• 30Aug

  It’s the First Latin American Blogger Awards!

  awards, blogging 16 Comments

  
  I have decided that it is high time for THE LATIN AMERICAN BLOGGER AWARDS! The winners below are only the first set of awards…no telling when the second Latin American Blogger Awards will be announced.

  So, without further ado, here we go – in no particular order:

  MOST BEAUTIFUL – I have read Heather in Paradise’s post on beauty at least a dozen times, and every time I read it I want to thank her for it. Absolutely beautiful.

  MOST AWFUL AND HEARTWARMING – Jennifer and Chuck in Mazatlán were robbed a while back, and her first post about what happened is wonderful. But the saga continued, and I marveled at their ability to stay sane throughout and how the whole thing ended up. There are five follow up posts that I recommend you read in this order – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. I think you’ll agree about the awful and heartwarming award once you read them.

  MOST FRIENDLY – Wayne in Isla Mujeres comments frequently and is a good friend to so many bloggers! He knocked himself out putting together the Blogger Meetup last April. I count him as a friend even though we haven’t met – yet.

  BEST DISCONTINUED BLOG – The Road to Merida is a wonderful blog (written by mom Andrea) of two months with her family living in Merida. She is funny, irreverent, and shares so much in a very intimate and disarming way.

  MOST PERSONAL & VARIED – Jonna at Blah Blah Blah Ginger! writes about a multitude of interesting topics. From dogs & cats, to remodeling a house in Merida, to their condo on the beach in Akumal, to traveling, and RVs, painful dentistry, and much more. I couldn’t figure out how to link to individual posts on her blog so you’ll just have to go there and browse around!

  MOST HILARIOUS – You need to read Elliott in Ajijic’s post on her old life vs. her new life, especially if you used to work in an office. She is always hilarious!

  MOST GUTSY – Cynthia and Mike moved from the Pacific Northwest to Mexico City to teach English. Along the way they had a multitude of challenges and setbacks – medical issues when they visited Mexico City, to disillusionment with the teaching arrangements once they got there. Not people to cave in when the going got tough, they regrouped, and with help of blogger Brenda and others, ended up in Guyamas, in a great living situation and with a teaching gig. You guys are gutsy and strong!

  MOST INTERESTING – John lives in San Miguel de Allende. He gets around, though. Wherever he travels he posts wonderful in-depth accounting of the most interesting bits. His travels in Europe, Argentina, and around México are always – and I mean always – wonderful. I tried to pick out one post as a favorite, but I couldn’t as they are always interesting, and accompanied by exquisite pictures as well.

  MOST INTELLECTUAL, HIP & EDGY – Malcolm and Jillian of Dropped In have dropped out from blogging a little bit lately, but I am hoping they’ll be back soon. They live at the beach in the Yucatan and look at the world from a fresh perspective. Unafraid and witty, they always make me think. And laugh. And wish I was in my 30’s again. Read this post for sure, and check out the rest.

  BEST PHOTOGRAPHY – Award goes to Billie in San Miguel de Allende. Her photographs are thought provoking and challenging without being sentimental or trite. I’ve loved being introduced to the Holga and have learned quite a lot about photography from her. Oh, as well as about Mexico, cooking, friendship, growing older, and much much more.

  MOST RELIABLE – The Working Gringos at Yucatan Living have been one of my favorites for a long time. They have basically created a portal for information on Merida and the Yucatan – which sounds dry and businesslike – but oh, no, it isn’t. From interviews with people living and working in the area, to excursions into the countryside, to restaurant reviews, and the details of building a house or getting your car licensed - there is something for everyone. Even if you don’t live in the Yucatan.

  So there you have it! The winners of the FIRST LATIN AMERICAN BLOGGERS AWARDS!

  

  Tags: The First Latin American Blogger Awards!

• 30Aug

  Iluminemos Mazatlán

  around México, worries 3 Comments

  Mazatlán will be joining with 67 other cities around the country in a silent march this evening to show solidarity against rising crime levels.

  Everyone will gather at 5 pm at the Fisherman’s Monument to sing the national anthem. We will all be wearing white and carrying candles. The march will be silent, and will end at the Plazuela Republica.

  It is the hope that this simultaneous march will send a message that the people of México are united in their desire for the end to violence and uncertainty.

  If you’re in Mazatlán or any of the other cities participating, we encourage you to participate. If your city doesn’t have an organized walk, perhaps a candle in your front window at 6 pm Mexico City time would be a good alternative.

  

  Tags: Iluminemos Mazatlan, Living in Mexico

• 29Aug

  The Dog Days of Summer

  dogs, family, maz house 6 Comments

  Last night’s sunset was so beautiful! The rainy season really brings out a whole different look to the sky at night, and I like it.

  Life has been quiet lately, both of us have felt a bit out of sorts. We’re just so used to bopping around town alot and it is just too hot and steamy to do much walking during the day. Paul has been working a fair bit, too.

  On top of that, the dogs got a touch of something and Lucy’s ears got goopy again. More medicine and worries. If her ears aren’t better this afternoon I will call the vet and get the stronger medicine for her. Floppy ear dogs have problems in the humidity here!

  We’ve also had to cancel our planned week driving trip to Guadalajara, Morelia, and Patzcuaro. Our dogsitter had to cancel at the last minute and we just weren’t able to fix things up with a substitute…especially with Lucy not being 100% well. We hope to reschedule it soon.

  But the good news is that Monday they are going to start on the remodeling of the back yard. We have gone back and forth on what we want to do to the back yard - for a while we were thinking about a pool – but then we got a bid and had to rethink the plan. We are going to have a long roof put over the house side wall – constructed with salvaged ebony posts and salvaged vigas. We’re going to use cement tile on the floor. The balance of the backyard will be grass and plants – our seriously pruned hibiscus and bouganvillia are thriving, and they, along with the palm and bamboo should provide a nice foundation for the rest of the plants. I know the dogs will welcome the grass and the cover from the roof will keep the house cool and give us a nice place to sit and rock in the shade.

  Another great bit of news is that it seems pretty likely that we’ll see our son and his family from Washington in November. I miss them all a lot so hearing that they’re coming really made my day! Here’s a picture of them taken at their other grandma’s house this summer.

  

  

« Previous Entries