There are no words to express the gratitude I feel for being able to sit at a lake house for 10 days during the most beautiful time of the year, all in the name of dog sitting. Working remote has its perks and being able to work from anywhere is the most important one of them.
Stephanie was off to Hawaii on an escape of her own and needed a pet sitter for her precious Bella. She offered that I stay at her lake house during that time instead of trying to maneuver around her adult children’s schedules.
I picked sweet 13 year old Bella up and off we went. Bella was decked out in a pearl collar complete with rhinestones and hot pink bows in her ears. A perfectly ferocious attitude hidden beneath that deceptive feminine mask. We were going to get along just fine.
After work, I sat out on the swing and enjoyed hanging with Bella.
This was the very first night watching the quiet lake as the sun set.
I felt a connection to saying goodnight to Her. And made this my daily habit.
Inside I set up my computers along the dining room table where I could view out the open sliding doors to watch the lake all day long. As my time there progressed, I spent parts of my day under the umbrella working outdoors as long as my computer battery would last.
The sun rise was equally stunning.
I learned patience. It was the first time I recognized that the sunset was like watching a waterfall. It was ever changing and filled with wisdom.
My daughter Sedona and her husband came out for a day after I received some bad news about a good friend of mine and needed some company.
While they were there, they noticed some goose eggs along the shore. I kept watch but never saw any geese come by to sit or nest with them, so we later threw them in the lake. (at the request of the owner) To my surprise they oddly floated.
Sweet Bella and I got along great! We took walks every day and she hung by my side as I worked. She had a thing about throwing pillows off the sofa which I found humorous.
Over the weekend I did some self help reading and journaling. A much needed alone time to regroup on my priorities and recenter myself.
I felt like a kid every time I watched the sun set. Wondering what art Mother Nature was going to display this time. Clouds always add to the mystery.
One morning the lake was perfectly still and I ran out to capture the reflections.
I mean seriously. The clouds now became my muse.
I loved being here during the week when there was very little activity.
I couldn’t help but feel like this scenery was just for me.
When you are alone, you literally feel it. If I was there with a crowd, I more than likely would’ve missed capturing this temporary moment of visual wonder.
George came out for a couple days and on Sunday we watched my Bengals lose to his loved Ravens. We literally sat out on the outdoor cushioned sofas all day long.
That night, I ran out to capture this beautiful shot that I almost missed. A moody reflection.
Just another sunset on the lake brought to you by the Universe.
I woke up one morning to this bold deer starring at me.
After spotting me she went to protect her baby.
Loved the blue and white sky behind these woodpecker infested trees.
A boat passed by as I was capturing this sunset and the ripples only added to the beauty.
A local blue herring fishing from the fire pit.
I mean seriously, this is heavenly.
It was after photographing this sunset that I knew I needed to make a photo book for Stephanie. I know she appreciates this Oasis of hers, but what she has gifted to me was priceless.
Unfiltered.
I knew nothing could top that last one, but every night I went hunting.
Just wanted to share my views.
Living in the city, it is not often I can get to a location with a view of the sun going down without something getting in the way.
My hope is that I will inspire you to admire the reflections, colors and clouds next time you are near a body of water.
No wonder humans are instinctually drawn to water.
Such a beautiful retreat. Thankful to have been given this opportunity.
My last night with Bella. My freckles officially came out from all the sun chasing:)
Goodbye beautiful Lake Waynoka. I am so happy to have seen you smile on me this week.
Today was my “do nothing” day. I did pretty well with that in the morning, but by afternoon I was itching to see something new. It’s addicting, feeding your eyes and soul with intriguing new sites.
I visited the Marfa store which was open today and bought a bracelet and tee. I need to avoid stores 🙂
I decided to go check out the El Cosmico campgrounds. It’s right outside of the downtown area, so not too far of a drive. I purchased a mineral water at their check-in store and then sat in their outdoor patio area to journal a bit and observe.
