2/28/2024 0 Comments 213) Morning Walk With Me: Friendship Fountain is Open! Southbank Riverwalk downtown Jacksonville FloridaHey Dreamers!! I may go LIVE before the 9:30 am start time. Please have your notification bell set if you’d like to walk with me LIVE in spectacular downtown Jacksonville, Florida! Love you, Christine P.S. We’re dreaming in the 904 today, baby! *Fresh Off The Palette: ‘Dreaming in the 904’ is my newest painting and will go up for sale on Christine’s Floridian Dreams after this livestream ends. I’m absolutely in love with the downtown Jacksonville skyline setting, which includes colorful flowing reflections in the St. Johns River. Portrayed in bold watercolor, this is a 6x8 inch image painted on watercolor paper - priced at $25.00 - free shipping. Friendship Fountain is open, baby! This fabulous fountain is located at: 1015 Museum Circle Jacksonville, Florida 32207 More information on Friendship Fountain can be found at: https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/friendship-fountain This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Video 311. Livestream 88. #walkwithme #jacksonville #florida ___
0 Comments
1/31/2024 0 Comments 202) Walk With Me - Northbank Riverwalk in Downtown Jacksonville Florida along the scenic St. Johns RiverHey Dreamers!! Thanks for joining me today along the lovely and scenic St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, Florida! We are walking a fabulous one mile stretch of the NorthBank Riverwalk along the riverfront this morning, and we’ll see a CSX freight train along the way as well. In my ongoing quest to take you to each area of the riverwalk, we have now covered many areas of this wonderful walking path LIVE on YouTube, with the exception of areas under construction, and a few other slivers of space I still need to find. I am absolutely LOVING seeing all these sections of the riverwalk with y’all! Let me know what is your favorite section so far? Honestly, I think today’s section is so, so pretty. Nicely done, lots of benches, trees, fitness areas, accessible in many ways from many areas, etc. It’s hard for me to pick. I loved the cycle and pedestrian counter, and my favorite part of the walk was seeing all the locks on the bridge above the railroad tracks! I also really love the Riverside Memorial Park area. But, you let me know what stretch of the pathway you like the best? And, where do I need to go next? Also, I discussed, for a bit, the new information announced yesterday from Universal Orlando Resort! I was so super excited about the five different lands and their various attractions, all information released in a YouTube video - linked below. The five lands of Epic Universe, opening in 2025, are: 1) Celestial Park (with Constellation Carousel), 2) How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, 3) Dark Universe, 4) Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, and 5) Super Nintendo World. So, with 50 attractions, shopping, dining, plus, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, with 500 rooms, and integrated into the park itself, with a mediterranean vibe. This new theme park almost doubles the size of Universal Orlando Resort! So - I’d love to know your thoughts? Are you excited for Universal Epic Universe? Let me know in the comments down below! I love you, Christine For the video I referenced in the livestream, see below from Universal Orlando Resort: https://youtu.be/U4u83ncMjuE?si=brGSgTimXO9I1WAq Also, check out this news article link for further information and concept art imagery on Universal Epic Universe: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/epic-universe-universal-orlando-reveals-first-official-look-details-about-new-theme-park And don’t forget to check out The Riverside Arts Market while you are in Jacksonville! The event takes place rain or shine, every Saturday, and is located under the Fuller Warren Bridge right where I started this livestream today: 715 Riverside Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32204 Further information about the Riverside Arts Market can be found at: https://riversideartsmarket.org/ This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Video 273. Livestream 78. #northbankriverwalk #stjohnsriver #jacksonville ___ 1/17/2024 0 Comments 194) Walk With Me - Around Jaguars EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL - Plus the Veterans Memorial WallHey Dreamers!! It’s the coldest day of the year in Jacksonville, Florida, folks. It’s roughly 32 degrees, and I’m frozen. But, we’re still walking, so let’s get started. Today, we’re walking around the exterior of Everbank Stadium. It ends up being a 1.09 mile walk - a very large property, indeed. I’ve never been to this stadium before, or at least this close up. So I’m really excited to tour the grounds and check the Home of the Jaguars out! First, we’re going to check out the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall, which is housed literally in the parking lot of EverBank Stadium. I’ve heard of this memorial many times, but