Good morning friends and fellow paradisians (new johnny ism),
What an incredible first day! Started off with a rare full rainbow over the Gulf of Mexico @ 7:30 am; followed by a delicious breakfast @ the Undertow Beach Bar shared with family and friends. I'd like to take the time to thank Island Reporter and Paradise News for showing their support for this journey Disappointing that Bay news 9 Espanol was a no show for an interview at 9am. Thank you Santiago for showing up as my translator anyway (I never took the time to pick up the beautiful language). Channel 10 News to the rescue with a nice interview and show of support. Very professional. And for the kindness and gratitude of the
Undertow Beach Bar I am humbled.
When it came time to go; the hugs and well wishes were overwhelming. You do get to know yourself through the people you meet. I'll miss you all! As I drove off all I could think is what the hell am I doing. Is this for real. I am really driving across this great land of ours to promote my book, promote our beaches or is it that I am in search of something out there that will allow me to become a better man, a better friend, a stronger humanitarian.
So here I am 90 miles outside of Tallahassee trying to put to plan my ideas for promoting:
There is NO OIL on our Tampa Bay area beaches. As I get closer to my first destination (The State Capitol of Florida) I call my friends Henry and Kelly Gallo for directions to there house. I arrive about 4pm and find myself in rush to get started. Not having my sign ready to illustrate our cause Kelly jumped right in and designed the only sign I'll need for the rest of the journey. Henry and I drove down to the Capitol in the Jeep parked nearby and walked to the front as we proceeded to get started. Standing there holding up the sign we got some strange looks and some honks showing their support. Being Friday early evening most of the passersby were mobile;not much foot traffic; but the spot was perfect. I find it funny that all the occupants go out the back door when their day is done. You'd think they'd come out the front door waving to the people saying we did the best we could today. All and all a successful day. The sponsor for this visit is Shaner's Land and Sea located on Pass-a-grille just south of the Don CeSar of St. Pete Beach.
Henry and I headed back to his place hit the pool and had a couple brews and got ready to see what the night had to offer. They took me to Railroad square Art Park where I got to meet some local artist and hear the local sound. If you are ever in Tallahassee you must check this place out. Afterward I was taken to this house that is being used as a radio station (97.9 wjzt reggae show with Johnny P). A live broadcast and would you know Johnny P put me on the air for about three minutes to spread our message Paradise Awaits and the only oil on our beaches is coconut oil.
So I must say Day 1 was a day full of grace, timing, compassion, hope, love and good fortune. I am about to leave Henry and Kelly's and I am heading to New Orleans next. I have never been there; so here goes another first for me.
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