Lynda L. Lock's Blog, page 23

The fun differences!

Lawrie and his younger brother Freddy Medina - party time! Mexico, as a nation, is politically incorrect. Here greetings between acquaintances, friends, family members or co-workers are a hug and an affectionate buss on the cheek. It’s the culturally acceptable greeting and not thought of as sexual harassment. Between men the greeting is usually a hand-slap fist-bump and then an arm around the shoulder guy-hug. Handshakes are rare, and usually reserved for formal, first-time introductions.

Setting up for a birthday partyMany of our Mexican male friends have no idea what to do when a foreign woman shoves her hand out for a handshake, instead of leaning in for a kiss. I experienced a number of limp, finger-tip shakes before I realized I was, in their view, behaving oddly. Now I just hug and smooch ‘em! Lawrie has always loved hugging, but in Canada he was afraid that he would be accused of sexual harassment so seldom indulged in affectionate greetings. Here in Mexico, everyone loves to hug which makes Lawrie a very happy man. Another day, another birthday party!To our Mexican friends family is everything. Life revolves living with or close to your family. If you don’t have children, parents, siblings, cousins, aunties, uncles, and grandparents underfoot you are to be pitied because you are alone. 

The average family home is noisy with animated conversations, loud music, and unrestrained laughter.Faith defines life in Mexico. In most of the G-8 countries, USA, Canada, Russia, United Kingdom, Japan, France, Germany, and Italy your job and your income defines you. Here, what you do for a living is not important. Quinceanos - complete with entertainers.Education is valuable but human dignity counts for more. Manners and respect for others are important as a means of peacefully co-existing in a boisterous and frequently crowded household. 

Education focuses on culture, art, tradition and history. Learning to play and instrument, or to sing and dance is far more important than an expensive degree that enables you to serve coffee at Starbucks.You are responsible for yourself. There are no high-priced lawyers suggesting a huge lawsuit for a personal injury if you trip on an uneven sidewalk, scald yourself drinking hot coffee, touch a live electrical wire, or fall into an unfenced swimming pool. Dress well, eat well.Canadians and Americans tend to lean more towards volunteering their help and financial assistance to local charities, with an expectation of local celebrities contributing their fair share.

In Mexico it is not as prevalent, people rely on close-knit families to help out in a financial or medical crisis.Appearances matter but people are not obsessed with being young, thin and beautiful. Being well dressed and eating good food are far more important. Lupita's Quinceanos.


And most importantly, family events such as engagements, weddings, a child’s first birthday, baptisms, a young woman’s fifteen birthday known as quinceaños, birthdays for any family member and wedding anniversaries are celebrated in grand style. The fiesta may last all night and includes amazing food, drinks, decorations, beautiful cakes, music, dancing, and possibly fireworks.Mexico is a very special place, and we love our life here.Hasta LuegoLynda & Lawrie
Are you missing your little piece of paradise?
Get your Isla 'fix' with the exciting Isla Mujeres Mystery series!
There's Trouble on Isla, Big Trouble!
  
Book #2 in the Isla Mujeres Mystery Series5.0 out of 5 starsFast and furiousBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017
Yasmin and Jessica are back and the gold they found in Treasure Isla is still haunting them, especially when Carlos, their boss at the Loco Lobo, and Yasmin’s new lover, is kidnapped. No spoilers here, but his captivity and the girls’ efforts to free him, with the help of Carlos’s pals—including local Isla Mujeres fishermen and a Mexico City cop—are the crux of this fast-paced story. Lock has created not only a compelling and authentic setting, but a well-developed ensemble cast. The next Isla mystery can’t come fast enough.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USD
or Paperback $11.99 USD

Paperback are also available on Isla Mujeres at the Jenny Penny Boutique, Art Fair on Thursday evenings, or from the author. 

E-books  available on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords


 Treasure Isla - where it all began!5.0 out of 5 starsCaptivating and authenticBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017

This was a truly fun in the sun kind of mystery, with an authenticity that was simply captivating. Set on the island called Isla Mujeres, not far from the better-known Mexican resort of Cancun, it follows the misadventures of two girlfriends, who on a drunken binge manage to wander onto the grounds of a cemetery and find a treasure map stuck in a crevice of an old pirate tomb. Jessica, from Canada, and local pal Yasmin both work at a tourist bar/restaurant called the Loco Lobo. Soon their boss Carlos and a handsome attorney named Luis are involved in the girls’ illegal hunt for pirate gold. Toss in a bad dude running from a string of crimes in Key West, and it’s the start of an addictive new mystery series.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USDor Paperback $11.99 USD

Paperback are also available on Isla Mujeres at the Jenny Penny Boutique, Art Fair on Thursday evenings, or from the author. 
E-books available on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords

Music and laughter around the island

Lawrie and I hanging out at Rosa Sirena's Bar with friendsThe great thing about living on Isla Mujeres is we can choose between dozens of venues to listen to a variety of fabulous music. Back in mid-September 2016 Lawrie and I wrote about the various artists that were at that time preforming on the island, but now we have even more choices.

