Spindrift: windblown sea spray
Thursday, January 17, 2008
All the days of my life
There is a quote by Jonathan Swift that I think back to at times. He said, "May you live all the days of your life." Some would dismiss his words, young people may think them amusing, but I have always accepted them as a kindly reminder.
I admit that I almost coasted through today instead of really living it. I kept thinking back to the place I was a year ago, helping my mother care for my dad who died at home on January 19, remembering how tired we were, thinking of the hard days soon to come, and beyond grateful to those who sat with us through long nights. I tried hard to move past my thoughts, but wasn't very successful. I felt weighted down, like I was moving through over-cooked molasses.
Near noon, I looked out a window on the upper floor of my home and saw a high wind-whipped surf. Cold winds had turned colder, now coming from the north and shearing back the top of waves into spindrift. But despite the winds and water temps, clouds had lifted and surfers were out, oblivious of anything but the moment and the waves before them.
Even from afar, I felt their energy and remembered the words, "May you live all the days of your life." I picked up up my camera and walked to the beach. With the camera in my hand and the horizon in my viewfinder, the weight of my yesterdays fell away and I finally began to live the day.
We cannot change our past; we have limited control over our future; but in each moment we have the power - the choice - to live all the days of our life.
"May you live all the days of your life."
~~ Jonathan Swift
I admit that I almost coasted through today instead of really living it. I kept thinking back to the place I was a year ago, helping my mother care for my dad who died at home on January 19, remembering how tired we were, thinking of the hard days soon to come, and beyond grateful to those who sat with us through long nights. I tried hard to move past my thoughts, but wasn't very successful. I felt weighted down, like I was moving through over-cooked molasses.
Near noon, I looked out a window on the upper floor of my home and saw a high wind-whipped surf. Cold winds had turned colder, now coming from the north and shearing back the top of waves into spindrift. But despite the winds and water temps, clouds had lifted and surfers were out, oblivious of anything but the moment and the waves before them.
Even from afar, I felt their energy and remembered the words, "May you live all the days of your life." I picked up up my camera and walked to the beach. With the camera in my hand and the horizon in my viewfinder, the weight of my yesterdays fell away and I finally began to live the day.
We cannot change our past; we have limited control over our future; but in each moment we have the power - the choice - to live all the days of our life.
"May you live all the days of your life."
~~ Jonathan Swift
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Kritter Krawl alert!
My friends know that one of my very favorite Mardi Gras events on Pensacola Beach is the Kritter Krawl, sponsored by the Krewe of Junkanoo.
Please stop by the Pavilion at Casino Beach this Saturday, January 19, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and enjoy all the 'Kritters' dressed in their Mardi Gras finest. You have no idea how creative kids and adults can be when it comes to dressing up the family pet!
Afterwards, the Krewe of Kids will have a parade of their own, tossing beads and MoonPies and other throws as they merrily wind their way around the Pavilion.
Kids and Kritters and mini MoonPies, three things that are sure to warm your heart in the nippiest weather! Don't miss out!
Check out Kritter Krawl 2007
Check out Kritter Krawl 2006
Please stop by the Pavilion at Casino Beach this Saturday, January 19, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and enjoy all the 'Kritters' dressed in their Mardi Gras finest. You have no idea how creative kids and adults can be when it comes to dressing up the family pet!
Afterwards, the Krewe of Kids will have a parade of their own, tossing beads and MoonPies and other throws as they merrily wind their way around the Pavilion.
Kids and Kritters and mini MoonPies, three things that are sure to warm your heart in the nippiest weather! Don't miss out!
Check out Kritter Krawl 2007
Check out Kritter Krawl 2006
Krewe of Junkanoo
My thanks to the Krewe of Junkanoo and Marcia Wiles (reigning Queen of the Krewe of Junkanoo) for allowing me to share the origin of the "Junkanoo" name and a brief history of their Krewe:
"The most accepted origin of the word 'Junkanoo' comes from the name John Canoe, who was an African prince and slave trader operating in the Gold Coast who was said to have outwitted the English and subsequently gained control of Fort Brandenbury in the seventeenth (17th) century. Upon gaining control of the fort John Canoe became a hero and was worshipped and idolized by the slaves. In the pre-Emancipation era, the slaves were given three days off during the year; December 25th & 26th and January 1st. On December 26th and January 1st the slaves were allowed to perform their Junkanoo Festival. The festival was commercialized in the 1920’s and held on Bay Street for the first time thus making it the main tourist attraction for the Bahamas.
