-TEST STREAM-
Hey you guys! I’m leaving this video up so you can see, if you want, my ‘behind-the-scenes’ learning curve of trying to figure out livestreaming utilizing different software, lol. It is my intention to be open and honest at all times with my experiences of being a YouTuber, and that includes livestreaming to the platform. In the hopes that my experience can help anyone else going through the same journey, and/or having the same learning curve to go through as me.

Specifically, live streaming through the YouTube App itself has been a bit of a challenge, in the sense that, if I want to do anything with the stream other than just let it be. To the point that I’ve finally decided I need to experiment utilizing a streaming app, to see if it will garner me a better user experience from my end. But other than my end - it does affect the viewer experience just the same as well - because, if I’m having a problem on my end, I’m not able to provide the best quality stream to the viewer. And that I consider a definite problem. And it’s happened enough that I need to figure out a solution.

I’ve had Streamlabs for a long time, but didn’t want to use it. I wanted to stick with the YouTube App. But now that I’ve completed a bunch of livestreams on the platform, I realize and understand why streamers utilize other streaming software. A couple examples of difficulties I have been having while streaming through YouTube are:

1) The Zoom feature - which relates to number two below.
2) Ability to See and Read the Live Chat in real time.

How they relate, and, let me explain:
If I attempt to zoom in and zoom out, even one time during a stream, the live chat comments all reappear, and replicate upon themselves. So, then with each new live chat that comes in after the zoom, I am attempting to read the chat over a different chat from earlier, making the chat completely unreadable. It’s so confusing of an issue to have, I can barely even explain the issue in writing, lol. It seems like a bug with the YouTube app from the streamer end, but it’s been happening for a while, and I do hope it gets fixed soon. Or, it could be my phone, or anything else that I don’t even fully understand. But, either way, it’s affecting my ability to live stream successfully because I cannot read the chat, thus, I cannot respond to chat appropriately. And to me, the whole point of live streaming is to be able to chat with others in real time.

Thus, leading to this stream right here. This is simply a TEST stream. And - guess what?! My first impressions, from a short stream, are that I LOVE Streamlabs! Comparing two streams back to back, from my end it’s so much more user-friendly and pleasing to the eye. I could see my chat, and I could zoom in and out - although - I must admit I was afraid to try zooming - lol.

So thanks for allowing me to test this streaming service with y’all! I did not want to wait until my upcoming weekend streams to try out Streamlabs for the very first time. I’m much more of a ‘let’s do this and do it right now’ type of person when it comes to trying something new to me and/or different. I do love the challenge of furthering my personal growth and development, and if that means from the technological side of things, I’m all for it, even if I don’t fully understand what I’m about to learn.

So - please - let me know! Have you used Streamlabs before? I'd love to know how you like it? And do you recommend it? Or, what other streaming service(s) have you utilized? What is your user experience? 

Thanks for being here and I look forward to seeing you and chatting with you this weekend!

Love you!
Christine

Filmed LIVE on Wednesday, October 26, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Livestream number 19.

#streamlabs #livestream #jaxbeach #florida

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So, the good news is the boat owner is ok! Bryan spoke to him after our stream ended. The local news media was also on site to interview the boat owner. I’ve linked a news article related to this sailboat washing ashore below.

Thanks for waking up the sun with me today! I hope you have a fabulous day ahead of you, and please enjoy this breathtaking sunrise in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The weather is 70 degrees, a high of 80 degrees is forecasted. It’s a tad bit humid, but other than that, the weather is near perfection. We do walk 1.07 miles together - so get out your walking shoes, and let’s go!

I was definitely not expecting the sight that awaited us when we crossed over the dunes this morning. To see a sailboat - literally - washed ashore?! It was kind of shocking. I’ve seen a lot of things washed ashore over the years, but never something this large, and this close to me. There’s been a rip current warning out, and definitely some angry waves as well. I always talk about how powerful the ocean can be - and this sight today is a prime example of the sheer power of those beautiful ocean waves.

Happy Wednesday and I love you all!
Christine

During this livestream, I talked about drawing Dante from Coco. Thank you to Chris and Owen of Ear to Ear Magic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcEiLkBvQZs - for streaming a live Disney Animation class taking place in Animal Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World. And many thanks to Cast Member Gabriel for teaching the class on how to draw Dante the spirit animal. 

I share my Dante drawing with you in a photo below. Plus, I have more images of the sailboat on shore as well.

If YOU end up drawing Dante, please share your image with me - I’d love to see it! 

And don’t forget to let me know who is your spirit animal?? I share mine with you in this video.

