“May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke
Inspired by the visit to DeBary Hall, and learning about his steamboat trips along St. Johns River, Michael and I decided to take a river cruise.
St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida and it is the only one, of very few in the world, that flows south to north.
We chose a 3-hour lunch cruise on the Barbara Lee. The Barbara Lee was built in 1986 and refurbished in 2012.
We boarded at 11am. We were seated by the window on the first level. We were served pecan buns as soon as we sat down. They were delicious.
After giving our waitress our lunch orders we went outside to take in the views. It was a gorgeous day. We sat outside for awhile I enjoyed a mimosa.
We returned inside around 12:30pm for lunch. Michael, and it seemed like everyone else, ordered the salmon. I was between the chicken parmigiana and the prime rib. In the end I, regretfully, ordered the prime rib.
The meat looked awful. I took a tiny bite and even though it was not so bad, I couldn’t get past the look of it. I ate the mashed potatoes, green beans and the bread rolls with butter. For dessert there was red velvet cake. We enjoyed that very much.
There was also an entertainer singing some oldies, but goodies, such as Frank Sinatra’s songs. I really enjoyed that.
I highly recommend this boat trip for a fun day. Just don’t order the meat. They also have dinner cruises and other theme nights.
Afterwards we walked around downtown Sanford, which is a great little town.
“Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time?” That the river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean and in the mountains, everywhere and that the present only exists for it, not the shadow of the past nor the shadow of the future.” ― Hermann Hesse
“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.” ― Winston S. Churchill
On Sunday we visited the DeBary Hall in DeBary, Florida. It was a guided tour, so we learned a lot about this beautiful house and its owner. It was so interesting!
Frederick DeBary was originally from Germany and came to NY to represent Mumms champagne. He became very successful and made a fortune. On a trip to Florida, via steamboat on the St. John’s River, he fell in love with the area and decided to buy land and build a hunting lodge.
DeBary Hall was built in 1871. It was a hunting lodge to host his family and friends from NY, in the summer. He entertained some of the wealthiest and most prominent people of the time, including presidents.
It had all the newest and best amenities at the time. He spared no expenses to provide his family and guests with the best of everything. He even imported the birds to be hunted. They ate all that was hunted.
There is a lot more interesting information about the house, property and its owner, but I am keeping with my resolve of posting more, so I am stopping here.
As usual I didn’t take many pictures. I was enamored with this gorgeous house and didn’t want to miss any of the guide’s explanations.
As a lover of bread I had to take a picture of the toaster. I also took a picture of his grandson’s letter to his son Adolphe.
“I feel the need to endanger myself every so often.” ― Tim Daly
After returning from Florida, we spent one week in NY then went skiing in Colorado. Breckenridge was divine. Too bad we cannot be on vacation forever. Real life was here waiting for me.
The audit headache continues. The new auditor that we had to hire is proving to be more difficult than the actual regulators. He has given me information that is different than the regulation that I know. At this point, with 2 weeks to go, I have no choice, but just go along and get this done. After this audit is submitted then I will have decisions to make.
Right now, after putting out a fire, I am taking a break to have coffee. I am using this moment to tell you about my skiing vacation.
I am sharing some of the pictures from Breckenridge below. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights:
We got upgraded to first class on the flight there. On the return we were upgraded to Delta comfort only, but still we had tons of room and a great flight.
The shuttle from and to the airport worked out perfectly. We didn’t want to rent a car or to take a chance with Ubers.
I was inflicted with altitude sickness for 2 days. I missed one day of skiing. Still, the good 4 days more than made up for those 2 days.
The weather was perfect!! It snowed overnight a couple of days, and also on the last day there.
It was not crowded on the mountain. There was no wait on the lift lines.
My new ski boots are amazing. Easy to put on and remove it, and so comfortable. Comfortable boots makes such a difference.
My new ski goggles, with room for my prescription glasses, was a game changer. In the past I was pretty much blind on the mountain. Now I can read the signs, use my phone, etc.
My new skis are great, and it means that I don’t have to deal with the hassle of renting. I will still rent when bring my own skis may not be convenient.
We ate out 4 evenings. I am highlighting 2 of the meals here. The best and the worst.
The best meal was at Mimos Fancy Tapas. Everything was delicious and perfect. From the service to the ambiance. We will definitely return next time we are there.
