HELLO AND WELCOME TO LILI'S JOURNAL

BELOW IS A MONTH-LONG EXCERPT FROM THE ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF A FICTIONAL CHARACTER BY THE NAME OF LILI ANN PERCY.  LILI, AT THE AGE OF 36, TURNED HER BACK ON THE SOPHISTICATED MANHATTAN LIFESTYLE SHE WAS LIVING AS A FURNITURE DESIGNER TO MOVE TO A SMALL ISLAND OFF THE SOUTH WEST COAST OF FLORIDA.  THIS IS A RECORD SHE KEPT OF THE FIRST MONTH, APRIL 2011, OF HER NEW JOURNEY.  I HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY READING THIS ILLUSTRATED STORY.  


AS WITH ALL BLOGS THE STORY BEGINS AT THE END OF THE BLOG.  THEREFORE, IN THIS CASE THE STORY BEGINS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE NEXT PAGE.  SIMPLY SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM RIGHT OF THIS PAGE AND CLICK ON THE WORDS "OLDER POSTS" TO BEGIN.  WHEN YOU'VE FINISHED THAT PAGE, SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM LEFT OF THAT PAGE AND CLICK ON THE WORDS "PREVIOUS POSTS" TO GET BACK TO THIS PAGE.   I HOPE YOU ENJOY LILI'S JOURNAL AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR LOOKING IN.  

APRIL'S JOURNAL SUMMARY

PONDER--VERB:  THINK ABOUT (SOMETHING) CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY BEFOE MAKING A DECISION OR REACHING A CONCLUSION

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After much pondering before and after making my decision to give up my Manhattan lifestyle as a furniture designer to come to this tiny island located in the Gulf of Mexico off the Southwest coast of Florida was it the right choice for me?  Yes, it most certainly was!

I couldn't be happier right now.  April, my first month here, has flown by on Bokeelia Island.  I know it's all still new, and maybe I'm not being objective in this early stage, but so far I am thrilled with my decision.  This lifestyle suits me perfectly, I love Bokeelia Island itself, and the people I've met are wonderful.  Perhaps most importantly it just feels right!

I'VE FOUND MY PARADISE...

BOKEELIA ISLAND

View As You Enter Bokeelia Island

JOURNAL ENTRY #27

PARTY--NOUN:  A SOCIAL GATHERING OF INVITED GUESTS, TYPICALLY INVOLVING EATING, DRINKING AND ENTERTAINMENT; LIVELY GATHERING

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Oh, what a great party it was!  Almost everyone I know on the Island so far was there and I got to meet lots of new and interesting people, as well.  What a night!  It was fabulous to have Robin there with me.  She was reliving her pre-motherhood days and had quite a time for herself, too.  Oh, and those lobsters were so fresh and so delicious.  Just a spectacular night in every way.  

I had the opportunity to spend quite a lot of time with John.  I really like him.  Robin agrees and thinks he's more than worth my time and attention.  He invited me to go on his boat next week for an island picnic to nearby Boca Grande.  It's a beautiful island that's been left untouched and is well known for shelling and wonderful photographic opportunities.  Mister Gorgeous told me all about it.  On the down side, however, he got his long hair cut short!  BOO HOO.

Next week will be a busy week.  Robin and I will drive Roz to the airport tomorrow morning.  It's been so nice getting to know her.  I hope she really does return one day as she says she will.  Sadly, Robin will be leaving on Tuesday morning.  I'm going to miss her so much, but Dan and the kids are missing her more, needless to say.  All good things must come to an end, I suppose.  But, you definitely don't have to like it.  Missing my family is the one negative aspect of being here so far away from them.  Thank goodness for visits.  Speaking of which, Tyrone phoned today to say he will be here on May 10th!  

This Wednesday afternoon I'll begin working at the ice cream shop.  I'm looking forward to that.  It will put an extra sprinkle in my life.  Ha ha, I'm so clever.  :-)  And, any day now I WILL begin painting my walls.  Maybe if I say it often enough it will really happen?

Partying is great fun, but now I'm going to join Robin and Luther back in the cottage for some serious sleep...zzzzzz.

