Inspired by YOU!

It’s a curious time in my life… isn’t it for us all? The world is changing and for some of us ~ me ~ change has been pretty dramatic. I believe what we focus on expands, so I’ll focus on the good in my life, indeed there’s so much good!

 

“Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life.”

— George Arliss

 

This is the view I woke up to today, it reminded me of my many blessings.

 

 

The weather forecast was for rain yet the sun rose majestically! I braved the cold northwest weather allowing the dew to moisten my cheeks and the air to chill my limbs as I admired one of my favourite indulgences, sunrise.

 

Visiting friends lately, some tell me they miss my blog, thank you! I’ve been busy and let it slip so today and over the next few weeks I’ll get back on track. Ultimately, I intend to have two blogs. Posting about the ‘soon to be’ Inn has been by demand… I never guessed so many people would be interested in our reno project. Initially I shared out of sheer enthusiasm for what we had done, purchasing in another country and taking on a massive project both in the reno and in our life choice! Now when I don’t share I get emails requesting more, such a compliment. Although, I write my missives about the Inn with the intent to inspire, with time I’m guessing, it might get boring for those not interested in our Inn or in Mexico. So I’ll separate the two concepts later.

 

Do you ever feel like life’s a game of catch up?

 

Lately, I feel that just when I finish… complete… accomplish one thing I find myself playing catch up on something else, then something else and so on and so on.

 

I finished my latest screenplay (is it ever finished, ha-ha) then was behind on email. Caught up on that communication then had to get clear on my vision for the interiors of the Inn, so I studiously completed my inspiration binder. Then slapped my head, “Gotta get going on actually sketching and designing my ideas”! Then I had to plan, book, pack, and get ready for our trip. I know I’ll be playing catch up on many things when I return to Mexico… exercise being on the top of the list and of course, finishing the Inn and creating a marketing program for the Inn and for our 3 bedroom, ocean view condo. Playing with our kitty, Koko, will just happen as will sharing tales with our friends.

Catching up might be what happens to busy people embracing life. If I wasn’t busy I would be on top of it all, I think? A good friend once told Chris and I that we are ‘project’ people. I LOVED that! Some have called us workaholics but when you love what you do how can it be wrong? 

 

Love what we do? Absolutely, that is us, life is good and we appreciate all that we have and the many opportunities outstretched before us.

 

And back at the Inn… my hubby and I meet daily on site, either with the trades or discussing ideas. Often we do so in the early mornings on what will be our guests deck,  we greet the sunrise, coffee in hand, imaging all the ways we can create the most awesome experience for those who choose to spend their hard earned vacation with us. 

 

Sometimes in the evening we crawl to the roof (soon to have stairs) enjoying a glass of wine or even dinner watching the sunset imagining the romantic times and weddings we’ll help to create either from up here, by the pool or on the beach. Recently, we created a romantic dinner on the roof, something we want to offer guests as we overlook the new marina and can see all the way to Puerto Vallarta.

 

At dusk, that’s the marina behind me:

After dark, the lights in he distance can be see to Puerto Vallarta, imagine fireworks every night! We packed everything up on our backs… once the stairs are in all will be much lovelier.

Chris reminds me that we’re staying one step ahead of the workers, but seriously, when the building is made from brick and mortar I see no other way to do it.

 

New window wall ~ new guest room. If you’ve been following this blog, this entire space used to be a hole/opening to the first floor.

In Canada, when I design I know, generally, what walls can be removed and how to proceed once the needs analysis is conducted. Design truly is a process and if you miss a step the whole project is upended until it’s back on track. Of course, design principles are design principles and my process theory is as true in Mexico as it is in Canada, however…

 

~ We’ve never created an Inn before and as much as we’ve done the needs analysis it just doesn’t ever seem to be finite due to constantly questioning ourselves and friends about the ideal getaway, what they desire, need and would LOVE! 

 

~ We’ve never operated an Inn before, given we’ve chosen to do so, how do we want our lives to be? Chris and I are huge believers that we create our lives so when we get overwhelmed we ask ourselves “What about this isn’t what we want and how do we get back to creating our dream life”? The words aren’t always the same but the question is very grounding. What do we want? AND If we’re not feeling it, how do we get back on track?

 

~ We’ve never built in Mexico before and as exciting as it is it can also be daunting. Luckily, neither of us stays in that fear place for too long as the creativity is a-buzzing! Yes, they are bricks and mortar but the guys just seem to zip through them exposing many thrilling options that in Canada would cost a lot more to create.

 

We’re not afraid to get our hands… or feet dirty. Do you like Chris’ steel toed boots? He’s creating the hole for the spiral staircase to heaven, a.k.a the roof top paradise we’re creating.

~ Budget. Indeed, many items are much cheaper in Mexico, yet many are not. Bedding and all things linen are expensive so we’re trying out recommendations from friends and will likely get them shipped here. Note; to friends in Mexico, let me know when you need linens, I can help. Furniture, so far, has been reasonable but the best part has been that we can custom design and custom colour for little to no extra cost, yippee skippee!

 

Sneak peak at our new gate, this is only an insert but I love it.

Back in Canada to share our kids September birthdays and to assist our daughter and son-in-law in their home reno, I’m struck by how independent they all are – our kids and their mates. Independence is truly a gift, today being Mexico’s independence day reminds me to appreciate my freedom more than ever.

 

 

http://www.inside-mexico.com/featureindep.htm

 

I’ll sign off today saying THANKS, MERCI, GRACIAS to all who have asked me to share.

 

 

Inspire someone today! 

 

Not feeling it? Be kind, be generous… be love!