Watching our friend's dog. Some pictures of our adventures.

Watching our friend's dog. Some pictures of our adventures.

Watching our friend's dog. Some pictures of our adventures.

We posted a new article to the blog today about how to know and grow your self worth. You can check it out at, https://truenatureliving.com/how-to-know-and-grow-your-sense-of-self-worth/

Breathing easier with more beach time and outdoor time these days.

Emily and I did a photo shoot and sent some of our photography and videography to help with this video that Axiom Group put together showing a good option for having a place and spending some time or living in Costa Rica and working remotely. It was fun being in a lifestyle video for living and working remotely in The Southern Zone of Costa Rica. It appears that many more people will be able to work their jobs remotely after the pandemic, and it’s good to reevaluate where you want to live if you can work remotely. The Southern Zone of Costa Rica is a great option! Here's a link to the video, https://vimeo.com/418996377

Happy Earth Day! Here's a link to a nine minute video with some things to think about on Earth Day. We at True Nature Living are putting some of our work energy into helping to make the changes that are suggested in this video. https://www.ourplanet.com/en/video/how-to-save-our-planet/

Mother nature is showing us how quickly she can heal when there is less human impact. We are seeing more wildlife in the ocean like sea turtles and land animals like jaguars on the beach. With people staying at home, more wildlife is quickly showing up in these areas in the same way they used to when there were less people there. Maybe mother nature is sending humans to their rooms to reconsider and reevaluate their impact on nature and wildlife and their home (the planet).

Hoping that they open the beaches soon. A beautiful reminder of sunsets at the beach.

We are looking forward to more friends visiting us and sharing these kinds of moments on the beach out front.

Here’s some positivity, Chris from Mama Toucans’ charity project is going extremely well! I talked with him last night when he was doing a delivery, and he said that he and Sasha and their group have been spending 40% or more of their time delivering food, supplies, making rent payments, making utility payments, etc. for families in need in the community. They have raised more than $8000 to help people in need in the Dominical community. They put some pictures and a video on the funding page here if you want to check it out https://gogetfunding.com/food-and-funds-dominical

Here’s some positivity, Chris from Mama Toucans’ charity project is going extremely well! I talked with him last night when he was doing a delivery, and he said that he and Sasha and their group have been spending 40% or more of their time delivering food, supplies, making rent payments, making utility payments, etc. for families in need in the community. They have raised more than $8000 to help people in need in the Dominical community. They put some pictures and a video on the funding page here if you want to check it out https://gogetfunding.com/food-and-funds-dominical

Here’s some positivity, Chris from Mama Toucans’ charity project is going extremely well! I talked with him last night when he was doing a delivery, and he said that he and Sasha and their group have been spending 40% or more of their time delivering food, supplies, making rent payments, making utility payments, etc. for families in need in the community. They have raised more than $8000 to help people in need in the Dominical community. They put some pictures and a video on the funding page here if you want to check it out https://gogetfunding.com/food-and-funds-dominical

Here’s some positivity, Chris from Mama Toucans’ charity project is going extremely well! I talked with him last night when he was doing a delivery, and he said that he and Sasha and their group have been spending 40% or more of their time delivering food, supplies, making rent payments, making utility payments, etc. for families in need in the community. They have raised more than $8000 to help people in need in the Dominical community. They put some pictures and a video on the funding page here if you want to check it out https://gogetfunding.com/food-and-funds-dominical

Our friends enjoying a beautiful moment at sunset 🙂

A curious Aracari

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

These howler monkeys were hanging out at our new place today. They were hanging from their tails, and one of the babies was hanging by it's tail from an adult that was also hanging from it's tail! The younger monkeys were playing around and wrestling in the trees. We have been seeing families of howler monkeys and white face monkeys from our balcony almost every day. So fun to watch them play and jump from tree to tree!

This beautiful bird came out of the jungle onto a white rock trail this morning.

This beautiful bird came out of the jungle onto a white rock trail this morning.