never saw it. So I’m curious to take a quick look today, but I’m so cold, so it’ll be a quick walk through. Then we’re taking what measures out to be a one mile loop around the exterior property of the Jacksonville Jaguars EverBank Stadium. I didn’t even realize that Daily’s Place is pretty much connected to EverBank Field! So, my non-football understanding brain did learn a lot today. Lastly, I’ve got some exciting personal news to share with y’all involving my YouTube Channel and my next adventure. So, stay tuned, and keep your notifications on. But most importantly, thanks for joining me, and thanks for walking with me. I do love you so much, Christine The Jacksonville Jaguars Everbank Stadium is located at: 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32202 For more information on the Jacksonville Jaguars, visit: https://www.jaguars.com/stadium/ The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial wall is located in the parking lot of Everbank Stadium, at: 1145 East Adams Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202 For more information on the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall, visit: https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/military-and-veterans-affairs/jacksonville-veterans-memorial-wall This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Video 260. Livestream 70. #jacksonvillejaguars #veteransmemorialwall #jacksonville ___ 1/10/2024 0 Comments 192) Arlington Lions Club Park & Blue Cypress Fishing Pier along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, FLAHey Dreamers!! Let’s set my Apple Watch and go for a walk together along the beautiful St. Johns River. I’ve been captivated by this large body of moving water ever since we moved from Illinois to Jacksonville, Florida back in 2017. I love that I can find dolphins in this water, it always surprises me, to this day. I guess it’s because I certainly never saw a dolphin floating along in the DuPage River in Naperville, Illinois, or the Fox River in St. Charles, Illinois. So, basically, I’m always looking for a way to be able to look at this body of water. And, I’m always searching for dolphins, as well. And with that, today I am taking you on a leisurely stroll from the Lions Club Boat Ramp to the Blue Cypress Fishing Pier. We’ll be walking along a lovely boardwalk, literally right on the shores of the St. Johns Riverbank. The City of Jacksonville skyline is hidden, but peaking out in the distance. There are ships, and tugboats, birds, and sailboats. The air is cold, the wind is brisk, and it’s just about 50 degrees. I’m freezing. But that’s not going to stop me from walking with y’all today. So thanks for joining me. But mostly, I’m concerned about all the crazy weather that spanned nearly the entire country yesterday in some way, shape, or form. We had tornado warnings, and that was pretty scary for me. All ended up fine on our end, thank goodness - but I need to know from you! Is everything ok in your neck of the woods? Or riverbanks? How did you fare through the storm yesterday? Please drop me a comment down below. I do read every comment. And I want to know how you are doing since the multitude of storms passed through yesterday. I love you, Christine The Arlington Lions Club Boat Ramp is located at: Arlington Lions Club Park 4322 Richard Denby Gatlin Road Jacksonville, FL 32277 For more information on the Arlington Lions Club Boat Ramp, check out the website below: https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/arlington-lions-club-park The Blue Cypress Fishing Pier is located at: 5200 Golf Course Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32277 Please note - as of this recording, the Fishing Pier itself is closed due to what appears to be storm damage. You can still walk the entire length of the lovely boardwalk though. But access onto the actual pier is closed at this time. The entire park though is definitely still worth a visit to see this fabulous view and soak in some winter sun! This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. Video 253. Livestream 68. #stjohnsriver #jacksonville #florida ___ 11/5/2023 0 Comments 145) Fall Behind With Me! At the Riverside Memorial Park Along the St. Johns River Downtown JaxGosh, you guys… It’s that time of the year once again. Jeaz - I mean, they do it to us, not once, but twice a year??? Lol. Today we’ve got to ‘fall behind’ - as they say. Tonight, at 2AM. Don’t forget to change your clocks. So let’s do it together y’all. And let me know your thoughts on turning back the clocks. To me - there’s one good thing about it - we gain an hour - but that’s today only. And, that one hour is enough to completely knock me out of my routine, and minor adjustments are needed to get reestablished during the next few days. Dog included. So I’m not really fond of either the spring ahead, or fall behind. However, if I have to choose one, I’ll choose to fall behind any day, only because we gain an hour, that one day out of the year. So, tonight, once again, we are transferring