View From 16 Floors Above NYC- 5 Rules To Life

A few things to think about..... Wrote this years ago while working in New York City.


Morning dew falls on the grass to keep it refreshed for the new day. Taxi horns sound off and people teeter out for a day in the city. The sun has risen onto the concrete jungle and coffee aroma fills the cool air.
Here I sit, 16 floors above New York City, watching people run though the maze of life. Most in search of an "ordinary life". The expected nine to five, productive children, the savings account, and vacation photos to share with the neighbors . Most are comparative, complacent and unremarkable. What has made people so willing to exchange risk or potential for mediocrity?

Passion is defined as... A powerful emotion, such as love, joy, hatred, or anger. Warning, you can't seek passion, passion seeks you. It is the voice inside that says there must be more to life than this. Without it, you struggle to breathe, gasping for life. I often wonder how we get so out of touch with our passion or how we divorce ourselves from our hearts.

Time is the major thief to passion, don't let it steal yours.The years fly faster than you think. Passion may be discovered in an instant, or take many long years to uncover. You will know you have it when your heart of hearts speaks. "I don't care what other people think. I know this is what I want to do, and I am going to get started making it happen" .

In order to share your passion with others, you must be willing to stumble. Is there such a thing as failure or is it just learning what will not work for you? Think of all the inventions and success stories you know.There was a point where each of them wanted to give up and move on. Don't let that happen to you.

Finding your passion.....


1. Break Rules

Were there really any to start with? Eat something new for breakfast. Take a different route to work. Say hello to someone you never speak to. Spend your lunch time differently. Smile at others in the elevator, call someone you have not spoken to in a long time. I challenge you to do something new and change your routine. Transformation starts one day at a time.

2. Art is Therapy.

Color your passion. Buy a coloring book and crayons. Yes, this is not rocket science, it allows you to once again explore the world though the eyes of a child. A few pictures, you will feel the stress fall off. Trust me on this one. Paint sew,write anything creative will allow that little voice inside to speak via pictures.

3. Give of Yourself

Everyone has the same 24 hour day. Pick one hour to help someone else." What can I do in one hour? I barely have time to get something done for me." Yes, I hear you. Write a letter to a hero anysoldier.com or send a card volunteermatch.com is a great site and someone needs you.

4. Don't Move

When is the last time you noticed a cloud, admired a flower, and looked at nature? Mysteries are all around you, however, you might be to busy to see them. Before you go to bed, take a look at the stars and reflect about life. Think about the challenges you have overcome and all the achievements.

5. Broaden Your Horizons

There are so many ways to live and learn. Start a journal, take a free class, go to the library, watch educational TV . One thing the world can not take from you is knowledge and the power it holds. Now is the time to expand your mind and your passion. We are the product of what we take in, no more or less. If you don't have knowledge of something, how can you envision it?

Fast forward.... When it's all over and you're doing a life review. Are you going to be full of "should have, could have, and would have" disease? What will you see in your rear view mirror at the end of life?

Mermaid Poem

In the night I dwell.

Waiting for another day to return full of hope and promise.

Watching the light house and dreaming of far away yet so very close.

The sea is my world, I yearn for the life of man.

He wishes for the peace of the sea.

Will our worlds ever meet?

One day the old man in the sea shall rise and grant the wishes of many.

A world united for us both

In perfection the love of man shall rule and he will love himself in return.


Copyright © 2013 Robyne Highsmith. All Rights Reserved.

I Struggle to Stay Normal

Most people struggle to stay normal, if there is a true definition for it. What would it be like inside a “normal brain” for just one day? How would it feel to be someone else? Would their fears, pride and pain be the same as yours? People listen to our stories and are intrigued. We all see things in life from our own thread of reality.

There are days when you wake up with a feeling of disgust. Watch the news and want to wash all the darkness away. There is no shower that can clean off the sadness across the globe. There are no words to describe it; you have to feel pain to understand.

Every year I jump in the ocean and look for mermaids….. Is that a bad thing?

One year of Bell's Palsy-What I learned in the last year

 Dec 16,2012

It started as a terrible case of the Flu. A week of tissues and cold meds gave no relief. My ER visit diagnosis? A case of old age and bad flu. Treatment included, “This too shall pass; and don’t miss a flu shot next year.”

A week or so later, the feeling started to disappear in the left side of my face. Over a two-day period, my left side fell. Drooping eye and lip, and if that is not bad enough, all sense of taste disappeared. Why get out of bed, if you can't go to Starbuck's? Moving my face became an almost impossible chore. Words did not come out right. "Y'all" sounded like "yell." This southern girl has a serious issue.

On Thursday, back to the ER; had an MRI and a zillion dollars in tests, and I'm diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. Really? Are you sure? And what’s that? How long does it last?

Bell's is a neurological disorder that can take months and up to a year to clear. The true cause is not known, but cases have been related to viruses. Well, this was great news compared to the alternatives! Ok, time for me to put my big girl panties on and deal with this.