Ken Wanovich - FB profile picAfter visiting the island regularly since the 1980’s Ken Wanovich and his wife Debbie have recently joined the group of gringo-residents on the island. They tossed aside their life in the USA and arrived in Mexico with a few possessions to start their new pared-down island lifestyle. We and a group of friends went to North Garden Restaurant on Wednesday to listen to Ken’s eclectic mix of classic rock, oldies, country, and tropical ‘ass-in-the-sand’ Zach Brown or Jimmy Buffet tunes. We all knew the words, and ‘helped’ Ken with his singing. It was a fun toe-tapping afternoon that exploded into full-on dancing in the tiny restaurant. Ken plays at a variety of other locations on the island, including Caribbean Brisas on Thursday evenings. Friend him on Facebook for more information.

Henry Esquivel and Jeff at Jax's - photo from FB page Then there is our good friend Jeff Current who, along with his five siblings, has been immersed in music all of his life. Jeff plays a wide variety of music that baby boomers like me, love. The money he raises on his “Tips for Testicles Tour” goes to Isla Animals for spaying and neutering cats and dogs. The music will get you on your feet and you will have a bit of fun for a good cause. He plays at Jax’s Bar & Grill on Wednesdays, and Barlito’s @ Marina Paraiso on Fridays. Wednesdays have become a real dilemma for us with both Jeff and Ken playing at different venues. 
Jeff is also on Facebook if you want to check his locations and times.

Rhett Thurman McGahee and Ckokoj Kiik - RS FacebookAnd, very recently another good friend Rhett Thurman McGahee, a lead vocalist for a number of bands in the USA, has started performing again. She sings at the brand new, gorgeous Rosa Sirena’s Restaurant and Rooftop Palapa Bar. Rhett performs from 7 to 9 on Thursday evenings. Her stunningly beautiful voice is accompanied by Chokoj Kiik on piano. Rhett and her handsome husband Jeff McGahee are co-owners of the popular Isla Brewing Company located on Jesus Martinez Ross Avenue, across from the Comex paint store.    Chef Willy Chacon in white - singing chef!
Located just south of the Mango Café, in a neighbourhood that is developing into a foodie’s paradise, the Rosa Sirena’s Restaurant and Rooftop Palapa Bar has an extensive lineup of musical talent, including chef-musician Willy Chacon. 

(I wonder if he sings in the kitchen while he is creating his delicious meals.) Like their Facebook page to stay connected.We love this time of year. Fabulous music, great vocals and of course yummy food to savour while you enjoy the entertainment. 
Get out there and join in the fun!Hasta Luego
Lynda & Lawrie


Get your Isla 'fix' with the exciting Isla Mujeres Mystery series!
There's Trouble on Isla, Big Trouble!
  
Book #2 in the Isla Mujeres Mystery Series5.0 out of 5 starsFast and furiousBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017
Yasmin and Jessica are back and the gold they found in Treasure Isla is still haunting them, especially when Carlos, their boss at the Loco Lobo, and Yasmin’s new lover, is kidnapped. No spoilers here, but his captivity and the girls’ efforts to free him, with the help of Carlos’s pals—including local Isla Mujeres fishermen and a Mexico City cop—are the crux of this fast-paced story. Lock has created not only a compelling and authentic setting, but a well-developed ensemble cast. The next Isla mystery can’t come fast enough.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USD
or Paperback $11.99 USD

E-books also available on iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords


 Treasure Isla - where it all began!5.0 out of 5 starsCaptivating and authenticBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017

This was a truly fun in the sun kind of mystery, with an authenticity that was simply captivating. Set on the island called Isla Mujeres, not far from the better-known Mexican resort of Cancun, it follows the misadventures of two girlfriends, who on a drunken binge manage to wander onto the grounds of a cemetery and find a treasure map stuck in a crevice of an old pirate tomb. Jessica, from Canada, and local pal Yasmin both work at a tourist bar/restaurant called the Loco Lobo. Soon their boss Carlos and a handsome attorney named Luis are involved in the girls’ illegal hunt for pirate gold. Toss in a bad dude running from a string of crimes in Key West, and it’s the start of an addictive new mystery series.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USDor Paperback $11.99 USD
E-books also available on iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords

Out sick today - be back soon!

I am still fighting a virus that is going around, back soon.  Cheers Lynda and Lawrie
~
Get your Isla 'fix' with the exciting Isla Mujeres Mystery series!
There's Trouble on Isla, Big Trouble!
  
Book #2 in the Isla Mujeres Mystery Series5.0 out of 5 starsFast and furiousBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017
Yasmin and Jessica are back and the gold they found in Treasure Isla is still haunting them, especially when Carlos, their boss at the Loco Lobo, and Yasmin’s new lover, is kidnapped. No spoilers here, but his captivity and the girls’ efforts to free him, with the help of Carlos’s pals—including local Isla Mujeres fishermen and a Mexico City cop—are the crux of this fast-paced story. Lock has created not only a compelling and authentic setting, but a well-developed ensemble cast. The next Isla mystery can’t come fast enough.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USD
or Paperback $11.99 USD

E-books also available on iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords


 Treasure Isla - where it all began!5.0 out of 5 starsCaptivating and authenticBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017

This was a truly fun in the sun kind of mystery, with an authenticity that was simply captivating. Set on the island called Isla Mujeres, not far from the better-known Mexican resort of Cancun, it follows the misadventures of two girlfriends, who on a drunken binge manage to wander onto the grounds of a cemetery and find a treasure map stuck in a crevice of an old pirate tomb. Jessica, from Canada, and local pal Yasmin both work at a tourist bar/restaurant called the Loco Lobo. Soon their boss Carlos and a handsome attorney named Luis are involved in the girls’ illegal hunt for pirate gold. Toss in a bad dude running from a string of crimes in Key West, and it’s the start of an addictive new mystery series.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USDor Paperback $11.99 USD


