Wind in her hair. Departing wishes
Chilling north wind whips her hair. She stands for it. Faces it head on. Can’t rip the genetic memories out of her.
Those dreams took root generations ago – in the warm Caribbean trade winds far far away. As an immigrant, she has done her best to “grow where you are planted”, but suburban life leaves her cold and longing. Her paradise lost.
“Do humans ever feel this?” she wonders. “Probably not.”
And again she tossed her fronds high – reaching for all the stories the wind was bringing from home.
Paradise seductively calls:
Forget the holiday gift hunting madness (Why bother? They won’t like it anyway) and winter’s chill.
You can easily book it: a flight or a warm spot by the fire.
Think of just the right words, and there you are:
- “Considering the size of the island, Bequia has a large publications industry. Various publishers, editors, and writers work on the island, as do painters and graphic designers.” (WIKI)
- “Is this the perfect Caribbean island?” (Telegraph.co.uk, 2011.)
- “This charming Caribbean island still feels like a secret. Artists and writers thrive in its little communities, fueled by the colorful tropical life surrounding them…” (“Best Islands to Live On” by islands.com, 2008)
- Best of Bequia, 2016. (Trip Advisor Catch the wave and get the current scoop)
Of course you can afford to move on and turn the page.
No need to pack.
Just grab a story by Susan M. Toy and say “Ahhhh.” (I swear your toes will feel the warm sands as you read.)
Like a laid back exotic setting with well-defined characters searching for answers?
Cruise into Bequia’s mysteries with Susan Toy’s Island in the Clouds.
That is if you don’t mind starting off the morning with a body in the pool.
Don’t think Bequia will allow anyone to live isolated from problems, though.
Things have changed a bit since 2008 and 2011.
In One Woman’s Island, Bequia Perspectives novel #2, there’s a clash of cultures and troubles stirred up by those simply trying to find themselves and maybe make the world a little better place in the process. Timeless and universal.
And there’s dogs. Rescue dogs.
You can see what’s cooking in One Woman’s Island. Really. Actual recipes included.
Some warm dishes and characters to entertain during the cold winter. (Perfect for that irritable SAD person with the winter blues)
Nothing like warm Caribbean winds to fill sails or dreams.
Except maybe a red Mustang convertible.
That might do, too…with a big red bow, Santa?
Oh, OK the reindeer would complain. Can’t upset the deer ones.
They do approve of books, right?
Oh, prefer e-books? Weight watchers.
Should have guessed that. Susan’s books fit that perfectly, too.
Winter dreams keep everyone warm. No matter which way the wind blows.
So chill. With books, sunscreen’s optional.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
To those traveling today: safe passage and warm welcomes upon arrival.
Great time to reconsider an old rule for polite social gatherings: Never discuss money, religion, or politics. Dogs are great conversation starters. Like “Is that your dog rolling in that smelly spot?”
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it touched my heart what you wrote about the tree…. and I will be careful in the future, not all palmtrees are made for our area… it still hurts when I remember Lindsay the palm tree who sadly lost it’s paradise and it’s life…
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I think these palms grow well and seem to frollic as they are right by the lake and open water. The ones planted inland seem a bit sad to be only decorative objects. Maybe ours grew tall so fast so they could stretch up their necks to see over to the water. (A couple of the little ones are announcing they want their warm jackets available for frosty nights. They point where a couple of their friends didn’t survive when Staff slacked off and didnt button everyone up one year…) Thanks for treeing a comment, Easy
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We used to travel to the French West Indies a lot. It was a lovely escape for us, but the cost keeps us from going nowadays when there are other considerations with money for needs here on the place. I had a lovely time the last trip to St. Maartin (for two glorious weeks on the beach) but I shudder to think we would have had our storm shelter installed and paid for with the cost of that one trip. I’m too practical aren’t I? I would never have made a good jetsetter!
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That sound glorious. At least you have warm memories. We’ve sailed the Caribbean, but then, as you say, money gets reassigned. Another reason we need to win a lottery! Thanks for touching down to leave a comment
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Thank you for your continuing support, philmouse!! Much appreciated!
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Always enjoy when your novels sail into port. Thanks for docking a comment here
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They just had the tree trimmers come in and give our palms a haircut. They certainly do look a little sad this morning, but at least there won’t be fronds dropping all over the place when the wind blows.
I love a nice, full palm, but it’s true that they sometimes need “just a little off the bottom, please.”
