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Recently took a 9-week vacation to Miramar Beach, Florida.

For once, put my feet up and didn’t work like crazy every day.

Took hikes, walked on the beach, ate out, met wonderful new people.

Carved out time to read.

Enjoyed buying presents for folks “back home.”

Ran out to see the view from our balcony every morning.

Oh my.

Had so much fun that we’re returning a month early next year…

I did something yesterday that I’ve never done before. 

I blacklisted someone from one of my social/business accounts.

Cut the cord.

I’ve never felt the need to do that.

Assumed that I never would.

So why did I do that?

Because this person pretended to be a friend.

I was happy to extend my friendship in both a personal and professional way.

Shared all kinds of information and resources.

Spent countless hours giving tips to improve her writing.

And an incredible amount of time editing a book for her,

correcting her repetitive mistakes

and improving verbs and expression.

But, once my work was done,

I was treated like a throwaway hankie.

Not treated with respect.

Sliced with a lie.

Never even thanked.

Now when her promotional materials clutter my inbox,

they cause a pang.

An “I don’t want to see this.”

I’m done.

This little frog keeps appearing on my bedroom window.  He appears when I turn on the bedside lamp to get ready for bed.  That attracts moths to the window in the dark…and Mr. Frog is right there, ready to feast.

CHOMP!

It’s fun to have nature’s little creatures showing up to say “Good night.”

What I do when I see someone who is disabled and potentially needs help is to stand back–out of their space–and ASK if they would like assistance.

This happened to me in a drugstore in Florida about a year ago. An elderly lady dropped her credit card on the floor. She obviously would not be able to pick it up. Her husband was totally exasperated with her and shouted “I can’t take it any more!” before he stomped off.

She was sitting in her wheelchair and crying.

I was behind her in line and I calmly asked her if she would like my help. She nodded “yes.” So I picked up her card and placed it on the pharmacist’s counter.

She was trying to explain to me why she was disabled. She had had a stroke and her right arm was useless. She acted so grateful to have my help and attention.

Before we parted, we hugged and both said “I love you.” She acted so happy to have someone’s understanding and support.

And I let her know that she was just fine the way that she was. No need for apologies.

As we left, I spoke her husband for a minute. Told him that I understood his frustration. How difficult it must be to be the caregiver for someone else’s every need. Without a break.

But there is room for all of us, isn’t there?

No, it wasn’t a sad encounter at all. We were surrounded by a beautiful bubble of love and acceptance.

We turned what could have been a disaster into a Golden Moment.

I was invited to read my books to children at the Cadillac Farmer’s Market.  It was fun to see the eager little faces show up.

Also donated an armload of books to the Forest & Farms program where children are introduced to organic farming, nature and wildlife.

You know, I do a lot of research when I write–even for children.  I want it to be accurate.  For this spider book, I discovered that spiders can smell with the hairs on their legs.  And that they have a tender spot on their belly where they emit the solution to spin their webs.  I searched to find what buildings would look like in ancient Egypt and what foods they might eat.  Even what type of trees would be typical in that setting.

If we find a spider in our house, we try to gentle lift him and place him outdoors.  Spiders are so beneficial.  Don’t want to destroy one.

What does wearing a mask mean?  For me, it means that I respect other people.  I may not be in great fear of contracting the recent Covid virus, but I recognize that others are.

So, when I wear my mask, I am saying, “I see you.  I understand that you feel more comfortable if I cover my face with a mask or shield.  So I will.”

It is saying that we’re all in this complicated, frustrating situation together.  I trust that, together, we will all get through this…and come out on the other side stronger and happier.  More resilient.

Wearing my mask might hide most of my face…but I can still smile at you with my eyes.

Yesterday we went to the zoo in Navarre, Florida.  It was fun to go to the zoo, but pretty cold.  Low temperatures for Florida with wind.  Many of the animals were sheltered because of the cold, but we had fun feeding the goats and giraffes.

Went into an enclosed area with budgies and I was suddenly surrounded by them.  One persistent guy was riding on top of my shoe and several landed on my arm and hand.  One even flew on top of my head.  Beautiful little birds so very close…without fear.  Amazing colors.  Tiny feet curled around my fingers and hand.  I had a cupful of lettuce to feed the giraffes and the budgies were happily pecking at it.

Of course, the big cats are always an attraction for me.  Last year there was the most magnificent adult tiger that I had ever seen.  But he was not there this year.  Instead, they displayed two tiger cubs.  One was a white tiger with unusual markings.  Playful.

Even had to take a picture with one big cat…

Fortunately, he was pretty docile.

I saw one guy with unblinking eyes in the water.  Reached to pet him, but then had a close-up view of his very BIG teeth.  An alligator grin.  Decided that it would be a better move to back off rather than pat him on his head.

Some animals deserve a little more distance than others…