When we were moving in to our new place, these guys were hanging out on the balcony outside the bedroom. We have been seeing many species of tropical birds in the jungle next to the new place.

When we were moving in to our new place, these guys were hanging out on the balcony outside the bedroom. We have been seeing many species of tropical birds in the jungle next to the new place.

When we were moving in to our new place, these guys were hanging out on the balcony outside the bedroom. We have been seeing many species of tropical birds in the jungle next to the new place.

When we were moving in to our new place, these guys were hanging out on the balcony outside the bedroom. We have been seeing many species of tropical birds in the jungle next to the new place.

This blue morpho butterfly was hanging out with me for a while during our hike in the primary jungle on one of the highest mountain peaks in the front ridge of Uvita. It was an incredible experience! We also saw some huge blue dragon flies.

It's so much fun sharing the things that we love about this part of Costa Rica with friends that are visiting. Sharing some of our favorite views with our good friends visiting from Rhode Island.

It's so much fun sharing the things that we love about this part of Costa Rica with friends that are visiting. Sharing some of our favorite views with our good friends visiting from Rhode Island.

It's so much fun sharing the things that we love about this part of Costa Rica with friends that are visiting. Sharing some of our favorite views with our good friends visiting from Rhode Island.

It's so much fun sharing the things that we love about this part of Costa Rica with friends that are visiting. Sharing some of our favorite views with our good friends visiting from Rhode Island.

A great picture of our friend Tim helping a sloth across the road. Tim volunteers at Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, and this group actively does wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation in this part of Costa Rica. Villas Alturas helps protect exotic or endangered species. They also reintroduce animals into the wild when they can. In addition to wildlife rehabilitation, they also provide environmental education and implement wildlife research. Their education programs are helpful in improving human-wildlife co-existence. They also contribute towards ensuring that the diverse range of wildlife inhabiting Costa Rica, and around the world, is maintained for future generations. 

Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary actively does wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation in this part of Costa Rica. Villas Alturas helps protect exotic or endangered species. They also reintroduce animals into the wild when they can. In addition to wildlife rehabilitation, they also provide environmental education and implement wildlife research. Their education programs are helpful in improving human-wildlife co-existence. They also contribute towards ensuring that the diverse range of wildlife inhabiting Costa Rica, and around the world, is maintained for future generations. 

Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary actively does wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation in this part of Costa Rica. Villas Alturas helps protect exotic or endangered species. They also reintroduce animals into the wild when they can. In addition to wildlife rehabilitation, they also provide environmental education and implement wildlife research. Their education programs are helpful in improving human-wildlife co-existence. They also contribute towards ensuring that the diverse range of wildlife inhabiting Costa Rica, and around the world, is maintained for future generations. 

Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary actively does wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation in this part of Costa Rica. Villas Alturas helps protect exotic or endangered species. They also reintroduce animals into the wild when they can. In addition to wildlife rehabilitation, they also provide environmental education and implement wildlife research. Their education programs are helpful in improving human-wildlife co-existence. They also contribute towards ensuring that the diverse range of wildlife inhabiting Costa Rica, and around the world, is maintained for future generations. 

Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary actively does wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation in this part of Costa Rica. Villas Alturas helps protect exotic or endangered species. They also reintroduce animals into the wild when they can. In addition to wildlife rehabilitation, they also provide environmental education and implement wildlife research. Their education programs are helpful in improving human-wildlife co-existence. They also contribute towards ensuring that the diverse range of wildlife inhabiting Costa Rica, and around the world, is maintained for future generations. 

We had an amazing morning! We helped to save an injured howler monkey this morning, as the monkey was nearby when we were doing our morning nature photography walk. We called our friend Tim that works with Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, and he helped get the animal rescue team to get there quickly. We tracked the monkey up the road for an hour or so at a distance to keep an eye on where the monkey was so that the crew could get there. I had some incredible moments sitting with the monkey on the road about 20 feet away for 10 minutes or so until the Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary crew got there. They did a great job, and the injured howler monkey more or less walked towards the cage and made it easy because we think she knew that she really needed some help. It's so great that Villas Alturas quickly rescues animals in need, and rehabilitates them.

