Christmas Eve 2008

I'm sitting here listening to the waves crash on the beach a block away, my windows are open and a wonderful breeze is blowing in, and I'm amazed that I'm here. A year ago I was fat, dumb and semi-happy working away in Corporate America. I owned a house and a bunch of "stuff" and had no idea that my life was about to take a 180 degree turn. My "stuff" now consists of my car and enough furniture for a one bedroom apartment, and if I decide to make Mexico my home that will also be gone. I've been wanting to simplify my life for some time, but I thought it would be when "I" was ready, not on someone elses terms. I probably would have held on for several more years, not really happy with how business is now conducted in America, but content to shove a few more peso's in the old 401K. Then the afternoon of April 11th came and I was asked to turn over my phone and computer and was escorted to the door, thats the way things are done now. I must admit, the whole time my very nervous boss was outlining the terms of my demise I was smiling my ass off. Within 48 hours I had talked to a real estate agent and started working on getting my house ready to sell, oh yes, and made flight arrangements for Isla Mujeres on May 10th for a two week stay. I officially put my house on the market on May 6th thinking I'd go to Isla and relax and see if I get any bites. On May the 8th I had three contacts on my house, and I was in shock. Upon my return from Isla I had 19 days to vacate, so I had a giant garage sell, put the remainder in storage and moved into my friends house to figure what was next. I house/pet sat during the summer, which kept me from being to much of a burden on any one person, and on Sept 24th I flew to Isla and moved into my little apt. on Oct. the 6th.

So, here I sit, reflecting on the recent past, and wondering whats next. I only have a little over 2 months before the Mexican Gov. kicks me out, and to be honest I don't know what I'm going to do next, I guess "whatever I decide" is the answer. I haven't looked, but the 401k is probably gone, so that extra couple of years I was going to "hang on" would have been for naught. I'm about to turn 64, I'm healthy, happy and thankful for all that I have. So I'm going to have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and Birthday and toast to the wonderful adventure that is life.

The photograph is called "Heading to Port", or going home, that what I'm trying to figure out, where is my destined port?

There has been a full moon, in case you didn't notice. This is a shot from my balcony toward the beach. Friday evening I was at the Soggy Peso, my best friends bar/hotel, and actually had to come home because it was cold, at least for the island, 59 degrees last night. This is the end of my third month on Isla, with three more to go, after that, we'll I'll let you know whats next when it pops into my pointy little head. I'm a guest photographer at a wedding tonight. My friend Tiffany, the wedding planner, wants some extra shots of center pieces, etc., so I get to play. I'm glad I'm not the primary photographer, otherwise I'd be paralyzed with fear..........I don't want to screw up someones dream wedding! I threw in the other photograph, of the beach, just in case your somewhere where it realllllly cold and want to dream of warm sand. Cruel right, yea, thought so...............

For me the term "Chasing the Light" has more meaning then just a photography metaphor, It really means to follow your heart and seek out that which brings you joy and pleasure, so remember to "Chase the Light" in your day. Later

Two Rocks and Me

One hundred miles straight ahead is Cuba, I'd recommend using a boat. This is the ocean/rocky side of the island of Isla Mujeres in Mexico. There are beautiful beaches on the North end of the island, I'll show you some of them in subsequent posts. Isla is 5 miles long and about 1/2 mile wide. The South side of the island is the first place in Mexico that sunlight strikes every day. Early in the morning of New Years Day the Mayans gather to celebrate the sunrise, I understand that most of them have been in the Plaza drinking and dancing all night, so I imagine the sun is welcome site.

This is the first of many, hopefully, posts to this blog. My intent is to provide a place for interested parties to view my photography, and also my witty BS. I'm still learning how to use this site, so bear with me as I muddle thru. I hope you having a great day, remember what Jimmy Buffet says, "keep it simple, stupid"