Sometimes the simple things in life are just the easiest. So, yesterday I had a calling to spend sometime on the beach.
This will sound crazy, but we woke up to fog and it didn’t matter to me – fog or sun I was heading to the beach. We packed a late breakfast bite, lots of water and headed out to find our perch in our baseball caps.
We soon learned we were not the only silly ones out in the fog. I met my first new little friend, a Gull that welcomed us to just sit back, breathe it all in, relax and take time to enjoy. I took notes from my new friend as we both checked each other out.
Quickly that old saying came to mind, when in Rome ~ do as the Romans do. I was taking that advice and doing what the Gull was instructing me to.
First on the agenda was to get my 10K steps in for the day. Down the beach we headed with our plastic bags in hand. It’s always good to be prepared just in case a few shells pop in your path that you can’t resist picking up.
I love walking the beach because you never know what your eyes are going to see. The first few steps sure enough, someone was in the mood for love and designed a heart.
A mosaic of shells was embedded on the beach and just glowed with love! The shells were all different sizes, most of them face down and placed in the shape of a heart. I wondered who might have made this art piece for the beach crowd to enjoy?
Next on the walk I felt this face that was keeping an eye on me. As I got closer, this is what I found ~
Don’t you just love creative minds? The look I kept sensing was a weathered root of a coconut tree that floated up to shore that took on the look as a fun beatnik. Seagrass what used for the nose, lost leafs were used for the eye with a shell in the center, and a fun heart shell filled in for the mouth. Again, I wondered who took the time to embellish this masterpiece that captured the beach walkers attention.
Next, I love the see kids playing and expressing themselves on the beach as well. There is such an innocence of kids being mesmerized with sand and water. Often they bring their buckets and molds and can sit for hours to form their own masterpiece. I ran into this cute little gal that was oh so proud when I asked if I could take a picture. She glowed with excitement and was so proud of her creation.
Coming a back to our perched area on the beach where our empty chairs sat, I too decided to tap into my creative side. I sat on the side of the beach and gathered the shells that were around me and I went to work.
Most of you know I love to layer, embellish and add texture. It was time to see what I could make out of my surroundings as well. First I used layer of small, broken shells that most people would discount to collect. My second layer I scored several COQUINAS shells and then finished the center with more small, broken down shells. I placed two broken conch shells for the center, a few small branches to surround the heart and wallah, I was done!
I stood back and looked at my art piece and I decided to take another photo with the sea being my background. My heart was full of “Heart to Heart” feelings of accomplishment.
Meanwhile, its Valentine Day and I hope these hearts have warmed your heart as well. Whatever your day is filled with, may it be a happy one filled with love.
It all started when I found a hologram key chain with Superman and Batman. I found this collector item by chance in a bucket with several other key chains and miscellaneous keys. I guess you could say it was a “bucket dive” of key treasures.
As a kid I was always mesmerized with these kinds of hologram trinkets that held my attention for several minutes. When you tilt it you see the Superman crest, as you move it slightly you see the Batman crest.
I would guess everyone knows the superhero character Superman played by George Reeves back in the 50’s. I was one of those lucky kids growing up watching Superman on Saturday mornings. When I found this key chain it immediately took me back to my childhood memories of watching Superman on TV.
I recently learn that Superman was born in Woolstock, Iowa. I too growing up in Iowa perked up when I read he was not that far away from my hometown of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Superman was born with the birth name George Keefer Brewer that later changed to his stage name to George Reeves.
Why is it we love it when Hollywood stars that come from our home state? Could it be that we are proud of our roots and when emphasis is given we quickly relate?
I started thinking about Superman and the words attached to his character. Remember when the Superman show came on TV these words were always memorized in our heads, “Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive” Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound! “ Look! Up in the sky!” It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!
As I began my search on Superman, I ran across these enlightening quotes that made me smile. I love all these inspiring words and think you too might also relate to them. No wonder we loved this Super Hero with all these positive words floating in our head.
