For the past few days I have tried about ten times to post the computer or the internet keeps kicking it out lets see if it works this time.

First This week has been simply trying to run the office with out the plasmas correctly installed and our system not fixed yet. Although I have called and called to get someone to do it no no has. Things here are very difficult to get accomplished you wait and wait for someone to show they don't know or never ever show and its normal. Everyone who lives here knows the drill, but the Americans have the worst time with it.


Doing what I do is difficult the challanges to accomplish completing someones home or condos are huge. But I manage to get things done thought all the challanges. simple things are the worst challange. I decided from two days ago that from this point forward I will tell the clients all the details on how things get done, the issues I deal with and not hide a thing so they can understand and be a bit more patient with me. Because really its not all about Me! its about the people I hire to do the work.

Lost orders, never showing up, bad work redoing things over and over. but yet I manage to produce beautiful settings for these people.

The past few weeks have been hard, the frustration with Tony, the dealing with issues, and the pain I felt came directly from USA AMERICANS. The things they do and say are so harsh sometimes. Yes I realize I am one but honestly I want to be a better reflection of someone From USA and not a bad reflection. I need to work on my faults as well but some of these people who come here are just so use to having everything RIGHT NOW and not happy with much. This is tough to deal with most times but I manage to find something to make me happy.

For example the Toucans who came to visit the other day right outside my window. They were so cool sitting on the brances twisting their heads to stare, tweaking there beaks to look at me. In the early morning hours when the birds are singing and I sit and admire the beauty that surrounds me I realize how lucky I am, Although I do not have much, a small apartment not many material things. I am happy that I am here and enjoying the pleasures of this different life.

The stress I been feeeling has to leave I wanted that part of my life to end in the USA when I left it but it is true some things Follow you and become a part of your life that you can not change. I want to change that! and with Gods help I will.. I want to be less stressed and enjoy simple things.

Like the view from my front window here. At this moment I am looking out the front of the store where I see a beautiful view of the mountain filled with lush foilage jungle trees and plants. topped with Clear blue skies that are dabbled with puffy white clouds that surround the base of the mountain like a blanket. The clouds nestle them selfs around like a mist a jungle mist around the mountain sides. Its so beautiful! Then when you look out the front door you see a cross a big white cross. When I first saw this I almost cried knowing that this was a sign saying that God was here to help me and support me and be a constant strenght to me.

You can not see this Cross from any of the other locations the way you can see it from mine. ITS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DOOR like an Icon.
Don't get me Wrong I am not a holy roller, or anything like that. I do belive in God and he is a part of my life. Everyday I thank god for what I have and for his guidance. I ask for his help with my Sons and there families. AND I KNOW that with out that Faith I would not have made it through some of the most difficult trials I have had presented to me in my life. YEP there still happening but I am strong and I know that It will be good and some day the struggle will be gone.

For example yesterday. Clint could not function he was ill again. I continued early in the morning to work I mean early. I was at a clients house at 7 am, with help to repair some problem in here home. LAter I went to the hardware store then on to picking Clint up and more work. When a client walked in and Asked about ST REGIS, I offered to take them to the site. We went and when I saw the site I was in AWE!! wow just when I think I have seen the most beautiful place, once again I see another one!

Sitting on the top of mountain, Vistas for miles and miles... three sixy views of Oceans and beaches, Jungle, birds and beautiful flowers. I stood as the people talked to the sales rep, and watched them go into there own little dream. While I was in mine. I saw myself sitting in my living room on the top of the mountain. Looking at views from all sides. lots of windows in the house with a pool out front so you can cool off while gazing into the horizon at the endless sea. I saw my garden and a dog.. it was heaven even if it was for only a moment. I noticed that the people too were thinking hard about themselves on this mountain. Wow who woulnd't want to be up there living. ST REGIS Is going to be spectacular! it already is and nothing is built.

Being a part of that in a very small way is also a cool thought for me.. to be able to see it built before and after will I am sure amaze me.


I know that eventually I will be on the mountain with the pool and the kids will come and visit there mama. This is my dream... in mylife I ask for very little.. With faith and more hard work this will come too.


When I returned from St Regis site I was happy with life once again. the challanges lately have made me sad, angry bitter and upset. But that small hour in time made me realize why I came to Costa Rica, and made me understand that there is a greater power out there.. one that needs to be respected, and know that I am a part of that power.

