* In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening ....

I've been whining about the heat.  It was pretty hot there for a few days.  Better now, since we had the thunder, hail, lightening, and torrential downpour.  :o)

When the sun goes down, it cools off quickly here.  We are in the high desert (over a mile high to be exact).  I spend the evening on my covered terrace, the ceiling fan on, twinkle lights on the window, a glass of wine in hand, and my computer on the table.  When it gets dark, it's a lovely place to be.  Come join me ....

This is what it looks like during the day.

How hard it is to escape from places.  However carefully one goes they hold you - you leave little bits of yourself fluttering on the fences - like rags and shreds of your very life.  ~Katherine Mansfield

* Wrap 'em up and Ship 'em out ...

I packaged up the books for Leena's swap today.  They asked to be wrapped 'special'.  I had fun finding the right piece of material for the right book and hopefully making them look a little intriguing.  I made a special card for Leena to say Thanks for all the work she does to make these swaps a resounding success.  They will be off by Fed Ex this week.

Leena loves mail art, so I made her a very Mexican envelope.

“Done is better than perfect" . Scott Allen

* Last of the Mini's

Before I launch into the last book I made for Leena's Swap ... allow me to share a couple of events which made me smile today.

There are times, behind these courtyard walls, I can almost forget where I am.   A world apart, so to speak.  Today I had help to clean out the bodega, move more art stash upstairs to be sorted, and assistance to get the 'dust' out of every pore of this house after a windstorm.  After that was done, which, by the way, felt very good, I settled to finishing my book, listening to music and organizing some drawers.  The door bell rang.  I opened the gate.   To my amazement, surprise and delight, before me stood three magical donkeys and their master (a Senora by the way).  The donkeys were nibbling on fallen flowers petals at my door, while carrying large bags of earth on their backs.  Senora wanted me to take some of her dirt for my garden.  Unfortunately, I have three bags of dirt waiting and could not accommodate her wishes.  It was one of those moments when I get that little 'buzz' .... a 'flash', a 'click' so to speak of "Yes, Donna ... you ARE in Mexico".

The next knock on my door had some of the same affect.  Two young men, with two enormous wheel barrows full of fresh succulent pineapples.  Big smiles on their faces, I was greeted by a fresh cut piece of fruit offered on the end of a knife.   I bought two.  Fortunately, Wendy was just here for a visit and went home with one. I can never resist the fresh fruit.  Oh ... and forgot to tell you.  Saturday mornings, the flower Senora appears at my door.  Carrying a huge hand woven basket full of fresh flowers on her shoulders, she lowers it to the ground and watches with a smile as I choose my bouquet.  These are the little tiny things which never cease to give me a thrill.

I finished the third mini book for Leena's swap today.  It's been so much fun.  Here it is ....

I actually love including little pieces which really 'don't belong'.  This 'scatter joy' tag, complete with pink pig, doesn't really 'go' with the ambiance of this book.  That's why I like it, and that's why I do it.  It's fun!

 

What's next on the creative front?  I'm not sure at the moment.  I do know I want to organize my studio organized so I can find things.  It nearly drove me around the bend making these books ... always looking, always trying to locate something I knew I had ... but WHERE.  So for now, thanks so much for stopping by ... I appreciate it sooooo much!  

“Life ends when you stop dreaming, hope ends when you stop believing, love ends when you stop caring, friendship ends when you stop sharing... so share this with whom ever you consider a friend.”

* Mini Books for Leena's Swap

No more 'snow birds' from north of the border ... so I got down to some creating today.  This morning that is.  At the moment (5.00 pm) you could fry eggs on my terrace, and frankly I have given up trying to move except to spritz Habibi and myself with some soothing cool water.  Our only hope is to survive until the sun goes down! :o)

I added some embellishments and more stamps on the first little book and it's complete. 

 

 

The second book, I think I like better because it is at least somewhat 'useful'.  It's called 'Notes to Myself'.  In each pocket I have placed a tag.  Each one has a title for a list you may wish to make.  i.e., Ten Things That Make Me Happy,  Ten Things I Treasure, Ten Things I Want to Give Away, Ten Things I Want to do I have Never Done Before, Ten Places I Want to Go, etc. etc.  Just a little more interactive and a little more fun.  Also places you can write more notes.  

I made the book out of envelopes, however, being in Mexico, I didn't have the proper size envelopes.  The flaps on the inside of the book are imobile because of this.  

 

A third book for the swap?  I think so ... If I can just get through this heat wave!  Don't laugh at my quote today --- this heat makes my brain go a 'little funny'.  

If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back? Steven Wright

* No More Jeannie ...

This week simply FLEW.  Early this morning Jeannie fly's back to Canada.  A great week, some wonderful memories, and ooooohhhh so quick.  Are you sure someone is not playing with time? 

Last night we had dinner on Jeannies roof.  San Miguel roof tops are a separate, complete world unto themselves.  Up there, in these little micro worlds, people gather, mingle, party, eat, dance, sleep, and relax.  Always interesting to see another rooftop.  Watched the sun set yet again. Why are we so fascinated with sun sets and sun rises?  No two are ever the same. 

preparing dinner

beautiful Jeannie

A vacation is like love - anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia.  ~Author Unknown

I don't think Jeannie will soon forget the HEAT WAVE we experienced while she was here.  Just a tad uncomfortable.  It was a two shower in the middle of the night kind of holiday ... just to survive the heat!

* A Few more Photos from Last Night ...

We went to the beautiful new resort  of "Rosewood" for a drink.  It's a hotel, condo, resort .. all in one.  Gorgeous.  My photos don't do it justice as I was mostly gawking .. however, one day I will take my camera out and take you on a tour. 

In the meantime, in the HEAT of yesterday afternoon we enjoyed a couple of cool drinks on a breezy terrace at Rosewood and soaked it all in.  It's brand new and not quite finished in places.

Next we were off for a drive around San Miguel so Jeannie could get a feel for my new home.  We stopped at a few point and took a couple of photos.

Then off to the Instituto for a beautiful dinner.  The Aztec dancers were there ... exquisite.  And, of course, we were serenaded.

It doesn't get much better than this. 

* This Photo Says It ALL ....

...too much fun ... too tired ... more tomorrow.

“Life is short; Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love
truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And Never regret anything that made you
smile.”

* Jeannie's Here ...

My friend from Victoria arrived.  How lovely to see her.  We spent a lovely day at Quinta de Luz and then out for dinner.  Great food, great company, good laughs.  We sat under the stars in the garden enjoying a Spanish coffee after dinner.  Absolutely lovely.

I was just over at Valerie's.  She does inspire me!  Another FRIDA piece ... and you know how I love Frida.  Full of colour and life ... if you adore Frida, please stop by and have a peek.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
- Anais Nin