E-books also available on iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords

Ruben’s Kids – the volunteers with gigantic hearts

Ricky, Lawrie (Mickey) and Ruben.   Ruben’s Restaurante on Guerrero Avenue in Centro once again rocked with laughter as dozens of volunteers wrangled a herd of excited kids.
January 6th or Three Kings Day or El Día de Reyes is a special time on Isla Mujeres, and all of Mexico. It is the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas and commemorates the three wise men arriving with gifts for the baby Jesus.
The children of Mexico look forward to this holiday as gifts are traditionally exchanged on this date, and not on Christmas day. In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, it is the three wise men, not Santa, who are the bearers of gifts for the children.
Flip-flop Santa John Pasnau and young friendHowever, Isla Mujeres has a very special Santa Claus, John Pasnau, who wearing his red velvet suit and flip-flops, arrives on Three Kings Day to distribute gifts to the local kids. Once again Santa had tears of joy in his eyes as he handed the presents to the children. Then the army of volunteers took over and Santa was in charge of handing out big hugs. 
The helpers made sure every boy or girl received a present, a cold drink, hot dogs or tamales and ice cream cones.
Minnie and kids - Lisa Godfrey photoLawrie and I have for the past three years put in a short appearance as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, but we only last about forty-five minutes before the heat of the costumes renders us semi-unconscious. 
We traditionally press our family members and friends into service as Mouse-Minders. We can’t see very well through the eye holes and the kids like to rush towards us, wrapping their arms around our legs. Our Mouse-Minders, Chuck and Marcy Watt, Richard and Linda Grierson try to keep us upright and on our feet. If the kids saw Mickey or Minnie fall, and our heads roll down the street, wouldn’t be a good thing. We love participating in the Three Kings Day, even in just a small way.    Haleigh, Denise, Ruben, Lisa - Lisa's photos
There are so many people involved in this event that was started by Ruben Chavez Martinez just three years ago. I decided this year to include notes from some of the folks who have been involved from the start. Here are a few of their stories.
Gail Stewart, Sandwich Jefa:  This is the third year I ended up in charge of sandwich making. I don’t know how that happened. How does a NY woman with three Masters degrees end up being responsible for making 750 ham and cheese sandwiches on a little island in Mexico?  I have no idea. It was nice to have both our original crew members and several first timers, the Sandwichettes!  (The name if feminine but included men as well as women).
Happy kid - Lisa Godfrey photoThis year, Trina Noakes of CARM and Isla Animals donated all the funds for the sandwich fixings.  Maria Delgado came as my interpreter for the meat and cheese buying, 18 kilos of each.  I was afraid my Spanish wasn’t good enough, and they would throw out the crazy Gringa who thought she could order so much!  But, no biggie!  Ordered, went back 2 hours later...got it!
I had eighty loaves of bread in my front room. Mike dreamt they’d turn into fishes!
The team made all of the sandwiches in 1:15 minutes, with about one cup of mayonnaise to spare. I was amazed, but after three years of this, the organization of it was pretty easy. And everyone was cheerful and fun, and got ‘er done!

Family on 1st vacation to Isla - helping out. LGodfrey picGail also wrote: A word about the teenagers helping hand out the tamales. One of the local churches made the 500 tamales and Ruben’s Kids paid for them. But there were three American kids distributing them, and all speaking fluent Spanish. 
Who were they? Three kids from Des Moines Iowa who majored in Spanish in college. They family was scheduled to vacation in Puerto Rico, but had to change their plans. They ended up on Isla. It was their first time, and they loved it. I asked them if they would come back, in unison they all said, Yes! They were great workers, two girls and a boy. The boy, dishing out all those tamales, had never had one before, but we convinced him to have one. He liked it!  A day later I ran into the “Tamale Family” again and asked their names, Clay, Rachel, Sierra, Austin, and Elijah Tarbell.
Sandwish Jefa Gail on left - Lisa Godfrey photoAnd the hot dog station: Marrien Neilson and Steve Ferree were chiefs of that crew, they shopped for dogs, precooked them, brought grill, etc. Jeff Somann and Rick Stern helped on the grill. The assembly line was Mike Davanzo, roll opener and aluminum foil puller, Ginger Somann placed dogs in buns, Katie Knapp Hill wrapped them and handed them out.
Putting the condiments on was hard for the kids with a toy and milk in hand, so Ken Wanovich became condiment king, squeezing ketchup or mustard, and telling kids “sorry, no mayonasa!”  The gringo purchasers didn’t think about mayonnaise on a hot dog! That was funny!  Two great rock ‘n roll singers, Ken Wanovich and Mike Davanzo, spent the day dishing out hot dogs! The boys loving getting sports equipment
Ruth Lacey, another original volunteer for the event: I just want to recognize a young volunteer - Jordan - who helped sort and bag hundreds of gifts on Friday and also manned the Niños window on Saturday. He’s on vacation and I think returning to British Columbia any day now, yet took time out to give back. He was much closer in age to the gift recipients than the gaggle of jubiladasthat he was working with. He possesses a level of maturity much greater than his age, and was a delight to work with. I think he deserves lots of kudos.
Day Grey, food hampers: My daughter sent a photo of a Reverse Advent Calendar to me. (The concept is to place non-perishable food items into a hamper instead of removing a piece of chocolate from the calendar.) I approached Ruben last year with the idea and he said yes, as he wanted to help the families in need as well as handing out the toys. I volunteered a good friend of mine Kathy Nicholson into helping. The idea exploded, in a good way. Each hamper had about thirty to thirty-five items and weighted about twenty-five pounds each! 
Food hampers! Deanne Grey photoJulie Andrews Goth, Toy Jefa: My job was organizing the toy drive and the toy soldiers, the great group of volunteers who helped sort, pack and hand out the toys. Last year we ran out of gifts and food. This year our goal was to have more than enough, and that is what we did.
All the toys were separated into age groups with similar interests: Infant to two years, three to five years, six to nine year, ten to twelve, and school supplies. Then the toys were counted and recorded to ensure we had enough for Three Kings Day both on Isla and at Casa Hogar the orphanage that Ruben’s Kids helps support. At the last minute the residents of the colonia Guadalapaña said they didn’t have enough toys for their annual party and Ruben was pleased to share.  
Over two thousand toys were donated by the generous visitors who love this island and its beautiful people. My committee of women was so unbelievable and Rob was very understanding as we sorted, assembled and packed up all the toys in our home.
The most touching moment for me was when Santa hugged and presented a big turquoise ball to Pedro, a young man with Down’s Syndrome. Pedro cried, Santa cried, and everyone around them cried too! There are many more stories but this is my favorite.
Terri and Sam, two more great volunteers! Jackie Conlon photo
And from Lawrie and me, thank you to Ruben Chavez Martinez for starting with this amazing event. And special thanks to Ricky Za’Ga, Diego Gelmy Gonzalez Garrido and his family, all of the un-named volunteers, John Pasnau and the board of advisors for Ruben’s Kids for pulling off another fabulous El Día de Reyes. 
You are all amazing!
Cheers
Lynda & Lawrie

