Tag: weekendgetaway
Footprints By The Waves
Your footprints are a reflection of the journey you’ve taken.
Lazily I walked the length of the beach then did a 180 degree turn to saunter back. That’s when I noticed a trail of my own footprints. It reminded me of the path I had taken to relax, unwind and bask in some well-needed solo selfcare.
After a day filled with the excitement of a crazed movie, followed by sweet, chilli peppered spice delicious meal, the plan was to close my day lying on the beach at sunset wave watching. But the weather had a different vibe In mind.
It was September and I should have known. It’s stormy season. Funny enough it didn’t spoil things for me. Watching the waves as they splashed against the sand is totally my thing. I watched in the distance as beach goers sauntered away as the clouds darkened and and light rain began.
My footprints disappeared as the waves seem to say don’t mess up our sand. No signs of nature’s little birds that always keep my company. I think they’re smarter than me. As the clouds formed, and the thunder beckoned in the distant, they flew away preparing for the evening’s wave.
But I’ll stay as the sun prepared to set early against the clouds. Perfect time for the evenings prayer for little 11-year old Senae. May the lord provide answers to her medical team and provide that breakthrough to find whatever ails her tiny frame.
We welcome you holy spirit as the waves wash away the plights of the sick and provide the healing as only God can.
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Summer Travel! Oh The Adventures!
When things go awry, sometimes happy accidents ensue.
@amomentwithshell
When things go awry, sometimes happy accidents ensue. After a few days of attending a workplace reunion filled with laughter and cheer, I excitedly went to the airport to return home. All went well as I checked in, duty free shopped and finally went to get a snack before my international flight home.
On a whim I caught sight of an alert that said something about flight being cancelled! Did I see right, I asked my self. Quickly I checked the flight app and sure enough the flight was cancelled. But why? In the midst of shock, horror, inconvenience and more, many questions rolled into my head. I headed to the departure area to seek answers. That was of no repute since airline crew were filled with screaming passengers mad about missing work appointments and more. Unfortunately … the flight’s ground attendants had no answers. I kept silent … it was unnecessary for me to say anything that wasn’t already said. Thinking of my next day coaching appointments and more, I scurried to get a snack as I expected a long afternoon ahead.
Later, the crowd of more than one hundred plus passengers straddled behind ground crew to retrace our steps, grab checked luggage to get back to the airline’s main customer service area. There were no other flights available that evening. A few passengers headed back to friends and relatives while the majority climbed into buses ordered for commute to a fine 5-star hotel approximately 20 minutes from the airport.
What ensued was checking into the hotel all expenses paid including meals and accommodation at an exquisite tourist spot. I watched the changes unfold in the ‘distressed’ passengers’ behavior go from screams on hearing the news to exhibiting silent tales of gratitude with a few even saying how thankful they were for the extra ‘vacation day’.
Next day passengers made the trek back to the airport, bags in tow, for the journey to their various places of destination a la carte.
In summary, as I have often maintained, man plans but God directs his steps. Who knows what our plight might have been if our original plans stayed fixed on a flight with ‘per se’ mechanical problems.
What about you? Have you ever suffered a setback from an international flight delay or something else? Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
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My Favorite Getaway Space…
The sun, sand and sea is my favorite place to be.
I was asked to write about my favorite space to share with a visiting friend. I must confess that my love of nature transcends everything. It provides inspiration and a peace that boosts my writing prowess. That said, as my friend Chrissie comes for a 5-Day-visit, I will steal away to the island that captivates. None other than Captiva Island in Sunny Florida. It is a place I getaway to whenever I need to relax and unwind. When you get to Captiva Island, it feels like you are away from all the worries and cares of the world. Indeed the perfect distraction. The rooms overlook the bay or garden, your choice dependent on your budget.
Once I hosted a group business session at the end of the year to this ideal place. The goal was to reflect about plans…
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31 Opportunities To Get To Know Yourself …
To find yourself, think for yourself
Socrates
Get to know yourself. Here are 31 ways. My top 11 favs are revealed but that’s just me.
- If I were famous what would I be known for?
- When I do… time flies fast
- Something I would really like to do one day is…
- My favorite things to do are…
- If I had to describe myself using only 3 words, they would be…
- If I were running a company this would be its mission…
- My biggest dream is to…
- If I could become an expert in one thing it would be…
- What I really need at the moment is… because…
- This is who I look up to … and why…
- I feel brave when I…
I’m curious about yours. Do share. We would love to hear.
