Christmas in Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Village Square, Puerto Morelos, Mexico

72 Days to Spring 2012 Goddess Trip!

It is pretty bleak looking outside today.  A layer of thick frost covers everything, there is NO snow and it si cloudy.  Of course my mind began to wander and I began to wonder what the Puerto Morelos Village Square looks like during the Christmas Season. 

So, I put into Google Search "Christmas Puerto Morelos, Mexico." And up came an article describing the myriad ways the people of Puerto Morelos celebrate La Posada.  Beginning December 16 with reenactments of the birth of Christ and with many attending "Pastorelas" or plays about the shephards and their visit form the angel, the celebrations continue through January 4.

Click on La Posada (above) to learn about the ways that the people of Puerto Morelos celebrate in the heart of the Yucatan.  In 72 days we will experience spring in the Yucatan!

For information on the Spring 2012 Goddess trip and learn more about Traveling Goddesses amazing decade of planning and guiding trips to the Yucatan for women visit:  Traveling Goddesses:

Posted by:  Ginger Hedstrom, Traveling Goddesses Technology & Promotion

"Goddesses in Everyday Living"

Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD

First of all...my math has been WAY off!  It is happily a mere 78 days till the Spring 2012 Goddess Trip.  I can't even begin to figure out how I made such a mistake.  But am glad I did discover it!

On the day after the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 2011, eight women met at a town home in Woodbury, Minnesota to discuss Crones Don't Whine by Jean Shinoda Bolen, M. D.  In it she writes, A crone is a juicy older woman with zest, passions, and soul. If you aspire to be one, the secret is to be yourself, while your mind, heart and body still function well enough, and you appreciate being alive.

We talked about being happy growing older, being frustrated when others perceive that we are: finished, have nothing more to learn or to give; only worthy of receiving birthday cards with caricatures featuring women with deep wrinkles, sad faces, failing bodies, rocking chairs and over the counter drugs to keep ones body functioning; long past our prime in intelligence and productivity and insights.


And we talked about who we really are, what really matters to us, what gives us meaning, what we enjoy doing, how we celebrate ourselves and what more we want to do with our lives, that we are the very women Bolen describes, zestful, full of passion and soul.

Traveling Goddess Trips to the Yucatan entered the conversation at which point Connie and I enthusiastically described the Fall 2011 Goddess Trip planned and guided by Connie, Margo and Beatriz to Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico and the zesty, passionate, soul-full, energetic, intelligent, creative, enthusiastic and joyful women who savored the beauty of Casa Margarita, went snorkeling (two for the first time), experienced the Day of the Dead at Xcaret and a Temezcal, strolled the white sandy beach, practiced yoga on the beach and by the infinity pool, ate decadent local food prepared by our own chefs, slipped into siesta time and into the Caribbean for a swim -  and savored each others company!

Each woman took a color flyer of the Spring 2012 Goddess Trip and two plan to meet with Connie to further explore planning to go in March!

What seems to be so appealing to them is:  traveling with amazing women; having the details planned and finalized; the opportunity to explore the Yucatan and the opportunity to choose to stay at the Casa to savor the beautiful quiet warm serenity of the Caribbean.

It was a tremendous evening with lots of laughter and authenticity, creativity and imagination, encouragement and affirmation blended with gratitude for being with women who are walking similar paths - some retired and some still working; some married and some single; all agreeing that there is not a late bloomer among us!  The blossom that is each of us continues to open more fully every day of our grand lives.   We will gather again next month to continue our conversation and celebrate LIFE!

www.travelinggoddesses.com

www.travelinggoddesseshighlights.com 



 

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe

It is 117 Days until the Spring 2012 Goddess Trip.

Yet once again, I find myself thinking about the Fall 2011 Goddess Trip, the amazing women who went and the hospitable loving people of the Yucatan and the astonishing beauty we encountered.

