Sunday, July 19, 2009

Once upon a time . . . 1988

He was standing on the deck of a small boat wearing nothing but a dark tan, a pair of Levi's turned up twice at the cuff, a baseball cap, and sunglasses. My eyes were drawn to the line of sun-bleached hair that trailed from just below his bellybutton past the unbuttoned waist of his jeans. Lost in thoughts of what lay beyond that zipper, I was yanked back to reality by the sound of his voice. It was deep with just a hint of a southern drawl. "Looking for some?", he asked. My tummy was doing flip-flops as I managed a weak "Just looking for a place to catch some crabs."
Without hesitation he replied "Try the Foc'sle." "Ok, thanks," I said, a little puzzled at the reply, as I wandered off to find the others.

Later that day I ran into him again in the restaurant by the docks. "Hey, sugar, can I buy you a drink?" There was that gravely twang again. He had his sunglasses off and I could see the clear blue of his eyes. "Sure," I said, hoping he wouldn't notice how nervous I was.

It was during that first conversation that I learned he grew up in Ft. Lauderdale (me too!), he was turning 40 on the 11th of September (I had just turned 40 in May!!), he was single (so was I!!!), and he was working on a party, or head, boat. He was trying to save enough money to get back to Ft. Lauderdale to see his daughter for the first time in 12 years. I spent that rainy weekend with him in the little cabin on his boat. When it was time to go back home I thanked him for the wonderful memory he had given me. I gave him my phone number but never expected him to call - but he did!!!!

For the next several weekends I made the eight hour journey by bus from my home in Connecticut to the shore in Narraganset, Rhode Island.

He took me on the boat with him and taught me how to tie a rig, cut clams for bait, and filet a scup.

I listened with rapt attention to tales of his life on the sea. he told the worst jokes and the best stories I had ever heard.

We shot pool and drank beer and played "Rebel Yell" (his) and "Sweet Child O' Mine (mine) endlessly on the juke box at the Foc'sle . . . his comment from earlier in the day coming clear to me.

I was totally smitten.

Now, when I close my eyes, I see that day as clearly as if it were a photograph. I don't know what forces were at work that rainy Labor Day weekend that brought each of us to that fishing dock in Gallilee almost 21 years ago, but I shall be forever grateful.

Steve is my Sweet Love, my partner, my biggerst supporter, and my BFF.


Take care til next time. K (aka Mad Beach Maven)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Oh the Wells Fargo wagon is a comin' down the street . . .

I don't know about you all, but I just love getting things in the mail. Especially things that surprise and amaze me. I must admit that I hate going out to shop - the crowds, the parking, the traffic - all tend to make me not want to go even when it is necessary, like grocery shopping. Although, if I could order those online I probably would.

But I just love online shopping! And when I found that my Big Sis's daughter-in-law, Misty, was a candle maker and was also a contributor to the Out Of The Box web site, well, I just had to give it a try. My box arrived just a couple of days after ordering and, as promised, there were many delightful things inside:



And I've got to hand it to Michelle at Out Of The Box. I wasn't disappointed! There were many different items, all from crafters who make their own wares. There were yummy moisturizing lavender bath salts from Karlene all natural, as well as Sweet Pea and Jasmine from Divine Serenity Salts, and a little bag of aroma beads in a lovely scent called Amber (which is going to my office); a delightfully scented goat milk based soap in Almond Biscotti; and a very tiny chunk of olive oil/castille soap with a fruity scent (which I wish would have been just a little bit bigger as it went really quickly).








The pink package on the left in the picture above contained homemade marshmellows from Very Confectionate (which didn't last long and were delish!). There was a spray bottle of Lilac Body Spray from Bella Custom Blends (very nice and will surely be enjoyed). And if that wasn't enough, there were several melty/smellies: Nantucket Bay from Stone Creek Candle; Lemony Fresh and Mango Papaya from Southern Star Scents; and Winter Spice from Ugly Duckling Designs along with a full size votive soy candle in Sweet Orange and Lavender from Crow's Nest Primitive Shoppe.



And that's not all! There was also a cute retro kitchen magnet "Loud Mouth Lime" from Traci's Custom Crafter Magnets and a bag of all natural Cottage Vegetable Dip Mix from Cottage Creations Company which smells wonderful and will be tried very soon.



Misty has her own site, which I have mentioned here before: http://m-dcandles.blogspot.com/

as does Out of the Box which is also with Blogspot at www.outoftheboxsampler.blogspot.com/


All in all, the $22 including shipping was well worth the treasures inside. And I think it is a great idea to provide a place for these crafters to display their wares and especially to offer samples like these. I will surely be placing an order or two for my favorites - if and when I can decide which items are my faves. They are all wonderful and kuddos to all the wonderful crafters who contributed.



Please give Michelle's site a visit and order your very own sample from "Out Of The Box". She offers one per month and supplies are limited.



Til next time, take care. K (aka Mad Beach Maven)

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Have a safe and loving 4th




For those who don't know or who have perhaps forgotten, the following is a partial list of the correctness for displaying our flag:




Time and occasions for display
(a) Display on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in open; night display
It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
(b) Manner of hoisting
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
(c) Inclement weather
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.
(d) Particular days of display
The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.



We won't be doing much more than laying around the house relaxing. I have two new recipes to try. A pasta salad made with sundried tomatoes and calamata olives and a strawberry shortcake cake. Both recipes are from Ree at http://www.pioneerwoman.com. I had wanted to do some planting, but according to my handy dandy celestial chart next weekend is the better time. I guess I'll work on the sweater I'm making - picture below. Hmmm, I wonder if my new great (great?) niece would like this. I find I enjoy making children's sweaters as they knit up alot quicker. I'm using natural wool in a darker grey than the one in the picture. The size will be for about a one year old. Any takers just let me know.
The precious model is the daughter of SouleMama from her blog of the same name. Go visit. She has much to offer.
That's it for now. Stay safe and take care. K (aka Mad Beach Maven