Dare Your Divinity - A Success!

With Mystery and Delight, women gathered to dare their divinity when Connor Sauer facilitated a one-day retreat/workshop in Atlantic Beach, Florida on May 22. ‘Dare Your Divinity’ was hosted by Marilyn Wilson and Lynn Curtin of Heart2Heart Circles (two new entrepreneurs in the drumming circuit) and was held at Ocean Yoga Center. Connor weaved her wisdom and spirituality throughout a day filled with drumming, visualization, dancing, singing, and storytelling bringing over 30 women together in a fantastic voyage of freedom. The women, from different areas of the community, found their oneness in this new community of women willing to walk together as side-bys and show up for each other in the “Woman’s Way.”

Disappear in Sapelo - Day 3 - Eagle Island

An exciting day coming up -- we venutre off  Eagle Island (the back barrier island) and tour the inhabited barrier island of Sapelo. 


Andy is taking us to Sapelo Beach where the Gullah community is in full force and Gee-Chee is the language spoken within the community.

Andy is picking us up this morning at 9:30 sharp.  Today we will need a picnic lunch, walking shoes, a bucket (I wonder what that is for), bug spray, and a sun visor. 

Meet you at the dock!

Here comes Andy with his customized 38' Sea Hawk.  The perfect boat to transport guests and have room for luggage and movement.  We are excited, aren't we? 

As we push away from the dock, Andy tells us about the islands we are going to visit today. Sapelo, Wolf, Queen, Little Mick, and Jagger.

First up, we circle around and about weaving through these hidden islands.


Wolf Island and Queen Island are new to us today.

Queen is the only island that is on the ocean with a beach made of white sand and shells. 

Can you imagine having a wedding on 'Queen' Island.  How perfect is that! 

Your own island for your own private wedding. 

Andy says the weddings held on Queen Island are like a fairytale for the wedding couple. 

Entering back into the intracoastal through Doboy Sound we run parallel to Sapelo imagining life on this barrier island with only a ferry boat providing transportation to and from the mainland for school and shopping. 


The Gullah communitiy on Sapelo consists of approximately 50 people - the rest of the island is owned by private individuals.  The owners, like Andy, of property on Sapelo leave another vehicle on the island to use when they arrive.  The 'only' way to get down the trail to the Sapelo Beach. 

Before we dock and head to land, we cruise the edges of the islands where we see 'Shanty Ruins' barely standing reminding us of the planation times on these islands. 


Thomas Spaulding, one of the first and very respected plantation owners in this area is responsible for the growth and much of the history of the island. 

The recipe for 'tabby' siding was invented here - a mixture of shells, water, and lime - and used with a plank board to cover the sides of the slaves little shacks on Little Sapelo Island.

Much anticipated arrival!  SAPELO!  (the island referred to in many Eugenia Price historical novels!)

Picking up the truck awaiting the day's guests, we load up our beach items and hit the road.

First stop is the historical lighthouse, built in the 1800's, at the south end of Doboy Sound.  The lighthouse is no longer in use, but provides a beacon for the boaters and can be seen from Queen Island, Little Mick Island, and Jagger Island.






Curving around the dirt roads and deeper into the island sanctuary, we arrive at the  R.J. Reynolds Mansion, built in the 20's and now being used for the University of Georgia Marine Institute. (not a bad gig)   Here on this isolated island, Lindbergh would fly in on his private plane and visit his friend at the mansion.  How did they know about this island and I've just learned of it?  The mansion itself is used for high level Board Meetings, Weddings, and group rentals.  They'd never find us here!

In a hurry to get to the beach on this gorgeous day, we scurry along.  The only paved road which circles the island is called the 'Audobon.'  Off of this road juts unpaved dirt roads and trails with interesting names -- Dump Road for one and Nanny Goat road takes us directly to the secluded beach - for private owners and community only.

Talk about untouched!

A beach running the length of the island and loaded with shells of all kinds inlcuding the local 'welk' shell. 











 

Here is this 'welk' shell that I brought home with me - this little guy found a home.  I didn't know he was there until he fell from the ledge of my fountain into the fountain itself. I wondered how the shell did that and I picked it up - low and behold - Mr. Crab was a stow-away.  He now lives in the waters of Ponte Vedra Beach!

Let's have lunch and then split up and take a couple of hours to walk this pristine and undisturbed beach. 

We are ALL ALONE!

