One Love...

Hello my Lovelies.  This week I am feelin' the love from my birth town, Alpena.  On Saturday I was honored to be a part of the Alpena Book Festival held downtown.  As I drove along gorgeous State Street, preparations were being made for the Tunnel to Towers event honoring the firefighters, military and first responders that were the hero's of September 11, 2001.  The signage, banners and balloons were just a small part of the scene that hosted over 600 run/walkers.  I only wish it wasn't the same time as my book festival obligations.

Also being held was some sort of Folk Music Festival along with the Farmer's Market featuring 'Kid's Day.'  A huge pool was set up so the children could experience kayaking along with sampling fresh vegetables.  Wonder which event was the favorite?

Historic, beautiful Alpena was poppin' with action as Blue Phoenix and Olivet Book Store, George N. Fletcher Public Library along with Cabin Creek coffeehouse, The Loft,  Thunder Bay Winery, and Fresh Palate opened their doors to authors and bibliophiles alike. (Please forgive me if I've forgotten anyone.)  On that perfect fall day, the weather was sunny enough that the open, big garage doors on two storefronts, allowed the crowd to easily mingle. The hosts of the festival were accommodating as well as warm and welcoming to all of us.  I was proud to say that of the 23 authors, I was the only one born in this wonderful town.

I can't help but wish that everyone could feel the 'Alpena experience', and I was reminded of a favorite children's book called "The Little Engine Who Could."  Alpena is the little town that DID and I am proud to own it as my hometown. 

Thank you all for the support and love.  xo

P.S. Rest in Peace, Travis; a life lost too soon.  I will pray for God to hold you in his arms. xo

Booty Song...

In honor of  national "Talk like a Pirate Day," (who thinks of this stuff?) I thought I'd post a throwback pic of me and my bucko during a vacation on the Outer Banks.  Lauri, (the wench in white) insisted that I costume up a bit as a sort of initiation to the beach.  After a few giggles, we ditched our eye patches and tucked into a big shrimp basket.  And maybe a vodker, or two!

For the life of me, I cannot figure out how pirates have become so in vogue.  Since I mostly vacation on seashores, the pirate theme seems to be everywhere.  Maybe it's the idea of being on a ship, drinking rum and pillaging something that perpetuates the romantic notion.  I admit to having flown a scull and crossbones flag and I do have a gold pirate pendant. But, I am an avowed landlubber and find the whole pirate theme a little gritty for my tastes.  My attraction sides to more metrosexual dudes-you know, the ones who get haircuts and take showers and earn their livings legally.  And I hate rum...Blackbeard, Bluebeard, Cap'n Crunch-you can keep 'em all.

However, I do have a fascination with Mel Fisher, who in 1985 discovered the Atocha shipwreck, netting a 450 million dollar cache of gold, silver and emeralds.  There is a pic of Mel in a tuxedo, wading into the water with a bottle of champagne celebrating his treasure.  My kinda party and well deserved, Mel!  I visited the museum in Key West and held a ten pound brick of solid gold that he retrieved on the wreck.  And  I gifted Randy with a 'pieces of eight' pendant made of Mel Fisher gold.  As an avid diver, he's a bit of a modern day pirate himself.

For a bit of corn, I'll quote my favorite pirate saying:

"To err is human; to arr is Pirate!  Forgive me this err-I am only human!  Enjoy your day, my dear Matey's! AARRRRRRRR  xo

Runaway...

Recently, I spent a weekend up north hanging out with my darling nieces who were visiting from San Jose.  Soon they are moving to Japan for two years, so I wanted to spend some time with them before they leave.  We went fossil hunting at the Rockport Quarry, worked on some arts and crafts and snacked-a lot!  I watched as they patiently fished and caught a few small ones. Aeyrn and Ellie are polite, bright and loving little girls.  They speak two languages and play violin and piano and also dance and ice skate.  I'll be excited to see what they pick up living in Japan.  Congrats to my nephew, Jacob on his promotion.

On another topic, tonight finds me exhausted after the weekend at the beach house.  Last night, we fell asleep to a movie and woke up with the screen door open a little and Hazel out and about.  Flashlights and calling her did no good at all.  We left the door open and I slept on the couch hoping to hear her come back in.  Around 1:00 a.m., I somehow woke up to her strutting in with wet paws and cold fur.  Evidently her adventure was over and she was back no worse for the wear.  The whole thing could have ended horribly and I'm so happy that it didn't.  She's usually a very good kitty but sometimes her curiosity gets the better of her.  And we all know how that can end!

Needless to say, I am exhausted tonight and can't wait for a good nights sleep.  I seem to be needing more and more all the time.  Guess I'll scoop up the little furball and hit the hay.  That's all the adventuring she's doing tonight!

Have a good week and enjoy the nice cool nights.  xo

Lowdown...

Happy Labor Day!  On Saturday I was expecting my brother to drive down the hill to hang with us for beachfront fun, but I was NOT expecting to have my sister, Lisa, surprise me!  I was so excited to see her and have a few days with nothing but fun scheduled.  And could it have been a more perfect weekend-weather wise?  Even though it was just the usual beachhouse shenanigans, we had a great time.  I usually do not like surprises, but this one was one I loved. 

Thanks for making the weekend special, Lisa.  You are the best.   Love, Jodi xo