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Posted in Birders, colibri, Glampingcolombia, hummingbirds, mother nature, nature, Nature Symbolism, Uncategorized

Hummingbirds

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

What are you passionate about?

Hummingbirds are everything to me. They are the reason my Glamping business is  successful. These beautiful spiritual creatures give an insight to another realm. Indigenous people have used the images of hummingbirds as spiritual creatures for centuries. They can fly in reverse, suspend in the air, fight each other like warriors, and live a life of solitude. They only interact at hummingbird feeders, or when they are sitting on the eggs fertilized by a brief encounter.

They shine brilliantly when the sunlight captures the colors of their feathers. They captivate anyone watching them flit about,  even those who don’t birdwatch. They are magical. They are fierce. They can make the most cynical person stop and reflect. They can heal a hardened heart by watching them interact. Fascinating in a way that cannot be explained.

They are famous without knowing they are. People from countries that don’t have hummingbirds are enamored. Everyone falls in love with the hummingbird.

I have fourteen registered species at my hotel.  I am now an eBird hotspot. All birds are interesting. The hummingbird is the one that will always win the Oscar for birds.

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Posted in child death, Colombia, parents of deceased children, survivor, Uncategorized

A Birthstone Ring

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?

Sometimes, when I look at this ring, my heart hurts, but I feel joy from those same memories on other days. It is the ring I gave Misha when she was four years old with her birthstone, a garnet, and tiny diamond chips. I remember her delight in having a ‘big girl ring’ and how much she loved it. I found it in a jewelry box left behind after her death. I was surprised it fit my finger, yet my mom had tiny hands, and I do too.

From this same jewelry box are gold earrings that I wear with hearts. I feel closer to her when I have something of hers touching my skin now that she is gone. She had a lot of beautiful jewelry that went missing after her death. Her roommates took her things. It caused me distress because I knew that it was a robbery. I had one say to me that she has the cross that was given to her at her first communion, again with the same birthstones, and I have seen photos of her wearing it. I was so broken at the time of her death I didn’t fight for her things and accepted these thefts. But now I wish I had them to give to my granddaughter; her baby was two years old when she died.

Amaya is 16 now. I wish a lot of things for her. I wish I had the wedding dress I married Misha’s father in. I wish I had saved more of my designer clothes for Amaya. I wish I had the christening gown I gave Misha when she was pregnant. I bought it in Ireland. These things are gone, and I don’t know where.

My mother was so good at saving things for me. I have my old Barbies and even a Skipper and Ken doll. They are worn from use as I let everyone play with them through the years. I have albums of pictures in the basement, yet I have not looked at them for years. I want to organize them, but the hurt comes back, and I suppress it by not sorting through everything. Someday I will. I know that I have a lot to say, and I need to put all of my blogs together into a book.

Old things bring back memories, and memories bring back sadness, which causes me to stifle my feelings. I know I will someday sit here and write everything down—every feeling, every memory, all of my simple thoughts, my complicated thoughts—everything. It will be cathartic. It will be an autobiography and a memorial, all in one book. It will be years of my life coming together, represented by many old things that are left behind.

Mother’s Day brings me to a dark place where I feel incomplete because Misha isn’t here. I will start putting all of my blogs together soon. I will have a name for my book: She Left to Begin Again. I will describe how I have found peace in Colombia while telling my and Misha’s stories together. I promise that is on my agenda. While I am wearing her old things, I wish she was still here with me.

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Posted in Achievements, Cali Colombia, child death, Colombia, Colombian life, Entreprenuer, expat life, friendship, Glampingcolombia, hummingbirds, Live your best life, nature, Uncategorized, Villa Migelita Ecolodge

Thirteen Years Later

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

The other day, I was in a taxi chatting with my driver. He asked how long I had been in Colombia. I did the math and was amazed when I answered twelve years. He responded: “You’re a Colombiana!”  A lifetime has passed by in the last thirteen years. Some of those years were not easy for me, but I persevered. I have found my peace after so much time has passed. Stress is not part of my life anymore.  My life revolves around my business and nature. What is better than earning money while living at home? I can wear my yoga clothes, drink wine, and discover new friends who come to enjoy my glamping cabins and lodging. I go to bed at night feeling grateful, although sometimes tired from my increasingly busy glamping business. It is far better to be exhausted from days filled with adventure and nature than to be tired from a long day without purpose. Nature brings out the best in people. Nature also heals the soul. It has been over thirteen years since the death of my daughter, Misha. I think of her every day, wishing she hadn’t left this world so abruptly and too soon.

