December 15, 2010

so stylish

i have bob to thank for this photo

this fine island lady was across the street all decked out 

with her british bag, umbrella and some plant she 'swiped' from somewhere!

we had such a busy day at the made in roatan shop

we are happy to be able to help so many people by selling their stuff right now

i asked the cruisers if they'd be interested in helping with an island wide

food drive that we are involved in and over the past two days 

we have raised 160.00

wow!

isn't that fantastic!

December 14, 2010

nativity

i love christmas

i do

it is by far, my most favorite season

i confess that when we moved to roatan i had to get rid

of alot of christmas paraphernalia and memorabilia

that i had collected over the years

okay confession time:

i had about 15 big plastic containers full of stuff!

garland galore, white lights, outdoor lights, decorations,

candles in shades of ivory or gold, platters, , glass containers 

that i filled to the brim with glass balls and lights,

oil lamps for a soft glow, a nutcracker collection,

christmas books and christmas music and the list goes on

it was tasteful stuff.. it was.

so when we came to roatan i reduced it to

2 boxes

it was an amazing feat!

this is one of my favorite things.

it creates such a soft glow

i could sit and stare at this for hours

thinking about the wonder of the nativity

of the ridiculous yet real plan of God to

make His appearance into the world via a baby

incarnate craziness i think

and to come to a young woman and overshadow her 

by the Holy Spirit

how bizarre

and to appear to simple shepherds on the night shift 

men who were hard working and unassuming

imagine the insanity of that dark night being invaded by glory and light 

of a myriad of holy angels.

no wonder they ran to 'see' this holy One who was born 

imagine the wise men

recognizing a strange yet powerful star in the sky

and following it til it rest over the humble abode of mary and joseph

imagine their shock and amazement when they laid before them

gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh 

 imagine mary looking into the eyes of Jesus and seeing all 

glories of heaven still bursting through Him

Immanuel:  GOD with us!

do i really believe this you ask?

absolutely?!

i believe this as much as i believe

the parting of the Red Sea, the water coming from a rock,

Moses standing on holy ground,

and Elijah calling forth fire from heaven.

all of those were divine moments from the Most High

and the nativity was the consummation of them all

the time when God made His finest appearing and dwelt among us

my heart cries out

O holy night

December 13, 2010

all decked out

i have always loved christmas lights!

when we were kids we didn't own a car

so it was always a huge treat when either a relative or friend

would let all us kids pile into their car and

go driving around 

looking at the lights

you could hear the sounds of our ohhhs and ahhhs

it became tradition to do that  with our kids too

one year, while living in canmore, alberta we decided

to vote for our favorite house in the little town 

i think we shocked the owners when we all traipsed

up the steps, rang the door bell and happily told them

'your house is our all time favorite in the whole town!'

they were a little shocked at first and then they invited us inside

where we stood around, a little ackwardly and then went home

:-)

so...now the lights are coming to roatan too!

whoo hoo!

this isn't my favorite 

(no offence roatan rental)

but it was pretty enough to warrant a photo

for the record:

this place in west end has the best baleada's on the island!

truly

December 12, 2010

over my shoulder

bob suggested we go to seadancer to watch the sunset

i took my photo of the day 'over my shoulder' 

as i was walking down the beach

looking for shells

why do we like to go there?

well it has one of the longest docks on the island and the view is stunning

bob is wearing jeans because it actually cold.. for us.

the weather is chilly for us

i had on my slippers earlier in the day

we got rained on

i ran for refuge under the sea grapes

and from my dry spot i could hear bob whistling from the dock

i looked where he was pointing and was blown away by a beautiful rainbow!

a lovely way to spend a december afternoon

hope you had a good sunday too

December 11, 2010

one caballero

i have wanted a photo of one of these cowboys for a long time

they intrigue me with their weathered faces, worn clothing, lean bodies,

and strong characters

this afternoon, bob, laura and i went into coxen hole

to see a christmas parade and the lighting of the tree

why we went at 3:00 (the start time) is a mystery to me!!

i should know better then nothing starts on time here.

we never did see the parade of a local marching band 

it was supposed to be on the back of a flat truck

but apparently someone needed the truck.

not sure why they didn't just walk.  *s*

either way i think it started close to 5:00 pm

so that meant we had a lot of time for waiting around

when i saw this guy walking down the street i was thrilled
i loved the way he walked along like he 'owned' the side walk
carrying that heavy load on his back like it was nothing,
and swinging his machete like a warrior instead of a worker

there are times when you just can't be shy.

this was one of those times. 

i pointed my camera right at him and shot!

good thing he didn't shoot back!!  :-)

it was a wonderful event at the port of roatan

we enjoyed seeing the big tree, the happy children

getting candy and meeting my first black santa claus

 

santa!  don't be shy!  :-)

this little blue stick was a lollipop he stuck in his mouth just before i took the photo

i had asked him if i could take his photo and i thought for sure that he would pose with the kids 

but nope.  

 bob ho ho ho-ing with mrs. claus!

my favorite part:

singing the song 'amen' by harry balefonte

with the steel drums accompanying us!

wonderful!

