Catching up

Inspired by Naphtali's ability to post regularly on her blog in spite of her hectic and demaning life, I decided I need to play a little catch up. The first two photos are of the Fall 2009 group. They left on December 8 with nearly unanimous positive experiences and comments. Several students are already making plans to take the intensive language program in June as a way to spend more time in Merida. The group voted to have an enlarged copy of the photo taken above at Chichen Itza to hang on a wall of the Central House. The photo below was taken on the last day of classes and showcases our wonderful stairway and windows. In the time between the first two photos and the following photos, I spent a sad week in Ft. Wayne with Patti, Erin and Devin. Conrad's death at 54 from prostate cancer was tragic. May he rest in peace.

The next two photos were taken yet again in the grand "sala" of the Central House when it was used for a yoga workshop/retreat the weekend of January 8-10. Twenty people enrolled in the course led by a teacher from Mexico City. The sessions were inspiring, energizing and renewing....the perfect New Year's activity. The Central House lent itself well to the occasion in terms of space, light, and good vibes. The experience revived my yoga practice to the point where I am meditating daily as well as attending classes twice a week.

The workshop also met a goal I had set for myself when I started working in Merida. I wanted to open the Central House up to community activities and events when classes are not in session.
Finally, I last colored my hair in June. I was tired of the drama and anxiety that surrounded each and every hair appointment in Merida. I probably worked with at least 4 different colorist/stylist, but the results were always a crapshoot. In addition, the water here is full of minerals and God-only-knows what so my hair always felt and looked like straw. When I came back to Merida after my summer vacation in Iowa, I decided to just stop after at least 25 years of coloring. My mid-December hair cut removed the last remnants of blonde. I have to admit it was a good thing everything was closed for Christmas when I left for Ft. Wayne because I didn't know if I was ready to come out of the closet as a grey-haired woman.

Everything turned out alright because first, the trip was obviously not about me, and, secondly, the grey hair got rave reviews. I was so relieved and remain committed to my untreated hair.