Locked inside my apartment, hiding from the world, I viewed a city, busy, living life. Cars full of normal-faced people going back and forth to work. Are you feeling “poor me syndrome” yet?

My view on life and beauty suddenly changed. The next day, I sat watching coverage of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. Thoughts were of all the children; I said a prayer for Angels to surround them. How could someone do this? Only God knows the truth. Sitting here made me value life and the gift it really is. When it is all over, family and friends are all that counts. Everything else is just stuff.

Being a makeup artist, I can “fix” just about anything. I reminded myself, makeup is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Well, maybe this might require a Craftsman wrench and some WD-40. Armed with the best beauty products in the industry, the work began. Eyebrow pencil higher, good fake lip alignment, curled the droopy eye lashes and added waterproof mascara (because my affected eye was constantly watering). My face appeared a little more alive and even across its features.

Major Confession

The last few days have made me understand how shallow and superficial my life had become. Sometimes, there are the "simple things" we just don’t “get.”

For years, I have worked with women who have cancer or disfigurements. When they would cry in happiness after a makeover, a feeling of understanding would come over me. Did I really get the whole concept? Nope, not even close. The makeup fairy really does have a magic wand! Time has come for her to start waving it more for local nonprofit organizations.

My face is getting more feeling and movement each day. On Wednesday, back into the world I go, with an adjusted view on life. Bell's Palsy has been a good thing for me. Thanks for reading and give everyone in your life a big hug!

2013 Update

It has been a year since this post. For the most part my feeling and taste have not returned on the left side.The good news is everything has a chocolate taste. Not a bad side effect!  Fragrances have totally changed. Animals and other things so intense now,much more than before. Living with the numbness  and lack of taste have  become a  daily challenge , Biting the inside of your mouth is never fun! Several starbucks burned mouth episodes later......oh well enough for now. What I do know, this year has made me really look at life differently than before.

Mask of Life..writing today

Spent today writing....I see who you are behind the mask. A body held together housing an empty soul. Stop blaming yourself my dear child; it is not your fault. Life has become a product of mommy dearest and father time. Tears fell from your eyes everyday in an attempt to empty the pain. You hide in your castle of life and pretend everything is ok. Stop allowing the world to see the mask with sad eyes and fill the empty soul once again.

Christmas was so naughty it was outlawed in Boston from 1659-1681.

One of the advantages of having a blog, you can write honest true thoughts. I am saddened by what Christmas has become in America. It has developed into commercialism at its best. Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the twinkle lights sit next to the Halloween decorations.Wait, there is more.... Someone always gets drunk at the office Christmas party and gives us something to talk about until the next one. Bell ringing Santas get arrested for stealing from the red donation bag. What is going on with Christmas?

 A few questions for you....Who came up with the idea to give presents? Why do we put up fake trees or chop down real ones? Did you know most people spend more on a tree than they donate to charity each year? Where did the idea start to inspire people spend days turning their house into a winter blinking wonderland?

Did it just become this self centered and crazy ? Nope, read on.....The Original "Christmas" was very different than the way it is now. Many of our traditions are based in Pagan religion practices.These traveled around the world for centuries and arrived on the Mayflower here in the new America. The wild party continued and the country was split on what to do with Christmas. 

 During the civil war the North and South had different views on on slaves and  Christmas. The North saw it as a sin to celebrate and the south contained the first three states to make Christmas a legal holiday. Alabama in 1836, and both Louisiana and Arkansas in 1838. Christmas was not declared a federal Holiday until 1879.  

This video is informative the  history of this holiday season.What you see might surprise you!

In the 19th century Washington Irving reinvented Christmas with the book The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon. It included essays and a few involving Christmas He changed it from a wild insane party to family time and people bought into the concept. Want to thank him?  He is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery with the Headless horseman in Terry Town New York.


 BTW...If you want on my Christmas card list, send me an email!

Retail Black Friday Angel Story

To all my retail friends....My Stupid Black Friday Angel Story made possible by my trip to Walmart tonight...

Every Retail employee has an angel assigned to watch over them on Black Friday. They sit on your shoulder with a feather pen and book to log all your “angel points”. These points gain you favor with the retail Karma Fairy who arrives for Valentines Day.

Thanksgiving is cut short for you… The dressing and turkey are left behind. You have to go to the store on time. Park out in the trenches and hike your butt into the store. Why? Your coworkers did not want this shift because they are still enjoying drinks and time with loved ones. Next year ... Maybe….

Customers are waiting in lines at the door. All wanting to purchase something that could have gotten before and a few door buster deals. They rush in the door with such a clatter you wonder “what the hell is the matter?” Reality hits,OMG here we go again. Angel, please let the crazy ones get into another line to check out. I had my share of peopleof walmart.com last night.

People are grabbing and trashing about. Tempers are flaring and you breath a deep sigh. Your fingers are tying to ring as fast as they can, however,there as always is that “one slow man”. He wants to flirt and write a check. Come on sir please move along, it’s not just you, but this stupid Christmas music is driving me crazy. It has played since halloween and I am over the whole thing .

