A new beginning

Sometimes we all need new beginnings, a fresh start, a renewal of the old. I've been quite a sporadic blogger since my humble beginnings in 2007. I was interested in writing out my thoughts and sharing those "aha moments" and thanks to my friend, Audra, her sister was so gracious to help me get started. After many years and many failed attempts at writing regularly, I've decided a new look and a fresh start might be just what I need.

I've had a difficult time naming my new blog. I thought about "Five Funny Kids" because I, indeed, own five funny kids and even though they're quickly growing into young adults, they continue to entertain me and provide enough stories for a book.

I decided I needed to include something about white sand because it's where I'm from (if an AF kid can claim a hometown as the place she lived for 7 years, which is the longest she's lived anywhere).

I love the white sandy beaches of North Florida; I am especially smitten with Seaside. My dad makes fun of me because of my love for Seaside. He always asks me why in the world I love it and what's so special about it? Well, just for starters, it's a tiny seaside town between here and Panama City. It was incorporated my junior year of high school and I "watched" it become a town. It has A-dorable beach cottages with pastel hues and white picket fences and big, wide porches. There are lots of cute little shops including antiques, art galleries, ice cream (and key lime pie dipped in chocolate and frozen on a stick!), and fabulous fashions. 

The middle of the town boasts a post office the size of my bedroom (or maybe smaller) and an outdoor ampitheater for relaxing summer concerts with flip flops and sundresses. The bands are good but the most entertaining aspect is watching the area in the front of the stage swarm with children running, dancing, tumbling and having such a great summer night on their vacation. Just a few reasons Seaside is so fab.

I also wanted to make known my love for all things tea. After living in England for 3 years, Mike and I became avid tea drinkers. Morning, afternoon and evening. Everywhere we live, we scour the town for a local tea room. So far, every area has provided at least one tea room that reminds us of The Flour Sac on The High Street in Brampton, the tiny village we called home in England. Egg salad sandwiches cut in triangles with watercress, flapjacks, and scones with cream and lemon curd. Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my chin.

All that to let you in on the name of this new blog.

So, here's to a new beginning in the form of writing out my thoughts.