* Mind Fried at Art Class

When I took her to class.

When I brought her home from class.

  

Art class was a brain twister today.  I had her hands all screwed up.  It's like looking in a mirror.  Everything you are drawing is the exact opposite.  Even Nina was confused.  I found that rather comforting.  Her hands are now 'on' correctly.  I couldn't leave her alone when I got her home though!  I'm not happy with her left hand as you are looking at her (her right hand when you are drawing her) ... see what I mean?  So off came the hand.  I moved it down and am somewhat happier with it now.  I felt it looked like it was going up her nose or in her mouth.  Even if I got the planes correct and her head popped in front by using the proper values - I'm not sure I would have liked it.  She is definitely evolving.  I guess I should say 'they' are evolving.  I have not worked on the woman yet.  Lots more work to be done and I'm loving every minute of it. 

I'm tired tonight.  It's been a lovely day here.  I had brunch at my favorite restaurant overlooking the Jardin.  At this moment final plans for the casita in my hands awaiting my approval.  In the morning I'm having breakfast with Bill.  He's accompanying me to look at appliances so I can utilize his Spanish capabilities. That way I can make sure I am getting what I want and need.  How great is that!  More tomorrow.

Grumpy Marshall Weather Report for San Miguel de Allende for Friday, March 5th, 2010

Mar 05	Cloudy Hi: 75° Lo: 51°	Day: Cloudy skies. High 75F, humidity 20%. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Air Quality: NA, UV Index: 11
		Night: Cloudy skies. Low 51F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

 

"You may seek companionship and warmth, for example, but if your unconscious intention is to keep people at a distance, the experiences of separation and pain will surface again and again until you come to understand that you, yourself, are creating them. Eventually, you will choose to create harmony and love. You will choose to draw to you the highest-frequency currents that each situation has to offer. Eventually, you will come to understanding that love heals everything, and love is all there is.

The journey may take many lifetimes, but you will complete it. It is impossible not to complete it. It is not a question of if but of when. Every situation that you create serves this purpose. Every experience that you encounter serves this purpose."  ~  Gary Zukav

* Ecstasy

ECSTASY: A feeling when you feel you are going to feel a feeling you have never felt before.

Funny.  This definition of ecstasy just flew in as part of an email from a dear friend.  I thought, Good Grief Charlie Brown ..... I'm having some of that!  It's Ecstasy!  That's what it is.  ECSTASY!  I haven't had this feeling since I fell in love.  It's a shock!  It's a great surprise.  I'm over the moon.  I'm flying solo and loving it!  This life experience which I have worked so hard to grow into is absolutely AMAZING!

I'll stop babbling!

Met Juan Carlos and Carlos at the house early this morning.  More changes in the wind.  More surprises .... I hope.  I will let you know tomorrow.  No decisions were made today.

Work is progressing well.  All my men are so 'happy'.  When I entered the building this morning one of them was singing very loudly and with much gusto.  It sounded so great.  The energy in my little casita is  fantastic.  A few more photos.

Hola Mistro!

Plastering the Kitchenette area.  It's gonna be tight!

Retaining wall being built.

All the old plaster is off the house.  Yard is cleaned up.  Holes are dug for the pillars for the terrace.  Looking good!

Cast your eyes to the right of the photograph.  See the little brick and wood structure.  Notice wood covered in cardboard constructs a make shift sliding door.  This is the Bano (Bathroom).  The men built it for themselves.  It is connected to the sewer with temporary pipes.  No big equipment rolling up unloading porta toilets for these boys.

  Caught Carlos, my foreman, by surprise!  

YEAH!  Get to ride in a Mini Cooper.  Haven't done that since I lived in Britain.  Too much fun.  They make them with all the bells and whistles now .... and a sun roof.

