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Friday, July 29, 2005
Life's A Beach . . .
We're back from the beach . . . that was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do -- to leave the beach! Being near the water has such a relaxing, calming effect on me. Every morning, I was up very early (my body was still on eastern time and the B&B was on central time) and I was out on the beach (which was just out the door, down the boardwalk from our porch, and right out onto the sand) to walk along the water, picking up shells, and just letting the sound of the waves crashing in give my mind a chance to un-wind, relax and wander (wonder). Each evening, just before dusk, I repeated this ritual again - minus the shell-gathering - to un-wind from the day and have time to think. After my morning walks, it was back to the suite for a shower, then up to the main house for breakfast. The B&B owners presented some very tasty treats each morning. In addition to breakfast, our suite kitchen was stocked with loads of snacks, and the fridge was filled with sodas, beers, wines, water, and juices. If you ran low on anything, you could go up to the main house and get whatever you needed from the kitchen, or let the owners know if you needed something that wasn't available. After breakfast, it was back to the suite, into our bathing suits, and down to the beach for 2-3 hours of lounging, reading, playing in the water . . . whatever. The house provided umbrellas, beach chairs, lounge chairs, coolers, beach towels, books, magazines -- whatever you wanted to take down to the water was probably available somewhere in your room, or on the property, for guests' use. After the beach -- and when we could no longer tolerate the heat -- it was back to the room for a quick shower, and into the car to drive back into town for shopping, lunch, or just hanging out.  A view of the main house from the deck of the suite/2nd house half way between the main house and the beach      I will be posting more photos from the beach and around the beach town as soon as Flickr is back up . . . for now, these will give you an idea of why I didn't want to leave. I've already made plans to make this B&B an annual event. It may have been a little more expensive for the suite that we booked (it was more expensive than the rooms in the main house), but it was worth it to be in a larger space, closer to the water, and with the feeling of being a million miles away from everything and everyone for a few days! I am definitely a "beach-baby" Category:: This Thing Called "Beach"
A Creative Journey . . .Tomorrow (Saturday) I will be driving up to Chattanooga, TN to attend two Art Shows. I have been "strongly-encouraging" a friend who is a very talented photographer to get into some shows for several years, but he always seemed to find excuses and never made the necessary efforts to get into any shows or pursue any opportunities. He contacted me several weeks ago to tell me that he had entered a few pieces in an upcoming show, and he wanted me to attend the event. Of course I said YES, since I think he is extremely talented, and this is a great first-step for him. The event is called Uncanny Inspirado, and it is an annual show that features "non-traditional artists and their unique views and forms of expression." I'm looking forward to the show, and seeing my friend's works -- and, I'm looking forward to being introduced to the producer/promoter of the event as well -- perhaps I may consider entering the event next year myself. While I'm in town, I'm also attending another event called the Paint And Shoot Show at a local gallery. I have been acquainted with both artists since before we all found our "true" callings as artists, when we worked together in a completely different place, during a completely different time. I wrote an op-ed piece in support of their show that was also printed in The Chattanoogan here. I'm looking forward to attending both events tomorrow -- it should be a great day! Category:: This Thing Called "Art" Thursday, July 28, 2005
Imagine My Surprise . . .I received an e-mail from someone looking to purchase a book that I had reviewed some time ago. Trying to be of assistance, I did a little search to find the book in question and, imagine my surprise to find not one, but two, websites that featured a portion of my review, along with my name and website address, right in the middle of the page! I retained the rights to the review that I wrote, only giving the first-rights for publication to the site that contracted for the review, and did not give anyone (including the author) permission to use any portion of my review in the marketing and selling of this book - so, what a surprise to see my own name and words staring back at me. Here's are the links to where I "bumped-into myself" -- here and here. I'll be posting about my adventures at the beach soon . . . and I took lots of photos (as requested, Grey Biker), and will be posting those soon, too. Category:: This Thing Called "Life" Friday, July 22, 2005
Counting Down . . .
Tomorrow is the day we head to the B&B beach house for a few days, nestled away in the dunes, away from the clap-trap of tourism and the overflow of people . . . I'm already 'feeling' beach-mode kicking in . . . we'll be heading South, with the top dropped on the convertible, and the wind rushing by as we transform from regular time to "island-time" and, as everyone knows who has experienced it first-hand, there's NOTHING like island-time!
I'll see everyone when I return next week . . . until then . . . I'm tuned-out, turned-off, and in beach-mode, darlin' . . . Category:: This Thing Called "Life" Monday, July 18, 2005
New Greeting Cards . . .
