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2/3/2024 0 Comments 203) Let's See The 26.2 With Donna Marathon Athlete's Village, Start and Finish in Jacksonville Beach FL! Hey Dreamers!! Thanks for walking one mile with me in Jacksonville Beach, Florida! It’s a beautiful winter day to soak in some sun along the coast, and we’re headed to the Seawalk Pavilion as well. Today, we are checking out the set up and post race party area of the Athlete’s Village for The Donna Foundation Marathon! This event will be starting and finishing right in downtown Jacksonville Beach tomorrow - Sunday, February 4, 2024! I’m hoping to see where the Gear Check, Runner Relations, and Post-Race Party will be taking place. Plus, I’m curious to see the parking situation and which lots are blocked off for parking due to the set up. So join me on a fabulous morning walk in Jax Beach, and let’s see what is set up for the big race tomorrow! Are you running The Donna tomorrow? Do you know someone who is running tomorrow? I’d love to know! Let me know in the comments down below… By the way, I will be livestreaming the race tomorrow. See you in the AM! Love you! Christine Here is the link to The Donna Marathon Weekend Schedule of Events: https://breastcancermarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SpectatorGuide_2024_Final.pdf For more information on The Donna Foundation, The Donna Marathon and other associated races, see the link below for the official website: https://breastcancermarathon.com/ The Donna Foundation Marathon race course map is linked below: https://breastcancermarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DONNA-Course-2024-with-Support.pdf Location of the The Donna Foundation Marathon Start and Finish: Seawalk Pavilion 75 1st Street North Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250 This was filmed LIVE on Saturday, February 3, 2024 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Video 276. Livestream 79. #rundonna #jaxbeach #jacksonvillebeach ___
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12/15/2023 0 Comments 178) A Nor'Easter Seafoam Sunrise Walk in Jax Beach, Florida! Plus - Deck the Chairs! Vlogmas 2023 Day 15 Hey Holiday Dreamers!! Merry Vlogmas 2023 Day 15 baby! Today, we are walking! Together we are walking 0.85 miles together - so get your watches ready y’all! Plus, there’s a NorEaster - and it’s windy, which is stirring up a lot of seafoam. I LOVE seafoam y’all. Then, we’re going to check out the 2023 Deck the Chairs display during the day. By viewing the exhibit in daylight I definitely find myself catching details I don’t see at night. So grab your walking shoes, folks. We’re going on a December morning stroll together. Love you, Christine Further information on Deck the Chairs can be found at: https://deckthechairs.org/ This was filmed LIVE on Friday, December 15, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Video 211. Livestream 55. #vlogmas #deckthechairs #vlogmas2023 ___ 12/13/2023 0 Comments 176) A Cold and Windy Evening Walk around the Beaches History Museum in Jax Beach Florida! Vlogmas Day 13 Hey Holiday Dreamers!! Merry Vlogmas 2023 Day 13 baby! Tonight, I’m taking you on quite a chilly and windy evening stroll around the grounds of the Beaches History Museum in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. This little gem of a stop, located along Beach Boulevard, is all decorated for the holidays. And, to me, the entire place looks like a beautiful Christmas Village IRL. So, join me on a mini walking tour… They were about to close for the night so I had to be fast. However, it was cold just the same, so I enjoyed it the best I could for a quick little visit. I hope you enjoy coming along with me as I take in the sights, and the lights, of the Beaches History Museum during the holiday season. I love it so much - I come here every Christmas to see the decorations. Love you, Christine The Beaches History Museum is located at: 381 Beach Boulevard Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250 For further information on the Beaches History Museum, visit: https://www.beachesmuseum.org/ This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Video 206. Livestream 53. #vlogmas #jacksonvillebeach #vlogmas2023 ___  Pronounced = WAH - HAH - KAH Connecting Food & Culture
Hey Dreamers!! We finally made it to Oaxaca Club!
This brand new Mexican Restaurant is located in Downtown Jacksonville Beach, Florida and I have been very curious to try it for a while now. And I’m here to tell you, while somewhat pricey - it’s definitely worth it… Let me explain. While it might have been a bit more than we were planning on spending, I’m glad we went, and I do think this is literally just the place Jacksonville Beach needs right now.
The food was simply delicious. For appetizers we ordered chips and salsa dip, and for the main entree I ordered the Carne Asada Tacos, minus the cilantro, plus a lemonade. Bryan ordered the same Carne Asada, with the cilantro, plus a side salad. He also ordered an OC Margarita.
So let’s start with the drinks. My simple lemonade for $3.00 and Bryan’s OC Margarita was priced at $12.00. The portion size of the margarita was quite small. So - It will go down fast, especially if you’re as thirsty as we were. We had just come from an exploration hike at Castaway Island Preserve - which you can check out on my YouTube Channel right here! And if you’re really hungry, here’s where some of the cost will add up. I was absolutely fine with my entree - but if you’re expecting your tacos to come with refried rice and beans, that is not going to happen here at Oaxaca Club. Sides are an extra charge and it can add up fast. The charge for a side of rice is $5.00, separate from the cost for refried beans which is also a $5.00 charge. My steak tacos cost $14.00 - that comes with two steak tacos on corn tortillas, zero sides. The tacos were FABULOUS! However, the simple math means if I wanted to add on a side of refried rice and beans, my entree would have been $24.00.
We did order the tortilla chips and salsa - at a cost of $6.00. The chips were phenomenal, freshly made, and a beautiful presentation with the choice of three salsas to dip in. But again, usually chips are included at pretty much every other Mexican restaurant I can think of. So, that was an ‘extra’ $6.00 if you want the chips.
So it was a bit more than I was expecting to pay, as I was assuming I was going to order a plate of tacos, rice and beans included. But you’ll probably love this new Jax Beach local, trendy, upbeat style of restaurant in town! And all this brings me to the main point of us coming here in the first place - Oaxaca Club is a new LOCAL restaurant. And ‘downtown’ Jax Beach desperately needed more restaurants like this right now, and was the main reason I really wanted to try this place.
 I’ve been a Jacksonville Beach area local since 2017. I’ve watched the downtown area at the Beach attempt to grow, get stalled due to 2020, attempt to grow, over and over and over again. I’ve seen restaurants and businesses close up shop, their buildings sit abandoned, an eyesore to the local area. And now, it seems, we are in a real resurgence again. A new local sushi place opened up just a few blocks away, fabulous new hotels are popping up, plus new restaurants. All taking away from the abandoned buildings that once sat vacant, then demolished, with empty fenced-off ground, on prime real estate. It seems these pieces of property are all finally coming to life again. It was sad to see such a fabulous beachfront location in Florida with really slow growth. For some reason, downtown Jax Beach just has had a very difficult time, for certain establishments, to actually grow and thrive. So I’m really excited about both Oaxaca Club and the new Jekyll Brewing, directly next door - which I’m going to venture over to soon hopefully. Sometimes, when I see the vacant land all fenced off, and the empty, blocked off pieces of property less than half of one block from the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean, I think that Jacksonville Beach ‘Town Center’ doesn’t really know what it wants to be when it grows up. But Oaxaca Club is the ideal and near PERFECT establishment to come into its own, here in our lovely holiday town square - did I mention Deck the Chairs is going on right now?! And that was actually one of the highlights of our meal… We sat outside (PET FRIENDLY!) at Oaxaca, watched a fabulously pink and golden sunset, while our eyes sparkled as the lights of the lifeguard chairs came to life directly in front of us. While Oaxaca may not be a place I can frequent on a regular basis, it was a most lovely dinner outing, and a real kick-start to the holiday season here at the Beach. And I truly do really appreciate the fact that any restaurant, and/or investor(s), wanted to take the risk that is our small and very undecided and up-in-the-air downtown Jacksonville Beach. I highly recommend trying Oaxaca, do spread the word, and give them a review and a shout-out to your friends and family. Because, while it may have cost more than we were expecting to spend, the ambiance was phenomenal. And to be able to sit and dine - outside - literally in the Town Square of Downtown Jax Beach, watching the holiday magical chairs come to life in front of our eyes during this special time of year, was an experience that I’ve never had in all the years I’ve lived here - and that alone, is priceless. I love you, Christine Oaxaca Club Mexican Restaurant is located at: 131 1st Avenue North #102 Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250 And for more information on Oaxaca Club, check out their website linked below: https://www.theoaxacaclub.com/ I dined at Oaxaca Club on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. #oaxacaclub #mexicanrestaurant #jacksonvillebeach ___   10/25/2023 0 Comments 137) Sailboat Washed Ashore in Jax Beach, Florida - Sunrise LIVE - Let's Walk 1.07 Miles Together 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/ ___         10/21/2023 0 Comments 136) Blue Angels LIVE! Sea & Sky Air Show 2023, taking place in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, GO NAVY! Fun in the Florida Sun, baby! Hey Dreamers! Join me LIVE today to watch the Blue Angels @ Sea & Sky Show Jax 2023!! Go Navy! The show takes place in Jacksonville Beach, Florida! I’m over in Ponte Vedra Beach to film this today, standing right under where the planes make a big turn. I do end up filming them directly overhead a couple times so be sure to let me know what ya think - it was a very hard challenge for me to follow the camera instead of my eye looking at the actual planes. The planes are so fast and the sun was so bright, it was blinding to look up. But the thrill of it all was the best part of the day. So thanks for sharing this special moment with me! Also - do you choose Top Gun or Top Gun Maverick??? I tell you my choice in this video. Let me know dudes … Filmed LIVE on Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Livestream number 17. #blueangels #seaandskyjax #florida You’ve totally gotta check out these YouTube Shorts I published about the Blue Angels: 124] Straight Down! Blue Angels Sea & Sky Jax-The One Who Dares To Fall Is The One Who Learns To Fly https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WpO0KF1t0nw 121] Overhead! Blue Angels Practice Day! Sea & Sky Jax 2023! Jacksonville Beach Florida this Weekend https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-XxWFBGzAE0 Plus - on my website - Christine’s Floridian Dreams - Check out a blog article I wrote from the first Sea & Sky Jax Show that we saw a few years after we moved to Florida: https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/blog/18-sea-sky-jax-weekend-fun-in-the-florida-sun-sea-sky-sand Also - Here is the link to the official event schedule from the City of Jacksonville, Florida: https://specialevents.coj.net/Special-Events/Sea-and-Sky-Airshow.aspx#ShowMore And check out this fascinating YouTube video about what it’s like to train and fly with the Blue Angels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VV2XzFjzmk  10/4/2023 0 Comments 125) Wake Up & Walk 1.11 Miles with Me in Jacksonville Beach, Florida! Looking at the Jax Beach Pier 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  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 9/12/2023 0 Comments 119) This Is How I Am Comfortable Talking To The Camera! I Put The Camera In My Face & I Talk To It. Celebrating My 100th YouTube Video!!! Hey Dreamers!! You There! Don’t Stop! Don’t Quit Now! If you’re a new content creator on YouTube… Or - Maybe you haven’t even started your channel 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 on my YouTube Channel (Christine's Floridian Dreams) and I made this video to celebrate that special milestone. Thank you so much for dreaming along side me in this wild and crazy life. But mostly, I made this video because I hope this can help you in any way as you pursue the dreams of your own YouTube 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. You have a story to share with the world! For goodness sakes, TELL US! Love you, Christine P.S. 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! This was filmed on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Video 100. 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 ___  5/27/2020 0 Comments #79) At A Crossroads... When you come to your next fork in the road, what way will you go? There’s a favorite Seinfeld episode of mine - where George Costanza does the complete opposite of what he usually does throughout the entire show’s running. For example, if George would normally be shy in front of a woman, he does the opposite. So, in this episode, he would go right up to her and ask her out on a date. He says that he always orders tuna on toast at the diner. But, he ponders, nothing exciting ever came from tuna on toast, for him. So he’s going to go ahead and order the exact opposite of tuna on toast…. And see what happens. And, if he normally does absolutely and literally nothing, all day long, then he now would do the opposite - meaning he would do SOMETHING! Whatever it is in his entire life that is his usual REACTION - he decides he will now go ahead and do the absolute opposite reaction. And in turn, he gets a whole heck of a lot done, accomplished. It may not have all turned out the way he wanted, but he was acting, living, and most importantly, trying. I tend to think that George considered himself a failure in life, most of the time. But in this episode, as is usually the case in sitcoms, everything changes, for a single show. And Jerry tells him, “If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.” With this realization, George gets out there and kicks some major behind. And for 22 minutes - George is living his best life. He is successful. He is alive. Because doing something, he realized, was better than doing nothing. And making that hard choice was better overall, than making the easy choice. The usual choice. So, maybe go ahead and watch that episode, or even just some hilarious clips from it, online, if you have a few moments to spare. Or even if you have a pending decision to make. Because there’s a Seinfeld episode out there about every single decision in life. And this one is a Hallmark Classic. Bringing me to the question I have for you today… When you are at a crossroads - which way will you go? Which way have you gone when reaching crossroads in your past? When you reach the very next junction in your life… Do you know which direction you will be choosing? I’m here to remind you of that tiny, little voice inside your own head… directing you… to…. The Opposite. If you do the absolute opposite of which you have always done, won’t you theoretically get the opposite results from which you have always received? Thus, leading your life in a completely new, and foreign, and challenging, direction? Stimulating growth, new ideas, and therefore, completely new results, in your life. And it is with that question in mind, that I hope you enjoy this week’s vlog of Christine’s Floridian Dreams... My newest YouTube video that I’ll be sharing with you later this week. In it, I’m merely taking you along on a little, minor, daily adventure. For some small, and simple, choices in daily life. Where do I go that day… where will we eat… what do we order? What dessert location should we go to? And - how will we get there?... Because - There are multiple bridges to cross along the way too. And sometimes, it’s the actual bridge that becomes the best part of the day. Not where you have gone, or where you are headed to next, but simply stopping along the journey, and enjoying the junction itself. So, what direction will you choose - at your next fork in the road? What way will you turn, and therefore, which route, will you take, at your next crossroads of life? When that fateful question begs inside your own head - Maybe it’s time to consider the absolute opposite of tuna on toast - to you - and choose that. ~ 