Making little kids laugh - Jackie's photo~Get your Isla 'fix' with the exciting Isla Mujeres Mystery series!
There's Trouble on Isla, Big Trouble!
  
Book #2 in the Isla Mujeres Mystery Series5.0 out of 5 starsFast and furiousBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017
Yasmin and Jessica are back and the gold they found in Treasure Isla is still haunting them, especially when Carlos, their boss at the Loco Lobo, and Yasmin’s new lover, is kidnapped. No spoilers here, but his captivity and the girls’ efforts to free him, with the help of Carlos’s pals—including local Isla Mujeres fishermen and a Mexico City cop—are the crux of this fast-paced story. Lock has created not only a compelling and authentic setting, but a well-developed ensemble cast. The next Isla mystery can’t come fast enough.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USD
or Paperback $11.99 USD

E-books also available on iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords


 Treasure Isla - where it all began!5.0 out of 5 starsCaptivating and authenticBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017

This was a truly fun in the sun kind of mystery, with an authenticity that was simply captivating. Set on the island called Isla Mujeres, not far from the better-known Mexican resort of Cancun, it follows the misadventures of two girlfriends, who on a drunken binge manage to wander onto the grounds of a cemetery and find a treasure map stuck in a crevice of an old pirate tomb. Jessica, from Canada, and local pal Yasmin both work at a tourist bar/restaurant called the Loco Lobo. Soon their boss Carlos and a handsome attorney named Luis are involved in the girls’ illegal hunt for pirate gold. Toss in a bad dude running from a string of crimes in Key West, and it’s the start of an addictive new mystery series.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USDor Paperback $11.99 USD
E-books also available on iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords

Celebrating the arrival of 2018 in the very best way!

Fireworks at midnight on New Year's Eve Of course, the best way has to be on Isla Mujeres where everyone, young and old, really knows how to welcome in the New Year. The square in front of the Palacio Municipal (City Hall) is typically jammed with thousands of celebrants ready to party until dawn.
The fun starts around 11 p.m. ish, this is Mexico don’t forget so everything starts close-ish to the advertised time. 
Food and drinks for party-goers
Drink and food stalls are the first to open, then the warm-up band blasts rock tunes or salsa over the crowd until the fireworks display at midnight.
Amid laughter and shouts of Happy New Year in several languages, people hug, kiss, rattle or honk their noise makers while dodging the burning embers raining down on the square from the overhead display of pyrotechnics. It’s a fantastically fun evening.
Fireworks at midnight NYE Isla MujeresNext the dozen-or-so headline entertainers crank up their amplifiers and rock the downtown area with horns, guitars, percussion, singers and dancers. You can dance your socks off until after sunrise. 
Sleep is not on the program tonight. Entire families spend the night dancing, eating, and drinking. 
Even the youngest ones can outlast Lawrie and me.

