I’M HAPPY I STAYED

Things have turned around for me emotionally. I’m back to me. I came so close to going home. But all of the human connection the past few days has cured me. I discovered that I love solitude, but I do not have the countenance of a hermit.

I spent two days playing with friends. One day Sally and Natalie came over. Sally brought her watercolor project. She did two very similar watercolors of a forest image. Then she cut them is slices and wove them together. They are beautiful. I will ask her to send me some photos.

Natalie learned how to do Zentangle. She chose the leaf pattern (Nefi) and loved it. We spent a lovely day.

Another day, Nancy picked up Kathy and me, and we spent the afternoon at her house. I again worked on Zentangle, Nancy worked on her parrot image and Kathy crocheted. Love these times spent with women. It reminds me of reading about women getting together for quilting bees. It was a great opportunity for them to leave their families behind for a short time and spend it in the company of other women. It was likely a huge support for them. AND…they were still being productive, so who could complain???

Nancy asked me if I would take care of Bailey while they are away at the beach. Hmm…let me think about that… It will be such fun to have a dog around.

Speaking of which, I think my brother, Tim, is going to get a dog, and I believe I tangentially contributed to that. I posted this video on Facebook, and he said, “That’s it! I’m getting a dog!”

He misses his Champ. I hope this works out. I did dissuade him a little bit when he said he might adopt his friend’s Dalmation…let’s not be too impulsive. He’s going to “meet” the dog tomorrow (I think) with no expectations.

Friday night, Betty had the gang over for dinner and to watch In and Of Itself. It was my sixth time watching it. I think I’m done. But I still love it, and I especially love all of the responses to it. People begin to ask themselves questions, not just “How the heck did he do that,” but, more importantly, I think, “Who am I?”

Equally as entertaining are the conversations between Stephen Colbert and Derek Delgaudio. They are both so amazed on how this came about, the meeting of their minds. Consciousness works in very interesting ways.

Speaking of which…my latest favorite video:

Don’t be put off by the name or the robes. This man is a great connection between the eastern and the western mind. He has lived in both. I especially love his teaching about the importance of habits. Changing your habits, changes your brain and your mind. It reminds me of the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. We are our habits. They are talking about the same thing.

I also learned that the monks wear orange because it is the color of freedom. (Nancy?)

Yesterday, Barb picked me up, and we spent the afternoon at Kinnears’ for Amy’s going away party. It’s actually more like a going away party for them all, but Joyce didn’t call it that. Joyce and Scott are moving to Puerta Vallarta, and Amy is returning to California and will live in the family home there with her uncle. Big changes. The Boquete community will miss them. Joyce has been a rock for the liberal community, taking the lead in keeping the community informed, especially on Covid, and providing opportunities for like-minded people to socialize without much conflict. Sometimes that a good thing.

At the party, I met a couple of new people: Trish and Mindy. Trish lives in a place called Las Armuelles, which is southwest of Boquete, probably an hour drive. It is on the beach. Trish said it is a nice community with a mix of expats and Panamanians. Don’t have to drive. Close to groceries. Like being at Las Lajas 24/7. I’m going to ask Barb her opinion about the area. I’m guessing she has one… Barb? I know right now she’s saying, “You bet I do!” Oh, one thing I already know – snakes. Lots of them. Trish talked about picking them up. I asked, “Do you feel inclined to do that?” “Oh yes,” she replied, “I love snakes, have since I was a kid in West Virginia.” Mmmm…..

Mindy is thinking of moving there. She is by herself here in Boquete and just thinking Las Armuelles would be more economical.

And then of course, beautiful laundry day:

and loving my clean sheets:

Yes, these are important things to post. They evoke a very happy feeling for me. And that’s what it’s all about.