I was starving…for two essential things. Nutrition AND a true friend. After several years of jungle living, my relentless focus on building the Tailwind Jungle Lodge had compromised my health and my social life (don’t make this mistake, balance is key!). Exhausted, I finally hired on some helping hands, learned to delegate, and sought a healthier routine. My first stop? A new farmer’s market that had just been created in Sayulita, a nearby surfing community.

As I meandered through the colorful market to a stand that was overloaded with radiant organic greens—what a delight to see kale after years of enduring iceberg lettuce! Beneath the table, a golden retriever wagged her tail happily while a naturally beautiful young woman wearing a charmingly tattered straw hat greeted me with a warm smile.

“I think I need to know you…” I said to her the golden retriever held out her paw to shake hands.