#25 Join youth group

Faith is important to me. So is community. And the St. A's young adult group has helped me feel rooted in Miami. We have weekly discussions on faith, and hang out afterwards. We help out on service projects, like serving at a soup kitchen. And every so often, we play volleyball at the beach or at the University of Miami. Pray and play.

#37 See Fairchild Gardens

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a Miami gem. It is home to more than 50 acres of palms, mangroves, agave, orchids, bamboo and ginger plants. Some are native to South Florida. Others come from around the world, from the Caribbean to Madagascar. 

I didn't just see the botanic garden.

I became a member of Fairchild. (Thanks to Groupon!)

I recently made my first visit with my sister E. and can't wait to head back, especially for the chocolate festival and later the mango festival. It is a fascinating escape from the urban grind.

We saw:

Lots of palm trees;

Bright and pretty plants that I don't know the name of;

Fruit so big it grows on the ground;

More crazy fruit; and 

A giant spider on a giant spider web. I'd call her Carlota.

#20 Make own cards

A little card-stock. A little stamp. Some crayons and pen. Et voila!

My signature home-made card.

I love making them. They are nice for thank you notes and birthdays. Or just to say, 'Hi, I'm thinking of you.'

I also like finding photos in magazines that remind me of mis queridos and then building a card around the photo. They're highly amateur, but fun.


To my grandmother:

For a sister: