Introduction
Preparing this book has been a labor of love, a true amateur delight. It first arose out of frustration, for I couldn't find a similar book to answer my questions, and those of our many visitors here in Puerto Vallarta. It grew to become an all-consuming joy for these last months. Because of my academic background, the research has been fascinating, and the disagreements among experts on nomenclature and care, familiar. Because of my background in the arts, the process of photography and design has been absolutely delightful and fulfilling.. The primary challenge has been what to omit of the incredibly beautiful, graceful, and occasionally, odd flowers, plants and that are everywhere in this tropical wonderland.
The book is arranged alphabetically, by what I found to be the primary name of the plant. The Index includes for many of the plants here, more than one name. In addition to the English and Latin names, natives and visitors have a variety of names for many of these plants and flowers, and some of the vernacular names they declined to tell me for reasons of politeness. I've chosen the most familiar as the primary name, and am more than ready to make adjustments as needed should another edition be in the works after all my errors come to light. Similarly, of the roughly 50,000 species of plants in Mexico, only a few more than a hundred appear here. For the most part, I've chosen plants closely associated with tropical Mexico in the visitor's mind, those commonly used in landscaping, a few imported plants I was especially charmed by, and some of those plants the visitor or resident might see on a tour off the beaten path as well. There is clearly room for many an additional reference to supplement this small start. My hope is that this slim volume will add to your joy, cause you to more fully celebrate life on this wondrous planet, and answer at least a few of your questions.
How To Use This Book
If you've the leisure and interest, you might choose a relaxing spot and simply flip through the book, looking for photographs of plants you've wondered about. If you prefer a more efficient process, the Index lists the common name, Latin name, and alternative names I've discovered for each entry. The book is alphabetical to make the most of the index cross-references. My intent has been to provide some information on use and cultivation, with the occasional note of interest as I became aware of such items. For further detail, there is a brief bibliography. In addition, the reader is encouraged to explore the many online resources, exercising some caution as to accuracy.
Letters to My Granddaughters is an inspirational self-help guide to many of life's most complex and challenging issues, from understanding and celebrating love, to the wisdom of having it all. The topics grew from participant feedback in the author's more than 3000 seminars, and are designed to encourage and assist not only her own granddaughters, but all those who search with open hearts and wondering minds for the secrets of life. Each letter/essay is introduced with topical bullet points for ease of use, and all are accompanied by workbook questions for direct application to daily life.
Ms. Trapp has done something we all want to do, not only with our children, but our grandchildren as well. She has authored a wonderful book of wisdom and guidance to her granddaughters on all of our life questions and thoughts.
Some of the areas she has included in her book are love, forgiveness, setting goals and emotions that get in our way. Each lesson comes from over 300 seminars that the author has given, along with feedback from the audience. Her gentle style, humor and examples are easy-to-read and understand. She also provides questions at the end of each lesson for further thought and action.
The reader not only found "Letters to My Granddaughters: Insights and Inspiration for a Life Journey" by Linda Abbott Trapp helpful for herself, but it gave her ideas on addressing complicated issues with her own grown children. Everyone who reads this inspiring book can relate to the lessons.