An "enterprising" woman in Maryland has come up with a creative idea for a new line of greeting cards. Cathy Gallagher has created the Secret Lover Collection, and it is generating a lot of "discussion" among vendors, retailers, and consumers. She definitely took an idea and ran with it! And, regardless of anyone's feelings about the 'product,' she has moxie and a wildly creative nature . . . Category:: This Thing Called "Life"
B&Bs and Beaches . . .
I came downstairs Friday evening to find my s.o. frantically surfing the Web on my laptop. I just assumed he was into a heavy hand of Party Poker and didn't bother to disturb him. After a few minutes, he said, "take a look at this and tell me what you think," and handed over the laptop with a display of a B&B located on the Atlantic near Savannah, GA. He said he was thinking about taking me to the beach for the weekend - next weekend - and was looking for some places to go. Talk about surprised! You could definitedly color-me-surprised on this one! He said that, because of starting the new business, we weren't going to be able to take a "real" vacation this year, not one that would take me to a beach in the proper fashion, even though we'll be in Daytona for Biketoberfest for 4-5 days in October (which doesn't count as a beach getaway - not with thousands of Harleys for as far as the eye can see), because he can't be away from the business for long stretches of time. So, our 'get-aways' this year have been and will be - shorter trips and closer to home, for all intents and purposes. We made a few phone calls and were striking out on finding any accommodations on the coast in or around the Savannah / Tybee Island areas. My s.o. did find a hotel right on the beach with availability, but that rather defeats part of the purpose of getting away if you have to be stuck in a hotel (imo). I've grown accustomed to the B&B atmosphere, especially at the beach. So, I asked if I could look for a few minutes, and check on some alternative places. I found the perfect get-away place . . . secluded, peaceful, an escape from the world -- here's their tag line: "An exclusive, informal refuge for couples who want to rediscover peace of mind...", here's their policy on children: "Children: [We] does not accept children. We have great kids and perfect grandchildren. We think kids are great. But our B&B is not appropriate for children. Many of our guests come here to take a break from their own kids, and they don't need to be among other peoples' children during their rare kid-free time. If you have children, we hope you'll let us be your oasis whenever you can sneak away for a few days of private time." Our Philosophy  Doesn't it look divine? All secluded and tucked away as if you just might stumble upon it while walking in the dunes? It reminds me a bit of the house that Sam Elliott had in one of his first movies, Lifeguard! I called yesterday, and they had just had a cancellation in The Barbados Suite, and it was available 'at-the-moment.' I asked about the ammenities, and said I would get right back with her. The price is a little steep for three days . . . but, I think the time away, and the location right on the water, will justify the extra $$$ a bit. So, I rang her back up, asked if it was still available, and booked it on the spot. We're booked for Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and checking out on Tuesday. I've already lined up the house-sitter and pet-sitter, notified the alarm company and police department, and am just trying to get everything else in order so that I don't have a single care in the world when I drive away on Saturday . . . I definitely need this get-away! No computers, no cell phones, no televisions (at least, my choice) -- the house has wireless internet connections (if you need it), a large DVD library and satellite televisions/DVD players in the rooms (if you choose) -- but, I'm going for the return to nature, not to carry technology with me! But, I'm sure my s.o. will have to tune in ESPN at least to check the Braves' scores -- more likely, he'll try to catch at least part of a game or two, if not a few other things as well. I'll prefer to be on the porch, in a wicker rocker, with or without a book, just enjoying the breezes off of the water and listening to the crashing waves on the shore . . . Category:: This Thing Called "Life" Friday, July 15, 2005
Annie's Philosophies . . .Often, there is much wisdom found in the ages . . . take for example the words penned by William Butler Yates (1865-1939) and William Blake (1757-1827). Annie Savoy wasn't so wrong in her devotion to Blake . . . there's a lot to be learned in reading Blake . . . truly . . . [Opening narration]
Observations . . ."When a girl marries, she exchanges the attentions of many men for the inattention of one." - Helen Rowland (1876-1950) "Marriage is the only war in which you sleep with the enemy." - Anonymous
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Escape . . ."How hard it is to escape from places. However carefully one goes they hold you - you leave little bits of yourself fluttering on the fences - like rags and shreds of your very life." - Katherine Mansfield (1922)
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Watch Out For The Floor . . .