Filmed LIVE on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
​Livestream number 18.

#jaxbeach #florida #sunrise

Here is a link to a News 4 Jax news article if you are interested in learning more about how this sailboat washed ashore:
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/10/25/sailboat-owner-says-series-of-unfortunate-events-led-to-stranding-on-jacksonville-beach/

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Kiss the Sun Goodnight with Me!

Happy Friday y’all! I hope you are having a fabulous start to your weekend. Join me this evening for a breathtaking sunset at the North Beach Guana River Preserve located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. This magnificent preserve is located right on the A1A Scenic Coastal Byway - just look for Ponce De Leon and you’ll find it! Actually, one of my favorite parts of driving on A1A is to look for Ponce De Leon and say I always say hello to him!

So I hope you enjoy some views of the sandy dunes in all their natural splendor, a peek at the ocean water, lots of seashells, and a heavenly sunset atop the scenic overlook. Thanks for joining me, subscribe if you’re new, and thumbs up if you’re enjoying all the sights and sounds of Florida that I am sharing with you, right here! And let’s say goodnight to that golden sun, until tomorrow my friends.

Filmed LIVE on Friday, October 20, 2023 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Livestream number 16.

#guanapreserve #pontevedrabeach #florida

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Where will we all be in July of 2029? That is the question I am pondering today. And I would like you to join me on a six year journey - together. Let’s go!

On Friday, October 13, 2023, SpaceX launched a Falcon Heavy rocket for NASA into outer space. I find this quite fascinating, so I invite you to join me as I ramble on about this venture - and - let’s walk one mile together on the beach while we’re discussing this massive voyage.

This launch was SpaceX’s 8th Falcon Heavy, and NASA paid SpaceX a sum of $131 million to launch this mission. The mission cost to NASA is $1.2 billion. The spacecraft is the size of a tennis court, and is now traveling on a six year journey, going 2.2 billion miles away from us here on Earth. It will arrive at an asteroid in July, 2029, and then study its magnetic fields and chemical makeup.

Now- all of that information is WAY too complicated for me to even begin to understand. I can barely process the fact that the rocket lifted off successfully and left Earth’s atmosphere, let alone the fact that we sent something to land on an asteroid billions of miles away.

But the point I’m making here today is about the journey - the voyage itself. We are voyagers… we always have been, and we always will be. As humans, we will always be looking out at the horizon, and wonder what is beyond it. This mission acts upon that belief. And I can’t help but do some dreaming of my own today... 

About what life will be like when that spacecraft makes it to its destination?
Where will we all be?
What will we be doing?
What dreams - that we have today - will we have made come true?
What will we still be dreaming about - six years from now?
 
In this video, I invite you to add your dream, or dreams, into the comment section down below. I told you my own dreams in the video, and I’d love for you to share yours with me, and with the rest of all the dreamers out there. Think of it as sort of a form of ‘accountability’ or a declaration of sorts. There is definitely power in writing down your thoughts. So go ahead and let me know what a dream of yours is that you hope to have accomplished by the time this spacecraft meets up with the asteroid 2.2 billion miles from now, and six years from now. We can all work on our dreams together, and let’s meet up on the flip side once again. 

I’m going to check back on this video six years from now, and let’s see what we’ve dreamed along the way together. So today, I want you to dream -  dream loud, dream hard, and dream proud. I am proud of you, and you should be proud of you too.

Love ya!
Christine

Mickler’s Landing is a public beach access located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. At the intersection of A1A and Ponte Vedra Boulevard, there are bathrooms and showers on site, and this beach access is handicap accessible as well. Mickler’s Beach, as it’s also known, is an extremely popular spot to soak in the sun while in the greater Jacksonville area. Especially during the summer time, and weekends, Mickler’s Landing’s fairly small parking lot can be constantly full, with cars waiting in que to park, and a backup on the roadway. There are now lots across the main intersection that charge to park to help in the need for extra parking spaces. 

Mickler’s Landing is also a known shark tooth hunting spot. So while you may be looking out at the horizon line when you’re here, be sure to look down into the sand as well. You never know what kind of treasures you may find.

