C. Michaels's Blog

Readers today live an enchanted life. With the invention of e-readers, they are open to online book stores that feature tens of thousands of books at their finger tips. Free books, cheap books, great books, not so great books. It’s all out there. Serious readers are curious about how one writes a captivating book. Like a great work of music… how on earth did Dvorak write the New World Symphony master piece?! All the different characters (instruments), the intertwining of the theme throughout the different movements… the suspense? Wouldn't it be a treat to read from the man himself how he did it?!

Well, readers, you are in luck. There is something out there in writer’s land called a blog tour, a series of questions an author must answer, and then pass the exercise on to another writer. The answers to these questions, of course, will vary from author to author, giving much insight to a reader.

I recently had such an exercise passed on to me from a great writer and artist. Her name is Susan Carnes. Susan is a member of the Mazatlán Writer’s Group, having written two novels, My Champion and THE WAY BACK - A Soldier’s Journey . Additionally, this woman is a well-known artist, her paintings having been displayed on the cover of Mazatlán’s Pacific Pearl Magazine numerous times. You can visit her work by going to www.susancarnes.wordpress.com. This woman writes and paints from her heart, a real treat for readers and art enthusiasts.

So, with that said, I am in good company and will proceed to tell of my experiences when writing.

1-      What Am I Working On
After completing three suspense novels, I recently decided to concentrate on my home town of Mazatlán. Earlier this year, I wrote my first short story called Casual Women. It was well-received so I got the bright idea to turn it into a full novel. The short story took place in Mexico but not in Mazatlán. That has changed.  At the end of the short story, the main character found herself in a heap of trouble, so she fled her town, and moved to guess where? Now, living in Mazatlán, Maddy soon finds that her troubles have followed her. She and her two friends find themselves in the middle of intrigue, murder, and of course, a new love for Maddy.

Surprise to the reader is what I’m after, so when things begin to unravel, I want to think the reader is saying to them self, “Oh my God!” Currently, I see this book as the first of a series. To those readers who have been to this great town, it will be fun to recognize places where scenes take place. To those who haven’t, I hope they will book a flight soon.

2-      How Does My Work Differ From Others Of Its Genre
I want the reader to think, so I develop twists in the story line that work in a way that are undetected until I want things known. A rule for me? Every word written must be in the story for a reason. Each scene is a necessary tidbit for the reader to file away for later when the book implodes for that fiery ending that will remain in their thoughts. I want my books to read like a movie.

3-      Why Do I Write What I Do
I grew up fascinated with Hitchcock and The Twilight Zone. I enjoy complex characters and pure entertainment. Bottom line, I write what I like.

4-      How Does My Writing Process Work
Ah, the last and best question…

1.       Choose and develop the characters. I often steal personalities from quirky folks I've met.

2.       Plan the main premise of the story line.

3.       Write the first chapter, and make it exciting to set the tone of the book.

4.       Know how the story will end.

That’s it to get started. For me, I like the characters to become alive, let them decide on what they will say and do. Oh, I do direct them, but it just astounds me how they will do things that make me step back and take a few deep breaths. I will sometimes make corrections to my plot, sub-plots based on what these folks say and do. I am watching a movie unfold as I write.

My books are posted on my website at http://www.cmichaelsbooks.com. Bill of Human Wrongs is a political thriller that I am most proud of, a rather scary notion about the future of the USA. Cross Roads and NO FEAR! are a series that trace the lives of folks whose early life mistakes follow them to a point of hatred and murder. Additionally, I write a column for the Pacific Pearl Magazine, http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf, Mazatlán’s best read for tourists spending time here. It’s loaded with information to help them with their trip and has a few columns such as mine. My books can be found on Amazon.com for Kindle readers.

I hoped you learned something, and now it‘s time for me to pass this on to another author. I've chosen Joss Landry, a writer I met in an online writer’s group on Facebook called ASMSG. Joss recently completed her newest novel, I Can See You in addition to her first, Mirror Deep . Her stories are fun, romantic, suspenseful. I will enjoy reading her answers to these questions. Her work is displayed on her website, http://josslandry.com.

Remember the scene where Baby in Dirty Dancing carried the watermelon to the staff’s hut late at night? Wow, it was fun to see how they interacted after hours, to see how close they were with each other… to see their raw selves.