This blog has been therapy to me during all the years that have passed. I have always written about what was on my mind, in my heart, and in my life. I have made decisions based on my gut feelings and inner knowledge guiding me. This last year I have found that I needed my blog less because living the life I do balances peace, activity, and accomplishment. Of course, I will always grieve for my daughter’s life, but in some ways, it is less forceful. I look around at what I have built and know Misha would have loved it here in Colombia. Misha is the reason I have been relentless in my pursuit of a business that I can pass on to my son and my granddaughter. I feel her gentle push to keep going with my future vision of what my Glamping Place can grow into. When I hear the birds singing in the morning, my heart smiles. I am ready for a new day, a new adventure, a new beginning to my life story.

As I move forward, I find forgiveness in ways I never thought I would be capable of. There are people we can never forgive in our lives, such as the murderer of my daughter Misha. There are people in our lives who do something we can not understand, and perhaps we do not want to forgive them, but we do because it is better than holding on to negative thoughts. Forgiveness clears the mind. Some people become distant, maybe they have a lot going on in their lives, and we should reach out to them. We all have pasts that include glorious moments or moments we might not be proud of. We all have made choices that were not the best ones. But we all get to start every day anew. Now, I am living my best life. Even with all the ups and downs I have experienced along this road I have traveled, I realize my life has been good. Let a moment be what it is. Embrace it when it is good, and don’t dwell on it too long when it is terrible. Give up that wish to impress. There is no need to show what you have to everyone.  Post a little less on social media and immerse yourself in real life! A flock of parrots living in a nearby tree causes me to pause throughout the day to listen to them. As I grow older, I become quieter, and the moments in my day when nature shows itself humble me. I think this is why my nature retreat is successful. When people experience these moments, they feel humbled, too. At night, when I am in my room after a long day, my cat is lying at my feet; I think about happiness. What is happiness? Is it the feeling of contentment? Is it the feeling of satisfaction? Is it the feeling of a good life, a fulfilled life that brings joy? I think happiness does include all these things, but it is also about accepting what has happened in your life, both the good and the bad. Not caring about what others think because you know you are doing and being the best you can be.  My mother used to say the grass always looks greener on the other side, I am too busy with my grass to notice if yours is greener!

Palmira, Colombia, is a small city, but the congestion and traffic are intimidating. I remember being afraid to drive when I first arrived in Colombia. I was terrified by the traffic, the crazy drivers, and the motorcycles that passed on both sides when they sped by. It is still like that! I am thankful for these struggles that I have overcome. I didn’t let them break me! I drive myself everywhere now, always listening to good music that calms me. The secret to my life here is letting every situation be what it is instead of what I think it should be. I made the best of it and gained my independence. I have made friends in all the stores I visit while doing errands. My imperfect Spanish has served me well. When I arrive home after my chores, contentment fills me up. Independence is satisfying when you have moved to another country. Something we take for granted becomes a challenge when we move out of our country of birth. I haven’t waited for the perfect path to appear because tracks are made by walking, not waiting, and for that matter, I walk a lot when out and about—something we don’t need to do when living in the United States. Many people would miss the easy access life provides them in the USA. I don’t. It is all part of life for me now.

After twelve years in Colombia, I think of life like a budget. I cannot afford stress, envy, negative vibes, or doubt. I will only receive peace, love, positivity, trust, and loyalty. Life for me is no longer about having several friends but the quality of my friends. I love people who get excited about sunsets, hummingbirds, birds singing in the morning, a full moon, a beautiful view of the Valle del Cauca, heart-to-heart conversations with kind people, and people who don’t mind a rainstorm or the noise of parrots chattering. This is my kind of life. I am grateful for where I am today. It was a new beginning back then. Now it’s where I want to be. I embraced uncertainty when I moved here, and I know I still have many chapters left. Branches that will unfold year by year. I have given myself space to listen to my inner voice and not the noise of the world surrounding us all. Maybe I am living in a bubble, but it is a lovely bubble I have created through perseverance and unrelenting strength. I choose what matters and what doesn’t. I relax, I breathe, and I stay positive. I control my life and how I respond to all situations. Thirteen years after Misha’s death, I am blessed with the wisdom acquired through hardships, learning, and life lessons. I have messed up, but I got wiser; I have gone to bed at night in fear of the future, but I didn’t give up. I have let go of what doesn’t serve me. I am grateful for where I am now. Every day is a new beginning. That is how I live thirteen years after my daughter’s death.

Posted in Colombia, Colombian life, freedom, glamping, happiness, Uncategorized

To a Smaller Extent

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

What could you do less of?