We can investigate and collect the different shells, search the dunes for lost articles, relax on the soft white sand, find unusual driftwood, and take pleasure in this 'hidden treasure of an island.'

The time flew by and here we are with our 'finds.'  (You, Me, Andy, and another writer)

Time to get back to Eagle Island before dark.  The hike back to the car is bittersweet.  Eager to continue our journey, but hard to give up this moment where we are 'lost at sea.'

Our return to the dock takes us past the little community grocery store, that says 'OPEN,' but nobody is there right now.  We missed the opportunity to purchase the local goodies, but now have a reason to return. 

Dusk is closing in and so are the 'no see-um's' -- back to the truck and on our way back to the dock where we drop off the truck until the next group of guests escape to the island.


A beautiful return boatride to our 'home away from home - Eagle Lodge.'  We are glad to be back to sort through our goodies and collect our days memories. 


The crab trap provides another scrumptuous meal as we learn the 'island-way' to crack and eat!

A sunset is close to greeting us, so let's scurry to find our favorite spot. 


I'm back in the jacuzzi with a glass of wine and the fire warming the porch.


The Island is seeping into my nature.  Do you feel the veil?  The veil of understanding.  Have you gotten it yet?  Do you get it?


Has the island covered you with it's softness until you become one with it's island sounds and rhythms.


This is where urban meets nature and hands over the baton. 


This is where the technology age can be connected, but quickly loses it's attraction.  


This is where you can 'sign on' to WIFI and  receive a cell call, but don't feel the need to 'connect.

 This is where you the only thing you want to connect to is the land and yourself. 


This is where you Refresh, Reflect, Rejuvenate, Regroup, Reconnect, Relax and Re-love.




If Heaven is an Island - it must be Eagle Island - and we are not yet ready to leave this magical place.


Goodnight! See you tomorrow morning - our last day in our paradise.

Bollywood Comes to The Beaches ......November 22

No Shoes Required! Barefeet a Treat!

Dance like they do in Bollywood on November 22!

Thanks Ocean Yoga and danceWorks from Florida State College for hosting.

This is going to be so much fun.

 

Come on down!!!

 

 

 

 

 

A Saturday Morning

A clear, dry Saturday morning arrived finally! What to do?

Take a drive down our First Coast - heading south.

Only a short distance to St. Augustine and the weekly Farmers Market - we didn't need to go further. This caught our eye, so we stopped by to see what all the hoopla is about with the big doggone vegetables. Well, they were right about big veggies -- why oh why didn't I get a picture of those carrots. Oh well.


More to see -- a fun blue grass band filled the air with fun music and drums. Everyone was in a great mood with the nice Fall weather for a change.






After browsing the market, to ensure our return, we headed to lunch at my favorite place on "A" Street in St. Augustine Beach on the island. The Beach Grill. Right on the dunes -- with a balmy breeze keeping away the mosquito's and gnats -- I dug into a super duper hamburger.

It was another nice day only a short distance from home.


Remember -- visit our local cities.

You can't go wrong.

An Offer We Couldn't Refuse....

We were just a phone call away.......no twisting of our arm......no bribing us at all. When Frank's son called to see if we would like to meet them at the Casa Marina for a drink and dinner, we couldn't refuse. Was that a coincidence that Scott was wearing that T-Shirt??? :) - 'Who's Your Daddy?' -- There it is -- Father and Son!

Not seeing the family in a while, this was a special occasion and the location was the best.




We watched a wedding being performed AND we waved goodbye to 'Hurricane Bill the Bully,' as we looked out over our beautiful ocean and the bevy of surfers who were surfing til they couldn't feel their arms.





The Martini Bar at the Casa was

the place to be Saturday evening -- lots of people, lots of friends.


Scott's wife, Michelle, visited with Jim.


Lisa (Jim's girlfriend) was in heavy conversation otherwise I know she would have turned

and smiled for the camera!




Terry Parker alums gathered too. and...




Frank's grandkids tolerated all of us, but were delightful as usual. They were hungry, but we just couldn't leave the veranda and the beautiful evening breeze.

Is that beer they are drinking? No, no way!

Hard to complain when you get a sunset like this.......all in all a
very good night!








See you again soon!

What's Bill Up To?

Bill was napping most of the morning, but woke up in a very bad mood this afternoon!!!!!









The surfers were grabbing one last wave before fleeing the beach about 3PM today as the black cloud loomed heavily and moved swiftly surround the county.