from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time. And I want to take this moment to THANK YOU for spending moments of YOUR time with me, as we traverse through this world we call our home. I love you, Christine P.S. Kiss the Sun Goodnight With Me! At this beautiful riverfront park in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Riverside Memorial Park is located at: 1620 Riverside Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32204 Further information can be found at: www.memparkjax.org Prospect Five Points Restaurant is located at: 1521 Margaret Street Jacksonville, Florida 32204 Further information and the menu can be found at: www.prospectfivepoint.com Falling Behind - a few articles I found interesting this year: https://abc7chicago.com/amp/daylight-saving-time-fall-back-sunday-sleep/13991968/ https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2023/11/03/daylight-savings-when-change-clocks-fall-back-florida-arizona-california-hawaii-spring-forward/71418925007/ Filmed LIVE on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Livestream number 26. #riverside #jacksonville #florida ___ 11/4/2023 0 Comments 144) Search for Ducks with Me! At the Riverside Duck Pond In Downtown Jacksonville, Florida LIVECome along and help me search for ducks y’all! The fact that this place is literally called a ‘Duck Pond’ in its formal name… it’s bringing back memories of childhood. I remember my Dad taking me and my sisters to all the area ‘duck ponds’ - as we informally called them - growing up. And here is a park that has the words ‘duck pond’ in its name. I’m amused, folks. I must say that is exactly what attracted me to visit this spot in downtown Jacksonville, located in the Riverside area of town. So let’s see how many ducks we can spot as we take a leisurely walk, strolling the beautiful park landscape. Help me count them please! Love ya, Christine The Riverside Park Duck Pond is located at: 831 College Street Jacksonville, Florida 32204 This awesome park is free and open 24 hours. FIlmed LIVE on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Livestream number 25. #riversidepark #duckpond #jacksonville ___ 9/26/2023 0 Comments 122) Drone View - Florida East Coast Railway Crossing the St. Johns River - Downtown JaxHey there Dreamers! I hope you enjoy this Drone’s Eye View of the Florida East Coast Railway, filmed as the train crosses the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. And if you didn’t catch the livestream of the same night, you gotta check out the replay of our entire fabulous evening along the riverbank… We watched a breathtaking sunset and enjoyed a beautiful evening on the St. Johns River, all with Downtown Jacksonville as a magnificent setting. Our baby Genevieve Noel the Shetland Sheepdog was along for the adventure as well, in a backpack with her Mama. You can check that stream out right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8klOOnH16g But most importantly here - the evening wouldn’t be complete if my hubby wasn’t flying his drone! So - Many thank you’s to Bryan for filming these awesome shots of the FEC Railway as it crosses the Strauss Trunnion Bascule Railroad Bridge. And really, just a bundle of thank you’s to Bryan for collaborating with me and giving me this video so that I could spend a lovely and hot afternoon getting this film ready for YouTube and write a story to go with it. It helped me pass some time and for that I am eternally and always grateful. So I hope you enjoy this drone video of Downtown Jacksonville, courtesy of both Bryan and I. And - Hey - guess what?! This is the first drone video up on my YouTube Channel! So, gosh, please let me know what you think of it?? We have other drone videos from the past that we can publish as well, and we do intend to keep filming with the drone in the future too! (Also, I’ve made a dedicated Playlist for our Drone Video’s, so you can keep an eye out for future films right here on my channel as well.) Filmed Saturday, September 23, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. Filmed with the DJI Phantom 4 Drone. So - gosh! Thanks for hanging out with me, and please, don’t forget to let me know whatcha think?? Love ya’s, Christine #stjohnsriver #floridaeastcoast #dronevideo #jacksonville 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 I want to first start off by saying that while I am going to be discussing Intuition Ale Works in Jacksonville, FL, I do not drink any alcohol so I cannot review the beer for you here. I can, however, explain in detail my experience visiting Intuition, to attend a workshop, and I brought my husband along as well so he could enjoy the local beers offered. I had wanted to visit Intuition Ale Works for some time. Actually, I had heard about the rooftop bar area, with views overlooking downtown Jax, and that was the main reason for my wanting to visit... I never want to miss out on a view if I can help it. And then I happened to come across a painting workshop involving painting an elephant, taking place on a Tuesday evening, and thought, that’s