I have nothing I want to do less of or perhaps to a smaller extent. I have spent this entire year changing some of my habits, and it has worked for me. Everything I do has a purpose, and this year was significant for me. Last year on New Year’s Day, I made a few promises to myself, and I have kept them. I have found myself enjoying my day-to-day activities even more lately, and I think it is because I made these minor adjustments in my life. Obviously, there are many things I could improve, such as writing more in my blog.

I have stopped watching American news channels on YouTube. It has been so liberating. I no longer spend my days feeling anxious about things I cannot control. I do read the news and allow myself one time a day to catch up, but only for a short time. What a difference it has made. I have started listening to podcasts that are not political or my favorite music. I also love audiobooks. Did you know that many are available on YouTube for free? I recommend you look up the title of a book you might like and see if it pops up for you. I walk around my place all day, filling hummingbird feeders and putting out bananas for the birds, and it really helps when I am enjoying listening to something I like. Maybe it will help some of you to do the same, and you can find yourselves accomplishing more in your life with just a slight change.

I have stopped worrying about things I cannot control in others. I recommend this to everyone. Have you heard of the Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins? You can find it on YouTube. Go have a listen to her podcast. It will make all the difference in your life. It allows you to let go of control over others. Let’s face it, we all want to get involved in many things that we see happening in the lives of people we care about. Usually, we do. Just stop it! Let them do what they want, because once you give them all the control, you free yourself of the stress. Let them do what they want; it is freeing to you. There are so many ways to do this and get your peace back. It isn’t that hard if you can stick to it. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat, but this really doesn’t involve you personally. Let them help you let go of your need to control others! It is really an excellent tool. Someone tries to pick a fight with you, let them, just stay silent and let it go. You go to park your car, and someone takes your space, let them, go find another. Your child isn’t cleaning their room and has dirty clothes. Let them; they will have to figure out how to put the clothes in the laundry. The list is endless. Why waste your inner peace over little things, and sometimes big things too. Remember, you should always come first in your life. That doesn’t mean being selfish; it means putting yourself first for your happiness.

I made a promise to myself to post less on social media. It can help with daily time management. Actually, it is almost like the time before we had to have a phone in our hands all the time. I do have my phone with me for business, as I am constantly contacted by people making reservations. I still love posting in my stories on social media, but only if it is something fun and cheery or related to my Glamping business. I sometimes miss things my friends post, which is the only downside of posting less. However, as I tell everyone, you can always contact me on WhatsApp, and we can catch up by chatting or by phone; it is free for those who don’t have the app. Here in Colombia, we all use WhatsApp!

My only bad habit, which I don’t think is so bad, is wine, and I have cut down on it. But as long as my doctor doesn’t admonish me, I will be drinking my favorite beverage. As always, I try to be kind, and so should everyone in their daily life. Kindness is never overrated, and you can tie it in with the let them theory mentioned above. It is always easier to stay silent when you want to say something that will hurt another. You never need to be less compassionate or caring in the world we live in. I always incorporate a smile and courteous words into my daily life, whether I am greeting my hotel guests or running errands. I try to smile at anyone who makes eye contact with me. Remember, you can be the reason someone has a good day. Some people don’t have any reason to smile, and you might change their day.

I am sorry I have neglected my blog this year, and perhaps I should have done more of them. I know many of you look forward to my blogs I will have another one out for New Year’s 2026 to tell you all about 2025 and the good things that happened in my life. This blog is more of a catch-up for those who have missed my musings. My business is still number one in Palmira, Colombia, my hummingbirds are still thriving in my nature reserve, and I, well, I am in a perfect place in my life. Love is all around me, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. May you all be blessed with health, happiness, and love in the coming year.

Posted in Achievements, Colombia, Colombian life, expat life, glamping, Uncategorized, Villa Migelita Ecolodge

Naming Traditions in Colombia: The Story of Villa Migelita

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

If you could have something named after you, what would it be?

As many who follow my blog know, I already have something named after me: my Villa in Colombia. I came here and bought a tiny little house on a 2-acre property. I called it Villa Migelita. It then evolved into a 4-story home. The day I looked at it, I knew it was my future home. I have never regretted a second of living here. Well, maybe once, when I moved in, a bunch of worms descended on the ground floor. That freaked me out, but they left, and I have never seen them since. I also know the history surrounding the original owner as the granddaughter visited me here. A loving family lived here and built the original small structure.