Opps, before I go these are the party people, my cast of characters, from left to right in the picture below:  Lobster chef Brian, Maureen, Roz, Lynne, Me Lili, Robin, and John

The Party

JOURNAL ENTRY #26

PLEASURE--NOUN:  A FEELING OF HAPPY SATISFACTION AND ENJOYMENT

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Just looking at Robin I can see the pleasure on her face right along with the lack of stress.  She did fall in love with Bokeelia, my little island, as I expected she would.  Last night we had dinner here at the cottage and then walked up for ice cream at the shop I'll soon be working in.  She loved the bird ceiling, but I think she thinks I'm crazy to want to work there.  It was really busy last night, but I'm still looking forward to it.

After that we talked into the wee hours of the morning, so we slept in today.  Robin's taking a lazy swim out back and then we're headed to the party store over on the mainland.  Lynne's party is tomorrow night and she'd like us to help her pick up a few things for it.  I hear that she's conned her sometimes boyfriend into boiling lobsters for the party-yum.  Sounds like fun and I'm anxious for Robin to meet everyone I've met here so far.  Glad they'll get to meet her, too.

Robin Floating

JOURNAL ENTRY #25

RED--ADJECTIVE:  OF A COLOR AT THE END OF THE SPECTRUM NEXT TO ORANGE AND OPPOSITE VIOLET, AS OF BLOOD, FIRE OR RUBIES

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Robin is here!  It was so good to see her.  We couldn't talk fast enough the first few hours after she arrived.  So much to catch up on already and I only left New York 3 weeks ago.  It didn't take much to convince her to sit down on the deck after a while.  She crawled onto the lounge chair, Luther crawled up along side her, and she was out in a matter of minutes.  Resting up from  all this motherhood, I presume.  It's nice to see her relax.

These are my new shoes!  Robin said she knew I'd enjoy this gift a lot more than any classic hostess gift she could come up with.  And, she's right, of course!!  I have the perfect dress to wear them with, too, the yellow sundress I'm going to wear to Lynne's party.  Together, they'll make a fabulous outfit.  The party is the day after tomorrow.  Good.  Robin will be here for it.  I didn't even have a chance to ask her how long she can stay yet.


John, the guy I met at the beach, called twice already.  But, with Robin here I doubt I'll have a chance to see him before the party.  He's supposed to be there with a friend of his.  Every time I talk to  him I like him more.  How cool is that?!!  I'm anxious to hear Robin's sisterly assessment of him after the party.


Luther's beginning to stir.  I'd better grab him before he wakes her up.  And, I was very much enjoying him not being on MY lap for a change!

My New Red Shoes

JOURNAL ENTRY #24

SURPRISE--NOUN:  AN UNEXPECTED OR ASTONISHING EVENT, FACT OR THING; A FEELING OF MILD ASTONISHMENT OR SHOCK CAUSED BY SOMETHING UNEXPECTED.

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Yes, SURPRISE!!  Robin called late last night to say she'll be here tomorrow!  Seems Dan got a few days off unexpectedly and told her to "Get lost--go South young mother".  :-)  That's Dan's nice way of saying he'll watch the kids now so she can come earlier than originally planned.  I'm so thrilled!

She can't stay too long, but any amount of time will be great.  Watch out, Bokeelia Island--Percy sisters on the loose!  I can't wait to show her everything I've discovered so far.  She says she's going to paint my walls while she's here, but I won't let her near a brush.  She needs to relax.  Having a 6 month old and a 4 year old has got to be exhausting.  If I have to tie her to a lounge chair Robin's going to spend lots of time on my deck just vegging out.  

Hibiscus Flower

JOURNAL #23

VULTURE--NOUN:  A LARGE BIRD OF PREY WITH THE HEAD AND NECK MORE OR LESS BARE OF FEATHERS, FEEDING CHIEFLY ON CARRION AND REPUTED TO GATHER WITH OTHERS IN ANTICIPATION OF THE DEATH OF A SICK OR INJURED ANIMAL OR PERSON

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I CALLED THE NUMBER ROZ HAD GIVEN ME TO CONTACT HER TO ASK IF SHE'D LIKE TO WATCH THE VULTURES COME IN TO ROOST THIS EVENING.  SHE WAS GAME, SO WE AGREED TO MEET AT PALM PARK AROUND 6:30.  IT'S AN UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE AND HER BEING PARTIAL TO BIRDS MADE IT ALL THE MORE FUN.  BUT, NO LAUGHTER WAS ALLOWED THIS TIME.  WE WERE QUIET AS MICE SO AS NOT TO DETER THE VULTURES FROM FLYING IN.  


ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY BEGAN APPEARING IN THE SKY ABOVE THE LAKE.  AND, SOON THEY WERE LANDING IN DROVES, NOISEY FELLOWS CAUSING A RUCKUS.  THE PINES THEY LAND IN ARE VERY SOFT AND TALL.  AS A RESULT THE WEIGHT OF THE BIRDS LANDING BENDS THEIR BRANCHES VERY LOW AND THEN SNAPS THE BIRDS UP AND DOWN FOR A GOOD RIDE.   THE OAK BRANCHES START TO SWAY AS SOON AS THE VULTURES LAND ON THEM.  SPANISH MOSS SWINGS BACK AND FORTH ON ALL THE SWAYING BRANCHES.  IT'S BUSY IN THE PARK WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT IT'S VERY BEAUTIFUL.

ALL IN ALL, IT'S A 20 MINUTE SPAN OF CHAOTIC GOINGS ON IN THE OTHERWISE VERY PEACEFUL PARK.  AND, IT'S ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS IN NATURE THAT YOU FEEL HONORED TO BE A PART OF.

Roz Observing The Vulture's Nightly Routine

JOURNAL ENTRIES #21 & #22

Journal Entry #22

SHELLING--VERB:  TO GATHER SEASHELLS WHICH ARE THE HARD PROTECTIVE CASE OF A MOLLUSK OR CRUSTEACEAN

I decided to take a long walk on the beach late this afternoon.  It was a rare overcast day and not many people were there.  A breeze was blowing and the gulls were floating, playing really, in the wind currents while making their cries.  Sometimes solitude can be so lovely.


My solitude didn't last all that long, however.  As I was looking for shells, head bent and me engrossed in the wet sand in front of me, I almost bumped into a fisherman carrying his day's catch in a big metal basket.  I just about melted at the first glance of him.  Tall, tanned skin and blonde hair that looked like long pieces of bleached straw--in a good way.  :-)  And, WOW, what a smile he had!


He asked if I was new on the Island.  That's how small Bokeelia Island is.  So, we got to talking.  He was born here, which is a rarity, and said his family settled here back in the early 40's when there was only about five buildings on the Island.  He said the buildings then were really more like glorified tents.  I can only imagine how it must have been for his family to witness the growth over the years, not that it's not still one of the most untouched and pristine places left in Florida today.


Anyway, he was a very interesting, and good looking, guy.  And...he asked if I'd like to have a cup of coffee with him one day soon.  Would I?  YES!!!  We exchanged numbers (note: not that I have to call him) and he says he'll call in a couple of days.  We'll see, I can hope!


Oh yeah, I found some neat shells on the beach, too.  

Easter Beach Shells

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Journal Entry #21

EASTER--NOUN:  THE MOST IMPORTANT AND OLDEST FESTIVAL OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, CELEBRATING THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST AND HELD (IN THE WESTERN CHURCH) BETWEEN MARCH 21 AND APRIL 25, ON THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE FIRST FULL MOON FOLLOWING THE NORTHERN SPRING EQUINOX  

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Happy Easter!!!  It isn't my first Easter in Florida because sometimes we visited our grandparents this time of the year when I was a child.  Today, though, I woke up as a Bokeelia Island adult to a glorious morning and attended the cutest little church with Lynne and Maureen.  We walked back to my house afterward and had brunch on the deck while the seagulls played over the water and Luther purred in my lap.  Silly cat likes scrambled eggs.  

This egg decoration, the only one I brought with me from the North, was made by my grandmother so many years ago.  It's all I need at the moment to remind me of all the Easters I've celebrated over the years.  Good stuff.

