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Letters from Lorraine XV
Well, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas down here south of the border. It is as big of a deal here as it is in the United States, maybe even a little more so. And seeing how I don’t have Mexican TV (I get U.S. and Canadian stations), I have not a clue if their commercialization of Christmas is as obnoxious as ours. But they sure do love to decorate and celebrate the holiday, which makes it a beautiful time of year to be here. I was in town yesterday, buying pillow covers to spruce up my house for the joint birthday party I have every year with my neighbor Debbie. This year, though, it will be a book launch, Christmas, and birthday celebration. And, as usual, I spent far too much money on gorgeous things. There are so many beautiful things here San Miguel de Allende, well, in all of Mexico, for that matter—and the temptation is far too great for someone like me, a voracious lover of beauty. So I keep my trips to town to a maximum of one or two days a week, except for emergency trips to the bank, when I keep my eyes on the sidewalk and try not to look up. Yesterday I delivered my book, Miles to San Miguel, to SMA’s most fabulous bookstore, the Biblioteca. And for all of you on the Vineyard, you can get my book at Bunch of Grapes, the Edgartown Bookstore, and Cronig’s Market. And, of course, Amazon.com, on both its American and Mexican websites. Last week, on Amazon, it was listed as best new release in the travel with pets category. And I will say this, so far so good with my book sales and feedback from customers. As I said to one reader, an old high school friend, it took more guts to write this very personal book, then put it out in the world for either praise or criticism, than it was to pull up roots on my wonderful island life and trade it in for an unknown one in a foreign country. I am serious. I had promised myself that, after I finished writing and publishing my book, I would take up horseback riding again. So I did! My butt was so sore from the first ride that it took a week to not feel the pain, but I went right back the following week, and it was even worse! I’m laying off for the holidays but will get back in the saddle in the new year. Speaking of the new year, I will be starting my next book that, if it were a screenplay, would be pitched as Carlos Castaneda (remember his books?) meets Outlander. It is fiction based on a woman’s time travel into the ancient Mesoamerican Olmec and Toltec culture. Last week, I ordered seven Mexican history books, and for the month of January, I’ll do a deep dive into this country’s ancient cultures. It is also something I’ve been wanting to do since I’ve moved here. My “research and development” for this book may also require a little mushroom taking with my friend and pyramid guide, Lino. In a few weeks, we’re going to a nearby secret, unexcavated site to commune with the Olmec spirits! I kid you not! All for now, but I’ll be in touch again before the holidays. And if anyone out there knows of someone contemplating an adventure like mine, Miles to San Miguel could be the perfect Christmas gift! All the dogs are doing great, although our Pearl the Magnificent is keeping me up at night. She has the “wake up and not know what she wants” old dog syndrome. I bought some doggie CBD oil yesterday, and I pray that it works! Anyone out there have another dog sleeping remedy? Lorraine, Pearl, Ruby, Mike, and Molly, and Oliver the feral cat. |
