an Artist's place in Recoleta to call home for a while

tonight one day before Christmas which is and is not a big deal for me at the same time I find myself in this gorgeous home of Elena Salinas,  an Argentine abstract painter,  who is now in New York and was kind enough to rent her gorgeous,  impeccable place to me.  
http://translate.google.com.ar/translatehl=es&langpair=en%7Ces&u=http://www.wardnasse.org/3000p.htm
Her Art is everywhere in her home and I wonder how I could have been so lucky to find this place amongst all there is in Buenos Aires,  in Recoleta,  one of the most beautiful,  well situated neighborhoods.   Almost did I fall into the trap of the perfect condo with pool, gym, concierge,  dry cleaning service etc at less rent when I realized - so functional,  so corporate,   so many cute people at the pool, so slick,  no soul.   I walked away from it only to find myself walking barefoot on this gorgeous parket floor practicing Tango steps in this traditionally cut Buenos Aires apartment with its high ceilings,  funky elevator entrance and longish kitchen while gazing in amazement at one piece of Art after the other.   Not only does Elena keep a few of her pieces in her Buenos Aires home,  she also has an impeccable collection of pieces from all kinds of artists.  I am blessed blessed blessed and so appreciate what the universe has send to me for Christmas.  The perfect place to start on the book project,   deepen my Spanish and learn how to dance the Tango.  Around the corner is the most inspiring bookstore with a cafe which is a former theater I am in a more quiet tree lined street yet steps away from High Street.   There is not one piece in this household that has not been hand-selected.    Such joy to experience such honor to explore.   This is my home for at least 12 weeks or so and I could not be happier.  There is a guest room so I just asked the universe for lovely visitors to see me in Buenos Aires.
The realtor said this afternoon Elena really did not want to let to anybody in and she was keen in getting me as a tenant.   This afternoon I called her in the States as I needed the WiFi key and she said,  what took you so long, I am glad you finally moved in.  Wow.  I guess it is all meant to be.   So I took a few pictures of the place that will not do the atmosphere any justice.   One transforming woman in heaven.  After weeks on friends' sofas,  in guest rooms and hotel rooms I finally unpacked,  followed my friend Su King's advice and savored every moment of it,  went grocery shopping in Buenos Aires for the first time and had a real home made meal.   As much as I love my wings and traveling as needed and grounding are the roots,  so glad I can finally relax for a while.     Thinking a little deeper on what was needed to get here I need to mention my friend Nancy Spicer,  herself and Artist and my mentor and inspiration when it comes to timing and being courageous enough to wait for the right moment.   Just wait until you know it is right she keeps reminding me.   Same goes for Leni Jebsen who introduced me to the Tango,  slowly, tranquila,   if you think it is time wait just a little longer ....  how precious yet challenging this learning to slow myself down.   I guess my fear has always been to become too slow.   And then what is too slow and who defines that and what a missed opportunity might be or look like.   Moving to this country has been one of the best decisions I made and this is the scary part - I have only been here for 12 days.... next to come - some observations on Christmas in Argentina....