I was lucky enough to see such a delight recently. .. not in a movie scene, but rather, the real deal.

The Looney Beans family and their staff, along with a group of compassionate folks here in Mazatlán recently threw their second annual event for a small village of families. This year it was a fiesta, a night neither I nor the kids and their families will forget.

A few years ago, the Vineyard Church in Mazatlán built a community center structure in this district. It became the sight for this year’s grand fiesta.

The annual event is designed to give moments, memories to these folks… to build relationships with families who are full of love, folks that live a day to day struggle just to keep alive. Moreover, each year the Looney Beans family identifies people with dire needs during the party, and begin projects to help soften their pain.

Last year, a home was built for a widow and her four kids… a mother’s anemic baby was treated with special formula, saving the life of the child. I can’t wait to see what this year’s projects will be.

Yes, this event has evolved. Thoughts are now floating in the air to have a monthly movie night for the village.

Ah... I find myself smiling at the memory of both the parents and the precious children’s faces during the fiesta this year. I think back, back (fade to a few weeks ago)…

Volunteers had begun the decorating early that afternoon… tables were set up with cotton table cloths; the buffet for the extravagant hamburger bbq became a desirable, luscious setting. I arrived later in the afternoon to a chaotic scene of happy sounds. Music was playing. A bull was hauled onto the site. I laughed when another movie scene entered my mind; I believe it was Urban Cowboy. The kids stood in line for their turn on this electric animal that twirled them around, bucking like a real bull. They were amazing to watch. Soon, smells from the grills made my senses spin with happiness. 
Finally, dinner was announced. Hundreds of people lined up and patiently waited until they reached the food. After dinner, the ice cream was passed out. Nothing was missed, and the smiles on their young and old faces said it all.

I began to think it was time to clean up and say good night when the most miraculous thing happened. Tables were removed... the band began their music, and the kids gathered for games. 

This was the point where I felt like Baby finding the worker’s hut late at night. 

The young Looney Beans staff became the leaders for these games… they participated with the little guys as they danced and squealed with delight, enticing the kids to partake with vigor.  The music roared on, I could see the joy coming from all. Life was good. The kids had no chance of being disappointed.

Finally, the end did come. Hugs and kisses from the parents and children who displayed their gratitude, their love for these wonderful folks became the last scene.

I left contented, the ride taking me back to a different world, the one I live in. My insides felt warm, I knew I had witnessed something special that night. It had been a live movie and the set had introduced me to generous and loving folks, to endearing children, and to their appreciative parents. Yes, it was movie material, a memory I will hold dear. And just like the children, I look forward to next year’s bash. Boy, I sure hope the bull returns.

Cuutttt! It’s a wrap!
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Please visit my FB page, and share each week's blog if you enjoy the readings.
https://www.facebook.com/MazatlanMusingsBlog
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Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
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You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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I will be on Sabbatical, absent from blog writing, until further notice. The next months will be devoted to finishing my new novel, Casual Women, The Novel… the first of (many) stories that will take us down a dark road where Maddy will deal with some merciless characters. These books will be shot, I mean written on location in Mazatlán. Really, the characters live in this fine city. Scenes will take place in various places in the city, so if you want to get more enjoyment from their thrilling content, book your next vacation for sunny Maz. I believe you will not regret doing so.

Thank you to all who have read my blogs over the past months. They will be back. While waiting, you can still read a monthly blog in my column of the Pacific Pearl, a local paper here in Maz.

http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf

Sincerely,

C. Michaels

There is a place just minutes from my home, a place that I didn't know about until a few weeks ago. In fact, I think very few folks know about this. And yet, it is right under our noses. 

To the left of the stone wall in the photo above, there is a trail that takes you to the top of a large boulder. This trail hasn't been used much, at least lately. The proof is obvious, it's rather overgrown. I heard about this walk from a friend last month. I mentioned it to another friend a week later, and to my great pleasure, he knew about it. "Sure, I've been there, and yes... it's a real experience to see."

Stunned, I replied, "Do you have some time? If so, let's go, let's go now." I saw him stir in his chair, a bit taken off guard. Laughing, I said, "Are you game?"

