D&K's Cafe End of Summer Contest

[Sheila]

Kat, thank you so much for this opportunity. I missed the Christmas one and you have given me an opportunity to thank so many people that is overdue. I might be over 250 words but I've never been one to play by the rules and it's mostly cause I tried not to leave anyone out. ;-)

As many sowallers know, my dad was diagnosed with cancer last fall and I left Sowal to help my parents. I was gone till the end of June. I cannot express the helplessness and frustration that I felt watching my strong, confident, take-charge dad become so weak and dependent. Some of you know him. I found a strength in my mom that I never knew existed and we all became closer than I ever imagined but it was the scariest time of my life.

In the madness, I found a selfless love and unconditional acceptance in my sowal friends that I didn't know was there. I had crawled into a shell and put all my focus on my dad's illness and what it was doing to my family. From IBD calling me to make sure I knew about the Christmas exchange to Ali whisking me away to forget my problems and all those in between who opened their arms to welcome me home even when they called me and I never called back - Toots, DD, BB, Audie, jdarg, lindatat, Ms Kitty, Kurt, SJ, Timmy, Franny, Mango, Paula, Beachmom, GTBM, RO, KD, Peapod, Biff, Dune-Ahh, The Merms, Kaiboo, John R, Kat, Potato Vixen, Drunken Artist, Goofer, The Steelings & Grayton Kid, Punzy, Chickpea, Lisaatthe beach, BR, COS etc. etc. I know I missed some but I know you understand. They made coming back to Sowal this summer like "coming home" and it brings me to tears to know that I am surrounded in such beauty. I'm just coming out of my shell thanks to all of you. My summer has been the most loving summer, the most enlightening summer, the most beautiful summer that I have ever know thanks to the beauty of Sowal and the people that make it that way.
As to a lesson, it came from a special Sowaller who made a statement a couple of weeks ago that stuck with me. She said that her hubby's cancer and subsequent death gave her the opportunity to share a closeness that they would have otherwise never had. I immediately understood and found good in the most challenging experience of my life.

Home Corky! Home! ;-) Life's not always pretty. But it's always an adventure. Sometimes it's not what we've planned. But thank goodness for every day, minute and second we have to live it. The older I get the better life becomes. It's just good to have you home. ;-)

 

[Cork On the Ocean]

Home Corky! Home! ;-) Life's not always pretty. But it's always an adventure. Sometimes it's not what we've planned. But thank goodness for every day, minute and second we have to live it. The older I get the better life becomes. It's just good to have you home. ;-)

Your so right sweetie. I wouldn't have it any other way. When I was younger, the grass was always greener for others but llike you it has only gotten better. kinda .....the older I get, the more precious ever second becomes. Thank you so much for the welcome back. I only hope that I have the opportunity to support my sowal friends the way that they have supported me. Your beautiful, gull!

Well, Cork and jo.....y'all just made my summer...reading about yours.

You guys are so wonderful and the reason that I will always come back to sowal I am constantly amazed at the beauty of the people in sowal.

 

[Grayton Girl]

My Summer Christmas Story (sorry that it is over the word limit)

If you have never paddled the Econfina Creek, you have missed out on a truly excellent adventure. Meandering between limestone banks and bordered with overhanging trees, the Econfina Creek is home to spectacular gin-clear springs. Paddling down the shallow tea-colored creek, you will suddenly encounter a bright blue slash of water coming from the direction of the shore. Follow that stunning blue water to its source and you will come to a pool of cold, crystal clear water, white sand, and a deep vent or cave where you can actually feel the water flowing out of the aquifer. It is otherworldly in its beauty ? like a place that should only be inhabited by fairies.

This past July, my husband and I took a quick trip to the springs with one of our sons. I was tired of the beach and really needed my spring ?fix.? We only had a couple of hours, so we packed a fried chicken lunch and headed to the creek. We put our kayaks in at the Hwy. 20 bridge and paddled down to Gainer Spring, a mere 10-minutes downriver. It was Saturday, so we knew that the spring would be full of locals, and indeed it was. Families, kids, couples, rednecks ? there had to be 30 people at the spring. Kenny Chesney was playing on someone?s radio, teenagers were jumping off a limestone ledge, and others were snorkeling and trying to catch turtles and tadpoles.

As we were devouring our chicken, we heard a familiar tune coming from the direction of the river. We all looked at each other, and the people around us became quiet. Yes, we all knew that tune! ?Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose?.? The crowd stopped, waiting to see where the music was coming from, when Santa Claus himself (bushy beard and all) came paddling, very slowly, into view. The music was coming from Santa?s boombox! Clad in his red shirt with white trim, his hat, and a swim suit, Santa seemed a little thinner than his normal winter weight. But the kids didn?t seem to notice or care, and they squealed in delight as he carefully exited his canoe and hoisted a large drawstring bag over his shoulder. And then, Santa did what Santa does best. He began handing out toys: squirt guns, Frisbees, nerf footballs, buckets, and nets. Everybody clapped and cheered and Santa looked pleased. He hugged the children, got back in his canoe, and paddled away without saying a single word.

