- December 20, 2024
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Instead of my usual staying in routine, I was motivated by something (most likely loneliness) to put myself out in the community a little more this week. Rather than rush out of an event to get back to my spot on the couch, I did something out of the ordinary for me. I lingered. And boy, was it worth it.
First on my list, I covered a birthday bash for 101-year-old Hilton Ramirez at the Ormond Beach Senior Center. Anytime I’m at the senior center, it’s like being surrounded by multiple sets of my grandparents. Everyone is telling me I’m too skinny and offering me a light sweater.
Not only was the birthday bash a total ego boost, thanks to all the wonderful women who told me “I’m prettier than my photo in the paper.” Obviously that means it’s time for a new photo.
It was even good for my tastebuds too.
After another endearing lecture about my body weight, I was offered the most amazing lemon meringue pie from Theresa Calderone. I hesitated at first, since I was making an effort to eat healthy that day, but Calderone put up a fight because “Linda made it from scratch.” I didn’t have the chance to meet Linda that day, but if she’s anything like her pie I’m sure we’d be great friends.
Later that day, I responded to an email from local realtor Barbara Sandberg. She had read a previous column of mine about my thrifting hunt for a desk. Out the pure sweetness in her soul, she had a “retro, white and very well-made” desk she would like me to have. I fought the urge to huge my computer screen.
I stopped by Sandberg’s house, nestled on the bank of the Halifax River, and was greeted by familiar face: a Ronald Reagan cardboard cut-out waving happily from their upstairs window. These were obviously my kind of people.
After inviting me into their beautiful home, Barbara Sandberg led me to the desk that used to belong to her daughter. It was in perfect condition and exactly what I was looking for. Then Barbara Sandberg and her husband Jon not only loaded the desk into my car, but even donated me a blanket to lay it on to prevent any scratching. To say I’m grateful would be a huge understatement.
Friday evening I covered the first of three Summer Sounds Concert at the Rockefeller Gardens when I got the chance to meet John Mayer.
Yes you heard me right, John Mayer.
Instead of his usual hipster attire, Mayer opted for a green polo and khaki shorts to attend the concert with his wife Debbie and their two Papillons Lady Jane and Lily. And Mayer wasn’t there to perform, he just wanted to listen.
While he might not have been the real celebrity, I recommend talking to our OB John Mayer instead of the singer (I’d heard that celebrity is kind of a jerk anyway).
My favorite part about meeting the Mayers was not only their sense of humor but their sincere interest in the community. After a conversation about the constant sea breezes and beachside views, we all agreed that Ormond Beach was the best place to live.