December 10, 2010

 

my caladium was strewn with water jewels 

i enjoyed her beauty as i slowly made my way

through my garden this morning

how do i know that is a girl plant??!

come on can you imagine a guy dressing up like that!!  

haha

i love the rain!

i remember in canada hating the rain!

i didn't like the cold, the dampness or the discomfort of getting wet

but here i enjoy being out in the rain

it is warmer for one thing

but for another it is as if my soul has been longing 

for liquid for a good long time

after months and months and months of dry season

i welcome the life that the rain brings

 

 

refreshed!

today i wrapped a few  presents to send home and made christmas cards

i am finding that christmas isn't commercial,

it isn't about the malls, the decorations, and the shopping, 

and more about sharing times together.

 most people here

can't afford to buy presents but they usually cook a simple meal

did you know the spanish like to eat sandwiches on Christmas Day?!

a simple meal with family? (at christmas!?)

ha!

these 3rd world countries are pretty darn smart!!!

December 9, 2010

how much is that cruise ship in the window?!

who knew that a cruise ship could fit into a small window

small miracles abound!!

bob took me to a place on the 2nd floor of plaza mar for lunch

and as i was enjoying the view of the ship

i saw this reflection in the window

some days are busy

some days are slow

and some days are just right

today was perfect

enough people to make it worthwhile but enough time

to talk to our friends nearby, go for a walk to buy a beautiful yellow flower plant
that i saw in yard nearby,
and go out for lunch with the one i love

a wonderful day!

i did a little bit of christmas shopping.. shhhh. don't tell the kids!
and when we got home the power went off which was
a beautiful excuse to do nothing but lay on the couch and take a wee nap!

December 8, 2010

jungle art

tonight was the art show at the oasis restaurant

there were about 8 different artists there and it was a great time

we went representing the 'made in roatan' shop

i felt so bad for bob since he worked all day

and then at 3:00 went over to the oasis.. a very long day for him

i didn't go to the shop today since my feet were really swollen

and i didn't want to overdo it

isn't that painting in my photo beautiful??!

it wasn't for sale (unfortunately)

apparently someone brought it back from thailand

i just loved the contrast with the background colors and the painting!

bob and i selling local art

December 7, 2010

a sea of green

whenever i leave the island and then come back again

i am overwhelmed by how GREEN it is

this gives you a good idea of what i mean!

it is truly a tropical rainforest jungle island!  

i took this atop of the 360 restaurant.

what a great place to eat.

a tad bit pricey but good!

we left the made in roatan shop yesterday at lunch

to take a couple of tourists out for lunch

it was one of those 'miracle meetings'

bob's mom couldn't find her car in the mall in florida

she went inside to find security

and just so happened to talk  to a lady who works there

who happened to mention she is coming to roatan on a cruise

bob's mom told her about bob and i 

and happened to mention that we are looking for clothing and toy

donations for the kids for christmas

and the lady thought it was a great idea

she went to her church who just so happened to have a store

that had tons of toys and clothes to donate!

thanks sooo much sue and garry!

so they came yesterday with a 60 lb suitcase full of goodies for the kids

we are thrilled!

we have had an overwhelmingly great response to helping here on the island!

can't wait to give it out to the kids!!!

we just so happened to thank GOD~!

:-)

December 6, 2010

sun shower

today as we were driving along the beach in sandy bay

(yes you read that right... certain local beaches are roads too!)

the sun burst through the clouds!

it was so beautiful

that even though it was pouring with rain i opened the window 

in the car to take this photo.

i have fallen in love with those palms

i walk by this way many times but i hadn't ever noticed

how magnificent they are!

i think i will have to go back at other times for more photos

we had such a wonderful time with friends

at dinner

i brought some grouper and they had chicken

we left the table satisfied and happy.

