As kids we loved a good chase, we chased butterflies, balls, friends, academic, athletic or artistic goals, and eventually the opposite sex… at which point we chase degrees, money and positions.  Finally becoming complacent we stopped chasing at all and started settling.  Maybe we think… what’s left to chase?  We have everything we want and we stop chasing our dream.  I call that dying!

In the past, as a family we would all sit down once a year and share our goals.  I’m not sharing this to get an “awe” reaction.  Sometimes it was kicking an screaming from the kids… why put them through this torture of sitting and talking, crap!  But, interesting enough, because we did that, something has been planted in each of them.  They are goal oriented, like it or not.  As a family, because we did that, we took some awesome trips together, we decided together what we wanted to do, where we wanted to go, how we were going to pay for it, etc.  One of my life’s favorite memories will be our family sailing trip to Tortola, British Virgin Islands.  I think the kids will agree.  Anyway, on to my point… Goals are so important.  I was stuck in a “funk” for a while and I had no goals… except maybe getting out of bed in the morning.  Currently, my goal list is  growing… Each day I wake up… I go straight to my list and add something.  Maybe it’s something I want to do, somewhere I want to go, someone I wanna be…. I like I said earlier and part of the reason I am on this Island… I am tired of reacting… it is time to act!

Everybody needs something to chase (goals), it’s how we are wired.  We all have that in common whether it is realized or not.  We are all control freaks to some degree.  We want to know exactly where we’re going and exactly when we will get there.  “Are We There Yet?” Guess what, we aren’t in charge of everything… the greatest moments in our lives are unscripted.  But we can …Set goals, take chances, live life… Enjoy the unplanned and unpredictable, learn to improvise.  It will make life so much more worth living.

Got down to the pub at 9:30 yesterday morning.  I was so excited.  I get to go fishing with Pete.  First he made some Souse (Fish Soup) for breakfast, yum!  Then, finally around 11:00 we got it all together and cast off.  Me, Pete, Willie and Ferdi. (new friends from Charleston, SC).  We went outside the cut and hand lined on the bottom.  Deep!  Hunting for grouper.  That was so fun.  Caught a few little ones.  Had one on my hand line and a shark swooped by and decided to take my fish and my entire line… good thing, I don’t think that would have been good for my hands.  After several hours of fishing and trying to find the honey holes, we went to the end of Lynard Cay and jumped in the water.  The water colors are unfreaking believable to say the least.  We did a little beach combing, ate a little mango and cheese, then fished a little more.

We made it back to the pub just in time for the band to crank up.  Perfect timing.  Today was Ben’s surprise engagement party.  A pig and lamb roast.  I walked to the love shack for a quick shower, then headed back down.  Bryan LeMar was playing with the band today… he is good!  He is giving me some guitar lessons today or tomorrow, score!  I had trigger fish tonight.  The Pub was packed.  Stayed until 9:30 or 10:00 – that is late for me.  Fun Day!

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift…

I seem to be repeating myself about Friday Night at Pete’s but…. How unique!  The Locals (home owners in Little Harbour)  come and go here, because most of them are from the US or Canada and have other homes, so the crowd changes with the coming and going of the locals.  There are a few actual year-rounders, Laine and Bernard, Rollie, Darlene and Frank, and prop more I don’t know but most are wanderers.  I like that!  So the crowd is ever changing but consistent at the same time. Or should I say predictable.  Then there is the aspect of the boaters – big variable!  People also come over in the Winding Bay taxi’s… That’s the Ritz, so some come not having a clue what this place is about so they are all dressed up, even wearing heels… that’s a crack up when they get out of the car at the place where, “The Elite Eat In Their Barefeet“.  Sweet!  Depending on the weather or time of year, who knows who you could meet.  Met a nice couple last night and had great fun!  There aren’t many places like this.  You must come to Pete’s at some point in your life.  This is a photo of me and my friend, Pete!