Filmed LIVE on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
Livestream number 15.
#micklerslanding #pontevedrabeach #florida

Ron On The Go:
https://www.youtube.com/@RONONTHEGO
About the mission launch:
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/13/watch-spacex-falcon-heavy-launch-nasa-psyche-asteroid-mission.html
About the mission:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaizD3e--h8
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I’ve been in love with the beautiful and picturesque Amelia Island since my very first visit years ago. In this video I show you the very edge of downtown which is called Fernandina Beach. Specifically, I found myself on the literal edge of the water. We had just kept walking and the pathway kept leading us down the stairs so I kind of and sort of just found myself standing upon the edge of this dock. I do tend to just wind up in certain places by happenstance. As I stood there, looking out at the beauty, I realized I had to go LIVE right then and there. I hope you enjoy the scenery, the water, the reflections, the boats, the fluffy pooch I got to say hello to, the flags blowing in the wind, and the golden afternoon sunshine.

Definitely check out the town of Fernandina Beach next time you are on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Well worth a visit, for a day, an overnight, or for much longer too - there are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, book shops, and tourist shops abound - Florida’s oldest bar included. But mostly, enjoy the scenery, the beauty of nature, all around you.

Filmed LIVE on Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

#fernandinabeach #ameliaisland #florida

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Wow! This is my first visit here! And I’m so grateful I could share it with you - LIVE! I’ve never stopped at this area of the Big Talbot Island State Park in Florida before. I’ve been to other areas, but never stopped the car at this exact parking lot before. Walk along with me as we explore Big Talbot Island. 

The views alone are worth a stop y’all. Let’s explore the Intracoastal views along the waterfront. The breathtaking marshes and wetlands, and grand, plantation style homes, settled off in the distance, along the water’s edge. It was a golden, sunny afternoon, and I hope you enjoy this journey with me.

Let me know in the comments down below - have you ever been to Big Talbot Island State Park? And, either way, let me know if you loved the peaceful, serene atmosphere on full display in this magnificent setting.

I hope you are having a fabulous day everybody!

Love ya!

Christine

Filmed LIVE on Sunday, October 15, 2023 on Big Talbot Island, Florida.

Big Talbot Island State Park is located:
Florida A1A
Jacksonville, Florida 32226

#bigtalbotisland #florida #floridastateparks #intracoastal

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So - this adventure  - I am soooo happy to bring to you! 

You guys - I have crossed the St. Johns River on the Auto Ferry more times than I could have ever counted. I LOVE this Jacksonville icon with all my heart. And today, I’m actually sharing it LIVE, with YOU!

I hope you enjoy my trip across the beautiful and flowing St. Johns River, as viewed from inside the car, and from outside the car. Enjoy the sights and sounds - including the very loud boat horn. And while the pelicans may just be my favorite part of every trip across, please make sure to keep your eye open for dolphins, various birds, massive freight ships, Singleton’s Seafood Shack on the Mayport Village side, and the Sandollar Restaurant on the Fort George Island side of things.

Our fare was $8.00 for a weekend trip. Fares are one way. There are bathrooms on both sides of the river, which come in useful, especially if you are far from home, or end up waiting for the ferry for a very long time. There are also picnic tables and a viewing platform/pavilion on either side of the river. And now, I even noticed an Amazon Locker on the Mayport side during this visit! The ferry runs seven days a week, and approximately every half hour.

Have a fabulous voyage folks!

Love ya’s!
Christine

P.S. You’ve gotta check out Island Donuts in Atlantic Beach, Florida! Did the donuts I shared with you look absolutely delicious?! Check it out next time you are in town. Cost is roughly $2.00 per donut and I believe, worth every penny!

Island Donuts is located at:
363 Atlantic Blvd. Suite 6,
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233

Filmed LIVE on Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Mayport Florida, Atlantic Beach, and Fort George Island - located in the greater Jacksonville area of the Sunshine State.

#stjohnsriver #autoferry #mayport #jacksonville #islanddonuts

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Join me LIVE this golden afternoon in Mayport, Florida as we explore all the beauty surrounding us in the wetlands known as Dutton Island Preserve! This place is a must-visit if vacationing in the Jacksonville Beaches area of The Sunshine State. With views of the Intracoastal Waterway, and bridges on and off the San Pablo Island, the horizon is quite a hopeful sight to the eye here! Whether you’re a local, or a one time visitor, I highly recommend popping on over to Dutton Island Preserve. The marshes are marshy, and lands are quite wet, and that’s a good thing!

But gosh, golly, and jeaz - apparently you should not forget your bug spray when you visit! While I was not attacked by hardly any bugs, Bryan, the hubbie, got really bit up and had to run back to the car for some bug spray. He’s the one smart enough to actually keep it stocked in the car, and I’m the oblivious one, taking things one little hop at a time. So while I was not prepared for bugs, it was a very good thing we had some in the car. Don’t visit without it!

