These photos really capture all the beauty of the Island and how wonderful to be in harmony with nature! I love the blog:)

These photos really capture all the beauty of the Island and how wonderful to be in harmony with nature! I love the blog:)

Sitting through yet another grey, cloudy day "up north" but felt like I was one of the guys on the dive with you. Thanks for all the detail (head) while captuing the flavor (heart). You are an excellent writer! I look forward to your future postings.

Ah yes, I remember those grey, cloudy days all too well! I'm glad that you enjoyed a little escape with this posting. Thank you so very much for your comments and support!

Thanks for the great story. The lobster made my mouth water! Eager to read more…stuck in cold PTown with no warmth in sight. Enjoy the sun 😉

Julie, thanks so much for checking it out! Glad you enjoyed living vicariously a bit. Stay warm and "see" you soon!

Dawn, I know I have already said this, but I LOVE this!!! It gives me a glimpse into your wonderful and HAPPY life… which I love.. and it's so interesting! I know I will visit there someday….

Thanks so much, Derra! I love that you love it. 🙂

I love reading your blogs. I too have lived in the islands for about 3 months. I never felt so ALIVE!! Thanks.

Thanks so much! Always fun to have readers that know first-hand some of the experiences I'm describing. Hope it brings back some of that ALIVE feeling! 🙂

I don't like big critters in the sea either! However, I do enjoy seeing all your pictures and reading your blog. Keep it up!

Thank you so much for your comment! I'm glad you're enjoying the blog. I'll keep an eye out for the critters for you! 😉

Thanks for sharing the things you have learned to far. All very interesting.Here is one thing I learned from your past blog entry: I love to eat mahi mahi (when I get somewhere where fresh is available)…and knew that is was the same as "dolphin". What I didn't know was that the fish I loved to eat…was indeed a fish and not the cute mammals I see at the zoo. I feel much better now.I also feel better when I pee in the bush…but I already knew that (written by a guy).

Tagal, thanks so much for your comment. I laughed out loud at your last comment, but, more importantly, I am glad that you are no longer thinking you're eating dolphin-mammal! Thanks for reading and taking the time to write.

Such a cool blog… Even if we cant all live on an island, we should take the time to enjoy life's many blessings! They are all around. Thanks for the reminder, Dawn — keep up the good work. Thoughtful and appreciative – two excellent qualities!

All great life changes/improvements! I am very happy for you.

Wonderful synopsis, Dawn, of how one's day to day routine changes when one chooses the better life. Our tiny island is not for everyone. It might be a little too slow for some, and lack amenities they consider "essential". As for me, I think it's as close to perfect as one can get in this life. Can't wait to come back Home.

Although I have never worn heels, I can relate to some degree with everything else. The "NOWs" are so much better!Very happy for you!!!

Thanks, Joe! I'm glad you're enjoying the blog, and thanks for taking time to make a comment. As you clearly know, appreciating the good in our lives keeps bringing more of it our way!

Thanks so very much, tagal. (And no worries, I'm guessing you commented twice because you wondered what happened to the first one! I was offline this weekend so there was greater delay in the comments being published.)

Sarah, thank you so much! You can certainly appreciate it all, having chosen the better life for yourself! See you home soon.

Tagal, I love your humor! Also love that you're following along and taking the time to comment, thank you. Enjoys your "NOWs" as well!

Great report… and reminder that the choice of "a better life" is available to us all, anywhere, and any time!

Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment! I hope you are enjoying your Better Life, too!

Great story Dawn!!! Your parents sound awesome and I love the part about you dad putting together the 'sound track'. What a great idea!!!

Rita-Kay, thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. My parents are definitely awesome! And we still joke about "Chappy" 😉

Dawn it's great to finally have the back story on how you discovered the island. I too loved the memory of your Dad putting together the Chappy soundtrack. What a creative and sweet man! Thank you for sharing!P.S. I am guilty of belting out "La Isla Bonita" when it's dark and there's a fire and hubby has gone to bed…there may also be wine involved. 🙂

Sarai, Thanks for reading along and for your comment. Glad you liked the story. From one island singer to another, cheers!