Grandmother's Gift

JOURNAL ENTRY #20

BIRDS--NOUN:  A WARM BLOODED EGG LAYING VERTEBRATE DISTINGUISHED BY THE POSSESSION OF FEATHERS, WINGS, AND BEAK AND (TYPICALLY) BY BEING ABLE TO FLY

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I went to the ice cream shop today to get my schedule set for once I begin working there.  Just happened to get an ice cream while I was there, too.  :-)

The laughing woman was there, again.  But, this time it wasn't her infectious laugh that I noticed, but the fact that she couldn't stop staring at the ceiling.  Seems she loves to sketch birds.  Roz, that's her name, told me to look up, too.  The ceiling is covered with pictures of birds from one end to the other!  She said this is her favorite place on the Island so far (birds and ice cream).  It seems she's here visiting and hopes to draw shore birds while she's here.

Luckily, I brought my sketchbook along.  We chatted as we ate ice cream and pointed out the different kinds of birds on the ceiling.  Wow!  She sure knows her birds!!  I sketched her while she was sitting there looking up.  I brought my new Zig colored pens along, too.  Wanted to try them out.

Lynne and Maureen popped in for coffee and said the party is this weekend already.  I almost forgot!  She invited Roz, too, who will be leaving Bokeelia the following day.  I hope not before I bring her to Palm Park, though.  Wait until she sees all the vultures flying in at sunset!  It's a lot of noise and quite a sight to see.  I think she'll really like it.

Roz

JOURNAL ENTRY #19

INCH--NOUN:  A UNIT OF LINEAR MEASURE EQUAL TO ONE TWELFTH OF A FOOT (2.54cm)

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Maureen and I went to the off Island beach today.  I wanted to remember the colors I was seeing and do an inchie panel of them when I got home.  I've had a passion for doing inchies and twinchies for the past year or so.  It's very relaxing.  It was fun to get back to doing them.

And......Robin called today and she's coming in about 10 days!  Can't wait to see her and have her see the Island.  I just know she's going to fall in love with Bokeelia like I did.  And, I know she's going to understand why I chucked working 60 hours a week to come down here once she experiences it for herself.  Then, hopefully, she can calm Penelope down about it, too.  

I hope Mom will visit soon, as well.  Penelope always refers to herself as a sexy old lady.  Wait until she sees the beautiful Bokeelia Island artists and fishermen down here! 

Beach Inchies

JOURNAL ENTRY #18

GRACE, GRACEFUL--NOUN:  SIMPLE ELEGANCE OR REFINEMENT OF MOVEMENT, ADJ: HAVING OR SHOWING GRACE OR ELEGANCE

I took this picture in the park yesterday.  The Spanish moss here on Bokeelia Island is amazing.  I just love the way it drips off the trees and sways gently in the slightest of breezes.  What a beautiful sight these huge pines filled with Spanish moss are.  


I'm surrounded by so much beauty on this island that it has stirred up creative feelings that I'm not certain how to express.  Sketching?  Photography?  Serious painting?  Writing?  Guess I'll let all these feelings stew awhile and hope I'll soon get a leaning.  One thing I do know is that I want to share what I'm seeing in some way, either visual or verbally.

Dripping Pines

JOURNAL ENTRY #17

TULIP--NOUN:  A BULBOUS SPRING-FLOWERING PLANT OF THE LILY FAMILY, WITH BOLDLY COLORED CUP-SHAPED FLOWERS.

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DAD BROUHT ME A BOUQUET OF TULIPS WHEN HE VISITED.  IT'S JUST LIKE HIM TO REMEMBER ME TELLING HIM HOW MUCH I MISSED THE FLOWERS OF NORTHERN SPRING.  WHO KNEW TULIPS WERE IN THE LILY FAMILY?  GOOD THING PENELOPE DIDN'T KNOW THAT OR SHE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE NAMED ME TULIP INSTEAD OF LILI!  :-)

WELL, I DECIDED TO PAINT THE LITTLE DINING ROOM RED, SO I THINK THE LIVING ROOM IS GOING TO BE DEEP BLUE AND THAT SHOULD MATCH MY NEW CHAIR NICELY.  THE WALLS ARE A SICK GREEN FROM THE LAST TENANT RIGHT NOW.  I JUST CAN'T BRING MYSELF TO REPAINT IT ANOTHER SHADE OF GREEN.

NOW IT'S OFF TO THE PARK WITH MY CAMERA...IF I CAN BRING MYSELF TO GET UP OFF THIS DECK CHAIR.  THIS VIEW IS VERY MESMERIZING.  AND, I'M LAZY!