Have fun getting to know you!
Cheers!
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A Late January Evening By The Seashore…
By the sea I couldn’t wait to be. To sit causally on the sand. Me, towel, book and birds all in one as the mighty waves thundered and splashed against the seashore. The weather forecasted it would be the coldest day of the season. Disappointment soared at the spoilt prospect yet still I was determined to chill (literally).
I sat still gazing in the distance. Cold yet relaxed. It was as if there was not a care in the world. I watched the little bird hunt its food fighting against the rushing waves as it eroded the shore. “Give up,” I shouted. But it didn’t as it tried again and again to grab another peck, and another peck. It’s little body was no match for the cold windy weather, but it was yet to give up.
That Smile
That smile… my smile, as usual with it’s pleasantries drew in passersby. Many waved hello and flashed smiles in turn. Then along came an aged one. She spilt her life story in 20 long minutes. Deflecting, I was pleased to have been there to allow her tales of melancholy. A journey of sickness, travel and friendships throughout the years. Amidst her quiet tears and outstretched arms, a flash hug ensued (but alas what of Covid?!) she eventually walked on.
As the sun set, what more could I ask for? A late January evening of peace and quiet. Distant laughter reigned from sultry beach lovers against the sounds as the mighty sunset waves splashed!
Do it again I mused. Tis pure bliss of memories made in tow.
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The 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Florida Energizes A Writer’s Getaway…
A writer’s dream getaway comes through with Travel & Leisure’s recommendation of The 5 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Florida! And guess what? One of them happens to be in my backyard! Often I have been guilty of traveling far for the all inclusive getaway experience. Travel and Leisure takes me back to my native island of Jamaica where none beats the all inclusive concept in any of the Caribbean islands. There you will find white Sandy beaches. Tons of drinks usher your presence in a welcoming gala on arrival and throughout your hotel stay. Such include the Jewel Resorts, Sandals, Beaches, Half Moon and tons more.
Getaway To Write
I love to getaway to write, to relax amidst the beauty and safety of the beach shores. Now I commit to trying the concept right here in my backyard. Will get back with the results as I go to my safe place to bask in the beauty of Florida’s sand, seas and shores.
3 Writing Resorts
Oh and by the way, 3 of the Resorts named were:
- Bungalows Key Largo, Florida Keys
- Club Med Sand Piper Bay, Port St. Lucie
- Trade Winds Island Resorts, St Pete Beach
Start planning to get your writing on. Need help? Lets connect.
Cheers!
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Books: Readers Share Their Top Getaway Reads…
Readers Read. Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.
Anna Quindlen
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. ~Ursula K. Le Guin
We have all had our favorite books that we have read from a young age. Some have left an impact on our lives. On a B&N public forum, a reader asked “What Book has stayed with you long after you’ve read it?” Fellow readers poured in with responses. Here I share a few that may prove worthwhile for your vacation, getaway, or a mid-summer night’s read.
- Man’s Search for Meaning
- Pecan Man
- The Power
- We Were the Lucky Ones
- The Book Thief
- Before I Fall
- The Lovely Bones
- It Ends with Us
- The Sparrow
- The Lovely Bones
- One Hundred Years f solitude
- The Alchemist
- Harry Potter
- We Were Yours
- East of Eden
- The Chrysalids
- The Bible
- The Savage Song
- To Kill A Mockingbird
- The Notebook
- The Outsiders
- A History of Loneliness
- Tell Me Your Dreams
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What Happened To Friday?
Friyay! Yay! Every-day-a-Friday! Thank-God-it’s-Friday! All popular BC. Yep! Before Corona. The virus. Before the world became infected with the silence that’s so deafening. Questions prevail. What is Corona? How do we avoid? Will it ever leave? Panicked? Curious? Hopeful? Wash hands. Change clothes. Sanitize. Clean. Clean. Clean.
Remote Work
Now with remote work everyone is at home…but quarantined. Yikes! That’s not what we were thinking? Every-day-a-Friday meant being able to stay home, enjoy life, work when you want, go on vacations, long days at the beach soaking up the sun, time with friends and family… simply lounging around doing only what you want to do.