*What’s your favorite Seinfeld episode? Do you always order tuna on toast, like George does? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Also, if you’re enjoying my Floridian Dreams, adventures, writings, ramblings, poetry, challenges, and reviews, you can go ahead and check out some more, right here: 77] The Lost Art of the Phone Call 75] The First Supper @ Palm Valley Outdoors Bar & Grill 73] What I’m Missing Right Now 71] My 69 Week Break From Social Media ~ Why I Left & Why I Came Back 68] A Sunday Stroll 63] Mercy & Comfort 62] PERSPECTIVE @ Seaside Sculpture Park 61] Bean’s Idea List ~ 15 Daily Activities For Well Beyond 15 Days 59] REACTION ~ To World War 19 57] First Watch on the First Coast 56] Shell World ~ Key Largo 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe *Part of - Bean’s Kitchen - series 46] Key Largo, Montego, Baby Why Don’t We Go? 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 36] The End Of A Decade & My New Year’s Wish To You 5/25/2020 0 Comments #78) The Best Part Of Waking Up... The best part of waking up... Is Folgers in your cup… Sorry, I had to. If merely because I love coffee so very gosh darn much. But right now I’m actually literally stuck on Folgers. It’s cheap. It’s basic. It’s good. Buying at least one pound worth a week, and making it every single morning. In my trusty ol’ Mr. Coffee coffee maker. Just like the one my grandparents used to use every day. And all those massive amounts of coffee beans got me thinking... about mornings. And how important they are to how one’s entire day will eventually turn out to be. If you are literally rolling out of bed every morning, strolling over to the bathroom and getting right in the shower, then heading directly off to work, hair barely dry from being shampooed and conditioned - I’m here to put a thought bubble above your head, and let it pop... You may be doing mornings wrong - in my opinion, that is. For the past few years I’ve been taking my mornings quite seriously. Meaning, I devote a huge chunk of time to myself - at the start of every single day. Whether it’s exercise, reading, or a bit of both and then some, I am absolutely certain to do something just for me each and every morning. This simple act sets the path for a better day forward. I talk to you a lot about momentum - And mornings mean momentum, my friends. I take my mornings so seriously that I rise well before I need to - a good chunk of hours ahead of time actually. And the morning activity I partake in may differ as much as the day itself does. But the one act remains the very same and true each day. It’s the activity of time for self that is imperative. So, if rising early is something that you haven’t been doing, but are interested in getting started with, I’ve got a few ideas and examples to help you begin, right here: 1-Grab a book: Read. Even if it’s just five pages. Or ten. That’s how a book gets read, doesn’t it? One page at a time? 5 pages at a time? Just pick up a copy of the latest book you’ve been dying to read, put it by your bedside table, and when that alarm goes off the following morning, grab Grishman’s latest novel, Camino Winds, and read the first few pages. [Spoiler-not-spoiler - it takes place in a fictional town based on an island exactly where I live here in the Jacksonville, Florida area. And - It’s a sequel to Camino Island.]  My current read.  Just finished this one. 2-Exercise: There is nothing better to kick your day into high gear than to get your body moving. Even if moving simply means stretching. If you haven’t been doing a whole lot of exercise lately, I’d highly recommend you start with some simple stretches. Add onto that routine a bit at a time, and then start walking. Days, weeks, and months later, you’ll have a solid walking routine down. And - if you miss a day, you may actually really be missing it!   “March Before You Feel Like It” - apparel for sale on my Spreadshirt shop! Click on the above image to take you right on over there, my friends. 3-Gain Mental Strength: I believe that mornings to myself help my mentality, my overall mental state. By doing what I mentioned up at the beginning… rolling out of bed, hopping in the shower, and driving off to work… that doesn’t allow much time for the mind to wander. Freely. So set your alarm early - far before you have to be in the shower… and simply light a candle, if that’s the best you can do at the moment. And maybe breathe. Or journal. Meditate. Make a cup of hot coffee. Sit in a hot bath - maybe, with a podcast. Chill… just…. hang out… with yourself. Your mindset will lighten. Your shoulders will become unburdened. It may take some time. And repetitiveness. But that load will lighten, I promise. Just keep at it. And let these minor, daily actions build into momentum, which will build movement, and massive action will then follow.    4-Creativity: If you are a creative person, mornings are a phenomenal time to get it all out and onto the medium you may be working with at the time. Don’t wait till the end of the night, after work, after dinner, and after dessert and night-time television, to open up your creative side. Because your best work might actually be done in the mornings. When you can rise early, to devote the time just to yourself, without any of the upcoming day’s distractions to block your outlet. If you paint, get on over to your studio. If you write, pull open your laptop, and get typing. If you are merely planning ideas and brainstorming, open up your bullet journal and get those ideas onto paper. Draw. Sketch. Apply for art shows. The list is endless. Whatever it is that you don’t have time for during the day - the time is now, to work on that. Which brings me to my own latest announcement I’d like to share with you today:  Christine’s Floridian Dreams now has a YouTube Channel! It’s out there, public, and with one whole solid freaking subscriber to date… plus, one whole, whopping 49 second video, just sitting out there, waiting for you to go ahead and watch it. Wahoo! :) You can access my channel by clicking on the link below: Why YouTube? For myself, personally, It’s part of what I mention in bullet number four above - creativity. There’s a creative outlet there for me that I want to brainstorm. Explore. And paint a new picture with - so to speak. The app is the easel. The mind is the creator of the artistic content, and the video is the canvas. I see it. I envision it. And now, I’m just going ahead and doing it. YouTube has been something I’ve been wanting to do for quite a very long while now. And why have I finally decided to start it? Because I’m here to take my own gosh darn advice, y’all. The only one stopping me - is me! I have no excuse not to do something I really want to do. It’s free. I already have a smartphone. And I have a whole heck of a lot of ideas that I’m currently filming for y’all. Again - did I mention... it’s free? And this brings me back to my own creativity and how to get started with your own creative ideas... Christine’s Floridian Dreams is alive as my creative outlet. And my ultimate goal, by sharing all of my writings, paintings, Etsy shop, inspirational tee-shirts, blogs… my entire website, and now - my videos, with you - is to help you get out there and live your own dream. I’m living my dream, and I want you to know that you can live your own dreams, too. There is nothing stopping you. You are the one who has to make your own dreams come true. And once you truly understand and comprehend that fact, there will be nothing stopping you from living out your wildest and happiest dreams and goals in life. Dreams just don’t miraculously come true with the waving of a magic wand. They come true through hard work. Visualization. Planning. Plotting. Sweating. And maybe even by lighting a candle, sitting in the bathtub, and listening to a podcast... instead of sleeping in…. They come true because you took the action of getting out of bed - well before you may have been ready to. So go ahead and get started on yourself. Give yourself that momentum to a better day ahead. Give yourself the gift of your morning. When you hear that alarm go off, jump out of bed, and begin your day. Whether you want to or not... March before you feel like it. And while the best part of waking up, may very well indeed be Folgers in your cup…. it’s really the best part of the day by simply just doing whatever you want to do most in your life. You merely need to get up, dust off that big and heavy thought bubble that’s just hovering around patiently above your head like a cloud, pop it, and get started. ~ 
*How do you spend your early mornings? Do you allocate a good chunk of your day entirely on yourself? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Also, I’ve got some more of my ramblings and writings and adventures for y'all to check out, right here: 77] The Lost Art of the Phone Call 73] What I’m Missing Right Now 71] My 69 Week Break From Social Media ~ Why I Left & Why I Came Back 68] A Sunday Stroll 63] Mercy & Comfort 62] PERSPECTIVE @ Seaside Sculpture Park 61] Bean’s Idea List ~ 15 Daily Activities For Well Beyond 15 Days 59] REACTION ~ To World War 19 55] The Shamrock 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe *Part of - Bean’s Kitchen - series 49] A Picture Worth A Thousand Words ~ Happy Valentine’s Day, World 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia *Part of - Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge - series 46] Key Largo, Montego, Baby Who Don’t We Go? 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 *Part of - Bean’s Kitchen - series 24] In Real Life ~ My First Visit To A Southern Living Idea House  *Part of - Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge - series I’m always trying to do something I’ve never done before - to try something new. Whether it be a new recipe in the kitchen, read a book I never thought of reading, drive a different route to get where I’m going, expand my taste buds with a new brand of coffee, or visit somewhere I’ve never been… Well, in the spirit of that continued search, we finally made it to The Grom… Angie’s Grom, that is.     We had visited Angie’s Subs for the first time a while back - before the plague - and had intentions to then get ourselves on over to The Grom as well, but then everything shut down. And it only took us some freaking years to finally make it to the most local of local establishments in town here at the beach. Located at 204 3rd Avenue South in Jacksonville Beach, The Grom describes itself online as a colorful and quirky sandwich joint. They serve breakfast and lunch and coffee and sodas. And on weekends they also have a Sunday Brunch menu.  With a Facebook page and an Instagram, social media is the way to stay connected with the Grom online. So if you’re looking for an online menu before going in, check them out on social for the latest and their daily specials. The Grom is a daytime cafe - of which there are a lot in town. Their hours are normally 7am-4pm on Monday through Friday, plus 7am-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday’s, with dine-in, takeout, and delivery having some limitations right now during the coronavirus situation we all find ourselves in.   Described as a local dive, or the beaches dive, I knew I wouldn’t need to be dressed in my Sunday finest to visit. A tank top, shorts, and some flip flops are more than dressy enough, and most people get their food while going or coming to the beach for the day. And with the early morning start, it’s a great, quick stop to get coffee on the way to work for the day. Angie’s also sells reusable drink mugs too for hot coffee refills to go. On this day, we were once again out on a morning walk with the pooch. And decided it was finally time to pay them a visit.  The vibe is fun and most definitely beachy. Silly, and most certainly colorful. There isn’t a dry or boring space on any wall. Service is fast-casual, paying at the counter, then waiting for one’s order to be called. Out the front door and around to the side, there’s a cute little outdoor seating alcove that we found ourselves situated at, enjoying the beautiful morning. I’ve been in love with the tall palm tree being hugged by a table and chairs forever and glad to finally sit at it.  For purposes of this visit, we ordered two hot coffee’s, to go. Plus hubby ordered the breakfast burrito/wrap meal - which comes with home fries. They also offer iced coffee - already premade and sweetened. We opted for the hot coffee, adding cream and no sweetner.     Our total for two coffee’s at $2.50 each, plus the single breakfast meal at $5.99, was $11.76, plus tip. The price for a cup of coffee is certainly one of the cheapest around, and the cup a generous size as well. Actually, word of mouth has it that Angie’s offers generous portions and remains extremely inexpensive. I would say that rumor is true. With our cups of coffee being quite large - comparable to a Starbucks venti size hot drink, and the portion of food in the to-go box, we definitely got our money’s worth. In fact, my coffee was so large I didn’t finish and put the rest in the fridge, to reheat the next morning. Fast, simple, and in and out. We took our order home to eat on the balcony. Another Sunday at home. Another week on the way. And another place I’d never been checked off my imaginary list… What something new did you do this weekend? And what something new will you be trying this week? ~ 
