TORN BETWEEN TWO LIVES

Torn - torn between living this life in paradise surrounded by strangers - alone at the beach and so aware of that. Couples abound, groups of friends laugh and talk, glasses are raised. Salud!

Knowing that at home in Canada my children and grandchildren are sharing tobaggan parties and weiner roasts with their grandpa, but grandma is far away. Missing my son's last hockey game in Ponoka - an important night for him and I am not there to share it.

Torn - so much distance and space between my life here and there.

Valuing my friend Reta, my neighbors in Mexico, my children at the school where I teach English, and new friends. But we do not share history. Only my family and friends back home know that. And at moments like these I miss them deeply - longing to share some of my life with them.

My casa - so beautiful - where I am peaceful and content. The weather is perfect every day. And yet I still long for the deeper connection so missing in my life.

Fun to dance, to laugh, to walk , to meet - tired at the end of the day, but still alone.

Yes ... this is paradise, but here on the beach where the waves crash and the sun shines brightly, today, I am torn.

Medical Help in Mexico

A primary concern of tourists is what if I get hurt or sick? Will there be good medical services. My experience today says Yes, indeed! In Bucerias, Nayarit, the service is EXCELLENT!

Today was my first full day here. Early in the day I worked in the yard, walked to town, and came back for lunch. After that I went shopping with a friend for about an hour and a half . During that time I felt weak at times, but suddenly I could not breathe well. It felt as though something was cutting off my air ---as though my windpipe were closing up or being pressed down.

Reta drove me directly to a small private clinic/hospital and this is where the word SERVICE began. Dr. Victor assessed me immedatly --no waiting in a room- and then led me directly to a hospital room where I was hooked up to both an iv and oxygen. Apprently my blood pressure had dropped to 74 over 47, which is very low. As well I was very dehydrated. I was able to spend two hours at the hospital receiving help, and then was given the choice to return home or stay there for the night.

I have come home, but am taking it very easy. It is wonderful to know that Dr. Victor will act quickly, and know just what to do. Yes, medical service in Mexico today was just what I needed! Thanks, Dr. Victor.

Three Sleeps 'til Mexico - Creating a Life to Love

"Three more sleeps"... any other time I have left for Mexico those words would have created a swell of excitement within. This fall it is different. This time my trip was planned months in advance. I booked the ticket in August which is different from my usual "last minute cheap ticket purchase" that allows me 3-5 days to get ready. Little did I know that when late October came, I wouldn't be as ready to go. But my life has changed.


Living on my own in my little house, I am content. I feel a sense of peace; my days are as busy as I choose; I create opportunities to be with friends or chat on the phone. I am feeling more connected to others and happier within.


My "new life" has brought many realizations. An important one has been that in the past Mexico has been somewhat an escape. It was my way of being away from the loneliness of my life, made legitimate by the fact that the humidity in Mexico was better for my health. In Mexico I was able to volunteer with the childen, find new friends that were available to do things, and feel connected to people who wanted to be with me. But now I am beginning to find this contentment and peace here as well and the driving need to go to Mexico has diminished. Yes I will enjoy it; but now I am finally at peace in Canada too. 3 more sleeps, and I will enjoy every minute until the plane leaves the ground.

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown

It is so comic to hear oneself called old, even at ninety I suppose! Alice James

Well thank you Alice James for that quote;however I can't say I agree. As I write this first post I am still reeling from not one, but TWO age related comments I received today.

Nothing is more beautiful than my 4 year old granddaughter! But, she definitely surprised me today though when she said, "Grandma, You're getting old." I asked why she thought that - and yes I admit it, I was in total dismay. With childish innocence she replied, "Cause you got all those cracks in your face."

CRACKS????? My "laugh lines?" Yes, one and the same. Today they became cracks and what I HAD quietly noticed in the mirror is now out in the open.
Was she far off???

Apparently the young fellow in the liquor store wouldn't think so. In a casual conversation tonight I admitted I was new to town and didn't know anyone. Eager to help he recommended the COZY CORNER where I could meet lots of people. Helpful? Yep... But it was the Seniors Drop In Center!

So yesterday I was "a young 53... full of life and laughter, ready for a new adventure." Tonight I feel a whole lot older. My plan is made - I'm heading for a nice hot bath and then I'm going to smother myself in moisturizing cream.

Was it comical to hear myself called old? Not for a moment.... Tomorrow though ... who knows!


Abraham Lincoln:
And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.