The Sea and Me
Some people are born to fret and worry… Yes, even here in this magnificent resort on the Sea of Cortez in Mexico.
So, what’s the rub?
The scene above was there each morning when I awakened – the cobalt waters, the pale blue skies, the palm trees, the villas below our penthouse, the cobblestone roads that ran through the property, and the nostalgic aromas of old Mexico. Julie Anne and I walked many days on the concha-laden sandy beach and gathered seashells. We watched the young lovers in languid repose on the beach and by the pools. We watched the multi-colored sailboats on the sea and the larger yachts farther out toward the horizon. We watched the banana boats take the squealing tourists on a bouncy ride through the waves, some falling off and gathered back by the gleeful BB operator. Single-engine hang-gliders went aloft with one or two people, dipping low, soaring up again, near the beach and the resort. Most of these happy scenes played out with the background sounds of mariachi music playing on someone’s sound equipment…
Okay, Okay! I got lost in the moments of memory.
The rub?
It came time for an HOA election of board members. Julie Anne, a few Mexican staff members, and some of our American friends/Condo neighbors at the resort thought I should run and lend some support to solving the pesky problems facing the resort…and, NO, I won’t be elaborating on those pesky problems. The truth is, all I wanted to do was write my blogs and books in this most tantalizing environment. However, the prodding of wife and friends PLUS my own stupid ego finally won out, and I put my name in the proverbial hat.
I was elected to the board and subsequently appointed President of the HOA Board. Having never been on any kind of board in my life I tried to keep my enthusiasm and pride in check.
Now, back to that beautiful scene of our resort above – and the fact that some people were born to ‘fret and worry’. The F&W part was all mine, and that beautiful resort environment changed to problem solving – or, attempts at problem solving. AND, my writing went further south toward Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, without me enjoying the journey…you all know that trying to please hundreds of people in one neat bundle is impossible.
Well, my board did solve problems, from an economic standpoint, and took care of many other issues, The credit goes to my great Secretary (who would ultimately become President), my good Treasurer, the resort staff, and the other fully engaged and supportive members of the board. I can say with honesty and honor that there were moments of warm camaraderie, frustration, and consistent efforts to solve those ‘pesky problems’.
Eventually, I got back to ‘sea shells at the seashore’ and my writing…
Speaking of my writing (and you knew I would be bringing my writing into this post!) the final book 6 in my ‘Bailey Crane Mystery Series, books 1-6’, A COMMON EVIL, was loosely inspired by my sojourn at that beautiful Mexican resort… It is a thriller and there are truths therein – regarding the cartel business and some of the resort’s problems. There is murder! Suspense! It’s a Thriller! (Oops! I said that!)
You should read it and leave an Amazon review…the book has several 5-Star reviews, and, of course, I would be happy to see more (honest reviews, of course!). You can preview the other 5 books in my BC series at the Website (address below) and eight other titles that bear my name.
Please contact me if you wish to know more about the resort…it’s in the state of Sonora in Mexico, an easy drive from Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.
Billy Ray Chitwood – April 14, 2017
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Please visit my Website at: http://billyraychitwood.com To preview all 6 of the ‘Bailey Crane Mysteries’ and other books inspired by true events. There are also some comments by me and some reviews of my books…even some recent blog posts.
Please follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/brchitwood
The Final Curtain 
Ah, yes, I remember those days well, Billy Ray, you up in your penthouse, me down in my villa, each of us writing in our own way. We met at Bella Sirena after we got burgled and I expressed my disappointment to the HOA, you the president and very supportive. We immediately became writing buddies, and you mentored me through the publish-on-demand process and marketing. I miss you and Julie on our Mexican visits. BTW, I read “A Common Evil” and loved it! Five stars.
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HAPPY EASTER! Good Friend…you make my day. Miss those constant sunny days on The Sea of Cortez, and, of course, the Tays’ family – the father, Tim, a great writer and clinical psychologist HAPPY EASTER, Renni and Gentry… ♥♥♥
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