I realized I was a bit apprehensive about walking around without having a reservation. As if I were trespassing. I was wondering where that fear comes from? I mean what’s the worst that can happen? They ask me to leave? Where does this need to conform and comply come from? Years of being told as children what is right and wrong?
We live in a beautiful country -world that we belong to. Are naturally part of. Why as humans are we so preoccupied by owning/having territory to call ours/demand rights to things/ to have ownership and control. Consumerism. I digress.
The entryway.
I parked and walked right up to this building just checking it out. Wasn’t even sure if it was open or if I could go inside, but in my Marfa fashion, I just gave the handle a try and ended up in a cute little shop and check in lounge.
I bought a topo chico and sat in the shade for awhile just watching who was going in and out.
When I was at the Marfa store earlier two guys came in as I was checking out. Further up the road, I saw them drive by me when I was taking a photo of a sculpture, so I waved. Then as I was sitting outside here, they drove up and I asked them if they were following me? They were cute, tattooed, and from LA.
I decided to walk around and pretend I belong. There were professional photoshoots going on and I am sure many of their campers are continually featured on Instagram and in ad campaigns. I don’t think anyone working or staying there really cared who was there. The coolness of a community like this, is that they are all there to have fun, enjoy life and experience something new. I need to remember to get out of my head and quiet my monkeybrain.
This was one type of rental tent. It basically just has a bed inside. They have outdoor showers which is pretty cool but I bet a bit challenging in the winter or chilly mornings.
I loved these teepees! I want to be there with a lover one day.
The yurts had really intricately painted doors in various colors. Very cute. When I looked up pricing it was about 95$ a night.
Felt like a hippie commune.
The colors make it so much more interesting that the prefab trailers.
I’m sure it gets a little hot inside during the afternoons but they had tons of shaded outdoor seating areas.
Check out the modern one! Its a work of art among the antiques.
Sculpture, because it should be here.
They even had a stage which was a cool thought for summer nights. Also hammocks hanging in many of the trees.
Arial view. Interesting that it also has a Tesla charging station.
The Avengers had planned an outing this weekend to Ko Yao Yai but our island escape was denied at the Phuket port. We arrived only to be told they are not allowing visitors on the island. Jason had checked yesterday and they said it was okay to go. I think today we were primarily denied because I was with them, an obvious foreigner. Non and Jason would have been allowed to go. There is still a tad reverse discrimination here which I take in stride.
I got up early on my day off and already consumed two iced cappuccinos. We did not want to give up so easily. Jason instructed us to whip out our phones and share any ideas on replacement plans. I gave up after a couple minutes and just let the boys work their magic.
Noni used to work at a Marriott in Phuket and had a connection with an ex-coworker so he called for a favor. They opened up a two bedroom resort for us in Nai Yang Beach for the night. We headed to Dewa Phuket Resort and let the adventure begin.
One of my young Cambly students told me she thought that “ discoveries were the purpose of life.” I thought it was great that she knew this so early on in her life, as I was only now personally understanding that.
All hotels still remain closed in Phuket. While waiting for our room to be readied we took advantage of the cafe that had amazing pad thai for just $1.50.
This resort was right next to a National Park and police station.
This is Nit. She is Non’s friend that helped hook us up with the room. We celebrated by sharing a toast with a french sparkling wine and got the party started.
Capturing Noni who is always attempting to get a creative shot.
The pathways at the resort were immaculately landscaped.
Nit joined us for the day and I was happy to have her along. She worked at the resort and lived close by. She told us we could walk along the beach and not get in trouble. ( of course she’s not an expat so rules could be different for me 🙄) The beaches are still closed but there was no one around.
The amount of garbage that washed ashore was disturbing.
Driftwood and scraps along the shoreline. Overwelming.