Famous Sayings and Quotes from Superman:
“I believe in second chances, I believe in redemption, but, mostly, I believe in my friends.” – Superman
“ I believe that if we stay together, as a team, we would be a force that could truly work for the ideals of peace and justice.” – Superman
“It doesn’t take X-Ray Vision to see you are up to no good.” – Superman
“It’s never as bad as it seems.” – Superman
“It’s not about where you were born or the powers you have or what you wear in your chest; it’s about what you do.” – Superman
“No matter where you go in life there’s always going to be the one person that wants to bring you down, so stay strong and face your problems instead of running away.” – Superman
“So many of our dreams seem impossible, they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” – Superman
“Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith first, the trust part comes later.” – Superman
“The ‘amazing’ can only be created by facing fear, risk, and failure during the process.” – Superman
There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape.” – Superman
Today, the Kansas Chiefs take on Tampa Bay Buccaneers in America’s pandemic Super Bowl. As always, part of this spectacle has nothing to do with football but the commercials and the halftime show catching our attention. Millions of dollars are spent to pull on our heart strings, tickle our funny bones and make us want for more.
As we watch the Super Bowl game today, we might also think many of these professional football players could be like Superman. Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive” Able to leap several feet at a single bound! “ Look! Down on the field!” It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a football player at the Super Bowl!
Whatever team your rooting for today, enjoy the entertainment it gives us all. The football bleachers might be partially empty but I’m sure all your charcuterie spreads will be plentiful and it will be a great game!
So sit back, get your popcorn popped and be ready to be entertained. For those of you that might want to “start your engines” early. Here is a sample of what we are in for. Old Spice might have copied the same concept of Clark Kent breaking out of his business suit and the tight body fitting Superman suit appears. Enjoy ~
How many of you while at the grocery store standing in line to check out your groceries scan the latest magazines? Do you search for your favorite read or do you see what’s new on the stand? Do you cheat and look inside? Do the pictures entice you do the headlines pull you in?
I have a confession, I’m one of those people that has to stop when I go by a magazine stand to see what’s new.
First it’s the cover – I scan it over and if it strikes my fancy I pick it up to peek inside. Sometimes I throw it in my cart and sometimes I walk away after not being impressed with what I seen.
I know it’s bad for me to pick it up and then put it down and I think to myself how really rude that is. But please tell me, I’m not the only one that does this bad habit.
So today, this magazine caught my eye “in her Studio”. I loved the colors, words, and the main titles drew me in. Spaces and stories of creative women.
A Mediative Retreat, A Tiny but Charming Ceramics Studio, The Pursuit of Beauty in an Painters Art Studio, and Soft meets Fierce in a Jewerly Studio. Now who wouldn’t want to read more. Surely one of these stories would be worth a read wouldn’t you think?
So here is another one, Cooking with Cast Iron”. I posted a few weeks ago about cast iron so of course I wanted to see more. I’m is still trying to learn and master the art of cast iron cooking so this too I took a second look at this one. The recipes looked beautiful, easy and it immediately took me to my own kitchen of fixing a few of the recipes.
Staying within the “Cooking” section on the magazine rack I’m now scanning over these next two choices. What to Eat for Life and Mindful Eating. Gezzz you can quickly feel guilty about your choices in these magazines. Cast Iron could be a little bit more fatty in the diet because needing more oils in the pan? Maybe cast iron cooking isn’t the lightest choice or being the most healthiest but oh the pictures made me dream of wanting more. Who could I cook for and entertain when this Covid thing gets over?
My eyes moved on and quickly went onto the decor section, another one of my favorite passions. I just stood there and stared at all the articles than ran through my mind and wonder what I should dive into first. I found myself being memorized with all these goodies to look at. It was like a kid in a candy store deciding what my favorite kind of candy was to buy!
It seems there is so many decorating magazines right now to catch our eye. It’s like trying to pick an ice cream flavor at Baskin Robbins that might catch your palette for a certain craving. Cherry, chocolate, vanilla – what’s your flavor? French, Traditional, Cottage or maybe Farmhouse?
