While I do not have false aspirations of fitting into a tiny fringed dress with a gold sequin tiara, carrying a foot-long faux cigarette during the upcoming decade, I want the 20's to be the best of years.
The past couple of years have been tough, due to loss. Together, my sister and I have lost an inordinate number of friends and family to Heaven- a rare stretch of sorrow. Granted, we cannot control all of the circumstances in our lives. But, we have decided to approach 2020 with boldness! Loss shows us the fragility of life; thus, we must find the light. For my part, that means returning to Bermuda! Is that a surprise?
In fact, as the sole team member here, at Smitten, I believe that it is incumbent upon me to set forth official New Year's resolutions! Mind you, these are not the layman's variety (to lose weight, to remember birthdays, to spend less time looking at screens), but rather a list of things- set with intention- that I want to do in Bermuda. Note: these are in addition to the obvious ones (return to Salt Kettle as soon as possible, buy the Jo Malone perfume, eat Penne Carbonara at Portofino, etc.)
Hopefully, the following endeavors will entail memorable times with old and new friends. With that said, I hereby declare 20 resolutions for 2020:
This past year, I had hoped to meet Hannah Emmerson of the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition to watch her build sandcastles in person. Having followed her on Social Media all year, I am 100% ready for a 1:1 lesson or workshop. As a former Child Life Specialist, I can testify to the healing power of play and working with sand. I am ready to head to The Phoenix for my supplies!
2. CLIMB GIBB'S HILL LIGHTHOUSE
For all of the passionate, effusive praise that I have heaped upon Gibbs Hill Lighthouse- my favorite place in Bermuda- there is a shred of deception that I must share. I have not been to the top! At first, it was too hot and humid to make the climb. Then, the fear of heights set in. Last year, I thought I was ready. I peeked into the lighthouse door, to glance at the steps. How did I wind up in the gift shop looking at hand towels? Whatever the case, it is time to get up there! Southampton residents, I apologize in advance if you hear a shriek or two- no need to call 911, unless I am dangling off the top.
3. FERRY MYSELF TO HINSON'S ISLAND
How many of us wonder what it would be like to commute to Hamilton on the public ferry from a private island- such as Hinson's? I think about this frequently. Who lives there? What is it like? Who owns the Black Labrador that barks at the ferry, as it pulls up? Does that dog get to swim laps around the island for exercise? I just want to get off of the ferry there (and back on) legitimately (i.e. without trespassing). The more that I can learn while on the island, the better. It looks like a magical life, from the top deck of the ferry.
4. REJOIN BERMUDA PLEIN AIR
When I first decided to try my hand at watercolor painting in Bermuda, I went to Hamilton, bought supplies, and serendipitously turned up too late at Church Bay. Why was this lucky? Because I made a wonderful new friend, Anne, who took me snorkeling! We later reconvened for the next Bermuda Plein Air outing in the 'Back of Town'. Each artist set up his/her easel in a different place. We painted for several hours, and then met in Victoria Park for a critique. I was utterly out of my comfort zone, having my little painting reviewed by experienced artists. Yet, the feeling of putting myself out there, and taking a risk was healthy and inspiring. This year, I want to paint ocean waves.
5. LOOK FOR LUCK
Per the Bermuda Tourism Authority, there are about forty moon gates in Bermuda. Over the years, I have seen many of them in my local travels. However, I seem to see the same ones, repeatedly. I would like to try and see them all. I am not sure how long this process will take. I know that I will need to forego the cost of an hourly tour guide for this adventure, though. If Moon Gates are indeed good luck, doing this could change my life, and my decade! Seek and ye shall find.
Yes, I do adore the silvery minnows at Elbow Beach! However, this year, I endeavor to broaden my repertoire and see 20 different Reef Creatures in 2020. This will require research and dedication. Should you wish to do the same, simply go to Brown and Company (or another souvenir shop) to buy the waterproof 5 x 7 plastic card entitled 'Bermuda's Reef Creatures.' Tick them off (in your mind) as you see them in the water. Last year, thanks to my Bermudian snorkeling buddy, I held a Sea Cucumber, while swimming in Harrington Sound (mind you, not a reef creature). Bermudians might think that a mundane experience (just another day at the office), but I loved it!