Christmas day a different Christmas

After the past few days, the issues with Tony, the jobs being stressed because of the holidays, A well deserved day of rest and recuperation was needed. Clint and I decided to go to Manuel Antonio for the day to spend a very different Christmas alone on the beach. We got up pretty early , packed watermelon, strawberries, champagne, and other goodies like salami and stuff and took off early down the road south of Jaco. We had a nice enjoyable ride, saw the pretty country side and then stopped in Quepos at this great restaurant called the Anaconda. It over looked all the Manuel Antonio, sitting in the top of the jungle with a breath taking view straight down of the beaches. We had dark rich Costa Rican Coffee, with a touch of Cream, some fresh squeezed orange juice from local oranges that was so creamy. I ordered Granola and there home made banana bread and Fresh home made yogurt. Clint had french Toast. We both just savored every minute of this peace full rest full, morning on the mountain.

Then we drove round the curves, to the beach and parked right in front. All the vendors were putting out there wears for Tourist to buy. We walked past and took a look but neither one of us bought a thing. We then walked down the beach toward the park and tried to see if we could sneak in but it was closed today. The park has incredible beaches that are so clean and white sand, but we didn't get in so we just went back got all our things, Champagne, fruits and salami and walked to some sand chairs close to the water.

It wasn't long till a young man came up to us and asked for 5 thousand colones to rent the chairs. We really didn't want to pay that but everyone else was and I guess it was worth the money since we had a nice umbrella and two comfy chairs to lay in the sun.

We played all the day in the water and laid in the hot sun. We drank our champagne,and looked into the cool aqua blue water and both of us were overwhelmed of the idea that it was Christmas day and we were laying in the sun in a tropical place. It was so different and so nice. Relaxing and As i said earlier well deserved.

We left the beach only after me seeing Ed, a new friend that lives in Herradura near my store, and another friend of mine from Jaco and an aquaintance as well.

We sat on the curb of the street on the beach for a little and watched people then we both decided it was time to eat. So traveling up the road, into the thick lush surroundings we ended up at the Airplane restuarant, It is the one that is made out of an old Cargo plane. It sits on the edge of a cliff, the Jungle is thick below and the veiw is incredible. overlooking all of the sea in Manuel Antonio... The blogger will not let me post photos tonight but I promise that tomorrow i will try to put all the photos on. It was a hot day, we both got very sunburned, Clint was happy he needs the sun bad,,, for his skin. For me it was ok, Sun or no sun is alright but I like the the feel of it and rather be in it than be freezing in Vancouver!

Then we drove back, well there was a bridge just outside of Quepos, and it had a piece of the bridge out, and wouldn't you know it we went in it. The car was tilting on Two wheels we had no traction, We had to have a guy with a jeep pull it out of the whole... it was scary.. but we managed to get out with only a broken mud flat and a portion of the fendor, where the screw was bolted to the flap. It was raining and you could not see the wholes in the bridge.. I was sad but I am happy that we had only that issue and not more. Clint was good he drove the rest of the way home, going over small bridges that were one lane with wood that was loose.. and well he was having fun honestly!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is coming and it doesn't even feel like it here!

Its nearing the holiday and I have no feelings of Christmas at all. We have been so dang busy that I am spinning like a top here. We finally finished the Macaw project well the five Condos they gave me to do. IT WAS STUNNING If I say so my self! We used browns tans and creams, some whites. All the furnishings accept accessories were designed by me, and manufactured here in Costa Rica. I am trying to use only local people and not import any products at all, there fore supporting the country and their local talented artisans, and craftsman's. It was a tough week, things coming in wrong, late and no installation on the 15 plasmas I had to buy. Along with DVDs Cd's clocks and Stereos.

Tony thought he could do it him self, we had a huge fight about this. He just doesn't get the drift of huge projects or design. I kept telling him we need installers, but he insisted that he could do it, which he did but it took two days and the people were coming while he was doing it. I was not a happy girl. We had lots of issues as jobs go but we manage to do all the holiday decorating including making hand made wreaths decorate a 10 foot tree, poinsettias, and dress and design 5 custom condos with everything included, I mean everything!

It was a whirlwind, filled with stress, and heat and sweat, and nervousness, but we did it and it was fabulous. The opening night was a huge success, I did all the flowers for the tables , buffet, and bar on top of that! Wow but it was cool. lots of people showed up, the candles were burning around the pool, and all over the grounds, Music was playing and then the Mariachis showed up! later after dinner and drinks the fireworks went off on the beach to Christen the whole event! We felt like such super stars.. it was the coolest ever!
The following day was our open house, so once again I had all that prep work to do, food, and flowers, and get the store ready for the grand opening. We had a DJ, and lots of tables and chairs out front. Candles in bags, and candles in Martini glasses. Tropical flowers everywhere. The food was pretty good too. I had a full bar, and we had about 50 guests show up.

