tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post2164691067609513568..comments2024-03-23T20:52:19.525-06:00Comments on An Alaskan in Yucatán: Contentment: Inspired by the BirdsMarc Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-83323355419863831022012-12-02T19:19:53.269-06:002012-12-02T19:19:53.269-06:00I doubt I'll pick up and move, but changes are...I doubt I'll pick up and move, but changes are in the works...fodder for future posts, I am sure. I may visit SMA in a couple of months. Let's get together.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-32907226765232274482012-12-02T18:39:38.982-06:002012-12-02T18:39:38.982-06:00Beautiful photo... though after seven years in San...Beautiful photo... though after seven years in San Miguel we feel we're about settled in, with no great urges to pick up and move. I admire people like you who can act on those instincts...<br /><br />al lanieralcubanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12667546605871850986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-16461777862315699632012-11-12T13:51:59.786-06:002012-11-12T13:51:59.786-06:00Yes, I do have unfinished projects around the hous...Yes, I do have unfinished projects around the house, and it's a good idea to wrap them up, no matter what I decide to do. I have started, and will get going in a more serious way after the start of the new year.<br /><br />It's funny, actually, that my biggest unfinished project is the half-done rooftop terrace...much as the birds constructed their nest on top of the cage. I hadn't really gotten that connection until now.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-66137355855607028222012-11-12T13:46:35.957-06:002012-11-12T13:46:35.957-06:00I loved your image of change and freedom wrought b...I loved your image of change and freedom wrought by the birds. My first thought though, was that perhaps taking their cue and building your "nest" on the roof was not the best idea. However, I was obviously wrong as you seem to have done just that. I think making home improvements is a great way to stave off the restlessness, by keep things new and interesting.Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10707196505818823372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-16200262072654746202012-11-11T08:11:53.216-06:002012-11-11T08:11:53.216-06:00Well this time Duchamp can't take credit. The ...Well this time Duchamp can't take credit. The greatest artist of all, nature, is responsible for this one.<br /><br />I always appreciate your sometimes funny, always astute observations. I'm glad you are back in town for the season to share coffee and talk.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-40076425787843986842012-11-11T08:08:25.414-06:002012-11-11T08:08:25.414-06:00Yes, I think that Mérida will be the staging groun...Yes, I think that Mérida will be the staging ground for what is to come.<br /><br />Thank you, Paul, as always, for your thoughtful comments and for traveling with me on this adventure.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-62064731067684028152012-11-11T08:07:50.651-06:002012-11-11T08:07:50.651-06:00Ha! Did Marcel Duchamp leave this assemblage at yo...Ha! Did Marcel Duchamp leave this assemblage at your house, Marc? What fun!<br /><br />~eric.<br />MeridaGOround.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-70962365932997371832012-11-11T07:59:58.232-06:002012-11-11T07:59:58.232-06:00Thanks. It just kind of happened.Thanks. It just kind of happened.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-1878819027356343192012-11-10T21:40:21.371-06:002012-11-10T21:40:21.371-06:00Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Alinde. As for t...Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Alinde. As for the study, I do not recall much about it, but I an sure that it was American or European in origin, so I suspect that the bias you mention was present. I would guess that, as you indicate, results would be different in Eastern or indigenous cultures.<br /><br />I do agree with you as well that there are many benefits to knowing a place well, and that is something that requires an investment of time.<br /><br />As for the cage, I have had caged birds myself in the past. I am not exactly against them, per se, I just now prefer to see birds flying freely.<br /><br />Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-16928722948435225082012-11-10T21:34:32.028-06:002012-11-10T21:34:32.028-06:00Home exchange is one of several possibilities that...Home exchange is one of several possibilities that offer exciting options. Your Mérida home would work out well for that, and so would mine.