Tulips from Dad

A JOURNAL INTERRUPTION

I'M FEELING AT LOOSE ENDS THIS AFTERNOON.  I GUESS IT'S THE LET DOWN AFTER DAD LEFT.  HIS VISIT WASN'T NEARLY LONG ENOUGH.  SO, I GRABBED MY CAMERA AND WENT TO THE BEACH FOR A WHILE.  THOUGHT I'D POST JUST A FEW OF THE PICTURES I TOOK HERE ON MY CYBER BLOG IN BETWEEN JOURNAL ENTRIES.  I HOPE SOMEONE WILL ENJOY THESE TROPICAL PHOTOS...

BABY SEA GRAPE LEAVES 

LITTLE JEWELS

AT THE LAKE IN PALM PARK

MY SIDE YARD

NOW I THINK LUTHER AND I WILL CUDDLE UP IN THE COTTAGE AND TAKE A NAP.  Zzzzzzzzz

JOURNAL ENTRY #16

DAD-NOUN:  ONE'S FATHER; A MAN WHO HAS CONTINUOUS CARE OF A CHILD.

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DAD--THE GREATEST MAN I KNOW.  ROBIN AND I HAVE SO MUCH FUN WITH DAD.  EVER SINCE WE WERE LITTLE GIRLS HE'S ADORED US AND WE ADORE HIM.  I'VE PROBABLY GOTTEN MORE LAUGHS FROM HIM IN MY LIFE THAN FROM ALL OTHERS COMBINED.


IF I WAS TO DRAW A CARICATURE OF HIM HIS MOUTH WOULD HAVE TO BE OPEN, BECAUSE HE'S ALWAYS TALKING.  HIS HAND WOULD BE REACHING INTO HIS POCKET BECAUSE HE'S ALWAYS EITHER GIVING US MONEY OR LITTLE GIFTS.  AND, HIS OTHER HAND WOULD HAVE A DOGGIE TREAT IN IT FOR HIS SIDE-KICK, BUDDY THE POODLE.  ONLY DAD COULD PULL OF HAVING A 5 LB POODLE BY HIS SIDE CONSTANTLY AND STILL LOOK LIKE THE BOSS HE IS AT WORK!


WOW, WAS IT EVER GREAT TO HAVE HIM ALL TO MYSELF YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, BUT WE MISSED ROBIN BEING WITH US, TOO.

My Dad

JOURNAL ENTRY #15

CHINTZ--NOUN:  PRINTED MULTICOLORED COTTON FABRIC WITH A GLAZED FINISH, USED ESPECIALLY FOR CURTAINS AND UPHOLSTERY

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Wow!  Maureen called early in the morning to say there was a great flea market going on a few towns away on the mainland.  I fell in love with this chair!  Definite inspiration.  So, I bought it, squeezed it into her truck and am going to do my living room around it.  What color walls, though?

Even more exciting is that Dad is coming to visit tomorrow.  If I were to guess who would be my first guest from home, it certainly would not have been Dad.  Who, by the way, Mother (Penelope--oh, whatever) wants me to start calling "Charles".  And, they're not even married anymore!  Thank goodness he says "Dad" is just fine with him.  

It's a shame he can't stay overnight, but he's only in Florida for a brief time on business.  He's driving all the way over from Miami just to see me as it is.  It'll be great to see him!  I hope he doesn't mind my lack of furniture.  I bet I'll never be able to get him off the deck once he sees it, anyway.

It's official.  Luther wormed his way into my heart, my home and into my bed.  In fact, he sleeps on MY pillow!  Mr. Tibbles says there are strays all over the Island because the winter people just up and go, leaving behind small pets they bought for their children while they were here to fend for themselves.  He figured Luther was one of them.  It's evidently a serious problem in many vacation areas.

Will I ever write in this journal again without him on my lap?  I doubt it!!  

PURRRRRRRRRR..........

Which Color Wall Looks Best?