The worst meal was at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant. The food had no flavor and the service was inattentive. Will never return and will warn others about it.
Michael wanted to stay in Breckenridge an extra week. I have to keep reminding him that I still have a job. So, we came back.
Skiing continues to terrify me. I still struggle with it. I feel out of control. I panic. Still, I continue… because… I absolutely adore it! Go figure…
Now my focus is on getting this audit done. We will probably go back to Florida, and also go to Brazil at some point in the next few months. So much to do, so little time available to do it.
I hope everyone is having a great March!
Delta’s delicious breakfast
Best Food at Mimos Fancy Tapas
Mimos Fancy Tapas
Mi Casa – worst food ever – flavorless
Tom’s baby-the largest piece of gold found in Colorado
On the chairlift , feeling grateful
My happy place
A gorgeous snowy day
Ten Mile Station lodge
“I am jealous of those who think more deeply, who write better, who draw better, who ski better, who look better, who live better, who love better than I.” ― Sylvia Plath
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss
This is another long overdue review of a book from one of my fellow bloggers. This is a review of the book “Wake Up Call” by Tom Rapsas. I love, love, love, this book! It speaks to me! I am writing in the present tense, because I am still reading it. And I will probably be reading it forever.
Tom Rapsas is a self-described regular guy. He is a fellow blogger that, like myself, has always been curious about all things spiritual. Unlike myself, Tom has been constantly working hard in pursuing and expanding his spiritual knowledge. To our benefit.
Tom Rapsas and I met through our blogs a few years ago. We had exchanged messages in each other’s blogs, and at one point even considered meeting in person in NY City. At that time we both worked in Midtown Manhattan. We never end up meeting. We were both very busy. Then Covid happened. My job relocated to Westchester County, his to New Jersey. Life happened and we lost touch.
I was surprised to receive an email from him in October 2023. He let me know that he had written a book and was offering me an advance copy. I was happy to be remembered and felt honored by the offer. In November I received the book and put it aside until I was done with some others I had to finish. I wanted to give it my full and undivided attention.
When I started reading it, in January, I dove in headfirst and began going through the pages in record time. I recognized names and the teachings that I have always loved. Some I had not read in a long time and was happy to be reacquainted. I also encountered new names and new teachings. I felt my world expanding.
A few chapters in I realized I was making a big mistake by going too fast. I am all about results, and finishing a book is always an accomplishment to me. But, a book, specially this one, is not about finishing, but learning and getting inspired by its many teachings.
This book is perfect in small bites, where one can savor its message, digest its content, and really assimilate the lessons. This is a book to be practiced and not just read.
I went back to page one and started again. This time savoring every word. There is no hurry. Finishing it is not the goal. The goal is to open my mind and heart to all the amazing rewards that come with learning and practicing the lessons here. The purpose is to be inspired to learn, to grow, to do more and be more.
This book is a testament to the extent of Tom’s work and dedication to all matters spiritual. It is such a powerful gift to anyone that is interested in learning more about spiritual teachings but was often overwhelmed by so many ideas out there.
Tom compiled the main spiritual ideas of all my favorite writers. He reminded me the reasons why they are my favorites. Tom also introduced me to writers that I didn’t know. He summarized and explained the core teachings of so many amazing writers, and made the teachings easy to understand.
In reading it slowly, I am letting the words speak to me. Little by little, I let the inspiration wash over me. I try to read some of it every morning and night, even if it is just a paragraph. Or any time that I feel that I need a spiritual pick me up. Sometimes I read the same passage over and over again – each time reaping a different benefit.
This book, true to its name, was a real “Wake Up Call” for me. This book came at the perfect time. At a time that I knew my spiritual side was dormant and needed waking up. This book has been a reminder that I need to continue the spiritual work. It feeds my mind and soul.
I had been busy falling in love and learning how to be part of a couple. I know it is funny to say that, but it is true. Michael showed up and I let go of a lot. Not his fault. I made him a priority, as he made me.
It is such a blessing to rediscover the benefits of spiritual teachings in my life. I have seen its rewards in the past. It opens my heart and my soul, and it gives me purpose in this world. Developing my spiritual side has made me better in so many ways, for me and for others. I am more forgiving, more understanding, less judgmental and more grateful than ever before.