My. s.o. took the day off yesterday -- originally to do so lawn work and such -- but, Dennis had other plans, and we dealt with torrential rains and flooding most of the day. Earlier (last week), I had scheduled an appointment with my hair stylist for yesterday for myself, and an appointment with the massuese for my s.o. Prior to the appointments, we stopped by the H-D dealership to pick up the old set of pipes that had been replaced on the bike a few weeks ago when the new Screamin' Eagles had been installed. While we were there, my s.o. saw a jacket that had just arrived in a new shipment of Fall/Winter merchandise that he suggested I try on. He admired the 'fit' and suggested that I get it. I debated, and finally decided to get it, since it is a nice, new style and is a lighter weight than my regular leathers. After our appointment at the Day Spa, we stopped for a late lunch/early dinner at a small southwestern cafe and, then, stopped to pick up a birthday card and gift to ship out to my s.o.'s brother. While shopping, my s.o. picked up two new DVDs. He bought Spanglish and Ladder 49, which we had seen neither yet. We watched Spanglish last evening. I have to admit, because of the previews I had seen, and the people who were starring in it, I was surprised by the storyline and concept, as well as the overall acting and mood of the film. I was, shall-we-say, more than pleasantly surprised by the movie overall. And, I was reminded of a quote that I heard that I'll share with you now . . .
I think the defining moment -- for me -- my favorite line(s) from the entire movie has to be . . . when Adam's character John Clasky says to Paz Vega's character Flor Moreno -- "NO! . . . Stay put for a sec, stay there. Once our feet touch that floor I'm gonna get too many brain cells back. Don't be in such a hurry. That floor . . . is gonna eat us alive." It reminded me of moments in which I have suspended reality and the world around me for a few brief moments of inexplicable happiness that, regretably, were also unable to exist outside of the confines of certain time/space restrictions. I understood completely when Adam's character, John Clasky said the floor would eat them alive . . . sometimes it is the turning of the handle of a door, or the returning to another city, or even another part of the same town . . . but, there are invisible forces that can't allow certain moments to exist outside of the confines of life's ironic and constraining restrictions. But, wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to touch the floor every once and again without losing so much in the process?
Monday, July 11, 2005
Safety Net ...I think my life's "safety-net" has too many holes in it . . .
Friday, July 08, 2005
InsensitiveHow do you cool your lips After a summer's kiss How do you rid the sweat After the body bliss How do you turn your eyes From the romantic glare How do you block the sound Of a voice you'd know anywhere Oh, I really should have known By the time you drove me home By the vagueness in your eyes Casual good-byes By the chill in your embrace The expression on your face That told me You might have some advice to give On how to be Insensitive How do you numb your skin After the warmest touch How do you slow your blood After the body rush How do you free your soul After you've found a friend How do you teach your heart It's a crime to fall in love again Oh, you probably won't remember me It's probably ancient history I'm one of the chosen few Who went ahead and fell for you I'm out of vogue, I'm out of touch I fell too fast, I feel too much I thought that you might have Some advice to give on how to be Insensitive - Jann Arden
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Wednesday Is Monday . . .
The long holiday weekend for me ended last evening . . . my s.o. took Sunday, Monday and Tuesday as "days-off" from the business this week, so our holiday was a bit skewed from what others celebrated. Saturday, we had dinner out, and then attended a pool party with fireworks that followed. Sunday was a dark, dreary, rainy day -- a day that begs to stay in with snacks and movies, curled up on the sofa with pillows and blankets . . . and, that's exactly what we did. We watched several movies, listened to the rain, and enjoyed the day inside. Monday was the 4th . . . we had several options of places to go, and things to do . . . we decided to skip all of the obvious and took in a matinee movie instead. We went to see The Longest Yard remake with Adam Sandler. It was funny, well-done, and worth the time spent. Monday evening we took in some fireworks - well done also. Tuesday, when most everyone headed back to work, my s.o. still had one more day of vacation . . . the day started out dreary, as if it was going to rain all day . . . our Harley friends had called late the night before and asked if we wanted to ride on Tuesday, but it looked as if the weather wasn't going to cooperate. By 10:30 a.m. though, the sun began to break through, and we geared up for a ride. We spent four hours riding the back roads north of our house, with a stop at a small local BBQ restaurant in one of the towns we passed through. It was a glorious ride. Afterwards, our friends invited us back to their house to cool off in the pool after the long ride. We accepted, and spent a couple of hours at their pool. All-in-all, the perfect way to end a long holiday weekend. Today does feel like Monday, though . . . With catching up on some work, making phone calls, and such, I didn't have a chance to watch last night's episode of Rescue Me until later this afternoon. Great episode! And, I downloaded the theme song to my cell phone today. Yeah, I got it bad for this show . . . I haven't been so hooked on a show since . . . it's been a l-o-n-g time! Our Harley friends are supposed to be coming over this evening to watch a movie. We were going to grill but, it looks as if the weather isn't going to be too conducive to standing over a grill in the pouring rain. I've checked with everyone and I'm ordering in from a little pasta restaurant that delivers. I think its going to be another cozy evening in front of the big screen away from "Cindy's" rain effects . . .
Monday, July 04, 2005
Some Of My . . .
. . . Favorite Quotes . . . "I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist." "There are no good girls gone wrong, just bad girls found out." "Ever notice that 'what the hell' is always the right decision?" "When choosing between two evils I always pick the one I never tried before."