definitely when I’m going to plan my visit to Intuition. Painting, plus views, would be a fabulous night, I thought. Plus, I love elephants. I firmly believe elephants are the Earth’s Gentle Giants, and very misunderstood creatures. They are family-oriented, have a heart and soul as wild and original as any human soul, and they want to be as free as we are. Any excuse to paint my beloved elephants works for me. So I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to attend a local ‘Paint N’ Pints, even if I wasn’t going to be having the pints part of the experience myself. And, I thought I’d bring the hubby along… he could sample the local beers, while I paint. And then, I thought, afterward we can sit outside on the rooftop lounge area together and enjoy the lovely evening that consisted of perfect Florida weather. Well, things didn’t work out exactly as planned, but we did make the most of it ourselves. After registering for the workshop, I thought I’d look up Intuition’s website ahead of time to check out what type of food and drink was available. The painting workshop began at 6:30pm, running through 8:30pm, and I thought maybe we should plan to eat dinner while there. I wanted to see the menu ahead of time and figure out what type of meal to plan for into my day. Well, the website listed beer only. No mention of any food whatsoever. So we ended up eating at home ahead of time, then headed out to Intuition. We parked in the free parking lot, which is located in a very industrial area, with views of the Maxwell House headquarters factory just across the way. (I do love coffee and hope to visit the headquarters for a tour someday.) Going inside I noticed the brewery had lots of massive windows open to it and I was hoping to take a tour while we were there. I then discovered tours were not available at the time. That section of the facility was closed off for the evening. I also noticed right area after entering that there is a food window, to-go style, where customers can order some simple bar foods. As I mentioned, that fact was not on the website, so we had already eaten dinner, and weren’t up for trying anything at the food window. A couple of the people attending the painting workshop with me ordered a basket of boiled peanuts though and they looked quite tasty. I then decided to order a club soda, to sip during the class, and to purchase something from the establishment, only to find out that beer literally was the entire drink menu. No sodas, or iced teas, etc. or anything else whatsoever. Gahh. So, I asked for an iced water, and was then instructed to go over to the wall to get some water out of the cooler housed under the big menu. No problem, but also, not very attractive. The workshop was in a room that was set as a private meeting space, with views into the brewery area. And the instructor was local Jacksonville artist Amanda Moon of Amanda Moon Art. She was an exceptional instructor and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to attend a painting workshop. I had a most enjoyable two hours painting my elephant, while my hubby enjoyed the brewery. This workshop was a rescheduled event that I had signed up for many weeks in advance, and then had to be canceled due to Hurricane Dorian coming through the day of the planned event. There were mandatory evacuations and curfews in place all throughout Jacksonville. And while Dorian ended up missing Jax, thank goodness, all plans during that time were completely canceled. So attendance at the event was quite low for that evening, lower than many such workshops I have attended in the past. Afterward, I was sooo excited about my elephant! I was ready to take him with me upstairs and outside and enjoy the rest of the night with my husband. That’s when I found out that the rooftop lounge area was closed off all evening to a private event and we were not even allowed to go upstairs and take a peak. I must say I was extremely disappointed by this, and learned a valuable lesson. Maybe I need to call ahead to see if these types of areas will be open to the public before going? But, at the same time I also thought that being a main part of their establishment, that I shouldn’t have had to question its availability while I visit. I must say it was a major turnoff to me, considering the upstairs area was one of the main reasons for my wanting to visit, and it definitely acts partially as a deterrence to me from planning a future outing at Intuition any time soon. Driving home, I was ecstatic about my painting. It was a very nice outing downtown Jax, and I learned a lot. Even though I’m deterred, I honestly would go back to Intuition, at some point, despite my so-so experience, because I liked the atmosphere and the location. I just would make sure the rooftop was available. And I would bring my own ice water, and keep the rest of my expectations in check. Because despite what is or is not being served and is not available to me that day, I can still have a wonderful outing wherever I am… perspective matters, and my company does too. ~
