Soul Magic

Since we have a house and an office in the Santa Martha area in southern Mexico and are in the process of building retirement homes in a small lovely valley nearby I wanted to share some thoughts and pictures with you. So kick off your shoes and join me in Mexico.

Hugs,

Ellie

Waking Up Here – Pt 1 of 5
Thoughts from a Canadian resident in Santa Martha

By Ellie Braun-Haley

Waking up here in this colorful, quiet, Mexican valley is a pleasure. Here, I know I can move at a more leisurely pace, taking time for myself, time to enjoy the richness of the area.

Tucked away in this mountain valley paradise, I’m able to pursue my photography, work on a new book, compose songs, and read stacks of books. Here I can sit on the verandah and watch gorgeous sunsets, or eat outdoors in the garden, visiting and enjoying the scenes and scents of nature. Three eagles glide overhead daily and we observe one another with fascination.

In my early morning walks I am sure to see the donkey cart man. This gentleman almost bows his hello. He’s quaint, tiny and he looks like he belongs in the pages of a storybook. I can tell he’s going out to work in his fields and his demeanor tells me this is giving him much pleasure. A young boy accompanies him at times. I imagine grandfather and grandson.

Our tree-lined street was just pasture land when I first saw it, but, in a short time, bushes, vines and trees form an outline and flowers of all colors embellish. I love the flowers here, especially the bougainvillea. Vibrant mauves, pinks and tangerines almost call out for attention, as they do their job, adorning the landscape, beautifying everything and soften the hearts of all who view them.

— © Ellie Braun-Haley