welcome to paya!

Ms. Lurlene, my angelic mom, poses at Paya Bay's recently-acquired, custom-made reception desk. The desk was an initiative of my niece, Michelle. It materialized beautifully.

Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Bay Islands of Honduras.

sassy!

Happy Mother's Month, Mamá! I'm so fortunate to have an angel like you as my mom. I love you so much, incredible lady!

little hellraiser

Of course, I remember you, Davi! You were a smart little boy...
...A smart, SMART little boy!

- Nice compliment from someone I ran into yesterday who I hadn't seen since I was a kid.

I have to admit I was a terror from the moment I could skillfully engage this world. Little Davinci was an explosive combo of curiosity-triggering intelligence, unbounded self-confidence, and fearless audacity. No "trouble" was too big for me. What often saved me from harsher penalties (being put up for adoption, perhaps?) was that it was hard to believe such a cute, "sweet" little kid could be responsible for the havoc my "adventures" sometimes resulted in. When the facts left no doubt I was the culprit for some racket or upheavel in the neigborhood, the response was often: "Davi did THAT?! Oh my god, that's so unbelievably ballsy, creative, and funny! This kid is awesome!" These comments from neighbors and family friends were often accompanied by their hearty, incredulous laughter; glowing, approving glances and head nods in my direction; and encouraging atta boy! hair tussles or pats on the head. (They were probably also thinking, "OMG, this one's a little twisted!")

In retrospect, I now realize my parents deserve platinum medals for raising such a hell-raising little brat.

life through gold tinted lenses

This afternoon I presented my friend Lisa the gift of some cool, mirrored, Speedo swim goggles in honor of her love of the sea and swimming (Lisa tries her best to swim in the ocean every single day! An admirable and healthy habit I'm trying to emulate). My good-natured mother, Lurlene, tried on the goggles for a silly, humorous moment. I've always LOVED my mother's trademark sense of humor!

Photo: (The One and Only) Lisa Bronkhorst

quote of the day

You have to be strong.

- Mom

seeing the light...

...at the end of the tunnel. 2012 will be a year of many victories for Lurlene Cooper, my astonishing mother. Here the "Iron Angel" poses in front of the trellis tunnel on the western portion of our Paya Bay property.

touching the sky

Late yesterday afternoon I took my angel mom to see the completed floor of the yoga platform.  Our dogs Foxy and Lucky came along for the adventure. Mother nature treated us to a splendid sunset as we enjoyed the enchanting view. We saw a green flash as the sun slipped below the horizon; the second one Mom and I have seen from this sacred spot.

I've come to realize that not everyone gets an angel for a mom. I'm so very happy and grateful I did.

happy mother's day, mamá

May the sun bring you new energy by day.

May the moon softly restore you by night.

May the rain wash away your worries.

May the breeze blow new strength into your being.

May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.

- Apache blessing.

I love you, my angel.

I also send a sincere "Happy Mother's Day" to the moms that follow my blog. Love and light to you.

mom

She's the heart and soul of Paya Bay. She's also one of the most angelic human beings I've ever known. I'm so fortunate to have this wonderful lady as my mom.  I love you so much, Mamá.

Photo: Gracia Romero

lucy & mom

Two of the world's most amazing women are part of my life. I'm one lucky guy. (Apologies for the blurry photos - low light and didn't have my tripod with me)

My stunningly beautiful friend.

"algunos nacen con estrella"

There is a Mexican proverb that goes "Algunos nacen con estrella, otros nacen estrellados." Literally, it doesn't translate to English well, but its meaning is thus: "Some are born with a star over them, others are born 'estrellados' (crashed)". My amazing and beautiful mother is the star that I was born with and the one that hovers above me. She taught me LOVE, which is probably the most important lesson of Life. She has always believed in me and been my biggest fan. She is so very special and I am happy and grateful that I'm having this opportunity in Life to get to spend quality time with her again and learn many more of the lessons she wants to teach me. Lurlene Cooper de McNab is truly an angel. May her Life be long, healthy, and prosperous!