Betty’s Mountain Top

Many years ago, I was working in Jamaica and had a very good friend who was a Diplomat by the name of Kay Baxter (she sadly passed away at very young age) but as we traveled Jamaica, we would talk about growing old and how we wanted an interesting life with interesting people as we age.  We talked about buying an old Hotel in Jamaica and having a Nurse and Doctor on duty and only inviting the people we wanted to be part of our life, and complex! I have never forgotten Kay or our idea!!!

So as I travel, I am beginning to talk about the concept of Betty’s Mountain Top (for lack of better name at this point). Not long after being in Jamaica, my Mother who had been very ill for long time needed a Nursing Home and I became very upset as I looked for decent home with good care and where people where not just sitting around with blank looks on their face! It took me a lot of homes before I found one!

So, this is what I know for sure that Betty’s Mountain Top should have!

1.     Nice weather and sunshine

2.     Safe

3.     Medical resources nearby

4.     Invited guests from around the World (my travelling is excellent because of the people I interact with) without that, not nearly as worthwhile.

5.     Could be one or a number of locations around the world (as someone said, follow the sun)

6.     Could be a Hotel, Retreat Centre

7.     Should have live in as well as day programs (could be Franchise)

8.     programs, could include :

•  International Think Tank
• Mentoring
• Spiritual
•  Art, Music, Theater and Design
• Community Charitable Activities
• World Wide Educational Opportunities
• Acquiring university degrees
• Healing work
• Innovation work
• Physical activity (hiking , walking etc)

A friend of mine had an idea about having Artists in residence and writers in residence programs. Maybe it could be divided up, so many Artists’ studios and so many Writers’ Studios; we could have certain number of spots for gardeners, for people interested in food and cooking! Etc (which will be very important to the hearts and welfare of the guests) plus provide a yummy diet!

I feel also kids need to be somehow in the mix. I remember many years ago, I was involved in the development of a senior’s apartment building. We put a Nursery School on first floor and the seniors volunteered at the school.

As we age I feel we a lot to give back, resources, knowledge and wisdom. I see this place as a combination between a Salon and 1960 commune.

A definition of a Salon that I like –   “A gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through  CONVERSATION!!”

A friend of mine from Mallorca named Manuela (only in her forties) got very excited about concept and sent me the email below, which I love , particularly the  “STOREHOUSE OF KNOWLEDGE” idea.

Hi Betty,

just a brief sharing: I dream’t of Betty’s Mountain Top! It was a big building with big rooms and high ceilings, open to everybody (like a symbol of the world as such in form of a house), where everybody could come and hang out. There was a room with telescopes to watch the stars, a library etc. etc. Symbolically it reflects the spirit of the “Living Museum” a temple dedicated to the muses, and a living storehouse of knowledge. It is already in the process.

Love from the island,

Manuela

At this point in time, I am looking for additions, ideas and comment’s (positive and negative). If you have people you want to pass this onto or people I should talk to, please let me know. Nothing in my life has ever happened in isolation, my Business, Charity, Book, and travel and this will certainly be no exception!

Thank You, for becoming involved in my dream!!

Betty