My creative life as a vagabond: November 2019

Hi All. I’ve been at Three Flags Campground in Wildwood FL for over a week now. It has been a good time to catch up on some writing, organizing my thoughts, and researching ways to create income. It was pretty chilly here for several days, but is creeping back up to the high 70s. (Sorry my northern friends. I’m sure you are mentally throwing stuff at me right now.)

I’ve had a couple of unusual music experiences here at the campground. One lady I met at ‘Coffee on the Porch’ hired me to sing at a three site yard sale last Saturday. I must say I’ve never sang at a yard sale before, but the price was right and it was actually pretty fun. The next day I played music with two other people at the church service here. I’m not a church person, but they asked me and I said yes.

I’ve had a surprise visit from Keith Williams over the weekend! He is heading west in a couple of weeks and I think he was just trying to find some sunshine and warmer temps. He was able to get a campsite in this park for some days and he is only two sites over from me. We’ve had some fun times together while he’s been here. He took me to a grocery store, which was helpful because I don’t have a vehicle unless I want to unhook Aretha. I just bring what I think I’ll need for the duration of my stay and that works out fine, but it’s been fun to get out and around town. We went to a Gator World Park and held, fed, and learned about alligators. I did not know they can live to be 80 years old and can go a whole year without eating. Wow! We played some music with another gentleman here and we’ve been playing some music together. Games of scrabble, playing pool, grilled salmon, waffles for dinner, and practicing some music, have been fun. He was teaching me how to play cribbage, and I was catching on, but we will have to get back to that another day - because he is gone now. Thanks KW for the fun times!

I plan to head to Palm Coast from here to spend Thanksgiving with a family I've known since 4th grade.

Baby alligator

Over 'n out.

cute goats there too (?)

Home at Wildwood

Keith and baby alligator

Us in front of 'Big Al'

Hello All,

I arrived at Melbourne Beach, FL on October 25.

I spent approximately 2 weeks there, mostly helping my mom move out of her condo. Of all the places in my life, Melbourne Beach is a place I have visited since I was a small child. My grandparents had a house there as long as I can remember, until they passed away not long ago. We all called them Lolly and Papa. I have fond memories of times spent with extended family at their house. From their house you could walk a few blocks to the left in the early morning to watch the sunrise over the ocean, and then walk a few blocks to the right in the evening to the river to see the sunset. It’s a little unique that way.

It was great to spend time with and helping my mom, and I’m glad I am at a place in my life where I could just go do that. Mom and I then stayed at my aunt MaryAnn’s place in Indialantic for a week to finish organizing stuff. (Thank you MaryAnn for lending us your house!) I was grateful to be able to park Aretha in your driveway while I was there.)

I also got to visit with my aunt Grace Ann a few times. I’m not sure we’ve ever spent much time hanging out before, and it was great to spend time with her. She’s so funny. I rode my bike around the area several early mornings and that was cool. I think the bike needs a name. It’s bright yellow. Any suggestions?

I came across some animal friends during my time there.

On the back porch of my mom’s condo were two squirrels that were always hanging around. They would eat peanuts right out of our hand. They cracked me up, and I must say I’ve not had that experience before. The only morning I went to the sunrise at the beach across from the condo, I met some bird friends. Sandpipers running at the water as it receded, then running to safety as it rolled back to shore. Over and over. And over. There was a tall heron standing there who let me get pretty close, but wasn’t much interested in conversation. Oh well. He looked like he had a pretty suspicious nature anyway. Later in southern Florida I met what I think was a bearded dragon or iguana. I'm not sure what they are. He was many shades of orange and quite impressive, yet creepy. I’m not judging, but…ya. You’ll see the picture below. There were a few others of them, but he/she was the biggest.

I had some work done on Aretha while I was there. My refrigerator stopped working. Not good. I did not know how to fix it, so I brought her to a doctor to have that and a few other things checked out. The fridge actually ended up needing a whole new mother board. That was costly indeed, but pretty necessary to my life on the road.

GraceAnn introduced me to a man named Terry Shaw.

He had RVs for many years and loves to work on them. He also went to school for RV (maintenance). I couldn’t believe my luck! I brought Aretha over more than once, and he answered my many questions and taught me so much. He is a retired from the military and seemed to really enjoy the time helping me with it. We visited and had coffee and talked RV. His knowledge and experience helped me so much, and I’m grateful for this new friend that I will hopefully see again one day. Thank you Terry!

Next I gave mom a ride to Miami, and then met with someone I am working with who is going to open a mental health recovery center down there. We had coffee (notice any pattern here?) and breakfast at a great place called MyRoots Juice Bar. Delicious! I was in the area for less than 24 hours.

From there I drove up to Wildwood, FL

I've landed at a wonderful campground (Three Flags Camping Resort) where I plan to stay for the next week (or two). I arrived two nights ago. Phew! I must say I’m really glad for some quiet time to read, write, play music, and create art. I have already met some really nice people here. They even have ‘Coffee on the Porch’ every morning at 8am! I mean, how awesome is that? Right? I know I have a tribe out there who would agree…

Well okay, until next time – Be well and take care of yourselves. Live in the solution and look for the good. It is everywhere.

And if any of you see my kids or grand kids, PLEASE give them a hug from me.