Image via Wikipedia"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
- Mark Twain

What do you dream about doing one day? What's stopping you from doing it now?

Dear Diary

I went for a long walk this morning and remembered the journey is always different on a paved road than on a dirt road.

Theres's no road in between!

Scoot 66 photo

A day at the Renaissance Faire

Last weekend, my sister (I'll call her Beach Walker Sis), my dear Beachwalker Boy and I went to the NY Renaissance Faire. It was the first time I had gone since I was just a college student quite some time ago. I learned, as we were driving there, that my sister's husband thought I was going to show up dressed in character. It's been a while since I've been that bold but then I hadn't seen my brother-in-law in a long time and I guess he still had pre-conceived notions of my behavior. Hmmmm! Could have been fun had I thought about it but then had I done so, I’m sure “Boy” would have died a thousand deaths.

It was a perfect day. There was a cool breeze that was definitely welcome after the heat wave that had recently occupied the days and there was a bit of cloud cover. It made for a delightful time walking around the faire because in upstate NY, it can get pretty dang hot and humid. I don’t care for NY weather but that’s a story for another day.

So what’s a Renaissance Faire without a Joust Tournament! The joust is my favorite part and I’ll admit I do enjoy keeping an eye on the normally handsome men riding full speed at each other

We raised our voices to cheer Sir Scarlett and waved our flags high but alas Scarlett let us down and Sir Ivanhoe stood in victory. It was great tournament and at the end, all of the characters paraded through the courtyard in their finery and the children were invited into the yard to be knighted by the Queen. Needless to say, that was beneath my dear tween, Beachwalker Boy but I’m sure he’ll be someone’s Knight in Shining Armor one day, no need to rush.

Hearts Home

Image by srharris via Flickr

It was just a decree and a gavel, the possibilities endless, and the open road in front of me. No plan, just the butterflies in my stomach. Coming down nine mile hill, the lights of the city shown bright and I felt the promise that it was my life, part two. I had left the east, the place of my youth with all its pomp and tradition, my white house and my cats, morning coffee on the beach and the man of my youth.

Found myself riding into that beautifully enchanted place. So easy it was, to fall in love with the land, the people, the wide open space and the freedom to create with abandon. Slowly, my world happened, and each night I stared up at the mountain glowing pink with a wish for all that was good. It brought me good friends who are forever, new love that couldn’t stay and a child who will always be my true life inspiration.

But once again, on the wrong side of the country, with all its pomp and tradition, no white house or cats, no mornings on the beach and no man to fill my time. Where my heart calls out, it’s time to go home … to that spirited place, where the people hold rein on my heart, to the wide open land, where the freedom to create with abandon lives and start my life, part three.

Boots and Pearls

Picture from Buckaroogirl

So, I've just found this album which I just love. This gals voice is really wonderful, strong and sassy and her poetry is brilliant.

Listen to some of the music. Check out this video interview from Western Horseman If you are of a same mind as me, you will enjoy. Her first album is Highway 80 ...

Tony Stromberg

Tony Stromberg Photography

For my eyes, some of the most beautiful photography is of horses in a natural settings. Horses conjure images of the old west, of a sense of living free ... joyous movement, a connection to earth and to spirit. Why is that? Is it because of the stories of our youth, those old western movies and story books or is it much deeper. Perhaps a quiet connection we all have to these beings who are so innocent in nature.

Tony Stromberg creates such beautiful photos and his book, "The Forgotten Horses" is precious. It's a document dedicated to the horses unwanted but who were lucky enough to get a second chance.

Tony has three books out!

I am not a rider, I don't own a horse but I am fascinated by these beautiful animals. I could watch them for hours in their own natural settings and in show. I'm impressed by riders and the connections they have with their horse. I'm amazed by the relationships horses choose to have or not ... with each other and with humans. They are bright intelligent and loving animals and I have found that the people who ride are truly extraordinary in their own way.

Tony's book captures the beauty that would have been lost if these horses were not rescued. I'm always pleased to hear that people care enough to become involved with these beautiful animals and often work in the rescue of unwanted, abused or neglected horses. I know quite a few who are passionate about rescuing and I'm proud to know them. One of the organizations that does great work is Habitat for Horses. They are a non-profit working with law enforcement in rescue cases and serve as a awareness center but their story is for another day.

Do you or your children volunteer?