A Caribbean island doesn’t sound nearly so good as Minnesota at this point. I’m heartily sick of heat and humidity — try me again in January!
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COOT ALERT! I just stepped out to enjoy the frontal passage, and saw three coots in the marina fairway. They’re the first I’ve seen this year. Winter finally is on the way!
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The coots are here – the feathered ones, too. Saw three on Sunday snarking with the local resident duck couple who are quite territorial about their sheltered cove/neighborhood.
Soft flannel shirts sound cozy!
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The tree guys certainly have been busy. A little frond petticoat for warmth is ok, but the girls are such rattleheads they are careless about dropping things. There’s one grand dame near CVS with skirts down past her knees – shiver to think what is all living there – it’s like Havisham in Great Expectations.
At this point, I’m like “If there’s hot weather and high humidity, it’s not a vacation.” Others, however, are addicted to flipflops…one of my uncles had the right idea: bit of land in Washington state mts for the summers (and driving trips to Alaska) then travel back to TX for the winters…acoompanied by coolers of his frozen salmon.
It doesn’t seem right we get this storm, yet it’s still going to be short sleeve weather afterwards. (Shouldn’t complain…)
Thanks for traveling along
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I’ve never been to a Caribbean island, but I have been to Bermuda which was lovely, but quite buttoned-down. No lazy breezes there, just knobby knees and high tea at 4:00 p.m. Happy Thanksgiving, philmouse.
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Bermuda sound like an cool experience. It always looks beautiful and civilized. I’ll never get staff out of flipflops so can only dream.
Hope your Thanksgiving is dreamy. (and with luck maybe I can catch up reading some blogs.No mall attacks planned for the duration.) Thanks for docking a comment here.
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All our nearby trees look to be offspring of prior local generations. No transplants here. Natives that via several days of brisk wind have pretty much found their leaves have gone South for the Winter. All their leaves (around us) have been mulched or picked up at this point. Ready for Thanksgiving. All the best of the Holiday to you and yours!
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Hope the wind blew a lovely Thanksgiving your way! (and it’s college coaches musical chairs time. UH seems to be the launch pad. We shall avert eyes from the Texans once again…) Thanks for riding the currents this way
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Good advice about not talking politics when family is together. I was looking at cheap airfares yesterday and figured I could use my frequent flyer miles in January to go to Jamaica for about $150! But my husband said he thinks it’s not safe there. 😦
Happy Thanksgiving!
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It’s the mosquitoes, too. Sad that safety seems to be relative these days for travel.
Hope a great Thanksgiving traveled to your place! Thanks for breezing by to chat
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I know women who toss their hair like palm fronds in the wind (and do so over and over and over.) 🙂 I visited Jamaica many years ago, but haven’t been to that part of the world otherwise.
Happy Thanksgiving!
janet
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I’ve seen some lovely young women with long long raven locks tossing their hair on the beach, too. The image reminds me of Paul Gaugain’s works
Thanks for traveling this way
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Sounds lovely – especially as it is raining and a wee bit wintry here! c
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On dreary days, a few island dreams are welcomed ( and you’re either off or about to be – must run over and see!) Thanks for packing a comment to leave on these shores
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Your palms look happy and well-trimmed! Books are always a good way to escape the cold. We are lucky here as it is warm and sunny with the ac coming on occasionally. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Hope Thanksgiving traveled happily to your shores. We’re (still) waiting on that cold front – next week we’ll be shivering, they say. But Molly says it’s lovely now and everyone outside while you can!. Say hello to tll those snow birds of all varieties there! Thanks for flying in to chat
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great trip to paradise, sharing the view with us, alive, vibrant, I was floating along, e-reader in hand, lol. yes, those deer ones need a break from all that heavy lifting, if they’re to clear those lovely trees, lol!
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While I still like to hold print books, when traveling, e-books are the weigh to go! Hope a wonderful Thanksgiving traveled your way. Thanks for the stop over here
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definitely, travel ease is best, ditto: tons pack on one lil device for reading pleasure!
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Sounds balmy and dreamy. One of the places I’ve thought I might like to visit someday. Hard to imagine it other than in a movie or a cruise ad. Enjoy!
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Tropical islands. Sigh. A whole different lifestyle. (Now if they will only find a way to de-bite the mosquitoes….maybe it’s an island self defense plan to avoid being invaded by humans?)
Thanks for hopping into this island.
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