I’ve had some “ups and downs” in the last week. After two days of chemotherapy last Thursday and Friday, I spent three days mostly in bed feeling pretty weak. I had forgotten how puny and miserable I can feel with the effects of chemo.
The plus side of the down time is that it forces and motivates me to spend time to reflect and meditate on my life. I find that I regularly need to practice circumcision of soul, that is, cutting away or removing things in my life that are unnecessary and a distraction to accomplishing my purposes and objectives.
Showing posts with label Amelia Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amelia Island. Show all posts
March 12, 2011
January 1, 2010
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
New Years Eve while people were bundled up on the beach,
I got a head start on 2010 by taking a dip in the ocean.
After I got out of the water I felt refreshed!
February 21, 2009
BEACH BUMS
Today Cissy and I completed a wonderful week at Amelia Island. Some days the wind was brisk and the air a little cool, but every day was beautiful. Most days it was pleasant to sit on the beach. Other times it was delightful to sit on the porch or in the living room and look out over the ocean.This afternoon w
e headed out for our daily walk on the beach. Cissy is usually good for about a 15 minute walk in one direction, and then she is ready to head back. Without a doubt today was the prettiest day of the whole week. Cissy felt inspired to accompany me all the way to the pier and back home … a good 3 to 4 mile walk.We always enjoy watching the wildlife. On the boardwalk out to the beach we often see the gopher tortoises sitting out front of one of their many burrows. One day we saw a black snake dashing from one 
of the holes. Was he looking for eggs? The chameleons darting around are full of life.
Several times we saw dolphins plowing up and down the coast. Then there are the birds, hundreds of birds of varying types, often sitting in flocks by the surf or seeming to glide effortlessly through the air.
of the holes. Was he looking for eggs? The chameleons darting around are full of life.Several times we saw dolphins plowing up and down the coast. Then there are the birds, hundreds of birds of varying types, often sitting in flocks by the surf or seeming to glide effortlessly through the air.
Tonight we have arrived back home in Georgia. The weather forecast is a possibility of snow showers during the night, with a bright and blustery day tomorrow. Life is good and each day is different.
Now seated in my chair, I wonder what cares or worries tomorrow might bring. I think back on the day and see the birds on the beach. I am reminded of what Jesus said about the birds.
January 2, 2009
Dolphin Dipper
Folks up north have the Polar Bear Club for those who get in the water on January 1. How about Dolphin Dippers for guys who get in the Atlantic Ocean at Amelia Island?
January 1, 2009
NEW YEARS EVE LIGHTS
Cissy and I are spending some time at Amelia Island as we greet the New Year. After a delicious meal at Beech Street Grill on New Year’s Eve we stopped to see an extensive Christmas light display put together by several homes. The neighbors were in their front yard by a bonfire watching a football game on TV, while their lights were blinking with seasonal music playing.
When we got back to our place we watched on TV the disappointing loss of Georgia Tech in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl game. At midnight we stepped out on our porch to greet the New Year with a magnificent fireworks display. My camera interpreted the aerial artistry.
When we got back to our place we watched on TV the disappointing loss of Georgia Tech in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl game. At midnight we stepped out on our porch to greet the New Year with a magnificent fireworks display. My camera interpreted the aerial artistry.
December 9, 2008
CHRISTMAS AT AMELIA
Again for the last few days Cissy and I had the pleasure to spend some time at Amelia Island. As always, we enjoyed walks on the beach; there were some bright days, others breezy, and then gorgeous sunsets.
We experienced the beauty of Christmas season at various places. Most important, was the worshipful experience on Sunday morning at St. George Episcopal Church where the Advent theme of preparation was told through the life of John the Baptist.
We enjoy seeing the tall outdoor Christmas tree at the Ritz Carlton that shines its white lights up and down the beach. Inside the hotel we saw the annual gingerbread display. The creation of the “S.S. Ginger” smells and looks delicious.
The old downtown shopping area of Fernandina Beach was festooned with Christmas decorations and the usual little white lights at night. The area also afforded us two delicious eating experiences.
Sunday brunch at “29 South” was sumptuous. Cissy had shrimp and grits; I had beef medallions, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, with hash browns. Tonight was Cissy’s birthday dinner at Beech Street Grill. Cissy had scallops and I had red snapper. For dessert we had key lime pie and bread pudding covered with chocolate sauce. It was an incredibly delicious meal served in an amiable ambience.
We experienced the beauty of Christmas season at various places. Most important, was the worshipful experience on Sunday morning at St. George Episcopal Church where the Advent theme of preparation was told through the life of John the Baptist.