Image via Wikipedia

Children volunteering! Do your children volunteer? How did you get them started, how much is enough and what are they doing or do you think volunteering is for adults? How's that for a few questions right up front!

Yesterday, Beach Walker Boy and I were talking about things a kid can do to volunteer in the community. If you read this blog, then you know that 'Boy' has a volunteer gig this summer at the library as a Book Buddy. Not that I think he should pick up another volunteer activity this summer. One is enough for a tween. I do want him to enjoy his summer, let him be 'free range' but there I was with my inquiring mind trying to see what he thinks and make sure his brain didn't really slip out his ear when he turned twelve. If you have a tween boy, you know what I'm talking about. Much to my amazement, he did have some ideas. He thought joining a clean up campaign was was a good thing for the community. Serving food at the homeless shelter was another thought. Since I was a 'candy striper' (do they use that term anymore) when I was twelve, I suggested visiting the elderly. Of course, my suggestion had some personal cause attached to it. "Don't forget me when I'm old, 'Boy'." He liked that idea. Yay!! He also thought volunteering at an animal shelter was a good idea. Somehow, I don't think he realized how hard emotionally it would be to work at an animal shelter. That will be a conversation for another day.

Well, I felt good ... maybe he was a thinking 'Boy' after all. Ahhh! Slept well last night!

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• Ideas for Community Service Projects (brighthub.com)
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'Free Range Children' ?

Image by VinothChandar via Flickr

I came across this great article on Planet Green about letting your kids set their own agenda. How unique in today's activity obsessed world. I even love the title - We Need More 'Free Range Children' - Planet Green. I like to think of Beach Walker Boy as 'free range'. I also like to package him as 'home grown', 'cage free', 'carbon neutral' and of course 'organic' and most of that is true ... well, not the carbon neutral part ... but tween boys have their ways and he's still learning.

Yes, Free Range Children! I'm all for it.

Did you know there is a 'Slow Movement' getting started? I guess it's sort of like the 'SlowFoods' movement which I highly recommend. It's mentioned in the Planet Green article by Matt McDermott. I like this concept. Fits well with what my mind tells me is right. I think 'Boy' would support the idea, after all he has championed some incredibly slow events such as cleaning his room. I think I'm going to join the slow movement today. Perhaps, I'll run for President of my local chapter ... slowly, of course.

Teaching children to care for the environment

With all the environmental disasters and lack of concern by so many, one has to wonder how we can change our habits to be more mindful of our environment. Perhaps we just need to take the time to 'teach the children well.' Remember that line from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young or maybe I'm dating myself? It's important though to start at a young age to instill in children a sense of caring and pride for their environment and the earth. Of course, we need to model the behaviors ourselves by doing our part, whether it be recycling, growing our own veg, planting trees, eliminating excess packaging or volunteering for a clean up. Children are exposed to so much and often they get mixed messages or just don't understand why we need to act. Usborne book, Why Should I Bother about the Planet? teaches about mankind's effects on the planet and how we can reverse them. Topics include climate change, recycling, energy sources and the little things we can do to make a difference. We have

to hope for the future and our children are the future.

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• Pat Earley: "Teach Your Children Well" (huffingtonpost.com)

Beach Walker Boy learns a lesson!

This summer Beach Walker Boy has been volunteering at the local library. He is a newly minted "Book Buddy" and spends one hour a week reading to younger children.

The first week he read, he was matched with a very quiet, well behaved 5 year old and he read three books chosen by the child. The second week, he hoped to read to the same child but it wasn't to be and he was matched with another child who was most likely around 6 years old. This child was not quiet or well behaved. At one point, I looked up from my comfy chair where I was enjoying my own book, to see Beach Walker Boy in a slow trot after a child running up and down the aisles laughing. I just shook my head and hoped his own sense of what is right would surface. Apparently, he was able to corral the child without incident and settle down to read. Good experience for him, he went with the flow and I was happy to see he handled himself with authority. The community service points he'll earn will be earned in the trenches and that's a lesson he won't learn from playing PS3's Call of Duty. Did my heart good to see!

Sulllivan's Island

Sullivan's Island has a beauty of it's own. I find I enjoy the mornings most when strolling with a hot cup of coffee and listening to the wind. Soft sand, beautiful water. There are always people on the beach no matter the time of day or year.