It seems almost like a dream, but I will never forget that Christmas in July!

 

[CPort]

My Summer Christmas Story (sorry that it is over the word limit)

If you have never paddled the Econfina Creek, you have missed out on a truly excellent adventure. Meandering between limestone banks and bordered with overhanging trees, the Econfina Creek is home to spectacular gin-clear springs. Paddling down the shallow tea-colored creek, you will suddenly encounter a bright blue slash of water coming from the direction of the shore. Follow that stunning blue water to its source and you will come to a pool of cold, crystal clear water, white sand, and a deep vent or cave where you can actually feel the water flowing out of the aquifer. It is otherworldly in its beauty ? like a place that should only be inhabited by fairies.

This past July, my husband and I took a quick trip to the springs with one of our sons. I was tired of the beach and really needed my spring ?fix.? We only had a couple of hours, so we packed a fried chicken lunch and headed to the creek. We put our kayaks in at the Hwy. 20 bridge and paddled down to Gainer Spring, a mere 10-minutes downriver. It was Saturday, so we knew that the spring would be full of locals, and indeed it was. Families, kids, couples, rednecks ? there had to be 30 people at the spring. Kenny Chesney was playing on someone?s radio, teenagers were jumping off a limestone ledge, and others were snorkeling and trying to catch turtles and tadpoles.

As we were devouring our chicken, we heard a familiar tune coming from the direction of the river. We all looked at each other, and the people around us became quiet. Yes, we all knew that tune! ?Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose?.? The crowd stopped, waiting to see where the music was coming from, when Santa Claus himself (bushy beard and all) came paddling, very slowly, into view. The music was coming from Santa?s boombox! Clad in his red shirt with white trim, his hat, and a swim suit, Santa seemed a little thinner than his normal winter weight. But the kids didn?t seem to notice or care, and they squealed in delight as he carefully exited his canoe and hoisted a large drawstring bag over his shoulder. And then, Santa did what Santa does best. He began handing out toys: squirt guns, Frisbees, nerf footballs, buckets, and nets. Everybody clapped and cheered and Santa looked pleased. He hugged the children, got back in his canoe, and paddled away without saying a single word.

It seems almost like a dream, but I will never forget that Christmas in July!

what a merry story!!!

 

[Miss Kitty]

...what a great story!!!

 

[seacrestkristi]

Skinny Silent Swimsuit Spring Santy Now that's what I'm talkin' about !!!! Suhweeet!

 

[ItzKatzTime]

If you have not read Grayton Girl's Story of Christmas in July you must do so immediately! It was GRAYT.....what a fairy tale come true! I love the descriptions used for the people, music and creek. But the part of hearing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Raindeer" was just too much!

I knew Grayton Girl would have something special to share with us! You ROCK girl![QUOTE=Grayton Girl;286455]My Summer Christmas Story (sorry that it is over the word limit)

If you have never paddled the Econfina Creek, you have missed out on a truly excellent adventure. Meandering between limestone banks and bordered with overhanging trees, the Econfina Creek is home to spectacular gin-clear springs. Paddling down the shallow tea-colored creek, you will suddenly encounter a bright blue slash of water coming from the direction of the shore. Follow that stunning blue water to its source and you will come to a pool of cold, crystal clear water, white sand, and a deep vent or cave where you can actually feel the water flowing out of the aquifer. It is otherworldly in its beauty ? like a place that should only be inhabited by fairies.

This past July, my husband and I took a quick trip to the springs with one of our sons. I was tired of the beach and really needed my spring ?fix.? We only had a couple of hours, so we packed a fried chicken lunch and headed to the creek. We put our kayaks in at the Hwy. 20 bridge and paddled down to Gainer Spring, a mere 10-minutes downriver. It was Saturday, so we knew that the spring would be full of locals, and indeed it was. Families, kids, couples, rednecks ? there had to be 30 people at the spring. Kenny Chesney was playing on someone?s radio, teenagers were jumping off a limestone ledge, and others were snorkeling and trying to catch turtles and tadpoles.

As we were devouring our chicken, we heard a familiar tune coming from the direction of the river. We all looked at each other, and the people around us became quiet. Yes, we all knew that tune! ?Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose?.? The crowd stopped, waiting to see where the music was coming from, when Santa Claus himself (bushy beard and all) came paddling, very slowly, into view. The music was coming from Santa?s boombox! Clad in his red shirt with white trim, his hat, and a swim suit, Santa seemed a little thinner than his normal winter weight. But the kids didn?t seem to notice or care, and they squealed in delight as he carefully exited his canoe and hoisted a large drawstring bag over his shoulder. And then, Santa did what Santa does best. He began handing out toys: squirt guns, Frisbees, nerf footballs, buckets, and nets. Everybody clapped and cheered and Santa looked pleased. He hugged the children, got back in his canoe, and paddled away without saying a single word.