*Have you been to Angie’s Grom? What’s your favorite item on their menu? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Hey - you there - If you’re looking for the rest of Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge, check out the links below: 72] Breezing Through Life @ Breezy’s Coffee Shop 69] Chaunie’s Coffee Truck 67] Delicious & Delightful Days @ The Delicomb 60] Welcome To Muffin Land ~ The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia 44] Nothing Finer Than Coffee In The Keys ~ The Coffee Plantation Cafe 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 9] Sago Coffee: A Cup Of Friendly & Flavorful Florida Also - you may wanna browse through some more of my ponderings, and poems, here: 73] What I’m Missing Right Now 71] My 69 Week Break From Social Media ~ Why I Left & Why I Came Back 68] A Sunday Stroll 65] The Sea Life ~ Happy Easter 64] Stay-At-Home Sunday ~ Palm Sunday 63] Mercy & Comfort 62] PERSPECTIVE @ Seaside Sculpture Park 61] Bean’s Idea List ~ 15 Daily Activities For Well Beyond 15 Days 59] REACTION ~ To World War 19 57] First Watch on the First Coast 55] The Shamrock 54] Um, Open @ Angie’s Subs 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe *Part of - Bean’s Kitchen - series 5/11/2020 0 Comments #74) Rita’s vs. Whit’s ~ Bean’s Battle For Best @ The Beaches ~ Ice Cream Edition 2020 Always and forever in the search of the best dessert on the planet - today, I’m bringing you two more ice cream adventures: Rita’s vs. Whit’s In a battle of wits… for Bean’s Best @ The Beaches 2020 ~ Ice Cream Edition ~       As of May, 2020 - you can now dine outside in Florida at restaurants.  For the purposes of today’s competition, I went to both Rita’s and Whit’s, almost back-to-back. Two ice cream outings in less than one week’s time. I might at well become a formal dessert critic - because my tummy knows a good dessert when it meets one, that’s for sure. We started out at Rita’s. And by we, I mean hubby and I. We planned our visit for directly after he picked me up at work back on Monday, April 18. Keeping in mind, this challenge took place during the worst of the worst of the economic shut down. So as you may be able to tell, we were in desperate search of a food outing. With a whole ton of businesses and restaurants completely shut at that time, I was determined to patronize as many local businesses as possible that were still open. And I’m happy to report that both Rita’s and Whit’s made it through, intact. And both are still open today. The only offering not available to us at that time back in April, was not being able to dine inside - but - Florida - we don’t really need dining inside here in The Sunshine State. Plus, Rita’s is strictly outdoor grab-and-go counter service anyway - no dine-in option available - with a drive-thru around the side of the building. Also, note that if you are interested in drive-thu at Rita’s, you’ll want to make note that the transaction window is on the passenger side of the car.  Rita’s: Drive-thru on the left, view from the back of the parking lot.  Rita’s: Drive-thru view from the front of the building.  We opted to skip the drive-thru, parked and walked up for the counter service option, for purposes of my review. I ordered one large soft-serve chocolate/vanilla swirl with extra sprinkles for myself, and one large cherry Italian ice for the hubby. He is a huge fan of Italian ice, in any flavor, and I am a big fan of chocolate - anything.   Both of our treats were delicious. Our total came to $11.64, plus tip. My large was not “large” - to me - I would say more like a size medium at the biggest. But for the Italian ice, Bryan received a huge, generous cup of cherry flavored ice. Either way though, I was simply happy to have something cold, because is there anything better than something cold after a long and sweaty shift? We love Rita’s and go there semi-frequently. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to find the $2.00 off coupons in the monthly coupon mailer, but we haven’t had any lately. Always extra creamy, and always delicious. Rita’s remains a fabulous and inexpensive dessert outing, and the location can’t be beat. Three blocks from the beach, and directly on A1A, Rita’s location is directly in the heart of Jax Beach. You can easily grab a cone, and head straight out onto the sandy shores a few minutes later. Moving onward to Whit’s, we ventured over there, on Beach Boulevard, on the evening of April 20th. Once again, after hubby picked me up from work. Our second ice cream location of the week. And after another long, hot shift at work. Whit’s also usually has $2.00 off coupons in the Jax monthly mailers, but, of course I am always without my coupon clippings and am forever ill-prepared to save a buck. Yet, always prepared to spend... Why is that, by the way?   Back entrance of Whit’s.          And while Whit’s does not have a drive-thru, or window service, their dining room remained open for to-go service. So, there we were at Whit’s, for our second ice cream adventure of the week. We ordered a large chocolate Whitsper (their version of a Blizzard) for $7.00, and a medium Butterfinger Whitsper for $6.00, for a total of $13.91, plus tip.     While both of these outings took place smack in the middle of the Presidential Guidelines of 30 Days To Stop The Spread of the Coronavirus, in my opinion, it was fabulous that so many dining establishments remained open and available for take-out. Especially for everybody still working… long, hard hours outside the home. Restaurants and coffee shops and treats have been imperative and a literal lifeline to making it through an extra-long, extra-stressful shift. I love Rita’s and always have. We continue to go there on a regular basis. But, in my dessert foodie opinion, Whit’s win’s the award here. Their portions remain solidly larger than Rita’s. Large - to - Large comparison, you get way, way more ice cream at Whit’s than at Rita’s. Even if you ask for more at Rita’s, their largest does not compare to Whit’s. And when I go out for ice cream, give me the largest size please. Whit’s is also very pet-friendly, and even has a doggie menu. My furry baby has had their ice cream/dog bone sundae, and she very much approves. And now that the 30 Days to slow the spread are complete, and businesses are resuming operations, here in Florida we are at 25% dine-in occupancy. And outdoor dining feels fairly normal. Meaning, if you grab ice cream at either of these locations, right now, you can once again grab a bench, grab a chair, pull open the umbrella, and eat under the sun. Or inside - if you need the air conditioning. Ahh the little things in life… 25% occupancy. Overall, Whit’s definitely wins the day for me, simply on their sizing. I love ice cream, maybe as much as donuts… and coffee, oh jeaz. I think I just love a lot of things. But when I pay for a large, and then get a really generous helping, they win. Hands down. Plus - doggie menu. Any place that keeps some dog bones on hand, is a winner in my book. So, congratulations to Whit’s Jax Beach for being the very Official Winner of Bean’s Battle For Best @ The Beaches - Ice Cream Edition ~ 2020. And an amazing and huge and heartfelt thank you to both locations, for being open during the worst of days, and feeding us good and conforming treats to brighten our saddest of very sad days. ~ 
*Have you been to Rita’s or Whit’s? Which do you like better? Are you more of an Italian ice person, or an ice cream swirl sorta person? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Also, for more dueling dessert/debates around Jacksonville, check out some more of my flavorful Floridian adventures, below: 70] Peterbrooke Chocolatier ~ Bean’s Battle for Best @ The Beaches *Bean’s Best Award Winner! ~ Chocolate ~ 2020 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 And, if you’re searching for a fabulous diner while in town, you can check out a variety of my local Jacksonville area diner reviews, right here: 57] First Watch on the First Coast 54] Um, Open @ Angie’s Subs 50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach 16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed Them They Will Come  *Part of - Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge - series If you’ve been patiently waiting for Starbucks to reopen their doors, you may want to consider checking out Breezy’s while you’re in Jax Beach. As the coffee giant closed their doors at the beach a few weeks back, those long days might have well been eternity. But a lot of the local shops, the small businesses trying to survive, having been doing their best to remain open - for to-go service. So as Starbucks remained closed, and in my infinite search to find every coffee shop around, I was reminded of Breezy’s. Located directly on A1A and 237 8th Avenue South, and less than three blocks from the sandy and breezy beach, Breezy’s Coffee Shop is the ideal cafe if you’re looking for a quick, yet relaxing, outing. It’s small, alright. And it’s quaint, and charming. And while Starbucks is my usual go-to coffee shop, I was extremely glad to find myself at Breezy’s doorstep on a sunny and cheerful day along the coast.      Situated in a bright yellow old beach cottage, the cafe is on the first floor of the home. There is plenty of outdoor seating around back on the outside patio. Although, for purposes of this visit, there was no on-site dining allowed due to the coronavirus - which was just fine for hubby and I. We were on a morning walk with our furry baby when we stopped in.      I had been to Breezy’s only once before. It was about a year ago. And it was right around two o’clock in the afternoon. We walked in and were informed they were closing for the day. We made a quick purchase, and hadn’t been back since. I figured, no time like the present to head on back for a second outing. So if you are headed to Breezy’s you’ll want to make note of the somewhat limited business hours. They close at 2pm five days a week, and are open until 9pm for wine on Friday and Saturday evenings. So while it is definitely a local cafe, and an alternative to Starbucks, there’s nothing like the dependency of Starbucks’ hours of operation if you are a busy person like I am. Also due to the coronavirus, there was one copy of their menu outside the building. It was sitting on a bench. It was suggested that we look at the menu outside, then come on inside once we were ready to place our order - all to-go, obviously. So I went inside to order. And I was reminded of how much I cannot wait until dine-in is once again allowed. Such a cute little shop, with cozy seating, and newspapers ready and waiting to be read, all set out. Even if just chilling out for a few minutes to soak in some air conditioning, coffee shops remain a wonderful place, in my book, to cool off.     We both ordered two frozen lattes. To go along nicely with the hot weather on our early morning walk. And hubby ordered the sausage breakfast sandwich, which comes on sliced pita bread - he was given the ham sandwich instead - but enjoyed it just fine. I ordered a slice of the homemade banana bread - the infamous bread of the moment - during the pandemic. I highly recommend the banana bread. Our total was $19.80 for the two cold drinks and the two breakfast items.      And if you are a fan of seeking out and photographing all the local wall murals in town, Breezy’s is the place to be for that as well. The surrounding area buildings and alleyways are painted, so if you’re sitting outside at the cafe, you’ll have a fun time gazing at all the art while you’re soaking in the sun. Yes, it was definitely a gorgeous spring morning at the beach. And I was so grateful to be outside, walking, and with my doggy. We walked home the rest of the way with our cold and refreshing drinks. Passing Starbucks up, enroute home and merely two blocks away from Breezy’s… I immediately noted their first day of operation since the coronavirus had them closing their doors! Exclamation point well deserved. The drive-thru line might have well been a mile long according to my eyes. I was not the only one happy to see them open and alive once again. Arriving home, and grateful for my breezy and beachy outing… feeling all the calming coastal winds while out exploring... I made note of plans for the following day - I will most definitely be at Starbucks tomorrow. ~ 
*Have you been to Breezy’s? Have you missed Starbucks as much as I have during this crazy pandemic? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Also, for the rest of Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge - check out the links below: 69] Chaunie’s Coffee Truck 67] Delicious & Delightful Days @ The Delicomb 60] Welcome To Muffin Land ~ The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia 44] Nothing Finer Than Coffee In The Keys ~ The Coffee Plantation Cafe 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 9] Sago Coffee: A Cup Of Friendly & Flavorful Florida Plus, if there’s a diner in town - I’ve been there! And if there’s one you think I need to visit - PLEASE - let me know! You can check out my visits to many local area diners, right here: 57] First Watch on the First Coast 50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach 16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed Them They Will Come 4/19/2020 0 Comments #68) A Sunday Stroll Sunday morning in Jax Beach. So we went for a walk this Sunday - as we normally do. But there was one minor change to our morning routine. And… yeahhhh… I’ve officially become - that person. You know, the one who pushes a doggy stroller around town... Not ashamed. Not embarrassed. Not sad. Not mocking. And not making fun. Quite the opposite in fact. I’m soooooo happy. Very happy. Overjoyed.  I actually know quite a few people who have a doggie stroller in their life, and all who do are sincerely happy with their purchase. They are the ones who gave me the idea in the first place, long ago. This amazing contraption and piece of complete and utter materialism was one of the best purchases I have ever made for the life and health and welfare of my precious little angel pooch... My dog is - sadly - getting older. Whether I like to admit it or not. This purchase has been a long time coming. A very long time. My little sugar plum fairy has had arthritis for many years. She limps, and tries, to keep going. Continually moving. Little things hurt her and if she jumps up a chair or down the stairs wrong she’s in a lot of pain for days. And then she limps more. Thus, her walks are increasingly shorter and shorter. But she loves her daily adventures and loves being outside. As is the life of a dog.   Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Resort - under construction.  Going to check out the Hampton Inn.  ‘A Sunday Stroll’ 8x10x0.75 acrylic on canvas      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.  Folds, locks, and fits perfectly in the back of a Ford Explorer. 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.  If there is any reason to love Jax Beach that does not include the ocean - it is for all the little things. Yes, these little things. Like rocks! I found another scavenger hunt rock! People all over town paint rocks in their spare time and hide them - some hidden very, very well - camouflaged and tucked away - and some hidden more so in plain site, sitting out front-and-center - so people like me can actually find them. And I have never met a painted rock I didn’t like. And today’s rock was no exception.   On the front is usually the artistic and painted design. And on the back is usually written who made the rock and/or how to tag it online to acknowledge the find. #jaxbeachrocks on Facebook is the usual group that I tend to find from. But I’ve found some from much farther away too. After you tag online you can then rehide it - so someone else who may just need a rock in their life at this very moment - can also get in on the fun. And some rocks do not come with a tag and you can keep them for your rock collection if you like. I have a small rock collection going right now sitting in my art studio. They bring me joy every time I look at them. And that is exactly the whole gosh darn point. Joy. There is joy in all the little things in life. And whether we like it or not, life is still going on. And we have to keep going. And we have to keep walking too. I learned a long time ago a very simple equation: MOVEMENT = LIFE So even though my little doggie is getting older. I have found a way for her to keep moving. I’ve found a way for her to still get her fresh air. For her to see the world around her. As I breathed in the delicious and heavenly scent of all the flowers blooming around me. I have found a way for Madeline to do the very same. For her to still keep moving and breathing and living. And soaking up all that surrounds her. And while this societal and economic crisis is affecting the pocketbook to the extreme right now, there isn’t a penny I wouldn’t spend on my little baby to help allow her to have her very best life possible while she is on this Earth. And if buying a doggie stroller allows her to have some more time with us during our day, seeing new things, and going farther on a walk than her four little paws could ever take her, then $139.09 is sincerely worth it to me right now… Plague or no plague. Since this entire crisis began it has been food and rent. Food and rent. Nothing extra. Nothing extravagant. But that doesn’t count for Madeline. I would happily even go into deep and severe credit card debt if it meant even the chance of saving her life somehow. So this cost was so worth it to me, and really not even a significant investment in comparison to the absolute joy it brought her - instantly. If you have a dog. And your dog is older or hurting and in some sort of pain, or injured or disabled. And if you have been on the fence about buying a dog stroller. Or if you have a cat - and always dreamed of bringing them along on a walk. I am here to tell you to go ahead and make that silly and ridiculous and oh-so-funny of a purchase. Yes - it might just be the most comical purchase of your life. And - It may make a lot of people laugh at you along your walking route while you’re on your Sunday morning stroll. But guess what - they’re not actually laughing at you - they’re really just laughing with you. Because it also may just bring your whole family together. And it may even bring you rocks. And mostly, it may just bring you some very needed JOY. ~ 