You might ask why Migelita? When I took Spanish in grammar school, the teacher couldn’t come up with an exact Spanish name for Michele. She decided Miguelita would have to do it, as Miguel is Michael in Spanish. I took artistic license when naming my place and removed the U because it looks elegant and more simplistic. Now that I have my glamping place, I get many questions about how I came up with the name Migelita. I tell my story about removing the U to everyone. I have found out since I started speaking Spanish that Spanish is very grammar-oriented, and no one who speaks Spanish understands why I left out a vowel. I like it, so that is all that matters.

I don’t want anything else named after me because, hopefully, my Villa will stay as it is, and my son will continue living here long after I am gone. Properties like this stay in the family in Colombia. Now that I am becoming a Colombian citizen, I like the thought of following that tradition. I also like the idea of my son having somewhere to live outside of the United States. Once I gain my citizenship, he can work on getting his. Maybe he will continue my small business, or perhaps he won’t, but I know he will leave the name of Villa Migelita.

In Colombia, all country homes are given a name. We do have an address, but it isn’t used. If I am going somewhere, even when traveling, the place’s name is always given along with the location on Google Maps. The address is standard in the city, like anywhere else with numbers. I don’t even get mail here at Villa Migelita Ecolodge. I use my hairdresser’s address for anything I have shipped here. He is in the city. It took me a while to get used to this, but the way of the world is online now, so I don’t need mail for much of anything.

Who would have thought it would become a brand when I named my place years ago? It is well known in my area of Colombia, even if the spelling is not precisely Spanish correct. It looks good when a princess gets a photo shoot done here, and it looks perfect when I think that 14 years ago, I had just moved to Colombia and had no idea where life was taking me.

When I bought my Villa, it was named La Casa Blanca (The White House). I am pleased with my name, and I hope that in many years to come, people will talk about the gringa who moved to the Colombian countryside and bought a home, which she made into a legacy property that will survive and thrive for generations to come.

Posted in Colombia, Colombian life, expat life, glamping, Grief, Healthcare in Colombia, parents of deceased children, Uncategorized, Villa Migelita Ecolodge

Living Fully in Colombia: A Grief Journey

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

Here we are again. A new year has started, and I am still processing the year before with goals and thoughts on how to keep them. Today is the anniversary of the death of my daughter. Who else feels like time goes by too quickly? Misha will permanently be in my mind as a twenty-year-old, and when I think of her aging, I always wonder where she would be now at this moment in time. Last year, I started focusing on gratitude daily to keep me centered when things overwhelmed me. I can look around and find something to be grateful for in a second. This practice helps me deal with the grief that is always with me. At times, my Glamping business in Colombia, a unique blend of glamour and camping, gets very busy, and I do my regular appointments and life chores while running a hotel, which requires a good team around me. I’m so grateful for my employees, friends, son, and everyone who is always supportive and there for me. Staying focused and breathing works well; believe me when I say this. I know it is hard, but we all need to return to the happy places in our lives, whatever they may be. I have often said I have found that happy place while living in Colombia, but I can still find ways to improve and work on that frequently misrepresented place.

I know that life gets stressful for all of us, but focusing on what we can appreciate will bring back the calm you might lose during an unexpectedly stressful life event, even an event that happened fifteen years ago when that drunk driver killed Misha. I didn’t realize so many years ago when I lost my daughter, that I handled her death with grace and mindfulness. I was overwhelmed with negativity, but I stayed centered throughout. I credit my mother and father for giving me self-confidence while growing up and always believing in myself. During this time, I found myself grieving but also losing friends who didn’t know what I had gone through before her death. The loss of these friends was a painful reminder of the impact of grief on relationships. I made some decisions based on what I was experiencing during that time. If I hadn’t acted on what I needed to do to save myself, I wouldn’t be here in Colombia with the beautiful life I have created! A life that has helped others, including my son, who loves Colombia and wants to continue my business when I no longer can. Again, Colombia is always number one when I think of three things to be grateful for daily. I didn’t realize it until years into my life here, but Colombia is undoubtedly my home. The mind can be a battleground for all of us because we always imagine the worst when confronting and exploring options in life. Then we overthink our decisions; maybe we shouldn’t. Perhaps we should do what feels right even when the outside world disapproves.

I laugh to myself now about the silly questions from old friends who worried about me and my safety when I moved here almost fourteen years ago. I don’t feel threatened by crime, especially the gun violence that plagues the USA, climate change disasters which so far haven’t affected me where I live, political extremism, health insurance, which is fantastic here in Colombia, and medical bills that are non-existent, a stressful lifestyle, inflation, racism, or economic upheaval; my rights are not under attack, and I have no worries about my immigrant status as I am in the process of becoming of Colombian citizen starting this year. After many years of living in a foreign country, I realize now that I am without many everyday things that worry others who live in my former home of the United States.

My health has remained good, but I am thankful for my excellent health insurance in Colombia. I used it a lot this year. In the spring, I fell from a silly misstep and had to go to the hospital. Fortunately, I didn’t break anything, but my hip feels pain when the weather changes. I had a physical in February and am still following up on tests. I don’t usually post much about my health as it has been good, but this is a good paragraph for those who want to know about preventative health care, which is how Colombian doctors practice. During my yearly physical, a youngish doctor ordered many tests for me last year. When I went for the tests covered by my insurance, the examiner would say, “Do you have a problem, and I would answer not that I know of.” Well, they found a problem that I was unaware of. How about that? The doctor ordered a heart halter, and palpitations occur infrequently throughout the day.

I have an arrhythmia, and it is treatable and not dangerous at this time. As we enter 2025, I have had to go to Cali for tests and to visit a cardiologist. I’m not thrilled because someone must drive me to the medical center in Imbanco, South Cali, Colombia. I have an excellent cardiologist who speaks English and is really cool. An internist found my problem during my yearly physical, and it was a series of different tests until I visited Imbanco for a stress test. I was told immediately after the test what my problem was. I like that you don’t have to wait to hear results from another doctor and stay with fears in mind for a couple of weeks. The stress test was no walk in the park, literally! First, I was placed on my side with a lot of sticky patches called electrodes around the heart area. These patches record your heartbeat and connect to a computer that displays the test results. The assistant records my resting heart rate as dictated by the doctor. The doctor, speaking to me in Spanish (I impressed myself with my ability to understand technical, medical words), told me I would now go to the treadmill. He explained when we were done, he would let me know, and I must go very quickly to the hospital bed nearby and lay on my side so he could use the sonogram and get results of my heart’s activity after the physical activity. I started with a simple walk that continued to get more challenging by increasing the difficulty, incline, and ease of walking. I was winded when he gave me the four-second warning to get to the bed. My mind was thinking, “I have something wrong,” as I lay there breathing heavily and feeling the pounding of my heart in my head! Imagine my surprise when the doctor said, “Your heart is very healthy, but you have an arrhythmia.” I have an appointment in February to see the cardiologist again, and I will probably be prescribed a beta blocker for my problem. The moral of this story is to get a yearly physical and to follow up on your required tests. I was slow about finishing appointments because of my business obligations and could have had something more serious. I also realize my health is the most important thing after this heart scare, and I will enter each day being thankful for the healthcare I have here in Colombia.

Remember, any goals we make don’t come fast and easy. When I moved to Colombia, I aimed to open a Bed and Breakfast hotel. Fourteen years later, I have it, and it is a nice business that keeps me busy, helps me maintain this beautiful property I own, and gives me a purpose in life. Despite many blips along the road to success, I never gave up on my dream. The trick is to enjoy each day and appreciate where you are right now. I often look back to COVID-19 and think my business wouldn’t be able to continue, but my new idea of glamping cabins came out of the pandemic. I was surprised by the success of that venture. Always listen to the ideas you find in your mind; they can lead you to more ideas and reshape your goals and personal achievements. I like to impress myself. It is never about competing with others; it is about falling asleep knowing you are doing your best. Again, try to impress yourself, using gratitude, mindfulness, and thinking of solutions instead of complaints. If all we do is think of the bad things that can occur on any given day, we don’t allow our minds to remember the good things that are also there.

Finally, remember that the most ordinary things become wonderful when we appreciate them. Choose to be around people who uplift, enjoy, and love you. Give the gift of you this year. I do every day, whether it is my guests, who I love to see enjoying the place I have created, my close friends who often visit, or a call on WhatsApp from my granddaughter, son, or best friend. Staying in contact with those you love is the best gift to yourself and them. Our way of thinking creates good or bad outcomes; my cardiologist just told me that, mainly when we focus on the positive. It doesn’t mean we ignore the negative, but being positive can overcome the negative, and we all want to do that. Our mind is our biggest battleground. I experienced this when Misha passed so many years ago. I was constantly thinking about what I could have done to change what had happened, but I couldn’t have done anything. We cannot do anything to change fate. We cannot change or control others, just ourselves. We can and should always be aware of our own lives and actions. Challenge yourself this year and how you react to things that bother you. You will grow substantially, and outside experiences will not affect you badly. I am not saying you have to ignore bad experiences; I am saying that you can process these experiences, whether horrible like the death of a loved one or little daily annoyances that get under your skin. Most of all, listen to yourself and your inner thoughts and follow them even if they are outside the mainstream thinking of others. After all, it is your life, and you should live it fully.