I don’t think I will ever finish this book. I don’t think it is a book to read it and put it away. Tom’s wisdom and insights will benefit me forever. It has become my go to book. It is my Bible of inspiration. I am so happy and grateful it has been written.
I love and agree when he says: “Wisdom comes from many sources.” This is a book of the most important and insightful spiritual teachings out there. All in one place. It exposes the reader to the many different teachings in spiritually. All alongside Tom’s valuable insights.
I probably repeated myself, but I really treasure this book and want you to know. If you are interested in spiritual teachings, in growth, in becoming better as a person, this book is for you!
Stay tuned for more reviews of books by my fellow bloggers.
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles W. Eliot
Re-Create and Celebrate – 7 Steps to Turn Your Dream Into Reality was written by Cindy Georgakas. She is the creative and fun force from the blog Unique Times https://uniquelyfitblog.com/
Cindy is an experienced multi- talented individual in the health and wellness area. She is a certified life coach, as well as being certified in Yoga, massage therapy, Reiki, among many others.
One look at her blog gives you an idea of what a dynamo she is. I am in awe of all she accomplishes while taking care of her family, including elder parents; and being there for her clients and community. And not to mention, helping out with the two sweetest additions to her family – her two adorable grandkids.
She has put a lot work on this book; it is a work of love and it shows. In this book Cindy invites one to look inwards and work through seven steps to achieve their best life. These are the seven steps:
1. Finding the true you 2. Finding your purpose 3. Finding your want and why 4. Plan of action – Reaching your goals 5. Loving yourself 6. Processing feelings 7. Falling off the wagon, burnout and support
Yes, it does require some work. It requires commitment and honesty in completing each step. She reminds us that there are no shortcuts.
To me it was a big reminder to stop being so comfortable in life and get moving towards being the best that I can be. I have a great life, but am I fully aware and involved in growing and becoming better? Of course not. There is always room for growth.
Cindy Is not preachy in delivering her message. Throughout the book she shares her own struggles and hardships, and how she overcame them – and still does. Problems will show up, it is how we handle them that makes the difference.
Each step for me was a reminder of the work that I need to do. The two parts that I keep going back to are: 1. Page 86 – Having a morning routine. I get up and go, always grateful, but always on the run. I know I need to improve that, and Cindy does a great job of giving me ideas. 2. Page 139 – Change your words and change your mind. It is all about making sure that our inner voice is always reflecting our gratitude and love for ourselves.
Cindy’s book is an invitation to create the life we want while celebrating the life we have. I am accepting that invitation, and so should you!
“Words can illuminate your spirit, or kick you to the curb. What are your inner voices doing to you? Start noticing what words you say to yourself, and then ask where they came from. Perhaps they are old tapes you heard growing up. – Cindy Georgakas
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ―Maya Angelou
I am long overdue in writing this review and the others I will be posting next. I like to support my WordPress community by buying their books, but unfortunately, I am not speedy with my reading and reviewing of them. Sorry.
The Scars We Don’t See was written by Cassa Bassa. She is the powerful voice behind the blog Flicker of Thoughts https://flickerofthoughts.com/
She has contributed stories to other books, but this is her first published book. It is micro-fiction, a combination of very short stories and poems.
I have always been a fan of her blog, specially of how she masterfully conveys so much meaning in so few words. This book didn’t disappoint.
I decided not to read the stories in order. Each day I opened to a page and let it speak to me. And it did. Some days it seemed to be written specially for me.
There are so many wonderful stories, that I love for different reasons. There is some tragedy and some comedy, and beauty in all of them.
In the section entitled “I See You” she shares her observations of the people she meets and the world around us. In the section entitled “A Little Bit of Me and a Whole Lot of Fiction”, Cassa shares some of her own self intertwined into fiction.
Cassa is a sweet soul and her stories reflect all her sensibility. She is authentic, and nothing in her micro-fiction is predictable.
Below is one of my favorites.
Keepsake
There was a poet living in poverty. His only possession was his words.
He was secretly in love with the shoemaker’s daughter. So, every day he wrote a love poem and whispered to her as a keepsake.
She was born tender-eyed and was not married, even way past childbearing age. But all the days of her life, she was happy, especially when she saw how beautiful she was in the mirror.
I am attempting to read all the books that I have sitting around my apartment. I will be posting very short reviews as I finish them. I am not sure if I should call them reviews. I will be writing about what I personally get from each book. What did the book make me think about and how it applies to my life, if at all. It is not meant to describe the whole book.
