Biketoberfest

One of the appealing aspects of living in this area (Daytona/Ormond Beach) is the peacefulness..the laid-back lifestyle. There's rarely any traffic to speak of, most shops close early and aren't open on Sundays. It's a far cry from the hustle & bustle of Broward county. About 80% of the time, Ormond Beach is a sleepy little town, and that's how we like it. However, that all changes a couple of times per year due to bike events and race events. The Daytona Speedway is about 5 miles from our house and there are several popular biker bars just minutes away. Suffice it to say, when Biketoberfest, Bike Week and the Daytona 500 take place, we feel it. The restaurants and hopping, traffic is heavy, and the bars are full of race fans and/or bikers. I imagine that the locals either love it or hate it; I'm the latter. Though I'm not a biker nor race fan, I love the energy they bring to the town, the special events going on all over, the roar of the engines, the rows of colorful bikes (and bikers) lining the streets. There's always something going on, whether it be 11 am or midnight. Beren and I always don our faux biker attire and head out to immerse ourselves in the experience. We have a few beers, rock out to the local bands and get our fill of people-watching. There's never a dull moment. Over the years we have made some really great memories with good friends, family, or just alone.





Today is the last day of Biketoberfest, my personal favorite of the events because the weather is usually comfortable at the outdoor venues and there's a Halloween aspect to the celebration. Biker chicks are dressed up even more than usual, adding silly or spooky elements to their primarily black wardrobe. We got our fill of beers, bikes & bands yesterday so I don't think we'll be headed out again today but you never know.

Have a wonderful Sunday, however you spend it!

Rapunzel~

The Adventure Continues

It's been more than a month since I took a short leave from my job and headed north with Beren. My plans were to regroup, restore and explore, and so far I've done just that.

This has really been a mini-journey of self-discovery, or, more accurately, re-discovery. Rather than introducing new interests into my life, I have fired up some of the old passions that were lying dormant for some time. Books. Cooking. Crafts as well as The Craft. Nature. Films. Art. I've visited museums, book stores & libraries and spent a good amount of time with Mother Nature. I've donned my apron and practiced my kitchen witchery. I've connected with my partner on a level we haven't ever before, simply because we have the time & space to do so. I reconnected with an old friend with whom I was estranged for years. Some days I've done nothing other than putter around the house and rest.

Oh, and I also lost my job. For the first time in my life I am unemployed, and not by my own doing. Oh, I guess I knew this was possible, that perhaps my employer wouldn't continue to hold my position for so long, had tossed around the idea of quitting before they could fire me. But what I didn't expect was the way in which it was handled, nor how hurt & betrayed I would feel afterward. This, too shall pass, but it's only been a week since I received the news, and I'm still licking my wounds.

So, here's what I've learned so far: At the ripe old age of 47, I'm still just as creative, passionate and alive as I was in my 30's, just without all of the needy, insecure baggage that came with that age. I'm much more self-confident and self-assured, at peace with solitude but also relishing companionship. Of a practical nature, I'm still a good cook, crafter and homemaker. I'm a decent writer though nowhere near as good as I used to be, something I plan to practice a bit more. I am more flexible and resilient that I'd ever believed, adapting quite well to this "gypsy" lifestyle. I am not a good accountant, and have no desire to return to that line of work if I can help it. I am intolerant of unnecessary drama, have no time or space for it. I can spot phoniness a mile away and would rather be alone than settle for false friendship. Though I have some issues to work on in the physical realm, I am pretty comfortable in my skin and appreciate the body I've been given. Overall, I like myself, and love the people I've chosen to surround me. My life is good.

Looking forward to the continuing adventure, excited to see what happens next on this fabulous journey..hope you'll travel along with me..

Blessings,

Rapunzel~

Wordless Wednesday: The Week in Review

Rapunzel~

Wordless Wednesday: The Week in Review

Wordless Wednesday: The Past Week in Pictures

Rapunzel~

Wordless Wednesday: Morning Beach Walk

Pretty in Pink

Here's my latest creation; this vintage train case is refurbished in Sailor Jerry-style tattoo fabric, will be for sale tomorrow at the Art: Sunny Side Up Craft Fair.



Rapunzel~

Sweet Friday

Friday was pretty quiet as Beren and I prepared to head home for the weekend. While he was working, I ran a few errands and discovered this adorable French bakery where I enjoyed an espresso and a giant meringue cookie!




then later in the evening we went out for our favorite happy hour spot, Billy's Tap Room.



More to come..

Rapunzel~

Rapunzel's Big Adventure: Day 3

Yesterday I decided to explore my own "back yard, first stop was at the weekly Farmers Market "downtown," Ormond Beach. It takes place in Rockefeller Gardens/ The Casements.



Farmers Market Vendors
The Hallifax River, Granada Bridge


I then took a walk down Granada Blvd, stopped at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens where I enjoyed an exhibit by artist Cecilia Lueza....


and walked through the beautiful gardens! What a serene setting..




I then wandered into the Ormond Beach Historical Society, took a quick tour and grabbed some literature about the town's history and future local events.

Passing by a lovely little boutique I've been eying for some time, I went in just to browse but at proprietor Bonnie's insistence, I treated myself to a gorgeous new dress (photos to come) and before I could do any more damage to my wallet, I headed back home.

The afternoon was spent in my "kitchen/studio" refurbishing train cases for the upcoming craft show and whipping up a delicious dinner for Beren and myself. Overall, it was a simply wonderful day!

Rapunzel~