I Want to Break Free - 86 Days to Key West

A whole lot of people (who have never done anything adventurous in their lives) have been harping on me...."When are you leaving for Key West, next year?", "You've been talking non-stop about moving to Key West for over 5 years, it's never going to happen" and my all time favorite..."What are you going to do with all the money people have donated to your move - give it back?". (and that was from someone I am very close too.)

 

This song is dedicated to all the naysayers, all the  haters and all the bums sitting in front of the TV right now getting fat, old and and grey.

 Queen: I Want to Break Free Live

It's not like I could just jump in the car and drive to Key West.  I have a life here.  But more than that, there is a very, Very, VERY good reason why I had to postpone my move.

My grandson finally made his debut into the world!  Mom, Dad and baby are all safe and sound and tucked in at home and I can rest easy. 

In the mean time, I am getting down to the wire for my big move and I can't seem to focus on what needs to be done. 

 

For the first time in my life I AM PROCRASTINATING! (I've NEVER been a procrastinator).  I'm thinking that I'm just listening to the nagging little voice in my head that is casting doubt in my directions.  It is VERY hard to tune her out!

I am expending a ton of useful energy that could be used to get going, on just keeping focused.  This is a new concept for me and it is taking some time to get it under control.

 

I am opening up myself to everything the Universe has to offer and I am going to...

And I am going to...

My mantra is....

Because I want to be a beacon of possibility for everyone who ever had had a dream -

Because, Life is too Short!

To keep the dream alive, I just pretend I already live in Key West.  A friend sent me this recipe on Facebook and as soon as I saw it I knew I was going to whip it up!

 

Layered Summer Fruits with Creamy Lime Dressing

Just looking at the picture makes me think of Key West!

Speaking of which....my good friend and KW local, Gary McAdams sent  me this picture to keep me motivated.

Isn't that a beauty?

Whenever I go shopping (which is almost never), the only question I have is "Will this look cute on the beach?" OR "Will this look cute on a boat?". (I told you I'm already living in Key West in my mind :)

So here is my latest beachy outfit I acquired. (I know, I know,  it's pretty prissy, but I can't help it!)

However, I like this nail polish better....I think it looks more beachy!  AND it totally ROCKS  with those Coral platforms!

I ready for the beach...How 'bout you?

Keep your feet in the sand and keep reaching for the stars!

A Death & A Birth - The Circle of Life

I have been remiss posting to my blog.  My family have suffered the pain of death and joy of life.  We have been mourning the death of my brother who was only 3 years older than me.  We are also celebrating his life.  He loved the ocean and spent most of his life on it.  You could always find him with a fishing pole in his hand.  His remains are being scattered over the Gulf of Mexico.  Bubba, May your fish always be bigger then the hole in your net.

 

In the midst this tragedy we are welcoming a new member of our family.  Tomorrow, my youngest daughter is going to have her first child. I don't want to jinx anything, so I am not going to say any more, except "Fingers Crossed". 

I've been hinting that the baby is going to be raised on a boat like this!

 

In the mean time...Life goes on.

KEY WEST 

is Only 96 Days Away! 

On day 100 (last Saturday), I was lying in bed and I got so excited my heart was racing.  I wanted to jump up and start packing.  Things are happening so quickly now.  Most of the things on my list that I needed to get done before I leave are done.  It seems as if the days are just flying by.  My mind is everywhere!  So, if my blog seems a little disjointed - you know why!  

Every day I check the weather in Key West and while Tropical Storm Debby  brought some much need rain to the Keys....

Howard Livingston

it has been near paradise lately down in Key West!

 
So, while the sun is shining in Key West, my soul is shining here in Texas!

A very wise Conch told me recently, "If you want to live in Key West, you need to live like your already here".  So everyday I get up and I get dressed just like I was in Key West.

Key West Beach Style Inspiration:  THIS IS SO ME!

And I sit by the pool drinking this:  Watermelon Lemonade!

 

The Secret to any success is keeping it in the forefront of your mind. 

My mind is in Key West!

Keep your feet in the sand and keep reaching for the stars!

Put the pedal to the metal

I know all of you have been wondering what happened recently when I took a break from blogging.  Some of you even thought I had given up on my plan.  However, that is not the case. In fact, I am working harder than ever!

