to my house

Our river, White Ibus

My new Micro wave!!! I want to install it above the tiny little stove I have.

The chairs were light color, with ugly fabric in a watermelon color. One day I sat here looking at them thinking what can I do? I can not afford new chairs I got the idea to tint the wood.. cover the seats. Now they are beautiful! for me anyway... the fabic is a sude, micro fiber. The base is a root and you can see the glass

This is in the new park, at one time this was a natural swamp, where lots of wild life was right across the street from Rossies Cafe.. Cafe Del Mar.. but now its all paved, with out much planting, the remains of Iguanas that use to live there still come down, some are agressive because its there place and there curious as to what is this now? why are these people here? THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL ORANGE AND GREEN AND VERY LARGE.

Me Orhpa, Rossie.

I got these for my landlord to put on corners here on the grounds. We are planting twisted trunk ficus, they grow enormus here naturally. In the base low flowering trailers to hang down.

This week was not peaceful, first it started out that the construction across our little river begins at 6:00 am daily now for about a month.Recently the noise is so much louder because of drilling sawing, and saws cutting metal. Yesterday I woke to the sound of a catapillar tearing up the whole field across the way. No birds no animals no sounds of a peaceful morning. The building is for alcoholics anonoymus. Its not a pretty building, they tore out all the old bread fruit trees, trees that have probably been around for hundreds of years. Nothing was saved.

So now we look at a stark field and a badly designed building directly across from our Modern architectural building and river. The flow of the river is low right now in rainy season its full now has about 8 inches of water.

Ok I need to go back to my birthday... First on my birthday nothing happened. I didn't go with Rossy or my friends. I was here in the house. The following day I went to the Casino with another friend just to hang out, I do not gable, but I had a drink and watched. I stayed for about two hours and went home. About three am I got phone call from the same girl, she was out front wanted to talk with me. I let her up, why I don't know? She was drugged up I could tell. It started out very nice apologizing for things she had done and said she missed me as a friend. Then soon the story changed, she began telling an elaborate story that she spun. I tried to tell her it wasn't so.. WRONG!!!.. when someone is on drugs which I think was coke. You can not reason , talk or begin to deal with them, after about two or three minutes of this. I told her to leave, now its about 4:30 am. I am exhausted she won't go I finally pushed her out the door and locked it.

That same morning my client who I had worked for a month ago, called about 7:00 am for me to buy some items for the balcony. Waking me up with this call I was not super pleasant. Two hours of sleep is not much to go on. I got up did what he asked, and carried on with my day listening to all the noise next door, with heat of the day draining me to the point of frustration.

Not a pretty week..

Sewing now three days for my nieghbor, I have been helping her transform the whole apartment .In return, one day after my birthday, she had a huge box sitting out front?????? I looked but walked past it. She came put it inside my house. I asked what is that for? she said well your birthday! I opened it and to my surprise it was a new microwave. Here Microwaves are expensive, I didn't have one nor a toaster, nor other nessesary kitchen items. But little by little!

I was so shocked this may have cost over $300 dollars. YES HERE MICROWAVES ARE EXPENSIVE<>

She said she felt bad, she knows I try very hard to work. She continued to say you have changed my life in my home, my place looks so beautiful, and I appreciate all you did. So Wow What a shocker... THANK YOU DEAR!!! I kissed her we talked and yesterday went together to the fair that is going on in our new park, and bought gorgeous pots made by indians.

All week there has been an art in the park here in Jaco something new, very updated. Jaco is getting the feeling of becoming a very modern community. Soon I am sure it will be completely sufficient! It is still primative according to USA standards, but for here it really is coming along. Frankly I kinda like it the other way to be honest.. but it is nice to have cultural events and now new things.

Night before last, Orpha my other friend invited me and one other Rossy not my Rossy but another one, to dinner.

We went to Pelicanos, and great place on the beach in Herradura. The food is first class and the service is pretty good. We had clams with cream sause of hearts of palms, artichoke hearts, garlic and cheese baked in the oven Wow!! Garpachio of Tuna, and I had Tuna steak with fresh mangos. We drank wine and I got drunk on two glasses.. ( it is because no rest this week no sleep because of noise and people) I came home crashed on the sofa with my computer on my lap.. the door open Tele going.

When I woke up I had no idea where I was.. I saw the door open it was about 3:00 am and the computer laying on its side. Ok I was out of it! Thank god we have a gate down below that is locked now most of the time.. so I felt very safe.