After I have these early morning meetings at the house, and am dropped off closer to town, I have taken to walking to the Jardin for breakfast.  I have fallen in love with a small restaurant which is open to the air.  Such an exquisite way to begin my day.  I sit there in the sun, drinking fresh squeezed orange juice, or eating fresh papaya drizzled with fresh lime, watching the world go by, pondering the history of this city, the lives of those who walk by me, the young man who approaches me through the open window to buy a hat, or the old senor who offers me fresh picked strawberries from a huge hand woven basket.  Somehow this part of the world is so much more real to me.  It's hard to explain.  This is the view from my breakfast table.

The buildings around the Jardin today are of course mostly shops, restaurants, banks, tourist information centers, etc.  This was not always so.  These were homes.  People built these beautiful structures for their country retreats.  Yes, they were wealthy.  Yes, they gave a lot of that wealth back to the community.  These are not cold impersonal buildings. Families lived there.  They housed the personal belongings handed down from generation to generation.  Furniture was constructed especially for these homes.  Fabric and rugs were woven to order.  Seamstresses were employed, housekeepers, cooks, gardeners, builders, repair men, childrens' nurses, doctors and teachers were all employed to help run the households.  To keep a house in order and running well in those days was like running a small business today.  You had to pay attention.  Children played in their courtyards, spectacular meals were prepared in their kitchens, dinner parties were given, weddings, birthday celebrations, Easter, Christmas.  All the celebrations of life.  Babies were born in these homes.  Granny's and Grandpa's passed away in these home.  Funerals and prayer services were held in these homes.  Many would have contained their own private chapel.  These buildings hold within their walls the energy of every person who ever stepped foot over the threshold, and every person who ever lived there.  When you think about it, it's fairly amazing. 

My Muse got carried away there.  These are the sorts of things which go on in my wee brain.

Sylvia invited me over for dinner tonight.  Her friend MaryKatherine was there as well.  You know, I feel sooo at home here.  Like San Miguel and it's people are embracing me, loving me up, and turning me out into the streets with a big smile on my face.  A friend of mine always said 'you can't choose who you call in love with.'  Well I guess you can't choose 'where you fall in love with' either. All I know is .... I love this town!  I do think SMA attracts certain groups of people .... very different people.  People who have Gypsy in their soul, people who have a need to experience other cultures and ways of life.  I felt so comfortable and so very blessed tonight.  The three of us had a lovely meal together, shared stimulating conversation, laughed loudly, got excited over future road trips, became hysterical over decorating our houses (MaryKatherine is moving to a new place soon) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Tonight we referred to ourselves as "Women of a Certain Age" and drank a toast to that.  I truly believe freedom comes to women of a certain age.  We no longer a very concerned with what others think of us.  We become much more true and authentic to ourselves.  It is truly refreshing.

So pleased to have met you MaryKatherine.  Thanks for a wonderful evening, Sylvia.  Enjoyed your company so much.

I took photos tonight.  I think my auto setting on the camera was off .... so photos are not at all good.  Even the colour is off.  Sylvia, you are going to shoot me!  I'll make up for it I promise.  How about a special photo shoot of your beautiful home for my blog?  Think about it.  These photos are all I have to celebrate our night together ... so I'm putting them out there anyway.

Sylvia and MaryKatherine putting the final touches on a wonderful dinner.

A beautiful table set.

Sylvia and I

Sylvia and MaryKatherine

Are you curious about Sylvias' big pots????  Yes, they got delivered and here they are.

Benjie thinks they are pretty cool. 

Grumpy Marshall Weather Report for San Miguel de Allende for Thursday, March 4th 2010.

Mar 05

Cloudy Hi: 75°  Lo: 47°

Cloudy skies. High 75F and low 47F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Air Quality: NA, UV Index: 11

"When men reach their sixties and retire, they go to pieces. Women go right on cookin'."  ~ Gail Sheehy

* Women on a Mission

Comonfort. A small town near SMA.  Known for its terra cotta pots.  For women on a mission, who obviously want terra cotta pots, it is a gold mine.  There is absolutely nothing like a woman on the hunt for an item she really wants.  Sylvia is no exception!  In fact, she is amazing to watch.  Much like an olympian, she envisions her goal and goes after it. Her eyes glaze over, she is driven, and she's off.  Price is a factor.  Sylvia is a skilled negotiator.

