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Tag: Candace Rae

Uxmal: Where Magic Reigns Supreme (And It’s Not Just the Ruins)
If you crave a truly magical experience, a place where ancient history whispers on the wind and nature intertwines with stone, Uxmal is your destination. This isn’t just another archaeological site; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power and mystery of the Mayan civilization.
Uxmal stands as a beacon of preserved Mayan grandeur. Its architecture, characterized by the intricate Puuc style, is a masterclass in design and craftsmanship. The Pyramid of the Magician, with its rounded corners and imposing presence, is a sight that will leave you breathless. The Governor’s Palace and the Nunnery Quadrangle, with their delicate stone mosaics, speak to a level of artistry that transcends time.
But Uxmal’s magic extends far beyond its stunning architecture. Unlike the crowded, often chaotic atmosphere of other popular sites, Uxmal exudes a sense of peace and tranquility. Here, you can truly connect with the past, feeling the weight of centuries and the vibrant energy that once pulsed through these ancient stones.
My first visit to Uxmal was a transformative experience. We arrived to a gentle drizzle, which quickly escalated into a full-blown downpour. Perched atop one of the structures, we found ourselves caught in the heart of the storm. Instead of seeking shelter, I felt an irresistible urge to embrace the moment. I ran out into the rain, spinning and laughing, and my youngest son joined me. There we were, spinning in the rain amidst the ancient ruins, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. That’s the magic of Uxmal – it has a way of drawing you into its embrace, of making you feel alive in the presence of history.
Giant iguanas, the true guardians of this ancient city, roam freely throughout the site. Basking on the warm stones and peering down from the ruins, they add a touch of wildness and wonder to the experience. Their regal demeanor and prehistoric appearance make them a highlight of any visit.
Climbing the steep steps of the pyramids, exploring hidden corners, and discovering intricate carvings is an adventure in itself. The site encourages exploration, allowing you to forge your own path and uncover its secrets. Uxmal offers a sense of freedom and discovery, making it a truly immersive experience. Each time I return, I find something new – a hidden detail, a different perspective, a moment of quiet reflection.
If you want to experience the true magic of the Yucatán, skip the crowds and head to Uxmal. You won’t regret it.
A Friendly Warning & Travel Tips:
If you find yourself overcome with the urge to hug one of Uxmal’s ancient trees (and trust me, you might!), be aware that they’re often home to a multitude of vibrant red beetles. I learned this lesson firsthand—let’s just say my face had a very up-close-and-personal encounter!
Just outside the gates of Uxmal, you’ll find a handful of artisan shops worth exploring. I highly encourage you to step inside, especially the small art shop tucked away among them. Inside, you may just stumble upon a local painter whose work captures the very essence of the Yucatán. His name escapes me, but maybe that’s part of the adventure—go in, browse, and see if you can uncover a hidden masterpiece of your own.
If you crave a truly magical experience—a place where ancient history whispers on the wind and nature intertwines with stone—Uxmal is your destination. This isn’t just another archaeological site; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power and mystery of the Mayan civilization.
For those who wish to extend their Uxmal experience beyond a day trip, here is a hotels to consider:
Hotels in the area:
https://www.mayaland.com
March 20, 2025
Cancel Culture: The Social Isolation That No One Talks About
Have you ever felt like your world was turned upside down overnight? One moment, you’re living your dream life—surrounded by friends, family, and community. The next, you’re left to pick up the pieces, feeling like an outsider in your own life.
That’s how I felt when cancel culture hit our family, and it left me with more than just emotional scars. It left me questioning the very people I thought I could count on, and it made me realize just how much we take our social circles for granted.
From Parties to Silence: The Sudden Shift
One of the hardest things to cope with during this time wasn’t just the financial fallout or the upheaval in our daily life—it was the social isolation.
You know those days when your house is the gathering spot for friends, where there’s always laughter, music, and the comfort of familiar faces? That was us. We had people over all the time, sharing food, drinks, and laughs. It was our way of staying connected. But when everything changed, so did those connections.
It wasn’t just that friends stopped coming by. It was that they disappeared. We went from being surrounded by people to suddenly being completely alone. And that hurt more than anything else.
The Social Death You Don’t See Coming
When you’re in the middle of a crisis, the last thing you expect is to be abandoned by those closest to you. But that’s exactly what happened.
It wasn’t even that they actively rejected us—it was that they ignored us. It was as if, overnight, we didn’t matter anymore. No check-ins. No calls. No visits. And in the moments when I needed to feel supported the most, I felt invisible.
