The 11th Hour

 The 11th Hour.

We are quickly approaching the end of another year.

This year like all my years have been colored by much loss. As of this writing The number is 15 included in that number is 4 family members. Lots of loss. 

It has been a very long year with lots of tragedy. 

I started the year off in Florida livig and working on Useppa Island which was a great place to land for six months. 

It was so nice to be welcomed back with open arms to this truly magical community. Reunited with old friends and making new ones.  So gratful for the appreciation of having me back for another season. 

The season was not without its challenges. The turn over was more than anyplace I have ever worked in a very short period of time. We were dealing with covid restrictions which grately limited our capacity. 

The moral was not great. Lots of infighting. 

I managed to get through the season. I was looking forward to heading out to do so traveling and than returning this fall. 

I left from Useppa and flew straight to Costa Rica a trip I was planning for years to make and never had. So finally I booked my flight after changing plans. The plan was to go to Asia for a few months. Unforunatley due to much stricter covid rules and very expensive flights, I chose to travel to Costa Rica and Mexico.

The trip was great. I FINALLY got to catch up with Jody from Tom Bergin's after a dozen years. 

I spent 15 days in Costa Rica. I flew from CR to Mexico City to Cancun and finally Playa del Carmen where I decided to extend my stay by a couple more weeks. I wa really digging Playa.

After my travels I had planned to fly to New York for my mothers suprise 80th that me and my siblings were hosting. Today is November 26th and I am still sitting here in the hometown. This is the longest I have spent in Troy since I left in 1986.

During this time we celebrated my fathers 80th and I have been dealing with some health cincerns/issues.

I did take a two week job up in Vermontwhich was a nice break from being here.. It was the perfect time of year to be in Vermont......I got to experience a full autum here in New England. It did not disappoint. 

I am ready to get back on the road which I was going to do in mid October Well mother nature had a different plan as Southwest Florida took a direct hit from Hurricane Ian. Fort Myers was almost completely destroyed along with Pine Island and Matlache. Useppa also took a direct hit. So there unfortunately will not be a season this year.........Tha has really thrown me for a loop. But in life one must be flexible. So I am currently looking for what is next, STAY TUNED.

 The LGBTQIA Community was targeted last week in Colorado Springs at Club Q where a gunman went in with an AR-15 and shot up the club killing 5 and injuring 23 others. 

RAYMOND GREEN VANCE

KELLY LOVING

DANIEL ASTON

DERRICK RUMP

ASHLEY PAUGH

& ALL THOSE INJURED AND WHO HAVE WITNESSED THIS ACT OF HATE. 

I am sorry.

When will the other side vote for stricter gun laws and help to save lives. It is heartbreaking. The Squatter just announced he was running for President in 2024. 

 I really need someone to explain tome HOW THIS IS EVEN POSSIBLE.

 It is really difficult staying mentally well in the World we are all currently living in........I TRUST AND HOPE THING WILL GET BETTER.

AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN.

 AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN WITH THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

The problem, NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN.

This week the World was made aware of yet another SCHOOL SHOOTING.

This time at an elementary school in Uvalde Texas. 

Robb Elementary was the location of this latest AVOIDABLE, SENSELESS & TRAGIC MASSACRE. 

As the news broke, what we knew as it was all unfolding was that a shooter barricaded themselves in a classroom. When all was said and done and reported on, this shooting.

 WE LOST 19 CHILDREN & 2 TEACHERS with several others injured.

19 fourth graders. These children were 9,10 & 11 YEAR OLDS. 

They were two days from summer break. They just celebrated a few hours earlier with their proud and loving parents at their awards ceremony.

A few short hours later their parents were faced with the news that their BABIES were MASSACRED. 

They will NEVER get the opportunity to get A HUG, KISS or ever feed them breakfast or make them their school lunch, shop for school clothes, celebrate their birthdays or celebrate christmas, get a drawing to hang on the refrigerator or tuck them in bed and read them a bedtime story. EVER AGAIN.

These kids were BABIES. It is Sandy Hook all over again.

The deep sadness that has come over me is very familiar to COLUMBINE & SANDY HOOK.

IT IS HEAVY. 

It is almost suffocating. I like so many others sit here in shock . We say HOW DID THIS HAPPEN AGAIN & WHY?

We send our THOUGHTS & PRAYERS to all of those suffering from this AVOIDABLE, HORRIFIC & SENSELESS MASSACRE.