The swells were large, but the waves didn't seem to be slapping the shore yet.




I wonder what is next?

The Irish in Me

How can I be Irish yet never, ever heard of a Ceili before this last year? For sure, somebody left me out of the loop when telling me about my Irish heritage and tradition.

Well, I finally found out about Ceili' parties (K-Lee) thanks to the wonderful Sharon Elliot and a group of awesome Beach residents who carry this out this tradition each year. A few of the partiers were Bobbie Jo and Andrew, Barbara King-Hall, Donna Christensen, Carolyn and Rick Drazien, Terry and Ken, Mary and Moine, Dennis and Kathy,, MaryAnne and Tom, my hubby and so on.

A Ceili is a social gathering of any sort, and does not necessarily involve dancing, but certainly can (ours did)! It is a literary entertainment where stories and tales, poems and ballads, are rehearsed and recited, and songs are sung, conundrums are put, proverbs are quoted, and many other literary matters are related and discussed. (as per google) Ceili's are still popular in Ireland and Scotland and part of the Celtic tradition.

We were invited to the Ceili this year held at Mary and Moine's home in Atlantic Beach, where the group of friends gathered and read their poems, performed their skits, played the drum, and shared their chants. At the end, there was dance!


Frank and I didn't know everyone, but felt warmly accepted by the entire group and were drawn in by their play and their genuiness. I even shared a Native American Indian Chant while drumming -- and I can't carry a tune in a bucket (as many witnessed!) You can see the words to my chant in the right column!

Andrew, who was much better at remembering the tune and the words to his chant, taught us the 'The Earth Is Our Mother' chant. (see right column)


All in all, this Ceili rated a '10' in 'firsts' and 'bests.'


Sing along....

.......Hey yanga, ho yanga, hey yan yan! Hey yanga, ho yanga, hey yan yan........

Cinco de BWP

Community Outreach is alive and well in Ponte Vedra Beach.


The beaches location of Underwood's jewlery store joined with the Beaches Women's Partnership in another fundraising and 'fun-raising' event to raise awareness and money for this beaches non-profit organization making Cinco de Mayo take on a different flair Tuesday night.


We all turned out to show our commitment and support of BWP and found the evening to be fun and rewarding.
It's so nice to see our friends and neighbors participating and enjoying the creative and supportive events in our area of the beaches.

I shared a few fun moments with my neighbor, Lyn Atkinson, as everyone mulled around the showcases filling out their 'wish lists.'


Tasha White, President of BWP, seems certain that Scott McGehee (board member) found 'the perfect' bracelet. Underwood's salesman Bill Floyd, agrees!

This evening's event was centered around the Roberto Coin Collection and Trunk Show, but we also delighted in marguerita's and munchies catered by the neighboring Urban Flats Restaurant; purchased raffle tickets for a donated awesome diamond and gold palm tree necklace; and drooled over the Roberto Coin collection and other sparkling jewelry items on display that evening.

Sharing in the fun -- Underwood's General Manager, John Rutkowski, Alan (Urban Flats Manager) and Clayton and Christy Bromberg. Causing even more of a stir, was PGA Tour golfer, Dustin Johnson and his girlfriend.

Remember, BWP provides information and referral services to beaches women and their families during life's challenging moments. Additionally, BWP offers grief support groups, women to women mentoring, transition workshops, and sexual support workshops - all in an effort to supply women with the knowledge, strength, and confidence to build strong lives for themselves and their families.

And, remember too, that Underwood's is not just another pretty face -- it has substance -- real community substance. Make Underwood's your jeweler of choice.

Now, to relax!

You, Me, and CARLOS at Johnson Gallery

So much to do and so little time!

I'm glad I made it to the J. Johnson Gallery exhibition of Carlos Betancourt's new work.

As usual, the opening reception was the place to kick off the weekend on Friday night. If you didn't see a friend or an acquaintance that you knew, then, all you had to do was wait awhile, because everyone was there!

The party-girls were obviously out analyzing Carlos' artwork! There's Cindy, Dany, and me! And, of course, my 'hunk of a husband' joined me or shall I say, 'acted as my bodyguard.' :)

Even though Carlos was surrounded by his female entourage, my friend Clyde snagged him for a quick photo-op with me. (Afterall, I do have a local travel and events blog that just MUST write about him.)