Tonight in St. Paul, Minnesota it is scheduled to be the coldest day here since last March.  Burrrrr!  While I celebrate Advent and look forward to Christmas with my dear family and friends, I am also mindful that Monday, December 12, is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

I began to learn about Our Lady of Guadalupe when I was a student at St. Catherine's and then learned even more from Sisters of St. Joseph who lived and worked in El Pasco, Texas and Lima, Peru.  Then in 2002 I began visiting the Yucatan where images of "Our Lady" are ubiquitous and my curiosity deepened.  While on the Fall 2011 Goddess Trip to Puerto Morelos, I encountered numerous images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, some very traditional, others quite quirky and stylized! 

Today I decided to visit the website for Puerto Morelos and found complete details of this year's events.  Below is a description of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the ways the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is being celebrated in Puerto Morelos this year from that website.  May Our Lady of Guadalupe watch over all people of the Americas and bring justice and peace. 

Our Lady of Tepeyac or Our Lady of Guadalupe) is a manifestation of the Virgin Mary who first appeared on Tepeyac Hill outside Mexico city to a native Mexican peasant named Juan Diego in 1531. In Puerto Morelos they really celebrate and invite everyone to join in their celebrations. 

Please join us to celebrate our traditions! Itinerary below.  All visitors are always welcome to participate in the events of our community (it's also yours).
 
The Virgin of Guadalupe (also called Our Lady of Tepeyac or Our Lady of Guadalupe) is a manifestation of the Virgin Mary who first appeared on Tepeyac Hill outside Mexico city to a native Mexican peasant named Juan Diego in 1531. She asked him to speak to the bishop and tell him that she wished for a temple to be built in that place in her honor. The bishop required a sign as proof. Juan Diego returned to the Virgin and she told him to pick some roses and carry them in his cloak. When he went back to the bishop he opened his cloak, the flowers fell out and there was an image of the Virgin on his garment.Juan Diego's tilma, or cloak, with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is displayed at the Basilica of Guadalupe. Over 12 million faithful visit the Basilica every year, making it the most visited church in the world, after the Vatican. Juan Diego was canonized in 2002, making him the first indigenous American saint.

FIESTA DE LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPEJueves 2/Dic
9:00 a.m. a 7:30 p.m. Adoracion al Santisimo
Viernes 3/Dic
1:00 p.m. Santa Misa. Gremio de Comerciantes
7:00 p.m. Novena
Sabado 4/Dic
1:00 p.m. Santa Misa. Gremio de Artesanos
Domingo 5/Dic
1:00 p.m. Santa Misa. Gremio de Senoritas
Lunes 6/Dic
1:00 p.m. Santa Misa. Estudiantes y Misioneros de la Universidad Interameridana de desarrollo (UNID)
Martes 7/Dic
1:00 p.m. Santa Misa. Gremio de Senoras
Miercoles 8/Dic
1:00 p.m. Santa Misa. Comunidad celebrando fiesta de San Juan Diego
Jueves 9/Dic
3:30 p.m. Encuentro y Salida de peregrinacion de los Hoteles
4:30 p.m. Santa Misa frente la Iglesia de Guadalupe
Viernes 10/Dic
1:00 p.m. Santa Mida. Gremio de Ejidatarios y Palqueros
6:00 p.m. Bendicion del Gremio de Volqueteros
7:00 p.m. Homenaje literario musical a la Virgen
10:00 p.m. Llegada de Antorchistas
12:00 a.m. Manianitas y Santa Misa
Sabado 11/Dic
11:30 a.m. Primera carrera Juvenil Guadalupana
1:00 p.m. Santa Misa. Gremio de Taxistas
4:00 p.m. Procesion en la Colonia de la Virgen Guadalupana
6:00 p.m. Misa de Coronacion y Bendicion de Ninios


Photo taken by Margo Hinnenkamp, Goddess Travel Planner and Guide, 11/2011
Posted by: Ginger K. Hedstrom, Goddess Technology and Promotion

A Temezcal the Yucatan

This year, as in previous years, we experienced a Mayan sweat lodge or Temezcal during our Goddess week in the Yucatan.  Temezcal is an ancient ceremony of cleansing and rebirth that is practiced in many cultures.  

