The best Christmas present every year: a box of oranges and grapefruits from the trees in my grandparents’ Florida backyard. Its Christmas eve arrival means I’ll be enjoying one for breakfast tomorrow! Mmmm.
An impact, by definition, is never soft. I sat down with a stack of books and began putting them on the shelf. A few deep, I came to the one that caused the rustling of my emotions. Beyond Argument: A Handbook for Editorial Writers. It doesn’t really sound like something that would cause a sane person to burst into tears, but this collection of guidance was a gift from a special mentor - one who constantly encouraged me to hone my craft.
Jerry used his decades of knowledge in the newspaper business to inspire and coach the writers of The Chanticleer, Coastal Carolina University’s student newspaper, as our beloved advisor. As a sophomore, I became the youngest, and after three years, longest-running Editor-in-Chief. Jerry was there in the infancy of my college journalism career to expertly guide me, while allowing me to make the necessary mistakes to learn the right lessons. The future of my writing success was important to him - so important, that even after university politics pushed him out the door for a faculty member to take on role of advisor, he still stayed in touch and provided the words of wisdom that only a true friend could provide.
Once I passed up a lunch meeting with Jerry. He wanted to discuss my writing career, and mentioned my talent. There are still times when I wish I had gone, because I know how valuable his words were likely to be. He is a man I respected, not only for his career but for his tact, his strength, his truth, his integrity. Jerry Ausband had an impact on shaping who I became. Perhaps picking up that book hit me so hard because at times, I feel like I am spinning wildly away from the root of who I know I am - someone I knew back in those days.
In my newspaper office was a sign hanging on the wall…something Jerry had given me. He quote “The pen is mightier than the sword,” and added that he preferred both freshly sharpened. The man was a fighter for what he believed in, and I am so thankful that he believed in me.
The following words were written by Andy Brack, publisher of the South Caroline Statehouse Report, after the September 16 passing of Jerry in 2006:
It’s a winter wonderland in Philly.
(via sweethomestyle)
I want a cute little garden house like this. Summer projects and dinners outside? *dreams*
I’m really struggling to get into the holiday spirit this year. It’s been a tough year for some friends and family members, and at times for myself as well. If I’m flipping through the radio stations, I quickly pass the stations playing holiday tunes. It just doesn’t feel right. Yesterday, I reluctantly picked up Christmas cards while I was out, but I hardly cared what I choose. In years past, choosing my cards was the highlight of the start of the season for me. Presents haven’t even crossed my mind. When someone mentioned something for me, the “oh crap!” alert went off as I realized I’d have to do some quick but thoughtful shopping. This year, it’s just not there.
Since I’ve made no plans with friends or family, I’m looking forward to the peace of my no pressure four-day holiday. I think it will be a time for reflection and growth in many ways. I’m feeling the need for another great purge, and this will be a great time for it. I think I’m in dire need of some organization - of the physical and mental kind.
This year may not be one for the traditional holiday cheer, but perhaps I can find something different to make my days glow.
I just remembered this video from the Seattle-based radio show Too Beautiful To Live. Tonight, I went there. I drove my sick little ass a block (yes! a block!) to Rite Aid and bought a neti pot. The verdict? Greatest thing ever! Tonight I will go to sleep (yup, I think I’ll finally be able to sleep!) sans congestion. I secretly can’t wait to get up and try this sucker again in the morning. I’m on the up and up with kicking this cold.
I judge a person’s character by the messages s/he leaves on my refrigerator. This one passed the test.
.jpg)
I realllllly want a cup of coffee, but I won’t allow it until I’m over this Pre-Winter Funk. Hear that body? Get your game on and kick this junk! Until then it’s just tea and ginger ale.
“What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything. (via Hey, Look)(via growwwl)
Very nice submission, Submitter!
TELL ME - WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT NOSARA?
Charles asked me in October, as I was packing for Costa Rica. I did not respond at the time… in part because I received the query so many times and intended to address it here. Also in part because my reply would have been
BECAUSE IT’S MADE OF MAGIC!
While I once enumerated a (non-comprehensive!) list of this town’s finer qualities, I no longer care to expound. To me, explaining how awesome Nosara is like describing how delicious chocolate tastes. You can reach for words to describe the way it captivates the senses but in doing so, feel like you are debasing the experience. Suddenly, you’ve made Nosara and chocolate feel like kissing through tissue paper and dancing about architecture.
(And also, apparently, also about using too many unrelated metaphors in the same paragraph. Ahem. Anyway.)
My response now is just come! you’ll see!
That said, I realize that Nosara is an acquired taste (just like perhaps, much of Costa Rica, Central America, and hell, all developing / emerging countries… or even travel for that matter). This adopted hometown is not one-size-fits-all, which is part of its charm. So here I present the two words which will either make or break Ntown for you:
Jungle Rustic.
Please note this is not just by a hotelier’s design. Some Mr. Fancypants didn’t come here, cut down all the native flora, smoke out all the resident wildlife, pour cement everywhere and import endangered teak wood furniture for your one-to-two-weeks of aesthetic enjoyment. This is not the tropical equivalent of picnicking in Central Park or camping in your backyard. Nosara is Jungle Rustic because … it is located in the jungle. Even the beachfront is a protected refuge (seen here).
Nosara (or more specifically Playa Pelada and Guiones) is a small-town oasis whose ‘sidewalks’ are all jungle hikes, whose howler monkeys, pizzotes*, iguanas, and snakes roam free, and for whom air conditioning is a luxury and not a right. If that, near empty public beaches, pounding daily surf, and tropical sunsets don’t excite you, it’s okay. It just means your magic is elsewhere.
And more magic left for the rest of us.
*Think tropical raccoons.
I feel the same way about Pacuare. You either love it or it’s just not for you, and that’s not something that can be decided via third person experience.