His answer pleased me, and I fully expect the photos will force ooos and ahhhs to escape from your lips as I take you with us on this unusual hike.  After passing the fishing boats, referred to as pangas, we meandered past the stone wall where I finally saw the trail head. But before we began our trek up this trail, I found myself astounded at the beauty before us. The rock formations, vast plateau-type layers of stone stretched out into the sea. As luck would have it, my friend had been a science teacher in one of his past life's.  I exclaimed, "Mr. Science, Mr. Science... Oh my! Is it the waves that have polished the tops of these rocks?"

He smiled and went into character. "No little Missy. These formations have risen from deep inside the earth over millions of years. The crustal plates of the earth are constantly moving, creating the rise of each layer over time." 

What a treat our trek was. Not only did I see the scenic views, but I also got a science lesson to boot! With my new-found knowledge, we began our real hike... we were climbing up the steep boulder. My fear of heights kicked in for a moment when the trail took us along the edge of the cliff, but again. It was worth it.  Near the top, I carefully peered down to see the deep pools of clear water below. "How could I have not known about this place?!" Snap, snap... my camera was working overtime. Most of the hike was rugged. It did occur to me that maybe that was why we didn't see any humans. No one! Well, almost no one.  We did meet one man during our trek, a friendly fisherman who has been working his trade off the shores below for years. What a delightful smile he had, and he shared his secrets for where the fishing is abundant. Don't ask me to tell, my mouth is sealed.

Looking at the photo to the right, see if you can spot the face of the troll, the one with the hooked nose. I found him lovely. Yes, I found a troll enticing. At last we made it to the top. I began panting, not because I was out of breath, but rather, because of the beauty below me. I heard a chorus in my head, it might have been Mozart. The small beach below was one I had gone to before, a place where I took my daughter who had visited a few weeks ago. It was easy to get to, just a few rocks to climb over. Oddly, few folks go there just as the trail we were on. There's something wonderful, so magnificent, and the magic flows through your body when you find a secret beach.

What a day that was, the smile was painted on my face until I went to bed that night. I felt rich, lucky, privileged. I was rich, lucky, privileged! So, let me see... Can you spot the hidden trail? Just open your eyes, I'll bet you will see things you didn't know existed, and they might even be as little as five minutes from your home!
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Please visit my FB page, and share each week's blog if you enjoy the readings.
https://www.facebook.com/MazatlanMusingsBlog
__________________________________________________________
Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
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You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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I have lived in this marvelous town for quite some time now, but this year is different... I've allowed myself to really live here.

Fear of the unknown is very real to so many of us, and I obviously am not omitted from this nasty club. With that said, I am morphing. 

Mazatlán has much to offer... beaches, museums, music, theaters... so much culture. But... there is something else that is silently waiting for us to experience.

The authentic food.

There are many exquisite restaurants in this town, and I love them all. I have indulged in the food at seafood restaurants, pizza joints, palapas, even bars; but for some reason, I have missed some of the hidden treasures Mazatlán has to offer. NOT ANY MORE.

Oh, I won't stop going to the obvious great places.  I'm actually in search of the best fish and chips my mouth can experience. That won't stop. It's rather fun, and may I say, I have found some duzies. Unfortunately, I tend to forget where some of them are, I really need to begin documenting my finds. Oh yes, there are so many fabulous safe places to dine that will sweep your taste buds away to a euphoric state that is so fine. 

Enter the small diner, the one that isn't advertised in the papers, the one that has a picnic table outside the kitchen, the one that has been invisible to me for all these years. Nationals know about these places, and eagerly run to them when they're in need of a good meal. So why have I missed this? After all, I am almost a National. I now have my permanent visa, some of my friends have even declared me an honorary Mexican, I am studying my Espaῆol. What has stopped me from this joy in life?

These diners are everywhere. Most of them don't have beach views, they don't have pretty plants and huge vases for decor. They don't have the tile floors I love so. These places are, so to speak, the ugly ducklings of the eateries, they have nothing to offer... except some of the best food you could imagine. 
The proof is the smile, the pure satisfaction one feels after a grand dining experience. These places are everywhere, but somehow hidden. Not anymore for me... I am now on the lookout for the picnic tables,and many of them, the plastic chairs. If you make it to this town, you may spot me at one of them. I will be the one with that smile on my face.