December 5, 2010

star of wonder

the afternoon brought soft sweet rain

it was chilly and grey

a perfect day to put up the tree

i was blessed to have two friends drop by

in the afternoon

i love having people in our home

it was beautiful to decorate the house

it looks so cozy and lovely.

i was blessed with the lighting of the 2nd advent

we focused on joseph doing what is right in a hard situation

i read this story

we skyped with emily during the lighting 

it was like she was right there

so blessed

December 4, 2010

good for my soul

today i went to visit a friend in west end

as i walked along the sandy road, the sun was warm on my shoulders

i thought.. life is good!

it has been a very busy week 

so it was good to slow down my pace

enjoying the view

pausing to look at hibiscus blowing in the breeze

singing and praying as i strolled along

 it was good to be with a friend
relaxing, praying, sharing
grateful

December 3, 2010

high key

high key is a photography term where the tones are high

this was taking straight out of the camera 

(not post processing)

i love high key

it has such a dramatic look to it

this vase is a gift from bob's mom, bev

(thanks!)

i didn't bring many things from canada but i had to bring this

to display the flowers that grow profusely in the yard.

it is hand blown glass

vase made in bracebridge ontario

from ashbys glass studio

why did i shoot this high key?

because right now our lives are 'high key' as well

had such a fabulous week at the shop this week

we call this time

'high season'  because

we get a ship in every day

(as opposed to low season when we get a ship in every 2 weeks!)

since we are trying to help the islanders in our non profit shop

a good week for them makes us really happy

the minimal wage here in roatan is 12.00 a DAY!

sigh

so this week several of our artists made over a 100.00 for our 4 day week

that works out to double what is the going rate.

may not seem like a lot to you but it is really great for them!

oh happy day!  

i am very tired but happy

i didn't get to take this photo til after 11:00 pm because

i was literally on the go all day!

visiting with people, praying, at the shop and then had friends over for pizza at the house

good times!!

December 2, 2010

 

a clear patch

the clouds came rolling in late in the day just in time for

my photo of the day

i love the dramatic look of the clouds sitting heavy with rain

behind eagle ray restaurant, west end

usually it rains and rains and rains during this season

but all week the sun has been shining and it was

hot enough for me to have to apply sunscreen

and also get that 'roatan sheen' look

(sweaty face)

this was taken around 4:30 after a full day at the shop

we had to go see susana in west end 

to get more of her necklaces as we

we're pretty much all sold out at the shop!

which is a great problem to have!

we have had several 'repeat' visits this week

that means people who were 

on a cruise last year and back again

it was encouraging because  they came looking for the shop

saying it was the highlight of their trip!

WOW!

what a joy to see them again and visit together!

we thank God for their generosity in helping the island folk!

amazing!

happy friday

i hope your weekend has enough rest to revujenate you

and enough fun to make your heart sing!

xo

December 1, 2010

december's dawn

i never thought i would see a winter morning like this!

so blessed!

i was raised in northwestern ontario

where we would have at least a couple of feet of cold, brittle snow

everywhere by the first of december

as kids there was so much snow that we could walk up onto the roof

and then jump off into the snow

crazy, i know!!

we would put our tobaggan behind my brother doug's skidoo

and he would roar up and down the street - for fun!

i have froze many parts of my body:

nose, ears, toes, fingers!

i can still recall what it felt like as they began to thaw out -

tickly and painful all mixed up

and my mom would make hot chocolate

as i thawed

i once made a 'bobsled run' behind our house up in the rocks

and unfortunately hadn't 'banked' the corner with enough snow

and i flew OFF, 

soaring through the air with my little flying saucer under me

at the tune of 50 feet

my greatest mistake:  i let go of the saucer!

it meant i landed up to my neck in thick compact snow!!

 it meant my brother's to leave the hockey game to come  dig me out.

funny i don't recall anyone saying:

debi i am so glad you didn't break your neck!!

haha!

i have gone snow shoeing, cross country skiing, tubing, 

sledding, skating (which to me means falling alot!)

i have trudged through snow up to my thighs,

i have walked to school in freezing temperatures

without a hat!  (highschool!)

i have made snow tunnels, igloos, snowmen,

snow angels 

and all that time in the snow it felt normal

and now??

haha!

i have a new normal

that doesn't include cold, or ice, or snow
it means being able to go out to get this photo at 6:00 in my PJ's
it means never wearing socks,
it means being cold when the temps go down to 68F,
it means having sand in our car all year round,
it means carrying an umbrella to keep the sun off,
it means gardening all year round,
it means eating fresh fruit all year.. every day...

this truly is a dream come true for bob and i
our caribbean home
our tropical life

we don't take it for granted
we know He called us here
how could we say no?
(although i didn't want to come at first, but that is for another time)

we know we have been blessed

so blessed!