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-19179348544569118412012-11-10T20:50:42.717-06:002012-11-10T20:50:42.717-06:00As your readers' many comments suggest, Marc, ...As your readers' many comments suggest, Marc, this is an excellent post. For the brief time that I have known you, I have always pictured you as a vagabond type, nomadic, adventuresome, restless, a sojourner. It's been interesting these past few months in your blog to watch those aspects of who you've been wrestle with your emerging new self's components. <br /><br />The seven year itch syndrome is a powerful one for many people. As you shared in your post, it has affected past decisions for you. This past year you also missed out on your annual visit to Alaska and lost your mother. Unsettling for anyone as you learned. And now passing years are trying to mellow you. You are discovering slowing down and planting roots weren't all you feared they would be. New ways of scratching the itch have already presented themselves.<br /><br />Enjoy the battle, my friend, You are an impeccable warrior. I would suggest that Merida will prove to be an excellent place for this next transition. There are lots of ways to "travel". Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079619549534119142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-68679324344452522572012-11-10T20:01:22.638-06:002012-11-10T20:01:22.638-06:00Beautiful photo, by the way. Beautiful photo, by the way. Debbiehttp://www.themeridainitiative.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-88128613447873481132012-11-10T20:00:39.273-06:002012-11-10T20:00:39.273-06:00I also like the home exchange idea. A colleague...I also like the home exchange idea. A colleague's parents used their Mexico home that way - trading for stays in other exotic places. Our Canadian home isn't yet presentable enough to offer for a home exchange, but I think our home in Mérida might finally pass muster. Debbiehttp://www.themeridainitiative.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-41985951756855079012012-11-10T13:03:29.720-06:002012-11-10T13:03:29.720-06:00That is a thoughtful perspective, Marc. Regardle...That is a thoughtful perspective, Marc. Regardless of your ultimate decision, I would agree with the "think it through" effort. <br /><br />I'm wondering if the studies you mention had the "extrovert-bias" so prevalent in Western-European type cultures. (I doubt that the results would be replicated in such as Japan.)<br />An INtrovert is more likely to take a fresh look at an old house, an old object, or an old cage. It's kind of fun, and a helpful approach as we age, when the stress of scratching the itch becomes more difficult .<br /><br />Let me share a recent experience: I frequent the same restaurant several times weekly. Many think I should be bored by this, but I'm not. Last week, the "invasion" of the Harley Davidsons landed outside the Fiesta Americana. (That was the newspaper "Yuca's" term for it.) I was in awe, startled, and even a touch fearful! But had I not been a regular in the area, I'd never have appreciated the "invasion" aspect of the touring cyclists. I might have even thought is normal. <br /><br />So, staying put often enables us to open our eyes to things we'd otherwise not have appreciated.<br /><br />(I'll leave the bird cage discussion alone--I have one of the truly domesticated types of birds, and when she got lost once upon a time, she knocked on someone's window to be rescued.)Alindehttp://lingobylingo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-6037857261705089932012-11-10T12:10:40.749-06:002012-11-10T12:10:40.749-06:00You've got some good ideas. Interestingly, The...You've got some good ideas. Interestingly, Theresa, I also have become interested again in my house. After several years of not doing anything around here beyond basic cleaning and replacing burned out light bulbs, I have dusted off some old plans to make changes in order to utilize and better enjoy the spaces I have. First item is finishing a roof-top terrace I built but which still does not have stairway access. I think the new view, from up high, will give this old house a whole new outlook on things.<br /><br />Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-59172530401014950862012-11-10T12:03:30.076-06:002012-11-10T12:03:30.076-06:00I may be gone a bit more, but Mérida is home and w...I may be gone a bit more, but Mérida is home and will remain my base. There certainly are plenty of opportunities around Mérida and the Yucatan.