Yes, Mazatlán is a foody town, a grand palace for finding the best of the best for dining experiences. I recommend the usuals... the beautiful places with great views or the ones that are housed in stunning old buildings that are architectural master pieces. Don't forget the palapas, what fun they are. Oh, and the bars when enjoying a great football game. I found delight in the taco buffet while enjoying my Seahawks work themselves up to being the WINNERS of the super bowl this year. This is one of those towns where you can find enjoyment in so many places. But hear this... if you have any adventure in you, keep an eye out for the picnic tables, the ones with the table cloths of course. That's how you find these hidden spots. Try one of these places, I dare you. See if you can handle this experience. If you do, you will be leaving the nasty safe club of dining delights, and maybe you will find that your life is a little better because of it. Who knows?__________________________________________________________
Please visit my FB page, and share each week's blog if you enjoy the readings.
https://www.facebook.com/MazatlanMusingsBlog
__________________________________________________________
Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
__________________________________________________________
You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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I love living here! I love the culture, the architecture, the colors, the food, the vegetation, the Sea of Cortez acting as my play ground. Then, there are the residents, the wonderful, generous, contented people that live here. These folks just want you to be happy, they want you to feel the same warmth as they do… the contentment of a slow-paced life style; the music, the dancing, singing. And… they have a way of doing it.

In 2006, I found my dream villa here in Mazatlán. I found it and promptly left to go back north. During the next month, my stomach was tied in knots. I made the offer, and as luck would have it… my timing was good. My offer was accepted! The company I was working with wanted a $5,000 USD earnest money to hold the villa for me. No problem.

I went to my bank and had a cashier’s check sent to their Mexico City office. I waited for a couple of days before emailing the lady in Mazatlán I had been assigned to. “Did you get my money?” I asked. “I sent the money, but can’t sleep until I hear that you got it.”

“Ah, no problem, Cynthia. I’m sure it will arrive soon.”

I thanked her, and proceeded to lose more sleep. Did you know that a cashier’s check is like cash? If it gets lost, you are out the amount of the check?

After a week, I began to send a daily email. “Did you get my check?”

Soon, the week turned into three weeks, when finally, I received the response I needed so that I could catch up on my much needed sleep. “Yes, we have received it, everything is good.”

After another month, I received notice that it was time to finalize the sale. In return, they would give me the keys to my new life. I remember throwing my arms around my chest, branding myself with an X… so dramatic.

I booked my flight, and within a week, I was in my new home town, my beloved Mazatlán. I remember running up the stairs to the office where I would meet the distinguished Senior who would give me the keys I had been fantasizing about for weeks.

Then it happened.

The illustrious Senior bent over his desk, and asked with a warm smile, “We are $5,000 short.”

This is when I froze in my seat. Finally, I straightened my back, and croaked the response, “I sent that to you weeks ago.” I fumbled with my papers, then smiled, letting out a sigh a relief that could be heard throughout the office. “Here,” I handed him the email saying they had received my money.

The Senior picked up his phone and called the contact who had sent me the email. She arrived in record time, and standing over me, responded to his questioning, “Senior, I only sent her this email because she was unhappy. I told her what she wanted to hear so she could be happy.”

I was a neurotic mess for a few days, but alas, all turned out fine. Living in a new culture takes some time to learn. Really? I look back and smile with such adornment. She told me what I wanted to hear… she wanted me to be happy again… she was a saint. Yes, I live in a new culture, and I wouldn't trade in my life for any other.
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Please visit my FB page, and share each week's blog if you enjoy the readings.
https://www.facebook.com/MazatlanMusingsBlog
__________________________________________________________
Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
__________________________________________________________
You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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Last weekend I was fortunate to stumble upon a noteworthy event that warmed my heart... The Mazatlán Art and Soup Tour.

I knew it was a fundraiser, but for what? I did say stumble, didn't I? To my delight, I discovered that it was an event where 100% of the proceeds went to Rancho De Los Ninos orphanage for handicapped kids. Wow, impressive to meet folks who have made it their goal to help such a noble cause. I met a wonderful couple who go by the name of Captain George. These folks have organized many of these functions in order to raise money for this ranch. I will do my best to show you the event, and end by telling you about the orphanage.