Lawrie in yellow sweater - Canadian New Year's EveOver the past thirty-something years Lawrie and I have celebrated this special time in a variety of ways, from boisterous dinners at our home in Canada, to just the two of us sharing a bottle of good champagne. We’ve had dinner parties here on Isla with rooftop drinks to watch the fireworks in Centro. 
And we’ve have even participated in an odd northern custom of swimming in near-freezing ocean water early on New Year’s Day.
Isla Mujeres Navy personal helping with crowd controlHere on Isla Mujeres there is a much warmer, interesting custom that started a long time ago, perhaps when the footpath to the southern end of the island became an actual road. 
The hundreds of people drive to Punta Sur to welcome the first light, to greet the dawn of the brand new year. Punta Sur is the most easterly part of Mexico and receives the first rays of sunlight.
First Light - January 1st, Isla MujeresIt’s an intriguing sight to see hundreds of cars, trucks, motos, and golf carts arrive with an assortment of people still dressed in their party finery. Sleepy kids snoozing in the back of pickup trucks are carried by their parents to the edge of the starfish-shaped plaza. Women teetering on stiletto heels clutch bottles of champagne. (Trouble Isla book #2 of my Isla Mujeres Mystery series)
Most people look spent, tired out, and ready for bed but it’s the perfect end to a perfect party. Others arrive bright-eyed and bushy tailed having slept soundly, far from the crazy celebrations in Centro. 
Everyone cheers the arrival of the new dawn then finally makes their way home to sleep for a few hours before the normal sounds of island life wake them up again.  
Max, Lawrie and Sparky - waiting for our champagneAs we were out walking our two dogs on the morning of January 1st we could still hear the music pounding from over a mile away, then at 7:30 a.m. it stopped. 
Yes, that’s right 7:30 in the morning the band stopped and the party officially ended.
Start making your plans now if you want to start the next year on Isla Mujeres, a Pueblo Magico, a magical town. You should book your accommodations and dinner at the popular restaurants well in advance. 
We know, it’s hard for you spur-of-the-moment folks, but it is really worth the effort to plan ahead.
This is the time of year to enjoy being alive, to create fantastic memories, and to look forward to another good year.
We wish you and your families a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2018  Lynda & Lawrie


~Get your Isla 'fix' with the exciting Isla Mujeres Mystery series!
There's Trouble on Isla, Big Trouble!
  
Book #2 in the Isla Mujeres Mystery Series5.0 out of 5 starsFast and furiousBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017
Yasmin and Jessica are back and the gold they found in Treasure Isla is still haunting them, especially when Carlos, their boss at the Loco Lobo, and Yasmin’s new lover, is kidnapped. No spoilers here, but his captivity and the girls’ efforts to free him, with the help of Carlos’s pals—including local Isla Mujeres fishermen and a Mexico City cop—are the crux of this fast-paced story. Lock has created not only a compelling and authentic setting, but a well-developed ensemble cast. The next Isla mystery can’t come fast enough.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USD
or Paperback $11.99 USD

E-books also available on iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords


 Treasure Isla - where it all began!5.0 out of 5 starsCaptivating and authenticBy CA reviews on September 26, 2017

This was a truly fun in the sun kind of mystery, with an authenticity that was simply captivating. Set on the island called Isla Mujeres, not far from the better-known Mexican resort of Cancun, it follows the misadventures of two girlfriends, who on a drunken binge manage to wander onto the grounds of a cemetery and find a treasure map stuck in a crevice of an old pirate tomb. Jessica, from Canada, and local pal Yasmin both work at a tourist bar/restaurant called the Loco Lobo. Soon their boss Carlos and a handsome attorney named Luis are involved in the girls’ illegal hunt for pirate gold. Toss in a bad dude running from a string of crimes in Key West, and it’s the start of an addictive new mystery series.
Available on Amazon e-books $2.99 USDor Paperback $11.99 USD
E-books also available on iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords

In the company of new friends at the artist fair

Selection of original paintings by Damien Lemee.   “When’s the next Artist Fair?”
“I’m coming back to Isla on (insert any date) will there be an Artist Fair that day?”These are frequently asked questions on the various island-enthusiast Facebook pages.The Artist Fairs are becoming at tourist draw and as of November 30ththe fairs are every Thursday until April of next year. However, it was deadly quiet night on December 14th at the fair, the week before the Christmas rush.  


Val Jukosky braceletI was fortunate to have three very sociable and entertaining artisans beside me, to fill the quiet times with laughter. Val Jukosky, Liwlig Larsen, Damien Lemée and I were set-up along a concrete wall in the shadow of the life-threatening coco-bombing palms trees. Each of us had a colourful display of our wares, hoping to entice passersby to purchase an original piece of art, a beautiful bit of jewelry, or in my case one of my new paperback novels or bilingual book for children.Until recently I seldom had the time to chat with these folks even though I saw them week after week for several years. On this night, there were very few people browsing the displays so we chatted, and joked, and I finally got to know them a little bit better.

Val Jukosky necklaceVal Jukosky is from London Ontario, Canada. She makes beautiful ocean-tumbled sea glass and semi-precious gemstone jewelry. Here's the link to her FB page: Val's Sea Glass 

This is Val’s fifth winter on Isla, her first three years were six months at a time, but now she is here for longer periods. Previously she wintered in Puerto Vallarta and Melaque on the west coast of Mexico. She got hooked on sea glass collecting during her first winter on Isla started participating in the Artist Fairs the next year. Val says she loves being surrounded by water. Me too!  During the quiet times at last week’s fair, Val got busy and created fun, colourful bookmarks for my novels. She made a few and sold them all. They seem to be a hit.


