Changed for the Best ...

 

 

The fact is that things overall do not change for the better,

only individuals do.

 

Stuart Wilde

AFFIRMATIONS

 

 

Here in Key West a few of the specialty shops I once enjoyed are  now vacant. This happens most anywhere especially with the economy being so challenging these last few years. With many thanks, Besame Mucho is still thriving. It is one of my most favorite shops, if not favorite gift shop. It offers very unique and expensive trinkets from Turkey and other far away places. Every time we visit Key West something special from this shop comes home with us.

 

Besame Mucho is on Petronia Street just a few steps down from BLUE HEAVEN in the Bahama Village.  BLUE HEAVEN used to be just an old local restaurant, but over the last 20 years it has flourished.  One wouldn't know it by its outside decor ... random tables and chairs, roosters strutting around, live jazz ... but it has quite the bar and excellent food.  They make their own granola, banana bread and pastries.  The breakfasts are incredible as well as their lunch and dinner seafood specials.

 

Only one cruise ship was in today, but we walked down to  the port anyway.  Sitting in the scant shade by the ocean, a multitude of people were returning to the Carnival Fantasy Ship.  There are so many young people scantily dressed with their fine toned bodies while the elderly are dressed in their own version of comfort.  Everyone seems to be talking on cell phones with new purchases gathered in the other hand.  All of them seem to be hurrying to get in line to re-board the cruise ship.

 

Lazy.  I want to be lazy and not hurry anywhere, especially to be held captive on a ship.  I will laze away this sunny day with the presence of those around me as well as the ocean, seagulls, and beautiful blue sky.  I have changed over the years from an extrovert to a hermit. I am easily entertained by Mother Nature resulting in a more peaceful state of mind and a more calm nature.  Some how I have discovered a greater sense of self and I just want to be. I think I have changed for the best.

 

Sunset Celebration, Key West

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do

by the things you did do.  So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover.      Mark Twain

 

 

To attend the Sunset Celebration in Key West is truly an experience.  It is held every evening at Mallery Square. There are a variety of musicians singing or playing instruments, artists displaying their work, jugglers, mimes, and vendors galore.  The best attraction, however, is the gorgeous sun gently falling down into the ocean.  It truly is a remarkable site. 

 

Standing at the edge of the ocean, I watch the sailboats glide by and then yachts bigger than my imagination head for other destinations.  In time, my eyes become mesmerized by the rays of the brilliant sun.  My skin feels that special warmth of sunshine and my nose sniffs the salty ocean air.  My ears begin to  filter out all of the various languages competing with the music and the audience's applause. 

 

Blocking everything possible out, I can feel the sun pulling me to blend with its magnificent glow.  My inner light grows and extends out, reaching for the sun.  For a short time I journey with the falling sun, until it seems to be absorbed by the waves of the ocean.  I immediately feel the absence of the sun, and even though surrounded by others, I am left feeling alone.

 

During the winter in Illinois, I miss the sun shining on my face.  To not feel the warmth of the sun I begin to shrivel rather than coming alive each day from  a good stretch and reach for the sun.  I feel as though I am a plant beginning to wither.

 

Laughter and music begin to call me back to the celebration.  Mingling with so many people alerts me of my need to leave the ever growing crowd.  The slow long walk back to our little rented abode gives me ample time to store the rays of the sun warmly within me until I  can greet the next day.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Clean Slate



 

 

I live in my own little world.

But its ok, they know me here.
Lauren Myracle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traveling by airplane is very stressful for me.  I am intimidated by going through screenings based on nothing but irrational fear.  I am always early and relieved to sit by the appropriate gate, hoping flights won't be canceled or delayed.  I never feel quite secure until I am finally strapped in my seat.  I have no fear of flying preferring the speed of take-off to the jolt of landing. 

 

Arriving in Key West, descending the stairs of the airplane, anticipation spreads through my being.  I will go with the flow, follow a loosely structured day, welcoming every spontaneous event.  I will breathe in the warm air, soak up the sunshine, and delight in the diversity I find so endearing in this special place of mine.  I am much the same here, and I just blend in, being the observer of a life so different and carefree.  The creative energy surging through the art galleries, eateries, musicians, and kindred spirits seems to lift my spirits to a level where I can soar.