*Do you have a doggy stroller? Have you ever considered purchasing one but are on the fence? I’d so love to know your thoughts. Drop me a comment down below: Also, if you’re enjoying my stories - straight and freshly squeezed from The Sunshine State, check out some more of my other adventures right here: 67] Delicious & Delightful Days @ The Delicomb 65] The Sea Life ~ Happy Easter 64] Stay-At-Home Sunday ~ Palm Sunday 63] Mercy & Comfort 62] PERSPECTIVE @ Seaside Sculpture Park 61] Bean’s Idea List ~ 15 Daily Activities For Well Beyond 15 Days 60] Welcome To Muffin Land ~ The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry 55] The Shamrock 52] Keeping Cool - And Creamy ~ In Key West 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe 50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners 49] A Picture Worth A Thousand Words ~ Happy Valentine’s Day, World 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia 46] Key Largo, Montego, Baby Why Don’t We Go? 44] Nothing Finer Than Coffee In The Keys ~ The Coffee Plantation Cafe 42] Where Does The Chicken Cross The Road? 41] Minnie The Daschund Mouse & Her Birthday Wish 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 38] The Year Of The Sweater ~ Bean’s Minestrone Soup Recipe 32] Jolly Holiday In Jarboe Park ~ The Beaches Green Market 31] Tuesday’s On First Street ~ The Jax Beach Art Walk ~ 22] Saturday On San Pablo Island 3] The Dog Days Of Endless Summer  *Part of - Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge - series How does one “do” coffee shop outings during a pandemic? In-and-out is the basic and simple answer - in this, our new and current reality.  After my visit to the Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry a couple weeks ago, plus many recent visits to other local area restaurants for take-out, I knew exactly what to expect when I decided to visit the Delicomb this week. And I wasn’t surprised at all but the sight of my surroundings.         I’ve been visiting the Delicomb for a few years now. It’s one of my favorite coffee shops in Jax to go inside and soak in all the air conditioning, while sitting in a big comfy, leather chair. As well as to sip a delicious and foamy cappuccino, while reveling in the delightful and coffee-filled atmosphere. And further, to always be surrounded by a bunch of unique and local art on the walls.    But this time, walking in the shop was very, very different. There’s something quite sad about walking into an establishment - that is open for business - and seeing all their chairs - hanging, in a frown face and upside down - from the tops of every tabletop. It can definitely bring about the feeling of defeat. The sight of depression. And the imagery of uncertainty - and loss. And while all I wanted to do was sit down and chat for a while, I knew that wasn’t possible under our surreal and very pandemic of circumstances. By this point of the coronavirus crisis, I’m simply grateful a coffee shop in town still has their doors open. Especially considering that even my beloved Starbucks is currently closed here at the beach. Located at 102 6th Avenue North, the Delicomb is a charming little cafe, sitting right in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. They’re open 7am-4pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and always closed every Monday. Situated kiddy-corner from the new Margaritaville Resort - currently under construction - and across the street from the Casa Marina Hotel.      The Delicomb offers the typical assortment of hot and cold coffees and espresso drinks, all of which are fantastic. I almost always get the large hot latte - as I did on this occasion. And hubby chose the iced latte. We’ve also had the granitas many times in the past - and if you haven’t had one before, I’d highly recommend trying one. They remind me of coffee flavored Frappuccinos, and are perfectly refreshing on a very hot day, and to bring along to the beach. It was mid-morning when we ventured inside the cafe this visit. We had just finished a long morning walk - a daily act I consider very important and high priority, just as important as the fresh air itself. So with it being morning, and having not had our breakfast just yet - we each decided to grab a bagel, to go, along with our drinks. Hubby chose the everything bagel and I decided on the whole wheat bagel, both toasted with cream cheese, and both fabulous.         The Delicomb also has a large selection of sandwiches, açaí bowls, salads, wraps and paninis. I’ve had the scrambled two-egg breakfast sandwich many times in the past as well, and it’s a fantastic grab-and-go hot meal. And because of the circumstances, we literally did just that. We grabbed... and we went.            We grabbed hold of our steaming lattes, and quickly left the shop after thanking the baristas. We could not sit underneath the shaded outdoor patio either, as all the tables and chairs have been removed to follow the current social distancing guidelines. We then sat on the curb and ate our bagels for a few minutes, and then headed home. Oh, sighhhh. By this point of the CoVid19 plague we are surrounded by, I’m thinking … Does one go on without coffee? Is life - life - without a coffee bean? Is coffee essential? Are those magical beans a necessary purchase? As I sipped my creamy and steamy hot latte, my answer to all of the above was, and is, yes. And thus, is the reason I’ve been trying to support as many local shops as humanly possible during this critical time period. It is my sincere hope that you also leave the house… and grab a coffee… To-Go. Get out there and support your local area cafes, coffee shops, and diners. Many are still open and very ready to serve - just in a different capacity than most are used to. Offering take-away, curbside, online pickup, and grab-and-go. They’re all a big part of what makes any town special. And besides - It’s absolutely imperative that we all get out there and get some fresh air. Pandemic or no pandemic. So don’t y’all forget to go for a walk now and then - or every day, as I do.  Let’s all breath IN the fresh air of our Mother Nature - and let’s breathe OUT the stress of the news.  We all can INHALE the aroma of espresso - and EXHALE the worries and thoughts of doom and gloom.  We can all listen for the sounds of a milk frother - and not for the sounds of sirens in the distance.  Let’s all say HELLO to those working outside the home all around you - As we all say GOODBYE to sticky, and yucky, and very clingy and needy viruses… Or at least attempt to say goodbye… And Good riddance…. And… Oh yeah, one more thing - Don’t let the door hit ya’ on the way out, either. Whenever a hurricane comes to town, all the Floridians always say we’re gonna BLOW it away. No matter what hurricane is headed our way, I tend to think that big and forceful “goodbye” comes with all the strength of all our lungs. It’s the strength of togetherness that makes one think they can blow a hurricane away, or even the mere wish for it to be gone. As one little blow can snuff out a candle. But it takes a much larger gust indeed, to change the course of a storm. So we all need to keep fighting. We all need to keep living. Even while at home. Even - Amidst a plague. Because… life is still going on all around the world. And because pretty soon those chairs will be right side up once again. And because - Pretty soon that frown will turn itself around - right here - and in your community too. And pretty soon those seats will really be filled, once again. Because - We all need to keep going. We all need to keep living while we’re alive. And we all still need our very delicious, and indeed delightful, morning coffee. ~ 
*Have you been to The Delicomb? What coffee shop are you desperately missing right now? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: And to check out the rest of Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge, as well as reviews of various Floridian diners - check out the links below: 9] Sago Coffee: A Cup Of Friendly & Flavorful Florida 16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed Them They Will Come 19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 44] Nothing Finer Than Coffee In The Keys ~ The Coffee Plantation Cafe 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia 50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners 57] First Watch on the First Coast 60] Welcome To Muffin Land ~ The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry  Perspective: Of all the vantage points one can view the world from, of all the view points one can believe in - perspective - may be one of the most valuable sights of them all. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE ~ CHANGE YOUR LIFE It’s vitally important, and maybe now more than ever before for many, to consider your perspective. Because it shouldn’t be: What CAN’T you do while sheltering in place? Or, in quarantine, or while practicing social distancing? It’s definitely much more like this: What CAN you do? If you’re stuck at home right now - maybe you’re doing your part to either not catch or spread the Coronavirus... The question should be: How can I make the most of the situation I find myself in? Instead of: What the heck am I supposed to do now?! And instead of: Constantly complaining over all the little things? It should definitely be much more like this: What little thing can I be grateful for today? And when we stress over all the INCONSISTENCIES in our life…. All the UNPREDICTABLY... All the UNCERTAINTIES over the future… We should instead be focused on TODAY… To live in the moment. To appreciate our life. To be present in the here and now. What can we LEARN from today? What can we APPRECIATE today? What can we CREATE today? What kind of ADVENTURE can we go on today? What SMALL thing, right in front of our eyes - can we turn into our EVERY THING? 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. I’ve been frequenting this park since moving to Florida. And I have watched the art get changed out many times. Sometimes, the piece of art proudly on display becomes so commonplace and usual and ordinary to life on 1st Street - and blended seamlessly into the surrounding scenery, that when a sculpture gets changed out for something new, there's a fictitious and dramatic or literal uproar in town. In fact, right now there are Nemo fish on display. And a sea turtle. There used to be a copper looking shrimp, and there used to be a skeleton - that everyone misses. Right now there's a metal looking pipe that looks, to me, just like the Pixar logo lamp. And currently, I’ve become so used to the Nemo fish, that when they leave, I will be the one in an uproar. Well, not really. But all kidding aside, when the Nemo fish came, I started to call the park the Nemo Fish Park - instead of its rightful and real name. And that’s now what it always will be to me. Seaside Sculpture Park is run by the University of North Florida. More specifically, the UNF Department of Art & Design. The actual UNF campus is a little bit over the bridge and inland to the west, located very close to the St. John Town Center. UNF has a beautiful and sprawling, vast piece of land that the entire campus sits upon. With swamps and trails and lots of wildlife, all surrounding the campus buildings, offices, and dorms. And about as many times as I’ve driven past the campus, I’ve visited my Nemo Fish Park about a thousand times more than that. My dog also loves the park. And if you’ve got a dog right now in the current apocalypse spreading before us, they definitely still need to get their daily walk in. So if you’re local, I’d highly recommend checking out this adorable and free park. And if you’re much farther away, my recommendation is to find the small park in your own town. To think outside the box. And then go ahead and get outside of your own box. And breathe some fresh air into your lungs. In a safe and common sense kind of way. Yes, there are lots of areas on complete lockdown, quarantine, and shelter-in-place, etc. And always heed the warnings of your locality. But if you’re not under direction right now, you should consider stepping outside. Keep your distance. And get in a lovely walk. Maybe to a lovely park. Because, as you may be cooped up at home, it doesn't mean you still shouldn’t live. And breathe. And feel the sun on your skin. So, go ahead and get out there. Go ahead and change your vantage point. Go ahead and change your point of view. Go ahead and change your perspective. And go ahead and change your life. You can keep social distance, you can follow all the guidelines, you can gaze upon without touching, you can breathe in the fresh air, and you can look at all the beauty around you. Because, maybe instead of: I’m stuck in the house with nothing to do and nowhere to go. It can actually be: Today, I’m going for a walk to Seaside Sculpture Park. And I’ll look at the Nemo Fish, while I look up at the sky. And watch the birds fly overhead. And I’ll see all the other dogs being walked. Because maybe while Mother Nature certainly can be a beast and an evil villain, she can also most certainly be the true heroine of your own amazing story. ~           
What hidden gem in your town have you discovered since the Coronavirus took precedent over all our lives? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Hey you! Over there! Yes, you - the one with the different perspective… go ahead and check out some more inspirational stories right here: 3] The Dog Days Of Endless Summer 5] The Reef On SR A1A: Worth Pulling Over For 8] It’s Fall ~ In Florida ~ Y’all! 11] Eleven South Bistro & Bar ~~ Supper Club Of The South 18] Sea & Sky Jax Weekend ~ Fun In The Florida Sun, Sea, Sky & Sand 21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts 23] Faith ~ And Life Lessons Learned Living With Wild & Untamable Hair 26] Deck The Chairs ~ BE THAT CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THIS OUR VERY OWN AND SHAREABLE WORLD 27] Thanksgiving & Pete’s Bar ~ Not All Resolutions Need Be Fulfilled On January First 28] The Scent of Christmas in the Air 34] Merry Christmas ~ And How To Buy For That Person On Your List Who Saved Your Life ~ 36] The End Of A Decade & My New Year’s Wish To You ~ 37] New Year/New 007 ~ Here’s 20 Tips That Will Have You Seeing 20/20 In 2020 ~ 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 41] Minnie The Daschund Mouse & Her Birthday Wish 49] A Picture Worth A Thousand Words ~ Happy Valentine’s Day, World 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe 55] The Shamrock Plus - if you’re looking for further ways to help you through this Corona Crisis that we find ourselves in right now - check out the below posts for a few more ideas: 58] Bean’s Corona Kickin’ Chicken 59] REACTION ~ To World War 19 60] Welcome To Muffin Land ~ The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry 61] Bean’s Idea List ~ 15 Daily Activities For Well Beyond 15 Days And for some more artistic adventures - check out the links below: 2] 3 Wows Plus 1 Piece Of Magic I Experienced At Jacksonville, Florida’s Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens 14] Finding Trinkets & Treasures @ The Jax Beach Vintage Flea Market 22] Saturday On San Pablo Island 24] In Real Life ~ My First Visit To A Southern Living Idea House 31] Tuesday’s On First Street ~ The Jax Beach Art Walk ~ 32] Jolly Holiday In Jarboe Park ~ The Beaches Green Market 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia  *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.    