Jeff has decided he will ship his big motorcycle back to the US. It's been in Spain for a year now, and while we've enjoyed many adventures, a decision was required to a) properly license it, like now, or b) send it to it's homeland. He chose b, for multiple reasons. But to fly it … Continue reading Pulling Back from the Abyss
The Spanish Melting Pot
When living in a place, I think it's important to know something about it. I've been to countless museums, historical sites, and prehistorical archaeological sites in Spain. And while it's been interesting, weaving it all together hasn't always been easy. I needed a coach. We aren't taught much European history when we go through school … Continue reading The Spanish Melting Pot
The Power of Disconnection
When we moved to Valencia, everything was different. I felt so bombarded by the differences that any subtlety or shades of grey were completely missed. The things we were dealing with were all primary colors and right in our faces. Now that we've lived in Spain for 16 months, I notice other things. Jeff talked … Continue reading The Power of Disconnection
The Voices in your Head
Thinking back, I realized I started learning Spanish from a young age. Sesame Street on PBS in the US taught me my numbers. Old Spaghetti Westerns from the 50's and 60's, while horribly racist depictions of people from Mexico, taught me some Spanish phrases that are ingrained in me. So much so, they're interchangeable with … Continue reading The Voices in your Head
A Tribute to my Mother
Happy 80th Birthday – Candy Lou!! I get to be the first person to wish you Happy 80th Birthday, as I’m the first of your children to welcome this historic day because the sun rises on this side of the world before it does over there. On this day, all those years ago, at the tail … Continue reading A Tribute to my Mother
Its About That Time
When I lived in San Francisco in the 90's, there were earthquakes. A lot of earth quakes. Some larger. Some smaller. You took them in your stride. But you started to be able to understand the difference between the various kinds. 'Rolling' was better than the 'Jerk and Snap'. That did more damage to people … Continue reading Its About That Time
Taking a Break
We've had a lot of family stuff going on lately and it's consumed most of my energy. I'll be heading back to the US soon to be in the mix. But before that, we headed out to take a little break. It may seem strange since we live on the Med, but stepping back is … Continue reading Taking a Break
Mis Amigos
I have 5 new Spanish boyfriends. Well, not exactly. Don't get too excited. But the way Jeff is reacting to my new crew you'd think I did. There's a bar in Benimachlet that I go to in the mornings sometimes. I'll bring my laptop and write at an outside table over a cafe con leche. … Continue reading Mis Amigos
Quieting the Mind
The last two years have meant constant change for me. It's been two years since I quit my job in the US. Nearly two years ago I walked my Camino. Fourteen months since we moved to Valencia. But while those are big things, I've always believed its the smallest things that make the biggest difference. … Continue reading Quieting the Mind
Wash Out
Semana Santa Marinera de Valencia was a wash out this year. Literally. It rained like heaven was crying and wouldn't stop. All our neighbors had cleared out of town for the holiday and the wind blew so hard it blew the branches off the trees, and then the trees out of the ground themselves. Jeff … Continue reading Wash Out
