Just Stop and Breathe

This world is upside down.  People are hysterical over things that do and do not impact them personally.  With so much that truly threatens we Americans, our way of life, and our personal freedoms, why are we concerned with circumstances beyond our immediate control?


I'll tell you why--"news" stations that do not report news, but focus on ratings.  Ratings are driven by viewership, which is fueled, these days anyway, by emotion.  Guess what else feeds off emotion?  Social media!  When you see an event televised and posted on Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of social media, ask yourself what the intent of the "story" is, and what emotion it invokes in you.  If you are angered, the story has done its job and will take a life of its own, as tens of thousands of people will share it again and again.


Oftentimes, I see people post things like, "don't be a sheep," or "lead, rather than follow."  No one seems to understand what this means (most especially those posting it).  I guess the take-away from recent events is to "love one another."  Like my friend Garry Parker asked, "Where's the love?"  Right on, I say!


Here's another question you should ask yourself, "Am I my brother's keeper?" 


I suppose when everything is said and done, one simple emotion is all your really need.  The one you choose, however, is up to you.


As for me--man, I love all y'all. 


So go out into this big old nasty world today and make a positive difference.  I'll leave the how's and what's to you.  How and what you do to impact someone's life in a positive manner is the only emotional choice you should make.  We all have the power to destroy and maim, but we also have a greater power--to heal and love.


Make your choice. 

When We Vacation (Or Go On Holiday)

We have all done it--we go somewhere on vacation, some incredibly beautiful paradise, then decide we will quit our jobs and move immediately. This is natural for most people, Cathy and I included, to begin brainstorming creative job opportunities in order to expedite our move to a beach front community.

Cathy and I have attempted to temper our purchasing resolve in St. Augustine, Florida, but planned on looking at houses while here (in advance of our trip) to potentially make an investment purchase. I would be lying if I said the beach bug had not bitten us shortly after looking at the first three homes, but we elected to take a deep breath and talk about what we want to accomplish in the short and long term.  (Sometimes acting like adults is a terrible thing.)

With that, I have made it no secret how much I adore this small town, The Old City, the Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth, and the very unique lighthouse that stands proudly on the west side of Anastasia Island. The residents of the town are wonderful, and we found ourselves hanging out with some regularity at Isabela's Cigar and Wine Shop. I was fortunate enough to have met Isabela, a wonderful Cuban immigrant who claims to be the only American female cigar shop owner, several years ago and was blessed to enjoy her company once again.  

Just walking around town, you get a sense of the centuries old history of the area. The Minorcan Indian tribe that resided there before the Spanish Conquistadors arrived are an integral part of the city's feel. Brick and cobblestone line the Old City's roads and mom and pop shops keep the local economy vibrant and consistent.

On Anastasia Island, hidden bars tout "locals" hanging out, and it is clear that it is true in many cases. Smiles, a slow pace, couples young and old holding hands as they walk along the gorgeous beaches are all part of the reason we want to own a place here. 

The truth is I have always wanted to be a pirate and love the pirate lifestyle; well, I would have to shower more frequently, but still, would it not be very Jimmy Buffet-esque to sail the St. Augustine Sound, fishing and singing about tourists covered in oil?

To sail the Atlantic off the coast of Saint Augustine is my dream.  Maybe one day...