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-62611783610010830272012-11-10T11:58:43.791-06:002012-11-10T11:58:43.791-06:00I believe we all go through these periods of unres...I believe we all go through these periods of unrest. It's part of the need to create, Husband and I have been here 8 years now. We are happy and content, yet we wonder is there someplace better? However, we haven't found it, yet. Having that part of my life in order has freed me up to do other things. I spent a year learning to paint, discovering that I can indeed paint, but it isn't my calling. Now I am devoting my time to writing, and find that I truly enjoy it. <br /><br />Also, I am rearranging our living space. Making slip covers and painting what needs painting ("needs painting" being loosely defined as another color suits the new use of the room). My plan is to create a lovely outdoor dining room and to get rid of unnecessary stuff. I am changing my environment without leaving my neighborhood. <br /><br />regards,<br />TheresaTheresa in Mèridahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17217945138741786373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-84602706484354266882012-11-10T11:40:25.941-06:002012-11-10T11:40:25.941-06:00I'm awfully glad you are not leaving Mérida an...I'm awfully glad you are not leaving Mérida and I believe that thinking outside the "box/cage" is a good thing for those in our age group, or anyone for that matter. It keeps life interesting and provides opportunities that can be truly life changing. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00954933541900671235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-53109527032428173132012-11-10T11:09:13.055-06:002012-11-10T11:09:13.055-06:00Steve, we've been on parallel courses lately. ...Steve, we've been on parallel courses lately. In part some of my thoughts on this theme have been fertilized by your recent posts.<br /><br />So onward. Only time will tell what we both end up doing. The whole endeavor is interesting, and sharing via blogs enriches the process.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-10234240710874145242012-11-10T10:59:34.879-06:002012-11-10T10:59:34.879-06:00I have seen the cages at El Meson del Marquez and ...I have seen the cages at El Meson del Marquez and always liked to see them there, empty. I have an empty birdcage hanging in my garden. I have lots of birds around the patio every day...outside the cage. I like it that way.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-48132827872564100472012-11-10T10:57:24.518-06:002012-11-10T10:57:24.518-06:00Well, Babs, the home exchange idea is the sort of ...Well, Babs, the home exchange idea is the sort of thing I am considering. It gives the opportunity to try new arrangements and have new experiences without giving up what we've got. I have browsed some of the home exchange sites online. It looks interesting. I think it presents a lot of possibilities.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-42066738917536874182012-11-10T10:54:49.562-06:002012-11-10T10:54:49.562-06:00Norm, age is one of the things I consider now. I u...Norm, age is one of the things I consider now. I used to enjoy pulling up stakes and starting new, but I'm not so sure that's the solution any more. I think this idea of creatively re-purposing the life I already have may be the solution.Marc Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11289566244668566622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-4002904621998179432012-11-10T10:49:36.899-06:002012-11-10T10:49:36.899-06:00I love this Marc... I am reminded of a similar ima...I love this Marc... I am reminded of a similar image I carry in my heart: At the Meson del Marquez Hotel in Valladolid, there is a wall with colored empty bird cages along its length... and a small sign that reads: "The birds are in their proper place."Joannahttp://writingfrommerida.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-71843464194796559962012-11-10T10:10:23.272-06:002012-11-10T10:10:23.272-06:00Great image. Great text. And, as you know, very t...Great image. Great text. And, as you know, very timely for me.Steve Cottonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00468378507171761868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277313567524932904.post-43103100465783105032012-11-10T10:06:34.643-06:002012-11-10T10:06:34.643-06:00I have had the itch for about 1 1/2 years. Due to...I have had the itch for about 1 1/2 years. Due to the family needs that I have here in San Miguel, I haven't been able to make plans for myself, which I found aggravating.<br /><br />But, I'm breaking free - homeexchange.com - is one way. <br /><br />Or as serendipity can happen, a woman who reads the blog is interested in a home exchange next summer - she and her husband are in the south of France and want to come to San Miguel for 3 months! I'm thrilled and looking forward to the home exchange and the intensity of being in a foreign country trying to make my way. BTW their house is beyond lovely......and near the Spanish border. June can't come fast enough. <br /><br />Beautifully written post to put it mildly!Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.com