Stingy Susi wants it cheap but your register rang the wrong price and she is VERY unhappy. Oh Angel, let the Karma Fairy know about this witch. Behind her is drunken Dorothy, She just wants to go home but her credit card won’t work and it is your entire fault.

The Angel watches……Thinking…. Next year they have to do this again!

Thank you for reading my silly story!

10 Things you don't know about me.... Scared?

People write and ask all kinds of questions… Here is my 10 things you don’t know about me list…..

1. I am an OCD germaphobe.  My house must be clean and sanitize my hands at least 15 times a day.
2. My favorite shades are Black, purple and red.
3.  I was never asked to the prom in high school.
4. I don't like roses. Potted plants are my favorites.
5. I was attacked by a Doberman as a child and terrified of large dogs.
6. Will be buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Eternity in Terry Town New York, home of the headless horseman.
7.  I have never rode on a motorcycle in my life.
8. Have a serious crush on Ted Kennedy.
9. Burn a candle every night in my bedroom.
10. Enjoyed alligator hunting in the Florida Everglades. It was wild!

Crystal Ball Of Single Life at 50+

My crystal ball lied to me or had me confused with another person. What I saw was not being single and living alone at 50+ years old.  Oh no, I will be living in New York, married to Trump and ……Wait, slap back to reality of this post….…

In defense of the single, divorced and going it alone crowd, it is a great way to live. Please stop trying to get us from the single to the married dept without understanding how we might feel. The  main advantage is “freedom” but the downside, people can’t always prepare for it. Being single in this decade of life arrives by divorce, death, or choice. These are the only three things to thank or blame.

The mentality is something you either accept or change .Moving yourself out of being single as quickly  possible. If you stay in alone land long, your outlook on life is different. You find peace in simple things. Strange how you can become content on a Friday and Saturday night to be alone in bed with a book. You realize that one of the best ways to be happy is to find peace in yourself and do what you love. If someone would have told me years ago my life would be prideful to a nun at a convent, I would have cried. Now, I am quite happy with it. In the end, it is all relative to perception.

Being alone expands your vision of life and gives you time to think. Career options are much more open and you can break through the glass ceiling easier. I know all the book stores, chain restaurant menus, and Starbucks locations across the USA. This came about by traveling to and living in more cities than a vagabond with a backpack. One of the perks and downfalls of a full time travel position. Do you get to see more than the 9-5 crowd? Yes, but you do it with different eyes.

We find happiness in the unexpected and trying new things. What you never thought would make you smile; now bring light to a dark day. For me, cooking has become a passion, Cooking for one has made me create new recipes and buy a few food domains online. Normally there's not much in the fridge left over, and I know where all my cookbooks are stacked.

 Music enjoyment expands with growing old alone. Music beings back memories and ghosts of eras gone by. The Stones are still rolling (Keith Richards Sober), the Eagles flying high and Bob Marley on teen 2013 T- Shirts. This is how many years later? Wait don’t answer that!

Choices for single people are always there. Let’s see…. I might write books, travel, and maybe move into a intentional community(hippie commune updated). Yes, there is an original one in Virginia and it still thriving. Maybe they need a new member ……

Suicide from the Ivory Tower

The "Ivory Tower" has existed from the beginning of time. Some people hide in the tower and refuse to face the world. For them, it is a shelter from reality and escape from the "everyday" of life. Up there you can hide your head under a satin pillow and wish the world were different.


Seeing the changes in society over the last 50 years has been amazing. Here is my list of changes we can no longer ignore.


1. People are acting more entitled than ever to everything. Earning things is no longer something to achieve. Instant satisfaction is the key. We want it all yesterday!


2. The true English language not longer exists. We tweet and text our everyday communications. No face to face or voice to voice. Cursive writing has been removed from most schools across the country.Students will electronically sign documents.


3. There is a name for every illness and behavior. Good ,bad or indifferent ...... Enough said!


4.There was an era where you just accepted yourself. Now, no way.... You have to be societies version of perfect. This of course requires plastic surgery,makeup, teeth whitening, fake tan, hair color and working out like a Drill Sargent. Our desires do not don't resemble anything that occurs in natural form.


5. People have become fat and lazy. If you really question this,look at a Walmart parking lot around noon on Saturday. Just sit there and watch the people. Since I know you won't do that......Watch the video below.....

Intro to new book....

“All blood bleeds red, what determines if you live or die is how fast it comes out. Many years have passed since I watched her die. Not sure if she was ready to go or gave up. Either way, she was dead.  You my dear, have a whole life ahead of you and death is not in your near future, for now anyway.” She smiled and looked  into my eyes with a deep sadness radiating from within.

 Ava May sat in her rocking chair gazing out the nursing home window. She spends time reminiscing and warming  her rail thin body with a cream crochet blanket. On the one brown wooden dresser sit perfectly placed photos from her youth. Marilyn Monroe good looks and regal nature are present in all of them. Ava refers to her facial lines as “experience traces left by time”. Behind the hazy blue eyes and silver streaked hair are stories of a girl growing up in a small southern military town surrounded by scandals. Things are not always easy but the past teaches you lessons only the future can see.