This cafe is the absolute cutest place in town. I’ve been before. But I’ve never been during the Apocalypse...I’ve never been during WW19. So, I’ll give it a whirl, I thought. And better yet, I’ll go, and then tell you all about it. So that you can also consider giving them a whirl on your next morning looking to support a local business, and when you want a fabulous cappuccino too. So according to Facebook and Instagram, The Muffinry was currently open and inviting us to come on over and pick up some take-out. While indoor dining is not allowed at any restaurant in the state of Florida right now, lots and lots of restaurants, coffee shops, diners, cafes, etc. are still trying to stay alive. They are trying to keep their operations up and running. But most of all and very importantly, they are trying to keep America both alive and fed during this Conona Crisis, and at the same time, keep our spirits up. The very least I can do is try to patronize local businesses in return. After all, I gotta eat any way you slice my ugly muffin. So, on this beautiful day at the beach, we went for a lovely walk. The sea mist was beautiful and refreshing. Lots of people out and about walking and biking on the local strip. Countless dogs being walked. And as we approached The Muffinry, I saw people picking up their order and walking to their cars. The beautiful and picturesque exterior of the cafe is beyond charming. I was so appreciative of everything I saw. Life was happening - still - all around me. Yes, any day and every day can be the best day of one’s life. The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry is housed in an absolutely charming old house. About a block from the beach. And yes once again, their location is beyond priceless. Surrounded by other homes, condos, sidewalks, and inviting and open parks, with the ocean on the horizon, The Ugly Cupcake has all the feels that perfectly define the local beach community here in Jax. They have outdoor seating tables and chairs and umbrellas. Now just sitting there - waiting to be used when life is “normal” again. When we can un-social distance ourselves from one another. The property entryway is lined with a white picket fence post front gate, which welcomes you into their front yard.       We were greeted immediately, outside at the front porch. They welcomed us inside and said we could come in if we wanted. We went in to pay and their payment Square is just inside the open front door anyway. But they have it set up to pay that you’re “inside” but not inside the building if you don’t need or want to go any further. While we obviously could not eat inside, I have been here many times, and never have eaten inside. The outside is sooo adorable, and besides, it’s Florida y’all. We are always outside anyway.  Pet-friendly establishment! Always, such a friendly establishment every time I’ve been - but this day was even better. I was so glad we could chat with them a bit, before continuing on our walk back home. They informed us they have yet to lay off even one employee - as of my visit on Sunday, March 22. And that they are actively donating during this crisis through their newly implemented program entitled “Muffin But Love” - and I just love that. They are truly helping pay if forward in this great time of need. 100% of the gratuity added to each check is being used entirely to pay it forward. So, if you go, please tip what you can give. They are putting that money to make food to pass on to those in the local community who have been affected by this new and unforeseen crisis, such as business and restaurant and bar workers who have since found themselves abruptly unemployed. And While The Ugly Cupcake has recently since been restricting their dining to take-out throughout the Corona Crisis, they have still been publicizing daily on their social media about their daily muffin specials. Fresh and very healthy muffins made fresh daily.   Muffins used to be on display behind this case - but for food sanitation purposes they are not in the back in the kitchen.     And on a somewhat sad note, according to their social media, starting this week they are closing their doors to customers almost entirely for the unforeseen future of this crisis. They will still be available, but through online order, with pick-ups once or twice a week. As they are trying to do their part to limit interactions and help stop the spread. But on a positive note - this is adaptation. This is the way forward. This is innovation. To stay alive. To stay functioning. We all must change in some way to persevere in an ever-changing environment. If you’re local during this crisis, please consider this wonderful and friendly and local community small business establishment. The next time you need a meal to go, a meal at home that you are too tired to cook for, or simply need to get out of your self-quarantine for a bit when going to the grocery store or pharmacy. Go ahead and place an online order. Stop by and pick up during the scheduled times they set. The Ugly Cupcake has lots of other foods beyond muffins. I’ve had it all before. And I’ll be happy to come back and review their hot menu for y’all once their kitchen is open to the public again.       But for purposes of this visit, we got their basics. We picked up a bag of muffins and two coffees. Specifically, we ordered two blueberry muffins and two double chocolate muffins. I then ordered a large 16 oz. cappuccino and hubby ordered and the large cold brew iced coffee with some really cool coffee ice cubes inside it - the creative way of not having one’s cold coffee get watered down is genius to coffee fans.      Doggie muffin!  Blueberry muffin.  Double chocolate muffin.  And, of course, because it would not be a visit to the Muffinry without something special happen, they sent us away with a dog muffin as a treat. What a special place in our local community. And as I write this review with joy and love and happiness, I can’t help but feel the sadness still ahead of us through this pandemic. An economic and societal crisis that is really only truly beginning. The ripple effect of everything that has occurred is sending shock waves throughout the world. To receive the doggy muffin during such times touched my heart. I’ll be back. When they open up again. I’ll be back for a full and thorough dining review - with a hot breakfast out on the porch. Oh yeah - side note - while we could not go upstairs this day due to the statewide indoor dining ban, The Muffinry does have an upstairs, outdoor porch. Breathtaking views await us all at their reopening. In the interim, if you’re here in town, go ahead and place a take-out order. Help pay it forward to our wonderful and amazing local community when you add gratuity to your check. Say hello. Say thank you. Stop to have a conversation. Remembering all the humans that are part of our shared and beautiful humanity, while you have yourself a very large - and very ugly - muffin. ~ 
*Have you been to The Ugly Cupcake? What small businesses are you supporting during this Corona Apocalypse? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Hey there, my fellow cupcake lovers - here’s some more local bakery, diner, and coffee shop reviews for you, all located right here in the Jax, FL area: 9] Sago Coffee: A Cup Of Friendly & Flavorful Florida *Part of ~ Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge ~ 16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed Them They Will Come 19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach 21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia 50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners 57] First Watch on the First Coast Plus - check out these other fun adventures below - all from my Floridian Dreams: 2] 3 Wows Plus 1 Piece Of Magic I Experienced At Jacksonville, Florida’s Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens 3] The Dog Days Of Endless Summer 8] It’s Fall ~ In Florida ~ Y’all! 11] Eleven South Bistro & Bar ~~ Supper Club Of The South 12] Paint N’ Pints @ Intuition Ale Works ~ Downtown Jacksonville, FL 14] Finding Trinkets & Treasures @ The Jax Beach Vintage Flea Market 15] V Pizza ~ The Very Best Pizza In Jax Beach! *Part of ~ Bean’s Best ~ Award Winner 2019 18] Sea & Sky Jax Weekend ~ Fun In The Florida Sun, Sea, Sky & Sand 22] Saturday On San Pablo Island 31] Tuesday’s On First Street ~ The Jax Beach Art Walk ~ 32] Jolly Holiday In Jarboe Park ~ The Beaches Green Market 36] The End Of A Decade & My New Year’s Wish To You ~ 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 44] Nothing Finer Than Coffee In The Keys ~ The Coffee Plantation Cafe 45] Dessert First, My Friends ~ Cantina Louie 52] Keeping Cool - And Creamy ~ In Key West 53] Totally Terrific & Tasty Thai @ Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine 54] Um, Open @ Angie’s Subs 3/2/2020 1 Comment #54) Um, Open @ Angie’s Subs If you live in Jax Beach, then you’ve most definitely heard of Angie’s Grom… But have you heard of Angie’s Subs??  Angie, short for Angelo, opened up his first sandwich shop up by the Mayport Naval Station back in the 1970’s. He also owned Angelo’s Pizza & Subs and a few other shops around town over the years, before selling The Grom and Angie’s Subs to the current owner. And Edward Malin, the current owner of both the infamous Angie’s Grom as well as Angie’s Subs in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, also happens to be currently running for Congress in Florida’s 4th District, on a platform of federal tax reform. Beyond the potential amendment of the federal income tax being his very passionate and number one campaign platform issue - which would directly affect the paychecks of every working American - Ed also has a vision aimed more locally. Starting right here at Angie’s. And right here at The Beaches. His aim is to renovate Angie’s Subs into a fairly large and elaborate tourist destination. The plan consists of knocking down the current Sub shop, and rebuilding the property into a three story distillery and barbecue restaurant in its place. And let’s not forget a new parking lot. But Malin promises the original subs will still all be sold, just as they have been for the past thirty years. And with sub sandwiches on the menu printed with names such as “My Wife Kicked Me Out” and the “Dirty Gringo” I wonder what the menu will look like in the future, residing in a brand new three story building a few years from now... Will the Father Dan still be on the menu? Will out-of-town tourists flock to purchase a Scrippy or El Guapo? Only time will tell. I do know tourists need to eat while they’re here though. However, all these future changes still have to make their way through the highly bureaucratic city government approval process, and any renovations are not likely to commence for approximately two years.    In the interim, I’m absolutely in love with the rough and casual, aged exterior of Angie’s Subs. I love pulling into an aged and pebbly parking lot, faded striped lines, and no formality. Beautiful moss covered trees overhanging the old cemetery and little park situated next door. Glancing at the building itself, I could finally take in, up close and personal, the large murals I see every day when driving down Beach Boulevard. And walking up to the old strip mall style building that houses Angie’s Subs, I noted an outdoor seating patio situated under the perfect Florida blue sky, and, by the front doors, one is greeted with old, wooden rocking chairs and benches.         Once inside, there are paper copies of the menu to take with you on the go, but the menu is also up at the front counter. And there are two front counters inside. The counter on the furthest left is where customers place their orders, and once taken, patrons are guided to the next counter, to the right, to pay their check.         After we ordered and paid, we were then free to pick any seat, and our order was brought out to us after it was freshly made. Hot. And hot they were.    Ceiling above our booth.     Hubby. I ordered one of the subs listed as an Old Standby on the menu: the classic roast beef sub on whole wheat bread, for $6.99.    Each sub comes standard with mayo, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion and an oil/vinegar mix. I chose to leave off the mayo and the oil/vinegar sauce - alleviating a lot of calories in the process. And hubby ordered one of Angie’s newest subs - the Angie’s Philly. The Philly is a cheesesteak sandwich that includes steak, italian sausage, mayo, cheese, sweet peppers, onions, and mushrooms, priced at $7.49.   We also both ordered a bag of their chips, priced at $1.65 per bag, and a drink, priced at $2.50. Our total check was $24.53, plus a tip. All drink sizes are the same price, so we both ordered a large, since we were paying for it regardless. And because of this single choice, I was then met face-to-face with a literal JUG of free-flowing pink lemonade throughout my meal. Ummm, I happen to love pink lemonade. So, this is the place for me. Pink lemonade, in a styrofoam jug. A supersized pink lemonade. Enough pink lemonade to feed an army. And free refills. Need I say more? I was in Heaven. A Sugar-Coated Heaven. Glad I left that mayo off.    We both loved our subs. I loved my hot, and custom-made, toasty sub so much that I can easily go back to Angie’s Subs any day. And they’re fast too. So I can do this on my lunch break, and with it not very costly eithe. And not having to worry about time. And you know what else? The food I bit into reminded me of Chicago! And that sentence situated above this one is very, very deserving of the exclamation point I placed at the end of it. As well as deserving of its own paragraph. Bringing high praise for Angie’s Subs from me. For the mere fact that the declaration and the act of comparing the word “food” and “Chicago” is a complete and utter rarity for me in Florida. What I mean more simply is, the Tastes of Chicago are very, very difficult to find here in the South. Very difficult, indeed. But I was able to taste Chicago in that sub. Within one to two bites into my meal. I said right away to my hubby that I was reminded of Chicago. I could just taste it in the way the sub was carefully created, and made just for me, and just the way I want. With the quality food and detail placed in each sandwich. It tasted like my sub was thoroughly cared for while it was being produced and before it was served to me. It tasted of passion. A passion for food. And that is something, after living thirty-something years in the foodie capital of the world, is very, very challenging for me to find, outside of Illinois. And apparently something practically impossible to replicate outside the casual and relaxed borders of Chicagoland. From a Chicago-foodie, this is a large compliment to the Chef. So, while I may never try the Ten Dollar sub - priced appropriately at $7.65 - or the Minorcan, or the Peruvian, I do know I’ll be back for another repeat order of an extra, extra large pink lemonade, plus an Old Standby. Yes, I thank you, Angie’s Subs in Jax Beach, for the best sub I’ve had in years. For the best sub I’ve had since living in The Sunshine State. And I will be back. Very, very soon.~ 