JOURNAL ENTRY #14

ROSE--noun:  a prickly bush or shrub that typically bears red, pink, yellow or white fragrant flowers; are widely grown as ornamentals

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Mr. Tibbles stopped by to fix a window today and brought these two roses from his wife's garden.  They are extremely difficult to grow here in South Florida, the intense heat and sunshine won't allow for it I suppose.  I have to say that I miss the Northern spring already.  Heather sent me a picture of the big magnolia tree outside her apartment window today.  It's almost ready to bloom.  Even fewer plants than would be normal for Florida grow here on Bokeelia because of the sandy soil and salt air.  I'm adapting, though!  :-)

"Motivation is when your dreams put on work Clothes"

Read that today.  Its inspiration for getting busy with these rooms now that I have my "decorating dream" in place.  Any day now....yes, any day.....

Mrs. Tibbles Roses

JOURNAL ENTRY #13

BLUE--ADJECTIVE:  OF A COLOR INTERMEDIATE BETWEEN GREEN AND VIOLET, AS OF THE SKY OR SEA ON A SUNNY DAY.  

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Met Lynne at Palm Park this afternoon for a picnic and photo taking excursion.  Her friend, Maureen, joined us there.  I took this picture while lying on the picnic blanket.  We were like kids again laying there looking up into the sky giggling like little girls.  

I was telling them that I've finally decided to decorate the cottage in jewel colors and flea market finds.  It just feels like "me" right now.  Maureen turned out to be a flea market diva, so we planned a shopping trip together in the near future.  She knows all the good places and how to bargain, a key attribute, evidently.  I can't wait to start.  

Palm Park Picnic

JOURNAL ENTRY #12

BEACH BUMS--NOUN:  PEOPLE WHO LOAF ON OR AROUND A BEACH

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Lynne called yesterday to see if I wanted to go to the beach with her and I certainly couldn't refuse an offer like that.  We packed our lunch and drove to one over on the main land because it has a concession stand.  We'd agreed a nice Long Island Iced Tea or two would add a lot to the afternoon.

Had a great time.  The water's already warm, the sun felt great, and I really like Lynne.  We had a long conversation about the over abundance of gorgeous men on the island.  Between the tanned fishermen who are mostly blonde and muscular and the long-haired artists, well let's just say a girl could easily make a fool of herself around here!  

Lynne said she's having a party soon.  She invited me and she promises to have some of the local hunks there.  Yum!  

Read this just the other day:  "Relationships either give energy or take it away.....Relationships that work multiply energy"--Roderick MacIver in "Heron Dance"

Love the quote and that's the only kind of relationships I'm looking for here, ones that give energy.  I'm pretty sure that's the kind of girlfriend Lynne will turn out to be and it's the only kind of man I'll even nod my head at.  Live and learn.  I'm old enough to know what I want now--happiness and NO drama.  

Fun In The Sun

JOURNAL ENTRY #11

PURR--verb:  make a low continuous vibratory sound usually expressing contentment; or speak in a low voice acting seductively

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I had to laugh at the definition of the word "purr".  There's been a cat hanging around the back deck ever since I arrived at the cottage.  He jumps on my lap whenever I sit on the lounge and purrs up a storm.  And yes, I do think he's trying to seduce me, seduce me into feeding him!  I've come close, but am afraid he might belong to someone else.  He does look awfully skinny, though and keeps trying to sneak inside with me.  I just know I'm going to crumble any day now.  :-)  I've been calling him Luther.  

Tyrone called today, a surprise in itself, but even more surprising was that he wants to come visit me here next month.  And, he's not bringing Monroe with him.  Trouble in Paradise?  I didn't dare ask knowing how he doesn't like anyone to pry.  But, obviously I'm dying to know.

I can't imagine what's in his head wanting to come here during the heat of May.  I can just see Tyrone walking around the Island in his $350 pair of shoes with sweat beading off him because he'll be wearing his $2,200 suit and his ever present fedora.  Well, he can't say I didn't warn him.  I told him he should go buy a pair of flip flops and a couple of pairs of shorts.  I thought he was going to pass out when I suggested he head out to Long Island to visit his mother and stop in Walmart on the way to pick out his Bokeelia wardrobe.  LOL  

My Little Luther

JOURNAL ENTRY #10

GLEEFUL--ADJECTIVE:  EXUBERANTLY OR TRIUMPHANTLY JOYFUL; DELIGHTED

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I HAD TO GO DOWN TO FILL OUT SOME PAPERS LAST NIGHT AT THE ICE CREAM SHOP.  WHILE I WAS WAITING TO HAND THEM BACK I OVERHEARD ONE OF THE CUSTOMERS TALKING TO HER FRIEND.  I MUST HAVE NODDED TO MYSELF AT HER COMMENT, "MALLS CAN BE SO DEPRESSING..."  I SURMISE THAT SHE, LIKE ME, PREFERS MOM AND POP PLACES LIKE THE ONE WE WERE SITTING IN.

