Diversions

Since my sore thumb is sticking out like a, well, you know, I've been lying low, trying to heal so that I can resume computer-related activities (i.e. work and blogging). All of the browsing and comments I've left the past few days have been done left-handed and clumsily.

Fortunately, there are worse places to convalesce. I am at a conference in St Pete Beach, Florida. I've been in meetings for two days, and it's been quite easy on the opposable digit.

I've had some free time, which I would normally fill with my two passions: reading and blogging. Because of the ban on the latter, I've found some other diversions.

The most fulfilling was meeting Joane, founder of the Forever Parents forum. Joanne has brought together a respectful community of adoptive parents from all types and stages -- pre-adoptive to parents of teens, international, domestic and foster/adoptive families, open and closed situations. There is a wealth of experience wisdom there, and I highly recommend this community for any adoptive parent, waiting or current.

Joanne was accompanied by her husband, Billy, and her two daughters. This is a family who thoroughly enjoys being together. I enjoyed basking in the love that flows among them. Here we are:

Billy is in the back with Jacqueline and Shawna; Joanne and I are in front.

After the meetings were finished this afternoon, I got a tented chaise lounge on the beach and relaxed. Just tuned into my iPod, smelled the air and felt the 80 degree breeze on my skin. Delightful. I can't remember the last time I did NOTHING.

Later I took myself out to dinner. It was the yummiest ahi tuna I've ever had, at a table overlooking the water. Complemented by a full-bodied Cabernet.

And nothing else. No chatting, no reading, no checking my Treo. For once in my adult life, I spend a meal simply eating. Maybe that's a normal occurrence for you, but it isn't for me. I am always bi- or tri-tasking. And rarely giving attention to my food.

Mindfulness is delicious.

Afterwards, as the sun began to set, I headed back to the hotel along the beach while listening to my iPod. I kicked off my flip flops and walked in the lapping surf, looking at the shells, the remnants of sand castles, and the beach birds. Here's the song that was on (good for those who like 80s music).



I have one question: does anyone else notice that Susanna Hoffs looks like a cleaned up Amy Winehouse?

Tomorrow I go home.