
Sometimes, I just can't believe how very blessed I am. I just returned from a fabulous spring break trip to Mazatlan, Mexico with my guys. We met my parents there and had such a great time.


Mazatlan is a beautiful place...
...and the place we stayed was incredible. We spent some time around the pool (which is where my previous post originated. There was a lot of aging going on there...not all of it graceful!) and spent some time in town. Our friends, Pattie and Larry, live in Mazatlan and were kind enough to tour us around town.

The streets are a colorful array of bright houses and shops.





Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Even the cathedral is bright! This is the Catedral Basilica de la Immaculada Concepcion. It's a lovely yellow that pops against a brilliant blue sky on a sunny day.

Last time we were in Mazatlan, I got a great photo of the cathedral's statue of Jesus...which is not digital...so I can't locate it at the moment. But, I did find this atc I made, using the photo. This cathedral is a perfect photo subject. I discovered, after my visit, that it's the only Roman Catholic Church, in the world, to display the Star of David in each of its 28 stained glass windows...which, unfortunately, I didn't see but plan to catch on the next visit.
One of the many highlights of our trip was when Pattie and Larry took us to Stone Island.
To get there, we caught a boat off this fisherman's wharf. It was thick with pelicans and gulls, waiting for a meal.
One of these little boats was our water taxi.
Stone Island is a much more laid back atmosphere than other parts of Mazatlan. It's covered with long stretches of undeveloped beach, bordered by acres of palm groves.
We did nothing more than sit at one of the palapa restaurants, owned by a friend of Pattie and Larry, talk, eat shrimp and drink cokes...all day. (Well, my guys did ride the banana boats.) It was wonderful! The breeze was cool, the company was lovely and the view was superb:
Previously, I've had the pleasure of meeting up with Pattie only online. I loved being able to meet her in person. She and Larry were such gracious hosts...taking us on several car tours and even a walking tour of Stone Island. Pattie makes the most marvelous clothing...she really should start a her own line. When I first met her, I drooled over the lovely, cropped top she wore. I suggested we do a trade and the next thing I knew, she was giving me the shirt off her back!
Here's my talented friend (who also makes beautiful jewelry) wearing the sweet top that now belongs to me. (love it!)

She also gifted me with this gorgeous, handmade purse...filled with goodies. I muled some art stuff to Mazatlan for her but I really think that I got the better end of this deal. Thank you, Pattie!

Back in Mazatlan proper, we discovered this street artist, one night. He created beautiful works of art with spray paint. I was amazed, watching him work.

We watched fire dancers on the beach...

...ate lots of good food...


...shopped...I was hoping to find a clay cross, like this, to add to my collection. I was thrilled when I spotted it! Pattie took me to a few of her favorite haunts where we found some outstanding goodies, including this artisian, barro negro, black clay cross from Oaxaca...

...and this whimsical tin mirror...with nesting love birds...

...and one more tin cross for the collection. I took tons of photos...

...and, at the end of the day, returned "home" to the most glorious sunsets.
It was wonderfully restful, disconnected from the internet and cell phone, but I've returned home to a plenty long to-do list. Back in the saddle...but looking forward to next time...