The truth is, I was working three jobs in order to save enough money to get to Key West!  This weekend, I had to quit one of them.  I was spinning my wheels.  Actually, I was spending valuable time trying to make money when I needed to be using that time to get the plan off the ground.  I only have 125 days to go before I drive out of San Antonio and on to my new life.  So, while money is important,  execution is more important at this time.

I've got the best friends in the whole world.  They have been supportive of me from the very beginning of my dream.  Everyday I get wonderful email, texts, pics and video from my friends, especially the ones in Key West.  As much as I want to get down there, they want me to be there.  They generously inspire me every single day! 

KEY WEST INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO OF THE DAY:  

Beautiful Day Down Paradise Way, from my good friend Key West Chris Rehm

KEY WEST FLIP FLOPS OF THE DAY:  From my good friend Linda Fryer

Linda has a totally cool Facebook page call Key West Rocks.  Check her out for a daily dose of Island Inspiration.

KEY WEST BLOGGER POST OF THE DAY:

"Sometimes you just have to spend 24 hours in Key West" from blogger That's What Jenn Said.  A cute post about a spontaneous trip to KW!  

KEY WEST SACRIFICE OF THE WEEK:

I'm really good at saving money.  I live very frugally and I don't like to shop.  I know it's hard for most people to imagine a woman who doesn't like to shop, but like watching TV, I think it's the biggest waste of time on the planet.  However,  I do have a passion for shoes and designer purses.  So last week, I had a really tough time passing up a beautiful turquoise leather bag.  

In the long run I know it's all going to be worth it.

KEY WEST INSPIRATIONAL MOVIE OF THE DAY: 

Last night I happened to catch the premiere of this awesome movie on HBO called HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN, starring Clive Owen and Nicole Kidman.  

The film is about the relationship between author Ernest Hemingway and war correspondent Martha Gellhorn, and will chronicle their torrid five-year marriage throughout the Spanish Civil War, as well as the aftermath.  It opens in Key West in 1936 and made me long for the opportunity to see what Key West was like before it became a popular vacation destination.

KEY WEST YUMMY OF THE DAY:  Key Lime Cupcakes 

KEY WEST BEACH OUTFIT OF THE DAY:

From the Total Beach Babe - Cynthia@ Beach Coast Style.com. 

She find the best beach fashions on the internet and posts them on her Pinterest page.  I am so having a girl crush on her.  (and I am so stealing this style!)

KEY WEST INSPIRATION OF THE DAY:

Keep your feet in the sand and keep reaching for the stars...

Happy Key West Valentines Day!

My favorite day of the year!  St.Valentine's Day!

Red is my favorite color.  Hearts are my favorite shape.  I love chocolates and strawberries and champagne and truffles and everything that goes with the day.  I give Valentine's to everyone!  (Yes, I go overboard!)  What better excuse do you have to shower people with love than on the OFFICIAL  day! 

Through the eyes of a Conch: Henry Fuller

 

Happy Valentine's Day from Key West!

LOVE CATS!

 

 

http://www.nantucketsailorsvalentinekits.com/

 

 

 

 

 

This is a Sailor's Valentine. An antique souvenir brought home from a sailor's voice at sea.  The gained popularity between 1830-1890 and are composed entirely of sea shells.


 Inspirational Video of the Day:

Well, it's not the usual video, but it's still pretty inspirational!  It's the Margaritaville game on Facebook.  It's pretty fun, too!  

You'll run across many of the real life characters you know  on the rock and you'll also run into characters in Jimmy Buffett's books like Desdemona, Trevor Kane and Joe Merchant. I highly recommend it as a great waste of time.

Key West Inspirational Pic of the Day:
 

I don't know where this came from, but whoever made it "I LOVE YOU"!

 

Key West Conch Cruiser Pic & Video of the Day:

 

 

Key West Valentine's Outfit of the Day:

Who says you have to wear red today?  Karilynne put this wonderful outfit together that is perfect for a night out in Key West.  The tiny heart earrings make it the perfect understated Valentine's Day wardrobe.

peach and aqua by karilynne featuring pave jewelry

Key West Inspirational Quote of the Day:

Keep your toes in the sand and keep reaching for the stars!