Busyness, Presence and Deep Breaths of Fresh Air

Presence...being in the current moment.  It is a challenge.  Time feels so fleeting.  I catch myself being surprised and shocked as days turn to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years.  Don't misunderstand, I try my best to live each day to the fullest.  Cliche I know, but it's my true intention.  Recently, I've felt disconnected a bit.  Running from one thing to the next whether at home or at work, spending most of my time being "busy".
 

Busyness.  

We're all busy aren't we?  Running from this thing to the next and then on to the next.  What's more is that if I am not abnormally busy one day, I almost feel bad about it.  Like it needs an explanation why I am not running about like a chicken without its head.  Right around the time I was feeling this way, I came across a pretty interesting article in the Washington Post, "Why Being Busy Makes Us Feel So Good" (link to article).  And, bam.  There it was.  I feel good being busy and honestly when stopping to ponder for a moment, it dawned on me.  I've been busy what feels like my entire life.  Busyness has been rewarded to be a condition of being good.  Perhaps it hasn't always been a cognizant decision or choice but still...what is rewarded creates habit.  

This article really made me think.  

Several weeks earlier, I was bemoaning my poor sleep.  Something I haven't had struggles with in many years.  I never felt rested.  My mind was always going.  It was hard to just relax, be in the moment without feeling my mind racing about all the things I should be doing.  Who hasn't felt this way at some time in their life?  

Awareness.  

It dawned on me that I knew better so I could also choose better.  As in most things with life, what's easy is rarely what's rewarding.  I wasn't living in my present moment.  

Slowly, I've been recalibrating myself to be more fully in the moment at hand.  In finding worth and value and joy out of whatever is happening in this moment.  Despite my best efforts, there are times when this is very challenging.  

In uncovering I needed to recalibrate, my husband and I decided to dedicate one day on the weekend to an outdoor activity.  For those that know me well, know that I am an outdoorsy gal.  For many reasons, some of which have been talked about in earlier blog posts here, I find being engaged with my natural world around me as a healing, refreshing, spiritual endeavor.  There isn't one single time I've come in from being outside and not felt completely and utterly renewed. 

So for the past several weeks, Nick and I have been spending one day together partaking in an outdoor adventure.  We've kayaked to an uninhabited barrier island for a picnic lunch and we've been hiking a variety of trails.  This most recent weekend, we spent a couple of hours hiking a portion of Tiger Creek Preserve (link to info).  It was quite a gem and is now one of my favorite park areas in the state.  Just outside of Lake Wales, Florida, it's about one and a half hours from my house in St. Pete.  Totally worth the drive, especially if you like:

1) blooming orange groves, 

2) having a beautiful piece of Florida completely to yourself (we were the first people on the trail in weeks according to the hikers log), and 

3) science.  

Surmise to say a few years ago - heck a few weeks ago - I may not have "gotten" it.  I may not have appreciated it because I was looking for something else, something more grandeur.  However, this was different because I was in the moment to notice things.  To see the zebra swallowtail dance through the air along the trail; to finally see a glimpse of the elusive Scrub Jay as it flits, hurriedly from bush to bush; to catch the sweet fragrance of orange blossoms scenting the gentle and cooling breeze; to hear only the melodious song of the many birds and our footsteps; to just be there, in that moment.  

It was a tough trail because it's mostly scrubby meaning sand that acts like snow capturing each footstep.  At times it was slow going up the hills, which are actually Florida's ancient islands.  As we muddled through the ascents and declines of the trail, it wasn't far from my mind that we were walking on land that was millions of years old, to a Florida that looked much different from the one I was experiencing at that very moment.  

“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” 

- John Muir 

Florida Spotlight Series: A Place Among the Cypress

There's a place not far from my doorstep that beckons to Old Florida.  Turquoise water that is crisp and cool, a gentle breeze rustling the trees, cypress knees almost as tall as me.  A place where you can hear absolutely nothing one moment, the call of a red-tail hawk the next and the laughter of a child the moment after that.  I think this can generally describe one of many spring-fed rivers found throughout Florida.  There's about nothing I enjoy more than a day out on one of these rivers.

