Honored By John Reno

Honored By John Reno  Please click the words to the left to learn more about John Reno, listen to music samples and buy his CD's & other fun stuff :-)  You can also listen to one of his wonderful songs here!  Thank you, Coconut Sal~

The Angels Are In the Pool~

For anyone who doubts that "today's kids" no longer have imaginations or the drive to create their own fun, I have much to share ~ If you enjoy this even half as much as I did, my mission will have been accomplished :-).  The picture above is of my daughter and her BFF (That means Best Friend Forever in case you, like, don't know ~ lol)  What follows is the tale of two smart girls, a hot tropical day and a 20 dollar bill ~

Earlier this morning over a quiet breakfast, my daughter piped up and said "Callie is coming over & we're going to K-mart to get a pool."  "How much is it?"  "Do you have any money?"  "Where will you put it?"  I inquired in typical mom fashion.  "Like $17.00" "Yes" and "we'll find someplace" were the answers.  Fair enough, I thought...they have a plan! (Secretly I was thinking how they would soon tire of the whole ordeal and decide to go to the nearest resort pool, buy some obligatory food & lounge around as many locals are so graciously permitted to do in the off season.  I was, much to my delight, wrong!  Within the hour, the girls were off...first stop Publix for some California rolls then K-Mart for the prize of the day...the pool! 

~I sure wish I had a video of just how they managed to get that pool back here with these "vehicles"...



Next step, inflation!

~and the tool of choice~

    

I saw them with the tire pump but said nothing, after all, it was their day, their way.  After a short while there was a knock on my bunker door.  "Mom, do you have anything to inflate something really big?"  was the query.  "Yes I do!" was my answer.  As I started to look through the box, I remembered this particular little electric pump has never been used; I handed it over and hoped for the best.  It was a success!!! 

The pool, the glorious pool; What a trophy!

 After taking this pic I slipped back into my coooool bunker to get a few things done and start painting.  Before long, I heard giggles, and splashes...and  Hootie and the Blowish (on of MY faves) on the radio.  Well, I wasn't passing this up...surely there was a photo op and I wasn't going to miss it!  I was right ~ they had turned an otherwise dull and mostly useless bare spot into a slice of "BFF" heaven~

There were stacks of magazines ~ no doubt a combination of at least 50 ways to style their hair, 25 hints on the the ONLY way to apply make-up & a quiz or two promising to tell them whether or not their "crush"  REALLY loves them <3! (sigh)

 The lemonade was flowing ~ probably used to wash down & aid the digestion of all they had devoured from these informative works of girl literature.  (Hey, I used to read those magazines, and I gotta tell ya, when you're a teenage girl, they ROCK!) 

After a couple hours of echoing laughter, splashing and really good music on their radio, things seemed a bit quiet.  Surely they hadn't abandoned their girl spa!  I decided to step out (camera in hand) to see how things were going...I was taken aback by how a concrete slab, a pile of bricks and an old dilapidated crab trap had been transformed ~

You and I have just been made privy to the result of what promised to be a do-nothing, hot & humid tropical afternoon meeting up with the minds (and very small budgets) of those determined to not allow boredom to be a part of their day.  "BFF" heaven, indeed ~ and the angels are in the pool :-)  

Peace, Love & Happy Summer everyone!

Coconut Sal~

PS:  Just one more photo, my caption for which is

"It's only a matter of time."

 



"Conch Soap" (and I'm not talking about daytime TV) ~

...I am talking about the delighfully luxurious and sometimes just plain fun handmade soaps crafted by Kathy Rojas at Key West by Palms Soaps & More!

Having been a long time crafter of many things, Kathy just may have found her niche with these amazingly scented all natural vegetarian handmade soaps.  "I create my soaps in small batches using only the highest quality ingredients" Kathy told me, "and I hand cut and wrap each moisturizing bar."   It's no surprise that Kathy has such a knack for all things creative and beautiful ~ she is a native Conch (meaning she was raised in magical Key West).  She has always been surrounded by the beauty, smells and sounds of the sea as well as the aromas wafting through the air from the various bakeries, restaurants & home kitchens that surrounded her.  What inspiration!  A perfect example of that inspiration would be "Sun and Sea".  Not only does looking at these bars take you to the edge of the ocean, so does the scent, a blend of Salty Mariner & Moonlight Pomegranate.
 

Or Purple Rain.  A beautiful display of color with the playful scent of "Birthday Cake".  Hmm, I have to wonder if this was inspired by the aroma of the delicious birthday cakes from the old Perez Bakery I have heard many a conch talk about ~ seems like EVERYONE wanted a birthday cake from Perez's!