Though it appears to be a square, the lighthouse is actually triangular shaped. It is closed to the public except for a few occasions when the par services opens it. I did have the opportunity to tour it this fall.

Walking around the neighborhood!!!

Just a day around the neighborhood...

Frozen in the South!!!!

Lily Pulitzer stylized Jeep -- Only in the South!!!

White Bean and Chicken Chili

One of the first types of soup can be dated to 6000BC. source

Save Time with Slow Cooker Chicken: White Bean and Chicken Chili

This is just so delicious you just have to try it. Serve with a fresh salad and some french bread and you have a delightful light and healthy dinner. I found this recipe on MyRecipe.com which is a favorite recipe site. One of the best features is the recipe file. Once you sign up as a member user, you can file your recipes within the website and access them when ever your in need of one. It's a perfect way for me to stay organized and eliminate the clutter of handwritten cards with food spills and liquid stains on them.

My Morning Cuppa...

Coffee, regarded as a Muslim drink, was prohibited by Ethiopian orthodox Christians as late as 1889; it is now considered a national drink of Ethiopian people of all faiths.

This past holiday, my dear friend who always seems to be in sync with what I enjoy most, gave me a wonderful tasting coffee from Baby's Coffee in Breaux Bridge, LA. Billed as having an "elegantly nutty flavor", LaBelle Pecan is a delicious, aromatic blend suitable for any time of day or occasion. I have been enjoying a cuppa each morning and I plan to try some of their other offerings soon.

Paranormal Grit Lit--REALLY??

Enjoy our guest author Karen White! Author of "The Strangers on Montagu Street"

PARANORMAL GRIT LIT--REALLY??

By Karen White

I’m known for writing ‘grit lit’—Southern women’s fiction. My books are recognized not only by their Southern setting and characters, but also by their emotional intensity. From my very first book (a time-travel historical published in 2000), that has been my trademark and what my readers look for in all of the books I write. And believe me, an author doesn’t ever want to mess with reader’s expectations!

So when I proposed the idea for THE HOUSE ON TRADD STREET to my agent, she was a little leery at first—especially after I told her that I planned to make this into a series. She couldn’t have been too surprised, though. In the last nine years I’ve published eleven books: a time-travel historical, a gothic romance ala Victoria Holt, two contemporary romance/mainstream fiction novels, five “grit-lit” books, and two “paranormal/grit-lit” novels. I’m not one for sticking to the tried and true, I guess!

In this series (THE GIRL ON LEGARE STREET is the second book, and was published in November, 20009), I’ve blended my favorite elements of ‘grit-lit’ but threw in my passion for old houses, the city of Charleston, a lot of history, mystery, and ghosts. The main characters are multi-layered with a lot of emotional baggage (ala Karen White books), but their dialogue is lighter, and snarkier, than my readers are probably used to. And, yes, my protagonist, Melanie Middleton, sees dead people.

So, how did I sell this idea as a marketable proposal to not only myself but to my agent and editor? After all, isn’t the publishing industry married to the ‘tried and true’ despite their insistence that they want something ‘fresh and new’? I made a deal with the devil (figuratively, of course). I promised my editor that I could still do a ‘grit lit’ novel every year—if I could just be allowed to sneak in these cool women’s fiction/paranormal mystery books in between. Seeing as how my books are usually around 120,000+ words, it was no mean feat promising two in a single calendar year. But I believed in this project and I signed the deal. It didn’t hurt that I live with two teenagers so that the need to escape to my “happy place” of writing is an almost constant one. J

I am blessed with a really wonderful editor who likes what I write and trusts me a great deal. I think all of us (me, my agent and my editor) were holding our collective breaths as I worked on the book, hoping it would live up to its promise of being a book that my current readers would enjoy as well as one that would attract new readers. After all, I’ve always had a dash of the paranormal as well as a mystery in all of my books—this one just had a little more.

I’ll admit that I had a lot of fun writing THE HOUSE ON TRADD STREET and THE GIRL ON LEGARE STREET. They’re a little lighter in tone than my previous books, and the dialogue between the two protagonists, Melanie and Jack, was the most fun I’ve had between the pages of a book in a long time. With ‘bated breath, I turned in the book and waited.

Luckily for me, my agent and editor loved the book as much as I did and they reinforced the decision to keep my name for this series because it was definitely a ‘Karen White’ book—recognizable by not only the southern setting but by likeable but flawed characters who have to work through internal and external conflicts—including a ghostly presence who’s not all that nice.