I was her health aide and upon meeting, it felt like we had known each other for years. From that moment forward, my time with her was a lesson in womanhood. This chance meeting was an unexpected gift now leading me though life.


Copyright © 2013 Robyne Highsmith. All Rights Reserved.

Dating the Dwarf with a Glass Slipper

Midlife has a way of making you look at relationships and love differently. My history of disastrous relationships has been my fault. The sad reality, lightning bolts never zapped and fireworks were lacking. This was true in my dateless teens, tiring twenties (two kids), lackluster thirties, hopeful forties, and the fateful fifties.

If the relationship had a chance to blossom, it became boring and predictable. These all fall into the half pain and half pleasure category. The question is always lurking somewhere in your brain, do you really want to spend the rest of your life bored? Ok, I hear you,” Robyne, you never met the right man!” You are right, rode the dating merry go round for a number of decades. Somewhere inside, I felt that the right person was not on the horse, lion, tiger or zebra. Sat in the bench alone… Round and round.  

 It is time to stop the violen playing. I need get out and do some dating research. Starting with a local dining location on the water. Overdressed people yakking at their dates while watching them act interested. You could see by the facial expressions the conversations were superficial and boring. It appeared they are there to get noticed and care more about the martini being perfect.

  The people are all trying to live life in the bubble of prosperity. The land of $50,000 a year millionaires.  While sitting at the bar drinking a diet coke, the top question asked by all, except one, what is your occupation? These are phrased differently per person but the question is always on the list. My response, as little as possible. This of course is not true but to explain it would be over the top. When did an income check become required to date?

 Decide to check out the Publix grocery store to study men. My game plan included looking into their cart, and asking myself, would I eat that? Carts have a way of telling you a lot about a person.  The following men were victims of my article.

Guy #1, he has soups and lots of them. They are lined in the cart by type and style. He is dressed nice and you get the OCD feel right away .Cooking is not his thing ….Yawn….

Guy #2, OMG does he really eat all that junk food? His overweight body screams exercise me! It has endured years of Little Debbie Snack cake abuse. He must be a wounded soul seeking comfort in mashed potatoes and Doritos.  This is sad, very sad…. 

There is a Gym next door, I will be in town for a while and need to work out. The Snack Cake King must have triggered this visit.  I have to give these people credit; they are trying to do something with their bodies. You can see it in their faces, a drive and ambition to overcome grandma batwings and belly done lap (as we call it in the south). . Men and women in all shapes size sweating away for $10 a month. Good price, nice people, where do I sign? 

 Time to check out Good Ole Boy Central, the redneck bar and pool hall. Up to the bar I go, they have Kenny Chesney music going, pool balls clacking and diet coke. I had a fun time and met some wonderful bikers. Some shared great stories and were much more interesting than snooty Fish Central.

Does love really exist?  Midlife Cinderella’s can’t sit at home waiting on Prince Charming; the glass slipper broke years ago.  Is there hope for the Dumbo or will he spend his time alone forever? Will the Sleepy dwarf find love, or did it pass him by while napping? Maybe this is all a Fairy tale… Of sorts….

The Career Mirror at Midlife

Many people at midlife are being forced to change professions and take up new ones. In 2013, everyone is judged on both their appearance and media presence  . People are more willing to live life in public than ever before. Facebook, Twitter and Linked In  have become a part of this era. When is the last time you Googled yourself?

 We are trained that success in  life is based on how you present yourself to the world. Make good grades in elementary school and Santa will bring gifts.  You should always do your best, look your best and whine less than you do. Suck it up and make something of yourself. After all this is what is important, right? 

 For example, when you go in for a job interview, you're judged on appearance. Have you ever made assumptions about others waiting for a group interview?  Please tell me I am not the only one...  Yes, it is an ugly game of  you against the world of candidates. Some better , some worse but all in competition for your spot. 

 Employers often do quite a bit of research  before they hire you. This plays a huge role in if you are accepted within an organization. If you are good enough to get the job, are you required to maintain it? 

Darlene Jespersen, a former casino bartender at Harrah's Entertainment, sued her Reno-based employer of 20 years. She was fired for not wearing makeup.Following a court case, she returned to work and was exempt from the cosmetic requirements. Does mascara really make a difference?

Why do some employers ban tattoos while other doesn’t mind them? The corporate world does not really accept them. A pink leprechaun on your neck following a date with Jim Beam comes with a price. I know a girl that tattooed a Disney castle on her butt after a night of cosmos.Do I really want to buy a product from someone with offensive tattoos?

Jennifer Portnick was denied a Jazzercise franchisee . The company had a policy that required exercise instructors to be in good shape and appear fit. Portnick, weighed 240 pounds and this was not company standard.  How realistic is it to represent fitness at this weight? What if she lost those extra pounds and became an example for Jazzercise to be proud of? 

Many people have been judged for blogging..  Blogging is publishing and you can't ignore the influence. It is part of the world and here to stay. For example, when writing this article, I googled...BTW, Love this photo and wish I knew who to give credit to.  They get the idea... Beauty fades and dumb is forever. 