Then last night I started to watch a movie and just fell alseep about five minutes into it. BADDDDDDDD tonight I am invited by a visitor who came here four years ago and was asking where I am. It should be interesting because I have changed so much.. wonder if they will recognize me? NO!

But first today I am going to The la ferria to buy fruits, and veggies and hopefully another orchid. I am so addicted to orchids! I have right now 6 .. My balcony is absolutely full of plants. Plants make me happy and provide such a nice atmostphere about the house.

Good things have happened this week aside from no rest and BUSHA!!( noise)

I manage to get a client to rent a condo for my client. It somehow just worked out, and I made a nice commission for it! Also I got paid from him so I am feeling good about this.

I may have one more project in a couple of weeks..

I now have a dinning room table I designed a beautiful dinning room table for my apartment, and Euegeno the man who makes the furniture out of tree roots, and findings from the beach made me a beautiful bleached wood base for my dinning room table.

I had gone the glass store to see how much a piece of glass would cost. They had an oval that a gringo ordered and didn't buy. It's very large and beveled. The first time I looked at it he wanted 150 bucks, I called many times for them to bring it here so I can see if it would fit the base. Finally after much convincing they came. It worked perfect and they charged me 40 thousand colones, equal about 76 dollars. So I manage to get a nice table for very reasonable. I painted my exsisting chairs and covered the seats with this sude its very nice now, the material cost me about 30 dollars so that was not bad at all. My place at the moment is actually better than I have had in a few years. Well off to the Farmers market, and on to my day.

MY BIRTHDAY... I LOVE KASCADE AND JON DICKIE

2009-02-01T11:03:00.004-06:00

I have this friend his name is Jon Dickie.. he is my support and true friend.. he always sends me the best music and for me that is inspiration for living. I use to write a column with this name.. Inspiration for life and living...and now my life is to inspire others by living by my dance my writing and my spirit! I thank Jon on my day for being in my life.. and for always supporting my adventures and my style.
THANK YOU JON!!!
Kascade is the best music along with Chamboa a group I found while I was in Spain.. when I hear that music Chamboa I think about my time in Spain.. it was little rough but wow what an experience. Our lives are all about how we affect other people. WHAT I WANT THIS YEAR is to be an effect on many, to help and to allow others to feel the things I feel with intense passion. MUSIC IS A PART OF THAT.. ( My space Marianna in Costa Rica / Spain/ Costa Rica) to listen

Today I have no plans I asked a few of my friends to go to dinner.. but they have other agendas.. so I go to the beach think and come up with a plan for my month.
I am not working at the moment, but I am fine I will will survive some how some way. Enjoying my mornings here, the feel of the air, the birds the food.. the warm sunshine. Allowing me to stay young at heart! and refresh my mind and spirit!

I hope that this year brings new adventures, and great opportunities to live.
I know it will it already has changed for me. I feel positive about life.

Two days ago I went to San jose alone, I shopped for eight hours, finding beautiful clothes from Peru, and Costa Rica. I bought clothes for today beach clothes and night clothes.. so Today I celebrate.. maybe alone maybe with others.. it doesn't matter I will enjoy .
THIS IS THE DAY my mother was blessed with a child who kept he in smiles, who always tried to help her in whatever she needed.. My mother told me almost every week that I was the child that god gave her as a present, who was a miracle, a creative soul who made her feel alive. She told me that I was a gift.. so I guess now in my years it is more than time to give to other people and make them realize that life is more than just living, its BEING ALIVE!! and making others smile.
So the goal today is to make others smile and with that I SMILE... Music, dance.. food fun.. RISE UP take your place in the world.. know who you are.
I do know who I am.. A special person, a different person, one who has much to offer, and one who receives many blessings from those to love me.