THE EVENT: Over 300 folks came, the tickets were sold out before the day of the function. La Isla Mazatlán Golden Resort Hotel donated the use of their spectacular grounds for the day while the Nauticlub Restaurant hosted local restaurants who served scrumptious soups and breads. The pride shown by the folks from Casa Loma, Topolo's, Macaws, FISH, Sr. Burrito, and Raggio's was fun. One server saw my expression while peering into his soup pot; laughing, he insisted that I try some. I did, and my senses went into a fog of delight. Each of these restaurants donated their mouthwatering meals. 

Eighteen local artists contributed their work... paintings, photos, jewelry, pastries, all the pieces worthy of going home with their new owner. Guests entered their tickets into buckets next to the art they liked, and held their breath with excitement until the end of the day when the raffle took place.

Twelve volunteers helped by serving soup, selling raffle tickets... even shuttling folks to and from the parking lot in golf carts. I was amazed to see the group effort, how relaxed everyone was, knowing that behind the scenes, there had to be an immense amount of planning to pull it off. 

Live music made my ears tingle with happiness, featuring Chris Buzan and Phil Cangelosi from Rock Creek Band along with Chuck from Honest John. Blue Grass next to the sea, what more could a music lover ask for? THE ORPHANAGE: Located in a small colonia called El Castillo in Mazatlán, Rancho De Los Ninos was founded in 2004. What was once a pig farm is now the home for 26 kids of all ages, including handicapped children. Some stay for years, some are reunited with family members or friends. If the ranch can't find a home with family, adoptive families are sought after... first in Mexico, then in the United States. If all of the above fail, the children stay at the home. Scholarships are available for the older kids, allowing them to pursue higher education. It's a loving environment, changing the lives of these children forever.
If you want to get involved, you can stay at the home for as long as one week, room and board included, and work on projects around the ranch. Contact Ed Barker at edwbarker@frontier.com to get all the information. You can help to change the lives of these children, while doing something remarkable for your soul.

An impressive 30,000 pesos went to the orphanage from the day! So I ask the question... What can you do with art and soup? Hmmm.  _______________________________________________________
Please visit my FB page, and share each week's blog if you enjoy the readings.
https://www.facebook.com/MazatlanMusingsBlog
__________________________________________________________
Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
__________________________________________________________
You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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Pay Day is a hassle here in Mazatlán. I wake up groaning on this day.

You might be thinking at this point, "What on earth is wrong with this lady? Pay Day is a good thing, a day to plug your bank account with (hopefully) lots of pesos to get you through the next days."  Well, this is not the case.

Pay Day here is ME doing the paying. Yes, that's right. Unlike in the States where I would write checks to pay my different utility bills, phone, you name it... here, there is no check writing. There is no mailing the bills. It is a day to spend in the car or on the bus going from one bill collector to the other. 

I remember several years ago when my friend came to visit me in Washington State. She came from Mazatlán. We were about to leave the house for the day when at the last minute, I remembered to grab my stack of envelopes. I started the car, and I drove to the bottom of my driveway. There, I stopped the engine, and left my friend for a moment to put my bills into the mailbox, and raise its red flag. 

When I returned to the car, she looked at me curiously, "What are you doing?" She was confused.

"I just paid my bills," I replied.

That was the day I learned how bills are paid in Mexico.

I have certain bills that are due on the 15th, and another one that is due the end of the month. No big deal... just once a month, I need to drive to these different offices and give them my pesos. Oh, that would be grand, but not the case. I had another lesson to learn.

A few years ago, I had a dinner party at my home. It was quaint, around eight guests if I remember correctly. It was nearing the time all dinner guests’ love, I was ready to serve the food. But one lady had still not arrived. She called and in her panicked voice, cried, "I am so sorry, I will be late! Today is the last day to pay my electric bill!"

Here, if you get your bill delivered on the 11th, it is due by the 16th. Then, on the 17th, if you have not paid the bill, your utility will be turned off! Hence, my dinner guest was panicked to pay her bill before coming to my home. "What?!" I was amazed at the audacity of these companies, but then I got thinking... "Wow, now that’s an amazing way to insure that folks don't get behind in their bills."

When I first came to this magical city, I had a friend who parked in the Golden Zone, but in a no parking zone. When he returned to his car, his license plate had been removed! "What?!" He was forced to go to the office and pay his fine before they gave him back his plate. Again, that sounds preposterous, but hey. It works for the city.

