Today was a first for me: the first time I have heard a Lion King reference used during a homily said by a Catholic priest. As I sat with my cousin, Karen, at St. Jude the Apostle Cathedral in St. Petersburg this morning, Fr. Anthony referenced Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and Nala during his remarks. He reminded us of the line “remember who you are.”
I had the good fortune to spend the weekend in Tampa and St. Petersburg. As I scrolled through pictures from the weekend, it occurred to me that this trip rather succinctly sums up much of “who I am” (if you put aside the fact that my husband and kids were not along).
READING (no picture for this one …)
My audiobook choice was a horrible choice if I was trying to escape (because it is about a son being the caregiver for his elderly mother). BUT I am thoroughly enjoying Bettyville and am impressed at the author’s ability to interject humor into a situation which (believe me, I know) is often devoid of humor.
FUN WITH WEATHER/NATURE
Isn’t this sunset over Old Tampa Bay glorious?
Although my iPhoneography didn’t really do it justice, this rainbow over St. Pete was beautiful!
This morning’s sunrise over Coffee Pot Bayou:
RUNNING
My friend Diane Berberian and I ran the Lowry Park Zoo Run Run 5K yesterday morning. The course ran through the zoo and along the river. Seriously, running friends are the best!
FOOD!
Back when I was making my way along the Tallahassee Burger Trail, Diane had said “if you’re ever in St. Pete, I’ll show you a great burger.” She did! And I enjoyed a Black and Blue Burger from The Burg (and voted for it in the 4th Annual Grand Central District Battle of the Burg(er))! Yummy!
FRIENDS / COWORKERS / FRIENDS
Being part of a virtual team is great because of the flexibility but there are just times when you want to look each other in the eyes! Megan and I have been social media friends for a while, then became coworkers with Weaving Influence when I joined WI in October 2014. She recently moved to Florida (yay!!!!!!). Her husband Frank and I have been Swarm friends for a while, and narrowly missed a Newark Airport meetup in March. And then there’s Blake, who truly fits that “for this child I prayed” verse. I so enjoyed meeting them IRL and face timing Becky (our founder!).
FAMILY
The genesis of this trip was my desire to visit with my Aunt Faye. I was unable to attend the memorial service in June after my Uncle Marvin passed away, so I had promised to spend some time with her this summer. A few logistical hurdles jumped and it all worked out great — I got to enjoy dinner with her, my cousin Kathy, Kathy’s husband Bob, and two other friends (and snap the great sunset picture above).
Then, rounding out the cousin visit agenda, I went to mass with Karen (Faye’s other daughter) this morning!
Lastly, I rarely get down to Riverview to visit our family burial plot. I spent a few moments visiting Ann, Chuck, Wayne’s grandparents Stanley and Lottie, his Aunt Susan, and a few other Thomasson relatives.
When I went up for a blessing during Communion today, the deacon’s blessing was “May you have an awesome week.”
Thanks to a weekend characterized by so much of what I love: Books, Friends (and coworkers!), Family, Food, Running, and Nature … count me “grateful” and on target for an “awesome week”!
I hope your week ahead is full of blessings and “awesome” as well!
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Sounds like a great weekend! The closer I get to the grave, I wonder if my family would ever visit my grave site. I always told them to plant me at Cully’s on Timberlane right by the side of the road. Then they could wave to me as they drove by.
Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great week, too!
Pam – it was – the part I left out (because it wasn’t sunshine-y etc) was the fact that I can’t keep driving on almost zero sleep. Thanking the guardian traffic angels that I dodged the fatigue bullet on Friday. And your Timberlane plan sounds like a plan from the standpoint of making sure your kids will pass by! The area I visited on Sunday used to be almost in the middle of nowhere. Now there are two Publixes within five miles — the area around the cemetery is growing and growing. Visiting there always brings back so many memories of the various visits (it was always to bury ashes so time had elapsed between the death and the celebration – in a way that was good because we were at a different stage of grieving/celebrating the lives lived.
It’s always nice to get to spend time with friends and relatives that we don’t see often. We spent a quiet weekend at home this weekend. It was my husband and my 24th anniversary so we took mom on a picnic to the lake. Nothing like our romantic getaway to Charleston last year, but nice just the same. Have a great week!
Happy anniversary!!! Sometimes the quieter celebrations are just as meaningful. Thx for your comment and share. 🙂
Friends and family… That and giving back to country and community is what life’s all about. Enjoy! xoxox, Brenda
True, Brenda. Thanks so much for your comment!