Off to a new week of Adventures here in Costa Rica.. I never give up I keep trying new and different things constantly, some fail some work the key to being alive is to believe that you can do it.. and as I have said so many times on this diary is I BELEIVE!! BELEIVE YOU CAN DO WHAT EVER IT IS YOU WANT TO DO, FEEL IT BELEIVE IT AND IT WILL HAPPEN> Marianna

No posting for a while

2009-01-28T16:52:00.002-06:00

I been so tired that I haven't felt like posting.. the condo is finally finish the client left two days ago. But the drapes are not done yet.. so I am waiting till its completely done to post photos.
I am not doing much right now, just resting.. this morning was horrible. I woke up at 4:00 am to crazy house music blasting shaking the house.. Mind you I don't mind house in fact I like allot of it. BUT AT FOUR AM when I am trying to sleep is not a good thing. I walked nicely to the neighbors door tapped easy then again. She opened had people of course said oh yes Marianna and then cranked it up. This went on till 12:30 today talk about MAD!! I had a bad headache couldn't sleep couldn't listen to the tele, not even sit on the balcony and drink my coffee as I usually do. HORRIBLE so I packed my things walked to the beach after about five phone calls to the drapery guy, paint, and man that makes incredible furniture out of roots and old trees here. Its really artisitic I bought a root for a table base yesterday its cool.. I stained my chairs I had here from my office that were really ugly and removed the upholstery, order some microfiber sude, in a ginger color and am waiting on all that to come. I chatted on line then left for the beach in search of rest. Its one thing to have a party and have it last till two or three but to begin one at three and last till 1:00 the next day??? MY GOD!!! horrible!!! I wont fight with her she is my neighbor, and besides that will only cause more. So I just left.. so did everyone else. very passive here. I laid on the beach sunning thinking.. Came up with some more ideas as usual. I have a plan for the next few weeks.
Sunday is my birthday I want to go to San jose and purchase a dress and shoes, my clothes are not very good. I have few not like most women, and most are pretty darn old some are over 5 years. I have shirts and cool tops but nothing really nice. Althoug my client bought me really beautiful shirt and shoes.. that is all that is new.
So I think on Friday I find a way.. WISH I HAD THAT CHAUFER!! makes it easy to get around. the Bus is hard. you have to walk allot and catch buses here and there.
But I have done it I am familiar .
Sunday I think Rossy and I Orhpa whos birthday is the same as mine are going to go to dinner at this incredible Italian place in Los Suenos.. its fancy and well cost but its my BIRTHDAY!!!
Tonight I am going to Rossy's taking some fish I have and having her cook cook it for me. I don't have any pans to do it in.. We can talk I haven't visited with her in a month about.
Other than this, its nice cool right now its been hot the past couple of days so hot you can't walk!
I hope my table comes in the next couple of days its so different. The guy that builds these ask if I would try to help him sell his creations on the internet. But I know right now the economy is so flat its expensive to ship.. But I can put some on Ebay maybe who knows? Help him helps me..
It really is one of kind items for those descerning buyers.
PHOTOS SOON I HOPE!

Found the place that I had a dream about five years ago

2009-01-22T07:24:00.002-06:00

I have found the place I dreamed about, before coming here.. Bella.. I looked at this property yesterday with a friend of mine. Its not listed but they are wanting of course to sell. Its alot of money but when I was looking at it I knew this was the place. I walked in with my mouth open.. Somethings happen like this, and we don't know how they will transpire but if you can believe hard enough in something the way opens up. I have someone interested in Investing, I have for a long time.. and many offers too.. but not one have come through. I contacted two of the people who are interested and hope that one will say yes. I would love to have this place, and renovate and get it rolling.
ITs beach front here in Jaco, with the perfect property. You can go on Picasa, type in Marianna Costa Rica/ Spain and look at some of my albums. I am learning how to create them now on this program.
I am believeing something good is coming, maybe this is it? If not I am continueing in believeing.. till it comes.
I talked with my current client about it, he wants to see it too.. Today him and I are going once again to buy more for the condos. Its going to a hectic day.. San Jose is difficult to drive in and to get around. Places are hard to find and there far apart.

Right now I am waiting on the balcony for him and the Chaufer, its about 7:30 am. Cloudy, and cool this morning, last night breezy and cool. I cooked for them again last night. I made Fresh Mahi Mahi that they caught yesterday. It was over fifty pounds, Put it in the oven with fresh garlic, butter, and olive oil. Salt and pepper.
Fresh corn, avocado salad with aruga, and left over lasagne, and egg plant.
We had 7 people last night for dinner, drank champagne and enjoyed company.

The kids are happy they kinda have a woman there to do everything.. I don't mind, I enjoy entertaining myself! The Fish was devine, I didn't cook it too long and its so fresh that it just taste unbelieveable. It melts in your mouth, and has a clean light taste.
I so enjoy the seafood here, because it so fresh.
I enjoy cooking, for others.. Well I got to run the chaufer is here.. I look forward to posting photos of the places redone again!