Since you have known "your" island for many years…what changes have you seen? The good, the bad? …probably no "ugly"

Great question! Lots of changes . . . to be answered soon. Thanks for your interest and for posting your question!

Just so you know — SHE did not eat this way in the States! Blogger's Mom

LOL, I can't deny it! I was queen of the cream sauces and all things cheese. Still love all that (and indulge in Stateside restaurants), but part of Choosing The Better Life is eating healthier. Not to mention spending lots of time in bikinis these days does wonders for motivating me to keep the cream sauce pounds off! Thanks for your comment, Mom, I think. 😉

Awesome picture! As they say, "our plans aren't always His plans."

"Ain't that the truth!" as they also say. 😉 Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment.

Beautifully worded, Dawn! I love the GPS visualization! I feel the same way. I believe in the sacredness of all paths.

After 8 years on the island, I still can't properly clean a Grouper the way "the guys" do it. Loved the Fish Dinner post!

Sarah, I'm glad you understand. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and make the comment!

Sarah, thanks so much! Ugh, I know. One of these days maybe we'll come close?? At least I can wash the conch. 😉

Dawn, this is a wonderful post and I'm so glad to have read it this morning. One's inner voice is a gift. The key is to get better and better at tuning into it and trusting it as we go through life. Have a blessed day – Lois

Lois, thank you! You sound very wise and tuned in. 😉 Blessings back to you!

This is so true, trusting the nudges is essential. We all learn in our own way, now I listen.

It definetely is a leap of faith. I took a plunge with no job a few years ago, moving to Hawaii and it paid off. I hope you'll love your island adventure.

Lisa, thanks so much for your comment. From one listener to another! 😉

Lisa, I love your story! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.

The charter flights sounds like an awesome way to go with a pet. I wish I could do that flying to Europe….lol I so understand the errands to get all the things you can't get on island, I did that when I lived on Guam.

Thanks, Lisa. Thankfully, Angel is small enough that she can travel in her carrier with me on commercial flights, too. I would have a hard time putting her down in cargo if she was bigger!

We are spiritual beings as well as physical, mental and emotional. Your blog is about you and all the above define you, your past experiences and present circumstannces. Thanks for sharing.

Tagal, I absolutely agree! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment.

GREAT post, neighbor! It was a little trashy, though. I like the "recycling" for glass beer bottles in place on Smidgeon…smash them into little bits and then use the bits as aggregate for concrete projects.

Thanks, Sarah! Talk to your local officials about possible improvements! 😉

Fabulous post (As Always)! Wow, that lady with the Kalik is brave! My hubby would probably do that, but it would take a lot of wine to get me to do that!

Thanks, Sarah! I'm so pleased that you're enjoying the blog and reading along. No kidding about the sharks!

I love reading your blog and looking at the photos of a simpler, more natural life in process. It makes me think. I've lived in Connecticut for all of my life but dream of doing something so completely different, like you have done. It's scary to think about but exhilarating as well.My spouse and I love the water so much. We spent our summers growing up on lakes. She lived on Lake Ontario in New York state from the end of June to the beginning of school, and I lived on Candlewood Lake in Connecticut.I think we both dream of living on the water, where we belong. I hope we can make that dream a reality in our lives.All the best,Lois

Lois, thanks for such a thoughtful comment. Yeah, there's something about the water – and this water in particular, for me – that has always given me such a sense of peace. Keep following your dream – whatever that may be for you!

🙂

LOL. Yup, that about sums it up! Thanks for your comment, Derra.

Nudgings are good. Listening to those nudgings are even better. A faith that deepens and a love that is passionate are wonderful things. Here's to a journey that keeps getting better and better – LoisP.S. I really like the love story part of this post – and the photo that goes with it 🙂

Thanks, Lois. LOL, yeah the "love story" is something people like (me too!), but also what I feel the need to protect, especially with Mr. Private. As for the picture, it's my favorite! Glad you like it, too. As always, thanks for following along.

