by Jeni | Apr 6, 2021 | Dogs, Language, Relationships, Retirement, Spain, Travel, Yoga
On the pier at Puerto Deportivo in Gijon One month in Gijon, Spain and we are starting to find our rhythm. I’ve staked out my favorite spot in yoga class and as usual arrive early to make sure I get it. (Yes, I know what you’re going to say. For years,...
by Jeni | Mar 31, 2021 | Kindness, Language, Letting Go, Peace, Relationships, Spain, Travel, Yoga
Yoga at Puerto Deportivo in Gijon Shoshin is a word from Zen Buddhism meaning “beginner’s mind.” It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just...
by Jeni | Mar 27, 2021 | Family, Kindness, Language, Peace, Relationships, Spain, Travel, Yoga
Spring in the Cimadevilla neighborhood of Gijon This week in my Spanish language class, my teacher Cristina flashed a photo on the overhead projector of my neighborhood Cimadevilla because of it’s historic significance. Because our class is small, conversational...
by Jeni | Mar 22, 2021 | Downsizing, Family, Food, Language, Letting Go, Peace, Relationships, Retirement, Spain, Travel, Yoga
View from my writing desk Yesterday was cleaning day in our apartment. It was too early to run the vacuum cleaner and risk waking the neighbors below us, so I grabbed the broom and started to sweep. The repetitive movement of the broom bristles made a soft swishing...
by Jeni | Feb 13, 2021 | Caregiver/daughter, Dogs, Downsizing, Family, Letting Go, Marriage, Relationships, Retirement, Spain, Travel, Yoga
In February 2018, Rocky and I decided to put our house up for sale and start the downsizing process so we could eventually move out of the country. At that point, we were not sure if we would end up in Ecuador or Spain but knew we wanted to travel more and become...
by Jeni | Sep 16, 2020 | 2020, Dogs, Food, Kindness, Letting Go, Life and Death, Marriage, Relationships, Travel
Dear 2020, I remember our first days together being so dreamy. You were so exciting with all of your plans and promises. I was dazzled by our first trip together to the Galapagos in January. Felt like a honeymoon really, with hiking, snorkeling, and plenty of sun and...