A selection of art by Liw Larsen.
Liw Larsen is from Denmark. She first discovered Isla in 2006. Travelling around the world, she was in California when a friend suggested Mexico. It wasn't on her bucket list but from the very first day on Isla she felt like this was home. She knew she had to come back and stay, but it was September 2013 before she finally returned to stay. Here's the link to her FB page: Art By Liw Liw loves the slow life here, just living in the moment with no stress, lovely people a beautiful island and country. “I just love Mexico.” Her paintings are fun, bright and lively. She also has a selection of colourful prints, and has recently started painting mermaids on driftwood.


DamienLemée was born in France but while traveling in Canada at the age of seventeen he decided to live there. He now lives six months in Montreal and six months on the island.  Here's the link to his FB page: Damien LeméeThe first time he came to Isla Mujeres was in 1998 as part of a band that played a mix of fun, danceable Latino tunes. The band’s name was Proyecto Indica, and included vocalist Lenin Zurita, Andre Hamel on flute and saxophone with Damien as the percussionist. They performed during the winter season for ten years in a number of bars on the island, including La Peña.


Artist, Damien Lemee being James-Bond cool.Damien’s art includes an intriguing variety of painted bird sculptures made from recycled tires, plus paintings, prints and photographs.

We recently purchased a fun print of a black cat sitting outside the store on Juarez that has three cats painted on the building. Damen said it took his three tries to get the photo. Every time he picked up his camera the cat would leave, finally on the third day the cat waited for him to take his photograph. Damien's birds made from re-cycled tiresStarted by Brad and Tiffany Wareing in the winter of 2011 at the original Barlito’s location on Hidalgo Avenue, the Artist Showcase moved from the crowded corner to spread across the Sócalo in front of City Hall in Centro. Renamed the Art and Food Fair it grew to a healthy seventy-some-odd artists and food-vendors by 2013. Then the municipality decided that inside the Casa de Cultura on the malécon was a better venue. After a short time inside the building, the fair was moved outside to the parking area across from M&J’s and beside what is now the new office of tourism. 

Both Brad and Tiffany have worked very hard for several years, to organize the events, promote them, and deal with the myriad of national, state, and municipal regulations.
  
For the past couple of years the Isla Brewing Company livened up the drab Casa de Cultura location with their mobile beer truck, selling their hand-crafted ales. They contributed an enormous about fun and energy to the event including stringing overhead lights and providing music. Of course when other vendors plugged in their lights, the musicians their amps, and the cooks their microwaves, the circuit breaker would trip plunging the entire fair into darkness. Amid laughter and loud groans adjustments would be made and the beer dispensing, lighting, music, and food prep would resume. Fingers-crossed Isla Brewing will come back this year. We miss their lively energy. Here's the link to their FB page: Isla Brewing Company


Isla Mujeres Mystery Book #1 Treasure Isla & Book #2 Trouble IslaThe evening of December 14th wasn’t a total loss for me. Besides selling enough books to make it worthwhile and making new friends, I also had a very long and interesting chat with Dante Lopez, the owner of Mr. Opal on Madera Avenue in Centro. He told me a fascinating story about the Mayan culture that might just work its way into Isla Mujeres Mystery Book #4, Terror Isla.And with that I’ll leave you hanging …… There won’t be a blog on December 29th, see you in the New Year!
Cheers from paradiseLynda & Lawrie



~

Coming soon!  Isla Mujeres Mystery Book #3

Working on Book #3 Tormenta Isla
There's Trouble on Isla, Big Trouble!
  
Book #2 in the Isla Mujeres Mystery Series5.0 out of 5 stars Fast and furious By CA reviews on September 26, 2017
Yasmin and Jessica are back and the gold they found in Treasure Isla is still haunting them, especially when Carlos, their boss at the Loco Lobo, and Yasmin’s new lover, is kidnapped. No spoilers here, but his captivity and the girls’ efforts to free him, with the help of Carlos’s pals—including local Isla Mujeres fishermen and a Mexico City cop—are the crux of this fast-paced story. Lock has created not only a compelling and authentic setting, but a well-developed ensemble cast. The next Isla mystery can’t come fast enough.
$2.99 USD on most e-book distribution systems.

 Book #1 Treasure Isla where the fun began!
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and authentic By CA reviews on September 26, 2017

This was a truly fun in the sun kind of mystery, with an authenticity that was simply captivating. Set on the island called Isla Mujeres, not far from the better-known Mexican resort of Cancun, it follows the misadventures of two girlfriends, who on a drunken binge manage to wander onto the grounds of a cemetery and find a treasure map stuck in a crevice of an old pirate tomb. Jessica, from Canada, and local pal Yasmin both work at a tourist bar/restaurant called the Loco Lobo. Soon their boss Carlos and a handsome attorney named Luis are involved in the girls’ illegal hunt for pirate gold. Toss in a bad dude running from a string of crimes in Key West, and it’s the start of an addictive new mystery series.

         $2.99 USD on most e-book distribution systems.

Celebrations and Festivals for the Holiday Season

2017 December - my guys waiting for the processionJust photos this week folks ... it's a busy time.  I am pounding on the keyboard to try and finish writing my third novel on schedule.  (We'll see!)

Happiest of Holiday Seasons to everyone, and a very Merry Christmas from Lawrie, Sparky, Max and me. 