We had an amazing morning! We helped to save an injured howler monkey this morning, as the monkey was nearby when we were doing our morning nature photography walk. We called our friend Tim that works with Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, and he helped get the animal rescue team to get there quickly. We tracked the monkey up the road for an hour or so at a distance to keep an eye on where the monkey was so that the crew could get there. I had some incredible moments sitting with the monkey on the road about 20 feet away for 10 minutes or so until the Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary crew got there. They did a great job, and the injured howler monkey more or less walked towards the cage and made it easy because we think she knew that she really needed some help. It's so great that Villas Alturas quickly rescues animals in need, and rehabilitates them.

We had an amazing morning! We helped to save an injured howler monkey this morning, as the monkey was nearby when we were doing our morning nature photography walk. We called our friend Tim that works with Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, and he helped get the animal rescue team to get there quickly. We tracked the monkey up the road for an hour or so at a distance to keep an eye on where the monkey was so that the crew could get there. I had some incredible moments sitting with the monkey on the road about 20 feet away for 10 minutes or so until the Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary crew got there. They did a great job, and the injured howler monkey more or less walked towards the cage and made it easy because we think she knew that she really needed some help. It's so great that Villas Alturas quickly rescues animals in need, and rehabilitates them.

Maybe this bird was doing some self reflection?

I was walking around taking pictures of wildlife and plants in the morning, and there was a dragon fly at eye level. The dragon fly was hanging out for a while on this leaf that matched it's color. Amazing!

Check out the bird with the red mohawk! Sometimes it feels like we are living in Jurassic Park

This awesome tropical bird landed on the tree in front of us. This is one of the most eye catching birds that I have ever seen. The vibrant colors are incredible!

This awesome tropical bird landed on the tree in front of us. This is one of the most eye catching birds that I have ever seen. The vibrant colors are incredible!

Valentine’s Day at our happy place, Cuna Del Angel. We had our first date here, and have enjoyed wonderful love and adventures during the 3 years since then. So happy to have such a great partner to share the journey of life. Thankful to wake up next to you every morning.

This large grasshopper was at the house all day. While we spend a lot of time watching nature, we occasionally capture nature watching us. This also reminds me of a photo that we have from another time when there was a family of howler monkeys that we noticed were watching us get ready for dinner through the window of the master bathroom. We looked over while getting ready, and there were a bunch of monkeys hanging out on tree branches 10 feet from the window looking into the bathroom. I can do some digging to find this photo, and post it another time.

Check out this critter!

Doing good in the world and helping people in need are core values of True Nature Living. As a part of a team effort, we helped some local families in Dominicalito Costa Rica to get essential school supplies, clothing, shoes, etc.Each kid received a backpack full of the essentials that their families requested so that they were prepared for school.

Doing good in the world and helping people in need are core values of True Nature Living. As a part of a team effort, we helped some local families in Dominicalito Costa Rica to get essential school supplies, clothing, shoes, etc.Each kid received a backpack full of the essentials that their families requested so that they were prepared for school.

Bees pollinating the tropical plants

Bees pollinating the tropical plants

Bees pollinating the tropical plants

Bees pollinating the tropical plants

Bees pollinating the tropical plants

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

Emily and I did a photo shoot and sent some of our photography and videography to help with this video that Axiom Group put together showing a good option for having a place and spending some time or living in Costa Rica and working remotely. It was fun being in a lifestyle video for living and working remotely in The Southern Zone of Costa Rica. It appears that many more people will be able to work their jobs remotely after the pandemic, and it’s good to reevaluate where you want to live if you can work remotely. The Southern Zone of Costa Rica is a great option! Here's a link to the video, https://vimeo.com/418996377