We enjoy seeing the tall outdoor Christmas tree at the Ritz Carlton that shines its white lights up and down the beach. Inside the hotel we saw the annual gingerbread display. The creation of the “S.S. Ginger” smells and looks delicious.
The old downtown shopping area of Fernandina Beach was festooned with Christmas decorations and the usual little white lights at night. The area also afforded us two delicious eating experiences.
Sunday brunch at “29 South” was sumptuous. Cissy had shrimp and grits; I had beef medallions, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, with hash browns. Tonight was Cissy’s birthday dinner at Beech Street Grill. Cissy had scallops and I had red snapper. For dessert we had key lime pie and bread pudding covered with chocolate sauce. It was an incredibly delicious meal served in an amiable ambience.
September 15, 2008
MOONRISE
This week Cissy and I are at Amelia Island again. The last time I was here was a few weeks ago when I departed on the eve of Tropical Storm Fay's arrival. The storm definitely did some damage to the beach. It is not as broad now, and the slope to the water is somewhat steeper.
We went out to eat seafood tonight, but made sure we would be back on the beach by 7:35. Promptly on schedule, the full moon rose over the water in all its majesty and beauty.
We went out to eat seafood tonight, but made sure we would be back on the beach by 7:35. Promptly on schedule, the full moon rose over the water in all its majesty and beauty.
August 1, 2008
ALLELUIA WINDOW
During our monthly visits to Amelia Island Cissy and I occasionally worship at St. George Episcopal Church on nearby Fort George Island. (Use the search tool in the upper left corner or "topics" in lower left of my blog to read other references and see photos.)
Part of the beauty of the small church building is the stained glass windows. On my first visit to the building I was struck by the uniqueness of one called the "Alleluia Window" that includes the image of a surfer.
The stained glass was created and placed in thanksgiving for the life of Cameron Gallion who was a member of the church for only six months before he died of cancer at the age of 14.
His parents dedicated a website to the memory, courage, and legacy of their son. (http://www.camerongallion.com/) Here are some of the admiring and loving words of Cameron’s parents:
For the last year and a half of your life, you were faced with a formidable challenge. You turned a devastating illness into an epiphany. God spoke to you and you listened. You told us to "pray, pray, pray, pray, pray." You spoke about the power of love and hope. You wrote: "Don't let the sadness get in the way of your everyday lives." You laughed and joked in the face of fear and pain, rarely missing a single day of smiling. Your strength was astounding, and you later expressed it in words: "I walk in the shadow of death. But nothing is too strong for me. I grab him by the neck and bring him to the floor."
Doctors called you "phenomenal," nurses said they saw light surrounding you — you took their breath away. Clergy people came to help you, but they walked away in awe. They said you were a teacher. You learned to know the human body inside and out. You tuned into the very core of your being and followed every beam of light that felt right to you. From this we learned countless lessons. You told us that your journey would be a jigsaw puzzle — that some pieces would be easy, like the corners and outside edges. You said we would fill in the harder parts, piece by piece, in amazing ways… until we reached the center of the puzzle — the center being YOU.
You led us to the ocean, the saltwater in your blood. You surfed the waves, soaked up the sun, and marveled day after day over how much you loved your new home. The sights and sounds of the marshes, the birds, the palm trees, the streets, the buildings, the beaches, the dolphins, the tides and the sunsets — you cherished them all. Your eyes were as blue as the summer skies, your smile as wide as a rainbow. You told us you loved us every day.
Our love will live for eternity. Oh, Cameron, our baby, we promise to honor your words:
"I exclaim to the world that I am here to stay each night and each day."
OUR PERFECT SON HAS BECOME OUR PERFECT ANGEL.
WE LOVE YOU FOREVER,
Mom & Dad
Part of the beauty of the small church building is the stained glass windows. On my first visit to the building I was struck by the uniqueness of one called the "Alleluia Window" that includes the image of a surfer.
The stained glass was created and placed in thanksgiving for the life of Cameron Gallion who was a member of the church for only six months before he died of cancer at the age of 14.His parents dedicated a website to the memory, courage, and legacy of their son. (http://www.camerongallion.com/) Here are some of the admiring and loving words of Cameron’s parents:
For the last year and a half of your life, you were faced with a formidable challenge. You turned a devastating illness into an epiphany. God spoke to you and you listened. You told us to "pray, pray, pray, pray, pray." You spoke about the power of love and hope. You wrote: "Don't let the sadness get in the way of your everyday lives." You laughed and joked in the face of fear and pain, rarely missing a single day of smiling. Your strength was astounding, and you later expressed it in words: "I walk in the shadow of death. But nothing is too strong for me. I grab him by the neck and bring him to the floor."
