Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned...

The expression, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," pretty much sums up last weekend!  How many times have I said that to myself after reading an article or watching the news?  Or,  going to lunch with a girlfriend and listening to the antics of an ex-husband/boyfriend.  My own ex-husband used this quote when wondering where my rage was coming from during our divorce!  (Damn him and he wondered about this?  What a narcissistic asshole!)

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting girlfriends of one of my girlfriends here on the island.  These women traveled here from Louisiana and Texas to spend 5 days enjoying the caribbean sunshine.  Within minutes of meeting, I was invited to attend a voodoo ceremony to "roast" an ex-husband getting remarried in a few days!  (I am always looking for entertainment, so I immediately said, "sure, and in fact, I'll make the doll!"  I have boxes of art supplies, fabrics and the like to keep me from losing my mind to boredom).  This simple, introductory conversation led to a weekend of laughter, music and a sense of, "getting back at someone that hurt or wronged someone else".

Well, being the sewing nut that I am, I began a mental check list of needs;  my mind going a mile a minute at all the "extras" to add,  to make each doll unique.  My experience in this "craft" is minimal, but I had made one doll once,  truly for big laughs and to release some anger another person had caused.  I am a frustrated artist and truly enjoy creating things.  My mind reeling with where to begin:  the sewing, gluing and designing little people that later would be subjected to all sorts of mayhem.  My girlfriend had music downloaded about the famous voodoo queen of New Orleans, another friend had gone online to find out specifics of the actual ceremony and requirements!

Once the date, time and place were set,  I went home that evening and set out my supplies to begin filling the orders for the next day.  At sunrise, I took the dogs for a quick walk, made my pot of coffee and began sewing  little dolls,  soon to be tortured!  By mid day, I took my small shopping bag of dolls, pins, extra fabric and thread to my girlfriend's condo.  Upon arrival, the wooting and laughter began!  Plans of what to do first were discussed.  Out to the beach we paraded, music blasting, beating a coconut, (we did not have a drum, a prop that is required!), dragging our "dolls" through the sand and pinning them to a coconut tree, the ceremony began!  Rum and corn meal scattered, music playing, coconut drum, now taken away by the condo association's dog who loves to chew on them, we stumbled on our own guffaws.  Apparently, real voodoos, throw themselves to the ground!  Well, we about fell over laughing!  Does that count?  The condo painters stared and joined in on the laughter, I am sure,  praying they were not one of our subjects!  Exhausting ourselves on this, we retreated back inside, poured a cocktail and headed out to the dock to watch the sea.

As the sun began to set, I decided my day was done and headed back home to my dogs and college football scores.  Before going to bed, I downloaded my pictures and posted some more thoughts about the day on "facebook".  What amazed me more than the actual antics and comedy of the day, were the responses I had from my "facebook" friends!  Wow, now the real entertainment!

Most of the "facebook" posts were from our friends being entertained by our activities.  My husband did call and ask if there was a doll for him, as he had a sudden stomach ache!  Of course not, I adore him and he causes his own angst!  LOL!    Amazing were the responses tittering on worries and lectures about fooling with such elements!  Piss haw ya'll, WE WERE HAVING A LITTLE FUN!!  That is all!  If it were this easy, people would dropping like flies all around us!  Are you kidding me?!  Or, could this be the conspiracy behind the swine flu?   Doodoodoodoo!!

Apparently, there are a whole group of worry-wort's out there, and thank you for your concerns, but no thanks!  There are far bigger things to worry about out there folks!  Thank you to those of you out there who enjoy a laugh or two and I will be filling your orders as quickly as possible!  A new business?  Maybe?  If nothing else, it entertains me and beats the crap out of other things to do on this island!  OMG, if it would have been this easy to cause my own ex-husband some pain, imagine the legal fees I would have saved!  I could have walked over to my friendly neighborhood voodoo doll maker and asked for:  "1, short, bald and jewish doll please!"  Lord, I could have been getting back at my louse of a neighbor a year ago!  Think about all the wrongs that could have been made right by the simple purchase of a voodoo doll and a sprinkle of cornmeal!  People, people, lighten up and do not take things so seriously!  It is a good thing to release some stress and anger!  And, it is fun!  My face hurt from the laughing!

So, back to  William Congreve; thank you for putting it so eloquently, as truly, " Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!"  and to Marie Lavauex,  you are the queen!

Tropical Wave

We have a "tropical wave" approaching the area.  I enjoy the changes in weather; they are not what this ex-Chicago housewife is used to!  Changes in weather up north are not subtle;  the trees lose their leaves in the fall.  Rain, ice and snow means winter. Trees regain their leaves in the spring and it is horribly hot and humid in the summer.  In Belize, it's hot, breezy and sunny most everyday!  In fact, I have trouble keeping track of the days, weeks and months.  They are so similar and unchanging, I remember the days, weeks and month, by when guests visit or  when I go back to the states!  Belize is hotter in the summer months and unfortunately, more humid, (this is Central America and rain forests are near by).   In the winter months, we do wear long sleeves, at night.  It remains in the 80's most everyday, cold for us is 60 degrees!  (And trust me, the residents are wearing  jackets, hats and gloves!)