This is the reason I have had no time to write or do anything for that matter, not even clean my house wash clothes nothing. Now with Tony and Clint staying there it seems ever so small. I need to move. I really want my space, Tony needs to get a place of his own, Clint and I can hang for a while till he gets sick o me or me o him!

The office is looking good, we have exclusive art from Bill Tortorici, very famous artist who has sold to some very distinguished people, and Rock stars. I have about four extraordinary pieces in the store now. VERY EXPENSIVE PIECES, they are all available now though us. We actually have an exclusive with him as well as ST REGIS RESORT. So I guess were doing ok here?

I have no plans for Christmas at all, I don't really feel it either. Clint mentioned something about us going to the beach and drinking a bottle of Champagne and hanging out. Then I got the Idea that it would be fun to go to Manuel Antonio for the Christmas day, where the beach is rather white and the water is crystal. The ride to Manuel is really pretty so that should be an interesting ride as well.

I don't know I think it may be fun? different, but I do miss my kids and Wish them a MERRY CHRISTMAS and Pray that they are safe and well. Jordan lost his job, after almost three years of working for this little Italian food and pizza place. I know he was very depressed since it happened right before Christmas, but I told him he could tear down the lodge and I would give him all the money, and if he did Sharp he would earn that money too. I have to help him who will? I know how tough life can be, he needs to use wisdom in his life maybe things will change? The first thing I would suggest is to Move out of Woodland Washington, nothing much happening there as far as jobs. But for some reason they like it.

Clint seems to be enjoying life here but he has experienced an aw full lot of stress though the shop and the Macaw project. Now its settling down. Were doing two houses left in LA FLOR and then I do not know? I got a call from Ramada to do there landscape design for the sales office here, I met the president of the group he was interesting, and handsome! god it was everything in me to not just burst out and ask him if he was married. But I kept it professional, then I asked for the huge project to do the resort design for the grounds. Funny thing is, the archetect that did our mall, Did Macaw as well and when he found out I was the one who did the MaCAW he pranced right over here to introduce me to himself, compliment me and tell me he has many projects that he knows I will be the perfect fit for. So he invited me after the first of the year to come to San Jose and talk about other possible projects with there company. Come to find out He too is involved with Ramada. So who knows? Destiny? for Marianna to come to COSTA RICA? or insanity? hmm do I have to think about that?!!! People thought I was nuts, and I am sure some of them still do, HA but honestly I know what is happening here, and I am very happy that I listened to my heart and that little still voice inside of me.. FOLLOW YOUR HEART is what I say to others Follow your heart.

Costa Rica is different, very frustrating in the manor of business, but If I can just get through this, and learn how to work it, I just may be ok. I have great photos, and as soon As Jonathan my new computer tech and photographer for our work comes I will have him post now all the terrrifc photos of the past weeks.

Catching up!

It has been so busy every since I got back from the USA, Clint and I have been enjoying each others company. Clint is so loving Costa Rica, I wonder if Tony feels strange, he doesn't say but I think he might feel a little uncomfortable around us at times. We spent the last week, working on the office, getting it done so we can open its almost here maybe another day or so!! its looking so nice and very professional.

We had to Go to San Jose to shop for Holiday decor for Macaw, because the owner asked us to decorate it for the holiday opening, so on Sat we rode into San Jose and stopped several places on the way to pick up plants and poinsettias.

It was a nice trip, we also went to the Zoo there in La Garita, where we saw all sorts of birds and animals that exist in Costa Rica. The planting was so perfect, the jungle encroached upon the whole zoo making it so magical and almost dream like. The foliage's and different textures combined with floral, and animals was such a beautiful thing to see. The climate there is really nice a bit humid but yet cool and fresh. It was so nice to take a couple of hours of rest and pleasure to rebuild my spirits and refresh my mind, considering all the stress of the past couple of weeks. No time for me at all, so this was a nice little bit of paradise to enjoy for the moment.

We also went to the orchid farm there in Atenas, it was small but very many varieties were available. I purchased a few things for the office. We really enjoyed that stop as well.

Orchids are some of my most favorite flowers, amongst Lily's and gardenias. The orchid is such a complicated yet simple plant. There are thousands of varieties here in Costa Rica, and many that originated here. I have actually seen many in the wild that are incredible.

I especially love the red or purple orchids the best or the varieties that are so different and strange with curly petals or unusual colors added to them.

