living for the day

They say that age is but a number.  And that you're only as old as you behave.  No more true a message could come to mind as I marvel at this adventurous lady in our travel group somewhere in the Costa Rican rainforest.

I'm too scared to get much closer.  I let the strength of my camera's zoom compensate for the lack of proximity I will allow myself.  Most people I know would be petrified to have such an encounter, and yet, she's all smiles.

I wish I could speak Chinese in this moment.  I'd love to hear some words of wisdom from this radiant elderly woman who clearly knows a thing or two about living for the day.

freelance forever

"...freelance travel writing has been devastated by the internet..."      -http://travelwriters.blogspot.com/

Treading pathways through this rural village near Arenal, Costa Rica I take in the surroundings with admiration for this beautiful, bittersweet reality. I am struck by this local mother/wife/aunt waiting for her purchases from the "good luck" supply store.  As her fatigue shows while she gently drapes herself along the store window, I wonder how lucky she really feels.   

These ones change the mood for a moment.  I cross paths with them a few footsteps walk away from the woman at the supply store.  They make me feel good.  Their smiles are sweet.  Looks of content and happiness in a world so different than my own.  They look like they feel lucky.  What do they know that I don't?  What do they know that the woman at the supply store doesn't?