November 30, 2010

lawson rock

we spent the day at the Made In Roatan shop

it was a wonderful day

as we drove past lawson rock the sun was low in the sky

lazily dropping into the horizon

so i decided to come back and watch it in all it's glory

so gorgeous!

it was worth the drive and worth getting eaten alive

by sand flies

normally they leave me alone but tonight i was dinner for them

i also went to collect some small shells that i am using

to make christmas ornaments

(which i am happy to say are selling quite nicely at the shop!)

November 29, 2010

meet moto

we are renting this place and moto came with the house

at first he was a typical island dog:

he loved to fight with any other dog,

would bark at anyone in his path,

jump up on people,

nip their heels or butt (i know, how wrong is that?!)

but over the months he has become more and more

domesticated

it is amazing what consistent affection will do

he gets lots of scratches behind the ears,

warm greetings,

bones,

treats,

and loving

and i am happy to say that although moto

is still a fantastic guard dog

he is also becoming a wonderful pet

who listens to me when i call him

who walks beside me

(without a leash)

the other day i went for a wee walk and he stayed

in step with my slow hobble the whole way

it was really quite precious actually

we are growing to love moto more and more each day

and he knows it!!

here is moto laying in the garden AGAIN!

see how his ears are back?

that is because he knows he is doing a wrong thing

but he loves laying on the soft dirt 

and right now carlo and i are moving around alot of plants

so there are lots of great places to lay.

moto, get out of the garden!

let's see now.. how many times have i said that today????  

:-)

he needs to work on obedience....

November 28, 2010

 

refreshing

while this little boy was splashing and playing in the water

his brother and dad where collecting dry wood from the beach

to use for cooking.

oh to be young

to be able to splash 

and be carefree!

today is the first sunday of advent

i love this season so much

i enjoy lighting the candles because it helps me to focus on Christ

tonight we had some people over and the first candle reminded us

of Mary and her willingness and her surrender.

as we were sitting around the soft light of the candle

enjoying it's beauty and glow

i thought about the family who was on the beach

collecting wood for cooking

tonight we were both using fire

but for very different reasons

it made me grateful for things like

electricity and for having a stove

the poor always pull me up short

help me Lord to never forget

but to be like You,

a willing servant to help those in need.

this sack is full of wood and yet this young boy carried it for his dad

November 27, 2010

innovative

how is that for a creative way to sell fruit and veggies?

so innovative!!

we saw this man peddling his wares 

(literally)

down the flower's bay road

there are a few pulperias (small shops)

along that road but not too many so that is 

so clever to take the produce TO the people!

even has a weigh scale!

there is another guy who comes on his 'fruit bike'

regularly during cruise ship days

it is wonderful because by around 2:00 pm

we are hungry and nothing is better then some 

fresh fruit

on friday bob bought a plum and i bought a bag of the sweetest mandarins

and a banana

so smart!

why have a shop where you have to have pay rent and electricity

when you can peddle around and make money with no overhead?!

brilliant!

i wonder if he needs a license to sell?

later this morning as bob was coming out of the hardware store

a local island guy approached him asking if he wanted some fresh fish.

what a sales man!!

or maybe it is desperation...

but either way

we were happy to get fresh snapper and grouper for 3.50 a pound

(and that was fillets!)

guess what we are having for dinner!?!

can't wait!

November 26, 2010

look who made her appearance!

how many of you have been given plants from friends

only to have them not grow or bloom?

that happens to me alot

i try but for some reason they just don't 'take'

and it is discouraging

well back in october i went to see brandi's friend 

on the beach and she gave us LOTS of plants

and i am happy and thrilled to say that they all survived

mind you, this is our rainy season and everything is growing

at a ridiculous rate

this flower was given to me by emilia and

both carlos and i often go on 'flower patrol'

by that i mean we wander slowly through the garden 

looking for plants that have bloomed

well today carlos exclaimed

'oy, la flor es que bonita!!!'

(oh, the flower is beautiful!)

and i can't agree more.

so lovely isn't it?

this morning carlos and i did some serious work in the garden

the one bed is 'rather empty' so with bob and brandi's advise

we decided to fill it with some big plants

it meant alot of work for carlos, digging and lugging huge plants 

around 

while i said, okay just turn it abit, maybe a bit more, over a bit...

until we got it 'just right'

but this is excellent for carlos to learn to plant and design a garden

it is a work in process

or as carlos says 'poco a poco' which means little by little

we put in the plant with the 3 spiky things, the tall red one beside it,

the little reddish green bush on the left and a huge hibiscus (which you can't see)

next step:   medium plants and small floral plants along the edge.