After those stops, we continued to Alluejuela to search for holiday decor, then on to San jose To find more decor. We finally finished about 7:00 when we dropped off Tony and went on home to Jaco.

The following night Clint and I went out to the Monkey bar and danced till midnight, but they closed early because of an election for the weekend of officials . So all the places that served liquor was closed for the weekend. It sure was evident, there were hardly any people in the town of Jaco and the streets were clean and quiet. We swam and had a nice warm Sunday afternoon then finished with going to the Store to put the tree up and decorate the store, then to Rosies to people watch later.

The begining of this week was hectic again, as Macaw is about to finish and we are expecting all the custom furniture that I designed for the five units we are doing now. Clint and I finished more decor in office and talked to a new friend who just bought a furniture store close to me. He is an American and we plan on joining forces websites, and products.. so we can be stronger. Hes a nice guy his name is Ed, totally shaved head big brown eyes, funny additude... pretty nice person so far! I hope it works out with him it would be nice to have a close connection for furniture.

Tomorrow is Tony's birthday, I need to figure out something to do for him and wish him well. Maybe Juan Carlos and I will do something nice for him. Tonight while while Tony and the furniture makers, filled the condos with the new furniture Clint and I went to a new soda close to the office and mall, its all outdoors clean and the food is great. I had garlic mahi mahi with fresh sauteed veggies and beet salad. Clint had beet salad, rice and beans chicken and sea food soup. My dinner cost me $3.00 dollars Clints was $6.00, we both were so full. Then we returned to the showroom to find the granite guy was fixing the bar in the showroom. Juan Carlos was on the phone and Tony was still in Jaco. I decided to internet and try to catch up with the days I have missed bloggin. Maybe now in the next few days after Macaw I can settle down and get into a routine about my life again...

Hot and sunny

The Macaw Project








It is Hot and Sunny, and Clint and I are enjoying the weather here, rather than being in the States where it is so cold and rainy and I heard snowy.
Tony is trying his best to adjust to having a gay man in the house. Yes Tony is still here??? He promised to move but has not yet. Its has been a little uncomfortable for him and Clint. Not for me, I know them both and well its a strange situation. Never in my years have I lived with Two men now and not be involved or have them be my sons or family.

Its a strange situation, I like it but I don't. If you know what I mean.

It is as if I am being Protected now, but really they do not protect me. Tony is more of a protector than Clint is, yet Clint is more concerned about me and shows it.

The Store is coming along beautiful, I am going to take photos as soon as it is all done. Its very different than anything I have ever done. Modern sleek and a little quirky.
I am worried now about the presentation end the most important part since the guy I hired half the time doesn't respond or show up like he says. Maybe Tomorrow I call another guy I know and see if he can help. Here it is a challenge to get things done in a timely fashion. You have to be on people day and night more than I ever dreamed. But its getting done little by little and I hope that Inch by inch success comes in a huge way.

Also tomorrow I look at a house that is for sale, I may just take and use it for a time then rent the thing out when I decided to buy a better house and or Build one. But its coming soon I feel it.

The days are flying right now, Macaw is due soon and many of my clients in LA FLOR are about to show up as well and we have not got all the products, Nor has La Flor finished the houses.

I am going to take Half the day off tomorrow to do some things just for myself, look at that house, and maybe get my hair done, if there is time. Other than that, life is good, I am trying to stay focused, and not let the situations that are edging its way into my life to tear me down. People do not understand that some times there selfishness causes pain to other people this is something I am dealing with right now, with a certain person, this person does not know I know what is happening, so being discreet about it and not showing my emotions about the behavior is really becoming harder. I just need to stay focused!!!


Yesterday we went into San Jose Clint Tony and I, we stopped at a couple of places, the sign guy and reviewed my sign then to Atenas to an Orchid farm and I bought some Orchids for the store. IT was fun and so pretty we spent about an hour there just looking and talking to the owner. I selected some very old Orchids to hang in the front window on wood. I hope they live along time too.
Then we carried on to mondolo, he is the artist that created my chandeliers, in the showroom there pretty cool, it was a bit expensive but there really different, and well I kinda like them! We talked to them about a project that possibly we could be involved with in six different countries Wow if this happens I do not know what I will do!! it was cool to discuss the new project in all these Caribbean countries . I have such cool connections now. This project is huge a theme park the pirates of the Caribbean, houses that are skulls, three levels and the total experince dating back to the time of booty winches and pirates.

So now if this goes through we will have about five projects to work on not all at once but in time. ST REGIS<>