Beautiful. The story, you, your love for each other…just beautiful. Made me get all girly and teary at how Romantic your story is. Yes, I know there was stuff before that, but…*Sigh. Love you guys.

Quite simply Sarah, thank you! 🙂

Thanks, Sarah! You, too!

Wonderful, Tagal! I hope you had as delightful a weekend as that sounds. In the Bahamas, Easter Monday is a holiday, too, so I'm just now beginning the computer wade-through to catch up. 😉

ditto! I will be doing the same thing next week 🙂

🙂

Well, I was fixing the salad and making fish sandwiches, but yes! There was a fork involved to help pry out after the initial knocks. And my hands can't take that heat – I suspect we mortals would rinse them under cold water first. So glad you enjoyed the adventure! Thanks for your comment.

Yikes! Then good luck with your errands and enjoy a beautiful (and safe) journey!

🙂

Thanks! It really is a breath-taking view. Glad you like the pics and thanks for your comment!

LOL, thanks, Tagal!

LOL, you've got it, Sarah! I will follow your prescription to a tee! Thanks for your comment.

Yes, indeed, Ryan! Thanks so much for exploring and taking the time to comment. I enjoy your stuff, too! Glad to be connected.

Thanks, Sarah! YES, happy doggy-mama's day to you, too! For all the women who do not have children of their own – whether by choice or circumstance – you still deserve to be celebrated for your kind, wise, generous, nurturing souls. You also give so much to the children, family members, friends, DOGS and pets that you care for so well. Happy Day to you all, too!

Oh Neighbor, you're making my belly growl thinking about that goat! MMMMMmm…have some for me! I agree on most of it, but I have trouble receiving compliments…they make me uncomfortable. I appreciate the sentiment behind them though. Great post, as always!

Hi Sarah! Thanks for your comment. Since the upcoming wedding is on the island, you will definitely get to enjoy some goat souse! As for you not liking to receive compliments – I've noticed. 😉 But you're too wonderful not to pass them on, so you'll just have to get used to it! 🙂 Thanks again for your support!

Thanks, Sarah!

Yup! As we say in the islands, "It is what it is!" 😉

Dearest Anonymous, I haven't forgotten about you! One of the downsides about my big move is that I still have stuff in storage – including all my old photo albums! I would love to be able to include some old pictures, contrasted with new pictures, in answering your question about the changes I've witnessed in my couple decades knowing this island. One of these days, I'll tackle a storage visit. Meanwhile, thank you for your patience!

Thank you so very much, Jodi! I've been delighted to connect with you as well through the power of words and like-minded hearts. Cheers to Soul Speak and your own Better Life!

Lois, thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your comment. You are another of the like-minded bloggers that I'm so pleased to be getting to know through this forum!

Chris, great to hear from you and thanks for your comment/questions! The answer is NO! With nuances, of course, because we lawyers tend to parse words. 🙂 That's all part of the "Big Life Change" part 2 to this question that I'll answer later this week. I'll make sure to incorporate answers to your specific questions. Thank you!

What a lovely comment. Thank you so much and blessings to you!

Wonderful! So glad the very taste came through the internet. 😉 Thanks for your comment.

Lois, thanks so much for your comment! Sounds like you have great island memories – glad to help transport you back for a little mental escape! 🙂

Thanks so much! "Island Busy" has kicked in again and vacation already feels like a world away. Definitely not complaining – love being home! Glad you enjoyed the post and pics, and thanks for commenting – and supporting my sappiness. 🙂

Jodi, thanks so much for your comment. I also enjoyed your interview with Lois and Victoria on your Soul Speak blog not too long ago. Good stuff!

Thanks for your comment, Sarah. As for "island girl" – hah! Perhaps I've passed the rookie level, but I still have a ways to go to hit the advanced level. Working on it! 🙂

My pleasure!

Hello! Enjoying catching up on your blog this morning. I get a rare moment of silence and solitude these days so while up before the rest of the house this morning it seemed only fitting to read your blog and find this review! Hope you are well.