I hope you enjoy our lovely walk together. Let me know whatcha think? And if you’ve ever been here before, and do you want do visit? But most importantly, is your car continually stocked with bug spray? Let me know in the comments below.

Love ya’s!
Christine

Filmed LIVE Saturday, October 14, 2023 in Mayport, Florida.

Dutton Island Preserve is located:
793 Dutton Island Rd W
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233

#duttonisland #atlanticbeach #mayport #florida

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Good Morning Y’all! 

We are in Neptune Beach, Florida this morning to watch the sunrise, browse the tidelines for shark teeth, and glance out at the magnificently emerald toned waters. While the Atlantic Ocean was pretty flat today, the wave breaks were immensely loud and powerful. In the flatness of the horizon, we spotted a number of dolphins, jumping into the start of their day. A breathtaking sight - it always chokes me up - literally, lol. Also, I talked with two new channels in the chat, and it made my day. So thanks for joining me, and I’m wishing every single one of you a fabulous journey on the day ahead. If you are catching the replay, please say hello in the comments below. I do read every comment, and I would absolutely love to know how your day is going thus far? And - what is your favorite time of day?? Do you love early mornings like I do?

Love ya,
Christine

Filmed Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Neptune Beach, Florida.

#florida #neptunebeach #dolphins

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Well, we’ve had quite a day today! Join us as we wind down the evening in Vilano Beach, Florida!

If you didn’t catch the earlier stream, we had lunch and walked around Buc-ee’s in St. Augustine! You can catch that livestream replay right here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPfd6bYS_jY 

Our adventures continued throughout St. Johns County this lovely Saturday, and our last stop was Porpoise Point, located at the southern edge of San Pablo Island in Vilano Beach, Florida.

This is a not-so-secret spot on the island and if you blink, you really will miss it. Tonight we are taking you on a drive-on beach! Wahoo! Gosh - I live for this stuff you guys! 

So join me as I live streamed as we watch an autumn storm roll in, and the sun go down. It was an impromptu visit during my travels that day, and I got out of the car and realized all the natural beauty I was looking at, and I knew I needed to share this landscape with y’all. 

So let me know what you think? Have you ever been to Porpoise Point? Have you driven your vehicle on a beach before? Don’t let these moments in life pass you by. Get outside and breathe it all in baby!

Editorial Disclaimer:
*****But whatever you do - do NOT attempt to come out on this beach without an all-wheel drive car! Only 4 wheel drive passenger vehicles are allowed. You WILL get stuck without one, even if you think you won’t. Safety is first priority when driving on a public, crowded beach. There are not many unique spots like this, so let’s keep it special, and safe, ya’ll and please make sure to follow all local ordinances and rules if you do drive on out to this breathtakingly beautiful beach.*****

Filmed LIVE on Saturday, October 7, 2023 on Porpoise Point, San Pablo Island, Florida. Also known as the Vilano Beach Point in Vilano Beach, Florida, as well as another common local term - the St. Augustine Inlet. Either way - if you’re looking to go, just go to the end of the island, and you’ll be sure to find the spot where the intracoastal meets the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks for joining me this evening.

Love ya’s,
Christine

#vilanobeach #florida #porpoisepoint

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Alright folks, we’re gonna do some eating, and some walking. This is our first visit to Buc-ee’s - in St. Augustine, Florida! So, put your walking shoes on and come join me!

We’ve been to both Buc-ee’s Calhoun, Georgia, and Buc-ee’s Warner Robins, Georgia. But today we’ve finally made it to my first visit to a Buc-ee’s located in The Sunshine State!

Thanks for strolling along with me as I walk a 0.64 mile loop around the Buc-ee’s parking lot. This place is massive, you guys! I show you all the Tesla charging stations, the diesel area, the abundance of gas pumps, plus, a very pet-friendly space throughout the expansive property for dog relief, including dog poop bag/trash stations everywhere. A person has no excuse to not pick up after their pooch here, that’s for sure! And tons of grassy space for dogs, and humans alike, to stretch their legs.

Inside the gas station, I mean shopping mall, I mean convenience store, I mean - I have no idea… the abundance continues. There’s endless drink stations, coffees, bakery, breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods. Homemade fudge?!! I even found out the difference between Beaver Chips and Beaver Nuggets!

So, for lunch we decided upon Icee’s from the freestyle machines, I got cherry, and Bryan got wacky watermelon. I had the beef brisket sandwich, Bryan had the pulled pork sandwich. He also surprised me with those infamous Beaver Chips - which are basically freshly fried potato chip slices - very delicious, two thumbs up!  We also purchased a boatload of snacks. We took home a ridiculously large bag of Beaver nuggets, and I bought Bryan a bag of pork rinds - regular flavor - he loves those. 