SUDDENLY SHE LOOKED UP, GLANCED MY WAY AND STARTED LAUGHING.  SHE SAID, "THIS ICE CREAM IS SO GOOD!!"  AND, THEN SHE LAUGHED SOME MORE.  IT STARTED HER FRIEND AND I LAUGHING ALONG WITH HER, SO THERE WERE THE THREE OF US LAUGHING LIKE LOONS AT HER GREEN ICE CREAM CONE.  YES, THIS CERTAINLY LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE MY KIND OF JOB!

Laughing Ice Cream Lover

Journal Entry #9

EMPLOYMENT--NOUN:  THE CONDITION OF HAVING PAID WORK

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I got the job!  They actually called last night to tell me so.  It's exactly the kind of thing I was looking for.  I'll be serving ice cream in a funky little ice cream shop in town.  Well, what they call town here on the Island, anyway.  Best of all they don't want me to start right away, so I still have time to play.  Thankfully, it will only be a part-time job, which is all I was looking for.


They were trying to entice me to work in their main, waterfront, restaurant with the promise of good tips, but this looked like so much more fun to do.  I mean, really, I don't think I'll run across any cranky customers there.  After all, you're giving them ice cream.  It's happy food!

Yum!

JOURNAL ENTRY #8

LUSH--ADJECTIVE:  GROWING LUXURIANTLY; VERY RICH AND PROVIDING GREAT SENSORY PLEASURE

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WOW!  I'm speechless again today, a rare occurrence for me.  :-)  Words can't describe the beauty of the park here on Bokeelia Island that I discovered yesterday afternoon.  I know it will be a favorite place for me here, one that I'll often escape to.  Luckily, I decided to bring my camera along at the last minute.

To add to a great afternoon I think I also may have made a friend.  Lynne says she's in the park almost every day and invited me over to see the many photos she's taken there.  She lives nearby on the street next to mine, too.  

And.....I even think I may have landed a fun job.  Its just the kind I was looking for, too.  I'll know for sure tomorrow.

What A Day!

I think I'll see what words and phrases I can use to describe Palm Park...

Dappled sunlight                                 Beauty

Shaded                                                 Pleasure

Cool                                                     Lush

Spanish moss dripping                        Soft Breeze

Whooshing sound of swaying palms   

Peeks of blue sky                                 Dense

Birdsong                                              Calming

Critters scurrying                                 Sanctuary

Green, green, and more green               Haven

Respite from sun                                  Shelter

A Palm Park Path

JOURNAL ENTRY #7

PERFECTION--NOUN:  THE CONDITION, STATE OR QUALITY OF BEING FREE OR AS FREE AS POSSIBLE FROM ALL FLAWS OR DEFECTS  

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The deck at the back of my cottage is more glorious than any resort I've ever been to.  I have to pinch myself to make sure it's not a dream when I'm sitting there.  This morning a flock of ibis were playing in the sky for what must have been 10 minutes.  They were in a group formation and somehow knew just when their leader was going to change direction.  

The bright white wings caught the sun when they all changed direction at the same time.  Then they'd glide in that direction for a few moments and suddenly all turn together again.  Lovely.  Sometimes they seemed to practically disappear because the angle they were facing obscured their wings.  Next, like a big white flag, they'd all turn and be bright white again.  Then they skimmed the water, turned and headed upward only to glide back down again.  Words are just not coming close to describing it.  I'll never forget this morning's "Ibis Show" if I live to be 100.  Did I think to grab my video camera?  Of course not!  


Well, after I enjoy these warm, soft breezes and this beautiful view a bit longer I've decided to head out and look for some sort of fun island job.  Maybe I'll revive my sterling career as a waitress.  I actually enjoyed doing that a lot while I was in college.  Sometimes I think I had to use my mind, and certainly my people skills, more often doing that than I did in my "real" career as a furniture designer!

My Deck