LOL, it does kinda look like the stuff of nightmares. But what a supercool video (Underwater base jump). Amazing that the diver and the videographer can hold their breath so long. Anyway, I had not intention of attempting to dive that hole while I was there! Thanks so much for your comment, Becz1. 😉

Dawn – I am so happy he is okay. That was a very close call. He showed a lot of courage doing what he did! Lois

Thank you so much, Lois. I'm glad my experience can be conveyed to you through this blog. All the best to you, too.

Me, too! Thanks for checking out the blog and taking the time to comment. Good to see you here. 🙂

And that, in turn, makes ME happy, Mara! I'm so glad to bring even the slightest of smiles to you and all of the Better Life readers. Hugs to your dog, and thanks so much for sharing.

Great blog my friend…I am hungry just looking at the pix…

Thanks, Tom! I appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment. Now go get some breakfast. 😉

Love the post, Neighbor! lol…btw, the bread maker has gone on to the great department store in the sky. I actually managed to kill it. I found happiness in getting back HOME to the island today. I cleaned and whipped up some wonderful, garlicky bean dip, and generally just nested. Happy Independence Day, fellow "ex-pat".

Remember my friend, being "un-busy" is as much a deliberate, conscious and strategic choice as being busy. You're experiencing guilt, is all, left over from your former career, like some kind residual effect from a past drug habit! Or, perhaps you were raised Catholic…another kind of "drug habit" altogether, but the end result is the same.There are several good stories about choosing to be un-busy in "Chocolate Cows and Purple Cheese". From "This is What God Meant When He First Said 'Blue'":"In a world where progress is often measured by the ever-increasing complexity of the system polluting our minds, sapping our bodies and corrupting our spirits, we need the simplicity of spending real time, doing simple things, together."Dawn, you now have that gift. Take advantage of it openly, gladly and aggressively.Best wishes.

OMG! Just catching up on some blog entries I missed. Love the pigs so much!

The video is amazing. Love the photos and I love to snorkel – brings back great memories of vacations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Thanks Dawn 🙂

This is a fabulous blog post!! And the pics are stunning. I love it.Are you serious there are only 100 residents on this island? Crazy. And do you mind my asking, who is the young white boy? You mentioned you don't have any kids of your own. My apologies but I haven't read every post on your blog so I may have missed who he is along the way.

Okay I guess that makes total sense. There are tons of white Jamaicans as well. I just don't know much about other islands. Thanks for enlightening me! 🙂

Great post! What you, Beau, & the other camp organizers/volunteers are doing for the kids (& ultimately the island) is invaluable. This time in their lives is something they will look back on & smile as well as draw them together in an additional way other than just blood ties.Way to go, BLB!

Glad to see you back at the blog again…was afraid you'd quit, or worse. Stay safe during the storm.

Wow, Neighbor! You beat us this time…despite our desire to, we never ventured up on the Ridge to brave its raging winds. Great pics. Yes, the whole time Hubby was up on the bloody roof I was mentally smacking him in the head. I couldn't believe he decided that roof repairs had to be done during 50mph winds! I am so thankful Isaac was so "easy on us" (compared to Irene). I continue to pray for the folks up North. Great post, as usual. Glad you are back on island! Now the Neighborhood is complete.

Wonderful post and a very happy birthday to you and your Beau. Enjoyed all the pictures!!! The better life is glowing in your face and smiles!!

Thanks, Rita-Kay, so glad you liked it! And I appreciate you taking the time to comment. I look forward to seeing you back in the islands one of these days.

Look like the birthdays were fantastic!!! You must pinch yourself every now and again, knowing this is your life now – you're in a place you love, surrounded by wonderful new friends and filled with love. What a wonderful celebration of LIFE. Awesome to see. Happy belated birthday and congratulations on choosing your better life!! 🙂

Oh Dear! What an adventure you have all had. It is difficult to deal with doggy emergencies living down on an island far from basic necessities. Glad you were able to catch a flight with her and get her looked at. VERY glad she is ok! Don't beat yourself up over this. Most people have these sorts of "oops episodes", and it's not like we intend to hurt our sweet little furry family. You're a wonderful Mommy, and I guarantee that is what Angel knows.