So, did I pull it off? Did I manage to merge women’s fiction with a paranormal romance? I think so, and judging by readers’ reactions, they agree. Nobody really knows what to call this series—and that’s okay because I don’t know either. Maybe my books will be the beginning of a whole new genre! My publisher was pleased with the response and asked me to write two more books for this series--so there will be two more to follow THE GIRL ON LEGARE STREET. It’s not too much of a hardship for me since Charleston is one of my favorite cities. From the first time I visited about twelve years ago, I knew it had a special place in my heart and I look forward to each trip I make from Atlanta to “research.”

Regardless of what genre people call my books, I’d like to believe that with each and every one of them I have achieved the goal that I set for myself every time I sit down to write: to create characters readers will care about, and put them in a story that will make my readers feel every emotion, want to turn the pages, and give them a sigh of satisfaction when they get to the end. And that’s really what it’s all about in the end, isn’t it?

Writing...a labor of love

split infinitive -- an infinitive verb form with an element,
usually an adverb, interposed between to and a verb form as in to boldly go. Source

Yesterday I had to prepare a writing sample for a potential contract. I've only had to do so one other time and I don't find it to be an enjoyable exercise. I prefer writing for fun and my own enjoyment. Writing to be judged how I would handle a specific situation is another story because one does not know if they are interested in your execution of the situation or your style of writing. I did my best to address both. This particular exercise had me writing conversation scripts between an upset employee and a manager...Oh my!!! The difficulty for me is not in creating the conversation but in essentially guessing which conversation they are expecting.
It is hard to write knowing you'll be judged by someone for something. One just has to look at the comments left on blogs and websites to see how people can be quite heartless in their judgements. It is one of the reason, I enjoy reading blogs and websites for content and ideas, not to note if the writer has used a split infinitive.

Green Chili Chicen Stew

Green chili is a important ingredient in New Mexican cuisine. The town of Hatch, NM has been the leader in chili growing and is known as the "Chili Capital of the World"

World Famous Salsa & Green Chile Sauce - El Pinto
It's exceptionally cold today where I am and I'm having fond memories of yummy Green Chili Chicken Stew with warm tortillas. Quite difficult to get the green chili's here so I have to use prepared sauce. There are many good chili sauces on the market, I happen to have El Pinto Green Chili Sauce available but you can make it from scratch if you have access to some good Hatch Green Chilis.

The 1971 movie "Friends"

Once again I am showing my age. Does anyone remember this wonderful movie from 1971? It was a very special coming of age movie. Elton Johns soundtrac was just beautiful too.

Where are the mannerly?

I don't normally rant on this blog but today I must. I am so tired of rude, obnoxious people. It seems I am confronted by the ill-mannered more and more and I must wonder why this so. Is proper social behavior becoming a lost art? Some say that because we are such a melting pot that we must accept the behaviors of all peoples as those behaviors may be normal to the people committing the act. Now I ask, does that make any sense. It doesn't to me. Is there a group out there that does not want to be thanked, apologized to, be granted ease by having a door held or who appreciates being knocked over at the the sale rack or the entrance to a lavatory. Where was I when the rule changed on men not wearing hats indoor? ....or children calling adults by their first name, or having courtesy while driving?

Is it bad parenting that individuals grew up with no understanding of acceptable behavior? Was it the wild and crazy '60 when the call for tolerance among all groups was so strong that allowed people to be rude so they could make a point?

I don't know the answers but I wish I knew the response. I think it is to just continue to be as civil as you can in all situations.

I have been in several situations in the past few weeks while visiting out of state that just made my skin crawl ... like the woman who plowed right into me as I was walking out a door, then just looked at me and walked on but the car incident takes the prize. As I was driving, I slowed because there was a woman jay-walking with a small child. She should not have been jay-walking, especially with a small child but she was and I chose to slow to give her time to get across the street. The driver behind me saw this as an insult to his desire to get where he wanted to go and chose to start honking his horn and then pulled around me to more forcefully display his anger in gesture. Not only was this directed at me but also at the woman and child who the driver decided to yell at from his car window. The woman and child made it safely to the curb but the driver was now on a tear to make me realize he was unhappy. He quickly pulled in front of me and then proceeded to slow down and break. I eventually found my way out of this mess but was stunned at the rudeness and childlike behavior of this person. Obviously he was not in a hurry... and what kind of hardness would make a person so angry in such a situation?

