Green greetings in the new year.

It gives me such a lift to feel that something is beginning that I like to celebrate as many "new" years as I can every year. (Next is Losar, Tibetan new year, on my birthday this year, the 8th February. And, of course, I celebrate Halloween as the witches' new year, at the end of October. What other new years are there?)

As the new calendar year of 2016 begins, I am astonished to see how much I will be traveling in the coming months. Right now, I am on the eve of my first departure of the year: for Costa Rica.

Costa Rica holds a special place in the heart and soul of each person who spends time there. From my first visit, to now – more than a decade, and five visits later – the thrill of this magical place has only grown. The people, the plants, the birds, the jungle, the monkeys, the ancient trees, the ocean, the food, the customs, the dogs . . . bring me endless joy and a quiet peace.

This year, for the second time, I get to share the magic with a small group of women on a Healing Adventure at the gracious residence of my family – Justine Smythe (my daughter), Monica-Jean (her daughter), and David (chef Smythe of the CIA, her husband) – on the Nicoya peninsula. The Nicoya peninsula is a special place within a special place. It is one of only five "blue zones" worldwide; places where people regularly live in health for nine decades or more.

I am not a documentary photographer. I took no photos of last year's activities or group. Instead, I use my camera to study the colors, textures, and shapes of the plants.

Please join me as I share some of my favorite photos from last year in Costa Rica, both on the Nicoya peninsula and at the Edges Conference, where I will be teaching this year.

I hope the joy, and the magic touch you and put a twinkle in your heart.

---

The variations in color and shape are strong in the tropics, but not so great that we can't still tell the difference between a fern and a compound leaf.

Steps along the trail at Capo Blanco, one of our jungle trips on the Healing Adventure.

Cultivated flowers charm with their ability to choose their own color.

What big leaves you have, grandma! The sizes of the plant are awesome.

Small scales hold beautiful surprises.

Like this little gem.