Wine World and Sun Dog Books
There are two lovely little ocean side towns not far from Miramar Beach and Destin that my family and I must make a pilgrimage to each year when we visit Florida. The first is Watercolor which has our favorite wine store and restaurant called Wine World.
The first year we visited Ron recommended to me the secrets and wonders of a visit to Wine World. While Mary Jane chose to shop at the wonderful little speciality shops surrounding Wine World…Ron and I proceeded in our quest in immersing ourselves in deep philosophical discussions and the subsequent unlocking and solving of life’s sundry mysteries.
When Mary Jane checked on us to ensure that we were not becoming bored with our revelries we graciously assured her that we would be fine…and ordered another bottle of wine.
I recall many of the thoughts that I had that afternoon. Thoughts of how wonderful it felt to be newly retired and able to spend quality time…in such a beautiful place…with a good friend. Thoughts of the future and how to best utilize the precious gift of life that God had given me and my loved ones…and not to take it for granted. Thoughts of how large our world is and how much there is to see…know…and experience…in such a short time.
Or, my first visit to Sun Dog Books in an adjoining Gulf community, Seaside. This is a lovely bookstore in the grand tradition of “The Shop Around The Corner” and “You’ve Got Mail.” This a bookstore where the books are important…loved…and admired by the people who work there. Have you ever encountered an employee of a store that not only was having a wonderful time helping you…but also had an ownership in the books that they told you about that gave them a tangible, physical, reality? When a book lover is explaining the beauty and wonder and mystery of a book they have read and loved…you find yourself being transported to another world and reality.
Life is so much larger than the petty squabbles…lies…and innuendos of politics. Or, as the great James Taylor told us, “The secret of life is enjoying the passing of time…”
” And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye become converted and become as little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 8:13 KJV
Saint Martha and the Tarasque in Provence
Please enjoy another great blog by my friend Margo!
Things are warming up in the south of France and that means it’s festival time. Almost every little town has something to celebrate, and in Tarascon, which lies between Avignon and Arles, it’s the story of a saint and a dragon.
Saints in Boats
Religion plays a major part in shaping many cultures, and in France, that religion is Christianity. It’s said to have entered France by way of Provence around the year 43 AD.
Legends tell of a group of first century Christians who were rounded up and expelled from the Holy Land. They were put in small boats, without oars or sails, and set adrift on the Mediterranean Sea. It was meant to be a death sentence, but their boats miraculously washed up on the shores of Provence where they disembarked and set about preaching their new religion.
One of those Christian ladies who washed up in Provence was…
View original post 859 more words
My Favorite Type of Story
Please enjoy another great Jonathon Brook’s Blog!
I like stories where people surprise themselves. It’s a joy to see the kid who was at the bottom overcome and come out on top. When the lost sheep is found the shepherd rejoices as does the sheep. Prodigal daughters and sons come home to glorious celebrations. Bullies get knocked down and are declared out for the count. The bullied didn’t believe he had it in him. “Overcome” is a word I’m quite fond of.
Aren’t these the types of stories cherished by the young and young at heart? I love happy endings wholeheartedly! I sang enough sad songs growing up. However, as a man I refuse to wallow in the pity pit of despair. I aim to trash the science book of selling myself short. I no longer study it so into the garbage it goes!
Change is difficult. It’s no surprise that many settle or refuse to change…
View original post 143 more words
The Happy Traveler 