The part that bothers me the most is that as I work to teach my child to be courteous, to be socially primed, to defer to adults and all the other niceties of proper social behavior, I fear it is sometimes thwarted by the acts of those who feel being ill-mannered is okay. I can only hope that what I am instilling in my child will be remembered and kept sacred long after I am gone.

I would love you to comment here so I could read your thoughts on this topic. Click on the link below to read an interesting article I found on the Emily Post website.

From: LAND OF THE RUDE: AMERICANS IN NEW SURVEY SAY LACK OF RESPECT IS GETTING WORSE :

"One of the more noteworthy findings in the Public Agenda survey was how little respect rudeness has for boundaries: experiences with bad behavior were virtually the same whether one was from the North or South, rich or poor, living in a big city or a small town. "

Feeling pretty in Armonk

La Gravinese Jewelers of Armonk photo

I had a lovely Saturday with my good girl friends whom I've known since I was a mere 15 years old. One of the highlights of the day was visiting Debra's store. It was the first time I had actually seen her store and all the 'pretty's' residing in the cabinets calling my name. I thought I would purchase a strand of pearls but my attention strayed to beautiful gold drop earrings with two small dangling pale aqua blue stones on each. Just beautiful! I can wear them with just about anything and won't I just be pretty, pretty!

La Gravinese Jewelers of Armonk photo

Such a lovely shop, in the center of a well appointed town. Not only does she offer the usual services but also custom design and redesign of jewelry, special orders, ear piercing, appraisals, watch repair, estate purchases, as well as teachers & corporate gifts. Designer lines included Leo Pizzo, Craig Drake, Kurt Wayne, Hidalgo, and many more. I enjoyed feasting my eyes on all the gorgeous diamonds and beautiful pearls.

Pave Settings

I learned about pave' jewelry where jewelry is designed and created with stones set very close together to create a unique look and beautiful shine...such as the very lovely pave' cocktail ring that was on display. Gorgeous diamonds clustered around a larger deeply colored blue gemstone.
If you are ever in the area or are interested in beautiful custom work, contact Debra at:

La Gravinese Jewelers of Armonk

Armonk, New York 10504

914.273.5432,

I always knew Debra to have great business sense as well as great style and a flair for the elegant. It's nice to see all that incredible talent being used so well. Just wonderful...thank you, Debra!

The Ocean Project...What an inspiring theme...

The Ocean Project
I've just learned about The Ocean Project, an organization seeking to educate and create awareness about the failing health of our oceans and create strength around needed conservation practices. I was inspired to learn more and join the group... I have much to learn. I am revisiting old interests in our beautiful oceans that sustain us each day. Of course living so close to the coast has made me very aware of how important it is to do what we can to insure the health of our oceans and the life within. There are many in the Charleston area that work to insure healthy habitat for sea turtles and other ocean life, care for the dunes and insure clean and safe beaches. I've also just learned that June 8th is the official World Oceans Day reminding us about our connectedness to the oceans whether we are close to the coast or deep inland. The oceans are no longer as healthy as they should be. Coral reefs are dying, rising sea level is threatening coastal communities and especially low lying islands such as North Carolina's Outer Banks. I encourage you to learn about the Ocean Project and make a pledge to protect our oceans.

We had a lovely visit!

Photographer: Jonathan Lamb; GNU Free Documentation License".

Lighthouse on Sullivan's Island, SC. This is the most modern lighthouse in South Carolina.

I've been away just long enough. I had house guests visiting so of course my goal was to create a lovely visit for them to remember...thus I had not a moment to post here.
We had a grand time relaxing at the beach, attending Beachwalker Boy's lower school graduation, eating, drinking and being merry. They have promised to return as soon as the begining of the new year when it will be cool enough to enjoy all the touring of historical places in this lovely area. I'm looking forward to their return and the visits of more friends and family who have decided a stop by is in order.

Hampton Park, Charleston, SC : Public Domain

I did have the opportunity to attend an event at Spoleto...on the last day...but still I had a first taste and it was wonderful. Beachwalker Boy and I attended an open air concert with a friend in Hampton Park featuring a great funky band from the Mount Pleasant area called Sababah. They were really quite good and good looking as well...at least one young man caught the attention of this old woman.