Six of us traveled to a beautiful Temezcal north of Puerto Morelos.  A Temezcal is a domed structure with a dirt floor which symbolizes the “womb.” It is circular - with a fire pit in the center.  Outside a large fire is heating the rocks that will be taken into the Temezcal at four intervals called “doors,” each "door" is symbolic of one of the four directions.

The Temezcal is led by a Shaman or holy person who guides the ceremony.  Dressed in bathing suits, we gathered around the fire as the Shaman explains the ceremony and symbolism.  As the Temezcal begins, the Shaman describes the many faces we wear in our lives (parent , child, partner, professional).  Next  a bowl of mud is passed around the circle and we were invited to put some on our face to symbolize the many faces we wear.  We then went to a nearby waterfall and washed off the mud and returned prepared to enter the ceremony stripped of all our masks and pretenses - as our true and authentic selves.  Next we were cleansed with frankincense and entered the Temezcal through a low door on our hands and knees to sit in a circle around the fire pit. 

The Shaman continued to lead the ceremony and introduced the first round of rocks.  The door to the Temezcal was closed leaving us in total darkness and silence… thus creating the “womb.”  As we were led in prayers, songs and sharing, water was poured over the hot rocks increasing the heat and steam.  

At the end of each section the door of the Temezcal is opened and more hot rocks are brought in to further increase the heat.  Note:  Participants are  free to leave at each “door” (if one chooses to leave, they cannot return).

The ceremony concluded when we left the Temezcal on our hands and knees symbolizing rebirth,   and returned to the waterfall to wash off and dress for the trip back to Puerto Morelos.  An offering of refreshing native fruits and juices were provided to aid in our rehydration.  

Temezcal is an amazing experience - humbling, cleansing, spiritual, inspirational and transformational - different for each person and different each time one enters a Temezcal -it filled me with a deep, humble respect and love for all those with whom I shared this unique spiritual exercise.  I look forward to returning to the Temezcal on our March 9-10, 2012 Goddess trip with another group of incredible women travelers.

Posted by:  Connie Delgado, Goddess Travel Planner and Guide

Thanksgiving Day 2011

Poblano Rice

Traditions sometimes last generations in a family.  Yesterday I was  very conscious of the recipes that migrated with ancestors of those of us at the 2011Thanksgiving Day table.

And as tradition holds we ate wonderful homemade food - food made by several hands and then beautifully presented, prayed over and savored.  As we ate dinner, we talked about what makes a Thanksgiving meal traditional.  In the end it was decided by the fifth generation German family hosting the dinner that it must include both turkey and ham, hot German potato salad and mashed potatoes and sweet corn frozen from the summer harvest dripping in butter.  This year the apple and pumpkin pies were joined by frozen French silk pie.

The conversation then moved to traditional Christmas food (same foods for the German family) at which time the Swedes and Norwegians piped up with stories of lutefisk and lefse, creamy rice pudding and Swedish Christmas sausage.  It was agreed that before long there will be no more Lutheran Churches serving the annual lutefisk dinner.  Only one guest lamented this reality!

From time to time my thoughts wandered back to Casa Margarita and my taste buds hungered for a serving of Bea's Poblano Rice which she prepared and served for a  2011 Fall Goddess dinner at Casa Margarita.  I can imagine that many families that migrated to the United States from Mexico over the years served traditional Mexican Poblano Rice at their 2011 Thanksgiving Day dinners.

Gratefully, Bea generously shared her traditional Mexican recipe with us so we can create and serve it for our families and friends.

 

Mexican Poblano Rice

Recipe of: Beatriz Mirabent, Cancun, Mexico

Serves 6 - 8

1 cup rice

¾ cup yellow onion dicesd small

1 tsp diced fresh garlic

1 tbsp olive oil

3 small Poblano chile

1 cup cream cheese

1 cup milk

Seasoning blend (garlic, onion powder, salt)

½ cup fresh cilantro

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup pre-cooked corn (or canned)

Preparation:  

~ Clean chiles, remove seeds – roast on burner 

~Saute rice with onion and garlic in olive oil

~Add chicken broth and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes

~Add corn – cook 5 minutes more
~Put chiles, cilantro, seasonings, sour cream and cream cheese in blender

   blend to a smooth sauce

~Season to taste
~Oil a Pyrex bowl – layer:  rice, sauce, rice, sauce…
~Put in oven to keep warm about 15 minutes and serve.


www.travelinggoddesses.com

Posted by:  Ginger K. Hedstrom

November 19, 2011: St. Paul: Temperature 24 DEGREES!!!

