Category Archives: About me

Belize part 3: Martz Farm

April 22, 2015

Part 3 of the Belize trip is when we headed into the jungle. See previous 2 posts for part 1 and 2. We left Caye Caulker on the water taxi and met our driver in Belize City. He drove us the 2 hours inland to Martz Farm where we would be staying for the next 4 days. Once we settled in we got to go our a horseback ride around the property. The “property” turned out to be the jungle where the trees are close together, the ground is very muddy, and there are pokey plants that are not meant to be touched. I got to ride Peanut-she was small like me and we got along well. I especially liked that she snacked on grass the entire time. We rode to an overlook and also to the top of a large hill just as a rainbow was emerging. The ride was way more advanced than any I’d ever been on but it was really fun and the horses knew just what to do.

The next day we went on a private pontoon ride along the river. On the walk there we got a bit of a nature talk which was super interesting. When we got to the river the sun was shining and it was the perfect day for exploring. We rode along the peaceful river looking for birds and animals before doing a bit of exploring. We saw a few waterfalls (one of which everyone jumped off but me) and then we pulled over to explore a bit of a lagoon. That was probably my hightlight of the day. We were essentially climbing up a series of waterfalls and pools. I loved all the little pockets of water and seriously I could have stayed there all day long.

One of the best things about staying at Martz Farm is that it’s such a family affair. Joe, one of the owners, took us horseback riding and his brother was the one who took us on the river and Miriam, Joe’s wife, made sure we all had everything we needed and made us the most delicious meals. For both breakfast and dinner we would all gather in the cooking hut and sit around a large table talking about the day to come or the adventures we had been on. It was so cozy and peaceful in there. I especially loved that no one was on their phone and we were all just so present with each other.

On our last full day at the farm Joe took us on a cave adventure. The coolest thing about the cave was that it was not a tourist attraction so once again it was just the 4 of us plus Joe. We also got to ride the horses again on our way to the mouth of the cave. It was pretty cool exploring the cave. The first room we entered was so much larger than I would have thought from the outside. It as pretty incredible. We looked at pieces of pottery, mineral deposits, rock formations and even silk worms-super cool. We continued on into the cave through small crevices and every time I was surprised with the size of the room on the other side. We spent a few hours in the cave before making our way out. We had a very late lunch and then headed back to the farm.

On the day we left the farm we took some time to explore the farm and the river running through it. We then said our goodbyes before Miriam took us into town to do a bit of shopping and eating. The place she recommended for lunch was super good. It was a little taco stand that seemed pretty popular. Also the fresh juice was incredible. After lunch she took us to the tiny airport so we could head off on our next adventure.

Belize part 2: ambergris caye

April 8, 2015

A couple of weeks ago I shared the first part of our Belize trip (it’s the previous post if you want to take a look) about our time on Caye Caulker. During our stay we look a day trip to Ambergris Caye and I was even more glad we decided not to stay longer. It was fun but I much preferred the laid back atmosphere on Caye Caulker.

We walked around the main area near where the ferry lets off but the day was heating up and we really wanted to be near or in the water. I had heard of a bar that’s at the end of a dock called Palapa Bar and Grill that had inner tubes you could lay in and drink beer. It was pretty much all I wanted to do. After discovering it was a few miles away we chose to rent a golf cart. It was well worth it because we had so much fun riding around the island on it.

I was super excited when we pulled up to the bar because it was exactly what I had imagined from what I had seen, inner tubes and all!

We sat on the upper deck and ordered fancy tropical drinks and lunch. The water and sky and breeze were perfect and we got a bit of relief from the sun. It’s such a great moment when the things you’ve been dreaming about and planning are finally happening. I was pretty pumped.

Everyone was pretty content to hang out on the dock but I was determined to get in the water and on those darn inner tubes! I headed out into the water and climbed in and enjoyed my beer. A few minutes later Walker decided he wanted to lower a bucket of beer down to me. He used the rope provided and once it was down he had me go get it. The water was kind of deep so it was a bit of a struggle and I just about got salt water in all the beers but I made it back to the inner tubes. Once I was back on I realized my side was stinging. Walker tried to convince me I was fine (which yes I was) but my side my stinging anyhow. We finally concluded that I was stung by my first jellyfish. It stung for a few hours on and off but no harm done. Apparently the little suckers hang out in the sea grasses that you can see floating around my tube. So, yes, do go here and get in the tubes but just watch out for the grasses and the jellies.

After Palapa we rode farther down the island in the opposite direction and went to anther bar on the water. We couldn’t stay for long though because the cart was due back. The golf cart ride in itself was an adventure so it was ok plus we got to finish our drinks on the ride (except the driver of course). We returned the cart and water taxied it back to Caye Caulker.

I mentioned in my last post that I wore a Belize necklace on our trip and it was a great reminder of the fun we had and my first tropical vacation when I returned. If you are looking for a great way to remember a special time or place head over to the shop.

Ohsoantsy at renegade austin

March 11, 2015

^I was customizing necklaces on the spot by adding the hand cut heart. It was a little stressful to do it with people watching but well worth it to see how excited they were.

In November I was a vendor at Renegade Austin. It was super exciting for many reasons but the top 2 were:

1. It was my very first craft show.

2. It was in Austin-a place I had called home and where my business actually had begun.

I spent about 6 weeks making a display (which was both stressful and fun) and making as many Texas Necklaces as I could. When the weekend arrived I was so nervous because I had no idea what to expect. But as with most things my nerves quickly went away and I just enjoyed talking with all of the super nice people who came to the show that day. Seriously everyone was so nice! Probably one of the reasons I love Texas so much.

It was a super great learning experience for me and one I would absolutely do again. And guess what? Renegade is coming to Seattle! The dates are on my calendar and I will be applying just as soon as the applications open. I can’t wait!

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