Dolphins and sea grape trees remind me of Belize. You can eat the grapes.
I’m forcing myself to get back in the swing of life, when all I want is to recapture the peace and, “I don’t care a damn” attitude I had in Florida.
I know what you’re thinking. “Sonia, you were on vacation, everyone on vacation feels euphoric. There’s no stress, no obligations. You stroll along the beach, pick shells and wonder if you could string them together into a souvenir necklace, drink Mai Tai’s by the pool, and even your heart starts to smile.”
Sharing stories with people from other parts of the U.S. and the world, is like an energy boost. You learn that everyone strives for the same: a comfortable and safe life. No matter what our nationality, or where we live, we all want our kids to succeed and to know that we shall be able to take care of ourselves financially, today and in the future.
I cherish the times my sons interact with the youth from other states or countries. Jordan, 15, met two sisters from Holland, one 14, the other 16. Those girls spoke fluent English–most Europeans do–and as a mother, it was so refreshing to see young girls enthusiastic about their education and their careers. I often see a different picture in my Orange County, bubble.
I have a problem though. I fall in love with new places and become obsessed. It’s almost like falling in love with a person; I want to tell everyone. I think it’s due to my lack of ROOTS.
People and their stories fascinate me. I love to learn about different cultures, food and lifestyles, yet the more people I meet, the more I realize we all have the same fears. Even the nice couple we met from Holland stated what I’ve been thinking, “You never know if you or your loved one will get cancer, or end up in a wheelchair. You need to enjoy life today.”
Which is why I enjoy my new house in Naples. Just Kidding!
So I shall continue enjoying my life and dream about moving to Florida where there are islands inhabited by middle-aged writers and artists.
Places like Matlacha Island to the right.
Friendly, down-to-earth people.
Some famous authors live here, like Janet Evanovich on Sanibel Island and Randy Wayne White on Pine Island.
An abundance of great restaurants with the best seafood.
Sanibel Island, the sea shell capital of the world, even has a world famous sea-shell museum.
Just in case you didn’t know this, humidity makes your skin feel soft. Even Duke’s skin turned baby butt soft.
How long does it take you to get back in a routine after a vacation?
I love holidays. Hope you can reach your dreams…Lovely photos..
Sonia, you sure make Florida's Gulf Coast sound appealing: Islands with writers and artists on them, even! Maybe I'll move there too.
The funny thing is that Florida is/was about the LAST place I'd want to move (apart from any place with bad winters). All I can think of is sticky weather, mosquitoes, hurricanes, blue hair and bingo.
Prejudiced? Ininformed? Me?
You said: << I have a problem though. I fall in love with new places and become obsessed.>>
I know whereof you speak. I've fallen in love with lots of places — for a while. Of course I am totally unrealistic and want it all — good weather, lots of interesting/artistic people around, good food, affordable domestic help, the ocean nearby.
Sigh.
Miss Footloose, rootless and restless
Middle-aged writers and baby butt soft skin? Sound like very good reasons for retiring in Florida perhaps.
@Turquoise Diaries,
We all have dreams. That's what keeps life exciting. Thanks.
@Miss Footloose
I think you must be talking about the other coast, Miami? Not my side of course. My side is paradise–of course.
@LadyFi
Yes, I agree. Two good reasons, until I settle into my routine again.
Gutsy, Have you read the book,'Third Culture Kids' by David C. Polluck? It deals with people like yourself, and my own children, who spend most of their life in a culture other than their passport culture.
If you haven't read it, I think you would find it enlightening and helpful. I found it allowed me to understand my children and their 'rootlessness' so much better.
@Jungle Mom
No I have not read that book, but as I'm off to Newport Beach library to write, I shall see if they have it. Thanks so much for mentioning it.