Margo serving flan

Okay, full disclosure, this is Ginger, Traveling Goddesses technology and promotion.  And I am SO COLD!

Yes, I live in St. Paul, Minnesota.  And it really is 24 degrees at 6:39 p.m. and it has been snnnooowwwwinnnnngggg since 11:00 a.m and I know this is not unexpected.  I am sitting in my lovely little 1951 bungalow, actually in my den, painted a wonderful warm melon tone that reminds me of the sun rising over the Caribbean outside of Casa del Sol, wearing a knit turtleneck shirt, serious sweatshirt, jeans, a tightly woven knit cape, thick socks and lined slippers.  And I am still cold!

I really miss all of the amazing fall 2011 goddesses, and the fresh clean warm air and pristine waters of the Caribbean.  I wish I were back there right NOW drinking it all in!  All I have to do is just close my eyes and I am right back there.

I have had my dinner (warmed up frozen pad thai) and there is just nothing that I really hunger for except anything we ate on the Fall Goddess Trip.  Tonight I have a special hunger for the flan Connie and Margo made and served for our Send Off Brunch (see recipe below).  I really must make it soon for an evening with friends.  No I can't wait that long, I will make it for Thanksgiving Day Brunch!  

Best news of the day...134 days until the March 3-10, 2012 Spring Goddess Trip!  I have a calendar here in the den on which I am brandishing a bold red magic marker with the number of days left until the plane lands in Cancun (did I say only 134 days left), until Edwardo, trusted Goddess driver, picks us up and drives all the Spring 2012 Goddesses to Casa Margarita where Connie, Margo and Beatriz will have everything ready for another magnificent experience in the serenity and beauty of Casa Margarita, with optional opportunities a seven block stroll down the white sandy beach to Puerto Morelos, side trips to nearby cultural offerings (more information soon), and the fresh, beautifully prepared and presented healthy delicious food.  I am warming up already!

Goddess Flan

 3 eggs
1 can condensed milk
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees
Add sugar to pan and heat on stove top until dark.  Spread in pan until bottom is covered.
In a separate bowl blend eggs, condensed and whole milk, sugar and vanilla.  Slowly pour over cold sugar.  Place in one inch water bath and tent with aluminum foil.  Bake 30-40 minutes until custard is set.  Remove from oven and water bath.  Cool.  To serve, unmold onto plate or serving dish.

www.travelinggoddesses.com

For more information on the Spring 2012 Goddess Trip
Contact us at travelinggoddesses@gmail.com

Fall 2011 Goddesses - Back home in California, Minnesota and Cancun

Fall 2011 Goddesses:  Ginger, Sharon, Connie, Beatriz, Margo, Ann, Jean and Melissa

This photo was taken by Melissa (yes, she has a camera with timer) at the conclusion of our pool ritual under the Caribbean sky burgeoning with brilliant stars and a half-moon.  We have since returned to our homes with incredible memories of our time with each other, the cultural experiences we shared wrapped in the sounds, sights and smells of the Caribbean that continue to permeate each of us and inform our lives in magnificent new ways.  

Connie, Margo (Goddess Trip Planners and Guides) and Beatriz (Goddess Guide to the Yucatan) spent several more days in and around Puerto Morelos finalizing plans for the Spring 2012 trip scheduled for March 3 - 10.  Once again, guests will spend a magnificent week at the exquisite private Casa Margarita right on the white sandy beach of the Caribbean about seven blocks outside of Puerto Morelos, a fishing village that retains its distinctive culture and community. We have a beautiful room waiting for you - your chaise overlooking the pool and Caribbean are ready too!