Then, and only then, did I have a camera issue. Yes, suddenly, the flash was acting up and 3 photos were snapped and unusable. Yikes! Oh my, what's a girl to do? Focus, woman, focus!!!!!!

With my anxiety building and Carlos quickly getting dragged away by another group, I began pushing buttons on the camera. Then, right before I was awash with complete panic of loosing this fleeting opportunity, I saw the light!!!! Yes, the flash worked! Snap - got it! Carlos, me, and Mary Jean!

Now, I have proof ..... I was right there beside the very talented, famous, and extremely patient, Carlos Betancourt! I understand why his photo scenes are absolutely 'the best' -- Carlos has the patience and tolerance to get it right and knows it makes the difference.

While Carols is predominantly a photographer, his work behind the lens is only a portion of his art. As mentioned on his website, Carlos' concepts materialize with the help of family and friends in complex photo performances. Betsy and I were auditioning to be a part of his next dynamic scene. He creates elaborate scenes of human interaction using an eclectic array of props and the creation of ellaborate photo displays such as this one with a huge variety of colorful Christmas ornaments.
Be sure to stop on by while Carlos is still there. You have until June 26.

More information can be found on these websites.....http://www.jjohnsongallery.com/or Carlos at http://www.carlosbetancourt.com/.

I'm exhausted!

DRAGON TIME MASSAGE!!!!

You can stay right here at the Beaches and feel as if you have been transported abroad!

By stepping into Wanderlea's Beauty Clinic you will enjoy beauty treatments and secrets acquired from traveling and studying in Thailand, Japan, Germany, and China.

Enjoy an Ancient Wisdom Facial with 24k gold, an Ipanema Facial or Casablanca Facial, or better yet, a Dragon Time Massage. Mmmm, doesn't that sound good?

Wanderlea, who is from Brazil, provides a relaxing and serene treatment and ensures her clients are pampered and well taken care of. You will be the main focus. What more could you ask for?


With her trademark 'Fassage' you will receive a massage of the feet, hands, arms, decolate, neck, ear reflex massage, and head massage. Doesn't that make you want to say aaaaahhh!!!!!?

Next time you see me, I'll not only be completely relaxed, but I'll be sporting Wanderlea's Henna Body Art in a very interesting place. That's my secret!

Wanderlea's Beauty Clinic, 1122 Third Street, Suite 2, Neptune Beach, (904)248-0953 or visit the website at http://www.wanderlea.com/.

Irresistible!

Pink, Yellow, Turquoise, White, Black and more -- I just couldn't resist these 'perfect-for-summer' sandals when I saw them yesterday. The decision was a tough one -- which color?

The price was right, so pair for me and I may have to have three!

Ignore the feet and just check out the light weight, soft sole, no buckle, comfy sandals! and then, sit down when I tell you where I bought them and how much $$$.

Ready, Beall's Department Store, 9.99. Well, don't knock me down getting there!

Will I see you there on Senior Day :)

Cruisin' The Beaches

Me thinks we go too far sometimes to get-away from it all........when clearly 'free therapy' is just around the corner!

Today, with my convertible top down and my sun visor shading my face, I took off north on A1A from Ponte Vedra Beach until it deadended in Atlantic Beach. Just a meer 20 minute journey and here I was ocean-central. An immediate 'beach right' and a parking place up front delivered me across the street from our majestic ocean and right in front of Shelby's Coffee House. The decision to either shop or dine was clear -- I stopped to munch. It couldn't get much better than Shelby's Grecian Salad with that wonderful flavored tea, an umbrella table outside, the beaches newspaper, the soft-blowing breeze, and me. No need to travel far -- no need for reservations -- no need to plan ahead. Right here in our own little beach community -- friends and businesses await!

As I enjoyed the view from my table, I couldn't help but peer into the window of the little shop across the courtyard from my table -- Boutique Unique! Adorable name and charming shop. Perfect place to stroll after such a delightful lunch. Kae and her daughter Julie were busy stocking the racks with all the new summer outfits. (I have one on right now as I couldn't resist the Blow-Out Sale!) The boutique, in addition to their regular resort/beachy clothes, now carries the Jams label and loads of Fresh Produce (not the fruit), along with the most original hand-painted jackets and sweaters, the perfect weight for our cooler nights and breezy days.

Today.........what a most pleasant afternoon delight! Would you care to join me next time? Call me!

Until then......