I just finished “Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life”, by Bill Perkins.
Main book ideas for me:
Stop accumulating money to spend when you are older; start using it now. Spend money on the things you love while you are young and healthy to really enjoy them. Most people wait until retirement to start spending money on what brings them joy. By that time, they may not have the health and energy to fully enjoy the activities they dreamed of.
Confronting our mortality. We have a finite time on this earth. What we take from it are the experiences we have, and the memories we make.
I realize I often choose saving over spending. I do spend money on essentials, some travel, and on family and friends. In that last one, I will spare no expenses to help or treat them. I rather spend money on my family then on myself, and I often do.
“Think about what you really want out of this life in terms of meaningful and memorable experiences.”
I have always thought about making sure that I have money in case of an emergency, if I lose my job, or if my family ever needs anything. Coming from nothing, I want to make sure that, my family and I, will never want for anything in life.
Yesterday, while catching up with my first boss in the US, she said: ‘You were always a saver. Even when you were just a teenager, you never spent any money.”
Funny, that I really never thought about that. I will spend money on myself but cautiously, mostly with traveling. I used to spend with nails, hair, massages, etc but lately I am not even doing that. I will get a massage every now and then. For hair and nails, I always become impatient waiting for those services. Plus some of the NY prices are crazy.
As far as clothes, I want to have less. I never cared for material stuff, and I am having less and less interest in anything material. I want a life freer and simpler, but with enough money to do whatever I want. I want to spend a lot time traveling and not maintaining stuff.
“The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end that’s all there is.”
Reading this book now, when Michael just came into my life, makes me more inspired to live more. Michael saved money while young, with the aim of retiring at 55 years old, which he did. He has been enjoying his life since then. He is now 61. I want to enjoy life with him. I want to spend more money and time acquiring experiences and memories, and not items that will weigh me down.
I cannot retire right at this moment for a couple of reasons. My company needs me, and I need my company, for the health insurance and for the good salary. So this book is perfect for me, as it reminds me not to wait for retirement, but live it up now. So, the planning for more fun, more travel, less working days is already in motion.
This book is also perfect for the person that has been over-saving, so focused on savings for the future that he forgets to live in the now. Still, I believe and advocate balance in all areas. One cannot forget about making sure one has enough to live well in old age. The worst thing that could happen is to have to come out of retirement because one has ran out of money.
“What’s the takeaway here? Being aware that your time is limited can clearly motivate you to make the most of the time you do have.”
*all quotes are from the book
so this became very long, but if I edit, it will never be published, so here it goes. Sorry for typos, etc
On Friday night I met the 65 year attorney at the Elgin Restaurant for the third date. I got there first and chose a table in the back, where was quiet and less drafty… as I thought to myself: omg, I must really be getting old, trying to be away from noise and cold air!
I had a drink called Lafayette 45. It was made with Empress Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup & Prosecco. He doesn’t normally drink, he had a diet coke. For appetizers we had fried cauliflower and also a Mediterranean platter with a trio of dips. For entrée I chose sirloin sliders. He had a salad with tons of stuff in it. We chose not to have dessert. I have been having too much sugar lately.
After dinner we headed to the Walter Karr Theatre to see Hadestown. I knew we were going to the theater but I didn’t know which show. I was happy it was a show I hadn’t seen it before. The theater was a small space, there was really no bad seat. Our seats were in the middle orchestra, about 10 rows from the front. It was close enough for me.
Hadestown is a musical loosely based on Greek Mythology story of the love affair between Orpheus and Eurydice. Overall, I enjoyed the show specially because I went in with no expectations. Since I didn’t know what we would be seeing I didn’t do any research or read anything about the show.
I really enjoyed it, but I found that the set/scenery could have been better. I have come to expect to be wowed any time I go to see anything on Broadway, specially musicals. Here, there was not much of it. I kept waiting for the set to change it, but it really never did. There was one setting change, but it was not really different from the original. I felt it could have been more creative.
I also had a problem with some songs. While I loved most of them, I felt that some of them were there to just fill space. At those times my mind would drift off, waiting for something to grab my attention again. At those times I wished the show was shorter.
