The Decision: Birthday Reflections

The Decision: Birthday Reflections: So yesterday was my birthday! A year ago at this time I was planning my move to Colombia , South America! It was all so exciting and adventu...

Birthday Reflections

So yesterday was my birthday! A year ago at this time I was planning my move to Colombia , South America! It was all so exciting and adventurous, all I thought about was leaving a place that was full of pain for me personally. One year later I am living my dream on the farm I have always wanted. Do I have thoughts on my journey, of course! Are they all great? NO! I have learned enough in one year to last me a lifetime, a lot about myself and my past way of looking at my life. I have learned to adapt, and change with my ever changing circumstances. A process that started long before my move. I have learned that Colombia does not operate the way the United States does, I can not have everything I want with a phone call. Colombia is so advanced in some things and way behind in others. I have yet to pay the few bills I have online! I have to drive to places and wait in line to pay a simple bill! This is what the Colombians do! I have to find adequate internet, another MAJOR problem! The internet here really sucks. I have it, but sometimes I am unable to connect, and it is not a strong signal. Of course, living in Paradise more than makes up for this problem and I have learned to take this in stride and keep trying until I accomplish my goal.
Is it worth it to live in a new country? Yes it is. Is it difficult to do what I have done? Yes it is. I am close, so close to everything I pictured in my dream to come here.

So what did I do to make my day special? I did what I love to do, spent time with my animals, exercise  making curtains for my traditional Colombian kitchen..I also reflected on my peace, my own personal peace.  No present, greetings, a call from someone, can accomplish this for me.  I know, I seem O.K. even peaceful and happy. I am to a certain extent, but well, the thought of my daughter is always there, it never leaves. I guess that is what grieving is...I know grief. My parents are dead, dear friends and relatives have passed over the years, but my daughter's death is about what she did not experience and I still do. I thought about this a lot yesterday. How I miss her being on this earth. How I used to stalk her twitter. How I knew what was always going on with her, even when I was not with her physically. Now, I have to believe she is in a better place, I have to keep her alive in my life. I have donated to a little church here in her memory. That was my real birthday present to myself, a place to go and feel her, and to talk with her. The church will be there long after I am gone, the people in my small community will always tell others about the paintings and crosses donated by the American in her daughter's name. I will continue to help this church as long as I am here, in any way I can. That is very fulfilling for me as the people are not rich but live a very rich life. I wanted someting that would live on in history to honor her, and this will.

I guess that it will always be this way with me. I accept that. I am a different person from her death. I have read many things about really hard times bringing lessons to your life. I can honestly say hard times have changed me. I am less judgemental, and am more forgiving. I do not engage in arguments, but stick up for what I believe in. I live with the thought that my farm will be a place for the people I most treasure, my son, and my granddaughter, to visit and enjoy. I am working hard to put everything in place to have a calm , tranquil life without stress. It has only been a year, but so much has changed because I did something about the way I was living my life.  If I can do this so can you who read this blog, no matter what it is you feel you need to change. Go for it, take one day at a time, and see the results. You might take a few steps back, but you will take more steps forward.

The Decision: It's A Dog's World!

The Decision: It's A Dog's World!: Marley Taz and Yuki  My animals are so important to me that they were a major reason I moved to Colombia, South America. I had always...

The Decision: It's A Dog's World!

The Decision: It's A Dog's World!: Marley Taz and Yuki My animals are so important to me that they were a major reason I moved to Colombia, South America. I had always...

It's A Dog's World!

Marley

Taz and Yuki 

My animals are so important to me that they were a major reason I moved to Colombia, South America. I had always wanted to retire to a farm and have lots of animals. Moving to Colombia has fulfilled that dream! I just moved to Villa Migelita, (an agricultural farm) with my original three dogs, and have three more that I have adopted in the last 8 months. Farm living agrees with my animals, and with me! They have unlimited space to play and socialize, and I have peace of mind knowing that they all will live happy lives. I was very worried about where I was going to live before I moved here, and I knew I could not afford the upkeep on a home with land in Florida. It has been a win/win situation, one that has brought peace of mind to me and a wonderful living environment for my animals.

