up-loaded paintings again

Hi all
I finally up-loaded some more paintings, about 12 in all and I kept the flower painting in hiding until I am ready to prove to you all that I can paint flowers. Even though it is done, I have to admit flowers are not my calling..........
It has been a rather sad time here in Ecuador. At the mouth of the jungle, Puyo to be exact, there, in what we would call the rain forest, has not been rain for at least a month. Now most of you don't realize this but in a rain forest, it should rain every day and then have rainy season on top of that. Yes, it is time to be concerned. A rain forest where there is not rain, hmmmmm. The trees are drooping from dryness, but the logging persists. Maybe we humans are being irresponsible with the earth........
We are now safely back in Ecuador. After three full and long days, I did get my stolen articles back from the police. I didn't even have to beg, much, or drop a few extra coin. It was taxing though. The following week, I went back to Quito to the Canadian Embassy to find out what happened with the court case and also to try and get a commendation to the police officer who not only caught the theives but ensured our safety during the whole event and ensured police escorts. Thankfully that is almost over. I have yet to give him and his wife our gifts of thanks. That will come when I go to Puyo.
I do have to say this though, Canada was very expensive, from travel, to gas, to food. I also found the people genuinely stressed out and for the most part especially in certain banking establishments (tellers), and other business (tellers), needing long and extended breaks to help with their stressed out attitudes and maybe finding more fulfilling careers in less of the service industry, perhaps night custodian is a suggestion........or maybe summer caretaker at a ski lodge.... When I left Canada, I felt the stress of life but the stress has only accelerated. I am glad for that to be back, although I found that I brought back with me some of the angst. I think that after a while, I will get in touch with that softer side that I enjoy. Maybe those people should not drink coffee, and maybe visit a counsilor or take up bread making so that they can beat up the dough .......
I have started teaching school again and unhappily the chemistry with Dane has already consumed the whole day, from 10-6 with only a short break for lunch. Rachelle has started her schooling with new zest and understanding of the importance of completing school. Since they had such a huge success with the Leap Program in Powel River, Rachelle especially, has decided that she would like to return to that extended leadership course and the success that it brings. I highly recommend the Leap Program, as I have watched the changes it provided for my kids. So on the whole school thing, I hope that it will be a good year. I am helping teaching the math and chemistry, my worst subjects and the joy of which reminds me of teeth pulling. Fortunately, my favorite subject of biology is padding the dreadful blow.
For breaks this year, I purchased a sony e-reader and I can continue to consume and enjoy ENGLISH books with my usual passion. I also am hoping to go intensely back to raw foods and also exercise. I have to say that often when I am finished with schooling, my battery is completely empty and there is not enough left to wink. I am looking forward to a time where schooling will no longer be a big part of my life. I think that I have done enough that way when the kids are finished school. I have to say that when I say that I have been present for my kids, I have been really present and attentive for them. I feel that I have done all that I could and that I like to think that my kids have turned out pretty good. Of course, we are not done yet, not even close and the pat on the back is early...... I do love them very much and would have never done what I have if I didn't, not for anyone else, let me tell you.
Enough ranting there......
To my delight, the young lady that was taking care of the house and the dogs and the garden, was happily living here. We really do enjoy those alternative people as we are also that way, real people appreciating real people. I asked her about the cutting of the grass, and she said that she couldn't find the protective glasses so she used what she thought best. We have some fun and goofy sunglasses here, (to break tension and deal with stress and day to day living) in the shape of cocktail glasses, beer glasses, dice, guitars and flamingos. She used those. That is the kind of fun that I find neccessary for living well. A chuckle and lightness is good for the soul. I can just see her cutting the grass with beer glasses or flamingo's protecting her eyes and changing her job from boring to fun.
I am now in my studio thinking of all that I wanted to say and thought of saying and all the clever things that I was going to say but as school has taken its tole, I find my brain a empty tired space. So on this note, with lack of inspiration and the threat of boring you to tears, I will conclude.
Be patient with each other even if you don't understand why, compassion is your friend.
Robin