Ghosts in my house
Living requires making relationships that you like and do not like. I spend some of my day dealing with those relationship I don't like but I try, primarily, to focus only on those I do like. One of the relationships I really like is with my ghosts (for those who have...
Here comes the sun
For some time now, we have been considering ways to reduce our carbon footprint while living here in Mexico. We already do this in some ways. We live in the historic centro of Merida--meaning we can walk to get most things we need for daily living. We do still travel...
Uncertainty
In recent meetings with friends on a trip back to Minnesota, I was repeatedly asked "why Mexico." Mention was often made that I was leaving comfort and certainty and trading it for anxiety and uncertainty. Many asked "aren't you afraid." Ironically, it was precisely...
My Barber and My Grandfather
My new barber, located one block from my house at the Santiago market, is a very stark contrast to my barber in Minneapolis. I am seen in the mirror waiting for my shave and a haircut (el afeitado y corte de pelo). Surrounding the mirrors are pictures of my barber's...
Fit the puzzle pieces
The time has come to fit the pieces together. Lea and I have been in Merida for 15 months. The house is done. The move has been made. We are starting to connect with a few friends who are, more or less, on our same wave length. We have learned how to say no to...
Fallen Flowers
Every year at this time, many people reflect on the year's events. They think about the joys, the successes and the failures. Many of these events were life changing—others are merely little blips. One of the joys of living in near-tropical climate is that the seasons...
Table that please…
This well crafted and designed table is not unlike how we try to live: placing our individuality within a societal structure. One can not exist without the other.
Art and Calm
As some of you know, about 2 months ago we had a "visitor." We do not know for sure, but this visitor was likely a young Mexican male. He climbed over our back wall with the intent of robbing us. It was just before midnight and we were asleep. We were awakened by 5...
From blurry to focused
Whenever something new (good, bad or ugly) happens, there is that moment when the brain is trying to process the emotion, that things get a bit fuzzy (at least for me). There is a warp in time--one that prevents clear and focused thinking. Things speed up and slow...
Fear but no loathing on the 7th day
Fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Loathing: a feeling of intense dislike or disgust; hatred. Seven days ago on September 18 (the eve of my 66th birthday) we experienced in our...
Measuring a decision one day at a time
We are approaching our one year anniversary of living in Merida. It has been a full and eventful adventure that has had many ups and downs. In the last few months, the downs have exceeded the ups. This has caused us to start to look at things in a slightly different...
I kill you and you kill me
Over the past several weeks, I have had a big sadness floating around me every day. It is the killing fields in the Middle East that is so sad and upsetting. I have read 1,000s of words. Defensive diatribes justifying both side's point of view. Thoughtful meditations...