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Lock up your sugar cubes and saltines when traveling in Costa Rica or this guy might take them

The birthday party was wild. Sure we had fun, but one of the guests of honor was wild - a real wild animal. This coati mundi was rescued, nurtured back to health and now lives in the woods yet sticks close to family that saved it. What coati mundi - pizote - shouldn't get a few gifts for his one-year adoption day?



Coatis are......(read more....)

We'r back and running

Thanks to all those who took the time to write and say they understood when Big Brother takes over and deals us a shovel full once and ahwile.

MotherJungle.com is up and running. I have a new post up. It will be going through some hiccups as some great people help me do what I cannot do - technical stuff.

I've been hit by a bug and about to die

Motherjungle.com is not working because it seems that we, and perhaps four other sites, have been hit by a bug that has destroyed several years of work. Instead of people trying to make the world better, they spend time making disgusting viruses that infect important information and make life less productive. My next blog was about a big red ball. I mean what could be more important!

So, I will post here. I feel just silly doing it as I got that new site all up and running in hopes of making a some sense and a little dough along the way to support my kids. You were all so kind to follow. I wouldn't blame you if said gosh Susan, you're a goof! There are a million gazillion other things to do with me life.

But if you come back, perhaps I can figure it out and say just one more thing that might brighten your day. Or at least distract you from doing the dishes.

The Costa Rican "army" marches to the beat of a different drum

Costa Rica's Independence day rolls around on September 15th. Our freedom came without much fanfare. In fact, the story goes that a guy on mule delivered a note to the powers in charge that said: You're free from Spain. Still tied to Guatemala, it took a few more years to then break off from Guatemala and declare itself a complete sovereign nation. All of Central America celebrates the 15th of September as a day of freedom.

On that day in Costa Rica, each school child is required to participate in civic activities. There's a parade in every town and scattered barrios. In August the Costa Rican flag begins to wave on street corners as vendors hope for early sales. The kids take to the street and prepare to march.

The surrounding Central American countries developed armies. In 1948, Costa Rica put down all arms for good. I can't think that has something to do with it's unique position of peace and relative prosperity amidst nations of indescribable poverty and violence.

I like our little army of drummers. It helps us keep time with our own beat.

Have you ever seen faces so gorgeous?

These girls stopped in front of my camera and wanted me to take their photo. I was filming a marching band practicing in the street. With Costa Rica's Independence Day rolling around on September 15th, student musicians around the country are preparing for the town's parade. The music pounded to an addictive, repetitive beat as the lead drummer tried to keep the kids in step. An instructor walked up and down the rows helping the more timid students get into the groove and hit their tambor with more conviction.

The girls giggled and for a moment, paused, and looked at me. And then through me. The neighborhood I happened to be in was rough; kids go hungry; drug use is rampant; and broken homes the norm. The pounding of the drums rose in my... (read more....)

With just a sneeze, I’m loaded for battle

Coco sat on a chair in the living room, waiting for the French Toast to finish cooking. I peeked out from the kitchen to check where we were “at” in the morning routine. In 1/8 of a second this is what my brain scans:

Are-you-ready-for-school-are-you-dressed-have-you-eaten-yet-have-you-brushed-your-teeth-and-put-your-shoes-on-fed-the-guinea-pig- packed-your-homework-brushed your-hair-and-packed-a sweater?

Addison was eating; the nanny was sipping coffee; Coco sneezed twice. A sneeze was not on the schedule.

That’s just my morning sneeze Mom!

Coco was worried I was going to come at her with medicine or tart tea or pour..(read more...)

Walk to Cartago

On August 1st and 2nd every year, over a million people walk to Cartago, Costa Rica. The story is here. For the movie version, just push PLAY.

Friday was the celebration of the Anexation of Guanacaste. My daughter dressed up in the typical dress and insisted on braiding her hair. I've never been certain what the exact history is of this holiday other than Costa Rica took the province of Guancaste from Nicaragua to call their own. Supposedly, the land wasn't working out so well for Nicaragua. Take? Give? Like I said, the details are a little unclear, but it's a good reason to dance.

Costa Ricans are thrilled that Guanacaste is theirs. And since the area is now one of the most popular beach destinations, it's incredibly important to the bottom dollar. In my life, it means dressing the kids in red, white, and blue and eating beans and rice. Coco is thrilled with any, and every, holiday. Dressing up in this big old skirt adds to the thrill. Before she left for school, the nanny sang one of the traditional songs and Coco twirled back and forth. One of the most commons songs to hear is...(read more...)