DID YOU SAY FRENCH KISS?

Where else can you discuss sleeping with movie stars, blondes, French kissing, and Italian for beginners than at the Ponte Vedra Book Talk Cafe.

On Monday, April 19, Vic DiGenti, the regional director of the Florida Writers Association and president of the Friends of the Library–Ponte Vedra Beach, introduced us to - Author Kristin Harmel.

Kristin, barely visible above the podium at a petite height of 5', delighted us with her enthusiastic presentation. Kristin's genuine love of writing was obvious as well as her desire to share her world, her stories, her joys, and her challenges as she has grown and matured in her writing and in her style.

By the time Kristin graduated suma cum laude from our very own University of Florida, she had written her first book, and knew she was living her passion. With a love of travel, a vibrant personality, and an upbeat outlook on life, her readers are in for many delightful stories now and in the coming years.

Kristin's books appeal to the 20, 30, and 40 year old female and, therefore, are considered 'Chick-Lit.' However, I think they're the perfect 'beach read' and I'm over 40! Ladies, since when is 'Chick-Lit' a negative thing anyway, right?

As you read Kristin's novels, you'll enjoy international travel with her lead characters sharing with you -- 'How to Sleep With a Movie Star,' 'The Blond Theory,' 'The Art of French Kissing,' and coming soon, 'Italian for Beginners.' (all carrying disclaimers as the intriguing titles can be misleading!)

Kristin doesn't leave out the young adult readers either. Check out her website for all of her books and scheduled events at www.kristinharmel.com.

Now, if only my daughter will share the two books I purchased for her!!!!! Hmmmm?

Gotta go!

Sites: Vic DiGenti @ http://www.windrusher.com/
Ponte Vedra Friends of the Library: http://www.friendspvlibrary.org/

Key West via Ft. Myers

With my exciting trip planned for my son's 34th birthday -- we headed to the west coast of Florida from Jacksonville eager to embark on this nostalgic adventure of meeting the past with the present.

Returning to Key West to show my 3rd son the trek I made to Key West in 1965 from the real west coast (California) when dear old dad retired from the Navy and headed to this southernmost point, was the real reason for this birthday adventure.

We had our reservations confirmed for one night at the Key West Best Western Hibiscus Hotel (1965-Hibiscus Motel); non-refundable tickets for the 4-hour boat trip on the Key West Express Ferry Boat out of Ft. Myers; and 2 nights at the Embassy Suites for our departure and return to Ft. Myers.

What could go wrong? Ha! Everything!

Mother Nature was howling and blowing her casket from the time we left Jacksonville. The winds wouldn't let up. The boat ride cancelled one hour after our 7 hour trip to Ft. Myers. And, me holding non-refundable tickets. We also clearly missed the 72-hour cancellation terms at the Hibiscus Hotel. The message was from the captain said......'due to high winds and seas of 10-12 ft., the boat to Key West is cancelled today.' What now? Panic........visions of $$$$ being literally 'blown' away.

We did what anyone would do in this situation......went went to the local tiki bar & grill, the Sandy Parrot, where my son just happens to be Manager. We brought our party there.

The Sandy Parrot in Ft. Myers Beach had everything we needed -- great food, tiki bar, music, great people, casual atmosphere, friendly staff. While it wasn't Key West -- it would have to do while we plotted how to get our $$ back.

I must say that Rita at the Hibiscus Hotel in Key West was wonderful and obliging. If they booked out the hotel for that night, they would sell our rooms for us. It worked -- they did sell our rooms. $$ saved due to her diligence. We shall return, Rita!


The ferry boat was not quite as obliging as we did have a non-refundable ticket -- but we DO have 2 years to use them, so all was not lost. We shall return there too with Mother Nature's blessings. (TIP*read the small print on contracts signed)


The Embassy Suites in Ft. Myers on Corkscrew Road was a pleasurable experience all by itself. One of the best stays we have had anywhere, at any hotel with free full breakfast and complimentary reception each evening. As Arnold would say -- We'll be back!

Ok, so the trip wasn't as planned, but we had experiences that we would not otherwise have enjoyed. For instance, the trip back to Jacksonville via S.R. 70. Now, that is central Florida at its best. Ever wonder what is beyond the concrete of the big cities like Orlando, Tampa, etc. and in between the west and east coast of Florida? Well, I'll tell you --- pastureland, horses, cows, orange groves, bee hives, and not a McDonald's in sight (fortunately for the cows :))

What a trip! What an adventure! We will definitely make this happen again and next time not so far in advance. Mother Nature does rule!


Remember these sites!
Embassy Suites:http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/FMYESES-Embassy-Suites-Fort-Myers-Estero-Florida/index.do
Best Western Hibiscus: http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=10206
Sandy Parrot Tiki Bar and Grill: http://www.thesandyparrot.com/
Key West Express Ferry: http://www.seakeywestexpress.com/


Until we meet again!