There are many options for a day trip to explore one of Florida's springs from the Tampa Bay area.  One such trip that also happens to be one of the closest to my home is Weeki Wachee Springs.  At a little under one-and-a-half hours away (each way), it makes for an easy day trip.  

There are several options to choose from when exploring Weeki Wachee Springs.  In fact, it is one of Florida's oldest tourist attractions.  Best known for the live mermaid show, the state park also offers boat tours of the river, manatee watching and a water park.  Weeki Wachee itself is a first-magnitude spring.  That means it falls within the largest category of springs by water volume, discharging around 64 million gallons of fresh water a day (on average).  After some research and discussion, we decided to do a 5-mile kayak tour of the Weeki Wachee River.  We utilized Weeki Wachee Kayaking as our operator and were very pleased with the personalized service they provided.  For less than $50, we had a tandem kayak rental for the day with drop off and pick up for our 5-mile kayak down the river.  

We were dropped off inside the Weeki Wachee State Park near the headspring and followed the river out of the park, into a wildlife refuge and along homes and private property to our final destination which was a pull out near a campsite that our tour operator has an agreement to use.  It took about 3 hours which included a stop of about 20 minutes.  We pulled off the river and secured our kayak so we could swim.  While the current moves swiftly, we found a little cove that was suitable for a quick dip.  It is hard to describe just how refreshing a cool dip in these spring fed waters can be.  Suffice to say, I felt totally rejuvenated and extremely vibrant after our swim.  Skin is soft, aches and pains are gone, and we both felt more energized overall.  Nick and I often joke that this must be what Ponce de Leon was hoping to find as he searched the world for the Fountain of Youth!  

The view looking down river from our swim spot. 

It was about 75 and sunny the afternoon we went out.  A slight breeze and a good mix of sun and shade.  While we weren't among the lucky who saw manatee, otter and deer that day, we enjoyed our time on the river.  We were fortunate to spot a few leaves changing color which is a rarity in Florida, and a welcome surprise for these midwestern transplants.

Although I love Florida's beaches and enjoy living near some of the world's best as ranked by Dr. Beach and TripAdvisor, there is nothing like getting away to enjoy a sunny day floating down the crystal-clear spring fed rivers in our state.  If you haven't been, I'd encourage you to do so.  It's like spending a day in yesteryear and is sure to leave you refreshed and relaxed in a way that's hard to match.  

Have you been to a Florida spring?  What's your favorite and why?  Would love to hear your comments and suggestions.  

Happy Exploring!

Jess 

Beautiful fall colors 

Key Limin'

Ahh, the Florida Keys.

After living in the state for more than eight years, we finally made a road trip through the Keys a reality.  Boy, was it worth the wait!  We've in fact been to Key West several times, but have always arrived via high-speed ferry in and out of Fort Myers and never ventured out of Key West proper.  We had fun, but this time we were looking for a different experience.  And this road trip fit the bill, perfectly.

There seems to be loads of information available about the Florida Keys.  I found a very helpful guidebook from Frommer's called Frommer's Shortcuts: The Florida Keys through the iPad bookstore.  After viewing websites and blogs galore, I found this book to be the most helpful and complete resource of anything I referenced.  It gives a great overview of each area within the Keys along with some ideas of things to do, places to stay and where to eat.  It's a good starting point all in one place.

More than 800 keys make up the island chain the sprouts off the tip of Florida, south of Miami.  This chain is referred to as the Florida Keys and has five distinct areas.  From the north, Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key & the Lower Keys, and Key West.  Each area has a different vibe to it.  Coming in from the north, we had an opportunity to essentially go anywhere within the chain.  After reading the above mentioned book, we ultimately decided on making Big Pine Key & the Lower Keys our base of operations.

There are "name brand" hotels located sporadically throughout the keys, the majority being in Key West and Key Largo.  There are lots of different types of accommodations available from high end B&Bs to low rate motels and even camping.  We decided to stay at Parmer's Resort on Little Torch Key, just over the bridge from Big Pine Key and fairly central to most of the activities we targeted.  It is a basic place, with clean rooms, a nice pool, a continental breakfast with fresh fruit daily, it had great outdoor space for chillaxing and good views.  Our room had an efficiency kitchen which was big plus for us.   It proved to fit the bill for our needs.

