You Are Here

When you visit a large office complex, shopping mall, or amusement park for the first time it's always helpful to find that big map with the 'YOU ARE HERE' dot to get your bearings. This is where you are RIGHT NOW. Now how can you get to the doctor, store, or ride you are looking for?

I was thinking about that 'YOU ARE HERE' dot the other day while I was driving around the island running errands. Some groceries from Publix, a deposit at the bank, and some fresh herb plants from the nursery at Home Depot. Loading the car and then unloading it in front of my house, just like everyone does, in every city and town all over the country. But why do I feel differently doing those things here, in Key West, than I did when I ran the same errands in Maryland? It hit me that I am happiest when I remember where I AM.

I get to see the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico, palm trees, blue skies and sunshine while I am out and about doing those things that we all need to do to run a household. When I drop the girls off at school the scent of the gardenia blooms from the bushes at the entrance really just amazes me....heady and tropical, with flowers as big as my fist. Charming Conch houses and cottages line the streets as I cut through mid-town back home each morning. I love not leaving 'town' to get the girls to and from school. It has made me appreciate the island in a new way. If I want a coffee, it's Sandy's not Dunkin' Donuts....why would I drive the whole way out there?

The photos below show the Florida Keys. Separate from mainland Florida in more ways than one, small land masses connected by many bridges. After driving those bridges for three hours you get to Key West. We are far away from the mainland. Closer to Cuba than Miami. A small island surrounded by the bluest waters. Just being here is a gift, in my opinion. It's not perfect (no place is perfect) but it is unique and beautiful. It's where I AM. RIGHT NOW.