Doctors called you "phenomenal," nurses said they saw light surrounding you — you took their breath away. Clergy people came to help you, but they walked away in awe. They said you were a teacher. You learned to know the human body inside and out. You tuned into the very core of your being and followed every beam of light that felt right to you. From this we learned countless lessons. You told us that your journey would be a jigsaw puzzle — that some pieces would be easy, like the corners and outside edges. You said we would fill in the harder parts, piece by piece, in amazing ways… until we reached the center of the puzzle — the center being YOU.
You led us to the ocean, the saltwater in your blood. You surfed the waves, soaked up the sun, and marveled day after day over how much you loved your new home. The sights and sounds of the marshes, the birds, the palm trees, the streets, the buildings, the beaches, the dolphins, the tides and the sunsets — you cherished them all. Your eyes were as blue as the summer skies, your smile as wide as a rainbow. You told us you loved us every day.
Our love will live for eternity. Oh, Cameron, our baby, we promise to honor your words:
"I exclaim to the world that I am here to stay each night and each day."
OUR PERFECT SON HAS BECOME OUR PERFECT ANGEL.
WE LOVE YOU FOREVER,
Mom & Dad
April 21, 2008
GREEN DAY
Yesterday Cissy and I worshipped at St. George Episcopal Church while we are in Florida for a few days. In anticipation of Earth Day on April 22, the theme of the worship service was stewardship and conservation of the earth’s resources.
Scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and the message all reinforced the theme. Members of the congregation shared their personal efforts to be “green” and use the earth’s resources more wisely. We left feeling that we had a fresh encounter with God among His people.
A short distance away we enjoyed a delicious brunch at a restaurant on St. John’s River. We ate on the deck in the warm sunshine as boats pulled in and out. Another delightful experience! Late in the afternoon Cissy and I took a short bike ride before sunset and snapped some photos of the beauty of the world in our immediate view.
During and after the ride I thought of how Genesis describes the creation:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Then God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them."
And the words of Psalms:
The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.
Here is video presentation of one of my favorite hymns, “This Is My Father’s World.”
Finally, I think of words the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome:
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.
Scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and the message all reinforced the theme. Members of the congregation shared their personal efforts to be “green” and use the earth’s resources more wisely. We left feeling that we had a fresh encounter with God among His people.
A short distance away we enjoyed a delicious brunch at a restaurant on St. John’s River. We ate on the deck in the warm sunshine as boats pulled in and out. Another delightful experience! Late in the afternoon Cissy and I took a short bike ride before sunset and snapped some photos of the beauty of the world in our immediate view.
During and after the ride I thought of how Genesis describes the creation:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Then God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them."
And the words of Psalms:
The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.
Here is video presentation of one of my favorite hymns, “This Is My Father’s World.”
Finally, I think of words the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome:
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.
January 2, 2008
FIRST DAY
My first day of 2008 at the beach was good. The New Year began at midnight with a great fireworks display that we watched from the balcony of the condo. The hotel next door puts on quite a display.
In the morning I made my first “jog” of the New Year. Years ago never would I refer to going for a jog. I was a serious “runner” who did not simply jog. The image of a jog to me was a slow, undisciplined rambling along. Since these days my ambulation is much more measured and erratic, a jog is an accurate and most acceptable term.
For supper I included turnip greens and black-eyed peas. Hopefully greenbacks (turnip greens) and coins (black eyed peas) will come my way this year. Do you know the story? Below is what I have read.
Back in the days of the Old South, during the time of Southern gentility, and Northern hostility, black eyed peas were used strictly for the feeding of cattle. During the Civil War the Yankee soldiers burned all the crops except for the "cowpeas" which they considered weeds.
The Union army raided all the food supplies and took everything except the "cow peas" stored for the winter. With no supplies coming in the Southerners suffered great deprivations. In desperation they ate those humble "cowpeas" and were lucky to survive the war, thus starting a Southern tradition. Nowadays that is why it is considered good luck to eat black eyed peas on New Years Day.
In the morning I made my first “jog” of the New Year. Years ago never would I refer to going for a jog. I was a serious “runner” who did not simply jog. The image of a jog to me was a slow, undisciplined rambling along. Since these days my ambulation is much more measured and erratic, a jog is an accurate and most acceptable term.
