BarraBaby2022

 ... are one of my most favourite things in the whole world.  If you have never had one or only had one once in a while, you don't know what you're missing...AND if you have group benefits from your work that pays for most of the cost of a massage, you need to get on it.  IMHO (in my humble opinion) the way to truly enjoy a massage is to be willing to let go, relax and trust the person who is giving the massage.  As far as I am concerned, they are professional medical people like doctors, physiotherapists, chiropodists, chiropractors, etc. who have studied anatomy and physiology of the body and are trained to use their knowledge to therapeutically make their clients feel better by the laying on of hands...and those hands are magical!! I just had an hour massage in my apartment here in Barra de Navidad (yes Perla, the RMT came right to my place).   She was a little bit of a thing but had very strong hands (she asked if I wanted the massage soft, medium or ha...

  I went to my favourite place to watch the sunset last night at The Bogavente Hotel only to be told "La cuchina esta cerrada." (The kitchen is closed.)  When I asked "why?" the answer was "we are waiting to get a new chef." and when I asked "when?" (I love to ask questions.....drives some people crazy!!😀), the bartender responded "maybe by the end of the week."  The operative word there is "maybe".  I had planned on having a light dinner...maybe a chicken caesar salad (they have an interesting way of serving it...the romaine leaves are whole almost like little boats... if I could draw a picture, I would but since I can't, you will have to imagine it....with the croutons, chicken and dressing drizzled over the boat-like leaves).  My plan had been dashed and I expressed my disappointment to the bartender.  His face looked very sad and he replied, "lo siento"...."I am sorry!" Rather than leaving, I turne...

  What's the big deal about reading?  Many of my friends are avid readers.  Me??  Not so much!  I used to love to read as a kid, but then I believe, school killed my interest in reading.  HAVING to read books that were, to my 'wildly' intelligent brain at the time, useless had the effect of me not reading for pleasure.  Quel dommage!  Que lastima!!  However therein is reality for me. I find my mind wanders when I read unless the book is particularly gripping.  What kind of books do I like?  I'm glad you asked....biographies, mysteries, some crime (but not too much violence), romance....books that have a lot of flashbacks lose me, so not really my preference. Now, I started off by saying that I am not an avid reader, but I have read one book in the last week and am half way through another (gangbusters, I know) by the same author, Nora Roberts....good last name....my maiden name.  Never thought of the connection until now, but m...

 In the song 'My Way' lyrics by Canada's own Paul Anka and made famous by Frank Sinatra, the second verse says "Regrets, I've had a few, but then again, too few to mention."  I like that because I think regrets are counterproductive and I refuse to live my life with regrets.  I also believe that there are no wrong decisions.  If you make a decision that doesn't work out like you hoped, rather than being regretful and using language like "I should have, what if, if only".....figure out what you can learn from the choice.  Having regrets only serves to make you feel sad, defeated, and overwhelmed.  For every negative there is a positive.  Every coin has 2 sides.  Turn that frown upside down.  Of course there is a period of adjustment after a disappointment, but having a pity party that goes on and on will not help to get on with living your life to the best of your ability.  You hold the key!! 

Having just had my milestone 70th, I am reminded of friends and family because so many of you wished me Happy Birthday, Bonne Fete and Feliz Cumpleanos (working on my Spanish and French while here) and those wishes touched my heart. My family, I know, are with me through thick and thin and for that I am so thankful. Old friends are worth their weight in gold and seem to love me in spite of my warts. New friends are equally wonderful. I met Mimi on the street last Thursday and after starting a friendship in just a couple of days, she insisted on making me Crepe Suzette for my birthday brunch. Delicieux et magnifique!! Merci Mimi. Mimi is a retired teacher from Ottawa (originally from Montreal), so I am able to practice my French with her. C'est bon! I met another single woman this morning on my way for my walk. She was just going in to play Pickleball and we had a little chat. Her name is Deb and she is from Calgary. I seem to be only one of a few Ontarians here in Barra. We will me...

  Well, I said on Facebook that I might write a blog, so here goes.....before you read on, remember these are my reflections, thoughts, ideas, and experiences. I started planning this 70th birthday adventure about a year or so ago.  I had been to Barra 3 times previously, so when the accommodation I am in came up on Barra Amigos and Friends (Facebook group), it was a no-brainer to check it out and ultimately book it. For those of you who don't know Barra de Navidad, it is a quiet (not always quiet when there are celebrations) little town in the state of Jalisco on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.  The closest airport is Manzanillo which is about a 40 minute taxi ride away. I know I entitled this blog "Reflections", so I better get on with some.... My first reflection is about the Mexican people.  I find them to be lovely, friendly people who are joyful, helpful and hospitable....characteristics that I want to emulate in my life.  Now let me clarify, just like not AL...