7. CHAT CLOUDS
There is a cliche about having your head in the clouds. This refers to me- perpetually- in Bermuda. There is something different about the clouds in Bermuda that I have yet to learn. They stop me in my tracks, regardless of where I am. I will lie on a chaise at Salt Kettle on a breezy day, just looking up at how fast the clouds are moving over the islands. When a storm is brewing, I am enraptured by the colors- particularly periwinkle. The pink and coral clouds at sunset have my heart, as do the white cottony ones on a clear day with little humidity. This year, I want to sit down with a Bermudian Meteorologist; I need to know the 'why.' I promise to share what I learn.
This year, my friend Jane and I were escorted to Woody's Bar for lunch by a friend of hers with a boat. We had a good laugh from the outset, as he pulled up to the Salt Kettle dock to get us (in between ferries) in a swimsuit that matched his suntan. Suffice to say, I thought he was boating in his birthday suit. Alas, no!
We had a wonderful day- stopping to get gas, ice and drinks at the marina in Hamilton, before cruising the Great Sound. We docked at Woody's, which felt very decadent- kind of like pulling up to The Lobster Roll in Amagansett (in The Hamptons) in a retro convertible Mustang. On our way home, we docked at a private island to float with cocktails, enjoy fun conversation, and look for turtles. Such freedom it is, to boat around. What a life...
9. ENJOY A FULL MOONSince learning that Cambridge Beaches Resort holds special dinners on the nights of the full moon, I have put this on my wish list! Looking at The Farmer's Almanac, here is the schedule for Full Moons in 2020, in case you would like to include a Full Moon in your holiday. Incidentally, we have just missed the Full Wolf Moon, which was on January 10th.
FULL MOONS in 2020:
February 9- Full Snow Moon
March 9- Full Worm Moon
April 7- Full Pink Moon (so Bermudian)
May 7- Full Flower Moon
June 5- Full Strawberry Moon
July 5- Full Buck Moon
August 3- Full Sturgeon Moon
September 2- Full Harvest Moon
October 1- Full Hunter's Moon
October 31- Full Hunter's Moon
November 30- Full Beaver Moon
December 29- Full Cold Moon
10. BAKE SCONES AT CROW LANE
Since I have been traveling to Bermuda, I have had a guilty pleasure named Crow Lane Scones! Yes- I know, we should all be living carb and gluten free. But, vacation is vacation! Toasted scones with a little Kerry Irish Butter and jam...that is Bermuda to me. It always has been. Last year, I popped into the Crow Lane Bakery across from the Bus Depot in Hamilton, on an investigative mission.Turns out, the scones are baked off site- presumably in Pembroke. Do you think that... if I agreed to wear a hair net (yikes!), Crow Lane would let me bake a batch?
11. GIVE BACK
I take a genuine interest in the charities that help the islands and people of Bermuda. While I am not a philanthropist (by any stretch of the imagination), I like to do what I can- even if it is nominal. I have attended a BINGO church fundraiser at St. Paul's, a 9-11 Memorial Concert at Warwick Academy, and the Annual End to End Walk. I have made purchases at thrift shops, bought raffle tickets for Bermuda Red Cross, and Christmas balls in memory of my departed loved ones for the PALS Christmas tree in Washington Mall. Like many of you, I have left my extra Bermudian change for the Bermuda SPCA at the airport, in that cute little pink house. This year, I would like to ring a bell for The Salvation Army at Christmas time.
12. KAYAK UNDER SOMERSET BRIDGE
Due to my personal affinity for slow speeds and Sea Turtles, I have resisted the option of doing the high speed Jet Ski tour out of Dockyard (although, my family took this tour and loved it.) Instead, I would much prefer to grab a coffee and breakfast at The Bridge Trading Post, and leisurely kayak under Somerset Bridge. This famous landmark is so small and special. It's time to see it from the water. Incidentally, I have had the pleasure of doing the Eco-Kayak Tour in Ely's Harbor with Island Tour Centre; it was one of the most enjoyable things that I have ever done in Bermuda.
13. FLY A KITE AT FORT SCAUR
While on an Easter break in Bermuda, a tour guide escorted my family up to Fort Scaur Park to take in the views. A small child was learning to fly a kite, as their parent sat quietly on a bench, overlooking the sea. This was the quintessential image of childhood, in my mind. It occurred to me that I had never flown a kite in Bermuda, despite having been there on Good Friday. For someone who loves windy days, I have been missing out on a classic Bermudian pastime. This is my year! Due to my amateur status, I shall steer clear of the cliff.