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

What an amazing morning! We have been doing a lot of wildlife photography of birds in the mornings during the past two days, and have been thinking about doing bird photos as the next topic for the photos of the day. When two beautiful green parrots joined us during our coffee and gratitude time this morning, we knew it was meant to be. Today’s topic is photos of tropical birds. We have seen a lot of different species of birds like toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. A family of Aracaris just landed in the trees and are hanging out as I am writing this. Yesterday and today some vibrant woodpeckers with yellow and red colors were bouncing around on the trees and pecking away, haha. This morning we watched a bright green parrot couple snuggle with each other. An incredible blue morpho butterfly flew right by us as we were filming the parrots. We have been trying to capture the toucans and aracaris as they swoop down the mountain towards the ocean at high speed. It’s an awesome sight, but they are so fast, and we are practicing and improving our skills at getting them on camera. Emily made her famous Em Mocha (cacao and coffee combo) with high potency pure dark chocolate cubes and local coffee, and that really gets you going 🙂 Sounds of waves booming off of the rocks from the new south swell and howler monkeys howling in the background, and it was another dreamy Costa Rica morning! Coffee and gratitude today was a great reminder that we are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for, including living this lifestyle in this beautiful place, a wonderful birthday celebration for Emily yesterday, and our experience this morning!

Who let the dogs out? Pups playing on the beach while the people are surfing.

Who let the dogs out? Pups playing on the beach while the people are surfing.

Who let the dogs out? Pups playing on the beach while the people are surfing.

Who let the dogs out? Pups playing on the beach while the people are surfing.

Who let the dogs out? Pups playing on the beach while the people are surfing.

Who let the dogs out? Pups playing on the beach while the people are surfing.

Who let the dogs out? Couldn't help but include my sister's dog because she is so cute and adorable!

Who let the dogs out? Pups playing on the beach while the people are surfing.

Celebrating our 3 year anniversary! This photo is from one of our adventures going whale watching by boat in Costa Ballena.

The whale’s tail beach is a unique natural phenomenon created over millennia of meeting ocean currents from the north and south, shaping this area into a whale’s tail form. Whales follow these currents to this location during their migration. The currents come together and lap the sandy shores, washing away layers of sand and revealing hidden treasures like this sand dollar that arrived on these shores some time ago. The flow of nature and cycle of life lead to this scene of a sand dollar touched by the sun in a tropical setting.

Yoga at Sunset. Emily at True Nature Living.

The fun south swell continues! Beautiful waves in Dominical this morning.

The fun south swell continues in Dominical! Beautiful waves at the point this morning!

Surfing with friends in Dominical. Saul from Dominical Real Estate and Surf Cam.

Surfing with friends in Dominical. Chris from True Nature Living

Surfing with friends in Dominical. Shelby from Cafe Mono Congo.

This beautiful and sleek toucan joined us for our morning ritual of coffee and gratitude recently while we were hanging out at The Terraces.

There's fun south swell in Dominical this morning! Some beautiful barrels!

There's fun south swell in Dominical this morning! Some beautiful barrels!

There's fun south swell in Dominical this morning!

There's fun south swell in Dominical this morning!

There's fun south swell in Dominical this morning!

We have been going to some wonderful restaurants in Uvita recently that serve foods fresh from their farms, and have jaw dropping ocean views. The environments are surrounded by beautiful flowers, and are full of life with incredible plants and foods. They are run by warm, friendly, and happy local people that are sharing the healthy lifestyle and unique gems that Costa Rica has to offer. These hosts have made us feel so welcome and fortunate to experience the uplifting and healing natural environments that they call home. These people and restaurants have a special place in our hearts, and we always leave with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Here are pictures of two of these restaurants that we visited recently:

Jazmin’s place (Rancho Cielo Alto). Jazmine and her mother are natural foods and medicinal plants enthusiasts. They are amazing people, and healers by nature. We feel a special connection to them. They offer adventurous farm to table dining.  They are one of the few restaurants in this region of Costa Rica that brings together gourmet cooking with the amazing variety of local produce available. This is the most authentic Costa Rican farm to table dining that we have found. Jazmin is an awesome host, and is extremely caring and knowledgeable. They customize each person’s meal according to their preferences and dietary restrictions. We enjoy Jazmin’s thoughtful and loving approach, and her detailed description of each course. We always learn a lot about unique vegetables and herbs and their medicinal properties. How amazing to have your food lovingly prepared on site where it was sourced!