NO other country has these mass shootings happening in their countries. These mass shootings are a common occurrence here in AMERICA. 

Some our racially targeted like at TOPS MARKET in Buffalo not even two weeks ago. A racist psychopath drove hundreds of miles from his home to GUN DOWN specifically members of the Afro American community 10 people lost their lives with many injured.

PULSE NIGHTCLUB specifically targeting the LGBTQ Community  killing 49 innocent people out living their lives, with many others injured.

Do we have a mental health problem in this country? FUCK YES.

Do we also have a gun problem in this country? AGAIN......FUCK YES.

This very week as 21 families lives were tragically changed FOREVER.

In Texas mind you. 

The NRA= PURE EVIL/CULT had a meeting in Texas. SICKENING.

Both sides are wanting to politicize this to further divide like they did with COVID. 

DIVIDE & CONQUER. 

I personally don't care what side you are on politically. RED/BLUE. If blended that makes PURPLE which is a BEAUTIFUL COLOR.

What I care for  is that you care about people.

 HUMAN LIVES, WHICH SEEMS TO NOT MATTER.

In this country we have such a large EGO. We believe our way is the best and only way. NOT TRUE.

We would be much better off if we were humble and moved through life as students ENTHUSIASTIC, EAGER & OPEN TO LEARN.

The biggest threat in this country and in the world is a WHITE MAN with POWER. 

We just witnessed that under the last administration. Also RULES & LAWS only seem to apply to some.

Actions have no consequences. Hate is ACCEPTED and GIVEN a PLATFORM.

WE ARE FAILING. WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS. 

GREED IS KILLING MASSIVE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE.

 HUMAN LIFE IS NOT REGARDED AND NOT EVEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY ALL THESE SELLOUTS WHO ARE SUPPOSE TO BE OUT THERE FOR US. THEY ARE NOT.  TRAGIC.

Back to Robb Elementary.  

21 mostly brown/minority folks lost their lives. 

Now as more news is breaking we are being made aware of th complete and totally incompetence in the ACTION that was DELAYED to the point of what the hell is NOT GOING ON. 

These poor families worlds were just completely rocked with the news of their BABIES being MASSACRED. I can't imagine them mourning their loved ones and the OUTRAGE that they must be feeling knowing because of the GREED & FANATICAL COMMUNITY that makes up the NRA that no laws will be enacted to insure that other families will never have to feel the void of their loved ones being MASSACRED. 

There needs to be COMMON SENSE LAWS. PERIOD. 

My thoughts and prayers do go out to these families along with every family who has lost a loved one to gun violence. 

FLY FREE. I AM SO SORRY. 

I am hoping that in my life time we get to a place where ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR EVERYONE. 

HUMAN LIVES MUST BE VALUED OVER $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

HATE IS TAUGHT IN THE HOME. DISRESPECT IS ALSO LEARNED IN THE HOME. 

THERE IS ALOT OF EVIL OUT THERE. 

BUT.......

I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE THERE IS MORE GOOD, LOVE AND HELPERS. 

LOOK FOR THE HELPERS. 

LIGHT AND LOVE. 

WE MUST ACT. MOVE TO ACTION. WE CAN DO THIS. 

Trying to find beauty in what seems to be a very dark world at the moment......This image is proof that if you look you will find. KEEP LOOKING. 

The flower is a NIGHT BLOOMING CEREUS 

GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER DAY.

 GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER DAY.

So here we are again........Another trip around the sun. 56 YEARS. 

HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN? WOW. Where does the time go? 

LIGHTNING SPEED I AM SIX YEARS FROM RETIREMENT.  THAT IS INSANE. 

My mother used to say once you hit 25 it is FAST FORWARD. It was not a lie. 

I am sitting here in Florida on a private island this year. GRATEFUL. 

I have been working here the past six months. This is my second time here. It is so great to reconnect with so many wonderful people. There are also a few new families who have just been so welcoming. The season is drawing to a close with most of the homeowners leaving and heading to their summer homes. 

It has been a challenging season to say the least.  But like life which has also been challenging, and will continue to as I continue to navigate.

Each year I try and spend my birthday in a new location. I have been successfully doing this for the past dozen or so years.

Last years birthday was in Utah in the small town of Kanab. I took thirteen months off during the pandemic. When returning back to work I decided that there still was so much to explore in Southern Utah. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STATE.

This year I celebrate here on Useppa Island in Florida. I am typing this entry from my room overlooking the Marina. FANTASTIC. 