DIY immediately called out to me! We all love projects that we can proudly call and adapt to our own look. I loved the throw on the sofa with the BIG balls. The horse on the wall recycling books was another eye catcher for me. How cool was that! It took me back to one of my sales that I did a few months ago that I used an old headboard and screwed old books on the back of the board. It not only looked fun but it made for a great presentation for one of my displays. My recycled headboard sold at the end of the show. I hope today that happy buyer is still enjoying that one of a kind piece from Blue Star Collections.
Next moving into fashion ~ it’s in all our wheel houses of what the latest and greatest trends are and whats the HOT look for the upcoming season. Of course, we all want to know what to buy, where to buy it and in hopes it gives us a jumpstart on getting our own personal look.
Look how these magazines catch our attention. Kamala Harris our new Vice President, we are checking out her new look. Badass Women, wow whats that about? Dating in the middle of Covid with Masks? Oh my ~ all of these certainly catch our eye and make us wonder in more ways than one.
Moving on to more fun, the next two magazines made me giggle. People magazine writing about Queen Elizabeth. What is the Queen is really like? I don’t know how many of you watched “The Crown” but another subject we can’t seem to get enough of. More stories about the Queen can be found on Netflex, PBS and other streaming services as well as at the news stand. The media is working hard to catch our attention and it is working!
And what about this “America’s Scariest Places”. I have to admit, it does kinda make you look twice doesn’t it? Could it be in your neck of the woods or has it been in your last path? It would it be a great place to visit for Halloween don’t you think? 😬😳
So I have to tell you the truth. I spent a bit of time as my eyes searched over all these magazine sections. I carefully read the titles, dreamed a bit and it killed a bunch of time. You see I was in line at a Publix Grocery Store in St Lucie, Florida waiting for my name to be called for the vaccine shot. Yep, I was one of the lucky ones that won the lottery getting my name on the list. Ok so if I’m confessing, it was Brian that so diligently hung in there day after day trying to get me a spot. Bingo ~
I spent several minutes if not just under an hour to just ponder over these magazines. I wondered how many of us found easy it is to walk past this “Lost Art” in our past busy life’s before Covid hit. Maybe I’m showing my age but I still love to touch a great magazine, read a good article, and just plain wanting to be inspired. Yesterday it certainly did all of that for me.
But I do have to share with you one of my favorites. I hope you don’t think I’m not conceited or big in the head, but only because of my Blue Star Collections business was invited and graciously honored to be in a few magazines myself. I have grown to respect our editors, publishers and buyers once my face was put on a cover. It’s tough work publishing and finding the right light, words and what inspires others to buy the magazine.
So meanwhile, when your standing in line next to the newsstand I too hope all these beautiful magazines will take you away if only for l just a few minutes. Also, hope your lucky as I was to be standing next in line for your vaccine.
As always – thank you for taking the time to read my Blue Star Binocular. It gives me great pleasure to share ~
It all started when we pulled into the Manatee State Park Thursday night located outside of Bradenton Florida. Arriving the gate for check in we notice a 1949 Spartan camper trailer in front of us checking in. My mind wanders and it made me smile thinking about what comes in our “path” and how we never know what’s ahead of us. The Spartan took my breath away.
Located at on the back rear fender of this vintage trailer was a big dent and covering it was a big red bandaid with the words “That was a Tree”. We immediately giggled and knew what that was about as we too have the same dent on our trailer. Yep, backing these trailers up into small, wooded lots can sometimes be challenging.
Once checked in, we drove into the park in search of #57 campsite. While making our scoop around the park we counted four more Airstream trailers. We felt we were off to a good start with our weekend of finding fun.
Everyone had the same idea. Find a quite place, set up home, sit back and enjoy!
Cooking at camp
The First night making pizza is always a hit and good game of cards always makes for more fun! Part of our camping experiences centers around our menus. Everyone has to eat right?
Soon we start exploring our campsite seeing what was around us. We met our new “Rangers”. 😉 We located the bath house and bike trails. First things first.
Outside our campsite front door was fun tree hugging another tree. It felt like playing that hidden picture game that you find certain objects. Soon after noticing the embraced tree we notice we have a special guest out our back door.
