An Unexpected Grief:
Days away from departing Florida and beginning a new life in Wyoming, the plethora of emotions are profound and dizzying. When writing to a dear friend in an attempt to untangle some of these emotions, he suggested that some of what I am feeling might be grief. The minute he wrote that, I knew that was IT.
Florida might be hot, humid, overcrowded, populated with some less than patient or polite people, with traffic that just won’t quit… BUT…oh how I love this lovely state!
It is here that I experienced unprecedented personal growth, had loads of fun, knew love, loss of love, laughter, sadness and yearning. It is here that I enjoyed a certain “off-the-mainland”, unexpected wildness. It is here I learned to dance some amazing flamenco, found peace in kick-ass yoga classes and learned to be a somewhat proficient markswoman 🙂
It is here that I found my two beloved equine “partners” and heard God’s unexpected calling.
Yes, I will always love Florida.
I say farewell with a gallery of pictures and memories. In this case, these pictures are each worth a thousand words…
Each morning brought a new artistic creation with the sunrise over the ocean. I never left home without my trusty camera 🙂
Sunrise in a different light.
Morning walks on the beach often brought companionship 🙂
Observing pelicans was endlessly fascinating. From physical structure to hilarious personalities. they were superb!
And then there were the boats…
…and boats…
…Old Florida, cheesy, fun, tourist boats like the Jungle Queen…
Gorgeously lit boats for the Christmastime Boat Parade, celebrated in the “Venice of America” – Fort Lauderdale
The ancient surviving canopy over the Loxahatchee River provided breathtaking canoe trips.
And some not-so-breathtaking muddiness when porting canoe over drier spots 🙂
Swimming with the dolphins. Pure JOY!
And more sedate outings to the historic Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach.
Christmas season at The Breakers is magical.
I never imagined I would have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a giraffe! Thank you Florida for this!
These pictures barely scratch the surface of the wealth of memories and emotions that I will carry with me in my heart as I now turn my eyes West.
Thank you, thank you Florida!
I say farewell.
This novice horsewoman will continue her confessions…the good, bad and the silly…in Wyoming!
Confessions of a Novice Horsewoman 