Bahamas Adventure Afoot 👣

Happy Spring Dear Family and Friends!

Yes, it’s been quite a spell since I’ve blogged regularly. As mentioned in my previous post (August 2023), it didn’t feel appropriate for a number of reasons. (Reasons including the spacing in this post 😁) I have jested that it might not have been the best idea to have my first wedding (1985) at a venue named The Odyssey. Perhaps it was a harbinger of the life I have been leading the almost 40 years since. That’s twice the duration of Odysseus’ efforts to get back to Ithica! And my incredible journey continues on my quest for that, so far elusive, tropical retreat location. 

Backing up about five years ago, I was blessed to live in a comfortable hotel for two

years just minutes from Casey Key, Florida. Ironically, this was the location my second husband and I stayed when we first moved to Florida March 2006. We lived there for two weeks looking for the home we eventually bought in Nokomis. In the chapter over a decade later, strange, uncertain times enveloped the world as people sequestered themselves from each other. I got to joyful assisted my Loving Hosts in a variety of ways adding to my "resume" of skills. Due to my fortunate circumstances, it was definitely two absolutely wonderful years for me. Because they also owned property on the beach, I was able to access it daily. The luxury of having the sand and sea to myself the majority of the time was exquisite. Sunrise and sunset would regularly find me on the beach exploring and enjoying with DeLight.

The blessings continued when it was time to move on due to the sale of the resort. As she was a friend of my hotel hosts, I’d met my new patron earlier. At the time we first met, I had no idea I’d have the privilege of living with her. Her gorgeous property was on Casey Key literally beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico. The dock in back extended over the Intracoastal Waterway. Life was absolutely a dream most of those two years. Again, being on the beach for sunrise, sunset and often in between, I hardly wanted to go anywhere else.

During that four year period, nature

enchanted me in so many remarkable ways. I was privy to numerous sightings of nesting mama turtles. Baby turtles making their first brave trip to sea was a rarer event so super exciting. Even rescued a few hatchlings. In fact, I’ve gotten to save many sea creatures, probably in the hundreds – baby turtles, fish, seahorses, sea urchins, conchs, cockles, hermit crabs, non hermits and more. Being one of the beach guardians was indeed an awe-inspiring honor.

A planned trip to California in June 2023 for

my son’s wedding just happened to coincide with the sale of my beach host’s property. Certainly a bittersweet time. The outdoor Carpinteria California wedding was wonderful in every way. The handsome groom exchanged personal vows with his stunning princess bride – as they wished. It was a lovely June day complete with refreshing ocean breezes. As expected, there was much fun and a few tears of emotion in the revelry of the reception that followed. So far, the wedded couple are living happily ever after with their Furkids - Hero, a cute Shiba Inu, and Scout, a precocious calico Maine Coon/Ragdoll kitty.

Initially, I went to stay at my next tropical haven for only a week or two. No surprise, I had water in front and back, although this time it was little lakes teeming with wildlife. It was only seven minutes from Casey Key – definitely a pattern here! Two weeks turned into six months as my gracious host accommodated my ever-changing, uncertain life. During that period I got to, among other things, assist in the care of precious fursister cuties – a dog and a cat. Pets have also been a strong theme for me.

My Casey Key lady had an adorable little rambunctious mixed breed pup. My hotel couple had two small dogs and a cat the size of both dogs combined. It continues to confirm that kids and animals love me – a validation that warms my heart as a human.

Being around my kids in June was auspicious for more reasons than we knew at the time. Besides all the excitement and beautiful festivities around Jeff and Amanda’s wedding, there was another miracle growing. That tiny marvel emerged into this world February 26 – 2/26/24 at 22:26! Natasha and Erick’s baby boy couldn’t be more prefect! Thanks to my host in the same city as my daughter, along with a

legion of other angels, I got to be around when Carter arrived. Indescribable moments were shared with this new little cherub. He was locking eyes just after being born – something typically unfathomable considering newborns’ normal visioncapacity. His eyes held wisdom beyond his moments in this earth realm. His skin was plump and smooth. His tiny hands and feet open and daintily placed – just incredible. No doubt this precious guy has some big plans for his experience on this planet!

In California, I was hosted in an amazing manor atop a mountain in the Santa Rosa Valley. The incredible view was 360 degrees. Far in the distance, mountains circled all around. Stretching below were neighborhoods, vineyards, and fields. The owner is a spirited gal with monumental dreams and projects to support. One of the many awesome things about this host is that she ordered a vertical aeroponic Tower Garden through me. For the first time, I was able to

help set one up and get the baby greens and herbs started. I pray the nutrition she harvests down the road will support her physically as well as uplift her in other ways. If you’ve ever been curious about growing your own food in this manner or getting your own Tower Garden, I’d be thrilled to be a part of that! 

And now, it is time to move on once more. As is often the case, I really don’t know where next I will land. I am again feeling a strong pull to the Bahamas. Although I’ve yet to know where “my tropical place” is, the most powerful feeling vicinity so far has been the Bahamas. Hence, I have begun to seriously research prospective work exchange situations that could facilitate me being in that part of the world. If you know anyone in the Bahamas, have connections to the Bahamas, or can support me otherwise in this quest, please let me know. Of course, if you have other leads for a tropical beach area, I am receptive to entertaining them as well.

It has been a very long journey thus far. While I know there may still be a long road ahead, I am definitely open to the miracle of my place manifesting soon. It is with compassion and encouragement that I send a reminder to some of my readers. Many of you have had ideas,

goals and dreams that have yet to come into fruition in spite of your years pursuing them. For some, it was appropriate to let go and head in a different direction. For others, staying the course is what you feel compelled to do. Either way, have faith that you are on the right track! Whether we actually achieve what we think we wish to or not, our Odyssey is just as important. Think of all the people we have touched positively along the way. Consider the blessings we have received and the blessing we are to others. Hang in there. The best is yet to come!

Thank you all for being part of my journey!

Yours in this amazing Adventure called Life ~

Michelle