Jimi Hendrix Checks into Hotel California

A major part of my life has always been music and writing. It blows my mind that it almost 40 years has lapsed since I became a teenager. There are many times I would give anything to go back agian. Great music never fades and appears frozen in time. How much we would learn if we could turn the DeLorean Time Machine back to the late 60's and  70's. The music and lifestyle were so different from today , but was it really? Looking back yet knowing what the future holds is a gift that would have changed the outcome of society . Oh ,what a gift that would have been....

Jimi Hendrix spoke words the world understood . He was a true artist...“. Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music” His theory holds true in the turbulent world we live in. Strange.... how all the music of the past is surfacing again.

The Rolling stones got some satisfaction over the years by selling millions of everything. Keith Richards was born December 18, 1943 and still going strong. Who would have thought that possible in 2013?

Steven Tyler’s noise in his head does not bother me all In fact,.nothing about him bothers me!  It is the title of his book about life made bestseller by American Idol. 

 Ozzy became a national family figure. Metallica has turned the page into the major bucks and a great remake! Led Zepplin  is smiling on  the stairway to heaven with us all. 

I had the honor of working with a guy who helped with the Eagles Hotel California recording. His  gig at that time was selling time shares in Orlando.He provided proof that Glen Frey did have some Dirty Laundry.  Bill Clinton might not have had "sex" with that woman but he did unite the Eagles again.It was one of his greatest accomplishments and the world owes him a lot for that!  Proof that Hell Freezes Over at least once in a lifetime. 

Some things never change…Life in the fast lane is speeding.The free bird is still flying; ACDC is  not selling Cheeseburgers in Paradise yet . Marilyn’s candle is blowing in the wind while Rocky Mountain high is still up there. Janis Joplin’s train 219 is running away with her man . Maybe these songs are just time in a bottle tossed into the sea of life.

Drinking and Driving in the State Police Car....True Story

I have been a plagued by a dark cloud for the last week or so. Not sure what is the cause, could just be general changes in life.  When the dark days come,I always reach out to a very close  friend in Brewton Alabama. He has always been there for me over the last 20+ years.  I went to visit him today. 

To say he is nontraditional would be an understatement.  He is known for being a strong political power in Alabama and a very smart man.  While serving in the Senate he ruffled many feathers, caused ulcers and a few other things. There are people you love or hate and sometimes both at the same time. He had the gift of lighting up a room and dined with Presidents.  A  rebel with a cause would be the best term. As a prosecuting attorney, he would visit the graves of his clients. Famous for leaving a "business card" by the headstone. He felt it gave him vision when it was needed. 

We met on a case he was representing. It was the murder of a young lady and the body needed to be found. A trip was required to the scene of an event. He offered to drive and before heading out into town,he looked over at me with a southern drawl and asked if I wanted a drink? My response was no, and his arm reached behind the seat. A portable bar popped out and he made a cocktail in the drivers seat. After being informed that "you  can't do that" he responded " I can and it is happy hour, only one wont hurt" . Two drinks into the sunset we went. In a state vehicle of course LOL .

Over the years he made the paper for nominating his mother for President, scandals swirled and he smiled through them all. He was awesome father who loved his son more than anything in life.  Always the first to raise money, help with anonymous donations and just being himself. To me, he was always a southern gentleman.

Did not have a business card  today but I felt he would forgive me this time..... But next time, Ms. Robyne should bring one, and maybe a bottle of vodka to place on his grave.

“Memories are the treasures that we lock deep within the storehouse of our souls.” Becky Aligada

Emotional Mosquitos

Is being self centered a bad thing? Wait, before you respond, read this first. Review your life cycle to date; you have a family and some friends. You can count on some of them when needed.  Do they care about you nearly as much as you care about yourself?  No, in reality you are not at the top of anyone’s mind like yours.  Self preservation, when properly understood, is incredibly freeing and valuable.

 Life has a way of keeping you busy as hell and accomplishing nothing. We all have failed, repeatedly in some cases and got back up again.  At times we buy into my own BS that anything can be done; the alternative of honesty is too painful.

 People have more freedom than they think. You are free: free to try hard, fail, learn, fall down, get up and repeat.  You can be reincarnated with each new endeavor. You don’t have to settle for just one life in a lifetime.

That being said, forget the past. We all have made poor decisions about how we lived, who we have trusted and where emotional energy was expended. Maybe we spent more time worrying about other people rather than ourselves. It is done, over, now move on with life.....

I am writing this with 50+ years in my rearview mirror.  In the end, making yourself a little happy is not a bad thing…. Is it?

When Faith Steps In......

This post is not about dying, it is about living. It is for all the powerful people who learned how to live due to challenges in life. Faith is what steps in when everything else walks out. There are many things you learn not only about yourself but others during this time.

Certain words rip through souls. Doctors can roll the letters off of their tongue with ease. Aids, HIV, and Cancer are said often. The first thought is denial and emotions move on from there. Overtime the pain slowly eases and acceptance starts to settle in. A new life with a diagnosis.