Tree hugging ~Only steps away a fun guest shows up ~
The next morning I set out for a walk and sure enough, I find the Spartan trailer and it’s owner at the picnic table. Knock knock, as I approach outside the camp site. Immediately this big smile appears, welcomes us in and we are off and chatting about what we all had in common, vintage trailers.
Meet Nicki the owner of the Vintage 1948 Spartan trailer
Nicki’s diamond in the rough was full of character and oozed with love. Nineteen fifty’s barkcloth fabric was “tucked” throughout the trailer. The bench seat in the dining area was beautifully tucked with the same fabric that Nicki nabbed at an estate sale for whopping $8. Being a fabric hound myself, my eyes went right to it!
Nicki’s creative personality spoke all through the trailer with her special touches. Besides her yards of barkcloth, Swan facets used in both the kitchen and shower, oil painting tacked on the ceiling so when she laid down she could appreciate them, two stain glass panels enclosed her shower, an old refrigerator used as her pantry and an old collection of dishes. You see Nicki only travels with the best dish-ware, no paper plates for this gal. A girl after my own heart! Even crystal stemmed compotes were selected for her two cats when dining.
Previously owning a Bed and Breakfast in Colorado for over a decade she kept asking for a sign to move on. Covid hit and the sign showed up when she least expected it. A buyer stepped forward to purchase her B and B and it was time to oil the wheels on the vintage 1949 Spartan and hit the road.
Nicki had purchased the trailer several years from an ad on Craigs list. The Spartan was parked with hopes of someday hitting the road to find greener pastures. Nicki knew warmer weather was a must and so Florida bound it was!
I was amazed Nicki could manipulate this trailer as well as she did. Only have trailered and parked this rig less than a dozen times, she proved we can all do what we set out to accomplish. Another inspiring young woman calling her own shots.
Our path crossing with Nicki had another layer that was special. The Spartan trailer was manufactured by Spartan Aircraft Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is the school Brian attended back in to the70’s and received his Aviation Maintenance Technology degree. The logo is still present today.
Next I was on the hunt to find who owned the beautiful 1963 Vintage Airstream. Another path I was excited to learn about.
I was so excited to meet the couple that owned the immaculate, shinny Airstream that shouted out from across the park. Again my “knock knock” approach worked and another beautiful friendship was created.
Meet Sam and Ann ~
Sam and Ann coming from Georgia had a trailer that was so put together with every little detail of home life fitting into place. I was jealous of the organized cabinets, beds and new kitchen look. Ann also had chosen a barkcloth in her decor for window treatments. WOW did the windows dance with beauty!
Sam and Ann, one might say that this was not their first rodeo in camping. They also own two other vintage trailers. One that held our interest was a small Teardrop trailer they spoke of that they camped in from time to time. Another beauty if you haven’t seen one in your travels it’s fun to pull up on Google to take a look at. We could only imagine the fun they must have with that trailer as well.
A very adventurous couple living life to the fullest. They retired in their late 40’s and they have been having fun ever since. This is what everyone dreams about in life and they are living proof of doing such. Living simple with less we’re both their comments.
Hammock living ~
As we continued our walk around the park we stumbled upon the hammock camper. All things tidy inside this hammock with a dirty pair of socks at the foot of the hammock told us people find interesting ways to get away from it.
The caution sign on the lake with lined up canoes to paddle around the lake had our most respect. No canoes, no alligators for me!
With our new friends I couldn’t help but think back at book I recently read for a book club. The story is about two girls that meet and develop a strong relationship. They move apart from each other and struggle keeping their friendship with each other even though they lived in different cities.
I wondered if Nicki, Sam and Ann would come back on our path once we parted our ways. After all, we have a common ground with vintage trailers. In our chats we discussed the latest campsites they had stayed and shared their tricks to camping. As my book reminded me that it takes time to stay connected.
We had beautiful sunsets, met some wonderful friends from all over. Our fires were mesmerizing and many memories made.
An array of plates from all over ~
We learn people come from all aspects of life. We all need time out to smell the campfire. But most of all, Covid has brought us several positive things as we tuck away out of site with social distance. Friends come in your path when you least expect it!