Ummmmmm, hey, you, over there - check out some of my other local dining reviews, right here - you know, down below: 9] Sago Coffee: A Cup Of Friendly & Flavorful Florida *Part of ~ Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge ~ 15] V Pizza ~ The Very Best Pizza In Jax Beach! *Part of ~ Bean’s Best ~ Award Winner 2019 16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed them They Will Come 19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach 21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts 35] Happiest Of Holidays @ Hawkers Asian Street Fare 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 45] Dessert First, My Friends ~ Cantina Louie 50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners 53] Totally Terrific & Tasty Thai @ Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine Have you been to Angie’s Subs in Jax Beach? What’s your favorite sub sandwich? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below:  *Part of - Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge - series It’s that time of year again, my friends. Love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is upon us. Whether you have a Valentine in your life or not, go ahead and celebrate. Be your own Valentine if you must. Love yourself as much as you love those around you… Or, at least love yourself as much as I love donuts.  And so with donuts in mind, if you haven’t been to the Mini Bar in Jax Beach, it’s time to seriously consider the following question: What else on Earth are you waiting for?      In my case, I guess it was the fires in Australia that finally led me to the land of the most magical and mini donuts. I know, I know. I live in Jax Beach. The Mini Bar is located in Jax Beach. I love donuts. I love coffee. How - How is it humanly possible that I never visited this establishment before now? Believe you me when I say that I had been wanting to go to The Mini Bar for quite some time. I had even popped my head in back in the past. It was on a busy day, and I had been next door at the Dollar Tree running errands. And curious about this amazing looking place, I glanced inside before popping back in my car. So I had seen, but I had not tasted. I never took a seat, and never ordered a coffee, and most importantly, never ordered the donuts, yet. I had just never got around to it, as they say. But when I saw the Facebook and Instagram posts telling me about an event at both The Mini Bar and Southern Swells to raise funds for the wildlife affected in the Australian fires, I knew it was finally time to officially check the place out. On Saturday, February 8th, both The Mini Bar and Southern Swells co-hosted the fundraiser, along with a variety of local vendors set up in the outdoor courtyard area surrounding the businesses. While all those koala bears seem so far away to me, it doesn’t mean seeing their burned hands hasn’t had me wondering what can I do to help. The images of all those homeless animals hurts my very soul. A huge animal lover in my heart, it crushes me to see our Earth’s defenseless creatures not being able to survive and thrive on their own, let alone their entire houses - their natural habitat - being utterly destroyed. And, if I can contribute even a tiny bit, each person doing their part makes a difference. So I knew I wanted to attend.        And I’m very glad I did. I love seeing all the local small businesses that attend these types of events. But mostly, I just enjoy checking out the atmosphere. Seeing new establishments and shops that I’ve never been to before. And of course, looking up at all the donuts in the sky. I really enjoy checking out how a variety of local small business owners such as jewelers and artists incorporate local coastal treasures into their designs and wares for sale. Local honey, local seashells and oyster shells, local sea glass, local clay molded into jewelry. We even have a local dog park here at the beach y’all! Sign up to become a member why don’t ya. And my favorite item of the day, locally poured soy candles. I purchased a very generously sized two-wick candle from Lumi Bean. Vegan, soy, and locally poured in Jax. I’ve been drawn to anything citrus scented lately; whether it’s been citrus candy, citrus all-natural household cleaning spray, or citrus body wash, etc... if it’s citrus, I’ve been wanting it. So I immediately grabbed the citrus candle, breathed in the refreshing and clean scent, and knew that’s what I wanted to purchase at the event. Candles were $18.00 or 2 for $30.00. I went with one of the 16 oz. large candles, and am quite excited about my purchase.                After checking out all the vendors in the courtyard, we then went inside The Mini Bar to finally purchase a box of their signature mini donuts.      ‘Treat Yo’self’ lit up on the wall, and donuts served out of an orange and white automobile, the vibe inside the Mini Bar is one of modernity, openness, clean, and fun. Coffees, teas, and local beer on top, the menu is broad and basic at the same time. It’s coffee and donuts… or donuts and beer… or… whatever you like. Either way - get the donuts. We purchased a small hot latte for myself, and hubby ordered the 16 oz. nitro cold brew.          And we also ordered a box of 16 mini donuts. They have boxes of 4, 8, 16, and 24 to choose from. We chose 8 of the classic cinnamon sugar donuts, 4 of the Boston creme, 2 espresso buttercream, and 2 bulls eye - which consisted of powdered sugar and a dollop of raspberry jelly on top. With my favorite of the day being the Boston creme and the cinnamon sugar… I know, that’s two favorites - not one favorite, but trust me, I couldn’t pick just one, I love them both equally.     Quite happy with this selection, I would so order this exact box all over again. However, there are so many flavors to choose from - that I’m sure I won’t be 100% completely satisfied until I try them all. I’d call this a good and solid “start” though - I’ll definitely be back. If you haven’t been to The Mini Bar, get yourself over there. You won’t be sorry. And I’m 100% sure of that. Treat Yo’Self. Look up and see all the love in the air... And all the donuts in the sky. Buy a box of fried goodness, and bring it with you to the beach. Walk barefoot in the sand, sip your latte, as you hold hands with your Valentine.~  ‘Love Is In The Air’ ~ 11x14x0.75 Acrylic On Canvas P.S. ~ Did you know? Leftover donuts are a very good thing to have sitting inside your house.~  Have you been to The Mini Bar in Jax Beach? What’s your favorite donut they serve? Let me know in the comments down below: If you’re enjoying my Floridian Dreams, check out some of my other adventures living and dreaming in The Sunshine State: 9] Sago Coffee: A Cup Of Friendly & Flavorful Florida *Part of ~ Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge ~ 14] Finding Trinkets & Treasures @ The Jax Beach Vintage Flea Market 21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts 22] Saturday On San Pablo Island 31] Tuesday’s On First Street ~ The Jax Beach Art Walk ~ 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 44] Nothing Finer Than Coffee In The Keys ~ The Coffee Plantation Cafe Go ahead and sign up to be a Sunshine Subscriber below. You’ll never miss a story, and you’ll be the first to know of all my latest artwork too.
 The Beaches Green Market is a local farmer’s market in Neptune Beach, Florida. The market takes place every Saturday, year round, and is centrally located in the small beach town at Jarboe Park.    Always from 2pm-5pm, it’s a fabulous place to pull over on a Saturday while out running errands, or to grab some bakery, maybe even flowers, to bring along to a gathering. If you’re out for your weekend grocery shopping, I’d recommend stopping here for fresh, local produce, before heading to the grocer for the rest of your needs.      Some of the vendors tend to be the same each week, and yet there are always some different booths each time as well, or maybe even a food truck. There’s always a surprise or two each visit, which makes return visits likely and more enticing. Once you go to the Green Market - you tend to come back on the regular.      In the past, we’ve purchased fresh and delicious produce, gifts for family, as well as some lovely seagrass scented candles from Eden’s Leaf Naturals; all depending on what our needs are for that week. This week, while we didn’t make any purchases, we still enjoyed the visit.    And with the added bonus of the market being pet friendly, your dog can come along with you and enjoy the park afterward. With ample parking surrounding the entire large property, it’s an easy stop to add into your Saturday activities.  And I was especially excited for this Saturday’s Market because I knew it was their official holiday market! There was jewelry for sale, coastal ornaments, and lots of reusable gift bags available for purchase. There was also a holiday craft table set up for children to make their own candles. And they even had a local band playing. Wearing red and white Santa hats… THIS was most definitely my favorite part!       Beaches Green Market can be a quick stop, or a leisurely part of your weekend activities. Its location in Jarboe Park is a very popular local park in the Beaches community, and this setting allows the Market the perk of being surrounded by walking paths, a lovely maintained community garden, fountains, and tables and chairs for picnics. All under a clear blue and bright and sunny sky.    Basketball courts and full sand volleyball courts are a nice addition as well. There also is a small, old, historic house on site, and children really like wandering up to it and explore. I noticed the old home was decorated for the holidays and looking quite adorable. And then I found out that’s where Santa and Mrs. Claus sit on the porch, to greet children and ask what the want for Christmas. The little house is just across from the Jarboe Park official decorated Christmas tree.     I highly encourage an outing to the Beaches Green Market. It’s a great way to shop local - including always having a variety of local produce and other products available. I believe one of the real goals of any Farmer’s Market seems to be to help bring the local community together, and that’s exactly what this one does. So get on out to your market, look for Santa while you’re there, and be sure to bring along your list to give him. ~ 
 On the second Tuesday of every month here in the small coastal town of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, local artists set up shop along First Street in downtown for the monthly Jax Beach Art Walk.  This monthly Walk is actually one of the very many reasons my husband and I originally fell in love with our little beach town. It’s a small event, but a wonderful one. And we’ve always enjoyed seeing the unique pieces out on display. The event takes place from 5pm to 9pm; and I LOVE the December event the very best of them all... Because - Christmas - of course.  It’s an absolutely LOVELY way to spend a Tuesday evening. We had an early dinner - well, we always eat dinner early now - not really many exceptions to that. With my very healthy lifestyle comes a very early dinner - no late night eating or snacking - ever. So after we dined and feasted upon our very healthy and delicious homemade Taco Tuesday entree, we ventured out and proceeded to slowly walk and browse through the entire length of downtown Jax Beach.  And while the Jax Beach Art Walk takes place in the darkness of the night sky during this exciting and festive time of year, this December event it was not so dark after all while walking through the streets and past all the various shops and restaurants.   During the summer months, while the artists are still out at their booths as usual until 9pm, the sun is out nearly just as late to light the way. But during these Walks occurring during the cooler winter season, a stroll through the Art Walk in the dark is met by many kinds of unique ways artists try to light up their booths and displays. Lots of rope lights, holiday lights, twinkle lights, led candles, and icicle lights, etc. And let’s not forget all the iPhone flashlights showcasing lots of art while glancing up close. With the darkness of the December Art Walk, always comes these simple yet fun lighting displays. And as a lovely added bonus, along with the beautiful sunset this Tuesday, we also had a breathtaking moon following us above in the night sky. Keeping watch over our quaint little town and providing additional light for shoppers and diners and tourists.  I met an artist who was selling at a large table set up with all kinds of various shaped little topiaries. The topiaries themselves were each lit with tiny, miniature pixie lights set as Christmas lights. He pointed to one of the topiaries for me and I noticed it was an AT-AT holiday topiary... That’s an All Terrain Armored Transport Star Wars vehicle topiary decorated for the holiday’s… but of course. I was very amused, it was adorable. And all the various creativity on display such as this was quite inspiring. And then at the very center of town, sitting proudly on display for all, sits the Deck The Chairs holiday lights adventure. The Chairs were definitely all decked out in their holiday finest for the occasion, and many artists and shoppers commingled amongst all the exciting holiday festivities taking place. Lots of people were out to check out both the Chairs, as well as the Art Walk, so I highly recommend the December Walk if you are short on time and want to see two things at once.  I made one purchase that evening - a rose gold hematite ring from Artist Olivia Shore, who can be found at @livshoreart online. I haven't been able to wear my wedding rings in well over a year or really actually much longer now, as since my massive weight loss the rings no longer fit - and are quite pricey to be resized down. Someday I will get around to it though. So lately, and especially desiring some rings to wear, I’ve been very inspired by all the local artists selling various types of rings for some very reasonable prices. And the price from Olivia was definitely right for me. She was offering this ring for $12.00. But she mentioned that since I was buying directly from her and not from the shops she sells her merchandise in, she brought the price down to $7.00. Always happy to support an artist, but I cannot deny, mostly quite happy for the new jewelry too.  Most of the artists on the Walk sell in lots of local shops throughout town or the greater Jacksonville area. So as an added bonus to Art Walk patrons, if you purchase directly from the artist, instead of through their shops outside of this event, they tend to offer decreased pricing. This was offered to me without my asking… they simply offer better deals at the walk and state as much. So get on out to the next Art Walk, and support your local artists directly. But - still go to the shops as well, as they are magnificent in their very own and lovely ways of course.      I saw lots and lots of beautiful homemade Christmas ornaments for sale, delicate and burnt glass, some for only $3.00 a piece, lots of holiday paintings with lovely winter scenery, and tons of other unique and fun holiday decor. I especially loved the table selling the copper shaped coastal creations and was very tempted to make a purchase. I have a spot in my kitchen absolutely perfect for one of those pieces, and I love copper. They were all pretty expensive for me though so I held back and simply admired the pieces from afar.  Any of the art being offered at the monthly Walk would make a fabulous holiday gift. If you are still doing your shopping, and missed out on the Art Walk, consider one of the few remaining local upcoming holiday markets: including the Beaches Green Market, taking place at Jarboe Park in Neptune Beach this Saturday from 2-5pm, as well as the mid-week Atlantic Beach Holiday Market next week on Wednesday, December 18th from 3pm-6pm at Bull Memorial Park. You’ll be supporting local creativity, and getting your shopping done all at once. Overall, any day - or evening - strolling up and down through town is a fabulous outing indeed. The moonlit sky, the sound of the rough and choppy, high surf from that next windy and wild Nor’easter that we experienced this week, including the holiday lights of Deck The Chairs, the art on display of all kinds, shapes, and sizes, talking with everyone, it’s all a fabulous and peaceful way to end a day along the coast. Even if you don’t buy a thing, still get out there and check out all the beauty on display, and don't forget to look up at that moon, lighting and guiding your way through our amazing world. ~ 