Horse procession with Virgin headed past our house
2017 December - some of the 'cowboys' escorting the Virgin
2017 December - Presidente Juan Carillo  waving at Lawrie
2017 December - more escorts for the Virgin
2017 December - riding and phoning! Funny!
2017 December - Polo from the Mango Cafe
2017 December - some enjoyed being in the procession
2017 December - more events


2017 December - Tony Garcia photo
~THE PERFECT LAST MINUTE GIFT OR SOUVENIR OF YOUR VACATION IN PARADISE!
Every Thursday at the Casa de Cultura on Isla MujeresI will be selling paperback copies of my novels.Treasure Isla and Trouble Isla$300.00 MX pesos ($15.00 USD)See you at the Fair!

The Gate Crasher

“What was that?” I said, jumping up and dashing outside. The loud crash had all of our friends running for the same location.That– was Lawrie. He had missed his footing on a short flight of stairs leading from the patio at Casa Dia to the beach. He had done a one-eighty flip mid-air and smashed backwards into an aluminum gate. His head bent the slats, and the force of the blow knocked the locking mechanism off the gate and onto the beach. Anyone who has had a head wound know they bleed profusely. There was blood everywhere. Fortunately he was conscious, talking, and breathing okay. He could sit up on his own, and there weren’t any signs of broken bones or smashed ribs so we gently moved him to a chair to get a better idea of his injuries. Then we called our favourite island physician, Doctor Greta Shorey.Born and educated in Britain, Dr. Shorey has lived primarily on the island since 1988. Her son and daughter were born on Isla. Dr. Shorey speaks English, Spanish, Arabic, and French, although she admits the French words get tangled up with Spanish on occasion. She has been trained in five specialties including obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, tropical diseases, emergency medicine, as well as being a General Practitioner. She spent three months of her final year of studies working in Africa.Doctor Shorey quite recently returned to the Island after spending 11 years in Abu Dhabi, starting in a large Canadian run hospital. She worked as a General Practitioner, very involved in teaching the junior doctors. To keep a balance with working in that modern, well equipped, rich facility, she also joined the Red Crescent, doing relief work in Pakistan and with refugees in the border area between Jordan and Syria. A few years ago the municipality named her Woman of the Year on Isla Mujeres for her dedication to helping families with young children who require medical assistance. As her very good friend and long-time islander, Lindell Lehrer said, Doctor Shorey is the only foreigner to be honoured in this way.And, fortunately for us, she makes house calls! Our ex-firefighter pal, Chuck Watt, took great care of Lawrie while I called Dr. Shorey and explained what had happened and how to find us. We weren’t at home, but were a few houses away having dinner with friends, or about to have dinner I should say until Lawrie’s impressive display. She arrived quickly and set to work doing a full checkup lasting over an hour. Then she bandaged the large messy gouge in his head and sent him home with instructions to call if at any time he was having difficulty breathing or was distressed in any way.Her clean, modern clinic is on the western side of the island, near the Salinas Grande. She charges a mere five hundred pesos (about $25.00 USD or $34.00 CDN) for an extensive office visit or a house call. Unfortunately some foreign visitors are under the impression that her services are free. Not so. She has expenses; staff wages, utilities, taxes, equipment purchases and the ongoing restocking of supplies. Besides paying her extremely reasonable consultation fee, you might also consider contributing to her cookie-jar-fund to help less fortunate islanders who can’t afford the medications they require. Since Lawrie’s fall Doctor Shorey has come to our house every morning to check on her acrobatical patient. He was extremely lucky, stiff and sore from head to toe, and uncomfortable riding in a bouncy golf cart but otherwise doing well. The outcome could have been much, much worse. His gate crashing was a very dramatic way to entertain a small group of family, friends, and neighbours gathered at Casa Dia for a pre-Christmas get together. Thank goodness he has a hard head. The following morning, we received a care package of dinner goodies from our host and hostess, Brent Curley and Day Grey, including a plate of cookies. Yum!Thanks to everyone who was so caring and helpful. Lawrie says he has to work on sticking the landing before he tries that mid-air flip maneuver again.
Cheers from paradise
Lynda & the Gymnast


Join the adventure! Isla Mujeres Mystery series Book #1 and #2 Available on Amazon or at the weekly Artist Fair on Isla

The funny things that make us laugh

Sunrise - new day, new experiences living in Mexico.    Living in another country and learning the idiosyncrasies of our new culture is an infinitely humorous experience. Thousands of articles have been written about the never-on-time habit of the Mexican culture. 
The party or dinner invitation says six in the evening but the host doesn’t expect you before eight o’clock. If you are meeting someone for coffee and they are twenty minutes late that’s early, no apologies are expected or given. Civic events are posted as starting at eight in the evening and might get underway by ten. We still arrive on time. It’s a conditioned response that even after ten years of living in Mexico we just can’t shake.
Waiting for 3 hours with friends for a parade to start.But there are other lesser-known quirks in this culture.
For instance if you purchase a can of spray paint, you must remember to ask at the checkout for the nozzle or at the very least pull the cap off to check. Most of the stores keep the two separated. When we asked why, we were given two different answers. The first reason was to prevent children from stealing the cans of paint, and then sniffing the contents.
The second reason was to prevent older teenagers from stealing the cans to create graffiti in public area. Both sound like sensible reasons. But, there are only two or three types of nozzles so why wouldn’t the kids just keep a nozzle from another can and reuse it? Kids are pretty smart at figuring out the solution to a problem.
Towing service for a moto. Another funny little quirk that was really common, but we haven’t seen it recently, was the testing of light bulbs before you left the store. 
Every single bulb was tested to prove that you were purchasing a good bulb. 
Apparently it was to prevent someone returning later with a burned out bulb claiming the new one was defective. It doesn’t happen at Home Depot anymore, but probably is still common in smaller mom and pop operations.