It’s a new year, a new beginning and my head is full of new ideas for 2021. I began writing this blog early summer 2020. I had never written anything with such caliber before other doing my own marketing for my business Blue Star Collections. Does that count in writing?
This past year Covid changed a lot of things for each of us. I knew I didn’t want to host a sale for Blue Star at my shop in Superior. I felt it was too dangerous to invite people to come shop with the pandemic taking place all around us. Instead I have a dear friend Pat McGill that identifies herself as a woman in her “Spontaneous 70’s” that inspired me to write and share stories as I continued to drive my van down the road and explore.
Today it is my pleasure to write about my mentor, confidant and loving friend Pat McGill. We all have people that come in and out of our life’s. We never know when and where they will show up. I so remember the day I met Pat McGill when she stepped into my life.
Blue Star Collections was hosting a Holiday show a few years ago and in the door walked this woman with a larger than life, big gregarious personality! She looked around and said “so this is what everyone is talking about” ~ Blue Star Collections!
Pat had heard on the street that there was a gal doing “junk” shows in Superior, Iowa. At that time Pat lived in Okoboji and Superior was only a few miles away. Pat decided to hop in the car and find out for herself what the hubba hubba was about. The rest is history, Pat and I became instant friends and she became my biggest cheerleader! I have felt so blessed to have this friend walked into my life.
I love strong women that inspire me. Pat McGill is one of those women that deeply inspires not only me but many other women and men. When I chat with Pat, one of Helen Reddy’s songs always pop into my head. “I am Woman hear me Roar”. If I were to use one word to express Pat, it would be “Roar”. Pat is so full of wisdom, energy and is eager for living a big life!
Pat McGill is founder and president of McGill Speaking and Training Resources (www.patmcgill.net). A former middle-school teacher and adjunct professor of human relations, Pat holds a master’s degree in education from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota. She’s convinced, however, that her talents are rooted in her Midwestern upbringing, Irish heritage — and an early adventure in pageantry.
Before being named Miss Congeniality in the Miss South Dakota pageant, she tripped upon entering the judging room, then fell down! But she got up and asked if they wanted to see more. They did, and she mentions she has been tripping up ever since — learning lessons and passing them on to those who’ll listen.
As a member of the National Speakers Association, Pat presents professional development keynotes and workshops on such topics as change, leadership, and relationship building. Her “Pat-tested, Boomer-approved” material is at once entertaining and informative, and helps her to engage those of varying backgrounds, and in different life stages, professions and industries. A certified Psycho-Geometrics® trainer, Pat is further positioned to facilitate effective communication strategies that appeal to a variety of learning styles.
Pat McGill, as a Miss South Dakota candidate in the 1960s.
Pat is second oldest of an Irish Catholic family with eighty two in her immediate family. The gifts from her family is what has made Pat today. She often talks of her Grandmother McGill and what a strong woman she was going through divorce in the early 1900’s. Pat was also close to her mother, another strong woman that inspired Pat to soar and fill her dreams.
Over the years Pat has built her career in education and generously sharing with others her talents of teaching. Supporting women has always been first for Pat supporting many women’s groups over the years. With Pat’s quick wit, intelligence and inspiring to help women grow is just a few of many of Pat’s strong suit.
Build it and they will come! That they do when Pat McGill speaks to women, business and leadership groups.
Pat’s Power of 5 Statements with 5 Words for Women:
1. Don’t nibble on a turd. 2. Doing it all isn’t Everything. 3. Be Where your Feet Are. 4. Be you, Faking is Fatiguing. 5. Stretch waist bands are miracles.
Pat has worn many hats over the years and taken home several awards for her accomplishments. When you meet Pat you are quickly drawn in with her fun style, love of life and spontaneous humor that makes her such a beauty in and out.
Pat business today in her “Spontaneous 70’s” she is still going strong with her business. Her resume looks a bit like this: Leadership Training, Individual Coaching, Zooming Motivated Speaking and Mentoring
Pat always has good words to share when she is supporting and mentoring others. I’m sharing a just a few with you ~ One of the biggest gifts we give to another human being is to listen. Change the letters around in listen and it spells Silent. We become Silent and Listen.
