Reflections on preparing to leave Todos Santos, Mexico

This week Greg and I are getting ourselves ready to drive back to Bend, Oregon. We came to Todos Santos in Baja the beginning of December last year. We didn't really know what to expect regarding living in Mexico for a period of time. We hoped that we would like it! But I would say it has met or exceeded our expectations! We've had a wonderful time! Six months living in Baja! Wow! It's been a lot of fun, with some adventure, great memories and a lot of work! We've done tons of work on the house and garage. Inside and out. Below are a couple before and after pics.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

I've had a wonderful time being able to paint in my outdoor studio above the garage under the palapa. I feel very grateful to be able to paint everyday and work on my online business these past 6 mo. I feel blessed to have been able to experience this lifestyle.

PAINTING IN THE OUTDOOR STUDIO

And I've created a bunch of new paintings. Some are on my website for sale and some will be shown at the Tumalo Art Co. in Bend when I get back.

NEW PAINTINGS

I'm going to miss taking the dogs to the beach and watching the sunset from the patio above the garage.

TAKING DOGS TO THE BEACH

SUNSET VIEW

But we're looking forward to getting back to Bend. I can't wait to start helping at the Tumalo Art Co. gallery in the new space at the Shoppes at the Old Mill. I get updates on the move and the artists are working hard at painting, installing lighting, etc. and getting ready for the Opening in June.

NEW LOCATION OF TUMALO ART CO. GALLERY IN BEND.

Greg and I want to have a tipi raising party when we get home. I bought myself a tipi a couple years ago for my birthday. I painted it and furnished the inside and it is a very special place to spend time in. We took it down before we left so we'll put it back up when we get home. (If you want to know more about where I got my tipi, go to http://www.tipi.com)

OUR TIPI IN BEND

So we're doing a lot of reflecting this week. Thinking about how things have changed since we've been gone, how we've changed, how the casita has changed, how our online businesses have changed. Wondering how Bend has changed in the past 6 months. Soon we'll find out.

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Circle Garden Update

This is how the circle garden is coming along. See below posts for some before pics. I hope by the time I am done with it that it will be a fun, colorful addition to the Las Brisas neighborhood here in Todos Santos. See the small van in the upper left corner of the photo? That's the van that says "Peace and Loaf" on it. It is a bakery that is open on Wed. and Sat. from 9 a.m. to 12 or so....'till the bread is gone. Fresh bread and cinnamon rolls....they go fast. Yum! It's so close we can walk to it. Fun!

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My Todos Santos Art Studio

This is my new art table in my art studio above the garage. I'm starting to paint! Yay!

Feliz año nuevo from Todos Santos

Just a quick Happy New Year wish to you all from Todos Santos! I wish all your days to be happy, full of fun, peace, creativity and inspiration with many successful moments! Now that we have the wifi going I'll be able to blog more often and post some more photos. We're off to the Sandbar to celebrate tonight and then if we're up for it, to another restaurant to ring in the New Year!