For supper I included turnip greens and black-eyed peas. Hopefully greenbacks (turnip greens) and coins (black eyed peas) will come my way this year. Do you know the story? Below is what I have read.
Back in the days of the Old South, during the time of Southern gentility, and Northern hostility, black eyed peas were used strictly for the feeding of cattle. During the Civil War the Yankee soldiers burned all the crops except for the "cowpeas" which they considered weeds.
The Union army raided all the food supplies and took everything except the "cow peas" stored for the winter. With no supplies coming in the Southerners suffered great deprivations. In desperation they ate those humble "cowpeas" and were lucky to survive the war, thus starting a Southern tradition. Nowadays that is why it is considered good luck to eat black eyed peas on New Years Day.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
November 30, 2007
GEORGE & JANE
This week Cissy and I returned home after spending six days at Amelia Island with our dear friends, George and Jane Starke. For well over a year the four of us had talked about a trip together. Finally the time was right and schedules allowed the opportunity.
We enjoyed the sights and sounds of the beach, along with gorgeous sunrises and sunsets and the rise of a full moon. Each day we had long strolls on the beach or just sat in chairs close by the surf. The Ritz Carlton Hotel next door was a sight all decorated for Christmas, including a giant gingerbread house.
We ate at our favorite restaurants in the area … Down Under, Gourmet Gourmet, Barbara Jean’s, 29 South, and Safe Harbor Seafood Market. Safe Harbor is always a special trip with a ferry ride across the St. Johns River. After lunch there we bought tilapia at the market, and cooked a delicious meal at home that night.
Fort George Island with the historic Kingsley Plantation (www.nps.gov/archive/timu/indepth/kingsley/kingsley_home.htm) and the St. George Episcopal Church (http://www.saintgeorgechurch.us/) were special experiences. On the way into the church a chameleon greeted us.
Jane played the piano in the beautiful sanctuary while we were awed at the beauty of the room. No where else have I ever seen a surfer depicted in a church stained glass! A serendipity moment was to buy some unique crafts from around the world at their alternative gift shop.
On Saturday George and I kept ourselves glued to the TV for 12 hours of non-stop college football. Meanwhile Jane and Cissy spent a good bit of that time out shopping. Different strokes for different folks!
Worship at Amelia Plantation Chapel on Sunday morning was inspiring with a challenging message about hell. (http://www.ameliachapel.com/)
We enjoyed the sights and sounds of the beach, along with gorgeous sunrises and sunsets and the rise of a full moon. Each day we had long strolls on the beach or just sat in chairs close by the surf. The Ritz Carlton Hotel next door was a sight all decorated for Christmas, including a giant gingerbread house.
We ate at our favorite restaurants in the area … Down Under, Gourmet Gourmet, Barbara Jean’s, 29 South, and Safe Harbor Seafood Market. Safe Harbor is always a special trip with a ferry ride across the St. Johns River. After lunch there we bought tilapia at the market, and cooked a delicious meal at home that night.
Fort George Island with the historic Kingsley Plantation (www.nps.gov/archive/timu/indepth/kingsley/kingsley_home.htm) and the St. George Episcopal Church (http://www.saintgeorgechurch.us/) were special experiences. On the way into the church a chameleon greeted us.
Jane played the piano in the beautiful sanctuary while we were awed at the beauty of the room. No where else have I ever seen a surfer depicted in a church stained glass! A serendipity moment was to buy some unique crafts from around the world at their alternative gift shop.
On Saturday George and I kept ourselves glued to the TV for 12 hours of non-stop college football. Meanwhile Jane and Cissy spent a good bit of that time out shopping. Different strokes for different folks!
Worship at Amelia Plantation Chapel on Sunday morning was inspiring with a challenging message about hell. (http://www.ameliachapel.com/)
Several years ago George and Jane introduced us to the crazy TV show, “Boston Legal.” Since that show did not air this week (writer’s strike?), the gals helped George and me create on our balcony the program’s typical weekly closing balcony scene. You would have to have been present to appreciate the humor of the moment. Ahhhhhhhh … we made good memories on this trip!
January 5, 2007
AMELIA ISLAND
Cissy and I spent the last week at
May 18, 2006
GOOD TIMES
My wife Cissy and I have some good times. I mean really good times. Yes, there are everyday delights and serendipity moments. But the really special and good times seem to be planned and anticipated vacations during the less than four years we have known each other.
I have so many other places on this earth I want to visit. But I am heaven bound, and realize I am a pilgrim passing through this world on my way to my eternal home.
Make sure you have your ticket so you can get on board and go with me!
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