I admit it (First step to recovery, right?)- “I have an eating disorder, I love to eat“.  Overeating is as much a part of my personality as my hazel eyes.  Eating here, in this place, on this Island, is heavenly, to say the least.  Crawfish (lobster), all types of fish… tuna, wahoo, king fish, grouper, hog fish, barracuda… you name it, I’ve tried it!  None of which is fattening in itself, I guess, right?  Well, thanks to my neighbors who feed me every night, we have changed all that…add a little cheese (of every variety), crackers, Wine and or Margaritas, unbelievable salads, risotto with parmesan and butter, potatoes, freshly baked homemade bread…. and of course, let’s not forget dessert, no matter how small. Thanks, Cath!

My walking 12-16 miles a week in the full sun, sweating bullets, is not putting a dent in my disorder.  My neighbor, with his lovely sense of humor, says to me… “You know, You can say, No Thank You!“…. well Gordo… I can say, “Bite Me” too, but I don’t say THAT!

So TOMORROW… I plan on losing weight, again.  No sense on going on one of the many stupid diets I have been on in the past, pills, drops, upside down diets, low fat, high fat, low carb, high carb, all protien… they don’t work.  I weigh too much, because I eat too much… It’s that simple.  So here’s my thought process (and the bottom line of my disorder)  I am not going to count calories (too much trouble).  Maybe I will cut out carbohydrates (or basically quit eating anything I actually like).  Nah… Maybe I will just cut back, Eat smaller portions, just say no to second helpings… yeah right!  I am doomed.  I’ve heard it is a good idea to drink a full glass of water before eating your meal… will Wine do?  It’s liquid!

It’s a shame others aren’t as successful as myself when it comes to dieting.  I think I will write a book about my success.  I will start journaling immediately, so it will all be well documented.  This weight loss could completely change the course of my life.  I am not sure I am ready for that but… I will head off on my new journey and different direction – TOMORROW!

Stick with your friends through thick and thin.  Did you ever wonder what that means.  It is so easy to maintain a friendship through the good times, but just wait until someone makes a stupid choice or decision.  Don’t regret being able show them how you will stick by them as an encouraging presence and practical helper through their darkest days.

You may not understand their choices, or endorse their actions. It is easy to struggle with the consequences of what they are doing, and leave. You don’t even have to go anywhere physically, but all of a sudden you are  withdrawing your availability and friendship. Selfishly tucking your heart into a safe place, a little box and walking away.

I desperately want to learn to stay.

Stay through conflict.

Stay through struggles.

Stay through suffering.

Stay through discomfort.

Stay through misunderstanding.

I desperately want to break old habits.

Stop closing my mind to find a happy place

Stop hiding.

Stop withdrawing.

Stop fleeing to comfort.

Stop taking the easy road.

I want to leave, but my heart longs to stay. I long to learn but that might be painful.  I long to be able to give grace to others as the One who never leaves does for me.  I long to love unconditionally!

(ideas from Proverbs 31 Ministries)

The world is set to experience the biggest full moon for 19 years when the satellite reaches its closest point to Earth tonight.  The full moon could appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter to the naked eye, especially when it rises on the eastern horizon at sunset or is provided with the right atmospheric conditions.  I just may have those conditions here on the Island.

The big event here is the “Full Moon” Party on Lubbers at “Cracker ‘P’s” …. I just have to find a boater to get me there.  It’s about 15 miles northeast of where I am now on a little Island.

Here’s a little full moon folklore:

• Full moons are traditionally associated with temporal insomnia, insanity (hence the terms lunacy and lunatic) (Perfect! My excuse for any stupid behavior I may find myself partaking in this evening…LOL)
• To see the crescent moon over the right shoulder was considered lucky, but seeing it over the left shoulder was unlucky.  (I will remember to only look right tonight)
  
• In Cornwall, If a boy was born during a waning moon, they said that the next birth would be a girl. (I’d say there are pretty good odds of this happening just about anywhere)
  
• When anyone spoke of Mountains of the Moon, it simply meant white mountains. The arabs call white horses “Moon-coloured”. (Hum)
  
• In certain areas of England there was an expression that if a dark Moon came out on Christmas, a fine harvest would follow. Other areas declared that a waxing or New Moon on Christmas portended a good year, but a Waning Moon a hard year. (This one is just confusing)
  
• In Italy they say that if the moon changes on a Sunday, there will be a flood before the month is out. (Doesn’t the Moon change everyday?)
  