We will be posting exciting news about the spring trip in the coming weeks.  FRIEND  this blog to keep up-to-date on our plans!   To learn more about and register for the Spring 2012 trip, email us at travelinggoddesses@gmail.com

Visit our website:  www.travelinggoddesses.com

 

Sending Forth

Mixed greens with
lobster, avocado

The sounds and aromas of brunch being prepared kept drawing us into the kitchen to see what Sharon and Bea were preparing and into the dining room where Connie and Margo prepared the table for our last meal together at Casa Margarita.

Boguinete with Mango Salsa

The menu included the salad, Boguinete (fresh fish from the Caribbean selected at the fish market in Puerto Morelos by Bea and Sharon) wrapped in banana leaves with fresh mango salsa, homemade right out of the oven cinnamon rolls with Authentic Mexican Flan for dessert.



After an afternoon of Spa treatments with Martina, strolling the beach, naps and stopping at shops in the village, we gathered around a large table at Pelicanos to share stories over lemonade and cokes while plates of ceviche and nachos, chips and salsa were passed among us.  Yes we lingered long!

Our last gathering was a gratitude ritual created by Connie and Margo at the Infinity Pool. Each one of us placed a lighted candle in a fluted bowl into the pool sending our thoughts and hopes and visions for ourselves floating out into the pool and the universe... ...

Massage in Casa Margarita

Massage on the beach

Much more than a massage ~ the Ultimate Mind, Body and Soul Experience.

Martina of Martina's Oasis Spa & Mobile Services brings her more than twenty years of extensive training and experience in Spa and
Esthetic services to us at Casa Margarita scheduling treatments that fit into the personal schedule of each goddess! 

Each session is personalized, individually designed to achieve maximum results that will be the highlight of your day. Imagine a 90 minute facial or 60-90 minute massage while tucked into a beautiful poolside room at Casa Margarita overlooking the Caribbean ~ immersed in the warm Caribbean sun as waves roll onto the beach as Martina skillfully and lovingly creates for you the ultimate mind, body and soul experience.
www.martinaoasis.com

Martina offers a wide variety of services including: Swedish Massage, Sport Massage, Thai Massage, Stone Massageas well as Massage & Reiki, Vital Skin Repair, Cleansing Facial, Ultimate Facial, Pedicure and Mud Wrap.

Two treatments are included in our trip package, and they take place right here in Casa Margarita!  While visiting with Martina during a scheduling meeting, one Goddess said, you have the most gentle ~ strong hands.  Her brochure states, Her love for her work comes through in every stroke.  We goddesses know that these are not mere words typed on a page, we have lived the gift of love for her work and her skills in every stroke!

www.travelinggoddesses.com

Yoga with Goddess Melissa

Melissa teaching Yoga at the
Casa del Sol Infinity Pool

A resident of Bloomington, Minnesota, Melissa loves learning and sharing information. She earned her YT-200 through CorePower Yoga.  As an instructor, safety is her first priority striving to keep physical movemenand other applicable concepts of yoga accessible to everyone.  She customizes each practice to the practioners present inviting each to be let go of "shoulds" and enter into this time of self acceptance, finding our edges and being fully present in each moment. 

This week, Melissa has skillfully and generously guided us in yoga on the beach in front of Casa Margarita and at the edge of the Infinity Pool next door at Casa del Sol gently moving from the experienced yoga practioners among us to those who are present for the first time, navigating the path of possibility skilly for each one.  As one goddess said at the end of the session, "well another never just died!  I can never again say I have not experienced yoga and now can say I want yoga to be part of my growing older gracefully intentions."


www.travelinggoddesses.com

Puerto Morelos, Mexico, November 2, 2011

Bea:  Goddess Guide

Our trip to Xcaret on Monday was postponed until yesterday.   Enroute Bea provided the history of this joyful celebration during which families gather at the graves of their ancestors, believing that they return on the "Day of the Dead" (celebrations are ongoing from October 29 - November 4).

Bea stands in front of one of many "graves" in the cemetery at Xcaret.  Marigolds are an essential element as are candles and the favorite foods of the deceased.  Bea reminded us that this is truly a time to celebrate and remember and honor the lives of the ancestors and not a time of saddness and grief.  These pictures begin to tell the story.