Jazmin’s place (Rancho Cielo Alto). Jazmine and her mother are natural foods and medicinal plants enthusiasts. They are amazing people, and healers by nature. We feel a special connection to them. They offer adventurous farm to table dining.  They are one of the few restaurants in this region of Costa Rica that brings together gourmet cooking with the amazing variety of local produce available. This is the most authentic Costa Rican farm to table dining that we have found. Jazmin is an awesome host, and is extremely caring and knowledgeable. They customize each person’s meal according to their preferences and dietary restrictions. We enjoy Jazmin’s thoughtful and loving approach, and her detailed description of each course. We always learn a lot about unique vegetables and herbs and their medicinal properties. How amazing to have your food lovingly prepared on site where it was sourced!

Jazmin’s place (Rancho Cielo Alto). Jazmine and her mother are natural foods and medicinal plants enthusiasts. They are amazing people, and healers by nature. We feel a special connection to them. They offer adventurous farm to table dining.  They are one of the few restaurants in this region of Costa Rica that brings together gourmet cooking with the amazing variety of local produce available. This is the most authentic Costa Rican farm to table dining that we have found. Jazmin is an awesome host, and is extremely caring and knowledgeable. They customize each person’s meal according to their preferences and dietary restrictions. We enjoy Jazmin’s thoughtful and loving approach, and her detailed description of each course. We always learn a lot about unique vegetables and herbs and their medicinal properties. How amazing to have your food lovingly prepared on site where it was sourced!

Jazmin’s place (Rancho Cielo Alto). Jazmine and her mother are natural foods and medicinal plants enthusiasts. They are amazing people, and healers by nature. We feel a special connection to them. They offer adventurous farm to table dining.  They are one of the few restaurants in this region of Costa Rica that brings together gourmet cooking with the amazing variety of local produce available. This is the most authentic Costa Rican farm to table dining that we have found. Jazmin is an awesome host, and is extremely caring and knowledgeable. They customize each person’s meal according to their preferences and dietary restrictions. We enjoy Jazmin’s thoughtful and loving approach, and her detailed description of each course. We always learn a lot about unique vegetables and herbs and their medicinal properties. How amazing to have your food lovingly prepared on site where it was sourced!

Mirador has some of the most beautiful ocean views of any restaurant that we have ever been to. The awesome view looks straight down Playa Ballena beach and has a full on up close view of the whale’s tail. Majestic Scarlet Macaws with their red and blue colors often fly around the area. They have incredible flowers, pineapples, and other fruits growing on the land there. A conversation with the owners will make you feel like you’re talking to some of the happiest people on earth.

Mirador has some of the most beautiful ocean views of any restaurant that we have ever been to. The awesome view looks straight down Playa Ballena beach and has a full on up close view of the whale’s tail. Majestic Scarlet Macaws with their red and blue colors often fly around the area. They have incredible flowers, pineapples, and other fruits growing on the land there. A conversation with the owners will make you feel like you’re talking to some of the happiest people on earth.

Mirador has some of the most beautiful ocean views of any restaurant that we have ever been to. The awesome view looks straight down Playa Ballena beach and has a full on up close view of the whale’s tail. Majestic Scarlet Macaws with their red and blue colors often fly around the area. They have incredible flowers, pineapples, and other fruits growing on the land there. A conversation with the owners will make you feel like you’re talking to some of the happiest people on earth.

Mirador has some of the most beautiful ocean views of any restaurant that we have ever been to. The awesome view looks straight down Playa Ballena beach and has a full on up close view of the whale’s tail. Majestic Scarlet Macaws with their red and blue colors often fly around the area. They have incredible flowers, pineapples, and other fruits growing on the land there. A conversation with the owners will make you feel like you’re talking to some of the happiest people on earth.