 You learn things during your illness and recovery.  Many are revelations that come from knowing the truth. It can be learning that all you once perceived might be wrong.  This blows like a breath of fresh air in a twisted tornado of emotions. Thoughts always bring about a change in life and perception of the world. Three things will reveal themselves over time.

1. Fear of failure will be diminished from your life.  In the past you might have lived with the belief that attempting something and it not working is failure. You soon learn the only way to fail is to NOT try something.  Suddenly your bucket list falls into place. The clock is ticking…..  A list titled “I would love to_____” is quickly written. It could be skydiving or facing the conversation you have avoided for years.
2.  You must accept help from others. No person is an island and God did not design us to be all alone. Don’t suffer from the “I can do it all alone “syndrome. People who are true friends become very visible. All of your close friends and family will show their true shades. Some will be black, white and others in vivid color. The promises of visits, dinners and help either produce results or fall into the great abyss of broken promises. Never forget…A mouth can say anything but actions speak louder than words.
3. Let Go and Let God. It is ok to cry, go ahead and bawl  like a baby. This is nothing to be ashamed of  tears of joy and sadness will fall . Don’t hold them back. Allow rivers to flow and write the word hope in them. Scream and cry out to God the question .....Why me? Tears roll most when you’re alone, in the middle of the night. Night has a way of being darker than black and silence is a very loud noise. When the sunshines in the window. A new day starts once more.

 There are many of my friends going through issues in this era of life. Some are facing challenges of both mental and physical illnesses. In 1988  I danced with the the devil. It is something that I don’t dwell on but would be lying if I said it left my mind.The experience allowed me to write this long overdue post...Strange...

Felt the need to write this today, not sure why... Maybe it will make someone think a different way or make a bucket list….. Time will tell….

Is Colorado A Phoenix Rising?

 I have a friend who lives in Colorado and called him during the flood. Panic set in when there was no   answer, I quickly sent both a text and facebook message. His area was spared the devastation of the flood. 

Memories of Katrina quickly surfaced ......

 I lived in New Orleans for a while and always loved the vibe of the city.This was one area of the country I try to  visit every year.This story took place on my first trip  following hurricane Katrina. I was speaking and managing mall promotions in Kenner  La at  Esplanade Mall. It was right across the street from my old residence.

One of the young ladies working for me shared her survival story of Katrina. She was in an area that flooded quickly.  The family climbed on the roof but could not get her grandmother up high enough. They watched her get washed away and there was nothing they could do to help. A military rescue team removed them from the roof. Grandma was never recovered to her knowledge. The family was able to get to a friends home . Her mother and 3 small siblings wanted out of the city fast.  Friends provided a car and gas money to escape the chaos. 

She was 16 , but did not have a drivers license yet. Money was tight for the family and they planned on getting one later . The very limited driving experience qualified her as captain and they were off to California . She settled into sunshine with her Mother and 3 siblings. The desire to come home surfaced and they returned to a changed city. " Miss Robyne, Katrina was a bad thing but some good came out of it. I never knew that at 16 I had the strength to watch my grandmother die and drive cross country with my family. It made me a stronger person and gave many people chances they never had". A young girl with wisdom far beyond her years. 

My next stop was  Baton Rouge . My favorite restaurant close to the hotel is Ruth Chris Steakhouse. On this visit, I  had the privilege of spending time with a very prominent southern gentleman. He was known for        his Sopranos type " holding court"  in New Orleans  many years ago. His eyes were full of knowledge and I am sure some regrets.

We spoke of Katrina and I shared the young girls story. His response was an unexpected observation.  He felt In the old days, when the "real people" were in charge, the outcome would have been so different. There was respect back then and "all this " would not happened. He felt that the young guys are to into drugs and not into "taking care of the people" like they should be. My time with him was very insightful on life. He felt strongly that the Government is spending to much time "sticking our nose into business that was not ours and neglecting people here at home". 

Over the years there have been many natural disasters. Hurricane Camille photographers sent  photos of the dead bodies hanging in trees across the world . Time has proven, you can wash away material things but not the spirit of the people.

Very Quick thought.....

To many people are out there in the world trying to be something they are not. Why do some people have a hard time accepting reality? Are we trained from childhood to question life? Is this really all there is to it? Should we always strive for the popular route? Thinking at midlife....

Hair Bleach New Volvo Sponge Docks-A Day In South Florida

My day in Tampa was full of adventure and seeing old friends. This is the life!

When my daughter was little, her BFF cut her hair off. Yep, she had beautiful hair and April Eller whacked it with 8 year old good intentions.   I screamed at the lopsided short cut, a sincere look combined with  "I can fix that"  made things better .

April was destined  to be a stylist and  attended Paul Mitchell School . She now owns a salon in Tampa.  It was time for April to "fix my roots". Very few people have ever been able to get the color right. Very dark hair to blond can be a challenge. It can end up a yellow brassy hot mess.