Pay Day... it comes two times a month for me, but like all things, it is now the norm. If I were to visit the States and see a friend with a stack of bills ready for their mailbox and their red flag raised, I might look at them curiously and ask, "What are you doing?" I might be confused. Boy, have I ever become Mexicanized! Such enchantment.
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Please visit my FB page, and share each week's blog if you enjoy the readings.
https://www.facebook.com/MazatlanMusingsBlog
__________________________________________________________
Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
__________________________________________________________
You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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My experience in life tells me that when I smile, I feel good. I will even go out on a limb and say that my smile encourages those around me to feel the love, so to speak. Yes, attitude about each day goes far to manipulate your experiences in a good, healthy way. Did you know that when the sun is out, a chemical in your body releases, making you happy? Yes, the sun is in fact, a happy pill. Here in Mazatlán, the sun is out a lot. And yes, I see lots of smiles each day. But... the happy pill is not the total answer to happiness.

As humans, life can get complicated. We allow ourselves to frown when this happens. Enter the helpers to come to our rescue!

Yoga is great for the mind and soul. But there are other methods, so I decided to explore something called Tai Chi. Each Tuesday, there is a class on one of the beaches of Mazatlán. Yes, right on the beach! Now, I don't care what the class is teaching... just going through the routine with my toes in the sand and the view of the small islands a swimming (long swim) distance from the shore of the Sea of Cortez is enough for me to supplement the sun's happy pill. I didn't really take the graceful moves of this ancient Chinese dance routine seriously at first. I was getting what I needed by simply enjoying the serene place in my head by the class location alone. But, I was wrong.
Tai Chi focuses on movements that bring mental health and clarity to one's self. It is graceful, and exotic, especially when performed on the shores of the Sea of Cortez. It is, in a sense, a sensual dance... but with a mission. 

First, the art form is intended to bring your mind to a state of calmness. Ah ha! It works like the sun's happy pill! Well, yes... but, you are training your mind to be in this state of pleasure. Nice, it's always good to be self sufficient. I think this means that I don't have to rely on the sun to feel this bliss.

Second, it's a form of meditation. That may sound the same as what I described above, but it's more in depth. It helps you reach out into your whole body. It helps you rid yourself of stress, making your entire self healthier.

Third, it's a form of martial art. Wow, is that what we call yin and yang? All this calmness and serenity... then bam! Let's talk about violence. No, no. As much as I would like to think that the world is all warm and fuzzy, there are times when we must protect ourselves from danger. Tai Chi is an elegant way to be ready to respond to dangerous outside forces. This takes years of training, but still... the benefits of this art form are overwhelming regardless of why you do it. 

The class here in Mazatlán is doing something special this year, something very lovely, so beautiful. The instructor, Phil Cangelosi has introduced the fan into the mix.

Fans invoke a vision in my head of beauty and grace. Some of the most beautiful fans I've seen to date are here in Mazatlán... oh, I also enjoyed the ones in Spain. They are romantic, they help you with the discomfort of high humidity that plagues us locals during the hot months of the summer. But, when you study the history of the fan, you might be surprised to learn that it's origin places it as a lethal martial arts weapon.

Phil is teaching his class the dance form using the fan this season. By combining your body movement and footwork, the addition of using the fan is fascinating to watch. The dancer will symbolically transform the short fan into a long weapon by the flick of their wrist aimed at their opponent. It's inspiring to watch the wrist flick open the fan, making a rousing sound, while demonstrating pure control over your being. It is said that the sound from the flick can distract your opponent, giving you the time for a surprise kick or defensive punch. 