"The Pensacola Beach Krewe of Junkanoo was formed in 1996 by April Hargrove and Joy Domm to resemble the Junkanoo Festival in the Bahamas in which numerous Junkanoo groups, also called troupes, parade on December 26th and January 1st in colorful handcrafted crepe paper costumes made of wood, cardboard and sometimes glued to their clothes.
"They were fascinated with the Junkanoo Festival after seeing pictures from a festival attended by Glenn and Nancy Windham. They knew they had to find a few good Junkanoo candidates which wasn’t hard to do. They were able to recruit Lorraine Brown, Jim Rigby, Jeff Goudey, Ron Magee, Dee Hinote, Kim Lobue and Les & Lynn Cieutat and Dee Riley, thus the Krewe of Junkanoo was born...
"Becoming a Junkanoo is fairly easy; we are currently a krewe of 20 members. The first and foremost requirement is membership in the Krewe of Wrecks, after that all you need is the ability to party really hard and smile a lot. Frowning will get you booted without a warning or even a farewell.
"We are a co-ed Krewe and are always on the lookout for prospective new Junkanoo recruits. We are a Krewe who supports community causes like the Waterfront Rescue Mission, Toys for Tots, Good Samaritan Clinic as well as provided relief to Pearlington, MS after Hurricane Katrina. We sponsor an annual Oktoberfest and our annual Cajun Boil where we name our King and Queen for the upcoming Mardi Gras year, as well as our annual Kritter Krawl, which benefits the Humane Society, at the Pavilion on Pensacola Beach.
"Things are always exciting with the Junkanoos and one main thing still holds true with the Pensacola Beach Krewe of Junkanoo and that is we will continue to take Mardi Gras celebrating to a new wild party level each year!"
"The most accepted origin of the word 'Junkanoo' comes from the name John Canoe, who was an African prince and slave trader operating in the Gold Coast who was said to have outwitted the English and subsequently gained control of Fort Brandenbury in the seventeenth (17th) century. Upon gaining control of the fort John Canoe became a hero and was worshipped and idolized by the slaves. In the pre-Emancipation era, the slaves were given three days off during the year; December 25th & 26th and January 1st. On December 26th and January 1st the slaves were allowed to perform their Junkanoo Festival. The festival was commercialized in the 1920’s and held on Bay Street for the first time thus making it the main tourist attraction for the Bahamas.
"The Pensacola Beach Krewe of Junkanoo was formed in 1996 by April Hargrove and Joy Domm to resemble the Junkanoo Festival in the Bahamas in which numerous Junkanoo groups, also called troupes, parade on December 26th and January 1st in colorful handcrafted crepe paper costumes made of wood, cardboard and sometimes glued to their clothes.
"They were fascinated with the Junkanoo Festival after seeing pictures from a festival attended by Glenn and Nancy Windham. They knew they had to find a few good Junkanoo candidates which wasn’t hard to do. They were able to recruit Lorraine Brown, Jim Rigby, Jeff Goudey, Ron Magee, Dee Hinote, Kim Lobue and Les & Lynn Cieutat and Dee Riley, thus the Krewe of Junkanoo was born...
"Becoming a Junkanoo is fairly easy; we are currently a krewe of 20 members. The first and foremost requirement is membership in the Krewe of Wrecks, after that all you need is the ability to party really hard and smile a lot. Frowning will get you booted without a warning or even a farewell.
"We are a co-ed Krewe and are always on the lookout for prospective new Junkanoo recruits. We are a Krewe who supports community causes like the Waterfront Rescue Mission, Toys for Tots, Good Samaritan Clinic as well as provided relief to Pearlington, MS after Hurricane Katrina. We sponsor an annual Oktoberfest and our annual Cajun Boil where we name our King and Queen for the upcoming Mardi Gras year, as well as our annual Kritter Krawl, which benefits the Humane Society, at the Pavilion on Pensacola Beach.
"Things are always exciting with the Junkanoos and one main thing still holds true with the Pensacola Beach Krewe of Junkanoo and that is we will continue to take Mardi Gras celebrating to a new wild party level each year!"