Jean, a skeleton figure and Connie
enveloped in smoke from incense

The 2011 lighted candles rest upon years and years of accumulated candle wax from previous celebration of the Day of the Dead

A young mother and her son
lighting candles in honor of their ancestors.

Joyful young people with their faces painted
An option for everyone in attendance!

www.travelinggoddesses.com

Fall Trip ~ Day Three

Yesterday was a day spent here at Casa Margarita where we made vision boards depicting our intentions for the week and a future we hold for ourselves.  Laughter and quiet permeated this time as we imagined the life we are creating.

Martina arrived to offer treatements at appointed times and discuss future treatments.  Of course the Caribbean and the infinity pool drew us in periodically while others were drawn to pool loungers to gaze into the beauty but found themselves lulled into a lovely afternoon siesta. 

We celebrated the Day of the Dead in the evening by remembering the ancestors who have shaped and continue to shape our lives.  We placed lighted candles on our Goddess Altar which contained treasured photos and mementos.  In that sacred space we shared the stories of those we love who have and continue to shape us.  Laughter, tears and moments of quiet honoring were interpersed with poetry and prayer.

One of the young men who tends to the maintenance of Casa Margarita and Casa del Sol, is anxious these days, full of excitement as he and his wife are expecting their second child "before Thursday."  While we remember our ancestors, his beautiful young family is growing!

www.travelinggoddesses.com

Puerto Moroles MexicoDay~~Two

Welcoming Sunday Morning

From California and Minnesota all have arrived at Casa Margarita, dipped into the Caribbean and the infinity pool, walked to the village square in Puerto Morelos   and... ...

Though Tropical Storm Rina passed days ago, access to the Internet remains sporadic. So the promise to post to the blog daily is now changed to read - will post as access to the Internet allows.

Goddesses Melissa (fromMinnesota) and Ann, from California provide YOGA instruction on the beach to begin our days.  Ann introduced us to laughing yoga today mixing the sounds of
laughter with those of the waves and wind into a blend of healing and releasing.

Casa Margarita is our home for these days.  Martina, owner of Martina's Oasis Spa in Puerto Morelos is a highly-skilled massage therapist who arrives daily to provide a wide array of treatments in a room overlooking the Caribbean with fresh air and the sound of waves rolling onto the beach reaching in to remind us that we are in this tropical paradise. 

Beatriz and Rosio, friends from Cancun, provide us with local cultural opportunities to consider and the best places to shop for the local food which is prepared in the gourmet kitchen here by local and Goddess chefs who create amazing fresh healthy meals that we share together around a large dining room table lingering long sharing our lives in deep rich conversations.

www.travelinggoddesses.com 

Welcome Goddesses - Fall 2011

Your chair is ready for YOU!

Margo and I arrived at Casa del Sol Wednesday afternoon and spent the next 30 hours hunkered down behind shuttered windows and doors as Hurricane Rina, downgraded to Tropical Storm Rina on Thursday pelted the area with strong winds and heavy rain. By Thursday morning Rina had passed, the sun rose over the many shades of blue Caribbean Ocean wrapped in the azure sky and pristine white beaches. 

We are ready and look forward with great excitement to your arrival.   As you can see, your chairs await overlooking the infinity pool, beach and Caribbean.  We have wonderful days and evenings planned. 

                                                                      WELCOME!

www.travelinggoddesses.com

Goddess Getaway 2011: March 5-12 Puerto Morales, Mexico

Caribbean Beach Puerto Morales  

We are thrilled to begin this blog so we can keep you up to date as March 5 draws ever closer and we leave for our 10th Annual Goddess Gettaway to the Mexican Yucatan.

Memory...or if memory could be accurate, we know that more than 100 women have savored the healing delicacies of the Yucatan.

Follow us here as we get ready for the 2011 trip and then continue to follow the treasures as our days in the azure waters, brilliant sun filled skies heal and transform us unfolding moment by moment, day by day.

www.travelinggoddesses.com