After a full day yesterday Studly and I are relaxing on our beach today. I will miss this little piece of paradise when we check out tomorrow morning. I’m calling this one, “Under My Umbrella Watching Storm Clouds Build.”
Wise One
“Wise One”
by Leslie Noyes
Speak to me in weighted words, of life and love and pain,
Grant me wisdom for the journey; sing to me your wise refrain.
Oh Artemis, sear through my soul, expose my every fear,
And I will soar past all who hinder, by your guidance steer.
Take flight and leave me desolate, a weakling in your wake,
Or remain and offer counsel while so much remains at stake.
Please check out Julie Powell’s blog at https://juliepowell2014.wordpress.com/
And You Thought YOU Married a Nag
The couple beside me on the beach yesterday ordered a picnic lunch. Not long after their lunch arrived so did a seagull. He was immediately joined by a rather talkative friend.
I couldn’t decide if the nagging bird was negotiating for his fair share of the leftovers, scolding the gull for his lack of aggressiveness, or trying to get his son more playing time on the local Little League baseball team. Whatever it was, he never let up.
Peace, people.
Dolphins and a Disruptive Digit
There’s something that prevents this video of frolicking Dolphins from being absolutely perfect, but for the life of me I just can’t put my finger on it….
The dolphins were quite spectacular when viewed in person. I cried like a baby watching them leap about in the wake made by our boat. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize my finger was partially obstructing the lens until after the video had been shot. Sigh. It’s worth a watch anyway–the Dolphins put on quite a show.
Peace, people!
Big Days on the Beach
After two days sequestered inside our hotel room suffering from flu-like symptoms, Studly Doright seems to have emerged from the valley of the shadow of death. At least he showered, brushed his teeth, and went on a dolphin viewing tour with me, and I ask you, would a man on his deathbed have been capable of that?
When we left the marina area after the dolphin tour I spied the sign for the Clearwater Aquarium, and since Studly still had a bit of spring in his step we stopped in to visit with Winter, the dolphin made famous in the movie, Dolphin Tale.
Winter (above) stayed in the background this afternoon, but Hope (below) was eager to strut her stuff.
She kept showing us her tail, as if to say, “I don’t know why Winter is the star, I’m the one with a tail.” Cheeky dolphin
Tomorrow (Friday) is a big day. We’ve booked a 90 minute jet ski tour for 11 a.m. I’ve never ridden a jet ski, so I’m a little nervous. Then tomorrow evening we’re headed into Tampa for the Dixie Chicks concert. I’d better get to bed.
Peace, people!
Snapshot #10.333
“Still Under My Umbrella” 
A little Spark for your Thursday…
From juliepowell2014.wordpress.com and yours truly.
Last week I posted about an artistic collaboration between myself and Leslie Noyes Images and Imaginings, well we have been busy creating a few more Spark presentations; here is a new one
I am the tuning fork, a shimmering frisson of vibration calling the heart to harmony
I am also the rock, though, throwing ripples concentrically across once calmed waters
Peace and chaos vie for my soul, my meditation song pulled from the place of light
Spilling haphazardly across the courtyard where I tend tightly ordered rows of flowers
Regimental form forced on blood red roses contrary to their petals’ better nature,
Never certain which will win the day, tranquility or turmoil, I toil with hope and a smidgen of fear.
Til Next time, happy snapping
~ Julz
Lotus Flower
This is another one of my collaborative efforts with Julie Powell. 
“Lotus Flower Muse”
by Leslie Noyes
Fully formed
In Mind, as well
As in Flesh
and Bone.
Risen in Joy
Supplicant of
None save Life
Alone.
No meekly made
Maiden from
Mortal womb
Born.
Nor yet from
Buddha has she
Sprung this
Morn.
Softness and
Strength
Entwined in
Supple Limbs.
Fruit of
Lotus claims
Rebirth as
Her gift.
Love this photo? Check out Julie Powell’s blog on WordPress: https://juliepowell2014.wordpress.com/
Life in the Slow Lane
Last Saturday afternoon Studly Doright decided we needed to drive the convertible into Tallahassee for dinner at a local sports bar. The weather was perfect with temps in the mid-80’s and a smattering of towering cumulonimbus clouds off to the west.
We drove east bound down a series of two lane back roads all the way into Tallahassee enjoying the peaceful late summer ambience at a leisurely pace. No worries, no hurries.
I’m not a big fan of the sports bar we went to, so I won’t mention it by name. The service is terrible–I’ve never gotten what I’ve ordered on the first try–but the waitresses are earnest in their cluelessness. They’re also adorable, which I suspect is Studly’s reason for being a repeat customer.
On the way home the temps had dropped a bit and the clouds were more numerous. Studly and I both agreed it was an evening meant for driving around with the top down.
Don’t you think the cloud pictured below looks like a frog? See his little leg on the left?
We turned down Lanier Rd, a pleasant two lane that roughly parallels our neighborhood.
I’d planned on snapping a photo of the canopy formed by the live oaks on either side of Lanier, but as we approached the canopied section we noticed flashing lights.
A tree limb had fallen and was blocking the road.
Studly tried to convince the sheriff’s deputy that we had plenty of clearance to drive through. Fortunately the officer discouraged that. There was nothing to do but retrace our route and approach Doright Manor from another direction.
As we made a U-turn and drove away from the tree, Studly mentioned that we’d taken that very route to the restaurant. Thank goodness the tree waited for us to pass before dropping a limb.
Who knew that life in the slow lane could be hazardous?
Safely stabled. 
Peace, people!
Snapshot #10
“Under My Umbrella”
Praying for Eyebrowz 