One of Pat’s favorite quotes from an Irish poet ~. The quality of our looking determines what we come to see. By John O’Donahue
In our lives we are either coming out of hell, going through hell, or hell is around the corner. It’s how we live our story thats makes it worth living. By Pat McGill
Age wrinkles your skin, however the loss of enthusiasm wrinkles your soul. Age only matters if your cheese.
A couple of of Pat’s morning prayers: Dear God, Get in my Head before I do ~ Amen. My prayer for life: My work is good ~ My work is important work ~ My work is creative work ~ For through my work, I make LOVE visible. Amen
We all have road blocks in life as Pat McGill might say. None of us are excluded to changes in our paths. My change this last year has been to focused with my Blue Star Binocular blogging and sharing stories such as my friend Pat McGill. Also, one of my road blocks was loosing my business and personal Facebook I had for many years that hosted my Blue Star Collections customers.
I’m now searching for them to “come back” and share with them my new presence at Blue Star Binocular. So as I move forward with this blog, Pat McGill might say this – first you: Think it ~ Ink it ~ Own it ~ Live it ~ Share it
In closing, for the women that want to sing along with me, here you go! Maybe you too have a friend like I have with my friend Pat McGill that inspires you. None the less, let’s stick together and turn up our speakers to enjoy! “ I am woman hear me Roar” and sing like nobody is watching ~
I am woman, hear me roar. In numbers too big to ignore And I know too much to go back an’ pretend ‘Cause I’ve heard it all before And I’ve been down there on the floor No one’s ever gonna keep me down
Oh yes, I am wise But it’s wisdom born of pain Yes, I’ve paid the price But look how much I gained If I have to, I can face anything I am strong (Strong) I am invincible (Invincible) I am woman
I am all about lining my “Stars” and seeing where there might take you. Years ago as I began my Blue Star Collectionsbusiness I knew I wanted to put a “ Star” in my business name.
The Star inspired me to be creative, shine at what I did and see what kind of stars I might find along the way.
I know it’s been like a broken record for us all with this Covid thing. We hear everyday, the four “W ‘s” ~ Wear a mask, watch your distance, wash your hands and wipe down surfaces.wear a mask, wash your hands. Sometimes I find myself slipping further back and yet yearning for some sort of inspiration to snap me back following to my Blue Star.
I guess it had to be mis summer when my dear friend Pat McGill said to me I needed to check out this gal from Milford, Iowa that was doing “Quaran-teas”. Pat mentioned we would have a bit in common.
I quickly did a Facebook lookup and sure enough and I knew right away I was going to like this young lady and I loved what she was doing. Within minutes we became friends and the giggles and the inspiring friendships too off! We did a bit of going back and forth with conversations and of course was cautious about gathering together. You see, I asked her to come set a “quaran-tea” at my house under the pergola on my patio.
The Covid numbers continued to grow so we both opted out, well at least for now. But meanwhile, we chatted often back and forth as she continued to inspire me. Finally I decided I just wanted to Blog about her and hopefully inspire you as well.
So here we go ~ Blue Star Collections peeps out in Blogland meet my new little inspiring friend Krista Kolegraff from Milford, Iowa.
Krista came home from San Francisco, CA when Covid broke out and decided to perch in Milford. You see Krista has always had a creative side to herself and being in quarantine like the rest of us she decided something new.
Krista mother had a special birthday coming up that needed a little celebration. Not just any ole birthday party would do, it had to have a twist. Krista came up with the “Quaran-Tea” party. She would gather up some awesome recipes, her mother’s old dishes and invite a few friends in her mother quarantine bubble.
The table came to life!
As I continue down my own path, there always seem to be a “Star” that appears. Sure enough on the dessert tray, check out the “Star” cookies.
What treat for her mother’s friends. I’m sure it was the “talk of town”, after all we were in the middle of the Covid shutdown. No restaurants open to celebrate, but better yet her mother’s own “Quarantine-Tea” party with her close friends!
The holidays look different this year, but that’s all the more reason to celebrate with the one thing that brings us closer in spirit—music.
