A guest takes a break from snorkeling on Lil Bay Beach
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
madonna
Some of you may have already noticed my infatuation with Madonna. Probably not too surprising, is it? (A fun gal at my former company in Atlanta calls her "Momma" because she says, "Hell, I grew up with her.") Momma saw me through my teen years, and has been present in my life for the nearly two decades since then. She's been the soundtrack of my life so far. I can't begin to tell you how many blissful moments I've experienced as her voice purred sexily in the background.
The amazing thing about this artist is that she has never grown stale. She reinvents herself constantly, which is nothing short of genius. She's taken the concept of "Change is the only constant" and enmeshed it in her life.
A common thread in her albums is: "Nobody's perfect." I think that is a great message, because, you know what, nobody is perfect. We would all save ourselves a good bit of disappointment if we approached life and relationships with that understanding, and toned down some of judgment we are so prone to cast upon the "imperfections" we think we see in others.
A cursory review of her life thus far is enough to make one realize that Madonna is also maximizing her human experience. That's pretty impressive if you ask me. She's certainly a shining example of self fulfillment, and -- particularly in that regard -- someone worth contemplating for emulation.
Her new album, Hard Candy, came out yesterday. She looks great and sounds awesome!
Monday, April 28, 2008
the good energy tree
Found on the path to Secret Cove, hugging the Good Energy Tree is a must do when at Paya Bay (obviously, 'tree huggers' are our kind of people). Remember that it's a 'take a little, leave a little' energy exchange. Some people have to resist the urge to run to this tree the first time you see it.
path building
This afternoon Bannis and I put in about four hours of work on the new path through the Virgin Tropical Garden Reserve. It's hard, sweaty, slow work; but the path is shaping up very nicely.
View of the new path under construction
Bannis, aka "Iron Man," is our resident "paths engineer"
Sunday, April 27, 2008
parsley!
Today I harvested our first organic parsley and mint from our new herb garden! The herb garden is just the beginning of what will become a huge organic effort here at Paya Bay. Feel Good.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
video: big beach
A little over a quarter of a mile in total length, three quarters of this half moon beach is part of the Paya Bay property. Big Beach is a popular destination for family picnics on weekends. Kids love swimming in the fun waves.
new path is looking great!
The new path Bannis and Don Cleo are building through the Virgin Tropical Garden Reserve is looking fantastic. I have a feeling this is going to be a favorite of our guests.
A view from the new path.
photo of the day
Two of our guests enjoy the sunset (and their cocktails) as they float in the water near Buccaneer Landing
Thursday, April 17, 2008
quotable quote
One of my all-time favorites:
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
John Wooden
College Basketball Coach
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
wetlands reserve birds
Could someone help me identify these birds? Your reward: a 10% discount on a future stay at Paya Bay. (Genus, species, common name, range.) Use the comments feature to submit your information.
Monday, April 14, 2008
quotable quote
Ingenuity, plus courage, plus work, equals miracles.
Bob Richards
Pole Vaulter
Two Time Olympic Gold Medalist
Sunday, April 13, 2008
new nature path underway
This afternoon, Bannis (one of our employees) and I busted our butts working on the new path through the Virgin Tropical Garden Reserve. Yep, I was breaking rocks with a sledgehammer! I'm very excited about this path. The nature is exquisite: rock formations and ledges, beautiful wind-shaped 'indio desnudo' trees, bromeliads galore, and several species of native orquids.
photo of the day
My camera's interpretation of a Paya Bay sunrise over Wilkes Point. They are not quite this red, but pretty amazing nevertheless.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
understandings
Life is a continuous stream of instances. We have this instance... and this instance... and this instance... and so forth. In each instance of our life, in those split seconds, we have two choices: yes or no (these choices might also be labeled as "good or bad," "truth or lie," "fear or courage," "love or hate," etc.). It's sort of like the 1's and 0's in the digital world: on or off. When we get into the habit (and we are creatures of habit) of making the "right" choice in every instance, our greater good begins to unfold at mind-boggling speed around us. Whatever the "greater good" might be that we have set our sights upon. Think of a person having an orgasm who yells, "Yes, yes, yes, YESSS!!" That person is choosing YES, instance after instance. And look what he or she creates! We become active controllers of our experience and co-creators of our reality. It is "co-creators" because the Universe provides us a platform consisting of consciousness and the continuous stream of instances in which to make our two choices; the choices themselves are always up to us.
In all such instances, let Mind be your guide.
what's new
Miguel, our staff carpenter, made a lot of progress this week with the new trellis around the main deck. It's looking awesome!
Friday, April 11, 2008
anyone for spelunking?
The latest tour one can sign up for here on Roatan is the "Pirate Tour" to Santa Helena. Part of the tour is exploring limestone caves on this neighboring island. The idea is that the pirates may have buried their stolen treasure in these caves. Apparently NBC TV was here recently filming the experience. Sounds like an interesting adventure!
photo of the day
Garifuna ladies perform at Paya Bay's Tribal Beach Party last night. This Saturday (April 12) the Garifunas will be celebrating the 211th anniversary of their arrival to Roatan. For more info on the Garifunas, click here.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
lucky
Not quite a year old yet, Lucky is maturing into a wonderful young dog. He's sweet as can be but also an attention-demanding rascal (kinda like his daddy). He's very protective of our guests and often accompanies them on hikes.
Monday, April 7, 2008
corona, part two
The team from the San Salvador-based advertising agency is coming back to Paya Bay this weekend. The first time they were here, they did a photo shoot for print advertisements. This time they will film a TV ad for the Mexican beer using our Lil' Bay Beach as a setting.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
a must do
One of the most special experiences you can have at Paya Bay is watching the sunset while floating on a float in Buccaneer Landing. It's just you, the sun, the water, and the sky.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
overheard
Secret Cove has got to be one of the best places in the world to catch a sunset!
- Michael and Basia from Ontario, Canada (who made a beeline for the cove late every afternoon to experience the event)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
who is Silky?
Several people have asked me who this "Silky" is that I refer to. Scott "Silky" H. is one of several high caliber human beings I have the good fortune to have in my life. Silky is one of the most caring, kind, and thoughtful people I have ever known. The man is a living, walking fountain of good energy. The photo above is from a 2001 charity bike ride we did from Amsterdam to Paris to raise funds for HIV vaccine research. I met Silky when we started training in Atlanta for this 500 mile bike ride . One of his first "official acts" in our friendship was to loan me his extra bike since I didn't have one at the time. I ended up using Silky's loaner to train and then (at his insistence) to do the entire European bike ride. He and his partner, Scott P. (on the left with the yellow hood), now have a beautiful daughter and may soon be the proud parents of a second child. Love my sunflowers!
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