One of my personal favorites is "Sunset".  If you've ever seen a Key West sunset, you'll know the name says it all.  And your personal sunset can carry any scent Kathy has available.  Yes, she will do custom orders as long as the request is something do-able...Keys West by Palms just gets better & better!

Needless to say, with names like Orange Grove, Key Lime Pie, Coconut and Blue Seas (to name just a few) and every color of the rainbow and then some, Kathy has put true passion and little of her heart into each bar.  Just have a look at only a portion of her selections.  Keep in mind each of these bars is somewhere between a LARGE & LUSCIOUS 4.5 to 6 ounces of bathing bliss!

I have to tell you, I have several bars of these

fabulous soaps and they are worth every penny!

not that the pennies really even matter as

Kathy's soaps are offered at a great price &

her service is fast, friendly & fair~

How about a "Two-fer"?  These Choo Choo soaps are a full sized bar wrapped around a neat little rubber ducky ~ tell me what kid wouldn't want that?  Kathy is also planning other soaps like her rubber duckies that will have things like flip flop shaped rubber erasers, surfboards and footprints tucked inside...how fun is that?  (Not to mention the stocking stuffer possibilities these babies have!)  Speaking of ducks, check out these WAY cool U.S. Armed Forces ducks ~ what a great way for kids to keep a faraway mom or dad close to them ...or a great way for mom and dad to keep their big brave kids close to them :-)  Don't let the picture fool you, these are also generously sized bars.

While we're on the subject, how about some good ole Red White & Blue?  These would be great alone, or as "companion" soaps with any of the Armed Forces soaps, don't you think?

 

When I look at these popsicle soaps and think of how Kathy has humbly told me she has little imagination, I have to smile...I think she fibs ;-)  The popsicles are not only popular with the kids, but I hear they come in pretty handy for washing your back and other hard to reach areas ~ neato!

I think Kathy has a bit of hippy chick in her too...with soaps named  Psychedelic, Groovy Patchouli and Celestial Waters I have to wonder what's next...Woodstock?  (I'm smiling again)

At the bottom of this post, you'll see a few more pics of Kathy's wonderful creations ~ she also makes guest soaps that are available for craft events, house parties, etc. that may or may not be listed on the website.  I've seen fish, alligators, flowers, cats, tiki masks and much more.  That's why I have included a link to the Key West by Palms Soaps & More Facebook page right along the official website.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact her, she is lovely to speak with and her top priority is pleasing you, her valued customer!

Pretty cool stuff, huh?  Please be sure to visit Kathy's website and Facebook page ~ this is all just a preview of the bounty of bubbly goodies Kathy offers!

Kathy's Website:   http://www.keywestbypalms.com/home.html

Kathy's Facebook Page:   https://www.facebook.com/#!/keywestbypalmssoaps

Until next time, peace & happiness to you :-)
Coconut Sal~

PS:  I want to add that Kathy's Logo was created by another great FB pal Laurie Kornilow, a graphic designer who does nice work!  While that's a whole 'nother blog, here's a link to Laurie's FB page in case you are looking for a good freelance graphic designer.  https://www.facebook.com/#!/lkornilow



 

You've GOT to be kidding me!

While I'm getting out my soapbox, please take a moment to look at the following pictures and comments ~ they are both being used as visual enhancements so that you, the reader, can see with your own eyes and not have to imagine.  Yes, these are my pictures, if anyone wonders.

My daughter's facebook status (sent from her phone) shortly after arriving for her last day of school this year:  "that awkward moment when the seniors vandalize the school and we're not allowed in." 

Then the following comment was added:   "Some seniors came and TRASHED building 4 last night and we can't take our finals yet." 

The next comment was: from a friend (also a teen):  "wow.... thats a lame senior prank"

My daughter's next comment read as follows:  "There's water, oil, soap, spray paint everywhere"

I've chosen my daughter's friend's last comment as the most appropriate way to wrap up this photo section of the post and segway into my thoughts.  The comment reads: "still a lame prank. thats just straight up vandalism. no creative thought into it. Senior pranks are suppose to be cool and funny."

***

The message on the wall says "WE RUN THIS" ~ interesting.  More on that later in this post

Perhaps the oil, soap & water made this message below a bit difficult to read.  I am told it says: "Seniors 2011"  Wow, what class! (pun intended)

The name of the school is Coral Shores High School.  As you can see, the C and the S were omitted in order to present a different point of view.  Considering they had no problem exclaiming who they represented in these acts of vandalism...was this supposed to be an autobiographical depiction?

