June produced enough rain to return the hillsides to a variety of lush greens. July has brought the butterflies. I didn't take this picture. I have a hard time focusing on the butterflies and taking the picture before they flit away. This butterfly reminds me of the ones I saw in Cozumel many years ago. I tried to photograph those, too, with no success either!
Here, there are so many varieties. I finally decided to forget trying to photograph them and instead, just enjoy watching them!
Sitting by the pool recently, I observed this Scarlet Tanager flying by with a similar bird, only yellow, following behind. I watched them as they went about their business. They were definitely together. Once inside, I looked up the bird and found that they were in fact a couple of Scarlet Tanagers. The female is yellow, how interesting!
Then, I watched as the female skewered a pair of orange butterflies, who were also a couple, just enjoying the orange flowers around the pool.
I haven't been able to do any painting this past week because I've been busy trying to finalize everything for our Residential Visas. My paperwork is about to expire, which would mean starting over and paying the fees again.
In my research, I came across a relatively new company that specializes in processing paperwork for Residential Visas in Costa Rica, Panama and Central America. They are located in San Jose. They will come to you if you are within 2 hours of San Jose to prepare fingerprints for your background check. They will also help you prepare your own fingerprints by providing instruction, paperwork, and checking the quality of the prints before submission to the FBI. Then they will Apostille the fingerprints and background check kwith the State Department and translate the application to Spanish for submission to Costa Rican Immigration.
After a frustrating week, I was able to move ahead with our attorney. But, if I do have to start over, I believe I will be better served by this company. Sebastian@Expat-tations.com
Of course, we have been glued to our TV watching the news of the attempted assassination of Former President Trump and the death of one of the attendees and critical injury of two other attendees.
This event brought back vivid memories of 1963 when I and my parents spent every available minute watching the JFK assassination coverage. These events are so difficult for Americans to understand. It is history, and needs to be covered and understood. One thing I believe is true is that God and Trump’s guardian angels were watching over President Trump and America.
But, life moves on. However, not until the media has squeezed every bit of information out of the story.
As a Substack writer, I have the opportunity to read other writers Substack posts. I want to refer you to Catherine Raynor. She is a Brit and has written and illustrated many children's books. Perhaps I am interested in her because I at one time thought I might like to write and illustrate children's books based on the alphabet and the sounds each letter made. I actually made an attempt at preparing my first book. Like all ideas like this, life often gets in the way. I dreamed of winning a Caldecot Award!
As a grandmother, when I put my desire to write and illustrate children's books on the back burner, I turned my attention to collecting illustrated children's books. The illustrations were my primary attraction. By the time we decided to move to Costa Rica, I had a significant collection. I gave them all away. If I were still collecting children's books, I would definitely have included several of her books in my collection.
Catherine Raynor has really got her act together. The first illustration of hers that I saw “made my heart smile!” Her illustrations are whimsical with almost human-like expressions.
She has built herself quite a successful empire. She has expanded her profit centers to include books, cards, baby clothing, prints, original art, gift boxing and more. I recommend you check out her Substack at Catherine Raynor and Catherine Raynor Studios.
This is the beginning of a new week and I am determined to get back to my painting. I have missed it.
John has helped me by checking out some of the places in Playa del Coco where my art can be displayed for sale. My work is now being carried by a gallery right downtown Playa del Coco where all the action is. I am hopeful this location will give me more exposure and sales.
As always, thank you for reading my Substack. Feel free to share these posts with others you think might find them interesting.
Pura Vida
Thanks for this post! https://expat-tations.com indeed are of great help!