NOTHING LIKE ICE CREAM TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD

The 'no fail' solution to the ultimate cure-all is, Yes, ICE CREAM.  Doesn't matter what flavor tickles your tonsils after one taste of the creamy coolness you immediately begin to feel better.  Whether it's chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, black raspberry, mocha, snickerdoodle, rum raisin, or coffee you are on your way to, albeit, Xanadu!

Don't forget about the people waiting to serve you either.  One order after another and all individual requests and requirements.  Small kiddie cup, kazillion sprinkles with a dollop of hot fudge, no whip cream.  Thank you, very much.  What an array of orders...  black raspberry in a cone - wafer or sugar, sprinkles? large? small?  So many variations and ways to order.  Banana split, large cone, soft ice cream medium, no nuts, etc..  It's mind boggling!!!  All for 20 minutes of happiness.  And, it works!!!

I was sitting in the parking lot enjoying my chocolate ice cream in a cup with overflowing chocolate sprinkles just watching everyone sitting around at the tables, logs or stools, eating their ice cream and all with smiles on their faces.  It was a social gathering of happiness.  Each group was having their own intense conversations while lapping up their ice cream.  Their conversations were of real estate, boys, girls, baseball games and more.  Whatever it was everyone donned giant smiles.

Even if I didn't hear any of these conversations and just watched from the car and licked my ice cream I would've been in heaven.  The smiles on all of the faces made it even more enjoyable!  Thank you, to the Roman Empire or to the Chinese for inventing the taste of happiness!  [Or, Ben & Jerry for Phish Food!!]

No Picture today.

XANADU

At this point in my life I am trying very hard to figure out what Xanadu would be for me.  Six weeks ago, I knew exactly what Xanadu was - in my head... Little cottage by the beach, eating dinner with someone sitting across or next to me each night, writing a novel or children's book series... in other words, "the simple life."

Then, it was squashed.

Reality set in.  Kids leaving for college, job was cancelled, finances became difficult, enjoying the summer at the beach was now going to be a difficult chore.

Still those same six weeks passed and I am just managing to get through the days.  It's a horrible step backwards in life.  Trying to climb out of the pit is still probably two-three weeks away when I can start another film project. In the meantime, the continuous walks on the beach are what make me momentarily happy.   Take a peek...

Morning

 Evening