Counting every single whatchamacallit.Removing coffee pots, toaster, and lamps from packaging to prove that everything is include is still the norm, as is rechecking each individual part of an item that is being returned. We had that joyous experience at Home Depot a couple of years ago when returning a brand new ceiling fan that neither Lawrie nor our electrician could get to operate.
The young woman at the return counter laboriously removed every screw, every washer, and every whatchamacallit, checking it against the master list of parts included in the box. She counted fan blades, knobs, and thingamajigs. She unwrapped the electrical cord and poked around in the Styrofoam packaging. I’m pretty sure the return took three-times longer than the purchase.
Kara bashing the empty birthday pinata!We have also fallen for the piñata trick. A few years ago I purchased a Cinderella piñata for a family member’s sixty-fifth birthday party. 
I wanted to create a cool cross-cultural birthday experience. We had a great time, kids, teens and adults, bashing the stuffing out of that poor piñata only to discover the doll was empty. 
No one had enlightened this clueless gringa when I happily purchased the empty shell. 
Like batteries for toys, the candies are sold separately.


Ink sold separately.
And our most recent chuckle about our adopted country occurred last week. I had the bright idea that I could create a sticker of Sparky’s paw print to be affixed inside the novels as his autograph. 
After a bit of hunting around we found a stamp pad at Office Depot and proudly brought it home. I had just enough time before the first Artist Fair on November 23rdto ink the dog’s paw, scan and email to a printer in Cancun to create decals. 
The plan was to apply a sticker to the inside of each novel as it was purchased at the Artist Fair. Except, of course, when I unwrapped the cellophane packaging I discovered the stamp pad was just a piece of thin foam inside a metal container – no ink! Working on the decals for next week's Art Fair



The next few days were a national holiday and the stationary stories were closed. There was no ink available on the island. 
We chuckled and shrugged our shoulders. Oh well, mañana.
It’s what you do when learning to live in another culture. Laugh at yourself, and adapt.
Cheers from paradise

Lynda & Lawrie





$300.00 pesos per book - Thursdays at Artist Fair

Isla Mujeres, Mexico’s luckiest island!

Sunset - looking towards CancunLuckiest island? Just because we are blessed with amazing beaches, fabulous restaurants, and gracious people?
Yes, but also because this year we dodged a number of natural disasters that devastated our surrounding neighbours. 2017 has been a hyperactive hurricane season in the Caribbean Sea with seventeen named storms including Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harvey, Irma, Jose, Katia, Lee, Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Philippe, and Rina.
Two of the hurricanes, Irma and Nate, were projected to ride right over our little sandbar of an island. Thankfully both storms changed their travel plans leaving us in peace. Our neighbours in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Cuba, Belize, Guatemala and Puerto Rico were unfortunately subjected to the wrath of several big storms this year.

Earthquakes in September 2017
In September, Mexico suffered a series of devastating earthquakes on the Pacific coast, and in central Mexico. Hundreds of people died in the huge quakes. The communities are still in recovery mode, with unstable buildings and damaged infrastructure. 
Thankfully we don’t seem to be in an earthquake zone here on the Caribbean side of Mexico. 
Most of the quakes are concentrated further out where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, near Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and the Virgin Islands.

Local policewoman and her daughter
On the more personal side of living on Isla Mujeres, we have a very low crime rate. Most of the problems are crimes of opportunity. A purse snatched. A pocket picked. A camera or electronic device taken from tourists in a rental property. With sixteen thousand residents and two million visitors a year the opportunities abound for thieves. They prey on people who assume since this is a small island they do not have to worry about any crime. Well, you do have to take precautions. Keep track of your valuables. Use the safes supplied in your accommodation for your passports, extra cash, and electronic devices. Lock your doors when leaving your lodging, even if you are just going out for a few minutes. Don’t leave any small electronic devices out on display. Someone will take them.
Sunrise on eastern side of the islandAnd sadly you should be aware of the possibility of a sexual assault. Twice in recent weeks a young woman has successfully fought off an attacker.
But on the up side of living here the weather is nearly-perfect, the environment healthy, and the municipality tries to provide a variety of cultural experiences for everyone. 
There is an abundance of beaches, restaurants and bars of course, plus ethnic activities on most weekends in centro. The Artist Fairs, located at the Casa de Cultura, are back in operation starting this week. The plan is for every second Thursday, but will likely change to weekly as the high season tourist traffic increases. Folk Dancers in Centro
We have a reasonably good police force, and the large comforting presence of the huge navy base across from the passenger ferries. 
It’s nice to know those folks live here year around providing extra security, search and rescue for lost boats, and occasionally emergency medical evacuations. 
The two navy drug-sniffing dogs and their handlers frequently greet the passenger boats or car ferries, checking for contraband. We enjoy watching the dogs work. Navy dogs and handlers at passenger ferry terminal
So yes, we think Isla Mujeres is the luckiest island in Mexico. 
It’s a beautiful island with friendly locals and resident foreigners. 
(That’s us! Resident foreigners.)
Cheers from paradise
Lynda & Lawrie






~
Isla Mujeres Mystery Series
Paperback on Amazon $11.99 USD
E-books $2.99 USD

Here's the link to Mujeres Mystery Series - L. L. Lock