How Did I Get From There To Here?

If there is a path in life that has my name on it, like a road sign that says JUDI with an arrow pointing ‘this way’ or ‘that way,’ I’m hoping to find it. It seems that for a good part of my life, I've been responsibly choosing certain paths with a goal of where I want to be or at least what I want to do, figuring that where that path takes me is good enough, it’s just the right path for me, it’s the way it’s supposed to be, whatever happens is meant to be—all those platitudes and cliches come to mind when I am unsure of the decision I am making or have made, or am so sure of what I’m doing knowing that it might not be the ‘right’ one for me yet I’m willing to deal with the consequences.  (Keep scrolling down)

Good Morning to YOU, Good Morning to YOU (we're all in our places with bright shiny faces....)

On a trip to Saladero for camping, about four hours up Golfo Dulce in Michael's converted kayak--outrigger

Just can't get enough sunset photos

Favorite tropical drink: Amaretto (great deal at the duty-free shop at the Panama border) with fresh pineapple juice

Perhaps, though, the paths I've chosen throughout my life, even as an adolescent, have always been the right ones—despite the pleading of my mother and grandparents, despite the questioning of friends and relatives, despite my own second and third thoughts….because look where I’m at in my life…where I’m living and what I’m doing. Haven't all those paths led to this point of time, in the middle of a very remote part of southern Costa Rica?

My first morning, November 2013

Reflecting, in writing, on the long and winding roads I've been traveling since childhood would not be of great interest to others as much as it would be to myself. And that reflection can just as well be done mindfully, with focus and intent, and without expressing it in the written word. Yet, I feel that it's time to give voice to those inner stirrings, thoughts, and questions that have sometimes caused me to step back, recognize them, and then move forward without much more consideration to their effect, — presently or potentially.  (keep scrolling...)

Another beautiful sunset over the Osa Peninsula

With Michael and friends after a morning of boogie-boarding (Elieth and me) and surfing (the guys)

With some of my (English language) students (who are also neighbors)

I live in what could be considered a botanical preserve!

Let’s just say I’m fortunate. Or, as I like to say, I've lived a most fortunate life. I looked out the window this morning as I was washing the dishes and stared for a long time at this most glorious and transcendent view of the ocean and Golfo Dulce, the clouds passing overhead, the Osa Peninsula in the distance, the birds singing their morning songs as the little house wren joined in, doing his daily pole dance just a few feet away. The parrots, which Michael refers to as the Costa Rican Air Force (since Costa Rica has no armed forces), were screeching across the sky intent on reaching some distant perch, and the morning choir of frogs echoed across the quebrada and below our house. Squirrel monkeys were loudly chattering to each other and, as I turned to see what all the commotion was about, I caught a glimpse of a mama with her tiny baby on her back, running down the branch of one tree and hopping to the next, stopping to look at me and jumping again as soon as I took one step toward them, though I was inside the house looking out. The scent of the Ylang Ylang caused me to close my eyes and inhale deeply, as if I could take into my lungs and life the sweetness it promises every day, and I, who rarely cries, felt a tear departing the corner of my left eye and make its way down my cheek. Am I really going to be leaving this unparalleled beauty? Whatever my future holds, whether I return here or not, I have been fortunate to have woken up with the very first glimpses of light, to be serenaded by birds and monkeys and all sorts of insects that I had never heard of prior to coming here, and by a man with a guitar who sings songs of good morning to the sun, our feathered and furry friends, and to me.

The view from home--Playa Zancudo and toward Golfito

Morning visitor

Home — and the view from home — what an experience living here has been!! 

To Be Continued....as I contemplate and meditate and celebrate....