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.