Activities are the heart of any Keys vacation.  If you've read any of my previous posts you can probably guess we like to be outdoors for most of our vacations.  This was no different.  Our major priority was to get a few snorkel trips in, spend some time in the National Key Deer Wildlife Refuge and relax.  Thankfully, we were able to do all of that and more.  Here are some of the highlights that I would recommend:

Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary - Best reef I've ever snorkeled.  Ever.  (I'll be being following this post with another to thoroughly discuss Looe.  So be sure to check back with the blog soon!)


Bahia Honda State Park - Little but mighty.  This state park has it all.  The park has an on-site vendor, Bahia Honda Park.  You can catch a boat ride out to Looe Key from here which we did for one of our trips to the reef.  Reasonable priced and a great experience.  You can also rent kayaks, chairs, etc and they have a gift shop for any needs or mementos you might have while visiting. 

Key Deer Wildlife Refuge - Not for everyone and that's okay.  If you like wildlife, quite places and textbook Florida nature, this place is for you.  

Castaways Restaurant in Marathon - $2 Bud drafts and outstanding sushi, ceviche and fresh catch - yes, please!  

Keys Fisheries - fresh seafood market and an order window right on site.  We stopped here a few times for fresh fish to take back and prepare at our hotel as well as had lunch prepared there one day.  Pretty solid. They are well-known for Lobster Ruebens.  

We did a lot of things and even worked in some mini-golf and delicious key lime pie. :)  But like all vacations, we couldn't do everything.  Due to some boat problems from our captain and guide, we had to cancel our backcountry fishing trip.  And, we really wanted to get over to Dry Tortugas National Park but being a holiday weekend and waiting on weather reports to make our reservations resulted in having all seats sold out.  So we have a good list of things we'd like to do next time we're down that way.  Until then, we had a great experience, almost surprisingly so, and are looking forward to some future island time for more cheesin' and limin'.  

Have you been to the Keys?  What's your favorite and why?  Have you been to the Dry Tortugas?  Would love to hear about your experiences!

Cheers!  

The Happiness & Heartbreak of Fostering Dogs

I am an animal lover and so is my husband.  We were both raised with pets and naturally we were so excited to have pets when we bought our first home more than four years ago.  We rescued four dogs so far (our first two dogs have passed due to old age) and we now have Allendale (Allee), our 4 year old golden and Theodore (Teddy), our 1 year old coonhound/saluki mix.  In fact, my parents jokingly say when they die they hope they come back as a dog in our house. 

We are so thankful for the organizations that we’ve used to find our dogs.  There are countless hours that go into rescuing dogs.  Much of this burden - of helping to give animals a second home, a second chance - comes by way of animal shelters, humane societies and the like.  However, there are many dogs that are helped through breed or type specific rescue organizations that are run solely by volunteers. 

Over the past year or so we started thinking about fostering to help out some of the organizations that we adopted dogs from in the past.  We decided we’d reach out to Florida All Retriever Rescue & Friends (FARR) and join their foster home volunteer group. 

When dogs first come into rescue it’s often a very trying time for both the organization and the dog.  The rescue is trying to line up appropriate foster homes, get the animal updated medically and begin to learn the dogs personality.  The dog is usually scared and unsure of what exactly is happening.  Sometimes they are owner-turn ins, sometimes a shelter is maxing out on space and other times they are found wandering the streets.  Once FARR agrees to take them in, they are transported to the Tampa Bay area sometimes several transfers happen via plane and/or car from around Florida and even from Georgia or Alabama.  Dogs, like children, relish in consistency and love so when that is upended it is tough for them. 

A few weeks ago an urgent call came asking for new foster homes to step up for a few dogs that needed to be placed as soon as possible.  That was our first venture into fostering.  Since then, we’ve had one other foster – a pup who needed lots of TLC since she had lived most her life in a shelter up to that point.  I won’t lie about this, fostering is difficult.  Logistics alone are a lot, with pick ups, vet records, sometimes vet appointments, marketing the dog, talking to potential adopters, setting meet and greets, paperwork when the adoption takes place, etc.  But it is also challenging to adjust them into a new environment with new people, a new routine and one that includes our two dogs as well. 