And then - oh gosh - the merch! So, let me tell you a little secret. Buc-ee’s has Christmas/Holiday Merchandise! I mean, who would have thought, right? Duh. So I might have bought some festive goods. Actually, I bought a Buc-ee’s ceramic ornament for $4.98 - very cute. And a holiday tee shirt for $17.98 - I don’t show the shirt on the livestream because I’m gonna wear it and show it in a future video.

And most importantly - Thank you so much for joining me as we ‘tailgate’ - Beaver style. In a great mystery of life, I can’t figure out why, there is no place to sit down and eat inside Buc-ee’s or outside Buc-ee’s. So eating at the car is pretty much what most everybody does who comes here. I really did not want to eat my lovely brisket sandwich inside the car… I wanted the FULL Buc-ee’s experience. So I grabbed my bag chair and sat outside the back of the car in the parking lot. Watching the cars and trailers and pickup trucks come and go. Lines and lines of cars both coming and going in all directions.

Then I tried to take you guys inside Buc-ee’s, but the internet cut out and I lost y’all for a while. So, sadly, I couldn’t really tour all the merch that I wanted to with you, but at least I was able to show you what we purchased ourselves. 

And lastly, there can’t be a Buc-ee’s video without me mentioning the restrooms. They are the best! The End.

Gosh, you guys! I can’t thank you enough for coming along with me today! This being my third visit to a Buc-ee’s, I’m happy to say I really think Buc-ee’s is THE BEST gas station and highway rest stop in the United States of America! Crowning Buc-ee’s as Bean’s Best Award Winning Gas Station lol.

But now it’s your turn - What do you think of Buc-ee’s? I’d LOVE to know your thoughts! Share with me in the comments below, and I’ll see you in the next livestream, from somewhere in The Sunshine State!

Buc-ee’s St. Johns is open 24 hours and is located at:
200 World Commerce Pkwy
St. Augustine, FL 32092

#bucees #staugustine #florida

Filmed LIVE on Saturday, October 7, 2023 in St. Augustine, Florida.

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Who is your Forever Friend? Do you have a friend that you have known for over half your life? If you do - make sure you wish them a Happy Birthday! Reach out to them - TODAY - and cherish them like life itself.

A lifelong friend truly is something special in this world, especially today. I am truly grateful for my best friend Gina, and today, I’m wishing her a very Happy Birthday! 

Gina, I hope your birthday was the best ever, just like you! Love you lots and forever.

Happy Wednesday Morning Everybody! I hope you enjoy waking up with me and starting your day with the sunrise on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville Beach, Florida! It was a PERFECT 78 degrees this beautiful and salty Autumn morning, and I decided to take y’all on a walk with me. So thank you for coming along as I leisurely strolled 1.11 miles on the beach, in my Mickey Crocs, lol.

I walked ‘all the way’ to the Jax Beach Pier - which is pretty far for me, ha. So I’m extremely proud of myself, and grateful to take you along for the ride. And, I’m especially glad to share all those teeny, tiny, accomplishments with y’all. So, please, never forget to celebrate even the tiniest milestones that you reach in life. March Before You Feel Like It!

I hope you have a wonderful day ahead, and please - don’t forget to share something special in the comments below about a special friend you have in your life. I read all the comments, and would love to hear their story and the story of your friendship.

Also, don’t forget I will see you on Saturday - Live! So, be sure to Subscribe, Like, and turn on your notifications so you know when I go Live. We are going somewhere we have NEVER, EVER been before this Saturday - barring any disastrous weather of course - and I can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Love ya’s,

Christine

Filmed Wednesday, October 4, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

#jaxbeach #florida #goodmorning

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Hang out with me under the Palm Valley Bridge this magnificent evening! 

You know - Jacksonville really is a City Of Bridges. So much activity happens underneath them - never mind how many cars traverse the top of them. I find bridges really fascinating, and they’re quite a good hang out spot as well. Added bonus - Anywhere there’s a bridge in The Sunshine State, there will be some shade underneath. So whether you’re hiding from a hot sun and cooling off in the shade, fishing the day away, or simply enjoying the views, be sure to spend some time underneath a Florida bridge next time you’re here.

So I really hope you enjoy this evening live along the Intracoastal Waterway in the Palm Valley area of Ponte Vedra Beach. Situated between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. There’s so much nature to soak in here. Birds, jumping fish, hawks, tons and tons of little crabs scurrying about, and we just missed seeing a gator before going live. 