Krewe of Junkanoo Cajun Boil
The Krewe of Junkanoo held their annual Cajun Boil from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Sandshaker this past Sunday.
The Krewe of Junkanoo announce their new royalty for the year at this event. Who will be the new King and Queen?
The Outgoing King, Jim Kittell of Gulf Breeze, gets ready to relinquish his crown!
Daddy cooling potatoes for his little Junkanoo princess.
Stirring the pot.
Captain 'Cook' adding shrimp.
One more piping hot plate of cajun boil coming up!
Oops, make that two orders!
This little fellow enjoyed chowing down on his corn.
It was a beautiful afternoon and the Pensacola Beach ball was shining down on the Krewe of Junkanoo! Congratulations to Jim and Marcia Wiles, the new King and Queen of the Krewe of Junkanoo!
The Krewe of Junkanoo announce their new royalty for the year at this event. Who will be the new King and Queen?
The Outgoing King, Jim Kittell of Gulf Breeze, gets ready to relinquish his crown!
Daddy cooling potatoes for his little Junkanoo princess.
Stirring the pot.
Captain 'Cook' adding shrimp.
One more piping hot plate of cajun boil coming up!
Oops, make that two orders!
This little fellow enjoyed chowing down on his corn.
It was a beautiful afternoon and the Pensacola Beach ball was shining down on the Krewe of Junkanoo! Congratulations to Jim and Marcia Wiles, the new King and Queen of the Krewe of Junkanoo!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Gearing up for Mardi Gras
All around the island you can see that folks are gearing up for the Mardi Gras season on Pensacola Beach.
Mailboxes, decks and yards are starting to display beads, bangles, banners, and lots of gold and purple!
Even the ribbon dancer has donned her Mardi Gras mask.
Mailboxes, decks and yards are starting to display beads, bangles, banners, and lots of gold and purple!
Even the ribbon dancer has donned her Mardi Gras mask.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Nauga Saga
My thanks to the Krewe of Nauga for allowing me to share...
THE NAUGA SAGA
It has come to the attention of the Peoples International Nauga Awareness Society (PINAS) that a padilla (pack, flock or herd) has been discovered on Pensacola Beach. Little was known pertaining to these hardy little creatures until the day animal lover Bill Green happened upon a beach hairdresser covering a barstool with naugahyde. Caught in the act, Bill Green explained to her that it had taken the skins of 15 naugas to produce the cover she had just installed.
The horrified hairdresser stopped using the hide at once to call the National Library of Science, PETA, The Audubon Society, and the Zoo for more information on the nauga. She discovered their original habitat was apparently some sandy shore, somewhere, but how they migrated to Pensacola Beach is not entirely clear. There has been some speculation that a pair of little creatures may have been brought o the island by a Vietnam vet.
The beach padilla consists of 30-40 naugas who live in the Sandspur Republic near or under Danah’s Hair Studio. Most of them are a light beige, but there have been a few reports of some being purple, green and gold. Their eyes are brown while they are on land, but turn blue if they go for a dip in the Gulf. They have short ears and a tail and a moth-eaten type fur around the neck. They are four-legged animals, but have the ability to walk on their hind legs. The little creatures live on a simple diet of hairspray, catching the spray as it drifts out the window, further preventing deterioration of the ozone layer, however they become disoriented and wobbly if they ingest too much hairspray (not to be confused with the party animals who inhabit the Sandspur Republic who at times may also shown signs of disorientation and general wobbliness.)
Scientist are currently studying the means of communication between the tiny naugas and humans. The most likely theory by nauga expert, Patty Blake, is that the little animals have supersensitive feelers. These act as sensors which record the frivolous antics of the Mardi Gras season on Pensacola Beach. So the nauga react by partying in the hairspray and dancing in the sand.
Nauga-watching societies have been organized on Pensacola Beach and membership is restricted to those individuals who have never installed naugahyde, sat on naugahyde, or any way approved of naugahyde projects. Sign up at Danah’s Hair Studio.
Sponsored by Peoples International Nauga Awareness Society (PINAS)
THE NAUGA SAGA
It has come to the attention of the Peoples International Nauga Awareness Society (PINAS) that a padilla (pack, flock or herd) has been discovered on Pensacola Beach. Little was known pertaining to these hardy little creatures until the day animal lover Bill Green happened upon a beach hairdresser covering a barstool with naugahyde. Caught in the act, Bill Green explained to her that it had taken the skins of 15 naugas to produce the cover she had just installed.