I met Sylvia's dear friend Marcella today.  They have been friends for some time and work well together in the shopping department.  Did you know you can either shop with someone or you can't?  It's either fun or it isn't?  You either like the same types of things or you don't?  We all find our 'shopping partners' in life.  These two woman are meant for each other!  Today, though, it was Sylvias' day ... we just went along to browse.  Of course, my little eyes are darting everywhere, mind is on fast forward and creative ideas are flowing.  The next trip to Comonfort when I return, I will be looking for pots for my little place.  How exciting.

It seems to me, price is the key here.  At home, some of these huge pots would be $125.00 or more.  Here, in this small town, under $25.00.  For that price they will deliver to SMA.  Sylvia's are arriving tonight and they are hauling them up to her roof garden.  Service!  Photos of our wonderful day follow.  Women on a mission.

There were colourful roof gardens with the laundry hung out.

A stone house, spiral stair case, and everything imaginable hanging from the walls.

Our first stop.  They are focused!

We've been a few places and seen pots we like.  This is our second visit to this shop.  The pace quickens!

  Nice fountains for my little yard.

Fireplaces, pillars, windows, Our Lady of Guadalaupe, angels, house numbers, finials ... hmmm ...

Another pot place.  Sylvia's negotiating hard.  (Blue dot in the back)

No, this place is definitely better.  Sylvia is serious now!  I browse.

You know how I love Fleurs!  Mental note for later.

Kitty dozing in the sun, curled up in a fountain.  How lovely.

Mr. Rooster.  Oh so very handsome, standing on a big pot.

OOOoooo.  More Fleurs!  Sylvia in background, hands on hips.  You don't mess with a woman with her hands on her hips!

Puppies eating cactus?

Puppies that want to come home with us.  

A whole pile of pots.  Silvia is still negotiating!  Doing well!

I think Marcella may be giving life lessons to our young and interesting driver, Richie.

Then, suddenly, we are all done.  Up one side of the street, and down the other, into all the shops, some of them twice.  Great day!  Sylvia got everything she wanted.  Three large pots for her roof,  two smaller window sill pots,  three pots for her fountain, two gorgeous candle holders.  Both Marcella and Sylvia brought home the most efficient little BBQ's.  Actually, they are 'street stoves' here.  Very portable!

A very enjoyable day.  I hope we will do it again.  So nice to meet you Marcella!

Grumpy Marshall Weather Report for San Miguel de Allende for Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Mar 03	Clear Hi: 79°  Lo: 46°	Day: Sunny skies. High 79F, humidity 15%. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Air Quality: NA, UV Index: 11
		Night: Clear skies. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.

"If men liked shopping, they'd call it research."
-- Cynthia Nelms

* What a wonderful world ....

That's how I feel today.  Today was one of those 'blips of bliss'.  I adore those.  Bill picked me up at 9:30 am and we went over to the property.  (Note to self:  Donna you have got to get a name for your home .... It does not please me when you call it 'the property!")

Everything is going along very well.   The wall is completed and the workmanship is beautiful.  The poor little tree had to be pruned, so it is suffering shock.  I gave it a hug.  Perhaps it needs extra water.  Does anyone know how to nurse injured trees?  I do hope it survives.  I love it.

I am meeting with Juan Carlos (architect) on Wednesday morning.  I am going to make some more changes, which I will discuss with you when I make sure I can afford them.  I took photos.  It still amazes me everything is being done by hand.  Even the sand for the cement is being sifted through a screen by hand.  It is so peaceful at the site, and the men are so happy.

A few photos for history.

The wall to separate the bathroom has been installed.  The floors have been leveled.  The plans are so the men can still walk across the room while the floors dry.