7/8/2019 0 Comments #2) 3 Wows Plus 1 Piece of Magic I Experienced At Jacksonville, Florida’s Cummer Museum of Art & GardensA few years back when friends found out I was moving to Florida, specifically to the greater Jacksonville area, it was immediately suggested to me that I visit the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Finally, after a few years of living here, I made it there. With soooo many positive reviews online (it was actually very hard to find anything negative said AT ALL) and many recommendations from others to go for a visit, I can definitely see why people love and rave about the place. It’s always quite an experience to visit an art museum. A visit to such a place can take you out of your familiarity and possibly your comfort zone as well, and place you inside so many varied and different hearts, minds, and personalities - simply by seeing and fully experiencing the immersion of art on canvas. Visiting an art museum can open up or awaken your soul to the variations of the human experience. I would definitely say there is a bit of magic going on there - but don’t forget you need to be open to receive that magic and let it come over you and let it change you. You visit an art museum to see the art on the walls. So gazing at all the varied art on canvas and sculptures can go without saying here. See it. Do it. Immerse yourself in it. And see ALL the art, and take your time as well. What I really want to detail here today are some of the things at the Cummer that go beyond the art on canvas. Specifically: 3 major Wows I experienced while at the Cummer, plus a single piece of pure magic. And as I mentioned above about art, I don’t see how going to an art museum, or any museum really, can be nothing but a positive, educational experience. But maybe I’m biased because I’m an artist and I paint on canvas every day of my life. So really it was hard for me to find anything about the Cummer I didn’t like. And I actually only found one single comment online even remotely negative about the Cummer, and that is that they need more seating - that they are very short on seating around the building. This commenter said they were an older individual and that walking around with hardly a place to stop and rest for a bit was too much for them. I’m 38, and by no means elderly, but I COULD NOT AGREE MORE with this review. Why? Why? Why are there never enough seats in public places??? I LOVVVE me a good bench. There were a nice assortment and variety of seats and seating locations outside in the Gardens, but good luck finding a seat (and I mean a RELAXING seat) inside the building with all the art. Sure, there was the traditional chair and/or single bench in the center of an exhibit room, but that is by all accounts not a place for relaxation, or a place to chill for a bit. It’s simply a chair to sit in while contemplating the beauty of the art before you. But it’s not a place to grab a sip of water, take a few calls or texts, or post your latest Instagram shot. Plus, who wants to be selfish and hog the bench for a rest while so many other people are coming and going and may want to sit for a bit as well? Really the only seating inside the museum itself where you could catch your breath was at the Cafe, which meant buying something to eat or drink in order to sit down. This was absolutely more than fine with me and the hubby because we planned this Cafe into our day and knew we wanted to eat lunch there to get the entire Cummer Museum experience. But there were definitely people who wanted to sit in the chairs of the cafe and not order anything. And with the quite obvious ‘PLEASE WAIT HERE TO BE SEATED’ sign as you approach the Cafe, it was clear we couldn’t just walk up to a chair and sit. So yes, there is a definite lack of seating at the Cummer. And really the only strange and awkward aspect of the entire museum was the location itself of the Cafe. The Museum is set up as a series of exhibit rooms, with doors that open and close into a main hallway of the museum. This main hallway is what I would call the artery of the museum and is the main corridor for all traffic coming and going. This hallway takes you up and down the entire length of the museum and all exhibit entry and exits, plus restrooms and gift shop... however, this hallway is where the Cafe is as well. And I’m not saying the Cafe has an entrance off the main hallway - I’m telling you the Cafe is IN the hallway. Like, the Cafe is the hallway, and the hallway is the Cafe. It seemed like the Cafe was a complete and total afterthought to the Museum. Which was somewhat of a disappointment to me. As soon as I saw it I thought THIS is the Cafe?! I was expecting at least a tiny bit more from a museum that charges $10.00 a person to enter. There was no ambiance, no set mood or theme going on or even attempted to go for, and no decor whatsoever. The Cafe is literally tables and chairs set up inside this main hallway of the museum. So everyone coming and going (and going in and out of the main bathroom as well) has to pass