**Giggles!**

Since my folks brought me to St. Simons Island, I always thought of myself as an Islander, though even with a few people who used to back in the late 1970s would turn their nose up at you for not being an Islander. Like in Jaws, I asked how long would such a thing take and I was told by a friend of mine that "You were not born on the Island and you couldn't be an islander." I reminded her that there are no hospitals, so she couldn't be an islander either. "Well, I was born on the mainland, but I have lived on the island all my life. That makes me an Islander." I decided to let that pass ... we do much for friendship. We even still now talk from time to time. I'm not an Islander any more, but neither is she ... she moved to California.

Over the years of growing up, I went to the beach as often as I could. There were a few nights where I slept out on the beach, though a small campfire kept the ghost crabs away and I also had a hammock that helped too. Pop often understood, though Mom did not. She hated it when I was away from the house, but Pop always told her, "I can find our child." And he could. Unlike my Big Sister who went out bar hopping or trolling for guys, I was more content to be by myself. I still am.

Recently, my new friend,  Buns_With_Cinnamon sold me this commission that I won in the auction. I really like this one ... it captures Taffy's free spirt and ability to find peace in those moments where time seems to stand still. I honestly believe we all need to be able to find those moments ...

Thanks again, honey, for your hard work! It's so appreciated!