While I really enjoyed the show I do wish the setting was more creative and some songs were removed. But looking back, I feel like that about a lot shows. I guess some song fillers are necessary. However the singers and dancers were all amazing. Some of the best voices I have heard. For that alone I would go back.
As far as my date, he continues to be such a gentleman, so thoughtful and kind. He would not let me take the train or an Uber after the show. He drove me 40 minutes out of his way to take me home. Again, when he dropped me off, I reached over, hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek when I said good bye.
The chemistry is still not there, and I doubt it will ever be there. I don’t think we will be going on any more dates. Unless he is okay with friendship only.
“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances. ” ―Maya Angelou
After no dates for a while, I had 2 dates in 2 days.
The guy that I called “The Disingenuous” on the prior post invited me to go see Steely Dan. I had not blocked him because I sensed that he was harmless and just perhaps a little misguided. I mentioned to him that I didn’t think he was serious about meeting because of what he had done before.
He apologized, and said it was not his intention to appear that he was playing games. I said ok, and he quickly got the tickets and then asked for restaurant suggestions. I gave him a couple of names and he booked a place that I like, Sonora Restaurant.
We met near The Capitol in Port Chester, that was where Steely Dan was playing. From there we went together to the restaurant. It was a gorgeous evening, so we sat outside. We shared several small plates instead of ordering an entrée. It just felt faster that way, as we had the concert to go to.
We shared different tacos, eggplant meatballs, yucca fries, quinoa cakes, etc. To drink I had the Brazilian Cosmopolitan, made with blood orange vodka. He had iced tea. He quit drinking. He said he doesn’t have a problem with alcohol, he just feels he doesn’t need it. Everything was delicious and the conversation flowed.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ―Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The theater is beautiful and the concert was great. Even though I really didn’t grow up listening to Steely Dan, I recognized a few songs. They didn’t play their most famous one, and the one that I knew the most, Rikki Don’t Lose My Number. The entire band was amazing. Every single one so talented!!
After the concert, he walked me to my car and we hugged goodbye. It was the strongest hug I ever received. The jury is still out if that was a good or bad thing. I am thinking he was just eager.
We have texted back and forth for a little bit. I am not sure if we will see each other again. He is 60 years old, but looks younger. He has been married twice, and has 3 kids, the 2 youngest are 10 years old. He works as some type of smart home/alarm sales – not sure exactly the details. Maybe it is worth a second date. I didn’t really feel much chemistry. I am just not sure.
“The beauty of God is in the wind, in the movement of the ocean, it is in the eyes of a woman gazing at her lover, pouring the deep red wine of love from her eyes like two crystal cups. There is a God who dances and who loves and who longs to sing of love…And I mean that God is music; all inclusive, benevolent and life-affirming, unashamed human emotion.”―Jeff Buckley
On Saturday I went on a date with a 58 years semi-retired engineer. He has been divorced for 3 years and has 2 grown sons. We went to an awesome restaurant called Harvest on Hudson. It was facing the Hudson River. The location was gorgeous and the food so yummy.
I had an awesome cocktail, that I don’t recall the name, but it had passion fruit and Aperol in it. He had vodka soda. I had cod fish fritters for appetizer and eggplant for the entrée. He had meatballs, and then linguine. For dessert I had the tiramisu, and it was probably the best I ever had.
“Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.” ―Mark Twain
He must have said I was beautiful at least 10 times. Not only to me, but to the hostess, to the bartender, to the waiter, to anyone we interacted with. He also loved my dress and my glasses.
After dinner we walked by the river, then to my car. We hugged good bye with a quick peck on the lips. I forgot to mention, when I first met him, it seemed he was going for my lips and I turned so he gave me a peck on the cheek. In my book, when upon meeting someone, peck on the cheek is ok and the norm, on the lips no. Yes, I am a prude lol
We have texted just a couple of times and last night he called me and invited me to dinner tomorrow (Thursday). I said yes. I am not sure there is a lot of chemistry but he seems so nice that I want to go on a second date and see if there is anything there.
I had 2 great dates with 2 great guys. When that happens I get reminded of the beauty of the potential and possibilities. I get the feeling that I am getting closer. One never knows, and that is why I keep trying. Feeling blessed and hopeful.
“I have made a lot of mistakes falling in love, and regretted most of them, but never the potatoes that went with them.” ―Nora Ephron
Blessed with a Star on the Forehead 