The horrified hairdresser stopped using the hide at once to call the National Library of Science, PETA, The Audubon Society, and the Zoo for more information on the nauga. She discovered their original habitat was apparently some sandy shore, somewhere, but how they migrated to Pensacola Beach is not entirely clear. There has been some speculation that a pair of little creatures may have been brought o the island by a Vietnam vet.
The beach padilla consists of 30-40 naugas who live in the Sandspur Republic near or under Danah’s Hair Studio. Most of them are a light beige, but there have been a few reports of some being purple, green and gold. Their eyes are brown while they are on land, but turn blue if they go for a dip in the Gulf. They have short ears and a tail and a moth-eaten type fur around the neck. They are four-legged animals, but have the ability to walk on their hind legs. The little creatures live on a simple diet of hairspray, catching the spray as it drifts out the window, further preventing deterioration of the ozone layer, however they become disoriented and wobbly if they ingest too much hairspray (not to be confused with the party animals who inhabit the Sandspur Republic who at times may also shown signs of disorientation and general wobbliness.)
Scientist are currently studying the means of communication between the tiny naugas and humans. The most likely theory by nauga expert, Patty Blake, is that the little animals have supersensitive feelers. These act as sensors which record the frivolous antics of the Mardi Gras season on Pensacola Beach. So the nauga react by partying in the hairspray and dancing in the sand.
Nauga-watching societies have been organized on Pensacola Beach and membership is restricted to those individuals who have never installed naugahyde, sat on naugahyde, or any way approved of naugahyde projects. Sign up at Danah’s Hair Studio.
Sponsored by Peoples International Nauga Awareness Society (PINAS)
Thirteenth Annual Nauga Breakfast
The Thirteenth Annual Krewe of Nauga Breakfast was held at The Dock this morning. Hopefully this gentleman was NOT draped with endangered little Nauga hides!
The island's own divine diva, Danah, is a founder of the Krewe of Nauga. The annual Nauga Breakfast is a fun event which benefits the Humane Society. For me, it seems to kick-off the Mardi Gras season on Pensacola Beach.
Look! It's Nauga Queen IV!
Ooohhh, Nauga Queen VII even wears a nightie covered in little royal crowns.
The Krewe of Nauga serves a yummy breakfast for attendees. Everyone must wear their 'jamies.
Did I mention the eggs were very good! Open wide!
Doncha just love the Queen's cape?
Incognito!
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Jester."
"Jester who?"
"Jester minute while I think of a joke."
What a fancy night cap you have, m'dear.
Who didn't want to steal Chrissy Cook's adorable pink fuzzy flamingo slippers away from her!?
Doesn't he look like one of the [un]wise men?
Pretty in purple!
Speaking of purple, everyone is getting in the mood for Mardi Gras!
A silent auction was held during the Nauga Breakfast. There were at least three hotel/condo accommodations you could bid upon.
There was a prize for the canine winner of the Nauga Dawga contest and one for the feline who won Purrr-fect Kitty.
I can't wait to hear who won best costume.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Gathering clouds
Storm clouds moved in over Pensacola Beach this afternoon bringing a cold front behind them. We may experience severe thunderstorms overnight, so it's time to bring down the wind chimes.
Dozens of Portuguese Man o' War have washed up on the beach. It was easy to spot the neon blue creatures along the shore. Surprisingly, a few surfers (all were wearing full suits) still dared to venture into the Gulf! Talk about dedication!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Beautiful day!
The sky and the water were beautiful, walking along the east end of the beach this morning. The cold weather last week which dipped into the mid-20's burned the more tender plants on the island, including some along the shore.
Blog viewers, what on earth is this scary, prehistoric-looking sea creature?! If you click on the photo it will enlarge and you can more clearly see the sharp spines along its back. It was slightly larger than a man's wide-spread hand. The general shape and tail make it look like something in the ray family, but I've never seen anything like this. YIKES!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Sugar Bowl
It was great to get out for a long walk this morning. The weather has been very cold since New Year's Day, getting down into the 20's with winds gusting over 35 mph at times -- not exactly photo-taking weather.