Who ever dreamed that defending yourself could be so beautiful? Who ever dreamed that we could become so serene with our body and soul by learning the graceful moves of a martial arts form? Who would have thunk that a supplement to the sun's happy pill could be so rewarding?
Let me ask you this... Is Your Head Healthy? Yes or no, I recommend this experience for all. You can join the group each Tuesday at 10 am in front of Chili Pepper's restaurant in the Golden Zone, and enjoy an experience that cannot be compared to any other. Phil loves it so, he is donating his time so he can bring something new and wonderful to those who are adventurous enough to try it. Just how healthy is your head? Any room for improvement?
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Please visit my FB page, and share each week's blog if you enjoy the readings.
https://www.facebook.com/MazatlanMusingsBlog
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Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
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You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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  Her name is Olive Ridley. She's tall, in her late 40's, a woman with legs like no other. Olive owns a successful restaurant in Mazatlán, positioned at the top of a prominent hotel in the Golden Zone. She dazzles her clientele with charm and down to earth chatter. If you decide to dine with her, she will probably sit and have a drink with you at some point during the evening. She'll give you the latest news about her town, and certainly have you laughing from her charismatic wit. On Friday nights, she features a dancing band, and, if you get lucky, she'll
entertain you with her salsa talents during the evening.  She mesmerizes all with her dark hair and emerald colored eyes... and oh, those full lips. She is the total package... bright, successful, a real entertainer.  She's uninhibited in her thoughts, and isn't afraid to say what she thinks at all times.  

This delightful character is going to meet my protagonist, Maddy, and the two women will embark on some deliciously dangerous ventures here in Mazatlán. Yes, Olive has been born, she is alive and well in the novel I am currently writing called Casual Women.

Olive is more than a beauty, however. She also has a warmth, almost motherly appeal about her. You feel that she really cares about you, and if you become friends, you believe she will do anything to keep you safe. It's the motherly instinct in her.

Ah... mothers. Aren't they grand? I stumbled upon Olive Ridley quite by accident. Here in Mazatlán, we have a mysterious motherly phenomena that happens each year. Female turtles come out of the sea to our white sands and find the perfect spot to dig their deep hole where they drop their eggs. 

A few years ago, quite by luck, I happened to be on the beach to see a lady from the sea go through this astounding procedure. The photo at the top is of her just before she began digging. The entire life cycle is amazing, so since I am fortunate enough to live where it happens, I thought I would share. 

I began researching our sea lady when I discovered the oddest thing. 

There were many articles, but all of them were written by the same author. "Strange," I thought. It took a few minutes but it finally hit me. Olive Ridley wasn't the writer, that is the name of our turtle species here in Mazatlán! I was so taken by her name, and her motherly ways, that I gave birth to my character, naming her after the turtle.

The beaches along our city are hiding places for all the Olives in the sea to place their sacred eggs, believing they will be safe for the 45 days it takes for them to hatch. November is the end of her nesting season. Our Olive will be tired after she finishes her job, but she'll find her final strength to waddle back to the sea where she will quickly fade as she allows the waves to take her back to the depths of her home. 

If a human sees what Olive is doing, they are instructed to call the authorities who will come and carefully take the eggs back to Mazatlán's Estrella del Mar Turtle Sanctuary. There, the babies in waiting will be cared for until the great hatch when the babies are taken back to the same beach where their Olive dropped them. The Sanctuary organizes children to do the deed, that is, they release the turtles onto the beach where they make their grand entrance into the sea to presumably make a good life for themselves. 

To date, 90,000 babies have been released onto the white sands of Mazatlán during the season this year. This program has helped to protect a species that is on the endangered list, and help them to once again thrive. 

Now, if no one is around to see Olive lay her precious eggs, mother nature takes over. I became dizzy with amazement one day last year when I was walking the beach. I actually saw a natural hatch. It was like a Sci-fi thriller! Suddenly, I saw the sand before me begin to bulge, something was beneath it, and was making it's exit!! Soon, it became clear what was happening... tiny turtle babies, as many as a hundred of them began crawling out of the hole. I stood frozen. In little time, the beach was covered with these prehistoric creatures, their instinct telling them to waddle toward the sea. Unfortunately, I had no camera with me, but I was able to find one online.
The aquarium in Mazatlán also collects eggs, mothering them until they hatch. Olive will live in the sea until maturity, when she will nest by returning to the same beach where she was born. 

Yes, Olive Ridley. You will become a favorite character in my novel. Olive Ridley, you are amazing. I consider meeting you a great way to start the new year. With that said, Happy New Year to all you readers. I think this is going to be a good one.
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Please visit my FB page, and share each week's blog if you enjoy the readings.
https://www.facebook.com/MazatlanMusingsBlog
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Also enjoy my new monthly feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
__________________________________________________________
You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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