 I arrive at her loft and she works magic on my hair. It looked perfect! Go see April in Tampa. You must schedule early, she fills up fast. She fit in Auntie Robyne for this week. Thank you for making me Beautiful aka YOUNGER!  She has a gorgeous daughter and Hercules her long time fur friend. (Pic stolen from  facebook )  Contact her via Facebook.

Everyone  should have a special friend to travel life with . Heidi and I have been friends for 15 years. A lot has happened, some good and bad.  She met her husband when we were together in Tampa.

 Her wedding is still the most beautiful one of my lifetime.  A yacht cruise at sunset out of  South Florida . Being somewhat of a non conformist, a bright orange dress and tropical flowers made this a unique experience. It was the wedding of a lifetime. This was the photo that started her new life and two beautiful young boys.



Oh, so much for the sentimental stuff. She needs a new car!

Volvo of Clearwater was next on the list. We have close friends who work at the dealership. Buying a car is a big investment and would like to deal with people we know. Mission, find Heidi a safe car for the family. She has a complete list of "needs" for this vehicle. The test driving started and she found the perfect car!

A storm rolled in ,we munched on popcorn and watched the lightning show while they completed the paperwork. Due to their location, snowbird central, they ship cars all over the country by order. It is a busy dealership and they are very selective in their used inventory. Please contact Terri or Dennis for all your car needs. (Pic stolen from  facebook )  I Love old cars!

 Tarpon Springs is a little north of Clearwater. Home to the Sponge docks and a lot of great stuff. It is considered to be a" little Greece" in Florida. The Community full of intrigue and great food. Take a cruise or spend the day shopping for lots of goodies. If you can't make it down, order from the Spongeorama ,the sea sponge store online. Take a virtual tour of this magical place!

My Visit to Dozier Reform School today.. There are more bodies of boys and my thoughts....

The truth can be very freeing , lifting an emotional load through the pain of honesty. I went to the Dozier Reform School for boys in Marianna Florida today. They are still searching for buried bodies of  missing boys. Why  the visit?  Last night memories my childhood and Dad telling me stories. He said “ there are two places you don’t want to end up in Florida. One was a place for boys around Marianna . The other in Chattahoochee State Mental Hospital. This was the day I found out about a relative who resided in Chattahoochee until death.

My father was a great man with a rebel streak, so I must have come by mine honestly. The subject of the Boys facility came up during a story about stealing ( unknown long term loan)  relatives car and taking it to NYC for a joy ride.  NYC is a long way from Chiefland Florida. He did return with the car and his buddies in good shape.  Daddy spent a few nights in the “slammer” .The judge gave him a choice between  Reform School or the Navy . Off to the high seas he went with a smile and retired years later.

\

 Have been trying to think about why I wanted to stop by there and see the place. It was like a strange closure of some type. In my mind I always wondered when Daddy would talk about things, how things like that could happen.  He knew firsthand and  I never questioned it. Will be honest and say.... In my mind ,as a child, there was some skepticism .

 The story of abuse varies with each person. The truth is quickly surfacing about the conditions these children lived under.  The good news , the world is watching in this age of technology.One photo struck me the most. The walls of the white house covered with blood. These walls never had to talk.They were there screaming the truth and people looked away. The children endured brutal punishment and many vanished into the night.

 Most of the boys were age 5-16.  Not all were at risk youth, the state kept foster children housed there as well. As the unearthing takes place, families and loved ones might get answers to questions launched many years ago.

The  White House Boys  is both a website and book detailing the horrors of Dozier.  Blogs are up of the survivors stories and God Bless them all. 

 I recall a boy in high school saying he was going there in the 1970's. Today the gates were locked and an eerie feeling set over the fence. I stood watching the wind blow over the grass  and through the lifeless white buildings.  Was murder was always there and we never took the time to notice it ? Did we feel differently then? How could this have happened ?

 I made a plan to visit  Daddy's grave later today and leave a fall bouquet of flowers. I felt the need to tell him he made a good choice. To let him know the truth has started coming out and he was right . I told him the survivors are now free to talk and tell the story without questions. He would be so proud of them. He never said how he knew of this place.... Just "it was bad".

 In closing....I stood looking through the locked gate today thinking...My thoughts were  interrupted by a man saying to me  "you really don't want to be in there". I thought the children did not either and not one person listened ......in 111 years.

                                                 THE WHITE HOUSE PLAQUE

My Florida Fur Family and Life in Florida ... You gonna love these photos!

Everyone keeps asking what is life like in Florida? Well here are all the homestead details. Before my move Florida, I posted a “Who wants a roommate” plea on Facebook. Judy Gafford Fehl quickly came to my rescue. Our friendship started in middle school. She always accepted mywackadoodle ways. We studied Broadcasting together in college and she developed a noted career in video production.

On arrival, the front door opened and I was greeted by my new little fur friends. Seven of them to be exact, with Kahlua expecting a few puppies very soon. She introduced me to all of them and one more, Weezer the cat. He was a rescue kitty and thinks he is a dog. Don’t dare tell him he is a cat! Judy started with one Dachshund a few years ago and progressed into professional breeding. The dogs and Weezer are all spoiled, happy and lovable. The house is spotless and the dogs pick up their own toys. I could not get my kids to do that!