What is next? Time will tell.

Feelers have been put out. Decisions will be made soon. What I am suppose to be doing next will be revealed. I AM SURE.

I am really itching to travel again. INTERNATIONALLY THAT IS. 

I have not since before the pandemic. That is now going on two and a half years.

I was researching a bunch of destinations last night. Hoping to travel throughout Asia for a few months later this year. I am also looking to maybe rent an apartment in Costa Rica for a month or head to South America in the next few weeks.

I have been trying to go there for years. Maybe this year is the year. NO THIS WILL BE THE YEAR.

The time is always NOW. That is the only time we are guaranteed. 

LIVE IN THE NOW.

A good lesson for all. Thank you all for showing up and journeying with me for the time we were meant to. I wish you all the very best as we all continue to navigate. HAPPY TRAILS. 

MUCH LOVE. 

A shout out to a lifelong friend who is facing some real health challenges at the moment. 

JOANIE C. 

I LOVE YOU MY FRIEND. YOU GOT THIS. I THANK YOU AND APPRECIATE YOU. LOVE ME.

THOUGH WE ALL WILL BE FACED WITH DARKNESS. THE LIGHT WILL SHINE. JUST LOOK FOR IT. 

WE ARE FAILING.

 WE ARE FAILING.

So like the rest of the World we are being distracted by BAD BEHAVIOR having ZERO CONSEQUENCES.

The talk on social media and the news is of Will Smith LOSING HIS MIND on the biggest night in Hollywood at the OSCARS.

Chris Rock was hosting and made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. I am going to say one more time so we are clear a JOKE. Mind you not a great joke. Fell a bit flat. 

Chris said, I love you Jada. I can't wait to see GI JANE 2. Reference to GI JANE which Demi Moore played in the original. 

Not a great joke. Folks laughed. WILL LAUGHED. 

JADA DID NOT. 

Will looked at her roll her eyes and in a moment thought it would be a good idea to walk on stage with the World watching and slap Chris Rock in the face and than walk back to his seat and SCREAM......KEEP MY WIFE'S NAME OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MOUTH. Not once, but TWICE.

As audience members and viewers we were STUNNED. We thought this CAN'T BE REAL. THIS MUST BE A PRANK.

Still like Chris Rock we are still processing it. I have been seeing alot of people speaking out wanting to make it about race. I do not believe it has anything to do with race. 

I believe what it has to do with is MENTAL UNWELLNESS not being addressed or treated.

Will Smith has had a squeaking clean record as a role model and example of one of the ones who seemingly got it right in this TOXIC INDUSTRY. 

Guess we were wrong in thinking that.

NO ACCOUNTABILITY FOR BAD BEHAVIOR. 

We have witnessed this in play to the highest degree during the last administration. A insurrection at the US Capitol was incited by that POS who highjacked the White House for four years and wreaked  havoc on the country.NO CONSEQUENCES.

He and his criminal family should be rotting in jail. NOPE. The losers are hanging in MAR LAGO.

He is delusional to want to through his MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN HAT in the ring for another shot at being PRESIDENT. 

2 IMPEACHMENTS, INSURRECTION, CAREER CRIMINAL IN WHAT WORLD IS THIS EVEN A POSSIBILITY. 

That's right, in the REALITY TV WORLD that is AMERICA..........PATHETIC. 

Will Smith on the BIGGEST night in Hollywood with the World watching as a nominee in the category of BEST ACTOR, and than to have his name announced twenty minutes later as THE WINNER of that category and be applauded and receive a STANDING OVATION.

Instead of giving his acceptance speech from the sidelines or in handcuffs behind bars at the county jail, he gave his speech from the podium and went on to celebrate his win. Totally disrespecting the Academy, his fellow nominees, his industry, the WIlliams family, his family and disgracing himself in from of the WHOLE WORLD. WOW, WOW, WOW.  

We will have to see if there are any real CONSEQUENCES FOR SUCH BAD BEHAVIOR OR WE WILL JUST TURN A BLIND EYE TO THIS AS WELL. 

WE ARE FAILING. 

ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. NOT ONE IS ABOVE ACCOUNTABILITY. 

I HOPE THIS IS A MOMENT WE CAN LEARN FROM. 

WE MUST DO BETTER. 

The question is............WILL WE. 

Wishing all involved all the BEST. 

DARKNESS & LIGHT.....They are both necessary in LIFE. 