Cement, carried by hand, one bag at a time.  All hand mixed.

All sand is shoveled by hand on to a large screen and is sifted.

Here's my beautiful new Garden Wall.  I think the workmanship is top notch.

All the Queens' Men, plus Bill, my real estate agent.

 Looking back at the house from the sunken garden.  Bill talking on this 'sexy red cell phone'... lol

My tree and new wall in the sunken garden

view from the sunken garden

Lots more to say about today, however it will have to wait 'til later.  I find myself completing this post at 4:00 AM.  I still want to get some shut eye as I'm going on a lovely road trip with Sylvia and her friend today.  We are going out of town to a small Pueblo which manufacturers the beautiful terra cotta pots!  

Grumpy Marshall Weather Report for San Miguel de Allende for Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Mar 02	Clear Hi: 76°  Lo: 40°	Day: Sunny skies. High 76F, humidity 20%. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Air Quality: NA, UV Index: 11
		Night: Clear skies. Low 40F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”  ~ Jawajarial Nehru

* Thank You!

I am very honoured to receive the "Best Blog Comments Award".  Annie, over at "New Mom over 40" and I have been connected for some time now through the GIST sight and I also enjoy her support and comments on my blog.  Annie has another blog at Creating Peaceful Thoughts, which is a very special place indeed.  I hope you will drop in and find out for yourselves.  We can all use the practice of 'creating peaceful thoughts', in this ever more hectic environment and change we are going through.  Thank you Annie.

I sincerely enjoy receiving comments on my blogs.  It's a little 'thrill' every day when one of you drops me a note.  I adore the support they offer me.  They help me to keep going and to move forward.  Small grains of love issued on a regular basis.  A great concept indeed.

The rules upon receipt of this award are to link back to the person who honoured me.  Done.  See link above.  Honouring and passing on the award to other bloggers who I adore because of their support with comments.  I would have to pass it on to the following blogger friends, who I appreciate so very much and am, in fact, becoming very attached to.  They are:


Carol, at Context for Connectivity
A wise woman, searching for more of her own inner wisdom.

Patty at Nomadic Notebook 

A woman of deep thought, poetic talent and a way with the shutter of a camera.

Salma at Imperfect Stepford Chronicles
A woman who authors more than one very purposeful blog.  Please explore.  It's an interesting journey.  Salma is a woman of the times, here for a purpose, doing what speaks to her heart.  A brave young woman who 'gets it' and is not afraid to speak her truth.

Carol and her Art
A woman who loves life, a woman to loves to create.  A woman who has become my friend over the years who not only supports me with her comments on the blog, but also with private e-mails which I adore. We have never met in person.

I've got to say .... back to you, Annie.  I very much appreciate your support, and taking time to drop by and leave me your lovely words.  I value our connection and look forward to getting to know you more through our blogs.

Last but not least, I must inform everyone they have received an award.  I have left notes on your blogs, Ladies. Please read.

Now, for a little 'on the side' humour.  As you may or may not know, I have a dog named Habibi.  He is staying in Canada with a lady who takes dogs into her home.  I have left him with Laura before.  I simply cannot leave him in a kennel.  Well, Laura sent me some photos the other day.  I'm still laughing when I look at them.  Habibi is going to be so bored with me when I get home.  I'm sure he will miss his new companions.  The first shot, just for comparison sake, is of Habibi before I dropped him off at Lauras'.  The rest .... I think they speak for themselves.   Before ..... and ..... after!

 

 

Is that really you, Habibi????????  My Baby???????

Grumpy Marshall Weather Report for San Miguel de Allende for Monday, March 1st , 2010

Mar 01	Clear Hi: 77°  Lo: 43°	Day: Sunny skies. High 77F, humidity 20%. Winds SW at 15 to 20 mph. Air Quality: NA, UV Index: 11
		Night: Clear skies. Low 43F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive."  ~ Gilda Radner