Ah, the Pièce de résistance ~ The only thing that comes to mind is LET'S HOPE!

***

All of what you have seen here was accompanied by Silly String, more paint (references to illegal drinking were a common theme) and God only knows what other substances amidst overturned and/or otherwise wrecked tables outside in the courtyard.  In addition, the entire day was put on hold for quite a while.  Everyone from administrators to teachers to parents and fellow students were inconvenienced (to say the least) with no thought given to who may have something better to do than hang around waiting for their messes to be cleaned up and then waiting again for the late dismissal caused by the morning's delay.  Oh yeah, I almost forgot...the bus drivers also had to be "on hold" for a while.  As stated, this affected EVERYONE.   Many of those folks (as well as parents who would have been picking up their kids) have young kids that probably needed to be picked up at day care, or had scheduled appointments, etc...you get the idea.  My guess is that no one has ever told these kids that the world does NOT revolve around their obnoxious, inconsiderate and likely spoiled rear-ends ~ OR DOES IT? 

Excuse me while I pour another cup of coffee, stretch my legs, and give my eyes a rest (taking a few cleansing breaths here)....ah, that's better... 

You may be wondering why I posed the question "OR DOES IT?".  Hang on to your hats, I'm about to tell you why.  And yes, hat holding is necessary if you don't want it blown away..lol ( a little humor can go a long way in these situations)

After being informed that quite a few of these little darlings had been rounded up, the school's deputy was seen with a fistful of handcuffs and there were arrests made, I went to the Monroe County Sheriff's facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/#!/floridakeyssheriff) to see if there was any further information.  There wasn't.  So, I asked the following question: Just curious to know when the information about what happened at Coral Shores High School this morning will be shared?  A short while later the MCSO answered with this comment: " The case is still being worked on. When it is in more complete form, I will be doing a story about it. Rest assured, we are on it"  Good for them, I thought. Our Sheriff's department does a great job & they work hard, they got this!   I went about the business of my day and went out for a couple of hours for some R&R. 

Fast forward to my getting back in around 9:00pm and doing the usual stuff...touching base with everyone, letting the dog out, grabbing a snack, etc.  Then I sat down at my computer to see if there were any updates on the incident at school.  There sure was...and here is what it said:  "Coral Shores High School authorities decided they did not want to press criminal charges. They are, however, pursuing harsh penalties for all involved and restitution for all damages." Whaaaaaaat?  "You've GOT to be kidding me"  I exclaimed out loud although there was no one but my dog within earshot.  Of course, I had to respond...I'll let you click the link to read all of that:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/floridakeyssheriff (all you have to do is "like" the page to be able to read it.)

NOW..I have questions.  My first question is this:  Who "owns" our county school system?  To the best of my knowledge, that would be the taxpayers.  This is not a private or otherwise chartered school...it is a public school.  It not only belongs to many others, it belongs to me.  I want to know why on earth these kids will not be prosecuted for their actions...my hard earned tax dollars help pay for those walls and floors and tables they defaced (not to mention the salaries of those who had to clean it all up).  My next question is this: is a public school indeed considered public property?  If so, then why didn't the Sheriff's office charge them with vandalism (and likely a few other things)...it seems to me that they could.  If someone spray paints a bridge or a road sign or a host of other public properties financed by taxpayers they are charged.  WHY NOT THIS CASE?  Are there different rules for schools?  Or more importantly, are there different rules for different people? (of course there are...happens everyday)  Hmmmm... 

At the risk of being accused of speculating, I am going to share part of my reply to MCSO's announcement about no charges being filed:  " HARSH PENALTIES? RESTITUTION?  Big woo...are they all going to get a "stern talking to" while mom and/or dad writes out the check? I won't be very popular for this, but how disgusting."  (The rest can be read by clicking on the above link and follow the thread of comments from my original question posted earlier in the day.)   I want to add here that our schools are barely permitted to say an adverse word to ill-behaved students, much less hold them accountable.  In keeping with that thought, how then, do they intend to hand down "harsh punishment"?  Give me a break!

In closing, I want to take you back to the first picture you saw with "WE RUN THIS" sprayed painted on one of the school's walls.  Obviously, they do indeed ~ what a sad point to ponder. 

Until next time I wish you peace,

Coconut Sal~

PS:  Yes, I have MUCH more to say on this incident but it would either involve or start ugly things like finger-pointing and name calling...I'll let you all do that privately, like I have. (Hey, I'm only human ;-)

UPDATE:  There has been information and more photos shared by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.  Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/floridakeyssheriff#!/notes/mcso-florida-keys/break-in-vandalism-reported-to-coral-shores-high-school/10150642854255133?notif_t=like   UNREAL!