So what happened to Friday? For now its here everyday…though employers watch closely in the distance. Workers, co-workers, family feel more relaxed, yet hopefully more productive as work gets done in a more ‘soothing’ environment.
Tell it to Our Hearts
Tell it to our hearts. With kids at home away from school…maybe that’s not what we meant when we said every-day-a-Friday.
Hold strong. This too shall pass and our real Fridays will return. In the meantime, wash your hands. Keep safe.
Cheers!
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11 Epic Christmas Movies…
Just love the holidays! Absolutely love the holidays! The air is different. The spirit of Christmas is evident. Family, laughter, fun, and cheer fills the atmosphere. Lights everywhere brightens the sky ushering the spirit of the season. Not to mention the gifts; the fun; the parties and so much more.
Movies
Though I write and it brings me joy, there’s nothing like a good movie. I’m not talking the hallmark type where we can predict the end. It’s always the ideal ending. I’m talking real entertainment. Fun times with the family. Here I share 11 epic holiday movies.
- A Christmas Story
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas
- Home Alone
- The Holiday
- Scrooged
- A Christmas Carol
- This Christmas
- Jingle All The Way
- Christmas With The Kranks
- The Family Stone
- Miracle on 34th Street
- Die Hard
- Elf
Curl up with popcorn, your favorite blanket, dog or your love and enjoy the delight of these unforgettable holiday movies.
From the list, how many have you seen? Any missing? Add your fav.
Cheers!
Get your copy of book GreenLight and start planning for your holiday gift list.
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My Sea Scape Getaway…
Getaway to the Sea, the sand, the beach
I decided to getaway to the sea…my favorite place. To stay on the beach. Ahhh yessss!
The day before was beautiful. Though a bit overcast after a week of rain, the sun shined through. I stayed . Relaxed and enjoyed…til sunset.
The next day was grand. A tanner’s dream. I sat birdwatching without a care. But the midday sun pelted my skin and I could hardly bear it.
The Hammock
Defeated …I headed for the rescue of the hammock in the shade. Crazy! It swung me 180 degrees and I toppled out and landed flat on my back. But it actually felt good lying there on the ground. So I stayed for around 20 mins. Beach Bag, phone, books scattered around me. Lying there, I read.
30 minutes later I retreated for a drink. Strawberry Daiquiri…non alcoholic. I sit contemplating as the clock ticked by. I didn’t have a plan. The goal was to simply relax and listen to the quiet inner voice.
Eyed the hammock again. Perhaps it will give me some insights. But scared I may topple over again, I stood staring.
Hmmm let’s see.
Wonder how the day is gonna end? Will I have the courage to get in and even more, will I get that coveted pic?
Hmmm … tried again. Second time. Yup! I did it again. Toppled over. Stayed right there on the ground again. Maybe it’s meant to be. Ground for me.
To the Rescue
Apparently my plight was seen by a groundskeeper who may have found my situation rather humorous (wonder if it happens all the time). Anyway, he came over.
Yep! I got in. Groundskeeper drove his grounds mobile like Batman to rescue the hilarious sight. With his help, I not only got into the hammock. I was able to get a pic for my girls. Evidence! I did it!
Careful not to swing too much, I chose land and safety. Decided after 15 minutes to get back on the beach to spend time with the birds. Time with the sea. Time listening to the sound of the waves. Time writing, and Time Reading.
Rejuvenated
Rejuvenated, inspired, refreshed. My 2-day Getaway was absolutely worth it!
Now it’s your turn. Try it. Getaway! You’ll love it!
Cheers!
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If You Could Read Only One Author For The Rest Of Your Life, Who Would It Be? 18 Writers Share…
Read. Write. Read. There’s no writing without reading.
Some thought it difficult to select but here I share as Writers chimed in to Penguin Publishers’ public forum question:
If you could read only one author for the rest of your life, who would it be?
- Stephen King
- Don DeLillo
- J. K. Rowling
- Jane Austen
- Agatha Christie
- Margate Atwood
- William Shakespeare
- J.R.R. Tolkien
- Virginia Woolf
- Toni Morrison
- Paulo Coelho
- The Bible
- John Green
- Alice Munro
- C.S. Lewis
- Ernest Hemmingway
- James Baldwin
- Dickens
If you had to choose, who would it be? Do share. We would love to hear!
Cheers!
