This week, I’ve had a boatload of things to catch up on after my cruise. I’m still trying to unbury my desk, but I’ve had appointment after appointment. I really needed a vacation after my vacation—time to unwind and empty my head, so I could start fresh with shiny new thoughts, and a shiny, rested new me. Ah well.

Thought I’d share a few photos. For some reason, I didn’t take a lot of pics this trip. This cruise was a little more restful than usual because I went with my mother, and other than the first night’s musical show, she decided to pass on more in favor of sleep—and since she needed lights out, I went to bed early, too. We also napped quite a lot. So why am I so worn out, you ask? I think it’s because I’m an introvert, and every time I stepped out my door there were strangers all around me. It dragged on me. I need to get rich and famous and buy my own yacht because I really do love sailing—just not the host of strangers.

I wish my little travel camera had better focus for this shot, but I love the splash of yellow beside the cruise boat in the distance. If ever I learn to paint well enough, I’m going to paint this scene.

What’s a cruise if you don’t spend some time on a beach, right? This was taken on the Caribbean-facing side of Cozumel Island.

And while the Mayan ruins on Cozumel are smaller than the pyramid at Tulum, I liked the fact the complex they are uncovering in the middle of the island is dedicated to the Moon Goddess. She provided their fertility magic. I know there’s a story in there someplace. No crazy blood-soaked rocks where they practiced human sacrifice. Instead, maidens came there to receive blessings from the goddess in hopes of conceiving…

Every day when I returned to my cabin there was a little friend waiting on my bed. I just love towel pets.

What I should do is take a pic of my desk right now. The stacks of letters and crap is 3 inches deep and spread across my workspace. But amid the chaos there is a bright note. Yes, I bought jewelry and t-shirts on my trip, but honestly, my favorite purchase is my new little friend. He bobs side to side, flapping his leaves. Such a happy little thing.