With that, I close by saying how much I still grieve the loss of my child. It will never leave me. On this day of her death anniversary, I walked around putting bananas out for the birds. I felt her presence as I listened to the sounds that filled the air. I know she lives in my world as I am surrounded by so much beauty. Sometimes, the hardest part of the journey is simply believing you’re worthy of the trip.

Posted in Awakening, Colombia, Colombian life, expat life, farm life, ghosts, glamping, spirits, Uncategorized

A Ghost

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.

First photo I took of Villa Migelita, you can see the light that is an orb in this picture

I saw a ghost on my security camera. It is my first time, although I captured an orb on my first visit to Villa Migelita many years ago when I looked at properties to buy in Colombia. The legend has circulated around my pueblo that a Campesino visits my place. I recently had the granddaughter of the original owner visit my Glamping place. That was really special, and I talked to her about the legend of the spirit. More on that later in this blog. First I have to describe what happened.

You might think I am crazy because it sounds nuts when I say it out loud, but I saw it and know it happened. A ghost passed through my front gate, and I thought it was a real person because I had guests staying who had left to go out. They wanted to return past when I asked guests to return, and I was okay with that. I asked that they be quiet because my dogs get excited when anyone enters my property. They asked me to not leave Cash outside because he is enormous and a bit scary to people. They were afraid he would be menacing to them. Cash knows who is staying here, and he would not be as they thought, but I put him in my room.

At 3:40 am, Cash started crying and pacing my room. His tail was wagging when he came and put his face (which is huge) into my face. I opened my eyes and looked at the cameras and saw a man entering the front gate. I then looked at the street under the lamplight for the Uber. There wasn’t one. I then saw no one at the walkway before the front entrance; all of this on my cameras would show people walking. Cash continued to get more agitated. I didn’t want to let him out because I thought my guests would be scared. However, Cash would not quit crying, and when he jumped onto his back legs and tried to escape by crashing through my glass windows, I let him out. He left with a wagging tail, so I knew Cash was no danger to my guests who had returned from a night out. I left my door cracked so he could come back in and go back to sleep.

The following day, my guests ordered breakfast and asked to be served at 10 o’clock. I didn’t wake them because I knew they had returned late, and I just waited for them to appear. They came over to the Villa from my Glamping Treehouse, where they were staying, I said, “You guys came back so late! Cash was going crazy, and I don’t know how he heard you because you were so quiet.” They answered, “Is 11pm late?” I said, “No, it was 3:40 am because I looked at my watch.” They said to check your cameras. We came home at eleven. I thought, what! I know what I saw. They thought I might have seen an animal, so Cash was excited. I made a mental note to look at the cameras later.

I got busy and let it go, but I looked at the cameras on Tuesday after they left. They entered at 11 pm, and from 1:30 am until almost 5 am, an orb of light was captured on my cameras, but no person. I know I didn’t see the light and thought it was a person. I waited to talk to Adriana, my housekeeper and good friend. She has lived in these mountains all of her life. It gets more interesting from here.

I was doing my nails, and Adriana approached my room. I told her about the weird experience. The cameras were showing on the screen, and I explained what I had seen and how my guests thought I was crazy. She said, “Did you see the door open?” I thought, “No, I didn’t, and remember thinking that was strange then!” My manicurist is listening intently now. I am writing it down now so I never forget it, and it will be forever in my blog! I was seeing a spirit walk onto my property! Cash knows this spirit because he was outside with Kira, my other dog, for a while.

Adriana told me a story about the campesino who visited here, too. Adriana worked for me when I first bought Villa Migelita. She was alone doing housework and mopping when a man left my office and walked out onto my front balcony. She thought it was the guy I moved here with because of the skin color and the body’s build. This man was dressed nicely with a Colombian sombrero. Then she remembered I had left in the truck with him a while ago. She ran to the balcony to look for the truck, thinking we had returned, but we had not. To this day, she remembers this experience and has never repeated it to anyone.

I believe this spirit visits my place sometimes. My animals know him, and he isn’t an evil spirit. He hasn’t left this world and lives around my pueblo. I think he might visit more than I know. Am I scared? No. Am I a bit freaked out? YES. I saw what I saw, and that man walked right through my wooden gate and onto my property. He did. I will never forget my first sighting of a ghost. This is the photo from the camera of my front entrance at 3:40 am. I have never seen a light in front of the door like this. I look every night at my cameras. This is the orb.

An orb of light never captured o  my cameras before.

Here are a few pictures from the granddaughter of the first owner of my property.  They are interesting because I am sharing history for all to see. Enjoy.  Leave me a comment if you have a story of a visitor. I know I saw a person and I will never forget my first vision of a ghost.