by these chairs and the drink station. It was a bit of a bizarre set up.... but I’m telling you right now I would definitely go back. Which brings me to my first WOW of the day. Wow #1 - The Cummer Cafe This Cafe rocks! I know, I know, you’re saying what in the heck? She just mentioned how awkward and strange the Cafe is set up, and yes, all of that is so true. But the Cafe was also very, very enjoyable, and I absolutely loved my delicious and flavor-filled lunch. It’s so, so true that good food can make up for bad atmosphere. And while like I said, there was no real decor to the Cafe, there was a vase of fresh flowers on the table we were seated at. Adorable. I so love fresh flowers on a table, it brings immediate joy and delight into any day. I sat down and ordered an iced tea. Well, when iced tea is served to me in a mason jar, I’ll be happy for the rest of the day. Add a delicious and delicately fruity taste to the cold, refreshing tea, and I declare it the best tea I ever drank in my life any day of the week and twice on Sunday. And this tea was just that and more. I ordered the breakfast quiche as my dish, which was served with a light and fresh seasonal greens with strawberry salad including a vinaigrette dressing on the side. Wow. I so thoroughly enjoyed my meal that I wanted the chef to come home with me and make this meal for me every day for lunch for the rest of my life. Hence the wow factor here. Loved the Cummer Cafe, yes, would go again. After we ate and received the check, I overheard a woman at the next table order an iced latte. The server asked her if she would like whipped cream on top. She said yes. I love hearing people talk of coffees and creams. Well we were stuffed from the delicious lunch and passed on drinks and desserts. As we were paying our check the iced latte walked past us, and my jaw dropped. Wow, whipped cream will always do that for me. That drink looked so gosh darn amazing and refreshing, I know exactly what I’m ordering when I go back, no need to even give me a menu. Actually, I’m quite sure that whipped cream drink is going to haunt me in my dreams every night until I get it. Wow #2 - The Gardens There’s a reason it’s called The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. & Gardens was not an afterthought. The Gardens at the Cummer deserve their own Wow and you should include time during your visit there for sure. I thought ahead and tried to time my visit around the afternoon Florida summer thunderstorms, so we experienced the gardens before visiting the special Impressionism exhibit later into our afternoon. Walking out back of the main museum building to the Gardens grants you a breathtakingly scenic view of the St. Johns River. So with the flowing river water as a backdrop, and flowers, trees, quaint little pathways and vines, trellis’ and canopy’s and quaint seating, and let’s not forget ponds and fountains, the Gardens are certain to impress. I was right in my element walking around all the natural Floridian beauty before me, so many future scenes I dreamt of painting from that single experience. Visit this Garden... and soak all of it in to take home with you. Wow #3 - The Live Oak As you enter the Gardens outside, you cannot help but see the beauty and majesty of the Cummer Live Oak Tree. A miracle that Hurricane Irma didn’t take this tree, this Live Oak should require its own visit just to IT if you are visiting or live in Jacksonville. I’ve never seen a tree quite like it. It was a tree out of a fairy tale book. Spanning the top of the gardens and its various branches winding down to the lowest levels of the gardens reaching out toward the river bank, this tree definitely has a personality and life of its own. This tree owns the place. This tree is the boss. I immediately thought of Disney’s classic film ‘Pollyanna’ when my eyes first gazed upon this Live Oak. Trees are and really can be gifts from God to this Earth. Breathing life into anyone who is willing to accept the gift. In the film, Pollyanna’s friend Jimmy Bean (played by Kevin Cochoran - otherwise known as Moochie if you are a classic Disney film fan), always wants to climb trees with Pollyanna, and she basically is like, now why would I ever want to do that?... not understanding the appeal). Well, Mocchie says, God put them there so I could climb them. Simple as that - matter of fact. I have always loved that part of the film for some reason and apply it to many aspects of my life. And while there are clearly represented signs everywhere at the Cummer Gardens informing you NOT to climb the tree, and rightfully so considering its age, history, and safety issues, if Moochie was around to see this tree today, I’m not sure if there would be anyone who could stop him from climbing it. After all, isn’t that why God put it there? While the food, fun, and fabulousness of the Cummer was an ideal Saturday outing I highly recommend, and be sure to catch all of my three wow’s mentioned above, there was one more piece of magic both hubby and I didn’t expect but were blessed with. 1 