How long does it take me before I'm back in the swing? Depends on the swing. Sometimes the buzz lasts a couple of days. I've also come back and been deep back into work within 1n hour. Arrgh! Pam
I have spent a lot of time if Florida, both sides. Although I agree with you and prefer the western gulf coast, Florida, like Miss Footloose has said has its drawbacks. I think you would go nuts there after awhile..I have nothing against "blue hairs" and tourists but it gets annoying after awhile and the humidity and cockroaches are pretty bad. The hurricanes are very stressful too..Your glasses are too rose colored! Maybe you should have two little houses and go back and forth so you wont get bored..
Hi Ladies – one of the kids in my son's class (at the Accra International school) did a project on Third Culture Kids. I thought it was quite interesting.
One thing about living in another culture is the chance to meet people not just from that place, but in the case of Ghana – people from absolutely everywhere around the world. It's great!
Ghana is about 80% humidity year round – so i know what you mean about the soft skin! It's great.
But it's true, no matter where you live, it's difficult to get back into routines after an eye opening, relaxing holiday.
I try to relook at my home surroundings when I get back – to make an effort to see things anew – like another holiday! This sometimes works… 🙂
You live in a paradise in all respects!
Gosh I got a fright when I saw that house- I thought it was yours!
I'm a bit like you, when I go on holiday I fall in love with the place.
@Pam
Sorry Pam. Let's hope your memories carry you through the stressful times.
@Anonymous
Perhaps you're right but my year in Belize, where we had cockroaches, scorpions and hurricanes, did not stop me from liking the place. What I like about FL is that we have a developed country: U.S.A. and amenities that we didn't have in Belize, combined with warm water to swim in, and the exciting afternoon thunderstorms. Perhaps when I'm older, I'll grow tired of that. Who knows?
@The Pale Observer
Perhaps I need another vacation, like you said. Love that idea. HAHAHA. Thanks for your comment.
Coming back to "real life" after a vacation is always hard for me and I am always in a better frame of mind when a have a trip to a great place planned to look forward to.
I do think we look at new places through rose colored glasses. I loved living on the Florida Gulf coast, but humidity and bugs were a downside…exterminator monthly and ticks the size of marbles in my kids beds. Oh, and the waterbugs…the friendly name they gave to cockroaches.
I guess it takes longer to get back to normal when you had such a good time…. 🙂
Usually I come home from a vacation really glad to go back to work, but I would love to experience something like you´ve been to.
such a great post…
I actually get back into the swing of things rather quickly because I realize that vacation was a part of my everyday life in some way…I still woke up, had breakfast, showered, etc….it is just a different version.
You are always welcome to come and visit my new paradise in the Florida Keys!! (check out the older posts about my new house!)
BG
How long? A good 2-3 days, then I'm back in the home groove!
S: "How long does it take you to get back in a routine after a vacation?"
R: "Um, what's a vacation? Is that a day without having to look after the puppies?" 😉
@Jeanie
Thanks for pointing out the bugs. I need a reminder.
@Betty
I believe I feel this way because I always seek change, every few years.
Perhaps I should work for the Peace Corps.
@Ballerina Girl
How far back should I check the posts? When did you live in FL?
@Restless Native
I used to be that way when my kids were little and I loved decorating my house.
@Rob-bear
You poor thing. I know you love those puppies though.
Hi Sonia! I think retiring and finding the perfect place depends on how you are going to live there, your income level, and your ability to still travel and have access to health care. I love New York, for example, but I wouldn't want to live there unless I could live on or around the upper east side. Since that's never going to happen (LOL) I don't plan on moving to New York! How I would like to be Regis Philbin and walk everywhere form my luxurious apartment! If you moved to Naples, do you think you would have the things you needed and be able to afford them?
@Margot,
We found FL to be much cheaper than CA. Also food and restaurants were better quality for less. So I think if we found a foreclosure, we could make it. Just need to sell my book when it's ready. HAHAHHA!! Still working on revisions.
Sonia, Naples misses your charming self.
One day, I hope, I'll find you in the local bookstore, signing your book…
Miss you, too!