Love...

Speed Reading

Certain things can serve you well later down the road that at the present time really never had a clear purpose. That is the thought of the day.

For example, in the third grade I was put in a speed reading class.

It was a strange side class with no real purpose. The memory of it has been bouncing around my head the last few days and I had no idea why.

The nuns made me sit in a dark room with a projector on high speed as words flew across the wall. Afterwards, a few questions were asked to see if I retained the important facts on the story that wizzed by. I never thought much of it except that it was strange, but a lot of fun. Plus it was a good excuse to get out of religion class and Jesus central.

It appears I have a talent for it. A few people have come to me recently requesting a little speed reading. I love filtering words, info and mining me some gold. Getting to the nitty gritty so to speak and delivering the goods.

So I'd like to take time out and thank you speed reading class as you continue to serve me well. Who knew? Cheers to random talents!

Now I've also been thinking of roller skates and Xanadu a lot lately. I wonder what's that's about.

The Question of the Day is...

Why do people love drama and chaos so much?

Personally, I'll take calm and happy over drama and chaos any day. I never did get why people crave pain. Drama and chaos must have some sort of allure I'm missing because so many people choose to live in it.

And yes, it's a choice.

This week I've gotten to see how ugly people can be and it's been hard to look at. Exhausting is another word for it. At one certain place, I've always felt it there but it was under the surface - not in full sight. This week it was on full display.

One night, I saw this sweet little bird fast asleep in a tree. It was so serene and beautiful, I pointed it out to a few people. One or two people loved it, the rest were looking for something to throw at it so they could wake it up from its blissful slumber. That pretty much sums it up in a nutshell.

So what is it about drama and chaos and why do people want to connect through it?

Does it make them feel alive?

Do they get to feel better than others?

Does it make them feel valuable?

Do they like the struggle? Do they like the fight?

I wish people could connect more through happiness and love. The world would be a much better place for it. After this week, I'm through with drama, chaos and the people that want to connect through it.

It never has been my style and never will.

Artist Date

With all the commotion, forgot I needed to complete an Artist date for my class. Last week I spent it in First Class flying up to D.C. and that was quite enjoyable. A gal can get used to that kind of treatment, I know I am.

This week, I went to see the African cemetery at the beach which memorialized the 294 slaves that died here after reaching Key West via slave boats. Some really amazing symbols and descriptions of their horrific journey over and how strong those people were. They are buried near this fort-like building called West Martello located directly on Higgs beach.

I have always thought about going in there and did today. Perfect that there was a garden club event and artists peppered all throughout the building. Personally, the brick fort gives me the heebie jeebies. It was interesting to go through but I preferred all the outside hidden trails around it.

Right on.

The self-portrait shot which is always fun. It was a tad bright out but I liked that I camoflauged into the green scenery. Green on Green = Good.

Nice spot!

These hanging pots were awesome. Whoever made these, they were incredible.

One More Set...

Paddle Paddle Paddle...STAND UP!

Bring it on, I'm ready.

Bobbing and Weaving

Just dodged another Jury Duty bullet. The judge suggested if we didn't get picked, it'd be a good day to play the lotto. Buying something to make for lunch, I went ahead and got me a magic ticket.

I told the Fausto's cashier I'd be back soon to collect my millions. She told me to make sure I did it on a day that she working. No problem, my dear. Muwah ha ha ha.

Toni Baloney Brunch

The weather was perfect and the fall colors outstanding!

We tried to take 13 people to a Drag Queen brunch in Adams Morgan but the 2 hour wait change our direction to this little gem. Is it wrong to take a 5 and 7 year old to a Drag Queen Brunch? A question that will forever go unanswered as well as I'm sure some interesting questions from the girls I imagine.

You could hear the blaring disco music from outside. I was wondering if there would be historical women in drag. Definitely a Barbara Bush or Hillary, it is DC, ya know? Maybe next time...

D-town reunion! Thanks Mike for the mimosas!

Peeps. Been a long time.

Again, love you two!!

Cloud City

Headed up to DC for Toni's baby shower weekend and couldn't get enough of the clouds. So beautiful! I again got the upgrade to first class and the same seat I had before.

All in all a great weekend to catch up with friends I haven't seen in a long time. A nice jaunt before this week starts.

Bye. Bye.

I Spy.

Fave photos from last trip.

Drum Lessons

Been spending money like a drunken sailor getting things set up the way I want them. What else does a drunken sailor need you might ask???

DRUM LESSONS!

Ran into the only drummer I know in town on my way back from Island Bikes. Good ole Skipper. Been thinking of inquiring for a while now, got his card and will be excited to scare the new neighbors.

Creative Day with Cricket

One part of the Artist's Way class is creating a collage.

Tearing and ripping out images that draw your eye and speak to you. It eventually becomes a collage but what it truly becomes is a visual map of everything you want to do. The last time I did one was with Cricket at our old house and it was so much fun.

Tearing into magazines, talking about what we want for ourselves and when you finally put it all together it's your vision - tangible and in hand. Your dreams in a visual form...gotta love that.

Sometimes I can see these things better than I can verbalize them so this exercise is right up my alley. Usually at first, I don't want to do it but after I just want to swim in the world I've created.

Staring at it constantly, subconsciously it begins to live and breathe on its own.

Talking about the class with Cricket and the upcoming collage experiment, I asked her if she would like to do this again with me which she excitedly agreed. It was time for her too to do another. Today we pulled all our images and started piecing it together. Sooooo excited about it.

The last time I did one of these, everything on it happened. I mean EVERYTHING. Living the dream. Gotta live the dream.

Say Cheese

Sunburst

Fly. Fly. Fly.

Hello.

Home Sweet Home