Church Street Station is hallowed ground, especially for long time Orlando residents like me. Memories of Rosie O'Grady's and Cheyenne Saloon still seep from the walls and brick laden street. And for quite some time this once iconic part of downtown Orlando seemed like a ghost town. Now things have changed. Nearly every available space… Continue reading Downtown Orlando’s fusion hot spot takes tiki in a different direction
I've come close to losing all hope. But I'm glad I haven't. I'm glad that I have a support system that has gotten me through the darkest times. I'm very fortunate for the blessings I have. Beyond that support system there is an organization that has inspired me time and again. To Write Love on… Continue reading My life wouldn’t be the same without this annual concert
I had been looking forward to this morning for months. I registered for Best Damn Race Orlando when I was still pregnant. Sure, I could do a 5K just nine weeks after giving birth, no problem. And my husband registered for the 10K. Sure, we could manage bringing the baby to downtown Orlando at 6:00… Continue reading The Best Damn Race that wasn’t
My pregnancy has flown by. It's a little difficult to believe that in maybe 3-4 weeks time our baby will be here and it all changes from there. So with the big day looming ahead (not that I dread it, I truly am excited for this) I knew I had to do something special while… Continue reading I had to do this one theme park thing before giving birth
If you're a lifelong theme park fan, one whose favorite childhood or adolescent memories are full of good times in the theme parks, you will eventually face losses and changes in the places you hold dear. But fear not; this can be a good and healthy thing, if you go about it the right way.… Continue reading What being a theme park fan teaches us about loss and grief
It's been five years... five whole years since I began ThisFloridaLife. Something meant as a fun hobby and a love song of sorts to my home state has became a way of life for me. But best of all it is a way for me to connect with thousands of amazing people. This year my… Continue reading How to live This Florida Life
Nearly five years ago I started ThisFloridaLife. I simply wanted to share my love of Florida and use my blog as a vehicle for exploring my own beloved home state. It's been an incredible journey and it's about to get better. Over the years I've contributed to Orlando Informer and Touring Plans. Both websites are… Continue reading The next chapter of ThisFloridaLife
It's hard to believe that I have been visiting Pointe Orlando for about fifteen years now. This shopping and dining complex has evolved over the years and perhaps has some more changes to go through. However, the collection of restaurants is top notch and a great selection for its main clientelle: those that are in… Continue reading Main Event bowls us over at Pointe Orlando
I'd like to share with you a moving, emotion fueled poem written by a dear family member, Pam Hill. It is perhaps a little raw, but I found the passion behind her words to help me down the path of healing. We've had one hell of a week, Orlando. Scream Now Orlando The silence… Continue reading A poem for Orlando
What follows is a stream of consciousness. No set plan as I write, just going through my thoughts tonight 6/12/2016. It happened. I can't believe it happened. My city is now forever changed. But I hope we change for the better. More love, more acceptance, more working together. This isn't to say that my city… Continue reading My thoughts on the Orlando Shooting
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