Then sings my soul....

While perusing my Facebook newsfeed Saturday evening, I saw a post from my fellow Facebooker, friend and "coconut angel", David Kay that caught my attention ~ there was to be an Easter Sunrise Service at 6:45 a.m. on the beach at John Pennecamp State Park.  To many, that may not seem like something for which to pause, but it spoke to me in a way I had not heard before.  Now, before I go any further, you must understand that even though I am a very spiritual person, I am not of the church-going variety.  As a matter of fact, I just vaguely recall the last time I attended a worship service (what I DO recall is that I was mentally mumbling something about Sunday Christians...).     

Having said that, I was still compelled to call Dave and inquire about the service.  He was very gracious in answering the few questions I had (Will I be welcome? What do I wear?...you get the idea).  After hanging up with him I began somewhat scrambling around; do I wear this or that ~ what on earth will I do with my hair ~ I should do my nails...all the usual stuff...well. the usual stuff of the past.  Suddenly I stopped!  What was I doing?  Dave assured me that of course I would be welcome and I could even wear my flip flops!  I was still stressing ~ old thoughts, feelings and a couple of not so good memories were creeping in.  Despite all of that, I knew I must attend this service.  So, I regained my composure, prayed for strength and went to bed.  There was no alarm set, no "Easter Sunday best" ready ~ I didn't even get my coffee pot ready for morning.  Just before drifting off around 1:30 a.m. I asked and trusted God to be my guide, vowing to trust divine wisdom. 

At 5:57 a.m. I awoke.  Oddly, without even questioning myself, I made coffee, took my faithful dog out for a stroll around the yard, returned and jumped into the shower.  Upon looking at the contents of my closet, I didn't flinch and within just a short time I was sitting in my "church clothes" sipping my coffee and hoping I didn't spill any on my shirt.  Yes, I said shirt.  My Sunday-go-to-meetin' attire consisted of a pair of navy blue shorts (respectable enough), one of my favorite shirts ~ a light blue short sleeved fishing shirt given to me a few years back by my pirate pal and you guessed it, my most comfy flip flops.  My hair was casually pulled up and fastened with a shell pink hairclip. (Hey, it was pink, close enough to an Easter Bonnet for me!)  As I pulled onto the highway I began having doubts.  Still, I calmly persisted on my 1 mile or so drive to the  park.  There was a man at the gate to welcome everyone and give parking directions...he had such a warm & friendly smile I couldn't have turned back even if I wanted to (besides, there were others behind me, and this was a one way deal)!  With the car parked, I took a deep breath, opened the door and walked to the beach...what a sight to behold!

The sun had yet to break the horizon and everyone there was on their feet awaiting that magical moment.  There were other fishing shirts, shorts and all the flip flops one could imagine seeing on a beach.  Not to mention everyone had "casual" hairdos due to the strong salty breeze.  THIS, I thought, is church!  THIS is pure worship!  THIS is what it's all about!  As the sun began to rise a hymn was started and even though I was trying my best to sing along, I was too busy wiping my tears of joy with the collar & sleeves of my buddy's old blue fishing shirt.  It was even used to wipe tears from the camera lens, quite a handy thing, this shirt!

As I watched the sunrise, released what felt like an ocean of tears and let my hair blow freely in the wind (no use fighting it) it dawned on me ~ perhaps all those years of shying away from church were from my own insecuritites and self judgement.  Maybe, just maybe, I was at fault for not taking it all in regardless what others may think or say or (heaven forbid) do.  Perhaps I also had been a "Sunday Christian" by judging those I had defined as such.  Yes, I had labeled them, judged them and ashamedly condemned them.  I was so deeply humbled that I quietly knelt and thanked my divine leader for that which I'd been shown.

Does all of this mean I will now be in church every Sunday?  I honestly cannot answer that as I have always been and still am of the mind that one does not have to go to church to know God, to pray or to do good deeds.  What it DOES mean is that whatever I do or wherever I go, I know that my loving & giving God is within my heart as well as at my side.~ How Great Thou Art, indeed!

Note: Because of transportation issues, I had to leave the service early.  The pictures below were taken by David Kay of Key Largo, a/k/a Video Dave. https://www.facebook.com/VIDEODAVEK     The service I attended was given by First Baptist Church of Key Largo. https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Baptist-Church-of-Key-Largo/141064419249591 

As always, I wish you peace until the next time,

Coconut Sal~

 

 

Dive right in part 3 ~

Wow, Robert & Kim Wittekind have finished their labor of love project...their pair of painted adirondacks, and they are beautiful!  I am actually a little late on bringing the news to you, as the chairs were completed this previous Sunday...it was a busy week :-)  But this story isn't about me, so lets get to it, shall we?  Again, I'll allow Robert's words to guide us through to the fabulous finish!

