Reflections and Connections

 Living on this small island, I am often reminded of past events when I encounter a familiar landmark. This week  I attended the monthly Key West Business Guild mixer, which was hosted by the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and featured their fabulous Harry Potter's World exhibit.  As I walked into the building, I remembered that the last time that this venue had been the host for a mixer, I was still working in regional airline management.  That party had a Pirate theme.  I found this old pic of me in a pirate hat handing over a prize to the wonderful Dale Redford, who will always be remembered for his antics at the Atlantic Shores and his tireless fundraising  for countless charities as the Bingo caller at 801.

Another thing that I've noticed while living here is that once in a while, as we shuffle the deck, and people move between different jobs and organizations, there are often unexpected connections.  Our new Executive Director of the Guild, Guy Ross, has a long history of service with the museum.  In an interesting twist, his predecessor, Rebecca Tomlinson, is now on staff at the museum.  So Guy is my new "weekend boss."  Here he is greeting some visitors at our Guild Office and Gay Key West Visitor Center. (He's the one in the middle, with the big smile.)

I started a new job, too.  I'll still be at the Guild every weekend, and part time at the Clinic of Alternative Medicine, but I'll also be working at First International Title with Mendy Walden.  I met Mendy several years ago when my wife was working with her at a title company.  Who would have ever guessed that I'd be working with her one day?  Weird, huh?  Wish me luck!  Here's my new card:

So that's life in Paradise!  Full of reflections and connections. 

The Day After New Year's Day

I spent New Year's Eve at one of my favorite places in Key West, La Te Da, listening to the music of local favorites Black and Skabuddah.  I almost stayed home, but decided at 11PM that I needed to get out and ring in the New Year properly, and I 'm glad I did.  Lucky for me, I live close enough to walk to my favorite spots.  I chatted with a few friends, met some new people, and even got a kiss and a dance from my dear friend, photographer extraordinaire  Kenne' Tucker, at midnight.  Kenne' was also kind enough to snap this pic of me and my friend (and former boss,) Rebecca Tomlinson. For great photo galleries, gossip, and current events in Key West, visit his website with the funny name:  Pistol and Enema. (Some folks call it "P & E.) I know how it got that strange name, but it's a long story.

Just as most folks follow the time honored tradition of kissing loved ones at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, many people have traditions that they follow on New Year's Day.  When I was young and living in the South, folks ate black eyed peas and collard greens in order to ensure that the new year would be prosperous. The beans represented coins and the greens stood in for paper currency, if my memory serves correctly.

I have a few of my own traditions for New Year's. Every year, for the past 3 years, I listen to a saved voice message that my wife, Teri,  left for me on New Year's Eve in 2009, wishing me a Happy New Year.  She was in the hospital in Miami that year, and I don't know what made me decide to save the message, but I treasure it. She died almost a year later, so it was the last time she ever wished me a Happy New Year. On New Year's Day, I spent the day tidying up the house, doing some work, and hanging out with my dog, Jazz.  I decided to make a slow cooker dinner that Teri used to make for me."Chicken Delicious"  I sprayed on a little of her favorite perfume, Jil Sander No 4,  and I opened a bottle of wine, and made a toast to her, as I remembered the many New Year's Days we were lucky enough to spend together.. 

Wishing you all a year full of joy, love, and prosperity!  Be sure to let the people in your life who are dear to you know it.  And as Teri would say, "Be kind." 

 Happy New Year! 

Happy New Year's Eve Eve!

Another beautiful day in Paradise!

According to Ian Whitney, President of the Key West Innkeepers Association, Key West is FULL! There are no rooms available from Key West to Marathon through New Year's Eve. 

Key West is obviously a popular destination for the holiday, with lots of fun ways to ring in the New Year. Click on this link for a quick wrap up of events from  TripSmarter.

My personal favorite is the ":Draq Queen Drop" at Bourbon St. Pub

I was lucky enough to watch the whole event from the VIP seats in the balcony a couple of years ago, and snagged this fun photo of Sushi:  

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas from Paradise!

Can't wait to spend Christmas with my Key West "Family."

This includes friends who I have known for years, but may only see at celebrations, as well as people who have come into my life more recently and become good friends.  I think it's great when the people I love meet each other and get to know each other.

I'll miss my family of relatives, but we hold each other close in spite of the miles that separate us.  I'll be thinking of them, and I know that they'll be thinking of me.  

I am grateful for each friend and family member and for their love and support all year round.  I can't think of a better gift!

Mel Fisher Days to Honor Famed Key West Shipwreck Salvager July 12-15

Mel Fisher Days to Honor Famed Key West Shipwreck Salvager July 12-15

Today's the Day!  Come on down and Celebrate Mel Fisher Days in Key West!