It was interesting to me, Nit said not to worry about the garbage, that they would clean it up before the tourists returned for high season. I found it sad that she didn’t care for herself or the locals. She blamed most of it on India, saying during low season the currents shift and the waste comes in from India. This also reminded me of how my Korean students blame China for their air pollution. Not sure how much of this is true. Or if its just a way of their countries not taking responsibility. But it was certainly a reminder of how environmental concerns are global.
I appreciate these large pieces of driftwood that come ashore. Jason was smart and brought his umbrella this time instead of grabbing a large leaf. I love this photo I captured.
We spotted a reggae bar open but we had to cross the channel. I made Noni go first to make sure we all could make it. The current was actually quite strong, but this was just part of the adventure! Challenge and new things to discover.
So I tucked up my pants into my undies and waded across.
This is the bar we landed at and enjoyed a cold beer. (Illegal to serve still due to CV-19, but who was going to come get us eh?)
Mini Stretch Armstrong joined us. I take him everywhere but he often remains in my bag and rarely makes an appearance. Today was his lucky day.
A unique bar.
The tide was going out so we decided to cross over and join the fishermen on their small island.
I carved the heart on this perfectly raised sand bar.
Noni striking a pose.
Can’t wait for these long tail boats to motor up again.
Had to wade through this section of the sea. I worried about Nit who was sporting some high heel shoes. Wasn’t sure if she was going to make it barefoot on the rocks. I was again thankful for my new Tevas.
Selfie showing off my sunburn. Forgot my sunscreen again.
I continue to be fascinated by the trees here. Such personality.
After wading through some rocky terrain, I landed on the island with this view of the locals fishing knee deep in the water. They were also digging in the rocks for scallops. At this point I lost the rest of my crew, so I decided to climb around to see what the other side of this small wildlife preserve looked like.
All rocks. Not too difficult to climb. Clouds coming in low.
The one rock looks like a fist. Black Lives Matter, even nature is calling for change.
Full circle. There were families having picnics in the shade.
And then within minutes this monster appeared behind us. Needless to say, we got drenched by the time we arrived back to the resort. You could literally wring our clothes out. I had to wipe my eyes along the walk just to see where I was going. It was hilarious. It poured.
The next morning I had a Zoom call with my AMC crew and I didnt want to wake the group so I wandered to an outdoor patio area just in time for yet another storm to come down.
Raining season it is.
Walking in the rain is a great sensation if you have nowhere to be. But three consecutive days of these downpours is wearing me down. I am so thankful that Jason got us out this weekend, even if it was still on Phuket. I would have otherwise been stuck in my condo lethargic and listening to the rain.
Justin surprised us Christmas Day by treating all of us to a 4 hour spa package! Such an awesome gift and completely unexpected! We picked the Oasis spa in the Kamala Beach area which was themed out in all blues and turquoises. It was beautifully decorated and the staff were so professional. The experience of a lifetime!
These planters were throughout the spa and so cute!
This was the view at the entryway when we came in. Serene.
You got to look at this when you were face down on the massage table.
This was such a treat! Could not have been a better day.
Such character and the maintenance of this place was top notch.
We were the only ones at the spa it seemed. So quiet.
Decor inside the small house rooms”- which were complete with a sitting area, massage area and full bath.
Two of us had to share a room, so Sedona got stuck with me 🙂 We had fun.
View from inside our room looking out.
After the herbal body scrub and clay wrap they served us some fresh fruit and tea.
After our day of luxury was over we were starving so we wandered up the street and found this Thai dive which turned out to be the best place we have eaten at yet! Amazing food and so cheap! Wish it was closer to where I live.
After our half day spa treatment, we decided to go to Kamala Beach to check it out before heading home. The tsunami memorial was over there and I wanted to see it.
The memorial. There was a lot of construction around it not sure what their plans are. But this was a huge scaled chaotic metal sculpture which represented how we are all connected and everything happens for a reason.
Hoping they will maintain it better in the future. It felt neglected with grass growing up through the cracks of the stones which added to the sadness.