Colleen after I picked her up from the cargo area

When  I first arrived in Colombia, I had hoped to move right to a farm, however it was not meant to be. Colleen was exhausted from the trip here in the cargo hold, and she needed to have a safe living area to relax in. My rented house fulfilled that for her, but I so much wanted to have her live the rest of her life on a farm where she could wander around and her thick coat would not be too hot. The mountains have done wonders for her health, and she no longer looks exhausted. My other dogs are so loving and kind with her, it sometimes brings tears to my eyes. Colleen is 13 years old , and going strong!

Taz sitting at a restaurant

Then there is my Taz, he is a Rat Terrier who holds a special place in my heart..and my bed. Taz is my only dog who sleeps in my bed, and anywhere he can jump up and get under covers! I never cared until I moved to Colombia and he learned he could run with the street dogs! If you live in the United States, street dogs are picked up and brought to shelters, here they roam free. It is unfortunate that other countries do not have the same education on spay/neuter programs as we do in the USA. I see that the dogs are not treated badly, and they live from scraps and people setting food out for them. However, the female dogs are very abused by other male dogs and do not have long life spans if they are not adopted. My first dog I rescued here is a callejera (street dog) by the name of Nayela. She just showed up on my front patio July 4th, and I kept her. She was a little bitty puppy, and now is a great watch dog on the farm. She is always first to bark at any noise, and alerts the other dogs. Taz is thrilled for his freedom and learned to run with the other street dogs within a month of moving to Colombia. I gave up really fast trying to contain him. Dogs really do not need leashes here and can go with you to restaurants and any store. 

Marley is my other Collie and one of the kindest dogs I have ever owned. He goes with the flow, and Nayela is his constant companion. He never growls at the other dogs or tries to take their food, and only wants to please. He is so beautiful to look at that he is constantly remarked on by the Colombian people when we are out. Marley and Colleen always were on leashes before we moved to the farm, as they do not understand that you have to move when a car comes! Now , well they are free to wander aimlessly all day if they so desire. Marley spends his days now laying in the sun or shade, and he also enjoys the mild temperatures of the Colombian mountains!

Orion

Yuki is a Bull Terrier (or a Boston Terrier) that was found digging in the trash. He is so calm, he often falls asleep sitting up. He has to be watched constantly, and can not be allowed to go with me on walks as he gets easily distracted and wanders off. He can never get enough food, and needs to wear a little doggie outfit for warmth. Taz and Yuki are good friends (which is unusual, as Taz likes to be left alone) , they often sleep next to each other, and where there is one you will usually find the other on the farm!

The last dog that I adopted here in Colombia, was given to me by my neighbor the night before my move. I think the word was out that I liked dogs by now! He is an American Staffordshire Terrier, and is the biggest dog I have ever owned! I gratefully accepted him with a big smile because I had wanted a guard dog for the farm. I had thought I was going to have to buy a Rottweiler, but Orion was perfect. The fact that I rescued him only made it nicer. His prior owners lived in a normal sized home, and he was way too big and needed too much exercise for them to keep in a home without a big yard. They even gave the papers with him and his shot history. He is gentle with the other dogs, and very loyal to me. I definitely would not want to come upon him while looking for trouble.

Nayela

Taz, Colleen, and Marley(my original 3 dogs)

So we all are living peacefully on Villa Migelita, my original three dogs plus three more rescues. I am now hoping to expand my animal family to include horses, cows, chickens, ducks and a goat! Before I forget, I also have 2 cats Cloudy and Franchesca who complete the family, we all hope to live happily ever after here at Villa Migelita!

The Decision: For the love of horses

The Decision: For the love of horses: I learned to ride as a little girl at a friends ranch in Florida. I used to visit this friend every weekend and ride her horse. I also have ...

The Decision: For the love of horses

The Decision: For the love of horses: I learned to ride as a little girl at a friends ranch in Florida. I used to visit this friend every weekend and ride her horse. I also have ...