Labor Day, The Lake, and The Life of a Pirate

Labor Day Weekend wasn't much different than any other weekend, except we were able to spend four days at Lake Perry with a lot of friends and a few beers...or maybe more than a few beers, but it was a holiday!  The weather was perfect with cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and nights that included live music and a lot of laughter. 

Background; I didn't grow up on the Lake, it just wasn't something that my family did.  Occasionally we would join friends and I did learn how to ski early on and remember getting thrown off of jet ski's, but that's about it.  Still, even though years would go by without me being able to enjoy it, I managed to always love the water...the lake or the ocean for that matter.  This year, I have been pretty fortunate to be able to spend a lot of weekends on the lake.  I have made a lot of new friends, have learned so much about myself and not to mention about boating in general.  Never did I think I would know how to drive a boat let alone park one and I can park one...with certain weather conditions and with a little help from the Captain.

I managed to capture some moments this weekend with my professional camera aka my iPhone.  It's a simple life out there on the lake.  I have learned that I can pack lightly, use a lot of dry shampoo and use carbonated water to brush my teeth if I don't feel like walking up the dock.  Not to mention, sleep on a boat without any problems, other than waking up early, but sometimes the mornings are the best out there. The water is calm, the air is cool, you can hear the sounds of the early morning boaters, the seagulls and ducks are out and about, and you can smell the local bar at the marina preparing food for the day.  Did I mention we ordered a Casey's pizza for breakfast one morning...with a big cup of Coca-Cola Classic...that certainly hit the spot! Besides, I love that we can venture down the dock and creep on our friends...to see if they are ready for breakfast or have coffee talks before venturing up to have Spicy Bloody Mary's with extra bacon or the infamous Rum Runner to start the day.

Maybe I will never be a real Pirate but I like to think I am...a Sailor perhaps.  My heart skips a beat every time I see a sailboat and one day, I will be sailing around on one and maybe even living on the water, you know, like a Pirate would do with my spyglass and endless amounts of rum.

"Wherever we want to go, we go...that's what a ship is, you know." Captain Jack Sparrow

Yo Ho!
Shona

 

One Hell of a Loft Living Year

One year ago on August 11th I was loading up the U-Haul on the hottest day of the year, because that's how I roll, and heading to my new home in the River Market.  Do not confuse this with downtown KC...it's different, much different.  I remember telling my friends and family I was going to move there and most of their reactions were about the same.  "It's so far away", "Why?", "Is it safe?" My response;  It's not that far, I grew in a town without a grocery store or stop light, I am used to driving everywhere, besides, maybe it would get more people to venture out of their comfort zone and experience something new.  The why, well because living in a loft is something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do, it's less expensive than where I was living, and I had the chance to do it, so that's why.  Is it safe? Yes Mom and Dad...I will be fine, bad shit happens anywhere.  Do not get caught up with the "downtown" area being unsafe.  Of course there are unsafe areas to avoid, just like anywhere. And yes Dad, I have my firearm.  What can I say, I grew up on farm target practicing. No big deal.

Here's what I have learned from moving here.  People are super friendly and even though I had a great family adopt my Melly because of my schedule, there are pets and specifically dogs everywhere, so I get my fix.  You can walk or take the streetcar and be most places in about 10 minutes.  It's like a little family down here, you see the same people and they remember you, they say hello and they stop and will have a conversation with you.  I am right across from a little diner that so reminds me of the one my Gma used to own and it has a great breakfast. Coffee shops, farmers markets, fresh flowers, happy hours, views of the city, and being centrally located are more reasons I love it here.  Did I mention there isn't a Target nearby? Yes, that's a good thing...but I have managed to still frequent there probably more than needed.

I couldn't be happier with this decision I made a little over a year ago, signing the lease before even seeing the loft I would be living in, but rather knowing it was time to take a chance and because I knew the view I was going to have, I couldn't let it slip away.  I did have to buy a couple of new pieces of furniture that would "fit" so when I found an orange leather sofa and vintage camera light, I knew those pieces were perfect for the space! I love the concrete and brick walls, open ceilings, and huge west-facing windows where I can see the River Market and the KC Skyline. I have learned to live a more simpler life in a much smaller space with less "things" that I realized aren't really important anyway.  Ok, so the closet is a bit of an issue but I have made it work...I haven't quite given up on fashion or shoes.  But I have learned to live a life that makes me happy and to appreciate what life has offered me in the last year.

Cheers To One Year! 

Shona

Sunday In The Sunshine State

On our final day in Florida, the weather was a bit dreary, so we decided to just take it easy.  After a lazy morning lounging around, we ventured out for lunch to try a new Mexican place where the margaritas may have been flowing and decided to hit up a local German bakery as we made our back to The Plantation.  Yalaha, meaning "yellow orange", Bakery was filled with homemade pastries, so many it was hard for me to decide, I wanted them all! I opted for two sugar cookies, two hazelnut cookies, and this amazing dessert called the Sinkhole.  I had already tried their almond croissant and scone, which were nothing short of delicious.  Besides, they have the cutest little patio to hang out on!  While waiting on my Mom and Sis to finish ordering, I decided to step outside.  And unbeknownst to me, they snuck out the side door, hopped in the car and preceded to drive off, waving and videoing my reaction. Hilarious, I tell you.  I was totally distracted by the little older Italian couple that had just passed by me, saying hello, and I immediately wanted to engage in conversation with them.  Instead, I ran down my ride home.  Check them out at www.yalahabakery.com.

After having a food coma from lunch and baked goods, we hung out relaxing before heading to the pool.  Even though it was cloudy and a bit rainy off and on, we made our way via golf cart to enjoy the pool and views of the Plantation and marshlands behind it...I was hoping to see some gators, but maybe next time! The pool was a tad too cool for me but I managed it for a while before we hopped into the hot-tub. And did I mention, we had the whole place to ourselves.  As it started to rain, we headed back to the house, this time I was driving the golf cart and I am definitely a better driver that my sister, although I am sure she would disagree.

That evening we prepared to head home the next day, I always hate having to pack to leave.  And after having a light dinner, we moved to the sun-room and while Phil played guitar. My sister and I joined him in singing a few tunes ranging from Baby's Got Her Bluejeans On to I Think We're Alone Now to Walking After Midnight...it was a fun way to end the night.  The man is a genius too, his guitar playing and singing skills are like none I have ever heard.

We took off early the next morning and as we made it to the airport, we sat down for breakfast and two overpriced drinks before boarding the plane.  A quick flight back to KC, an Uber ride from the airport and my sister was headed home to see her family.  I feel so lucky to have been able to travel with her, much needed sister time for sure. Happy Mother's Day Shelli, I hope you enjoyed the trip!

Another successful trip to The Sunshine State!

Shona