We arrived at the beach right when the sun was heading down.
Zoe and Sedona taking claim to this castle.
This adorable little girl was making her own swimming pool and having a blast. Kids love the sand!
Couldn’t resist making her smile for the sake of the photo.
Love the background of this photo. Looks like a prop. Everything perfect- lifeguard chair, palm tree, umbrella hammock, kayaks and surf boards.
Sisters.
Always picturesque.
Sedona and I capturing the sun with love.
Zoe’s love.
We ended our night at Home Kitchen grabbing some lava cake for dessert.
We have had some amazingly long fun filled days here in Phuket together. I feel so blessed to be sharing this side of the world with my girls who have embraced it and loved it the same as I do! Our time together has been better than I could’ve imagined. I am glad I have this blog to record my memories with them. I hope you have enjoyed our adventures too.
The girls got in late Christmas Eve from the Philippines, but we managed to toast Christmas with a bottle of champagne, a pasta dinner (finally go the electric range working! thanks to Virlane and Zoe) and some pound cake dessert. Opened our very simplistic gifts- one each. All memory books.
Love that our time and money was not wasted this year on material things. But rather I am blowing my fortune creating new memories here with my girls!
As Mastercard says= priceless$$
Took this photo intending to send out Christmas postcards, but then realizing that wasn’t going to happen. So this is our Merry Christmas photo!
I purchased pound cake and fresh berries as a special Christmas dessert. Ode to Lambert who usually always makes homemade pound cake for us when we visit!
Zoe being goofy with our empty champagne bottle and her favorite Santa glasses.
I even found party crackers here so we were able to wear our paper crowns! Sedona was in her pjs and refused to be in the photos. In case you are wondering where she is.
Christmas morning was a slow start but we managed to get out as planned to the Blue Tree Resort. It was totally worth the $ as we explored the place for 4+ hours. All activities were accessible to us and we went cliff jumping, paddle boarding and I went down a few kiddy water slides. There was a large group of 75 thai boxing students which was a tad intimidating as they cheered each other down the huge death defying water slide.
I spoke to one Aussie woman at the bar who said she calculated the risks and was not going to dare go down the waterslide. The man with her said, we just need to get more beers in her. I really wanted to do it, but didn’t dare with a crowd watching and seeing other people smack to a point of no return.
We noticed the life guards only swam out for the ladies. And Zoe and Sedona were closely watched while swimming in the deep end. They take their jobs seriously here!
Started Christmas morning at our Condo Mine cafe with our usual iced coffee drinks.
We found a spot to sit at the resort away from all the crowds but with a beautiful view of the mountains.
View from the zip line that we never got to experience since it broke down one person ahead of us!
Private party pads. Would be so fun with a big group!
Found this colorful hang out spot complete with bar!
Sassy and happy! Such a beautiful day!
Sedona conquered her fear of heights being coaxed by a local to not go home with regrets. I was so proud of her! She really did NOT want to do it.
Meanwhile Zoe jumped several times and then we both went off the higher one! Was amazingly scary and fun at the same time! This is Zoe mid jump.
We walked around the entire resort. It was not very crowded which was nice.
Zoe and Sedona were such good sports about posing so I could capture the moments!
Mojitos were an afternoon delight! This waterpark was a perfect retreat for our Christmas Day!
My kids were off to Manila and I was looking forward to a few days alone to catch up on some to dos before I took off for Germany. But Jason texted informing me of a beach party and my girls convinced me I could always sleep on Sunday 🙂 They were right, I slept in until 4 pm today! Didn’t get the teeth brushed until 8pm- yep that kind of Sunday.
This beach party was very similar to the one I dragged Traci to at Paradise Beach, but with more expat families and less tourists. Party was free to get in and provided techno music, fire performers, drinks and sand beneath your toes.
I arrived early and we watched a cover band by the fountain. I love this painted table and chair set!
