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Why not today? Por que no hoy?

by Jeni Martinez | Apr 24, 2021 | American Yogi in Spain, Americans in Gijon, Dogs, Ex-pats in Spain, Language, Letting Go, Marriage, Relationships, Retirement, Spain, Travel

We discovered with one whiff that the fresh milk was not so fresh this morning. Fresh milk here does not last as long as it does in the U.S. because it undergoes a soft pasteurization process, heating to 60 degrees C for 60 minutes or at a temperature of 70-80 degrees...

Beginner’s Mind

by Jeni Martinez | Mar 31, 2021 | Kindness, Language, Letting Go, Peace, Relationships, Spain, Travel, Yoga

Yoga at Puerto Deportivo in Gijon Shoshin is a word from Zen Buddhism meaning “beginner’s mind.” It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just...

Sweeping Changes: A day in the life of an American in Gijon

by Jeni Martinez | Mar 22, 2021 | Downsizing, Family, Food, Language, Letting Go, Peace, Relationships, Retirement, Spain, Travel, Yoga

View from my writing desk Yesterday was cleaning day in our apartment. It was too early to run the vacuum cleaner and risk waking the neighbors below us, so I grabbed the broom and started to sweep. The repetitive movement of the broom bristles made a soft swishing...

What Is Really Essential?

by Jeni Martinez | Feb 13, 2021 | Caregiver/daughter, Dogs, Downsizing, Family, Letting Go, Marriage, Relationships, Retirement, Spain, Travel, Yoga

In February 2018, Rocky and I decided to put our house up for sale and start the downsizing process so we could eventually move out of the country. At that point, we were not sure if we would end up in Ecuador or Spain but knew we wanted to travel more and become...

The Jerk

by Jeni Martinez | Jan 7, 2021 | Dogs, Downsizing, Family, Letting Go, Politics, Retirement, Spain, Travel

Given the current political climate, you probably assumed this blog was about President You-Know-Who when you read the title. In actuality, it is about letting go. While, I’m definitely ready to let go of the current administration, and welcome in the new,...

What’s Next 2020, Locusts?

by Jeni Martinez | Sep 16, 2020 | 2020, Dogs, Food, Kindness, Letting Go, Life and Death, Marriage, Relationships, Travel

Dear 2020, I remember our first days together being so dreamy. You were so exciting with all of your plans and promises. I was dazzled by our first trip together to the Galapagos in January. Felt like a honeymoon really, with hiking, snorkeling, and plenty of sun and...
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