The big 60 – how time flies, and how blessed I am.
This is a birthday to remember, more because of how this birthday cruise came to be. I didn’t expect much for my birthday as 50 came and went without any bells and whistles.
This birthday will be one to remember.
This story is one to be shared and also to remember how we all are connected. Pictured here is my neighbor Gregg Hutchins who weeks before my birthday was talking with my husband George… they usually would spend hours at the fence talking. George told Gregg that I had a birthday coming up in November and Gregg said that him and Donna planned on celebrating their anniversary on a cruise getaway that same week but that he had not been feeling well and did not wish to go… he had some doctors appointments. He thought that perhaps I’d be interested in going instead… George spoke with me and I agreed to arrange things with Donna. A few weeks after that conversation Gregg passed on to his new life… he was 57.
Hence to me, this celebration was a reminder to appreciate life and those around me.
Carnival Cruise Mardi Gras was spectacular, the attention to detail… and how fortunate as we had just finished Thanksgiving… the ship was decorated for the Christmas holidays. The center stage was grand and there were Christmas trees everywhere, I would have taken a picture by each one 🎄
Nassau Bahamas was the first island port we stopped at.
I was Donna’s personal walking tour guide, and our first destination was to see the Queen’s Staircase and Forfincastle.
The walking around made us a bit thirsty and we stopped for some fresh coconut water.
From atop of the castle we could see the water tower which is said to be the highest point on the island (126 feet) and far to the distance we could see the majestic Mardi Gras sitting at her port. We later headed back down East Street and saw construction for the upcoming United States Embassy Suites and the local police department; not far down a few blocks was the House of Gucci we stopped in for some light shopping.
The deep blue is calling: “Anchors up Captain!” As we pass on by Paradise Island Lighthouse, New Providence Island – Bahamas.
Back onto Carnival Cruise Mardi Gras where the food, drinks, entertainment and shopping abound!
Carnival Cruise hosts an event on all their cruise line to honor our military… the event was packed and what an honor to celebrate our heroes and their families.
November 28, my birthday was as great as every day that I had spent on this memorable birthday cruise… it started with a sunrise breakfast from our stateroom balcony and the rest was all fun until the wee hours of the morning.
We had several other island port stops and one was at my home island of Dominican Republic, I tasted the coffee and the delicious island grown cacao (chocolates) and even danced!
What a magical experience… a week to remember, Santa, Ocean, Good food, Good company, Rainbows, Sunrises, Sunsets… yes. Blessed…
…and grateful for what has been and what will be, more so, for what is.
I don’t ever remember having an answer when adults would ask me what do you want to be when you grow up.
This little girl worked at Burger King, went to college, became a Deputy Sheriff, a Realtor, a Corporate Recruiter and Trainer, a Certified Mediator, a Mortgage Counselor, a Mayor, a Spiritual Counselor… who knows what else she will explore.
It’s not who we become that matters… it is my opinion that the best we can do is to witness this thing called life, it’s to remember that we are Love, to bring the expression of Love in what we do. Love is all that matters..