She constantly loves on and plays with both the puppies  dogs. This assures they are healthy and happy. Each time a puppy is sold,she investigates their new home. The pet detective is on the case.  Don’t even think about not having a perfect home for the puppy or you don’t get one. This is after you are on the waiting list for a littler down the line.

This is a major operation here. Judy aka The Doxie Whisperer does all of her own shots, vet stuff and deliveries. People write her from all over the world for Dog advice … She knows her stuff! The dogs even go potty at the same time. They are not big fans of the animal channel. The nightly TV choices are more like cooking,football and Under the Dome. What will they watch when that ends?

Thanks to the Internet, her hobby turned into a business Cream of the Crop Doxies. Judy ships all over the US or  travels to deliver them. Showing the dogs are next on the list. Wake Up Little Suzi will be making her arrival on the dog show scene soon.


 Before you ask,yes, I have a favorite, Bailey and  his rubber chicken. This lifelike toy has been with him since birth. It is meltdown time if the chicken gets lost!

After spending time here, I am convinced that we need a dog reality show. There is more humour, drama, and adventure here than anything the animal planet has to offer. As I write this Bentley is kissing me and Bella is cuddled up on the couch with Judy….Yep this is the life…Beach by day and dog by night.Have animal questions or looking for an AKC registered Doxie? Contact Judy,

Visit the Devil's Millhopper in Gainesville

The Devils Millhopper is one of the most unique places to visit in Florida. It is located  near Gainesville  and considered to be the “Bad Boy” of all Florida sink holes. Yes, this is the one others aspire to be. Sinkholes are very common and the news features an occasional house being devoured.

The Millhopper has many legends surrounding its creation and activity throughout centuries. Native Indians surrounded this area for years. They believed there was an Indian Princess that the Devil chose to Marry. She of course declined the offer and the earth opened to swallow her up. Many years’ later stories were told of wagon settlers hearing the ground rumble and never being seen again. The many animal bones located in the bottom are believed remains from food for the devil . Oh and don't forget the  missing college students who drank to much and were never seen again (or  maybe someone forgot to bring them home).  

This  hole is 120 foot deep and 500 feet wide and there are 236 steps to the bottom. . The base  is covered with various types of flowers and plants. Beautiful little waterfalls are flowing out the walls. The boardwalks and observation deck make for a nice view.

It was a fun trip and plan to visit on my way to Tampa again. The Devil did not show but I  did comment several times ” Hell this is a long way back up to the top”. Does that count? This is a must see and bring tennis shoes. 

The Dark Children Are Waiting For You.......

Flowers should be sent to the living not the dead. People would enjoy them more that way. The blame game is an easy one to play. People spend time looking back at a past life suffering from “What-if-itis”.  Sometimes we laugh more at the funeral home sharing stories than we did during life. Why all this gloom and doom? Prior to my sister’s surgery we went over her Last Will …. Yikes…

 I gave up my life in Indianapolis to come and help in Florida.  I had a semi-cushy gig up there in Colts country.  Worked writing for different stuff, and as a makeup artist for Nordstrom. Given my background, it was relaxing and far different from my normal pressure cooker jobs. Peace had been mine for the last 4 years.  This was all after my airport breakdown where I cried like a baby (on blog) . There will be no return to Indy for me at this point. Game changed and the universe has left me in Florida for a while.Enjoying the sunshine and writing.

 My book is almost complete and only needs a little more work. Could it be I want perfection ?  Find it  Strange how this book started years ago and is based on an event in Pensacola . I am giving to much info here LOL. Writing a book on the subject of mental illness opens you up to all forms of criticism.. Yep, if people were not pointing fingers before, they will be now! The clock is ticking to the launch and am I prepared for the backlash? One must keep in mind the old country saying.” It does not matter what they say about you, make sure they spell your name right. If people stop talking, be concerned.” Amen on this one…..Still waiting for the gloom and doom part?

It will be on Kindle, Nook, Amazon, and many more sites. The words are waiting for the world to critique on so many levels.  Some people will compare it to a Steven King type story. The Dark Children have a mind of their own.  

This book made me think about my own mortality. We are all forced to do this at some point in time. I want to have a party for friends with stories and laughter. Pass the Crown Robyne Drink (yes you read this right) and enjoy Reggae music.  Don’t forget Funeral for a friend by Elton John and a little Steven Tyler. 

Want to be buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Terry Town New York, Cremate me first and come to the  home of the Headless Horseman. It is a one hour train ride along the river from NYC and a beautiful place . If I should have to come back haunting, this is a happening place.  Spend the midnight hour hanging out with Elizabeth Arden, ( Elizabeth Graham as she prefers.) The one and only  Mr. Rockefeller  and the queen of mean Leona Hemsley.

   I need 3 volunteers to review my book.  FIRST 3 ONLY on Facebook to comment and ask to review will get a chance!   I want to see who would read this far down on the blog. It is not Snow White so be prepared!...Next month it will be open to review.