How precious Angel manages to ingest Aloe without going into spasms of "Blechism" I don't know. I've tried drinking Aloe tea for its medicinal value, and can't do it. It makes my very ears curl. Congrats on the new golf cart! Snazzy! Fancy Lady! I'll buy the drinks if you provide the ride tomorrow at around noon.

OMG. You poor thing. What a mess. Maybe you should re-name your blog "Choosing the More Adventurous Life???" So glad you're feeling better. I am in bed with tonsilitis. Yesterday could not speal or swallow. On steroids/antiobiotics/etc. Ugh. xxoo Jillian

Wow! When you told me you stepped on a sea urchin I didn't realize it entailed all of THAT! Had I known you were enduring a hangover of those proportions I certainly wouldn't have called as early as I did. 🙁 At least the whole adventure made a good story. Beau is such a sweetie. As much as you take care of him, it was good for him to take care of you in your hour of need. P.S. Don't do that again.

Oh NO! That's horrible! Sounded like paradise at first, and then… NOT. Glad you've healed and are feeling better – except the bruised ego, of course, which we all get now and again… *sigh*Hope your next couple of weeks (at least) are less eventful!P.S. Hope there aren't many typos here – have had a few glasses of red wine…

Oh WOW, Dawn! Those are the most beautiful, spiritual sunrise pictures I think I've ever seen. Amazing, just amazing! Thank you so much for letting me know where my errant puppy dog had disappeared! Glad you three enjoyed a good visit and I just wish I'd followed her over. 🙂 Have a beautiful peaceful rest of your day!

Hi neighbor,Thank you so much for this mornings blog. So eloquent and descriptive,it made me feel as if I was actually there, but in doing so, it also made me feel soooooo homesick, it was hard to hold back the tears! What a simple, peaceful and wonderful life. You, and the lucky few that experience it on a daily basis are truly blessed!See you soon I hope. Barry

Your inner peace pervades this piece! Thank you for the refreshing reminder of life – the better life, for all of us!

Thanks for the beautiful pictures!!! I enjoy the change of seasons and we started fall yesterday–leaves are starting to fall and the temperature is cooling off a little bit—it is also college football season and ECU played UNC yesterday on ESPN!!! In the midst of that, it was inspiring to see your beautiful sunrise pictures which make me wish for a last trip to the beach! Hope you and Beau and puppy are doing well after your summer adventures!XO, J

Aunt Dawn, I want to run away live with you!!! School is stressful and Kansas is noticeably lacking in sunrise, rainbow, and ocean departments. Also, I'm pretty sure Jasper was meant to be an island dog.Love, Brenen and JBoo

What a pleasure it was to share our mountain life with you two, and a couple of mountain beers as well! Your photos truly capture the splendor of this place. We miss the Bahamas, and the turquoise waters are calling, as always. Continue to share your better life, and uplifting stories. Til we meet again, Happy Trails.

Wow, Dawn! Those pictures are absolutely stunning! I have to admit that I was not expecting the one of Beau on a horse, so I about fell out of my chair to yell at Hubby to look at it. Wonderful! So glad you guys got away for some "You Time"…man, did you ever get AWAY! Thank you for sharing your Better Life!

Thanks, Sarah, how funny! Yes, I love that pic of Beau on the horse. (And perhaps he's getting more comfortable about the blog but he pre-approved the posting, LOL!) It was a really wonderful trip. Glad you enjoyed it vicariously!

This is the greatest post ever! I love those pigs!! And the pics of your trip out west are unreal. I didn't even know ou were going! Amazing.Jillian

What a touching homage to your Brave One. Brought tears to my eyes. As you know, I can totally relate. Happiest Birthday wishes to Slick and see you around the Cay for weekend celebrations. Just so I'm clear: The puffer fish did or did not count? LOL.

Thank you for that experience. It was beautiful and so are you! xo

Dawn, the site looks fantastic! It’s easy to navigate and the images are wonderful! Congratulations!!

Have a wonderful Christmas, and I look forward to your Better Life posts in the new year! 🙂

It looks fantastic! I’m loving the multiple photo header, and the layout looks great!

