Two months have passed since my November, 2008 trip to Costa Rica and it is with joy and sadness that I share a small sampling of my many photos. Although I've traveled to other origin lands before, this was the first time I was led to a place - at least in part - by coffee.

For any willing observer, Costa Rica reveals its beauty around every turn - in vibrant color, with exotic sounds, and a sensory overload of scents and flavors. As is said, it's Pura Vida (literally "pure life") in myriad forms from the super-sized creepy crawlies and elusive howler monkeys to the gracefully cascading waterfalls and the explosive rock flinging volcanoes. Unfortunately, such power can often lead to tragedy as it did this past week in the Vara Blanca area of Costa Rica. We had an idyllic time at Peace Lodge Waterfall Gardens, which was right at the epicenter of a powerful 6.2 earthquake and by all accounts now seems to be inhabitable.

It's a good reminder to seize the day and hold onto your memories! Live fully in the present and don't waste a moment. Change can come in the blink of an eye.