Piece of Magic As were were looking out at the beauty of the St. Johns River while standing at the edge of the Gardens and watching all the boats go by, I quickly saw a flicker off the water out of the corner of my eye. I focused my eyes on the area, not too far in front of me at all, and watched. Only about a second later I saw it again. A dolphin jumped right out and back into the water. He seemed to say hello to us watching him. I gasped, shocked, never, ever, ever sick nor tired of seeing a dolphin out on nature. I wondered to myself - why was he here? Right here. At the banks of the River. We watched and followed him with our eyes for a long time.... he seemed to be all alone in the water. Just him jumping to and fro. We continued watching him swim farther and father from our sight, still jumping, until we couldn’t see him anymore. I hoped and prayed he wasn’t lonely, afraid, or injured - although he seemed just fine from my quick gaze. He was well on his merry way, exploring the Floridian waters, many adventures ahead of him. Something in the back of my head made me think he was there because God put him there. At that place at that moment in time. He was meant to be there, for reasons the heavens above and him alone to know his purpose in life. But because I’d like to think God put him there, I was able to say hello to him that hot summer day before he went on his way. ~
|
Archives
March 2024
CategoriesAll 100th YouTube Video 15K National Championship 2020 26.2 With Donna 5K Race 9/11 A1A Acosta Bridge Acrylic On Canvas Advent Calendars Adversity Afghanistan Alan Roberts Al Carius Alligator All Wheel Drive Amanda Moon Art Amelia Island Amelia Island Coffee America Amtrak Amtrak Silver Service Angeletti Cookies Angies Grom Angies Subs Anna Maria City Pier Anna Maria Island Another Broken Egg Cafe Appetizer Apple Watch Arlington Lions Club Park Art Atlantic Beach Atlantic Beach Arts Market Atlantic Ocean Auto Ferry Autumnal Equinox Autumn In Florida BabylissPro Hair Straightener Bacon Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Basic Invite Bay Breeze Cottages Beach Boulevard Beach Cottage Beach Diner Beach Diner Ponte Vedra Beach Beaches Art Fest Beaches At Vilano Beaches For Australia Beaches Go Green Beaches Green Market Beaches History Museum Beaches Museum Beaches Oktoberfest Beaches Town Center Beans Baking Series Beans Basement Bash Beans Best Award Winner Beans Coffee Shop Challenge Beans Recipes Beef Stew Before And After Beignets BEPREADY BeYou Jewelry Big Talbot Island State Park Birthday Black Friday Blackhawk Bluff Blue Angels Blue Bloods Blue Cypress Fishing Pier Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine Boxty Bradenton Beach Breakfast Review Breezy Coffee Shop Brewery Review Bridge Of Lions Bryan Pieper Bucee's Cafe Du Monde Cantina Louie Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Elation Casa Monica Resort & Spa Castaway Island Preserve Castillo De San Marcos Cat Cafe Celebration Celebration Florida Cell Phone Chaunies Coffee Truck Cheap Holiday Photo Cards Chicago Food Chicago Pizza Chili Recipe Chocolate Chip Cookies Christmas Christmas Day Christmas Decor Christmas Eve Christmas In The South Christmas Pop Up Bar Christmas Tree Church Cinottis Bakery Jax Beach City Of Jacksonville Florida Special Events Civil War 2.0 Clover Coffee Coffee Plantation Cafe College Columbia Restaurant Comfort Compass Contagion Content Creator Cookies Cook With Me Corinne Crabtree Corona Coronavirus CoVid19 Crane Island Crescent City Crescent Lake Crock Pot Cross Country CSX Cummer Cafe Review Cummer Museum Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens Daily Activity Daily's Place Danny Reagan Daschund Daylight Savings Time Daytona Beach Deck The Chairs Delicomb Deltona Dessert Dining In Atlantic Beach Dining In Jax Beach Dining In Ponte Vedra Beach Dining On The Water Dining Review Dining Review Vilano Beach Disney Springs DJI Phantom 4 Drone Dog Days Of Summer Doggie Stroller Dog Life Dolphins Don't Tread On Me Donuts Dreaming In The 904 Driftwood Jax Beach Drive Thru Lights Drone Video Duck Pond Dunkin Donuts Dutton Island Preserve East Coast Greenway Easter Edens Leaf Naturals Eleven South Review Embarkation Emerald Coast Endless Summer Everbank Stadium Every Damn Day Fitness Explore With Me Facebook Faith Falcon Heavy Fall Fall In Florida Family Traditions Fernandina Beach Film Review Fireplace First Watch Fishing Floating Generation Florida Florida Cold Front Florida Cracker Kitchen Florida East Coast Railway Florida Winter Flowers Fort George Island Foundation Four Frank Reagan Freight Train Fresh Off The Palette Friendship Fountain Fuller Warren Bridge Full Moon Full POV Garlic Artichoke Dip Gate River Run Gingerbread House Girvin Road Golden Hour Golf Carts Grape & Grain Exchange Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail Green Cove Springs Green Spaces Green Springs Park Green Sulfur Spring Guana River Preserve Gulf Coast Guy Fieri Hampton Inn Happy Holidays Happy New Year Hawkers Asian Street Fare Hemingway Highway I-4 Historic