Although we are new fosters, the rewards with the two dogs we’ve helped have been outstanding.  Helping them to become better canine citizens has been fulfilling.  It’s fun to watch them grow and learn and play.  You can see it in their eyes when they begin to trust and relax and relish in dog-play with the ever-ready partner, Teddy. :) It can be frustrating and trying on your patience as you balance your life with the addition of someone new that needs usually a good amount of love, discipline/guidance and attention. 

I often joke to Nick that this is trying and I can’t envision the ordeal parents of children must have on a day in and day out basis.  But I can guess what keeps them going through the hard times.  The love and joy it must bring parents to see their kids having fun, laughing, living, and being a kid.  To some degree that is what renews us in doing this.  It’s the joy in seeing a dog get to be a dog and in turn, it fills us up.  It’s what helps when we feel frustrated and tired. 

I often think of our first foster and wonder how he’s doing with his new home and family.  He seemed to fit right in as soon as they came to meet him.  Like he knew this was where he was supposed to go.  However, our current foster is not yet adopted and there hasn't been a lot of interest just yet.  I think that's because our foster group alone has lots and lots of dogs available.  However, it's frustrating and sad.  She is being prepared to move to a new foster home because we are going to be leaving for vacation soon.  While our dogs are boarded, FARR's policy is that no available dogs go into boarding but are rather placed with another foster.  I completely understand and agree with this policy.  And I also know myself enough to know I am tired from this process.  She's a real sweetheart but 5 month old pups are lots of constant work.  I worry about her.  I care for her and know she's not mine, we're only getting to influence part of her journey and I pray that she's going to get a new foster and eventually a new family that will care for her and give her a happy, full dog life.  It's hard to love a pet who you know is only with you temporarily,  but it's also so fulfilling to see the strides she makes daily because we do love her.  

This whole thing may sound funny to read, especially if you aren’t a dog lover.  I am a dog person through and through.  My first friend was a dog.  My first memories of my life have dogs in them.  Dogs are important to me and to my family.  And I am glad we can help others who aren’t ours forever.  It is a challenge, a test of love, patience and a lesson in attachment and ownership.  Maybe we can learn a lot about enjoying the moment, about forgiveness and about being able to celebrate something that isn't ours forever because as a foster dog so eloquently reminds us, everything is on a clock and nothing lasts forever.   A dog can be such a good teacher if only we listen. 

I encourage you to find out about dog rescues in your area, especially if you are looking to add a four-legged friend to your family.  If you need recommendations in the Central/Southwest Florida area, feel free to contact me.  Another wonderful rescue we've adopted through is Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida.  If you can foster, consider doing so.  If you can’t, there many other ways to help and as with most things that have to do with dogs, there is joy and wagging tails waiting for you. 

Here’s to Casper and Polly and all animals that are currently in transition, waiting for their new homes.  And here’s to all the volunteers helping to ensure a new lease on life for them. 

Happy National Dog Day! 

Jessica 

Happy New Year!

One of my favorite times of the year is between Christmas and New Year's Day.  Like many, my thoughts are filled with reflection of the ending year and anticipation for the new year ahead.  I have always been a planner and I like the notion of making "resolutions".  This year, however, rather than a traditional approach of listing out things I want to do, change or start, I am selecting a word.  At first, I wasn't sure if I liked this idea since brevity is not usually my strong suit. ;)  I didn't know how I could appropriately encompass all I wish, hope and desire for the new year in one single word.  How can anything be covered in just one word?!

Much to my surprise, my word came to me yesterday during a peaceful, morning walk at a local park near my house.  The air was crisp and filled with birds singing, the perfect place for some thinking and reflecting.  After awhile, I realized the thing I loathe the most is feeling like life is flashing before my eyes, that weeks pass and I don't seem to even notice the difference as everything runs into the next thing.  My thoughts led me to the perfect word...intention.

This year, I am committing to living with intention.