 

Our living quarters are quite small compared to our Illinois home, but they support the effort to live minimally without clutter and distraction.  I settle my clothes, find a place for my journals and lap top, and wander to the porch ... a perfect hideaway to use my iPad and dream.  In bare feet I walk through thick grass to the small heated pool and let my feet uncoil in the pleasure of the water in this small private garden of a yard.

 

This will be my home, although void of all my personal treasures ... family pictures, books, old journals and collections.  There is nothing but freedom here waiting for me.  No responsibilities or expectations or commitments.  Free to be a different me without associations, labels, or recognition. 

 

This is an opportunity to begin a new beginning.  The slate is clean waiting for the newness of this authentic and  inspirational adventure.  Oh, I can hardly believe I have yet once again returned to my lovely Key West!

A Month's Departure ...



“The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. Maybe they always have been and will be. Maybe we've lived a thousand lives before this one and in each of them we've found each other. And maybe each time, we've been forced apart for the same reasons. That means that this goodbye is both a goodbye for the past ten thousand years and a prelude to what will come.”

Nicholas Sparks

THE NOTEBOOK

We are departing today for a month's stay in my favorite Old Town in Key West (of course Florida).  Russ and I have traveled to St. Thomas, Hot Air Ballooned in Fairbanks, then an Alaskan cruise, New Orleans, a few monthly trips to Hawaii, and numerous trips to Key West.  Even though my trips to Hawaii have been spiritual journeys, Key West remains my favorite! 

We walk everywhere ... to the harbor, the  port for cruise ships, Bahama Village, most Southern tip of the island, and of course the main drag, Duval Street.  There are museums, art galleries, an outstanding butterfly garden, an aquarium, the Hemingway Home, and an intriguing old cemetery.  There are old cathedrals, a library with beautiful outdoor settings, musical entertainment, and great shopping for unique gifts and funky clothes! We try to avoid the tourist traps and late night drinking at the Hog Breath Saloon or Sloppy Joe's. We will be attending the Waterfront Playhouse, the Red Barn Theater, and a benefit concert by (Noel Paul Stookey) Paul from Peter, Paul and Mary.  The Willie Nelson concert is already sold out! 

Every night at the Sunset Festival there will be mimes, jugglers, the cat man, gymnasts, magicians and various other performers.  Many vendors will be selling anything from popcorn to margaritas.  A variety of artists will be offering their original jewelry, pottery, clothing, paintings, photos, with even a psychic or two.  The list really is endless.

There are so many places to eat, but we have our favorites that typically serve outdoors in garden  areas.  There is Blue Heaven, Pepes, B.O.'s Fish Wagon, Harpoon Harry's, Turtle Kraals, Mangia-Mangia, Michaels, Sarabeth's, Bagatelles, Conch Republic Seafood Company,  Louie's Backyard, Seven Fish, and Abbadonza's, to name just a few. The ferry will take us to an island to dine at Lattitude's or we drive to Stock Island to eat great food at a bar named  Hog Fish.  My favorite Cuban sandwich is a carry out from Five Brothers.

To use one word to describe Key West, it would be diversity.  It is a splendid mix of people from all different paths of life.  It offers history and a culture all of its own.  As you can tell, there is a wide variety of activities to choose from.  I am hoping the open air yoga studio is back  (it wasn't last time) and I have a gift certificate for the Pra Na Spa.  Mid-afternoon we will be relaxing (napping, reading, writing) from our excursions by the edge of our small heated back yard pool.  The little home we have secured offers a wonderful back porch with an over hang and comfy lounges  for day dreaming and planning our next adventure.

And nothing makes a return visit better than friends.  We will once again be visiting with Sandy and Bill who live on the neighboring island key, Sugar Loaf.  They are wonderful co-conspirators and we will explore everything from Key West Home Tours to Big Pine Flea Markets.  We are able to enjoy the 'local' atmosphere and out of way places with their expert guidance.  Besides, they really are fun folks!

My this all sounds overwhelming and yet I know the month will unfold slowly, casually, and mixed with rich opportunities.  It is a very laid back community and we plan on fitting right in.