Mirador has some of the most beautiful ocean views of any restaurant that we have ever been to. The awesome view looks straight down Playa Ballena beach and has a full on up close view of the whale’s tail. Majestic Scarlet Macaws with their red and blue colors often fly around the area. They have incredible flowers, pineapples, and other fruits growing on the land there. A conversation with the owners will make you feel like you’re talking to some of the happiest people on earth.

Mirador has some of the most beautiful ocean views of any restaurant that we have ever been to. The awesome view looks straight down Playa Ballena beach and has a full on up close view of the whale’s tail. Majestic Scarlet Macaws with their red and blue colors often fly around the area. They have incredible flowers, pineapples, and other fruits growing on the land there. A conversation with the owners will make you feel like you’re talking to some of the happiest people on earth.

Morning scenes from The Southern Zone Of Costa Rica

Morning scenes from The Southern Zone Of Costa Rica

Morning scenes from The Southern Zone Of Costa Rica

Morning scenes from The Southern Zone Of Costa Rica

Morning scenes from The Southern Zone Of Costa Rica

Morning scenes from The Southern Zone Of Costa Rica

Morning scenes from The Southern Zone Of Costa Rica

Morning scenes from The Southern Zone Of Costa Rica

Eco Chantales Watefalls with friends. We had two epic day trips sharing the experience of Eco Chantales Waterfalls with groups of friends! There are dramatic views of the tall waterfall and surrounding scenery. You can stand at the first viewpoint and feel the spray from the large waterfall energizing you and cooling you off. Amazing feeling! There are multiple swimming holes and small waterfalls to rinse off in during this time of year. The cool mountain steam water is relaxing and refreshing on a hot sunny day. We saw scarlet macaws flying around the area and lots of butterflies during our first visit. What a great experience to share with friends!

Eco Chantales Watefalls with friends. We had two epic day trips sharing the experience of Eco Chantales Waterfalls with groups of friends! There are dramatic views of the tall waterfall and surrounding scenery. You can stand at the first viewpoint and feel the spray from the large waterfall energizing you and cooling you off. Amazing feeling! There are multiple swimming holes and small waterfalls to rinse off in during this time of year. The cool mountain steam water is relaxing and refreshing on a hot sunny day. We saw scarlet macaws flying around the area and lots of butterflies during our first visit. What a great experience to share with friends!

Eco Chantales Watefalls with friends. We had two epic day trips sharing the experience of Eco Chantales Waterfalls with groups of friends! There are dramatic views of the tall waterfall and surrounding scenery. You can stand at the first viewpoint and feel the spray from the large waterfall energizing you and cooling you off. Amazing feeling! There are multiple swimming holes and small waterfalls to rinse off in during this time of year. The cool mountain steam water is relaxing and refreshing on a hot sunny day. We saw scarlet macaws flying around the area and lots of butterflies during our first visit. What a great experience to share with friends!

Eco Chantales Watefalls with friends. We had two epic day trips sharing the experience of Eco Chantales Waterfalls with groups of friends! There are dramatic views of the tall waterfall and surrounding scenery. You can stand at the first viewpoint and feel the spray from the large waterfall energizing you and cooling you off. Amazing feeling! There are multiple swimming holes and small waterfalls to rinse off in during this time of year. The cool mountain steam water is relaxing and refreshing on a hot sunny day. We saw scarlet macaws flying around the area and lots of butterflies during our first visit. What a great experience to share with friends!

Eco Chantales Watefalls with friends. We had two epic day trips sharing the experience of Eco Chantales Waterfalls with groups of friends! There are dramatic views of the tall waterfall and surrounding scenery. You can stand at the first viewpoint and feel the spray from the large waterfall energizing you and cooling you off. Amazing feeling! There are multiple swimming holes and small waterfalls to rinse off in during this time of year. The cool mountain steam water is relaxing and refreshing on a hot sunny day. We saw scarlet macaws flying around the area and lots of butterflies during our first visit. What a great experience to share with friends!

The stunningly beautiful Nauyaca waterfalls.