Have you ever stepped onto new soil and felt, instantly, that you belong? In Belize, that feeling isn’t just a happy accident, it’s woven into the land, the culture, and the living traditions of its people. “People of the earth” isn’t just a phrase here; it’s a way of life, rooted in Indigenous wisdom that sees humans, nature, and spirit as inseparable.

After retiring, I made a life-changing decision: I moved to Orchid Bay, Belize, with Cory, my beloved companion. Our cozy casita by the bay quickly became a sanctuary. The first year was all about making our new home comfortable for both of us. At 15, Cory needed thoughtful modifications, and at 65, so did I. I installed a handrail at the front to help with the slippery stoop on rainy days and added gradient steps so Cory could easily reach the bed and his cat trees.

“LQ has left the building,” to borrow the phrase that closed Elvis’s shows, and our lives are dimmer for it. But her legacy burns brightly—in her stories, her family, her friendships, and her deeds.

So many stories. But the best way to sum up year one of casita living in Orchid Bay is: It has gone well. The simpler life, the slower pace, and the kindness of the people here agree with me.

I thought of that line from the poem by Brian A. “Drew” Chalker, ‘friend for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.’ NaNoWriMo was a good season for me. I’m sorry it’s over, but I am grateful for the lessons I learned in the season we shared.

“Before We Say Goodbye is a soul-stirring triumph—Boo Walker’s most unforgettable story, and the heart of the Red Mountain series.”

“Before We Say Goodbye is a soul-stirring triumph—Boo Walker’s most unforgettable story, and the heart of the Red Mountain series.”

Typing "The End" and what happens next

A powerful team of Washington, DC, lawyers makes scandals disappear while handling government crises and coping with problems of their own.

“We were the Leopards, the Lions; those who’ll take our place will be little jackals, hyenas; and the whole lot of us, Leopards, jackals, and sheep, we’ll all go on thinking ourselves t…

“We were the Leopards, the Lions; those who'll take our place will be little jackals, hyenas; and the whole lot of us, Leopards, jackals, and sheep, we'll all go on thinking ourselves the salt of the earth.” I’ve tried to name what I feel happened in the last few years. Last week I watched the Netflix short series, The Leopard. I love a period piece but usually those based in England.

Remember, native birds like doves are often protected by law, so it's best not to move or handle the nest.

During the session, Kathia and I chatted about skincare in Belize’s warm, humid, pore-clogging climate. Unsurprisingly, sunscreen and moisturizer came up. My usual routine is moisturizer and sunscr…

During the session, Kathia and I chatted about skincare in Belize’s warm, humid, pore-clogging climate. Unsurprisingly, sunscreen and moisturizer came up. My usual routine is moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning, sunscreen again if I’m headed to the beach or pool, and moisturizer at night. So I was surprised when she suggested applying sunscreen four times a day. Her advice: “If you can’t apply it four times, at least apply it in the morning and again at lunchtime to get you through the high peak sun hours.”

Taken by author on 6/11/2025 Wednesday, 2025-June-11 Last Wednesday morning, I had the pleasure of receiving an exceptional chiropractic adjustmentfrom Dr. Sue Barnes at The Medicine Wheel in the c…

The writing prompt was what is your true north? This is a subject that caught my attention in 2013 after watching a Keven Costner movie where he called his movie wife his true north and gave her a star necklace. (Romantic right?) A proper definition: North, according to the earth's axis, not the magnetic north, has compass readings that vary from 7.9 degrees to 6.7 degress west of north.

Photo compliments of Happy May everyone. My apologies for not having an April post but April was a busy month for me, some family members and friends. I can’t believe my last Dispatch From Be…

Happy May everyone. My apologies for not having an April post but April was a busy month for me and some family members and friends.

The Secrets of Good People characters are with me still. This is an excellent read that hooked me from page one, kept me invested all the way through, and left me wanting to know what happened next in their lives. The characters are richly developed. The author told me enough to "see" and understand them but also wrote in such a way that I believed I knew more about them than what was written on the pages of the book.

A quiet day today, so I spent it completing the latest Kindle book. It’s a collection of all my short stories in one place. If you’ve already read Dear Cousin, Cousins Too, At the Right…

The Donmar Warehouse production heads to cinemas early next month