Cash
The first owners of Villa Migelita Ecolodge
Continue reading “A Ghost” →
Posted in Alternative Lifestyle, Colombia, expat life, Uncategorized, Villa Migelita Ecolodge

Considering a move to another country? Colombia has been wonderful for me.

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I have been there, and I have done that.  I decided to move to South America in 2011 and don’t regret my impulsive decision. I encourage anyone considering moving to a new country to do so.
I enjoy this beautiful life I have created, and my days are always interesting, never dull, and filled with happiness and friendship. This may sound over the top to some, but I write my truth.

I don’t want to simplify my move because learning a new culture and language requires much work and perseverance, as I have written in my past blogs. However, I did it, and I am reaping the rewards every single day. I wake up to a beautiful view, go to bed with the lights of Cali, Colombia, in the distance, listen to birds singing all day, and sleep without needing heat or air conditioning.

I opened my hotel in 2015, and it is successful now. You must plan for your future in advance and be able to adapt to changing situations. When I bought my Villa in 2012, I had the idea of a hotel. It slowly gained customers, and I am always busy and occupied. My family and friends came here to see me. I have no desire to return to live in the United States.

I read a lot about those who want to relocate during these uncertain times in the United States. It can be done. I am a testament to that. The funny thing is, life is similar to where I once lived, to how I live now in my small town in the countryside of Colombia. I have a lot of friends, and they always return once they visit the beautiful resort I have created.

My days go by fast, and my life seems to go by too fast as I get older. I want to cling to my life like a life preserver, to enjoy every second of every single day. I always envisioned a time when I would be retired. I thought it would be days to do whatever I wanted without stress. What I have found is very close to that vision. I do what I want, but I am always energized.

Being one of a few foreigners in my area of Colombia gives me a reason to practice my Spanish and allows those who engage with me to practice their English. I always go to the bank or a store and have someone come over to chat with me. They always ask where I am from. I love to reply; I am from Colombia now. The Colombian people are the most engaging people; I am so grateful for that. I always have a business card because everyone is intrigued by my story. I love to explain that I am applying for citizenship now. Colombians love that for me.

Amazingly, my story still surprises me, and I am proud of my accomplishments. I have a life that many would yearn for. If you are considering moving to another country, please write a question for me in the comments. I will answer any questions that you may have.

Posted in Achievements, Colombia, Colombian life, happiness, Uncategorized

Don’t Worry Be Happy

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

List 30 things that make you happy.

I never thought I could find happiness again after my daughter was taken from this world. But it seems life continues, and I can list 30 things without a problem. Those reading my blog might enjoy this fun assignment, too. Leave your list in the comments. Below is my list, which is in no particular order, just as it pops into my head.

  1. Writing. I am finally actively involved in writing my autobiography. I imagine it will be a Netflix series, but you never know.
  2. Colombia. My new country and I will live there, God willing, for the rest of my life.
  3. Hummingbirds. I like to think they are my spiritual animal.
  4. Bird-watching. Immersing yourself in the sounds of birds will help anyone feeling depressed. I do believe birds gave me relief during some of my darkest times.
  5. Flowers. I cut flowers from my yard every week. I have never had so many types of flowers in my life. They grow without fuss here in Colombia.
  6. The view from my Villa. I live with a million-dollar view and am still in awe 13 years later.
  7. The lights of Cali, Colombia, at night. It is Christmas year-round at my Villa
  8. .My animals. There is nothing to say here; we all love our sweet friends.
  9. My life right now. It is a life with purpose; I love that!
  10. My friends. All of you know who you are.
  11. Memories. I am writing my autobiography now. Those of you who wondered when I would. I am on it.
  12. My son. I lost him for some years, but he is back in my life, and with all the love we can give each other.
  13. My granddaughter. She is a lovely young lady who calls me a lot.
  14. Someone who cooks for me. Cooking is not my favorite thing to do.
  15. The climate I live in daily. Here in Colombia, I live without air-conditioning or heating. It is not needed. Believe me when I say it is a luxury not to need either.
  16. Yoga. It is necessary for my health and my mind.
  17. My Glamping business. Everyone loves a nature retreat.
  18. Nature. I live in it daily.
  19. Music.
  20. My nails and other girly stuff. I don’t care if I see a soul. I will always have my nails and hair done right.
  21. The Guests who visit my Glamping business. I have the best guests who become very good friends.
  22. Travel. I love visiting different departments in Colombia. I still have a lot of Colombia left to see.
  23. Good reviews. I consistently get good reviews for my business.
  24. Flight attendants. I was one, and I love all of you who are still in my life. I love your adventures and will always support you when you have bad or good days. It is not an easy job anymore.
  25. My health.
  26. My healthcare. I have the best healthcare I have ever had here in Colombia.
  27. Politics. I am a political junkie and have never missed a vote since Jimmy Carter was elected when I was 18 years old.
  28. Board Games. I am always ready to play Rummikube. Just ask me.
  29. Dancing. I was a great dancer when I was young, and I can still follow anyone who asks me to dance.
  30. My Villa here in Colombia. I have a minimalist home that is open and has a lot of light coming in.

