Birthday Wishlist

I want my ex to apologize for ignoring me when I needed him most.
I want my sister to break the patterns of her destructive behavior.
I want my best friend to talk to me again.
I want that damn door to fix itself.
I want my hard work to pay off.
I want the means to travel more.
I want to know what it's like to be successful.
I want to know what it's like to ask for help and recieve it.
I want the Artist to find the peace he refused to give me.
I want the Mechanic to know that I see his flaws but I have always repected him.
I want to thank the Cook for giving me a taste of true kindness.
I want to know what it's like to throw my phone into a river and not have to worry about the cost of replacing it.
I what to know what it feels like to have a sleep schedule.
I want to stop getting teary eyed at the vet's office because my cat is getting old.
I want to stop getting teary eyed at the vet's office because my cat has been the most consistent and enduring part of my adult life.
I want to know what it's like to be reckless and irresponsible.
I want to talk to my grandfather one more time.
I want to know what its like to be someone's first choice.
I want to be treated the way I know I'm worth.

Buoyant Soul

I should have been doing laundry. There was a pile of dishes in the sink. I had mail piling up on the counter I had gone through in days. I needed to eat dinner but I didn't have time to cook. I ate a few spoonfuls of ice cream and headed out the door. I had to see her.

She was the only good thing that emerged from 2016. A blessing for her parents as well as myself.

She makes me feel as though I have a buoyant soul.

The weight of the world disappears. My list of chores is forgotten. I stop struggling to keep my head above water and just float.

She cries, she gets fussy, she has just the right amount of mischief in her eyes. She has filled my heart with so much joy and appreciation.

Primary Sky

A lovely sunset with an extraordinary mix of red, yellow, and blue.

Hiding From The Rain

I went to grab something out of my car after a storm and noticed this wasp still clinging to a leaf for shelter. I couldn't believe how cute it was! 

Weekend Cruise

It all started when I walked into my old job to say hello to my former coworkers. Monique hugged me and said that her family was going to be going on a weekend cruise and I should come if I was free. Almost without missing a beat I said "Sure! I mean, if you're serious I'll third wheel the shit outta that trip!" 

She gave me the details and I booked the trip. I went on a cruise piggy backing someone else's family vacation only knowing one person. Sometimes crazy adventures are just that simple. 

I'm glad I went. I had a fantastic time and I made friends with everyone in the group. They made me feel like family and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. 

Riviera Beach Port.

People enjoying the hot tub as we left the port.

Colorful kiddie pool juxtaposed in front of the industrial port.

Kiki, Kelly, Antoine, and Monique.

Antoine and Kelly.

Monique and I.

Elevator selfie.

One of my favorite places to be on a cruise is the bow of the ship. On this particular ship the bow was extremely difficult to find. Tucked away on an almost private floor through a hallway of the most exclusive rooms. At the end of the hallway there was a small wooden door without a label. Through the door was a small balcony just above the bow area and the most breathtaking view of the full moon over the open ocean. 

Pulling into the Bahamas in the early hours of the morning.

Lobby selfie.

On the bus to the beach.

The whole group: (Standing left to right) Toni, Kurt, Mike, Antoine, Dennis. (Sitting left to right) Monique, Kelly, Rosezitta, Kiki, and J.T.

Our beach trip in the Bahamas included a floating trampoline and inflated obstacle course. 

Rosezitta, Toni and I ready to head back to the ship.

Kelly leading the charge and turning the bus ride into an all out party.

Antoine with Bahamanian drummer.

Leaving the Bahamas.

Leaning over the side of the boat watching the patterns in the churning wake.

Mike, Kelly, Antoine, and Toni relaxing on the deck.

On the bow again watching the moon over a cloudier sky on the way back home.

Grassleaf Roseling

Lovely wildflower blooming just outside my apartment door. 

Florida Leaf-Footed Bug

Spotted this guy just in time before I shut the door.