Although it's clouding up a bit now and a haze seems to be settling over us, it was a beautiful, sunny morning as evidenced in this shot of nearby Sugar Bowl.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Polar Bear Plunge on Pensacola Beach
What a day for the Polar Beach Plunge on Pensacola Beach. The temperature was in the low 50's and the water temperature was probably close to 60. Winds were gusting up to 40 mph out of the north according to the weather station at Pensacola Beach Elementary School! What a fine day for a little dip.
Santa Rosa Sound was full of whitecaps all day.
One of my favorite characters today, was determined to try something new! I would have suggested the fried green tomatoes on the menu at the Paradise Grill, but a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do.
A family tradition begins, "Dad! I'm cold! Block the wind!"
When this adorable little fella is 80 years old, he'll still remember today! He should have stopped shivering by then.
{{{Oh man, what have we gotten ourselves into?}}}
And they're off! Approximately 40 'Polar Bears' of all shapes, sizes, and age start plunging! The object is to go all the way to the end of the pier and back.
"Pier, schmier...I've had enough! You guys can catch up with me later."
Heading for shore! Quickly!
This gentleman has to be a snowbird. He was in the water long before the plunge began. Nice shade of pink, don't you think?
"I rule!"
This guy makes it look like a normal day at the beach.
A television crew from Mobile, Alabama tries to discover what makes anyone crazy enough to participate in a Polar Bear Plunge. Only after the interview concluded did they realize they poor guy had frozen to the spot. [Not really.]
Ahhhh....warm...soft...dry...
What a fun day at the beach! My favorite part was being warm and dry. Maybe next year I'll work up the courage to try the Polar Bear Plunge myself...or maybe not.
Santa Rosa Sound was full of whitecaps all day.
One of my favorite characters today, was determined to try something new! I would have suggested the fried green tomatoes on the menu at the Paradise Grill, but a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do.
A family tradition begins, "Dad! I'm cold! Block the wind!"
When this adorable little fella is 80 years old, he'll still remember today! He should have stopped shivering by then.
{{{Oh man, what have we gotten ourselves into?}}}
And they're off! Approximately 40 'Polar Bears' of all shapes, sizes, and age start plunging! The object is to go all the way to the end of the pier and back.
"Pier, schmier...I've had enough! You guys can catch up with me later."
Heading for shore! Quickly!
This gentleman has to be a snowbird. He was in the water long before the plunge began. Nice shade of pink, don't you think?
"I rule!"
This guy makes it look like a normal day at the beach.
A television crew from Mobile, Alabama tries to discover what makes anyone crazy enough to participate in a Polar Bear Plunge. Only after the interview concluded did they realize they poor guy had frozen to the spot. [Not really.]
Ahhhh....warm...soft...dry...
What a fun day at the beach! My favorite part was being warm and dry. Maybe next year I'll work up the courage to try the Polar Bear Plunge myself...or maybe not.
A New Year on Pensacola Beach
And so it begins, a new year on Pensacola Beach...
And a wonderful ending to 2007, as we watched the fireworks over the water at Casino Beach. Happy New Year to all my blog viewers! May we all experience a happy, healthy, properous and hurricane-free 2008.
Friday, December 28, 2007
As the year ends
"A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year."
Edgar A. Guest
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all my blog viewers!
I am in Tennessee for Christmas, but will be heading back to Pensacola Beach Wednesday morning -- just in time for guests from Texas and New Mexico to arrive! Friends and family know how much I love the island because I rave about it all the time, consequently it's rare to go a month without guests! One by one, I'm convincing the world population that I have indeed found paradise.
We're only a week away from New Year's Day. One of the best resolutions you could add to your list for 2008 is a visit to Pensacola Beach, Florida!
See you on the beach!
P.S. When I get home, I'll post a photo of my great Christmas present.
I am in Tennessee for Christmas, but will be heading back to Pensacola Beach Wednesday morning -- just in time for guests from Texas and New Mexico to arrive! Friends and family know how much I love the island because I rave about it all the time, consequently it's rare to go a month without guests! One by one, I'm convincing the world population that I have indeed found paradise.
We're only a week away from New Year's Day. One of the best resolutions you could add to your list for 2008 is a visit to Pensacola Beach, Florida!
See you on the beach!
P.S. When I get home, I'll post a photo of my great Christmas present.
Discovery
"Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought."
Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893 - 1986)
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