• If a new moon falls on a Saturday, it was said there would be 20 days of wind and rain. (Guess that has never happened, except during the flood back in the day of Noah)
  
• It is said of March weather that if it comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion. (Not sure what this has to do with the moon)
  
• And if the full moon fell on a Friday that was also the 13th, it was considered to be the most unlucky day there could be. (I will go with this one)
  
• Almost every culture believed that if the new moon came on a Monday, it was a sign of good weather and good luck. (Darn, we just missed it)
  
• Two new moons in one month were said to predict a month’s bad weather. (Or two really good full moon parties)
  
• A ring around the moon means rain or snow. (Does that mean, anywhere?)
  
• If you move to a new house or location during a waning moon, it will ensure you never go hungry. (Wow, guess I better be moving on tomorrow)
  
• Some farmers still believe that crops sown near a full moon will be ready for the harvest a month earlier than crops sown during a waxing moon. (Gonna do some planting today)
  
• Upon seeing the new moon, bow to her and turn over the coins in your pocket. This will bring you luck in all your affairs. (Exactly who am I to turn my coins over to?  The guy that made this one up?)
  
• The Irish say that to see your future, for good or ill, take a mirror outside. Let the light of the moon fall on the surface and stare into it. Any face that appears will be connected with your future. (Sweet… gonna try this one tonight)
  
• If you suffer from corns, cut them during the waning moon and they will dissapear forever. (Holy toledo… thank goodness I don’t have to worry about corns, yet!)
  
• Grass crops should be sown at the full moon. Then the hay will dry quickly. (Not a lot of grass here on the Island)
  
• Wood cut at the new moon is hard to split. If it is cut at the full moon it is easy to split.  (No worries here, won’t be doing any wood cutting, you?)
  
• The English had a saying: that if a member of the family died at the time of the new moon, three deaths would follow. (This one is just wrong!)
  
• Originally, the term moon-struck or moon-touched meant chosen by the Goddess. These people were considered to be blessed. (Guess I am moon-touched or moon-struck then, because I am truly blessed)
  
• It is often said that if a person was born at a full moon, he or she would have a lucky life. (Lucky is relative)
  
• It is said that cats’ eyes will be open wider during a full moon than at any other time. (wow, I can actually test this one too… with my new kitten, Lillie)
  
• A waning moon was considered an unlucky time for a marriage or birth. (Won’t be incurring either of these problems so…)

I hope these little tidbits of information will help you better appreciate the implications of tonight’s Full Moon!  Enjoy!

And… No Howling!

Waiting For My Real Life to Begin Album : “Going Somewhere”
(written by: Colin Hay / Thom Mooney) Colin Hay

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I’ll keep checking the horizon
I’ll stand on the bow,
feel the waves come crashing
Come crashing down down down,
on me And you say,
be still my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in
But don’t you understand
I already have a plan
I’m waiting for my
real life to begin
When I awoke today,
suddenly nothing happened
But in my dreams,
I slew the dragon
And down this beaten path,
and up this cobbled lane
I’m walking in my old footsteps,
once again
And you say,
just be here now
Forget about the past,
your mask is wearing thin
Let me throw one more dice
I know that I can win
I’m waiting for my
real life to begin
Any minute now,
my ship is coming in
I’ll keep checking
the horizon
And I’ll check my machine,
there’s sure to be that call
It’s gonna happen
soon, soon, soon
It’s just that times are lean
And you say,
be still my love
Open up your heart,
let the light shine in
Don’t you understand
I already have a plan
I’m waiting for my
real life to begin