This is my husband Jon Walker (he is the larger of...

This is my husband Jon Walker (he is the larger of the two adorable creatures pictured above, the other is Neighbor’s new kitten, Jasper). Jon is a musician and has been writing and playing in bands since before I met him over a decade ago. He came to Costa Rica with the intention of working on songs, and has since written enough to fill an album and then some. He continues to create, jotting lyrics down in a worn-out notebook while absently strumming his acoustic, but often, he finds himself trying to stay busy while anxiously awaiting our return to Chicago where he will get to record aforementioned songs…

Awhile back we tagged along with Neighbor to Open Mic Night at Organico, a vegan-friendly bar/cafe in Montezuma Centro that makes a fantastic cappuccino. We were impressed by both the local and the traveling talent and genuinely surprised to find great live music tucked away in the jungle since so many open mics in the city had been awkward and lame. When my parents came to visit, we took them to the show and the margaritas at the happy hour beforehand encouraged Jon to hop up on the stage and play a few of his new demos for them. The entire crowd was appreciative and Jon was glad, determined to come back a little more sober and a little more practiced.

He kept his promise and dedicated his days to perfecting a few short sets filled with new demos, old songs and some covers. When we returned to Open Mic Night the following week, Jon found himself onstage the entire time, playing his sets and accompanying other musicians on guitar, drums, bass, and sometimes even bass and kick drum at the same time. The crew of local musicians seemed more than happy to initiate new blood into the group and Jon’s years of touring allowed him to humbly yet effortlessly set up microphones and tune guitars, helping out in any way he could. As I stared at him, all sweaty and concentrated, I smiled. This was what Jon loves most about music: playing and collaborating, speaking a language that only other musicians can speak but that everyone can appreciate. He lives for the act of picking up an instrument and turning it into a song and truly appreciates when he comes in contact with others that can help him do just that. As I sat in the audience sharing drinks and laughs with the band’s significant others, I was reminded once again: The more things change, the more they stay the same.