"I completed my chair on Sunday"

"Kim's chair also completed on Sunday."

"The two chairs side by side. They will sit and dry for a couple of days before we Spray a finish on them to protect them and then to the back porch they go. A fun project for Kim and I to do together."  What can I paint now????

When I saw the above picture, I loved that Robert and Kim had put, in words, their own expressions on the chairs.  I also thought about how cool it would be to see them on the porch and wondered if we'd be privileged enough to see them in their permanent homes...much to my delight, Robert and Kim shared.  I sat here thinking of a few clever things to say about the final photo, but decided to let it speak for itself.

"A picture of the completed chairs finally on the back porch."

I have to admit I felt a warm fuzzy sort of smile on my face when I read the last sentence in Robert's caption (What can I paint now????)  If you remember I think I mumbled something about them "catching the fever"...

Kudos to you, Robert and Kim!  You not only undertook a project from which many would run; you did it together ~ that makes it all the more special.  Many thanks to you both for allowing my readers and me in on this journey of fun.  I think I speak for many when I say I wish you the joy of making new memories, planning new adventures and just plain old chillin' in these treasures!

Here's to the good stuff of life,

Coconut Sal~ 

Dive Right In, part 2 ~

Welcome back to the "Tale of Two Sitters" ~  A couple of days have passed since the beginning of Robert & Kim Wittekinds' porch chair painting project; and WOW, we have progress! This post will be more of a photo journey than the last, using only Robert's words to describe each step.  But first, since The Wittekinds are diving deeper I thought it fitting that they suit up, so to speak ~ Enjoy!

Robert & Kim



"I started the blue chair last night."
"Those little brushes do not fit my hands well."

"This is where I stopped last night."

"I'm still working on the back."

"A work in progress."

"Kim's stopping point for the day."

"Kim's chair back is complete."

"Now on to the arms."

I know I promised to let Robert's comments stand alone, I noticed that I had neglected to mention the names of the base coat colors of these works of art.  Lime Green & Water Flow Blue ~ how appropriate!

Part 3 of Dive Right In is just around the corner!

Happy Friday!

Coconut Sal~









Dive right in, part 1~

You read correctly, part 1.  This is a great little story that I wanted to share & as you read on, you'll see why it's only part one.    Robert & Kim Wittekind are Facebook friends of mine...they have always been very kind in their compliments to me regarding my work as well as my daily posts on FB.  Recently I noticed some photos on Robert's page that I though were neat and surely had a story...my intuition was correct :-).

Robert and Kim live in Titusville, FL just across from the space center.  Robert is a native Floridian and Kim is from Texas, but has lived most of her life in Florida.   They both thrive in the Florida heat ~ even look forward to it as it adds something extra to their shared passion of  Scuba diving.  "The hotter the weather the more comfortable the diving" were Robert's exact words.  And where is one of their favorite diving haunts?  Right here in my little part of paradise, Key Largo!

About a year ago, Robert built a couple of adirondack style chairs & placed them on their back porch.  It seems they spend much time there discussing their love for diving (and likely a few other things).

During one such discussion they decided the chairs were a bit bland looking and decided to liven them up a little....and so the process began.  First there was the decision of color and design.  The colors reminiscent of their trips to Key Largo took the prize & this labor of love began....

This is Kim, taking great care in priming and basecoating Robert's expertly hand built chairs.  I have to say, if she found this step unpleasant at all, I feel her pain.  As an artist, there are a couple of parts of the creative process that are not much fun, however they are necessary to achieve the desired end.   For me personally, it is the preparation steps for which I don't have much love...lol.  These photos were from yesterday.

To my delight, today there were a few more photos showing the progression of change from bland to beautiful at the hands of Kim...

"We definetly are not artists but I believe we will have a lot of fun decorating the chairs."  Mr. Wittekind, while we all believe you and Kim will have a lot of fun with the redo of your chairs,  I don't think you've convinced us of the first part of your statement ....does anyone agree with me on this?

 

I don't know about you, but now that we all have a little history on these chairs, I can hardly wait to see what lies ahead ~ part 2 coming soon...

Do you have something you've been wanting to do & just can't seem to get started?  Take it from The Wittekinds...just dive right in!

In fun & sharing,

Coconut Sal~