Plus, we had an absolutely phenomenal meal at the Palm Valley Outdoor Bar & Grill, just before we went live. We ordered the garlic shrimp appetizer, and then we both had the burger and fries for dinner. I highly recommend the Palm Valley Outdoor Bar & Grill. We’ve been there many, many times, and for some very special reasons - that I discuss on the livestream. I also wrote a blog article about this restaurant in the past, back from when restaurants reopened in 2020. So be sure to check that out, as it was the first restaurant we ate at after everything had been closed for a long while.

http://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/christines-dreams---blog/75-the-first-supper-palm-valley-outdoors-bar-grill

The Palm Valley Outdoor Bar & Grill is located just under the Palm Valley Bridge at:
377 S. Roscoe Blvd. #2
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082

Filmed LIVE Saturday, September 30, 2023, in Palm Valley, Florida.

Thanks for being here with me, and I would LOVE for you to Subscribe if you’re new to my channel, and Like this video, if you enjoy seeing the sights and sounds of The Sunshine State.

Love y’all,
Christine

#palmvalley #intracoastal #florida

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Good Morning Y’all! Thanks for waking up with me today. After some ‘technical difficulties’ I made it LIVE, correctly, after my 4th attempt, lol. Join me in Jacksonville Beach, Florida to catch the sunrise with me. It’s a cloudy morning, and rain is on the way, but we have a lovely morning walk together to the 4 Points Sheraton Hotel downtown Jax Beach.

PLUS - There were sooo many birds today, you guys! I really enjoyed watching them, they were really a beehive of activity today, and always amusing. Plus, the birds caught a big fish, then left him on the beach.

Thanks for joining me today, and please, let me know how your day is going in the comments below. Even if you’re watching the replay - I’d still love to chat with you!

Love ya’s,
Christine

Filmed LIVE Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

#jaxbeach #florida #shetlandsheepdog

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Kiss The Sun Goodnight With Me!

Happy Fall Y’all! It is the very first day of autumn - Saturday, September 23, 2023, on the recording date of this livestream. Fall is here and I am here for it.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been waiting for this day, desperately. It’s been a hot, hot summer. And I’m celebrating the autumnal equinox tonight. Thanks for joining me - LIVE - Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. I am here with my hubby and baby sheltie girl - Genevieve - and we are watching the sunset along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville this evening. If you are watching the replay - PLEASE - let me know how you are celebrating the return of autumn? I’m so curious if you’ve been waiting for this as much as I have been?

We are also watching trains go past on the Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge of the Florida East Coast Railway. Which is situated underneath the Acosta Highway Bridge, crossing the St. Johns River. We even have some drone footage that I will be publishing in a future video. So I hope you enjoy watching the replay of this breathtaking sunset along the riverfront, and go ahead and kiss that sun goodnight with me. 

Be sure to subscribe and connect with me in the comment section. I’ll talk with you in my next live, but for now, get out there and pursue all your autumnal dreams.

Thanks for watching Christine’s Floridian Dreams!

Love ya’s,
Christine

#stjohnsriver #jacksonville #florida #shetlandsheepdog


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These Are My Dreams - Podcast Episode #2

Today I really wanted to share with you EXACTLY how it took me three very long years to gain one hundred subscribers on my YouTube Channel. It was an extremely emotional and challenging three years, and I’m sharing with you some very personal and private moments of my life and the challenges I’ve faced during the process of creating content on YouTube. I explain how I used to be an extremely shy and quiet person. And I explain to you how being a YouTuber made me realize some very valuable life lessons and things about myself that, at age 42 years old, I am only now realizing about myself. By me sharing my story and journey with you, I hope it helps motivate you to also share your very own story with the world. One video at a time! You’ve got this dudes!

Please let me know if you enjoyed this video and if my story can relate to you in any way? I’m so curious if by me sharing these sensitive life moments with you can help you in something challenging you are going through right now? You are NOT alone. Don’t ever give up. Chat with me in the comments section!

Filmed Tuesday, August 1, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

#contentcreator #youtubejourney #shetlandsheepdog #florida

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Celebrating My 100th YouTube Video!!!

Hey - You There! 
Don’t Stop! 
Don’t Quit Now! 
If you’re a new content creator on YouTube…
Or - If you haven’t even started yet?
All because you lack confidence or comfort in talking to the camera…?

