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Nadine's avatar

Rodolfo sounds like a standup Contractor B. And I love the details you added in this story. It's like reading a novel!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks Nadine! My writing group, long ago now, was calling it creative non-fiction. I’d never heard the term before but now, think that’s what it is. I appreciate your comments!

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Priya Iyer's avatar

I’m hooked, Jeanine! I can’t wait to hear which plot you will choose.

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Tinashe D. Ndhlovu's avatar

"Once we became objective, we looked at Alejandro’s land deal as a long-term investment—something we could hold onto for the future."

Perseverance and flexibility in the face of challenges! I enjoyed the read, Jeanine.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks Tinashe. Trying to make lemons into lemonade!

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Tinashe D. Ndhlovu's avatar

True, It is so important to remember there is always another choice or path.

I can't wait to find out how the Alejandro story unfolds.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks Tinashe. I think we became objective b/c we're basically optimists at heart, and we liked Alejandro. He'd just been dealt a bad hand (for a while) but at that moment for our 'vision quest,' we had to push on. He truly did have vision, and energy.

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Kimber S Prewit's avatar

Loving this, Jeanine! Reading this post and the post before the eclipse post is making me want to find your book, order it, and read it! Excited for the next chapter💞💜

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks Kimber! Glad you're enjoying it. Today's post is on the influence the Maya had on Frank Lloyd Wright. Think you'll find it interesting.

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Daniel Catena's avatar

A great story with lots of vivid imagery. I was riveted from the very beginning. I'm glad you found a more trustworthy connection in Rodolfo. It's sad to hear so many people didn't have insurance to protect their homes.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thank you Daniel. Just a note—in Mexico all is not as it seems—stay tuned!!

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Daniel Catena's avatar

I'm excited for the next chapter!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thank you Daniel. This week Friday’s post is on how Frank Lloyd Wright was influenced by the Maya, but the following week I get back to my memoir. Stay tuned!

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David W. Zoll's avatar

Great story! Enjoying it!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks David!

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Lana's avatar

Another great read! I can hardly wait to read your next post. Thank you, Jeanine!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thank you Lana!

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

So enjoying hearing this story again. I like how you've distilled it down. Fun!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thank you Jennifer! Substack style.

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Barbra Bishop's avatar

So enjoy reading about your journey and commitment to become home owners on Mexico's beautiful Caribbean Sea. Is it possible those remaining dock pilings as seen in the photo captioned "Remnants of Alejandro's dock after Gilberto" are still there and I wonder if they are the ones we saw in November on that same beach location? Wow! If so, that's quite incredulous knowing the history. I think I have a photo of that spot and if I find it I'll share with you.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Former Hotel La Ceiba owns Alejandro's old property (now called Desire). For a long while they kept Jacinto's Maya pyramid style cottage, while La Ceiba ran it.

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Barbra Bishop's avatar

Ok, good reference, I'll check a map!

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Marlo Leaman's avatar

Way to take the bull by the horns, Jeanine! Not waiting for Alejandro to get his act together, and beginning 'again' on your own-Can't wait for the next installment!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks Marlo--from one who KNOWS! The agony and the ecstasy. I know he meant well but fate stepped in on him, on several occasions!

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Mike Leavy's avatar

Good for you for taking the reins! I was wondering how the Alejandro collaboration would end up. I still don't know how the outcome came about, but it seems like the clouds are parting!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Ja ja ja, Mike! Took a while but things do finally take a turn for the better. Time-consuming though. Of course, it Is on Mexican time ):

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

Thanks for sharing this adventure. I love reading about it ... after the fact!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks Joyce!

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Cosmic Camille's avatar

Did you get your memoir published? Or did you publish yourself??

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

I self-published. I'd seen Dan Poynter, self publishing guru, speak at a writers conference. His book Self-Publishing Manual became my bible. I also self-published my Maya 2012 Revealed non-fiction and 2 fiction thrillers. It's a good way to go and mainstream now. If you ever decide to go indie, let me know. It's a process but not unachievable at all. Always though get an editor if you self-publish - worth every penny, and professional cover art.

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Good advice Jeanine!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Definitely, Jennifer! Especially when they’ve got a pro in their editor corner like I did with my fiction. Hats 🎩 off to one of the best!

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Gracias amiga, xxoo your editor

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Cosmic Camille's avatar

Ooh, thanks for the info! I've got a chick lit / romcom I've been working on for several years and I have several versions of it haha, but I've been thinking more and more about self-publishing since lit agents keep giving me the slip. I'll definitely be reaching out about self-publishing soon!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Oh how fun! It sounds great! My editor is very good, found her through a MX writers group, highly recommended. I'm sure you could wield your way easily through the maze of self-publishing. And believe me, you are not alone of the agent thing. Publishing has changed so much since Amazon came on the scene. And of the big 5, NYC, I think only one is now independently owned still. So much rides on their picks, they don't have the leisure of going out on a limb at all these days. They pick the biggies. Times change.

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Apr 14, 2024
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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Dear Jodie, this is so wonderful, hearing from someone who’s actually been in Alma Libre Libros! I hope we were still there. What year? Yes, we did have one killer selection of used books. Cool you were right down the road in Playa! You’ll enjoy the serialization as I go into how we set up the bookshop, long before we even got to Mexico. Thanks for subscribing, amiga!!!! Saludos!

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Jodie Morgan's avatar

Hola Jeanine. Back in 2016 and again in 2019 :) I look forward to reading your posts.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Oh great. We were re-retired by then.

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