My Red Neck Friend: the Islands called key

Some one once told me how the Keys get under your skin, carve out a home, and never let go. I believe.

Lee Smith's workshop at Key West Literary Seminar

My justification for this mid-winter jaunt: The Key West Literary Workshop. This was a dream come true. Being in the same room with some of the greatest writers of my generation - amazing Southern writers - was incredible. I simply wanted to brush up along side of them and say, "breathe on me, please!" Their words of inspiration and stick-to-it-ness sparked the writer in me to push forward, accept the rejections, and keep writing. Writing is one journeys that is endless, but no less epic. There are no guarantees, only a nagging desire for the next word to better than the last. Issac Asimov says: "I write for the same reason I breathe - because if I didn't, I would die."

Ditto.

Thank you Lee Smith for your marvelous Southern drawl filled with cadences of beauty parlors and snake handling, of Appalachian adventures that remind everyone how extraordinary the South really is. This Southern voice, with all its idiosyncrasies and quirks, is a powerhouse in the literary world. That's the voice I struggle to nail in every line of my manuscript, every action of each character. To experience Lee Smith's work, pick up a copy of Mrs. Darcy and the Blue-Eyed Stranger. You'll never look at your old stray dog the same again.

Len and Sal

There was more than writing on this trip; there was time with family. Since I'm still a newbie to the my husband's clan, I cherish every moment with them. Although Sal and Helen are in their seventies, you would never know it. Always on the go, always something to do and always having fun! Side by side - I think that's the way I want my life to play-out from here on out!

Len and Sal, hoisting pots off Ramrod Key

Sal at the helm

Their life's adventures amazed us! We "oohed- and ahhed" and added to our own 'bucket list' of things we hope to get the opportunity to experience. Not sure if being a stone-crab fisherman is on Len's list but riding in the boat sure is on mine! Salt water is starting to get in my system! We explored beautiful Ramrod Key, Little Palm Island, No Name Key (and No Name Pub, excellent grouper, plus we left our 'signed' dollar bill to the thousand of others), and even won the first round of trivia at Boondocks! We owe it all to Sal's answer of knowing when Marilyn Monroe graced the cover of the premier issue of Playboy! 1953, in case you were wondering. Thanks Sal and Helen for a wonderful time! Oh, and thanks Quinn. You bring the toys, and I'll play with you anytime!

And then there's beautiful Key West. Rare Key West. Amazing Key West. Inspirational Key West.