Dear, dear friends and readers.. The last we talked – life had gotten a little messy..

I was in a dark place. I am sure that most of you remember, as I vomited all my pain and sorrow here. I ended up compiling all those painful, tortured writings into a personal diary of heartbreak and betrayal (now available here) as I made my way back to the surface.. It was devastating, a truly devastating and destructive experience..

But I’m like the unsinkable Molly Brown, I can’t stay down for long.. I am so fortunate to have an unbreakable, resilient spirit that always whispers, “You’ll be fine,” in my ears just when I need it. So, I’m back and doing okay. I bought a new motorcycle, got a new tattoo and I am making my way out in the world again.

People are going to hurt my feelings and do terrible things. That doesn’t reflect on me. But if I let these experiences change who I am, that does. So I won’t become hard or bitter – and I will certainly be hurt again. In the meantime, I am practicing riding my motorcycle – so I can start planning some new motorcycle trips around Colombia. (I had previously written about a motorcycle trip to Muzo, Colombia – but since it was during all of this drama – and involved some painful incidents, I deleted it.) I wish I hadn’t. Despite the unfortunate circumstances of the trip – the ride was breathtakingly beautiful – and challenging because the “road” is little more than a rock studded trail..

I’ve been spending more time out at Finca Ecklandia.. That’s the name of the finca that I am building up in the mountains.. Every time I go, the scenery takes my breath away..

I didn’t think that at 50 years of age, I’d ever post a picture of me in a swimsuit again – but anyway..

In the meantime, some random and wonderful things have happened too.. I had to work in the United States for a week – and as we were in line to board the flight – I recognized someone in the line. It was just after Avianca upgraded me to first-class.. So I ended up sitting only a few seats away from someone I have long desired to meet.

Of course, I didn’t want to be rude or gauche so I didn’t say anything other than a greeting as I took my seat.. But my delightful seatmate wouldn’t let my obvious fandom go – so when we were leaving, she took a picture of me with President Juan Manuel Santos..

He was delightful, charming and extremely gracious as I babbled to him, like a complete fool. I don’t care what folks think about him or his presidency – I’ve always been a fan.

So, I still struggle some days. This week was kind of rough for several reasons. But I am making my way – and I haven’t given up on my dreams – even if some of the biggest ones, like getting my citizenship was delayed. (I had hoped to get it this spring – but due to these particular circumstances, I am now not eligible for several years – and that’s one of the things that hurts the most out of all of this.) People will be selfish, hateful, and cruel but I will just keep on being me.