Music is such a big part of our life and brings back memories to our minds when we hear a certain song. For the last couple of weeks I have had this song in my head – And so this is Christmas by John Lennon.
When I sing and hum along to the song today, I can’t help think how this song relates to our current climate today. John Lennon recorded it almost 40 years ago.
The song came about after more than two years of peace activism by John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono, that began with the ‘bed-ins’ they created in March and May 1969.
The song was part of an international multimedia campaign launched by the couple in December 1969, at the height of the counterculture movement and protests against America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
They had rented billboard spaces in 12 major cities around the world, for the display of black-and-white posters that declared “WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko”.
Lennon came up with the song as a way of continuing the themes of social unity and peaceful change via personal accountability, that was previously the basis of the earlier billboard campaign, while attempting to convey optimism and avoiding the sentimentality he felt often characterised Christmas music.
This Christmas season we are once again looking to find normal in how to celebrate this season. Holiday parties that we once enjoyed, canceled. Many struggling because of financial reasons and how do we celebrate Christmas without our family?
“And so this is Christmas” still gives us hope, peace and love. Today John Lennons words still echo in our minds, Let’s hope for a great one without any fears.
With just a few more days left in 2020, just “Imagine” what this last year has taught us. Less is more, having more patience, tapping into our creative side and counting our blessings.
John Lennon, we still love you today and miss your music. We wonder what you would be singing today with protesting, Covid, politics and quarantine.
A very merry Christmas And a happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good one Without any fear
Why do parades always make us feel good? This has been the year of cancelations of events and gatherings. After several months, whose counting right, we are all craving for a bit of normal in our life’s. This last weekend The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce added a bit of fun and normal by organizing a political correct social distancing boat parade right out our front door.
How lucky for us, we decided to take in the fun. How could you not when you heard all the music, giggles and fun approaching and bringing back wonderful memories of watching a parade as a kid!
Let there be PEACE on earth
As each boat went by we took in all the details with awe. Some boats had a serious message while others captivated the fun with Christmas.
There was a total of 31 boat entrees that took place in the parade. People kept their distance and perched in out of way spots to get a glimpse of the lighted boats. The parade traveled several miles around the Fort Myers Beach area offering lots of joy to many.
Whatever your holiday flair is, the boats certainly hit a home run with offering many choices.
How long this must have taken the participants to decorate their boats, the pay off was enjoyed and appreciative by many. Hooting and hollering could be heard for miles across the water.
Of course a holiday parade wouldn’t be complete without Santa and his reindeers. Ohhh how that star shined and filled with lighting up the night.
Here comes Frosty the Snowman and all his glory! Such talent and creativity in making these boats shine with excitement! The weather cooperated with no wind and only a chill in the night air. Frosty stood tall and proud and the audience cheered him on!
And then there was the “beer” boat. The colors from the lights just danced off the waters. Ho Ho “hold my beer”. Someone had fun with this wouldn’t you say!?
As each boat passed it felt like we had a bit of normal taking place on the water. Night lights and fun laughter made you forget all we have been through this 2020.
In closing, the fire pit on the front of this boat said it all. Dumping 2020 in the pit made us all relate to moving on. Out with 2020, lets get 2021 rolling into a positive year with Love, Peace and Happiness.
Thank you Fort Myers Beach for organizing such a successful event and still be socially correct. You made several thousands of people standing on their docks, front yards, and scattered all over happy to see such delight.
I too hope this brought a few smiles to your face. Stay safe, be well and enjoy this Holiday Season in your own way.
This year might feel a bit different when you pull out your holiday decor setting the tone as you decorate your Christmas tree. Covid once again is making us think what our own Christmas might look like with social practices still being encouraged for our holiday gatherings.
For me the “Star” always seems to be my “go to” in decorating as it catches my attention with its beauty. This year is no exception, it was the “Starfish” that provided the inspiration and hope on our tree. What is your inspiration to make your tree have that special look?
A “Star” has always intrigued me with its five points, its a decorators dream. I love setting it up in my decor whenever possible to add interest as well as hope to the eye. It’s easy to tuck in groupings or placing it to stand alone making its presence known.