 What a most lovely of lovely and long, holiday weekends. Everywhere we went, everything we did, everything we saw, was surrounded by the feeling of Christmas in the air. And while I am one who does not partake in the Black Friday festivities that so many Amerian’s do count as part of their holiday traditions - because, as one of my friends posted on her Facebook that day with what I deem to be the utmost accurate declaration ever regarding the day that is so very Black: “It’s too PEOPLY out there!” Yes. In fact, besides the accuracy of that comment, it also might have been the funniest thing I read in a very long time. My concurrence with that statement led me to be busy doing many other fun and festive things - instead of shopping. Black Friday came and went for us, without purchase of any material goods. A most wise decision if I do say so myself. I have no interest in waiting in long lines for something that I can purchase any other day of the year, without such a line. Free snow globe included? No thank you; not worth it. Instead - we went to Jimmy Johns. How simple and basic and quite boring of an outing indeed. And boring was just what we were looking for. I decided that any store that would most likely have the biggest crowds and the most ridiculous lines would be all the ones we would skip… And that most restaurants would also most likely be quite busy - due to needing to feed food to hungry shoppers - so those would all be the restaurants we would skip as well. That eliminated basically everywhere on the face of the planet from my list… Where would be open - but completely and utterly EMPTY??? Jimmy Johns! And guess what? I was right. We drove our car into the parking lot. Not a car around. We walked in. We were their only customers. It was fabulous. We ate at the window counter, bar style seating, as we always do. I’m a regular there. And we watched the traffic go on by up and down Beach Boulevard. Slowly. Yes, it was crowded out there, even in our flat and sandy and salty little corner of the world. But not so at Jimmy’s place. In fact, it was so slow inside Jimmy Johns, as we listened to tunes blaring from their speaker with today’s best hits - i.e. music of this very own decade we are currently living in. I mention this because almost everywhere else plays music from the 80’s? Why? Universe… why? Yes, it was so slow the staff member said something along the lines of, I knew it was going to be slow today, but jeazzzz…. I never imagined it being this slow. Yes, we picked the most perfect place to eat a sandwich in the entire United States of America on Black Friday. I tended to be of the opinion that not many American’s have an interest in lining up outside the front doors of a sandwich shop at four in the morning, fighting to get in when the doors are opened, just to buy some deli meat? My opinion tended to be correct, at least from where we sat. No, they were out buying expensive and fancy and enormous TVs, and iPads, and clothing, and more clothing, and appliances, and more appliances. Everything I didn’t feel like waiting in a line for on this Black day. Yes, we made a great decision. It was a simple and pleasant and peaceful outing. Next time you’re looking for a quick - and healthy - lunch on Black Friday, stop in Jimmy Johns, and avoid the crowded everywhere else of this world. Right next door to Jimmy Johns and across the small and narrow street, I could see from the window we were watching the world go by from… Is a place called Rockaway. A greenhouse.. A garden center... A Christmas tree lot. We go to Jimmy John’s a lot. We see Rockaway a lot, sitting from the window of the sandwich shop. I had never ventured over there to date however. But that blackest of clear blue sky days was different from any other. Something told me that day was the day to visit. I tend to think my nose told me it was time.     We witnessed car after car pulling up and loading one live tree after another onto the roofs of their vehicles. I had always wanted to venture over there and check it out. They were busy, yes, but they were not busy at all compared to the big box stores everywhere else in the nation. We finished our simple lunch and walked across the street to the greenhouse. Instantly! - I smelled Christmas! If you’ve never smelled yourself some Christmas before, I highly recommend finding some, and put it up to your nose, and smell it. I could smell the scent of pine and balsam and fraser fir from the road. And the scent only intensified as we got closer and walked into the garden, feet on top of gravel, dirt, and pebbles. I was in a dream. I had found a slice of heaven. I wanted to bottle it all up, take it home, and keep it forever. Never out of my sight - or away from my nose - again.      We walked through the entire greenhouse and its property. It’s quite a large place! From the exterior, it appears that Rockaway is just a small, single story red farmhouse. A small house, with a vast plot of land surrounding it, all surrounded with various greenery for sale. But once you traverse inside its quarters, it’s quite larger than its tiny exterior makes it out to be. I was immediately met with rows and rows of flowers of all kinds. Grasses of all kinds. Greenery of all kinds. Ceramic pots and wall trinkets and other such decor for sale intermixed.       But I went there for the Christmas. So the Christmas I was going to find. Never fear, my nose led the way. My nose led me to the far back area of the greenhouse. You know, it’s just like when you need a dozen eggs or gallon of milk or tub of chocolate ice cream from the grocer… The simplest and most basic and most necessary of items needed at the time, they always put in the back of the store. Silly us, they think we don’t know what they’re doing… It’s all strategic? In order to get to that gallon of milk, that dozen eggs, those tubs of chocolatey and icy goodness, we all have to traverse past every other item in the store first in order to find our basic essentials in life. To get to all the good stuff, you have to pass up anything else that might tempt your eyes. Ohh, I need that bag of chips. I really could use a loaf of bread… since I’m here. Are we out of juice at home? We better grab some bananas... while we’re at it. And toilet paper. We can’t forget that, heaven forbid. Yes, it’s Black Friday every day at the grocer. They always know how to make a sale. Have you ever seen anyone leave a grocer empty-handed? Certainly not in my lifetime?! Just put that toilet paper display out prominently on the end cap, where it can’t be missed, slap a yellow sign over it referencing something along the lines of a sale… or even better… 12 = 36… ???... and we’re gold. Jack Pot. Hence again, why would I ever shop on Black Friday? When I’m buying all that bread and all those eggs and all those tubs of ice cream, and carts loaded FULL of rolls upon rolls of toilet paper, on sale, every other day of the year, anyway? So my nose led me all the way to the back of the greenhouse. I was met with the most intense fragrance of Christmas. It was naturally the most fragrant standing amongst all the various trees for sale. And I never wanted to leave. Maybe my husband would have to drag me out of there kicking and screaming all the way? Ha - maybe I am ready for Black Friday… Fighting for a chance - screaming to be the one. Can I stay here forever? And never part with the dreamy aroma surrounding me. Can I win the prize? Where are all the doorbusters? I’m NOT going home.       We checked out all the trees. Standing there, I immediately imagined myself in Michigan. Years and years ago. Happy memories; very happy memories. I was quite young, so the memories are somewhat fuzzy. But there I stood; on a Christmas tree farm. With all the family - moms and dads, aunts and uncles, cousins, etc. We took a hay ride (don’t remember if pulled by horse, but my dreams say yes, there were horses present). The ride took us out onto the farm, to pick out our very own living tree. It was beautiful. It was farm country. It was quiet. It was peaceful. Nature everywhere. It was the best day. It was Pure Michigan. Looking back, I’m so grateful for my family. All the things we did growing up. All those memories. It doesn’t matter if I can’t remember if it was horses who dragged me out to the tree farm or not. Maybe a tractor was pulling us? Either way, I know I was there. I know I was with my entire family. I am grateful for the time we all spent together. I am grateful for that outing. A lovely outing, that I can remember all these years later. I’m grateful that they, as adults, spent their time, with us, very young children. So that we could have these memories, as adults, today. I’m grateful and thankful… So much so that as I stood in a small red farmhouse barn, far removed from the farm country of Michigan, three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, in sunny and hot coastal Florida, on San Pablo Island, in Jacksonville Beach, kiddy corner from Jimmy John’s and opposite the local Publix, living a completely different life, and after meeting God himself, on Black Friday, in Rockaway Gardens... roughly thirty years after that family Christmas tree outing, standing there within and amongst that dreamy scent of Christmas… which evoked such happy memories of my Christmas’s past. Only because of that past am I standing right there, right then. Only because of that past, am I capable of smelling Christmas in the air, right there, right then, and with that scent also evoke all those happy memories. We toured the entire greenhouse, inside, and out. We saw various styles of holiday wreaths and swags. The swags are my favorite. Oh wait, scratch that. The wreaths shaped into candy canes are my favorite. Oh wait… Never mind. I can’t make up my mind. If it’s green, smells of pine, balsam, fir, is reminiscent of Christmas - that one is my favorite. What did you say? You asked if I particularly like the Hallmark Channel this time of year? Yes, I’m a fan. We still don’t have cable, or streaming, though. I can dream. We turned a corner and were met face to face with an entire room of poinsettias. Just poinsettias. All looking very poinsettia-like. White and red. And one type I never before saw in my entire life. A white, red, and pinkish, mixed and beautifully blended color poinsettia. I love that one the most. Oh, wait. I thought of my grandma right then, in that room.    Every Christmas she was alive and I knew her, she always gave everyone a poinsettia. I was given one when I still lived at home with my family growing up. I put it on my dresser in my bedroom. I got married, and hubby and I were given a poinsettia each Christmas. We were also given more poinsettias to pass on to others for her. She’s been gone for some years now already. Time does fly. But I can’t see a poinsettia, without seeing Grandma. Moving on, there was an entire area of succulents. Orange trees. Lime trees. Palms. Etc. If it was alive and growing, and taking our carbon dioxide away from our lungs, it was at Rockaway.    And since we were in Florida. And since it was hot outside. Most all of these beauties were all just sitting there soaking in the outdoor sun. Some in the actual greenhouse, some under netting. But mostly, I toured and browsed and strolled through a beautiful outdoor piece of winding garden property; a garden much larger than I expected. After thirty some years of Christmas’s up in the Chicago area, my brain still has a difficult time grasping and understanding the concept that I am still outside, wearing flip flops, shorts and tank, big sunglasses, hot and sweaty, and it’s Christmas time? Where’s the snow?!  ‘Snowshelled’ 8x10 Acrylic on Canvas   I’m not complaining though. We were nearing the end of our tour. Our informal browsing. We came upon tables set for an upcoming event. I wondered what was going on? There were drink cups out. Many. They were expecting lots of people. At some point in the very near future? Table clothes spread and draped over the tables. Something was happening? I looked up. At the clear blue sky. At the bright and blinding hot sun. I saw the dark evergreen cloud in the sky from the corner of my eye…. Wait. There were no dark green clouds on such a clear blue sky day. My fuzzy vision faded in and out from the bright sun laser-beaming into my eyes. I was looking up at a large Christmas tree - on the rooftop! Yes, they put a tree up on the roof. I could tell it had lights strung all about it. My memory snapped to attention. I knew what was going on! They were setting up for a party. Rockaway has their own tree lighting, each year… a tree, up on the roof! How cute.  Oh rats! We went there during the day! Not at night. We could always come back that evening to see the festivities. Oh wait. Maybe it would be too peoply out there. It was still Black Friday after all. I wasn’t supposed to be out shopping today. I was just out to grab a number sixteen with no mayo and a cup of unsweetened iced tea at Jimmy Johns... I lost 86 pounds eating that exact sandwich - roughly once a week. It was my weekly “carb” treat. No I did not do a carb-restricted diet to lose the weight. I ate everything, in moderation. But I do tend to consider white bread a treat, so I only ate it about once a week. And somehow throughout my weight loss journey that has since turned into weight maintenance, I started going to Jimmy John’s once a week... You could say my nose led me there. Not out of routine, not out of desperation or a feeling as if because I lost the weight eating Jimmy’s sandwiches then I must keep doing it to keep the weight off? Not that at all. I just like it. That’s all. Someday I might tire of good ol’ Jimmy, but not yet. To be fair, it is kind of hard to tire of fresh white dough raised into fresh white perfect bread. So yeah, we were out for lunch. We were NOT out to witness a tree lighting. Box shaped stores, or anything else that day. It was the dreamy scent of Christmas that led me to Rockaway. But it was also the thoughts and dreams of my own Christmas which told me to now go home. After all, it was Black Friday. Yes, it definitely was very peoply out there. I’ll go home and put an ol’ Yule Log… on the ol’ You Tube, and trim my own tree. No, I didn’t buy anything at Rockaway that day. Pennies are tight sometimes. Pennies are watched. I do consider myself a professional shopper and there were many things I wanted to buy there, including swags and candy cane wreaths and poinsettias galore, but I resisted all temptation... I reminded myself that after losing 86 freaking pounds, my wardrobe is still a cluster of nothing that fits me because it was long ago donated to charity, and what remains are only a few quite simple repeating new and fresh outfits that do now fit. I’ll save all the pennies I can for new clothes. 86 pounds of work reminded me I’d rather buy clothes that last a long longer and will come in very handy for me, than a piece of clipped greenery that will surely die by season’s end. So all purchasing temptations were managed! ‘Tis a rare day indeed for such a pro of a shopper! But I didn’t leave Rockaway empty-handed. No. The scent of Christmas came home with me. It was all over my hands, inside my very light and empty and missing shopping bags, steamed into my wild hair, and mostly, it was in my nose. In fact, the scent was so strong, I still smelled it on me and on all those new clothes that I had been wearing, later that evening when I got ready for bed. Yes, it’s very important to surround oneself with such a magnificent and dreamy scent. Don’t let this beautiful and festive and happy and difficult and challenging and magical season go by without smelling some Christmas into your nose. Don’t waste a moment to catch a breath of fresh pine-scented air. Whether you are standing on a vast and beautiful and picturesque farm up in Michigan cutting down a green tree for your living room, or standing on a coastal barrier island in the south while eating a number sixteen with no mayo… be sure to breathe it all in. Remember all the good times and all the good people in your life that come into your brain when you inhale that special aroma. Then - bottle it up, keep it forever, store it somewhere special where you keep all your treasures, and never remember where you put it. ~ 