Bridge Street Pier Historic Old City Jail Holiday Holiday Season Holidays In Jax Beach Holidays In Neptune Beach Holly Berry Hot Chocolate Hotel Review Hotel Room Tour Ice Cream Intracoastal Intuition Ale Works Review Ireland Irish Blessings Irish Blessings To You Irish Food Irish Mode On Isaiah David Hart Bridge Island Donuts Isle Of Eight Flags Italian Restaurant Jacksonville Jacksonville Beach Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier James Bond Jamie Reagan Jarboe Park Jarboe Park Christmas Tree Jax Beach Art Walk Jax Beach Coffee Shop Jax Beach Pier Jax Beach Vintage Flea Market Jerusalem Jesus Jimmy Buffett Jimmy Johns John Glaude Joy Key Largo Key West Key West Half Marathon Kilwins Kindness Kindred Spirits King Tide Kiss The Sun Goodnight With Me KitchenAid Krispy Kreme Lake Monroe Lake Monroe Historic Bridge Liberty Life Before Facebook Lifestyle Lime Bubly Love Love Life Love Muffin Love Yourself Luck Of The Irish Lumi Bean Candles Main Street Bridge Manatee Margaritaville Marina Marriott Marshmallow Marsh Massive Action Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic Jacksonville Mayo Clinic Jacksonville Florida Mayo Clinic Pain Rehab Clinic Mayport Cats Mayport Florida Merry Christmas Cards Metro Diner Mexican Food Mexican Restaurant Mezza Luna Ristorante MFPMilestones Mickler's Landing Millennial Generation Minestrone Soup Moonrise Morning Walk Mourning A Loss Muffins MyFitnessPal My Own Irish Blessing My Wish For You Naples NASA Nature Navi Waterfront Bar & Grill Nemo Park Neptune Beach Never Forget New Orleans New York City Night Walk Nine Eleven Nocatee NOLA Northbank Riverwalk Oaxaca Club Obese To Beast Oceanfront Dining Olivia Shore One Ocean Resort One Ocean Resort & Spa Orlando Overseas Highway Pain Rehab Clinic Palatka Palm Sunday Palm Valley Palm Valley Holiday Lights Boat Parade Palm Valley Outdoors Bar And Grill Pasta Pasta Party Pastries Patience Peanut Butter Bubbles Pelicans Pelindaba Lavender Perseverance Peterbrooke Chocolatier Petes Bar Petes Bar Thanksgiving Morning Gathering Pet Friendly Pet Loss Phit-n-Phat Phone Call Pier Pine Avenue On Anna Maria Island Pink Lemonade Plan Plant City Poinsettia Polar Plunge Pollyanna Ponte Vedra Beach Ponte Vedra Inn & Club PRC Prospect Five Points Public Beach Access Pumpkin Spice Purpose Race Expo Rain Random Acts Of Kindness Reaction Real Christmas Tree Recipes Red Sauce Religion Restaurant Review Rest Stop Rick Burnett Artist Key West Ritas Jax Beach Riverside Riverside Arts Market Riverside Memorial Park Riverwalk Road Race Road Trip Rockaway Garden Rod & Reel Fishing Pier Ronnie Phillips Ron On The Go Room Tour Routine Sago Coffee Jax Sanford San Marco San Marco Bookstore San Marco Town Square San Pablo Island Sawpit Creek Boat Ramp Seafoam Sea La Vie Jax Beach Seaside Park Seaside Sculpture Park Sea & Sky Jax Seas The Day Seawalk Music Festival Seawalk Pavilion Seinfeld September 11 Shamrock Shamrock Zoomies Shell World Sheltie Sheltie & Friends Sheltie & Friends Easter Coloring Book Shetland Sheepdog Shipwreck Small Towns Sneakers Sports Grille Social Media Sous Chef Southbank Southbank Riverwalk Southern Grounds Southern Living Idea House Southern Swells SpaceX Spreadshop Spring Break Stand Mixer Starbucks Star Wars Stationary Statue Of Liberty St Augustine St. Augustine St. Augustine Nights Of Lights Staycation St. George Street St. Johns River St. Johns Town Center St Patricks Day St. Patrick's Day Strawberries Streamlabs Streetcar Sugar Cookies Sunrail Sunrise Sunset Sunshine Skyway Bridge Super Bowl Sunday Supper Club Take Out Dining Talking To Camera Tampa Tampa Bay Target TECO Line Streetcar System Teresa Echols Thai Food Thankful Thanksgiving The Ancient City The Boathouse The Caffeinated Cat The Dis The Donna The Donna Foundation The Donna Marathon The Green Monster The Mini Bar The Reach Resort Key West The Reef These Are My Dreams These Are My Dreams The Podcast Time Savings Tinis Martini Bar To Do Downtown Jacksonville To Do In Celebration Florida To Do Jax Beach Tonys Turkey Trot Review Traditional Irish Pancakes Train Depot Train Ride Twistee Treat Twitter Uber Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry Ulta Products Unboxing Universal Endless Summer University Of North Florida Valentines Day Venice Venice Beach Pier Vertical Livestream Veterans Day Vilano Beach Vilano Beach Pier Virtual Railfan Vlogmas Volunteer V Pizza V Pizza Jax Beach Wake Up The Sun With Me Wake Up With Me Walk With Me Walt Disney World Watch With Me Watercolor Painting Weight Loss Weight Loss Success Weight Maintenance White Christmas Whit's Frozen Custard Whits Jax Beach Wicked Lick Willaford Railroad Museum Williams Sonoma Winter Meals Winter Park Winter Wonderland World Market World War 19 World War II Ybor CIty Year In Review YouTube Youtube Shorts |
_____
My Floridian Adventures On YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@christinepieper ______ My Motivational Merch Shop! https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/ ______ © 2024 Christine's Floridian Dreams. |