Watch this video - to see how I handle the camera being in my face. This is my 100th video upload and I made this video to celebrate the milestone of reaching my 100th YouTube video. Thank you so much for being on this journey with me!

But mostly, I made this video because I hope this helps you in any way as you pursue the dreams of your content creator journey - or just to help you get out there and live the life of your dreams - each and every single day. And then - do it all over again tomorrow. If you’ve got dreams, it’s up to YOU to make them come true. And no one else. So pick up that camera - and hit record.

Love ya’s!
Christine

P.S. PLEASE, please, with a cherry on top, let me know how your dreams of talking to the camera are going?? I would absolutely love to know… What stage of content creating are you in? How do you overcome the fear, anxiety, or awkwardness you may feel when attempting to talk to the camera? And what about all the rest of your dreams? Are you pursuing them each and every single day? Share with me in the comments… I’d love to know!

Filmed in Jacksonville Beach, Florida on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

Places I went in this video:

Sneakers Sports Grille (phenomenal food, by the way!)
111 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

&

Whit’s Frozen Custard (my favorite ice cream shop in Jacksonville Beach!)
1232 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach, 32250

#talktocamera #motivation #contentcreator #journey

​

Hey Everyone!

Check out my first Youtube Short video! It only took me a few months to figure out how to post a thirteen second, on repeat video, lol.

I had a lot of fun making it, so let me know whatcha think please.

I hope y’all enjoy ;)
Christine

​

#shorts
#sheltielife
#dunkindonuts
#shetlandsheepdogs
#youtubeshorts
​

~Finding Peace Amidst A Simple Morning Walk~

Thought I’d post my usual (daily) Instagram image right here today - instead of actually on the social media platform I just mentioned. 

Because Christine’s Floridian Dreams lives in - well… Christine’s Floridian Dreams.

And while I do love Instagram, I also loathe all social media platforms.

So as I watch the world seemingly crumble - and desperately attempt to continue onward - around me... 

That world cannot crumble me - and I continue onward as well. 

And I remain optimistic. 

As my focus goes inward.

And I go for a walk.

Sipping my steamy, hot, morning coffee.

And I hug my furry baby.

The world is at peace. Or so... it seems.

While I enjoy a blustery, winter day on the coast.

So today’s post - including the image, caption, and any relative hashtags - lives here, and here alone. On my website. And in MY dreams.

I’ll see you again tomorrow Instagram. But for today - you don’t get even a slice of my time.

~ Cheers ~

#saturdayvibes
#christinepieper
#christinesfloridiandreams 

​

And really, this whole pandemic “thing” going on in the world is what made me decide to go ahead and just buy the darn thing already.

Cause there’s nothing like a pandemic surrounding a respiratory virus to prove how important fresh air really is.

And our walks must go on. So the first day of this whole crisis that our little creature started limping, once again... was the very day I went ahead and placed the order.

I refuse to have her “stuck” at home just because she couldn’t walk very far. Especially with her humans still out there exercising and walking and getting their fresh air - and the world in crisis… It just didn’t seem right to have to cut the walk short for her, or leave her at home altogether, just so we could go on a very long walk without her.

So I made the executive decision to visit Chewy.com. And I quickly bought what I’m calling her buggy - her new ride.

Now Miss Madeline can ride around town in style. And not miss out. On FRESH AIR. That we all need in this life. Plague - or no plague. Because fresh air can do wonders. For doggies too!

So I purchased the Paws & Pals Deluxe Folding Dog & Cat Stroller, in black. The cost was $129.99, plus $9.10 in tax, for a total of $139.09. And yes, you can zip a cat in the netting, allowing them to sit, safely, so they can’t escape! How cool!

Free shipping goes along with any purchase through Chewy costing $49.00 or more. And I set up a free Chewy account while I was at it - so now we can order dog food and medicine and other supplies if needed as well.

I don’t anticipate needing to buy much from the site, as most all of her purchases are made at Petsmart, in person, and not online. But then again, I’m always happy to try out new or different pet suppliers.

And mostly I’m just happy we finally made this purchase for our little angel.

Then the day came when our stroller “finally” arrived to us - with impressively fast shipping actually. And we went on a lovely Sunday morning stroll. And I’m so happy that Madeline absolutely loved her buggy! She walked shorter than her usual route - and slower - and I could tell she was done, tired, in pain. This was when we normally would have gone immediately home. But noooo - not today! Prepared for everything - we finally were!

We plopped our little ball of fluff into her new and comfy seat. We gave her some ice water. And then we continued onward. We walked for a much longer time period. Like - a lot longer. We walked a length that Madeline never would have been able to do and something I usually do all by myself. But this Sunday we were able to do it as a family of three! For the very first time.