11/25/2019 0 Comments #26) Deck The Chairs ~ BE THAT CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THIS OUR VERY OWN AND SHAREABLE WORLD ~ This past weekend kicked off the Grand Opening of Jax Beach’s Deck The Chairs for 2019! Wahoo! My favorite time of the year is officially here.  While Thanksgiving is just around the corner, Christmas can never really come too early for me. Lights and trees, garlands and bows, ribbons and wreaths galore, popping up in every town along the coast… and it's all beyond beautiful to me. And throughout all of Jacksonville there is an endless list of holiday adventures for both young and old alike, and all are starting right now. We have Jacksonville’s Light Boat Parade, the San Marco Festival of Lights, Zoo Lights, lots of turkey trots, and Santa and reindeer runs aplenty. We also have St. Augustine’s 26th Annual Nights Of Lights which began this weekend as well; and it runs all the way through February 2, 2020! And of course much, much more. There’s way too much to ever take it all in - inside of one holiday season alone. That’s why I’ll try to aim to attend at least roughly one or two new things each Christmas, and I then have some must-do holiday traditions as well. And Jax Beach’s Deck The Chairs is one of those such traditions. It’s my HOLIDAY MUST DO. It’s my CAN’T MISS. And I think most other folks in town feel the same way. Besides all of our local area town tree lightings, if you live in Jax Beach, or close by in one of the other area island communities, Deck The Chairs is THE event of the season… here at the beach.  The iconic symbol of our town - the lifeguard chair - utilized all throughout the year by our brave and all-volunteer lifeguards, are brought over to Seawalk Pavilion by more volunteers, and set into perfect and matching rows in the center of town square. The chairs become uniformed soldiers… just as in March of the Wooden Soldiers - only stationary - no marching needed or wanted.  All of those brightly painted orange and quite distinct and uniform chairs then become completely un-uniform and sculpted to holiday-themed perfection, by even more volunteers. A local area business or organization each sponsors a chair and decorates it to their heart's content. I LOVE the uniqueness each chair takes on. And it’s that uniqueness that excites me annually to witness the many differences from one year to the next, one chair to the next.     While the dancing and classic tree is the same, and now iconic to Deck The Chairs in its own way, the little white church is always there front and center too. And children love getting their pictures taken in front of the dollhouse style church, ringing the loud bell... a line begins to form its so very popular. And while that church and tree are always there... lots of the other chairs change decor each year. So it becomes very fun and surprising to see what everyone’s imaginations come up with.   As an artist who paints every day, I can’t help but think I would have quite a lot of fun decking out a chair myself. Each year I go to the event, I contemplate about how I would come up with a theme and design??? Paint onto canvas = holiday decor onto orange chair! And this year, it is my opinion that Deck The Chairs brought their A Game to The Beach. I’ve attended 2017 and 2018’s events, and this year by far was the most impressive. They’ve definitely stepped it up a notch or two, and I believe we need to give credit where credit is due. The sponsors and volunteers make this event possible, and you could see the dedication toward community spirit in this year’s chairs. In both previous year’s attendance of the event I saw some plain chairs and chairs with just a sign of sponsor, and lots of lights not working or even connected. I remember last year a whole section was completely unplugged for a very long time so my hubby tried to plug it in and fix it. But this year, each chair was super! Each chair has a theme, and a theme dedicated to their cause.  K9 Warriors has dogs pulling Santa’s sleigh into the sky. A car wash sponsor has bubbles squirting out, and a toy car being soaped up in the wash under the chair... So adorable. “DUUUVAL” is loudly and proudly out on display by our very own Jaguars. And ‘Beaches Go Green’ has a massive octopus made entirely out of plastic waste from the ocean.     In fact, Beaches Go Green was in a league all their own this year. I would guesstimate their massive display took about one quarter of the town square’s entire display space. In coordination with local area schools, they presented an informative walk-through experience, utilizing all recycled materials or garbage re-purposed as art and holiday decor. While also bringing awareness to how all that trash affects the coastal communities and creatures who inhabit them; it was very educational for the public too. They had displays and posters made entirely of bottle caps, egg cartons, tooth brushes, and seemingly countless single-use plastic water bottles. And the classic jellyfish was back and still alive… thank goodness! The jellyfish is always my favorite part of Deck The Chairs and is also made entirely of trash and repurposed materials. Thank you to Beaches Go Green for the time and dedication it must have taken to put on such a splendid display.    Auntie Anne's Food Truck was selling very tempting food and drink - meaning lots of sugars and carbohydrates. Volunteers in the main event tent were selling hot chocolate and cotton candy, tees and candy canes, and the year’s traditional DTC ornament.     They had a fabulous holiday soundtrack playing on speaker throughout the entire plaza. And when *NSYNC started singing “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” I was beyond thrilled. Thank you from this nineties teen for adding some good ol’ Justin Timberlake and *NSYNC’s Best Song Ever to your beautiful and festive holiday music lineup. It was lovely and impressive to see small children running up to the volunteer table by the donation box, and to witness a small child happily donate a dollar bill, etc. to the cause, and then run back to their waiting parents. It is by these most simple of acts that we teach future and up and coming generations to keep community traditions alive, and instill values of sharing and giving in our future adults. I purchased the 2019 Deck The Chairs ornament for $10.00, plus three candy candles for a dollar for the hubby. I was glad to take home a reminder of this lovely event to hang on my tree this upcoming holiday weekend. But most of all, I was glad to partake in the event and donate to the event by purchasing. Always remember that EVERY BODY can do something. Some volunteer. Some donate. Some attend and spread cheer. Some put a quarter or some pennies in the donation box. Anything anybody can do to bring the holiday spirit to others and their community is a positive thing all around. Overall, the mood was festive, and the community spirit was alive and well. It’s a fabulous way to kick off the holidays. Deck The Chairs is a most spectacular community event here at the beach. I’m still excited about it today and my experience there this weekend. If you are local to the Beaches communities, I highly recommend it; come on out through December nightly to see the brightly lit, and coastal, festive fun. And if you are farther away, do find your local town holiday event and attend it with that community pride and giving spirit that we all can spread to others in our own and unique ways.     Be sure to have some festive fun and spread holiday cheer. Say thank you to the volunteers, or volunteer yourself. Put some change or a paper bill in the donation box if you can, maybe in place of a coffee run this week. Buy a pretzel from Auntie Annes and eat those carbs if you must. Cause any way you slice it, those simple actions are the ones that mean the most. They all add up. Small change equals massive action… and never forget that. Be that change you wish to see in this our very own and shareable world. Community starts with you. It starts and ends at each individual person. After all, without you,  and who you are,  and what makes you you inside,  we wouldn’t be whole.     ‘One Little Spark’  While we all may celebrate many different and amazing holidays, and all believe in different things and come from very different backgrounds, there is one thing that we can all share with each other regardless of it all. It is in those differences that we make a community, and within a community then resides the spirit of giving, sharing, and family, and friendship. So go and get out there and attend your holiday must-do, give smiles and thank you’s all around, sing along to some JT and wish you and yours a “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” - and most importantly, don’t forget to leave some goodies out for Santa while you’re at it. ~ 
11/11/2019 1 Comment #22) ~ Saturday On San Pablo Island ~ Within “The Beaches” area, as it's commonly known to both locals and tourists alike, reside the small towns of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach - and the town I now call my home - Jacksonville Beach. These three communities, along with a few more small towns, make up the modest coastal barrier island, that is both officially and unofficially, known as San Pablo Island.  San Pablo Island is located just off the eastern coast of Florida, and nestled next to the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the island itself here is not known to most people… they tend to simply call home - The Beaches. And there’s yet even one other mysterious nickname given to our island home appropriately classifying it as ‘No-Name Island’ - very much reminding me of the funky, quirky, and strange and sometimes hilarious, names of some of the famous Key islands to our south. But San Pablo Island has a rich and dated history going back hundreds of years, and even much, much longer. A vibrant Native American history lives and breathes here, and the Timucuan Indians lived here in the 1500’s, when a French explorer came upon the area. We now have the Timucuan Reserve named after them. And while there’s a small and extremely old, weathered and worn, and really just a completely dilapidated sign welcoming you as much as you drive through our town - ‘You Are Now At San Pablo Beach’ it reads, (named after the San Pablo River)... I can only imagine how old that sign really is. And as the sign is so very old and worn, it seems to just camouflage itself to the natural grasses surrounding it. Many pass by daily not even seeing it. We also locally have San Pablo Road, just off the Island and paralleling the intracoastal, and we have Pablo Avenue, right here at the beach. A lot goes into a name… when you consider branding, logo, tourism, marketing, publicity, hotels and restaurants and newspapers and any press; history, town pride, changing times and culture, refrigerator magnets, tee-shirts, trinkets and treasures for visitors to take home, etc. Some years ago there was a push and really quite a major effort to help rebrand our area to more “officially” be called San Pablo Island. Hotels and the tourism industry in general liked the idea and I believe they still do. A name helps classify a location and familiarize those traversing to or through. A name slightly broad and confusing as “The Beaches” - plural - is not very brand-worthy it seems, except to those who already know the area and/or reside here. And as those things tend to do, the effort and move to name-change seemed to stall, and fall apart in meetings and such. As many of those such changes and requests for changes tend to die out... Thus, today, we are still known as “The Beaches” to most, and confusion reigns for the tourism industry here. In comparison, Amelia Island, located just to the north of us, is known as that - ‘Amelia Island.’ They seem to know their history, are ok with picking a name and staying with it, and they honor it well. Princess Amelia, daughter of George II of Great Britain, is for whom the Island is named. But Amelia Island has a very rich and fascinating history as well, and they seem to be slightly more proud of it and they do a great job in educating the public of that history. You absolutely cannot visit Amelia Island without learning upon arrival of the history of the eight flags. Signs will tell you as much and show you as much upon entry to the island. With my father being a huge history buff, I remember thinking at the time of learning about the eight flags that he would find it fascinating. Amelia Island is famously known as “The Isle of Eight Flags” and is the only location in all of the United States with such a unique history. It simply means that the island has had power transferred through eight different flags before finally obtaining its current and official status as part of these United States. The history of the eight flags is known and proud on the island. When I first found that piece of information out I was utterly fascinated. And standing in great contrast is the tiny old and worn sign welcoming you to San Pablo Beach, here on San Pablo Island. It’s a welcome sign that really seems to get no care or concern, but it does its job every day and welcomes you to our island.  Pablo Avenue lies just a few blocks from our worn and ancient welcome sign, and its therein that lies The Beaches Museum. A Museum that celebrates Culture, History, and Community. And while our dated welcome sign doesn’t have much appeal, the Beaches Museum does. The history of this area is not very well-known to most, and this museum does an absolutely fabulous job of educating the public on our heritage and historical facts thereof. This historical marker and living piece of history is also a place most people drive past every day, and may not even know if its existence. In fact, I’ve lived right here in town just alongside it and had never visited it formally. Well, bring an Art Fest into town and I’ll go anywhere.  Hurray! Another Art Fest. And on yet another absolutely gorgeous autumn day in the South. All the variety of arts and celebration thereof here is actually one of the reasons I fell in love with Jax Beach. This past weekend, The Beaches Museum hosted the 6th Annual Beaches Art Fest. It was a must-do for me. And while I had just recently attended the Jax Beach Vintage Flea Market some weeks ago, I had eagerly awaited this event all year as well. This fest to me, supersedes any other fest around. The art on display is full of passion and color and depth. Every booth has the artist directly on hand to talk with as well which I especially love. And now, after being to many of these events, I’m recognizing names of artists that continue to come back and sell there each year.   I really enjoy how merely slowing strolling from one covered outdoor exhibit to the next that the eye immediately catches the difference in an artist's passion. One may specialize or have a passion for florals, and one may enjoy painting the many unique sunrise and sunsets of the coastal region. One booth was composed of entirely Japanese floral paintings. An artist may have blown glass, and one of the final tents I arrived at had on display works of art made entirely from origami paper. There were necklaces all beautifully arranged with tiny and intricately folded colored papers, making flowers, squares, any shape you could imagine, all folded out on her display table. Everyone, who once they understood what they were looking at, was completely wowed by it. It was a definite surprise to see, as I had never seen anything like it in my life, and it is for those reasons I relish with joy attending these fests each time they come around.   And I must admit I regret extremely not purchasing one of her paper origami necklaces. I also failed to obtain her card, thus, not being able to look up where she will be next. She explained the necklace I had my eyes on was only $29.00 and comes with a beautiful chain as well. A chain of length that I could custom choose. I walked on by, to think about it, and instead purchased a ring that I absolutely adore, from La Soucique Studio, of the aforementioned Amelia Island. It was $35.00 and I was so very pleased with my purchase. I know I can’t buy everything, and I reminded myself that money doesn’t grow on trees, but I do really very much regret not purchasing one of the origami necklaces. I can only hope to see her again at a future arts event and make that my purchase for the day.  While slowly we strolled both up and down San Pablo Street taking in the fest in its entirety, we also walked on through the property and grounds of Beaches Museum. It’s set up as a small historic village, spanning the length of the blocks next to the fest.  And as I had never been previously, I thought it an ideal day to check it out since we were already present literally at its location. Supposedly the museum is open 10am-4pm every Saturday, with free admission. We were somewhat disappointed to find many locked buildings. All we could do was take a quick peek inside most of the historic sites through windows, while the main building remained open and available to use the restroom facilities for fest-goers. We very much enjoyed walking the grounds though, and it was a most perfect autumn day in Florida to witness the natural beauty surrounding the facilities. The museum is home to parties, weddings, art exhibitions, the annual famous Polar Express, and many other such fun events for both adults and children alike. It seems The Beaches Museum has something going on year-round. I just highly recommend calling ahead to verify if you’d like to see the actual inside of some of the buildings. It was an altogether ideal day in the South for me. And afterward, we ate breakfast, for lunch, at Beach Diner in Atlantic Beach. Every time I’ve been there the owner comes over to say a sweet hello. A much older man, whom you can tell genuinely loves his customers, stopped to talk with us as we ate our delicious meal. As we were paying up at the cash register on the way out I could see him still going round from table to table, smiling with and high-fiving each person he met. A most lovely Saturday on my very own Island… San Pablo Island. It made me smile as we walked to our car. ~
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