Hoping Will finds his way back to the light and takes care of whatever he has going on. 

27 YEARS.

 27 YEARS.

ALMOST HALF MY LIFE.

2/21/22 will be the 27th Anniversary of you leaving and embarking on the heavenly journey you are now on.

27 long years of NOT hearing your voice, NOT visiting you, NOT having your homemade pasta on Christmas Day. NOT walking to DeFazio's to pick you up a loaf of Italian bread for our Sunday meals.

NOT having you make my favorite meal of yours Minestra. Not having your famous Italian cookies Jennettes. There are way too many NOT'S

Since you died I have not had your famous Tomato Soup Cake..........I remember as a child the very first time I tried it and asked what type of cake it was. You said to me just try it without letting me know what it was. I am so glad you did. There is no way I would have ever tried it if I knew it was Tomato soup cake. 

My god did I love that cake.

You have been gone ALMOST HALF MY LIFE.............................DOES NOT SEEM POSSIBLE. 

But unfortunately it is FACT. 

Since you have gone there are six great grandchildren who never got to meet you or be loved by you. But they know who you are and how much you were loved and how much you are missed.

You were the glue that held the family together. 

Through the years since you left your whole generation are now all gone. Now your children have started departing. First with Uncle Anthony. 

Losing Aunt Teresa a few months ago was a tough one. What brings me comfort in her departing was she left surrounded with love having mom and Jen by here bedside as she slipped away. She also left with knowing who everyone was and was not left to suffer.

Now Aunt Maryann will soon join all of you as she is now in hospice waiting to transition.

It will soon be just Uncle Angelo and Mom left.

As your day approaches I just wanted to say THANK YOU for loving me unconditionally and wholeheartedly.

I miss having you no longer here. But, you are with me ALWAYS.

I am happy you have reunited with so many loved ones. I look forward to the day that we all gather for our Sunday meals on the other side.

Sunday dinners in heaven must now be EPIC.

I think of you all the time. I am glad you choose me to love and nurture.

Say hello to everyone. You are all missed.

OUR LOVED ONES ARE WITH US ALWAYS.  JUST LOOK FOR THE SIGNS. THEY ARE THERE TO LET US KNOW. 

With Love,

Joey

KOBE

 KOBE BRYANT.

1-26-20

Today marks the second anniversary of the horrific helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe and his daughter Gianna as well as seven others. 

Kobe Bryant

Gianna Bryant

John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli,Alyssa Altobelli

Christina Mauser

Ara Zobayan

Sarah Chester

Payton Chester

Tragic Day. 

Very sad day in the sports world and Los Angeles losing their guy KOBE.

Sending love to Kobe's family, friends and fans all over the World navigating their lives with the absence of their loved ones. 

Life is short. You never know when you will be chosen. Do not take anything for granted. YOU NEVER KNOW.

LIVE LIFE FULL OUT. DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. DO WHAT FEEDS YOUR SOUL. WE ONLY GET ONE SHOT AT THIS. 

SEEK TO BE HAPPY, JOYFUL AND FREE. 

BE KIND. LOOK AT FOR ONE ANOTHER. BE OF SERVICE TO SELF AND OTHERS. 

SHINE YOU LIGHT, SHARE YOUR GIFTS. 

Living Simply in the Chaos of today's World

 Living simply in the Chaos of today's World.

Island Life 2022

So I closed out 2021 and began 2022 here in Southwest Florida living and working on Useppa Island.

2021 was a year of so much uncertainty in the World.

We are still in a state of uncertainty. I returned to work almost ten months ago after taking thirteen months off. 

I decided while the World was figuring out how to navigate and move forward during a GLOBAL PANDEMIC and what that was going to look like. I rather than stress out and get myself caught up in the CHAOS. 

I would just do me, with the understanding that no one knew what was going to happen and what the outcome would be for any of us.

The world is still faced with much uncertainty as we are now navigating 2022.

The cases are on the rise with everyone having travelled over the holidays. I know more and more people who are now Covid +

Just today spoke with my sister who teaches in a Montessori school in Upstate New York is now sitting in quarantine until Thursday because there are currently five cases in her daughters class with over fifty cases in the school.  My brother and sister-in-law and four of my nieces and nephews have all been diagnosed positive. Thankfully with mild cases. Not everyone's family stories end so well. 

Crazy World right now. 

The lesson that I believe is to come of this is. No matter what happens, LIFE CONTINUES. LIFE WILL GO ON. 