So, back to the, "tropical wave".  Exciting and potentially scary; I explained it like this to Steve when he called,  "If we had "Tarboggin", a sailboat we owned years ago on Lake Michigan, "we could have sailed to Caye Caulker and back a couple times this morning!"  "Wow," says he, "that's great!"  Yes, it is.  I have turned the air conditioning off, the windows are open, no bugs biting me to bits and it is even breezy inside!  The dogs are enjoying this break too!  

The first time I heard the weather term "tropical wave," was from one of my dear neighbors.  A group of us were meeting up for lunch.  She cancelled the day before, due to the approaching "tropical wave".  Perplexed, I did not understand.  I thought "tropical wave" sounded "nice"!  A sort-of parade wave or winds that took the bugs away and nothing more.  Now, I have learned, "tropical wave" means; rain, potential tropical storm development, and possibly, a hurricane.  More than likely, they come and move out of the area, bringing the rain, the wind and some change to the weather.  Looking outside now, it's hard to imagine this "wave" could bring anything nasty!  The sky is brilliant blue, the seas are choppy but the reef prevents the waves from getting too large, the sun is shining and this wind is so refreshing, I am savoring this moment!

For the next couple days, I will keep the National Hurricane and Tropical Underground websites minimized, as well as my own eyes to the sea and sky.  Dock time today?  You betcha!  (God I dislike that bimbo!  LOL!)  Anyway, enjoy your day and stay safe!  d :)

Group therapy

I was on "facebook" this morning and thought about writing or adding to this blog!  Funny that I have this urge, completely unexpected.  (Thank you Lauren for getting me started!)  The dogs had me up at dawn,  being here alone, I do turn in really early.  Pippi has taken my spot on the bed, Pickle is now under the blankets and Toby enjoys his own big bed on the floor.  They are so content, the doggie snoring and cuddling is very sweet.  Pippi, being the toddler of the group, is awake first and literally jumps on the  bed to get me going!  So, after our walk and a pot of coffee made, here I sit, at my laptop,  laughing over "facebook".  A true addict I have become and loving these moments!

I have a few new "friends",  so I have suggested  pictures for them to place in their profile space.  Another friend asked me what, "WDV" meant.  (This is when I felt the need to blog!)   LOL! and OMG!  Of course, I know this is only funny to me, as life on the island lately is, "hum drum"!  It is slow season, not so many tourists, businesses closed for vacations and the rumors/gossip is, "not so much!"  To stay busy and entertained, I began going through photos to post on "facebook".

"WDV",  an acronym, "Wine de Vine".  A small group has formed at this shop on Friday nights and I have to admit, it is a group I look forward to seeing and a spot that is unlike anywhere else on the island!  It is cooly air conditioned, the staff;  accommodating, attentive and delightful, the wine selection is wonderful and their cheeses and pates remind one of trips to europe or at least, a very good deli back in the states.  This small establishment has become a sanctuary of sorts, a place to gather without second hand smoke to inhale, a place where we all know each other's name and welcome new members.  The group is the, "wine group" and the group is my idea of "group therapy"!  LOL! again!  

The group has discussed many topics and has solved many world crisis's !  Anything is up for grabs and we do not shy away from the normal taboo topics of social conversation!  

What better way to get a group all stirred up than to begin a debate about religion,  politics or favorite football team?  We have a healthy mix of the reds, the blues, and a few brits!  I love it and would not trade going anywhere else on Friday nights!

The group is thin these days, due to members being,  "off island"  for various reasons.  But, not to worry WDV, we will rally to larger numbers very soon!  In the meantime, the members here are continuing to enjoy the reds, the whites, the imported cheeses and the SALE!!  Cheers to those of you unable to attend, minutes to follow later!  (NSM!)

d  :)

"Not so much"

Art?
My furry friends!
This morning's sunrise

I do not know what to write about.  For the last couple days, I have thought about this and said to myself, "surely, there is something exciting here to share?"  Well, guess what?  Not so much!, (as my dear friend Tom would say!)  I guess this is what happens at our age, "not so much!"  Wow, I am amazed with myself!  I must admit I really like, "not so much!"  LOL!  A luxury I have really not made time for; "not so much!"  Relax and enjoy the surroundings! 

Steve is on the mainland; he had a trade show in DC and was able to see our son while in that area.  He is back in our hometown now, working on a project, seeing his high school buddies and family.  The children are busy in school.  Both being seniors, (Lauren in college and Colin in high school),  there is plenty for them to do!  I am on the island, "holding down the fort".  Not so much "holding down" to do.  We have had some interesting weather, but "not so much"!  The dogs have been great; another bout of ticks, but the groomer has taken care of that, for now, anyway.  So, that leaves me with looking around for a project to occupy my time.