Posted in ambiance, Colombia, expat life, Glampingcolombia, humbackwhales, Live your best life, mother nature, nature, Uncategorized

The Connection

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?

Health and the mind are interconnected. To maintain a healthy body, we must maintain a healthy lifestyle. That includes eating, socializing, being active, having animals, and, most importantly, enjoying our lives by allowing time for fulfilling activities.

I am always busy because I have a side business, running a small hotel and glamping place. I try to take short vacations to give me a new perspective on my place. Whenever I return home, I appreciate what I have done to develop a beautiful atmosphere of nature and birds.

Last week, I visited Juanchaco, Colombia, to see the whales that visit every summer. What a beautiful experience and a bucket-list adventure for me.

The whales visit from July until October, sometimes into November. The weather is surprising because it is often cloudy and rainy. The locals tell me this is normal on the Pacific coast of Colombia.

It was a bit intimidating when we went out on the little boat because the whales were more significant or the same size. Taking photos was not easy.

Humpback whales in Colombia

Would I recommend this adventure? Yes! With some additional information. Juanchaco is lovely but poor. There is a lot of garbage around, something I wish could be eliminated. It washes up from the ocean. You need to let it go because the actual experience of seeing the whales is incredible. The beach is deserted, and you can spend your mornings watching the spouts of the whales and dolphins in the distance as you have breakfast. Are the cabins like mine? No, but they are clean.

Let me talk about the food. It is so delicious, made from fresh catch every single day. The fishermen sell to the hotels after going out to fish in the morning. We had the most wonderful cook who made different recipes for every meal. She made fresh juice, hot chocolate the Colombian way, and lemonade. If you wanted something special, she could make that too!

Amazing food
Posted in child death, Colombia, parents of deceased children, survivor, Uncategorized

A Birthstone Ring

Posted on by hummingsfromparadise

What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?

Sometimes, when I look at this ring, my heart hurts, but I feel joy from those same memories on other days. It is the ring I gave Misha when she was four years old with her birthstone, a garnet, and tiny diamond chips. I remember her delight in having a ‘big girl ring’ and how much she loved it. I found it in a jewelry box left behind after her death. I was surprised it fit my finger, yet my mom had tiny hands, and I do too.

From this same jewelry box are gold earrings that I wear with hearts. I feel closer to her when I have something of hers touching my skin now that she is gone. She had a lot of beautiful jewelry that went missing after her death. Her roommates took her things. It caused me distress because I knew that it was a robbery. I had one say to me that she has the cross that was given to her at her first communion, again with the same birthstones, and I have seen photos of her wearing it. I was so broken at the time of her death I didn’t fight for her things and accepted these thefts. But now I wish I had them to give to my granddaughter; her baby was two years old when she died.

Amaya is 16 now. I wish a lot of things for her. I wish I had the wedding dress I married Misha’s father in. I wish I had saved more of my designer clothes for Amaya. I wish I had the christening gown I gave Misha when she was pregnant. I bought it in Ireland. These things are gone, and I don’t know where.

My mother was so good at saving things for me. I have my old Barbies and even a Skipper and Ken doll. They are worn from use as I let everyone play with them through the years. I have albums of pictures in the basement, yet I have not looked at them for years. I want to organize them, but the hurt comes back, and I suppress it by not sorting through everything. Someday I will. I know that I have a lot to say, and I need to put all of my blogs together into a book.

Old things bring back memories, and memories bring back sadness, which causes me to stifle my feelings. I know I will someday sit here and write everything down—every feeling, every memory, all of my simple thoughts, my complicated thoughts—everything. It will be cathartic. It will be an autobiography and a memorial, all in one book. It will be years of my life coming together, represented by many old things that are left behind.

Mother’s Day brings me to a dark place where I feel incomplete because Misha isn’t here. I will start putting all of my blogs together soon. I will have a name for my book: She Left to Begin Again. I will describe how I have found peace in Colombia while telling my and Misha’s stories together. I promise that is on my agenda. While I am wearing her old things, I wish she was still here with me.