Hi Dawn! It was great to see you again. And I LOVE your new blog header! Take care, and we hope to see you again soon! Wayne & Sharon & Callie.

Hi Dawn,

I so love your attitude and outlook on life! The concept of focusing on gratefulness in our lives is a beautiful one and it’s something that is easy for us to forget living our crazy lives! Thanks for the reminder!

You’ve been great about keeping tabs on my blog posts (thank you so much!) and I’m ashamed that I haven’t done such a great job of doing the same with yours. For a lot of us, 2013 is about changing our mindsets and really concentrating on what truly matters. For me, that means focusing more on my connections with people – especially those with whom I share so much in common. So, I’m going to aim to do better at checking on you and your adventures. 🙂

Your blog is looking great – they really are a labor of love, aren’t they? Your venture into video blogging is a fantastic one and I look forward to new installments.

Happy New Year again!

-Patty

A happy, happy new year to you, Dawn! It’s so wonderful to see and hear you! A beautiful video post. (Hmmmm… you’ve inspired me to consider doing some video posts as well).

I too am grateful for so much – for all the amazing aspects of my life, as well as the difficult lessons. It’s all led me to this moment.

Onward and upward in 2013! Looking forward to seeing where it takes you, as well! 🙂

Yipes! Hope you’re feeling better soon. So far everyone in the H household has been spared, save a few seasonal sniffles and such.

Oh you poor poor dear! Like everyone else said, we’ve all been there. Like you said, at least it was just you and Beau, and at least he’s sweet enough to come back in. I hope it is at least another 41 years until your next go-round with sea sickness.

I love your word, and I think it’s exactly perfect! I can’t wait to see what you write this year! 🙂

Love this, Dawn! The pics are gorgeous, and reflect so well your beautiful Better Life philosophy. I think my fave is the “Simplicity in a new day” – it somehow speaks to me of quiet, calm potential.

It’s so easy to complicate life when we think from the head. Thank you for reminding me to appreciate quiet moments and the beauty of nature (which, at the moment, is the fluffy snow outside my window), and for bringing me right back to my heart, where all is calm. So much to be grateful for. 🙂

So funny!!! Must’ve been quite the sight for Beau! Great job, though – your hair looks like a pro did it! (And I’m speaking as someone who’s gone to a salon for years to tame the grey that came early). Good for you for keeping your cool when you didn’t know what the results would be… I’m not sure I’d have been that calm.

Great post – you had me grinning from ear to ear! 🙂

Dawn, thank you for such a interesting blog today. I loved seeing the commercial for the Bahamas. I wasn’t aware of it, since I’m not a football fan, and didn’t watch the Super Bowl. Watching it gave me goosebumps.
I also enjoyed the pictures of the mail boat. I had always heard so much about traveling on a mail boat, but had never been aboard .

Dawn, I’m so sorry we didn’t come down to the Regatta,as we are still in Nassau. Had no idea Beau was racing!! We’ll be coming your way soon. Can’t wait to visit. We are getting the bottom of the boat painted nxt wk and then I’m ready to cruise!!!!! Love your blog, keep up the good work!!!

When the sun sets in the U.P. of Michigan, right into Lake Superior (or so it seems) we like to say that you can hear it “sizzle.”

I am happy for you my friend. Happy anniversary!

I know that view very intimately and we miss it….but so happy that it’s you and “Beau” enjoying it now.

hi~
i’m in the process of moving to Jamaica… it’s good to read bits from people who’ve done things like this, keeps me encouraged when the red tape and whatnot gets frustrating, or when i momentarily wonder if this is maybe crazy (fortunately those moments are pretty rare)… so, just wanted to thank you in general… that’s why i read your blog… have a lovely day

That was a great write up on how to tackle the lobster head and turn it into a real treat. In my house we’ve been eating the meat out of the lobster head, since I was a little kid. It wasn’t until I visited the US did I realize other people only ate the tails, even in home preparation cases. But oh, it’s so delicious. I can’t wait to see what you tackle for next Friday.