So it was a very good Sunday indeed.

And we even made it to The Delicomb - once again. Enroute home on our walk, we just so happened to walk past the coffee shop, and quickly ordered two large lattes to go. You know I didn’t happen to plan things that way, right?

And then, as our lovely Sunday morning stroll was reaching its conclusion, we were headed toward home and sipping our coffee, I saw something blue on the ground. I can’t see for anything, and from a distance I thought it was a piece of trash. But we got closer and I let out a gasp.

When, in your current reality, it may be more like this:
What can I focus on today… to simply make it through the day alive?

You see, in order to make it through a situation successfully, historically, people who survive intact and come out living and breathing on the other end, have focused on the little things. Whether it’s second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year. Focus entirely needs to be on the present moment. And the simple routine of daily life. And then, those simple and small moments, add up to perseverance, add up to survival, and add up to the journey, and to life itself.

And right now, amidst all the uncertainty of the CoVid19 pandemic, many people are stuck at home. Many people are confined and sheltering-in-place. Many people are alone. Many people are bored. Many people are working their behinds off. Many - countless people - on the front lines of this world war, are stressed to the max, while literally putting their lives on the line for others. And many people - whatever they are doing, or not doing - are trying to make it through another day on this, our Earth.

So, as I write about the little things in life - today, I wanted to finally take the time to highlight a very small, and a very special park, on a lovely little street corner in my little beach town.

Yes - There’s a great little park in Jax Beach that you should definitely check out in the future.

And unless you and your area is currently under a shelter-in-place order or official quarantine, etc., my guess is that you’ll still be trying to get some fresh air at some point each day. While making every effort to stay home as well.

We are still going to the grocery store, and picking up take out, and going to pharmacies, and getting fuel in the car. And lots of people are still in need of walking their dogs. And many who are able are going for walks themselves.

So the really great thing about this seaside park is the fact that it has absolutely nothing that you should or need to be actually physically touching in any way. It’s all sculpture. It’s all art. On display. It’s all to look at. It’s all to gaze upon. It’s a great place to safely get some fresh air while you may be practicing social distancing. It’s located directly next door to the Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry. And most importantly, of course, it’s right on the oceanfront.

So, no need to worry about spreading or catching germs while gazing at beautiful art in the fresh coastal air.

Seaside Sculpture Park, located @ 480 1st Street South, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, really is one of the little hidden gems in this small coastal town I call home.

*Part of - Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge - series

​Holy cow folks! Here’s my first dining review since the world went ahead and changed on us all… Today, I’ll be visiting an adorable local cafe in Jax Beach. And the only difference between this visit and any other dining review I present you with… is the fact that this is my first review since life as we all knew it imploded before all our very eyes.

Yep, we’ve all been thrown for a total loop these last many weeks. And things are only getting stranger and stranger each and every day. And hour by hour. I’m thinking to myself… Maybe we’ve finally gone through the other side of that Black Hole I constantly theorize about. Or - a wormhole?

Or maybe we’ve even been teleported to the edge of the universe.

And then jumped right over into our real and true multiverse?

Either that, or it’s just another day on this - our good buddy - Earth. Yes, Mother Nature is challenging us. And we are at war - with a virus. Either way, as I’ve said since the very beginning and even before that. I’m still going to live my life. I’m going to be alive - when I’m alive. I’m not going to be afraid. And I’m not going to cower.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m still going to be safe. I’m still going to follow the guidelines set forth by our leaders. I’m simply not going to panic…. And I will keep living my life.

Thus, what I mean is - I’m still going to go about my day. My job outside the home is still open. I work at what the government is now deeming an essential business during this crazy crisis. So I HAVE to leave the home. But I’m extremely happy to do it, and I would be doing it anyway. So in a way, I’m still technically living my “normal” life - while surrounded by much un-normalness. And I’m extremely grateful for my job. Even as things change now by the week, by the day, by the hour, and by the minute. Literally.

And during my shift, I am also grateful now more than ever for my lunch break. And each day on my break, I’ve been trying to support an area business to grab some quick food.

I have one hour to patronize a local drive-thru. I have one hour to get a drink of coffee or iced tea or some drive-thru food or take out, or drop-in-your-trunk food. And then get myself back to work, and back to sweating my behind off.

But like I said - I’m still living. So Sunday Morning in America… I start my day. And I checked my social media as I usually do. I happened to see today's muffin specials at The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry, located @ 115 5th Street South in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.