Simply put, intention is defined as a determination to act in a certain way.  I want to be present in my life, I want to be awake and active and aware.  I want to set forth with a purposeful step each and every moment of my life.  I don't want to take this awesome and incredibly fragile gift of life for granted because I was too busy rushing from this to that, ticking off a to do list.  Yes, those things still need to be done, but I can do them with purpose so I can soak up every experience.  So then, in a year from today, I can look back confidently and know that I took every advantage of my life.  That I was determined and focused and grateful and present for every single moment regardless of success or failure.

My wish for you is to have peace, health and happiness in 2013.  If you are making any type of resolution(s), creating an action statement or choosing a word to guide you this year, I would love to hear about it!  If you feel so inclined, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson,

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.  He is rich who owns the day, an no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.  
Finish every day and be done with it.  You have done what you could.  Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt, crept in.  Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.  
This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.

There are No Words

Today is Friday of the second week of Advent.  I am Catholic and try to prepare for Christmas by reading daily readings, reflections and prayers.  Today's daily action asked me to "read Psalm 23 slowly, letting the words stir my heart and convey God's nearness."  Given the tragedy that happened today in Connecticut, of which I have no words, I wanted to share this psalm with you.  I believe it offers words of support and I hope it offers you the comfort it did for me when processing the events of today, regardless of your personal creed or feelings on religion.

My prayer is that these words can rain down upon all those impacted by this senseless act.  And that the choirs of angels are embracing those that lost their lives.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.  
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Our Spice Island Adventure

I am bit behind.  I mean, hello, we are in DECEMBER!  I don't know how that happened.  Now I find myself thinking ahead to the impending holiday season, about what is ahead in 2013 and finishing up my work year strong.  I am feeling a tad bit frazzled.  Truth be told, I am dreaming of a few days to just relax and slow down.  When I catch myself thinking of such things, past vacations come to mind.  That is what I love about traveling in general - the ability to call upon exciting explorations, adventures and, heck, even some good ol' R&R!

Those fond thoughts lead me to this post...earlier in the year Nick and I were extremely fortunate to visit one of our dream destinations...Grenada.  Due to the wonder that is the Internet, we were able to score a fantastic deal!  Thank you TravelZoo!  Sometimes, when you really want and hope to visit somewhere waiting around for a good deal is tough.  However, our patience paid off and allowed us to experience this wonderful, beautiful, spiritual place.  Here's a little bit about Grenada -

The state of Grenada is a three-island independent nation of the British Commonwealth - islands
include Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique - which are located at the southern end of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean.  Grenada has a rich history and culture.  The people are extremely open, kind and very willing to share their insights, tips and history.   It is a tapestry of many cultures who have overtime melded into the uniquely special place that is Grenada.

In case you might be interested in having your own adventure in the Spice Island - here are a few words about travel logistics:

• Information is not overly available - you have to dig for it a little bit.  I found most travel books only included a few pages of basic info.  I found some travel blogs about personal experiences traveling in Grenada helpful as well as Trip Advisor and the national tourism board's website.  

• Flight options are not abundant so you need to be flexible.  
• There are many choices and types of lodging available.  We stayed at LaSource, located near the airport at the tip of the island.  It was an all-inclusive that was a mind-body-soul type of place.  Meaning that there were plentiful healthy food options, many activities including Tai Chi, yoga, daily morning hikes, short par-3 golf course and more ("typical" all-inclusive activities were also available).  Last but certainly not least was the daily spa treatment included with your stay.  My only caution is if you stay at an all-inclusive it is sometimes difficult to leave.  I know first hand because you are thinking, "well we paid for these meals or activities, etc"...but on Grenada you want to get out and explore.  It's important that you do.  Thankfully, staff at LaSource made it extremely easy to book activities off-site as we didn't prebook prior to arrival.  Just something to be mindful of when selecting your accommodations.  

• Seek out a traditional menu.  Agriculture is an important industry and there are many things you really should try.  Our favorites included the locally grown chocolate, soursop (I loved soursop soup) and of course the spices!  
• If you are considering traveling to Grenada and want to discuss with a fellow traveler, feel free to contact me.  I'll be happy to answer questions and share any info/feedback.