Cheers to the weekend!
When the sun set, the place lit up!
Pay, Jason and Rebecca. We went inside the resort and then saw where the beach party was taking place.
The place was all lit up and rocking.
Adorable Jason. He said he was getting too old for the strobe lighting. (he’s 27 🙂 Meanwhile I was trying to hold a conversation with a French man Rebecca introduced me to and between his accent and the music, he kiddingly said, I give up talking to you. My conversation skills were a bust.
This guy was all greased up and ready to play with his fire sticks.
Then out came the fireworks.
It was fun. I was exhausted though and headed home before 10pm. Place was rocking til 2 am. Rebecca literally knows EVERYONE and could be the Princess of Phuket.
Meanwhile I found out Jason speaks fluent Chinese. He invited a friend and her husband and he broke out in Mandarin with them. I was like, how many languages do you speak and he said, hmmm- 5. I need to step up my game here! These international expats are going to break me out of my American bubble. I’m going to start seriously studying Thai. Goal for 2020!
Today Virlane and I had a lunch date. Instead of going to one of our regular spots, I told her we needed to start checking things off her bucket list. She only has a few more months on this beautiful island, and there are so many places she has yet to see.
“Perhaps the biggest tragedy of our lives is that freedom is possible, yet we can pass our years trapped in the same old patterns.” ~ Tara Brach
Without any expectations or knowledge, she picked me up and we drove to the Blue Tree Resort. I had been here before while it was under construction, but never been back. She has always wanted to pull in to see what it was about, but never had. So another fun adventure for V & T!!!!
Photo from my past blog- remember this brightly colored establishment?
We predicted (wrongly) that these building were more than likely filled with restaurants and shops by now.
Upon parking, I proudly said in Thai that we were looking for the restaurant. (Rahn ahan) This gentleman in his crazy patchwork printed shirt waved us into his tuktuk and took us in an unexpected direction. Away from the colored buildings.
We were escorted up to this natural entryway.
And led up the staircase to the second floor which revealed the most amazing view of a gigantic pool.
Restaurant was eclectically decorated.
Virtually empty.
We were seated under a mesh umbrella with a view.
Comfortably in the shade.
I guess we were eating in the “Tree House.” Food was reasonably priced and filled with interesting choices. Outside of this place there were also many international food trucks offering Indian, Greek, Italian and Mexican food choices.
Of course I had to try the Tree House Passion cocktail. Let’s just say they need some better mixologists over here in Phuket. Presentation is A+ but taste is challenging and alcohol content weak. (or maybe my tolerance is rising with my age :))
The view was calming and entertaining. We watched people zip line, go down water slides, paddle board, play pool volleyball, and rock climb/jump. Many belly smackers which made us cringe with eyes wide open continuing to watch to see who was going to be the next victim of a painful entry.
I wandered to the top of the treehouse to find a secluded roundabout with cushion seating and mountain views.
What a retreat! A great place for an afternoon nap. You can see the water slide in the distant background of this photo. The four white vertical lines. Check out how high up it is!
I wondered why they didn’t have more business. But then again, we didn’t really know what this was all about before we randomly decided to stop by. Marketing seems to be a missing skill set here. Even when I googled it later the Orlando resort pulled up instead.
Wandered to the second floor to find another lounge venue complete with a bar.
This place is totally worth the 35$ entry fee. What a great way to spend a day. We didn’t have to pay since we were just eating, but I will be back to take full advantage of that pool and fun in December once my kiddos arrive!!
Virlane and I planned a trip to Coconut Island today in between our Cambly students. Neither of us had been there before and wanted to check it out.
It’s one of the most underdeveloped islands in Phuket off the east coast. It still does not have electricity and is powered by privately owned generators. Close by this island are some well known floating restaurants. Getting to the island only takes 5 minutes on a longtail boat which costs 100 BHT. Seems only locals take this route. All other tourists take the speed boat which drops you off at a pier directly outside the one functioning resort.