Fascinating! I found your post through Heather Fiore – our sons are in kindergarten together!

OMG Dawn, I am literally drooling over here. Can hardly wait til July when we take our annual trip to Abaco. There’s nothing like lobster and crab straight from the Sea. Great post!

Hi Dawn. It’s funny-I just hit your blog today for the first time. I actually looked at my hubby last night and said if I don’t leave the stress of my job I’m going to die of a heart attack or something even more horrible. “We need to go to an island somewhere” is what I seriously said. After he moved his eyebrows in a manner I have never witnessed from a human (I’m a nurse…) he said “you are crazy”. And here I am at your site. Things that make you go hmmmmmm…..

So, how would we support ourselves on an Island, we’re not spring chickens anymore?

Love it and You are really great and interesting-keep writing sweetie.

JO

Woohoo! Can’t wait to read all about it! Thinking of you guys. 🙂

This is getting exciting. I’ve never seen a boat launched and you had me hanging on to every word. I can’t wait to see how they get the 60 foot masts onto the boat and attached.Loving it!!

Love tuna and grits! Always get some at Flo’s whenever I’m in Treasure Cay.

I’ve had booth separately, but never together. Do you add any flavoring to your grits?

Been thinking about you. I was so sad to get the news! Glad you and Beau were able to make the best of it though, and that he was honoured at the awards ceremony. It must have been so exciting being on the chase boat and part of the action! Eeek! LOVE the pictures. It’s interesting – with the earlier shots I was surprised at the number of crew, then in later pictures, I totally understood… amazing the weight that’s required on a windy day!

Glad to have you back. 🙂

Great photos and thanks for the detailed recap. Almost felt like I was there….almost. Cheers!

So happy to hear your “voice” again! My thoughts are with you and your family, and I’m so grateful to hear all is well! You’ve definitely focused your energy in the right places and your attitude is inspiring! Sounds like your mom and brother share the same wonderful perspective. 🙂 Sending all positive thoughts your way. xo

Hi! So glad to see your post! And a big “welcome back” to your island life! How wonderful to come home to beautiful sunsets and fiery sunrises, lovely plants (that you’re nurturing beautifully!) and the chance to catch your breath and enjoy an island dinner with Beau. And I love that you’re taking in the beauty of special everyday moments. That’s what it’s all about, right? 🙂
~ Christine

The fish looks fantastic — but now what about sharing what sidetracked you! We’re curious about “better life procrastination.”

Ah, wonderful to read your post. What an incredible sunset – fire dancing in the sky. And you’re so right, Mother Nature IS a spectacular artist.

I’m glad you’re back, but also glad you took time for yourself when you felt pulled in other directions. That’s so important, and as you know, a key to living the Better Life. 🙂

Dawn, Im glad your back and your post was refreshing. It’s so good to hear a writer openly talk about her blog and the challenges that exist. I truly think i had forgotten why islanders like the islands so much;
because of it’s peaceful and laid back lifestyle. And how this tug of war exists between getting more tourists to encourage the economy and the fight to maintain the island way of life in spite of this. This post was timely and true to the essence of choosing the better life. Continue to enjoy the islands!!!!

Looks like an awesome trip. Your underwater photos were great as well. Gotta love the bahamas, and those huge lobsters. Keep posting, cant wait to read your next article.

So NOW I finally know the bigger back story! Love it! What wonderful memories you’ve all shared there. And I love how your parents made the first experience so special. Creative and beautiful. 🙂

I read your blog whenever you post, I enjoy every word of it. This one made me laugh out loud.

A little about me. Years ago, after a visit to St. Thomas, I actually sent resumes to law firms in St. Thomas, thinking it was just a dream and no one would respond. I actually got several job offers, site unseen. When faced with the very real possibility of living there, I had to consider the fact that I was a single mother to a 3 year old and didn’t really want to take her away from all her family. So, here I am, many years later, still stuck in a law firm in downtown Houston, living vicariously through your blog.

While I enjoyed this blog, I think I’ll have to pass on the Vienna Sausage treat, haven’t eaten one of those since my own childhood! Keep up the blogging!