I have thought about a business to start, art projects to complete, decorating that could be done.  This "semi-retirement" is not what I thought it would be.  I like to stay busy and have plenty to do.  Getting paid for this is also nice!  I look around our house and I see plenty of things I would like to change, but all it would take is money, proper materials and the right contractor!  Now reality sets in and all that's easier said than done!  Buying paint to repaint a bedroom is one thing, (I have a great source for that and enjoy the hardware store employees at this establishment!).  But what I would really love to tackle is the downstairs kitchen/familyroom area!  I want to demolish the whole space; move 2 walls, remove the existing cupboards, replace the countertops, appliances, windows and doors!  (Wouldn't Steve love to come home to this!  Not so much!)  Since this is a major project, I am looking around for something that would not take as much time, money and planning.

So, maybe I will look at some paint swatches or tackle a sewing project?  Maybe, I will head over to the library, volunteer my time and find some inspiration outside.  A bottle of glue, some paint, shells and driftwood!  I am feeling the need to create and get outside!  What I really should do is complete that book I am trying to write!  Uh huh!  The reality has sprung up and I am stalling and finding a reason not to do it and coming up with "not so much" is my scapegoat!  

Today:  writing and being artsy later!  "Not so much" will have to take place another day!

Cheers and enjoy this day!  :)

Busy, busy!

I have not posted lately, been incredibly busy!  My trip to the mainland was amazing and I knew I had a lot to say about it, but as soon as I returned, the re-entry into life has been a whirlwind!  The house needed attention, as well as the dogs. As soon as I took care of them, there was our "wine group" meeting!  Then the "wine group" dinner the following day :) and the next day we had unexpected guests.  All of these are "Good Things", as Martha would say.  Staying busy, meeting new people, making new friends and seeing the world around us, are what make life interesting!  I enjoy all these activities, yet finding a balance is key!

I would love to sleep in for a day or two, but not possible!  The dogs are up with sunrise and I would miss our beach walk!  The sea air and breeze create enough dust to choke anyone with allergies and I have a long list of these and seem to acquire more everyday!   So, housework is a daily activity.  Guests usually enjoy conversation, food and drink, and suggested activities; this takes time too!  Sleeping in would mean I would miss my beloved "wine group" meeting later today!  No, no, no!  There is a limit to being too exhausted!  This group re-energizes me and makes me feel wanted and informed!  (I believe this is the whole purpose of group therapy?!)  Of course, I would really enjoy relaxing over errands!  Just the thought of hot, dusty roads and a list a mile long of "to-do's" leaves me tired.  But, that too needs to be done; we like to eat and the dogs look forward to that all day!  I could never disappoint them!  Those adorable furry faces continue to make me smile through any thoughts of giving in to a nap or hiding from the world!

My company is now awake, I have had 3 cups of coffee, the electrician is here and this day is well on it's way!  Cheers and enjoy this gift of life and look around you; you may be surprised at what you are missing!  

d  :)

The dock, again!

This morning's calm seas.
Mr. Barracuda!
Yesterday, west,
south,
north,
and east.
I have taken my own advice and have taken my camera with me as much as I can! (Still forgetful at times!) Back on the island, I still love sitting out on the dock! It is always a good time to be out there. It is cooler, the bugs are fewer and there is always something new and exciting to see. Yesterday, a storm began rolling in, so, I took pictures from the east, south, west and north. Amazing, that storm blew on by!

Today, the seas were so calm, it was eerie! No wind and crystal clear water. I was able to see my friendly barracudas and sardines, and the pictures actually came out! Wow! Glad I had my glasses adjusted while in the states, I am sure they would have fallen in and there was no way I would have jumped in for them today. Too much wild life for a dip. But, that is the good news! The wild life is abundant and my little mangrove crop is growing! (Do not tell the greedy developers this; I am also staging a protest against those guys as soon as there is someone else going with me!)

Enjoy and enjoy some more! There is always something to see and love outside!
d :)

Back on the island

Okay, ready to get busy again and post! Back on the island Sunday and hit the ground running! Unpacking, reorganizing, cleaning and list making!! My usual. My trip to the states was hectic and packed with seeing family, friends and old neighbors. As hard as I try, I never seem to have enough time to visit with everyone! Between the drive to Virginia and back, seeing only some family, the drive back to Chicago suburbs, doctor appointments and the shopping, I cannot believe I made it back without an event! Two days later, it feels like weeks ago. Only a few days ago, I was shivering with cold! My dear friends had a wonderful dinner party for me and we drank wine around the campfire like the good old days! But it was cold, easily 50 degrees! I had on jeans, a sweater and was wrapped in a blanket next to that fire! It's August, (well, now September)! What's going on?

This morning, back to the routine I have with the dogs, (they are very happy to have me back!), we had our usual walk out to the pier. It was 6:30 am., and it was so dang hot, the sun was beating down like it was noon and no breeze! I thought, once more, what's going on? From one extreme to another, here I am! I still love it here and am happy to be home. It is an adjustment, but one I will happily make. The humidity, bugs and heat will soon pass and the hurricane season is looking like the one they predicted; quiet! And boy, is it quiet! The tourists have left, my flights were almost empty! Driving into town for errands is a breeze and the parking issues are none. No lines in the stores and time to catch up with my friends! Time to relax, enjoy these moments and plan for the next influx of tourists and busy season!