Where art thou?

The following gives a great feel for Heather's present location.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Málaga is a city and a municipality in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain. With a population of 568,305 in 2009, it is the second most populous city of Andalusia and the sixth largest in Spain. This is the southernmost large city in Europe. It lies on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) of the Mediterranean Sea, about 100 km (62.14 mi) east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km (80.78 mi) north of Africa.

Málaga enjoys a subtropical climate. Here are one of the warmest winters in Europe, with average temperatures of 17 °C (62.6 °F) during the day and 7–8 °C (45 - 46 °F) at night in the period from December to February. The summer's season lasts about 8 months, from April to November, although also in remaining 4 months temperatures sometimes reach around 20 °C (68.0 °F).

Málaga's history spans about 2,700 years and is one of the oldest cities in the world. It was founded by the Phoenicians as Malaka about 770 BC, from the 6th century BC in Ancient Carthage, from 218 BC - Roman Republic and later Roman Empire (as latin Malaca), after the fall of the empire of the 800 years under the domination of Arabs (as Mālaqah (مالقة)), from 1487 under the dominion of the Spaniards. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabian and Christian eras convert the historic center into an "Open Museum" displaying its rich history of more than 3,000 years.

Shall we dance?

Just had to share tonight was Emily's 1st school dance! I still cannot believe it, my little baby girl. Yesterday was spent shopping our brains out! Emily was so proud to purchase her dress with the money she earned from her 1st babysitting gig. It was so much fun watching her try on at least a dozen or two dresses. She looked so old. I still think of her as my little Emmie rather than teenage Emily.  Jeff said soon she will be asking for the keys to the car. Bite your tongue.

Emily and Alex are ready to go to the dance!

Emily's girl friend Alex went to the dance. This was Alex's 1st dance as well. Her school does not hold dances so it was extra exciting for her. :0)

Emily wore big ol' clunky shoes with an open toe. It was a hoot watching her try to walk in those shoes. After about an hour of intense practice, she got the hang of it! She just about had a cow when I told her not to bee to worried because most girls take off their shoes after they get there! She asked what was the point? She might as well wear her crocs! :0) I am sure that she will have good dreams tonight but very sore feet!

Alex reported that Emily's shoes made it just passed the door and then they were off! They both had a great time.

Marian styling

Emily and friends.
Note Emily is the only one with NO shoes!

I can see Africa from here!

Four more helpx volunteers have come to Casa Mayor, all women. Two French Canadians and two Dutch. Having a great time and learning loads of skills while growing physically and mentally stronger. Every morning we get up to do yoga at 730 and then walk the dogs to the top of a hill where we can see Africa! 

On Friday, we helped a British neighbor/friend dig a huge ten foot trench between the mountain and her house to keep the rains from coming in. It was so empowering digging and moving literally hundreds of pounds of rock. I was asked to teach the yoga class! I’ve been learning loads here- about good posture, and energy. 

Will be heading to Barcelona within the next week. Hanging out there for 15 days or so, then on to France!

Greeting from Spain!

Casa Mayor

Hi all! I am kickin it here in south Spain. Its amazingly beautiful! We are so high in the mountains you can see Africa on a clear day... which we haven't had the opportunity yet. Global climate change has brought insane weather here and its been cold and raining since we arrived Monday night but still pleasurable. We are staying with two lovely birttish folks- deirdre and bill who caretake a not for profit, not money based retreat center in the Malaga Mountains. Its kind of like what the farm desired to be... a space where artists, thinkers and the like can come and heal and create for very little money. Being well fed as well- just this morning Leah and I split a hardboiled goose egg for breakfast! 

Beautiful Leah

Besides the cold, its amazing here. We are even getting used to the cold- I've fallen in love with going to bed with a hot water bottle! Not sure how long we will be here, learning and living tons. Here is the link to our new home away home.

Joseph's Field trip

Could not resist sharing the like for the ferry ride field trip I recently went on with Joseph's class. It was a great day! click here to visit our school blog.
This was the first field trip I have been able to go on with Joseph's class. After this trip a few weeks later we went the Seattle Aquarium. Uncertain what will be the next adventure! I love his teacher Jennifer. She is only there on Wednesday. She has scheduled several trips this year: the fire station, grocery store and to the police department. All of these are within walking distance.


Because of the extreme budget cuts all field trips must be privately funded. Luckily the PTO allocated $200 to their class. Otherwise they would not have been able to go to the aquarium.

Brackett's Beach besides

Hola from Spain!

This is the beautiful seaside village where Heather has been staying.
The Mtn over looking the sea and village is
the one the girls climbed over the week end.

Heather arrived in Spain safely. Hard to believe that she has been there a little shy of a month. She has been staying with a Swedish family that a horse ranch in Southern Spain over looking the ocean. To hike to the beach is about a mile. The girls in their free time have been hiking and mountain climbing. Some of the work that Heather has doing is tending the garden, cooking and child care. She even learned how to ride a bike!

The following is part of her latest journal entry:
Just wanted to drop a line and let you all know I am happy and healthy. Today, I learned to use a big land tilling machine, went to a village market and got to watch the sunrise. Food and health and life is wonderful. On Sunday, Leah and I will travel to the south of Spain (literally mere miles from Africa) where we will work for a couple of weeks at a yoga and meditation center helping them prepare for their upcoming season doing mainly garden, land and painting work. I am so excited!

Recent mtn. Heather and Leah climbed. Look at the lovely town below.

Missing her so much but knowing that she is having an amazing adventure is great! I look forward to hearing more from her. Seeing an occasional picture or two. Will continue to update her journey. Please hold in prayer for safe travels, remain healthy, and enjoying her adventure to the fullest!