This island is rumored to be the location inspiring and used as the backdrop for Giligan’s Island. (my favorite tv show growing up!)
I think you can see why with this image. The Giligan’s Island theme song keeps running through my head.
Virlane and I walked from the pier (behind us) down this deserted road with no clue where or how long it would be before we hit civilization. The road was lined with awesome jungle vegetation and occasional local housing.
Took a photo of this hanging out to dry. Virlane thought it was too perfect to be animal hides. Any educational guesses welcomed.
Hot and sweaty, we found this sign and walked into the resort as if we were staying there. The advantage of being a white tourist.
The rooms were individual houses with small private swimming pools out the back.
Beautiful walkways and landscaping throughout.
The wonderful elephant topiaries, classic in Thailand.
Check out that tree in the middle background! Fantastic! Stood out like it didn’t belong but yet was king.
The coconuts covered up some of the wiring at the resort. Seemed appropriate. 🙂
The view of the beach. There wasn’t any chair unoccupied. The resort was quite crowded. The beach is not swimmable and the coctails, at least the ones we sampled, were not worth staying around for.
Always love the palm tree swings!
This is the pier where the tourists arrive. I know it’s snowing back home right now, so breathe it in!
Some of the local housing captured as we walked along the beach.
We decided to follow this couple on our way out to see what else we could find. It took us along big resort homes and eventually a tennis court. I will say this resort offered tennis rackets, sailboats, paddle boards, bicycles, etc. A large offering of outdoor free activities.
Tons of flowers.
As we were walking back along the local road a sidecar taxi driver picked us up. Neither of us have ever experienced riding in one of these before! Virlane struggled to get in, and my calf started cramping as I stepped over the metal railing. We are quite the pair!!
View of our longboat motor.
These are the floating restaurants. Was tough to get a clear photo since we were quite a distance away.
Notice the yacht is parked next to the shack. Sort of puts life into perspective.
The view from the resort.
When we were eating lunch I caught a glimpse of a water slide and I was determined to find its entry point before I left. Virlane offered to hold my bag and shoes and off I went! Loved it.
The slide was actually made up of several continuing slides that each landed into a small swimming pool. Then you swam to the next slide. There was not a soul in sight and each slide was surrounded by that gorgeous landscaping! I didn’t want to get out. I was giddy like a kid when I met back up with Virlane who was waiting with some paper towels from the bathroom for me to dry off with. 🙂
She’s such an adorable, good humored, fun loving, beer drinking, midwestern, card reading, easy going, life coaching, supportive friend. I will definitely miss her when she moves!
Yesterday I headed to Kata Beach to meet up again with Reeki and his family. It was raining for half the day, so it was nice to escape, even though it was still cloud covered. I forgot how much I loved swimming in the ocean. Diving into the waves, floating in between and getting plowed over by the big ones that unexpectedly creep up on you in the middle of conversation. It was fun to be out there again in nature. Not just listening and gazing out into it, but literally being in the midst of it’s power, strength, and beauty. A reminder of how little we are and lucky to be existing as part of this natural world.
At Kata, there were a ton of surfers out enjoying the low season. I am still tempted to give it a try and just might head back next week to see how difficult it really is.
The locals were having a blast and had total control of their boards.I loved this shot seeing them all just waiting. The guy on the right was literally napping.Cutie pie family!! Had such a blast just being with them.
After the beach we went to the pool which was a calming transition. Eyana is a little mermaid who would spend her days in water if given the chance.
Low season at the resorts– empty and half the price!
View of one of the pool and the city below.
One of my Cambly students today rightfully reminded me to not work too hard and remember what I came here for. She’s right- so much to explore and so little time on Earth to do it in. I’m continually in awe of the conversations I have with my students who teach me much more than I do them! (don’ t tell Camby 🙂 because the paycheck does help in my explorations!)
Tonya Takes Thailand 