It seems almost like a dream, but I will never forget that Christmas in July![/QUOTE]

 

[joho]

I've learned alot during my life but this summer I met a young student much younger than myself that changed my life.

I started a part time job a couple nights a week mainly to get off the couch. I felt I was dying on the vine. I love to be around people and I thought this would give me the opportunity to meet new ones.

This summer I worked with a young lady from Tennessee. She had just turned 21 years old and was of strong faith. Her father a minister had an influence in which she decided to be a missionary in hopes of helping people all over the world. She attended the University and was in her last year. She came to our area to work in the summer to help pay for her studies.

The first year she worked in the area she came to party at the beach thinking of herself. She had a good time but felt something just wasn't right. She almost decided not to come back this year but last minute changed her mind. She explained this year she had edcided to come back bringing her faith in God with her. She wanted to touch as many lives as possible while working on our beach and that's just what she accomplished..........

We worked together several nights over the summer and this 21 year old changed my life in more ways than one. She taught me how to look at things differently when troubled or stresssed. She was a lovely young lady with wisdom and the love for God. She was as beautiful on the inside as well on the outside. It was a pleasure to be around her.

Before she parted to go back to school we went out for a drink after work. In more of a relaxed atmosphere we chatted about our interests in life.
Mine were mainly children and grand children. She told me she had gotten her pilots license when she was 17 and how she loved to fly. This young girl was so accomplished I have faith in her desire to touch peoples lives all over the world as she touched mine.

 

[ItzKatzTime]

I've learned alot during my life but this summer I met a young student much younger than myself that changed my life.

I started a part time job a couple nights a week mainly to get off the couch. I felt I was dying on the vine. I love to be around people and I thought this would give me the opportunity to meet new ones.

This summer I worked with a young lady from Tennessee. She had just turned 21 years old and was of strong faith. Her father a minister had an influence in which she decided to be a missionary in hopes of helping people all over the world. She attended the University and was in her last year. She came to our area to work in the summer to help pay for her studies.

The first year she worked in the area she came to party at the beach thinking of herself. She had a good time but felt something just wasn't right. She almost decided not to come back this year but last minute changed her mind. She explained this year she had edcided to come back bringing her faith in God with her. She wanted to touch as many lives as possible while working on our beach and that's just what she accomplished..........

We worked together several nights over the summer and this 21 year old changed my life in more ways than one. She taught me how to look at things differently when troubled or stresssed. She was a lovely young lady with wisdom and the love for God. She was as beautiful on the inside as well on the outside. It was a pleasure to be around her.

Before she parted to go back to school we went out for a drink after work. In more of a relaxed atmosphere we chatted about our interests in life.
Mine were mainly children and grand children. She told me she had gotten her pilots license when she was 17 and how she loved to fly. This young girl was so accomplished I have faith in her desire to touch peoples lives all over the world as she touched mine.

What a grayt "Come Back" to the beach story. Very inspirational joho.

"Sometimes people come into our life, stay for a little while, leaving foot prints on our life forever."~Flavia​

That's just incredible that she got her pilots license at 17!

Kat

 

[ItzKatzTime]

THIS STORY IS FROM sbartoldus!!!!​

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My most memorable moment this summer is when I wrote this story for my mother who I haven't seen or spoken with in 16 years: (that's another story)

Once not long ago, there was a beautiful shell that lived in the vastness of the sea. This particular shell loved to sing. Whether she opened her mouth very wide or just a tiny bit, out poured the most wonderful melody. One day our shell opened her mouth to sing and a piece of driftwood got stuck in her throat! After a good long coughing spell, she managed to clear her throat. Ahem! (That?s better)

One day our shell didn?t feel like quite herself. (Maybe she ate something that didn?t agree with her) Well wouldn?t you know it, but that shell opened up her mouth to sing and out come a pearl! Oh you never saw such a pearl! This pearl was truly unique.

(Incidentally, this pearl was precisely the fourth out of a strand of six magnificent jewels)

So did I mention that our pearl was unique? Yes, well anyway, our pearl had quite a voice of her own. Many would say it was similar to our shell. (Did you forget about our shell?) Our pearl would sing and sing. Our pearl sang in every way you could imagine!
Well, I told you our pearl was unique, didn?t I?

One day not so long ago, our pearl stopped singing. Then, she drifted away into the vastness of the sea. She rolled along the ocean floor for what seemed like an eternity until she got stuck under a huge piece of coral. Oh she was stuck! Our pearl opened her mouth to sing, but nothing came out! She had lost her voice! How would anyone hear her?

(Just the other day I heard that our pearl was rescued. You gotta hear this one?)

[Incidentally, this is where you pause to keep ?em all in suspense]







Now, where was I?




Our pearl? Well, she managed to hitch a ride with a mermaid.

(But that?s a whole other story?)

[Incidentally, you might want to whisper that last line for dramatic effect]