One of the Island members during one of conversations brought up a very good point that put things into perspective. He is almost eighty years old and for him to be locked into quarantine or to isolate is robbing him of VALUABLE TIME. He because of his age is in the final act with limited time. 

In reality all of our time is limited. It does not matter what age you are. TIME IS PRECIOUS.

We must not waste what time we are given on things that do not matter. 

Going through what the world is going through has allowed us plenty of time to sit with self and go inwards to figure out what is important and has also showed us that whatever you may want to do in life. MAKE PLANS AND DO IT. 

THERE ARE NO PROMISES

We must remain alert and respectful and doing what we can to help each other and be considerate of others. We also must remember that are ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES and not only affect us but others as well. WE CAN DO BETTER........WE MUST DO BETTER.

So I for the time being am docking myself on this PRIVATE ISLAND and riding out the storm after being out in it for almost two years. 

I feel blessed and very grateful to be living the life I am living and where I am at. Just walks on the island surrounded by an abundance of beauty. I am at peace.

HOPING ALL OF YOU REMAIN SAFE AND MAKE CHOICES WITH EVERYONE IN MIND. NOT JUST SELF. 

In the meantime my plan is to continue to share beauty with you all. Hoping the World will return and we all embrace whatever

the new normal will be. We must be like an owl..........Stay alert and watch out for each other. 

PEACE & LOVE

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND.

 SAY IT ISN'T SO. 

So 2021 has come to a close. In the finally hours of 2021 the news broke with the story that BETTY WHITE was DEAD.

How is this even possible? 

I of course did not believe what I had read. I immediately googled Betty White and was seeing news stories that she in fact actually did pass. I was hoping that it was a HOAX. 

Much to my dismay along with everyone else who loved BETTY WHITE we were left with processing and coming to terms with the news that THE GOLDEN GIRL WAS GONE.

Does not seem real. We were gearing up to celebrate her 100th Birthday. January 17, 2022. 

17 days shy of her 100th Birthday.........EVERYONE WAS SO EXCITED. 

Betty White is/was ONE OF THE BEST. COMEDIC GENIUS, HUMANITARIAN, ANIMAL LOVER & JUST A BEAUTIFUL ENERGY That the World has lost. 

The World is less funny now that she is gone. The day the news broke there was a noticeable sadness that you could feel. 

Thank you for making the World a better place by your presence and sharing your gift with us all. I am so grateful that thanks to film and television we will never be without you. 

You may have transitioned on to whatever is NEXT. 

99 YEARS WELL LIVED, AND SO GENEROUS SHARING IT WITH ALL OF US. WHAT A GIFT. 

For me personally you were my go to when I needed to be uplifted. For the longest time it was you and the girls that I laughed myself to sleep with.......BOY DID I LAUGH. 

YOU LADIES WHERE THE BEST. Of course with the news of your passing it is Betty White all over the media........For that I am grateful. 

The sadness I felt when Lucille Ball died is the same sadness I felt/feel with your passing. The night the news broke I watched five hours of The Golden Girls. CLASSIC TV.

Thank you for leaving us with your comedic brilliance. 

EVERYBODY LOVED BETTY WHITE..........Reading all of the condolences coming in all over social media has been so helpful in accepting your passing. 

The respect and admiration that EVERYONE HAS/HAD FOR YOU IS AWE INSPIRING. What an AMAZING LEGACY you have left. 

To be in the industry for 8 plus decades and to remain GRATEFUL AND HUMBLE IS SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD STRIVE FOR. 

JUST BEAUTIFUL.

The news is saying that they are going to still air your 100th Birthday Celebration. It will be a CELEBRATION OF THE AMAZING WOMAN AND TALENT THAT YOU ARE. IT WILL BE A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Aside from you being such a gifted performer and a lover of animals your presence in this world has brought so much joy and laughter to us all. 

WE ARE ALL VERY EXCITED TO CELEBRATE YOU ON JANUARY 17TH.

Someone started #BETTYWHITECHALLENGE

I see it as being an EPIC DAY raising tons of money from your friends and fans all over the world to help out the animal world. 

I think this is such a beautiful way to honor you and show our respect for all that you have done for the animals and the joy that you have given to us. 

You will never be forgotten. 

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND.

YOUR LIGHT WILL CONTINUE TO SHINE. 

REST IN PEACE 

BETTY WHITE 12/31/21  99 YEARS. A LIFE WELL LIVED.