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Just For Fun . . .
Someone passed this meme on to me, and I feel 'compelled' to comply: 1. What were three of the stupidest things you have done in your life? A. I could answer this question in one of two ways . . . suffice it to say, I've done more than three (really) stupid things, but . . . for everything I've done, it has served as a fork in the road called Life -- each thing taking me off on another path that has brought me to where I am now, and made me the person I am now. For better, or for worse, Life is a Journey to be experienced and explored . . . 2. At the current moment, who has the most influence in your life? A. Me. 3. If you were given a time machine that functioned, and you were allowed to only pick up to five people to dine with, who would you pick? A. My maternal grandmother (who died when I was eight), my maternal grandfather (that I never met - he died thirty years before I was born), Vincent van Gogh, Abraham Lincoln, and Marilyn Monroe. 4. If you had three wishes that were not supernatural, what would they be? A. I won't be so smug as to wish for world peace or anything so ambitious. I'll keep it simple . . . To wake up tomorrow morning and (a) be able to walk again on my right foot without any problem or pain, just like I did before I broke my foot/ankle in April; (b) to have my friend who is currently in Iraq home today; and (c) to find and reconnect with my friend Renea again. 5. Someone is visiting your A. Not having -- (a) Starbucks; and (b) a decent bagel shoppe. Avoid -- (a) Main Street, as it passes over a RR crossing that sees a lot of trains (there's an alternate route 2 streets over that is an overpass); and (b) Afternoons outside -- this is the South, which translates into Hot & Humid Daily! 6. Name one event that has changed your life. A. My relationship with Chuck and how, over time, and no matter what has happened in either of our lives throughout the years, he continues to be the one and only constant in my life. 7. Tag 5 people. A. Instead of me choosing, if you wanna, grab it and go . . .
Early Morning Communion . . .
Before the festivities of the long holiday weekend kick-in with full force, I've taken a few moments to myself to grab a slice of peace and quiet, and to try to find some center of balance before the weekend sets everything off kilter. I brought my laptop out onto the back deck, where it is so peaceful and quiet; the only sounds are an occasional bird or a slight rustling of the leaves high up in the trees. The air hasn't reached that muggy everyday-Southern consistency yet, so it is actually quite pleasant and relaxing with just enough wind moving around, and the themometer on the porch says that it is only 65 degrees right now -- a nice beginning to an early morning of solitude. I brewed a fresh cup of cranberry tea, and am taking my time to savor its flavor as I watch a couple of squirrels playing tag between two of the tallest trees in the back. This has always been one of my favorite times of day; when Nature allows you communion on a simplier level, and in a peaceful way. It was always very easy on the farm but, amazingly-enough, with the way this house is situated on the property, and the way the decks and porches are designed on different angles and juts, and incorporated into the back yard that is filled with mature trees, you can still get a sense of that "million-miles-away" from civilization without having all of the extra acreage that we gave up when we sold the farm and moved back South. I know that -- shortly -- this solitude will be broken with the beginning of the weekend frenzy . . . the telephone will start to ring . . . the neighbors will be up, busying themselves with projects and chores around their houses, traffic will start to filter through the neighborhood, and the temperature will start creeping up, along with that stifling mugginess that takes your breathe away. But, for now, I'm content to listen to the birds and the wind in the trees, to sip on my cranberry tea, and to be at peace with myself . . .
Friday, July 01, 2005
Playing Catch-Up . . .I finally found a little time to catch up on my "memes" again . . . if you're curious, you can check them out at: Good Girls Don't.... One was even "interactive," 8 Truths & 2 Lies . . .
Behind The Counter . . .
I ran a few errands today -- before the (usual) scattered afternoon thunderstorms began brewing -- of course, with the top down on the covertible, and the sun soaking into my bare skin . . .
On the way home, I stopped by the local wine & spirits for a bottle of red wine. Imagine my surprise when I walked in and the guy behind the counter turned to ask if he could assist me and, as I looked at him, I realized he looked exactly like Matt Damon. Not that I'm a Matt Damon fan (I'm not, really) but, it was still quite a surprise to be in the Deep South and see someone who is the exact physical replica behind the counter at my local wine & spirits shoppe. I told him what I was looking for, and he was quite helpful in picking out the perfect merlot for my needs. I wonder who else has a "twin" around town? * * * Anyone have BIG plans for the long 4th weekend? Mine are still "up-in-the-air," as we have several offers on parties, events and such . . . I'm leaning toward a "Beach" concert on the Square tomorrow night but, otherwise, I anticipate attending a pool party or two, some fireworks events, and I'm keeping my options open in case an impromptu road trip materializes . . .
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