14. SWIM LAPS IN SOLITUDE
I love few things more than swimming. Having grown up with a swimming pool, I am happiest when I can swim everyday for exercise and mental clarity; it is therapeutic in every sense. While in Bermuda, I am frequently found in the sea, but that inevitably involves sand. Large hotel pools can be crowded and noisy, when kids are having fun. Plus, a daily solo swim is never guaranteed. This year, I have my eyes on a mid-island rental with a lap pool! I also want to return to the gracious pink Granaway Guest House in Warwick. Their pool is set amidst a beautiful and tranquil garden. Show me some bliss!
15. CHANNEL MY INNER SH PRINCESSI know, it is The Fairmont Southampton, and will remain so. But, with a $25 million renovation coming, I must one stay at this institution one more time, before the evolution starts. I want to have an oceanfront room (again with the best pillows that I have ever slept on), go down to Wickets for coffee, sit by the pool at sunrise and watch the Mallard duck swim around the pool, before all of the kids wake up. I want to enjoy brunch at Windows, shop the boutiques for Bermuda Cookie Cottages, and drink a cocktail in the plush Jasmine Lounge, snacking on popcorn.
16. MAKE DINNER AT ELBOW BEACH
Growing up on the East End of Long Island, I am no stranger to the Atlantic Ocean beaches, or quiet little bays. My parents were each chefs in their own right, and would frequently take my sister and I for picnic dinners by the water, often at a bay called Little Alberts Landing. At least once a year, there would be an elaborate clambake, with supper served on re-purposed cheese boxes. Following dinner at the bay, my sister and I would beg to stop at The Snowflake (our version of The Ice Queen) for soft serve. I would like to replicate this tradition in Bermuda. Pictured below is my father, Peter, who took entertaining to a whole new level.
17. RIDE A PEDAL BIKE
I have done mopeds in years gone by, but never a pedal bike. This year, I would like to become the lady in the retro Bermuda travel poster (often seen in a dress) who travels around Bermuda looking like she hasn't a care in the world. Clearly she does not bike from the North Shore to the South Shore, but only on flat terrain... Where is that on the rock, per se? Somerset might be the perfect place for this. Yes, I like the simple things!
18. MEET THE U.S. AMBASSADOR
Those of you who follow my blog share my affinity for Bermuda- or possess intrigue about some day venturing to The Bermuda Islands. As my curiosity never ceases, despite countless visits, I like to reach high. This year, I would love to sit down for tea with the lady who has my dream job- the U.S. Ambassador to Bermuda. Perhaps she can put me on a task force... Any would be just fine!
19. TELL 20 STORIES
I have a list of stories that I would like to research and write this year. In addition, there will be the unexpected aspects of life in Bermuda that capture my attention, inevitably. These are the ones for which words tend to flow spontaneously. Coverage of Lou-Seal last year was serendipitous, for example. Wiping out, in front of Her Majesty's portrait at The Dinghy Club also comes to mind. Sometimes, all it takes is 'a day in the life!'
20. BE INFLUENCED AND INFLUENTIAL
Some of us aspire to do frightening or dangerous things- involving great physicality- to prove our limits. Not me. I would much rather leave my comfort zone creatively- to share a story. Climbing onboard a moving ship in the North Atlantic at dawn is just the means to an end, when you are avidly curious.
My mother used to quote the saying, "To thine own self, be true." As I move forward in life, seeking redefinition of purpose, I vow to remain true to myself. It is time to push the envelope, take risks and open new doors.
What does this mean for me in 2020?
As I move forward, I am comfortable in my niche- one without a label or limitations. I am pleased to create from the heart, always- without an agenda. Rather than choosing 'to influence' others (in the contemporary sense of the word), I have thus far chosen to share what influences ME.
Along the way, if it happens to influence you, too... Well then, everybody wins!
Especially Bermuda.
Happy New Year to my family, friends and followers! May you have health, happiness, prosperity, and memorable time in Bermuda in 2020! xo
P.S. I told "The Lambscapers" at National Museum of Bermuda to think long and hard before putting themselves 'out there' on Social Media. There is no going back once you acquire a following...or in their case, a herd.
Above Photo credit: National Museum of Bermuda
Bermuda Vintage Travel image courtesy of Wall Arty on Etsy (no artist credit available)
Above Photo credit: National Museum of Bermuda
Bermuda Vintage Travel image courtesy of Wall Arty on Etsy (no artist credit available)
This blog is dedicated to my BINGO buddy, Flo, who is now in Heaven. We met for the very first time at St. Paul's Church, and played our BINGO cards, side by side. It was a rapid-fire night, and each of us won prizes- mine being a handmade birdhouse for blue birds! A reminder for 2020: there is nothing more important in life than spending time in good company. It takes very little time to make memories that will last forever.
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