If you’ve ever experienced this type of social fallout, you know it’s like a kind of social death. You’re still physically here, but you’re erased. It’s a painful reality that no one really talks about.
The Weight of Being Forgotten
That kind of isolation is heavy. At first, I kept telling myself it was fine. I had to. I had no choice. But deep down, I was struggling to understand how easily people could walk away when times got tough. How quickly they could erase the bond you thought was strong.
And in the silence, I realized something: We take community for granted. We lean on others for support, validation, and connection. But when that support is gone, it’s not just a loss of friendship—it’s a loss of identity.
Rebuilding from the Ashes
But as difficult as it was, the experience taught me something important. You can rebuild. It’s hard. It’s painful. But you have the power to put the pieces of your life back together.
Therapy helped me unpack the trauma. I started to see the patterns of survival that had become my default mode. But healing isn’t a straight path—it’s messy. It’s not about “getting over” things but about learning how to move forward in a new way.
To Anyone Feeling Lost: You’re Not Alone
If you’re reading this and you feel like you’re walking through fire, surviving on autopilot, or questioning your place in the world: You’re not alone. Cancel culture can feel like a force you can’t control. But what you can control is your journey of healing.
The road to recovery isn’t easy, and it’s certainly not linear. But each small step forward is a victory. You are worthy of peace. You are worthy of rebuilding your life, your relationships, and your happiness on your own terms.
🌟 Remember, you’re stronger than you think, and it’s okay to stop and seek help along the way. Rebuild at your own pace, and know that you have the power to reclaim your peace—even when it feels impossible.
January 17, 2025
Building a Life: That Feels Like Folklore
Sometimes, when the world feels heavy and the noise of life grows too loud, I slip into a daydream. Not just any daydream—it’s my heart’s true calling, my wish, my wild and whimsical hope.
What I really want is to become local folklore.
Imagine it: a weathered stone cottage perched on a cliff, overlooking the endless blue of the ocean. Salt clings to the air, and wildflowers bloom in every color, weaving around the windows and doorway like nature’s embrace. The waves crash rhythmically against the rocks below, singing a song older than time.
Barefoot, I step outside, my toes sinking into the cool, golden sand. I greet the morning with a steaming cup of coffee pressed warmly between my hands, the sea breeze tangling my hair and carrying whispers of far-off places. A tide pool glistens nearby, teeming with tiny, magical worlds that mirror the vastness of the ocean itself.
Inside the cottage, my world is one of magic and wonder. Shelves brimming with books fill my library, their worn spines and yellowed pages holding stories, secrets, and spells. An apothecary lines another room, with jars of sea glass, dried seaweed, and tinctures neatly arranged—each one a tiny universe of healing and enchantment.
A sunlit conservatory adjoins the cottage, bursting with greenery and blooms. It’s my haven of growth and renewal, a place where the line between land and sea blurs, and miracles feel as natural as the tide.
Every morning, a beach chicken named Gizmo visits, perching on my windowsill with feathers that shimmer like the light on water. Gizmo, along with a few cheeky pelicans, brings me whispers of the world, secrets carried on the wind and waves. These gifts are sacred treasures, shared between the ocean’s magic and me.
I am no ordinary woman here; I am a friend of the sea spirits, bound by ancient tides and sacred pacts with the merfolk who guard this stretch of coast. At night, I dance with my lover beneath a sky of infinite stars, the moonlight painting silver trails on the waves. Together, we laugh and spin, wild and free, our joy as eternal as the ocean itself.
People come to my little sanctuary seeking the peace only the sea can offer. They sit by the water’s edge, letting the crashing waves soothe their restless souls. I open my heart to listen, and they leave lighter, carrying with them a touch of the magic that lives here.
My life is simple yet profound. It’s a symphony of connection—to the sea, to my family, to the unseen threads of wonder that weave through all things. The ocean is my community, the sun my clock, and the tides my guide. I don’t just live here; I belong here.
For now, this cottage lives in my heart, on Pinterest boards, and in the small steps I take each day. A new tincture here, another plant there, more stories read and more dreams whispered. My apothecary grows, my heart stays open, and the birds—well, they’re still whispers of hope passed on by my cats and sometimes Gizmo!
But maybe, just maybe, this dream isn’t so far away. Perhaps one day, as I inch closer to my goals, I’ll wake up to find myself truly living the life I’ve imagined.
And who knows? Maybe someday, someone will sit by the sea, telling the story of a woman who became the heart of the coast—a tale passed down through generations until I truly become the local folklore I’ve always dreamed of being.
Much love, Candace.
All photos featured in this post are taken by Vanessa Mayberry. Please visit her website.
December 19, 2024