In addition, with my love of a starfish it also holds characteristics such as guidance, vigilance, inspiration, brilliance and intuition. The starfish is a spirit animal and teaches you to cure yourself over time, fill up the void, and replace it with something better. It symbolizes regeneration, renewal, and self-sustainability. Don’t we all need a bit more of that these days?
Another fun story speaking of “Stars”, on the evening of Dec. 21, Jupiter and Saturn will seem to inch incredibly close to each other, looking like one single bright star. In reality, they will be hundreds of millions of miles apart. When two celestial objects closely approach each other in the sky, astronomers call it a conjunction.
A “Christmas star” will light up the sky on the December Solstice, a rare “double planet” event that hasn’t been seen since the Middle Ages. These two planets have not appeared to be this close together from Earth’s vantage point since predawn March 4, 1226. A treat for many this holiday season for this hasn’t happened in almost over 800 years!
We all know the story of the bright star leading the three wisemen to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Suppose this is what the three wisemen witnessed? One can only imagine the excitement that took place.
So, as I continue my decorating this holiday season, I can’t but help think about this exciting view that we will all have the opportunity to witness for this Pre-Christmas gift. Angels might be singing “Angels We Have Heard on High” in celebration of this rare moment.
Continuing with my “starfish” inspiration I placed this Tern bird surrounded by “starfish” along with a few shells making sure it has a great front row spot for viewing the tree and more.
By adding a few fish it enhanced my table and married the starfish along with sand dollars together. Once might suggest the only thing missing is the sand from the beach.
My modest, little skinny tree stands proud this holiday season. Each day I add a little more embellishment to it with drift wood, rope balls, starfish, netting and more that I collects along the beach. With each new layer it comes more and more to life.
One thing I do know for sure, I will count my blessings with what 2020 gave us. Whether 2020 was good or bad, we all have new hope to look forward to and a rare “star” sighting that is coming upon us this month.
So whatever your tree symbols this holiday season, make it shine by adding your own touch and of course love. This “is” special year and its up to each of us how we want to make it “shine”.
Wishing you a fun filled and inspired decorating holiday season ~
As the birds are flying south, we too know it’s time to head south in search of warmer weather. We decided to take the route through Memphis and do a “drive by” to check out Elvis Presley’s home “Graceland”.
How many of you are Elvis Presley fans out there in Blog Land? Do you still sing along to his songs today? If so, what was your favorite tune Elvis sang?
Many of us remember the day Elvis died, August 16, 1977 at the young age of 42. People flocked to “Graceland” in tears to leave memorials outside the brick wall surrounding his home. After all, Elvis was “The King of Rock and Roll”.
Elvis had a very colorful life. Jet airplanes to take him anywhere. You often heard he would rent the entire local movie theater and take his friends to see the movies. I wonder how many he packed in on this 707 jet? Now wouldn’t that have been fun to jet away with Elvis! The airplane was named after his daughter, Lisa Marie ❤️.
Elvis’ 707 Aircraft named after his daughter “Lisa Marie”
I also might guess several of you followed his flamboyant and famous life. Those of you being Elvis followers out there probably knew he grew up in a modest family and started his singing in the church. At a young age he entered singing competitions and would win with his unique and exotic style.
Later serving in the military Elvis was stationed in Germany where he met his young (14 years old) bride to be Priscilla Beaulieu. After courting several years they married and a year later came their daughter Lisa Marie. They were married six years before divorcing but their love story continued on sharing their daughter Lisa Marie together.
Elvis’ Military Days 1957 – 1960
Today there is still was a welcome feeling with the gates wide open as tourists continue to come visit Graceland. Although we only drove by, the energy continues with writings on the brick walls surrounding the estate.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland
Heartfelt messages written outside on the brick walls that expressed sadness with the loss of the King of Rock and Roll ~ Elvis Presley.
So till we meet again Elvis, we will continue to enjoy your spirit through the songs you left behind. My “Blue Suede Shoes” will keep dancing whether “It’s now or Never” but you will “Always Be on My Mind”.
Thanks Elvis for all the memories, I’m still “All Shook up” after doing my drive by your beautiful Graceland.
