BeachPeople Buzz

Our Article about $200K in Donated Military Weddings!

2012-03-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

~ As published in the Spring 2012 issue of Wilmington's "The Perfect Wedding Planner" pg. 16-17 (see photos included in online magazine version too!) ~

Operation Marry Me Military

Giving Back To Those Who Give All
As a heartfelt tribute and gift to the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, five wedding, receptions and honeymoons were won by, and enthusiastically given to, five deserving military couples on Veteran’s Day 2011. The story is of how this came to be, is stirring and impressive.

Operation Marry Me Military began in 2011 as the brainchild of Alecia Davis-Geddings of Oak Island Photography and Weddings. With a donated $15,000 for a single wedding, by summer the outpouring of generosity from other wedding vendors and military supporters was described as “spreading like wildfire.” This elegant and appealing endeavor blossomed into five complete wedding weekends (in Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow, Wake, and Cabarrus counties), which together valued over $200,000.

Here are the personal stories from the Brunswick and New Hanover weddings on November 11, 2011:

JESSIE & LUKE
Jessie united with her Marine, Luke, in the little white chapel at South Harbor Village in Southport, the lovely reception dinner and cake was held in the Oak Island VFW, and hosted by sponsor Oak Island Photography and Weddings. Jessie and Luke were chosen by Operation MMM’s panel of judges who were all military veterans themselves. A part of the magic that drew this young couple together was the instant connection between Luke and Jessie’s special-needs child. Luke fell in love with the child and then the mother; thus, a new family began. It was all made official on November 11, 2011 accompanied by 50 guests. They were also treated to wonderful extras like couple’s massages, restaurant meals, a honeymoon vacation, flowers, music and more.

MANISHA & JACOB
Jacob the Marine wed his bride by the water on the white sandy shores of Ocean Isle Beach with an elaborate reception dinner and dancing at Knot’s Landing and hosted by sponsor Brittany Adams-O’Neil of BAO Events. They were also chosen by the OMMM veteran judges for their touching story of Manisha’s harrowing journey out of India as a little girl, and later the joy of finding her soulmate in Jacob. The couple was honored by 50 guests, a color guard salute, an amusing phone call with favorite relatives was broadcast over the PA system, a paid honeymoon later, and lawn tents with space heaters on the dance floor rounded out this very cool night for this delighted twosome!

AMBER & MIKEY
Amber gave her hand in marriage to her Army man on the silver-y shores of Carolina Beach under a bamboo arbor, which was followed by a full reception in the Carolina Beach Marriott Ballroom. The hotel also boarded family for accommodations and the wedding party was given salon treatments, jewelry and special gifts for the couple’s bubbly baby daughter. Their sweet story of intense parental devotion won them this enchanting wedding weekend. The petite bride’s gown almost didn’t make it to the ceremony when it arrived two weeks prior and 5 sizes too large! Teamwork, networking and perseverance by the host sponsor Brittany Koontz of Orchid Island Events saved the dress and the day!

Why did these sponsors do all this expensive and hard work for free? Geddings says, “Being the daughter of a former US Army serviceman, I felt compelled to give back. I knew that nothing I could offer would be grand enough or deserving enough for all that our military does for us. I contemplated day and night on how I could make at least a small difference in the lives of our military. Then it hit me! I am the owner of a thriving photography and wedding business, and I could at least assist a military member in starting their new life as a married couple! I am honored that so many vendors jumped on board to be a part of this vision. Each and every county has brought a sense of excitement, and it is amazing to see our industry come together.”

Adams-O’Neil said she heard about OMMM and the cause struck her as both noble and a true challenge. She then begged Geddings to allow her on board for Brunswick County. From beginning to end the experience was profoundly eye-opening for her, the personal stories have been so amazing, inspiring deeper respect for military families, and literally life changing for her.

Koontz reported that she and a friend, “both felt drawn to this event because we felt this was something WE could do to say, ‘thank you.’ There are so many wonderful organizations that contribute to the lives of soldiers and their families but we felt this was a way we could use our time and talents, rather than just writing a check. We wanted to actually participate in the gift and make it as special as they deserved.”

For 2012, the goal for just the Operation Marry Me Military Brunswick is $100,000. Plus, more NC counties have signed on to host more free military weddings in their areas with Operation MMM. The vision is to ultimately have all 100 North Carolina counties participating by the year 2021. Each county will have a website or a blogspot for information and updates.

Interested wedding vendors and engaged military couples should to apply online: www.operationmmm.com at the Operation MMM headquarters in Oak Island.
~ by Revs. Margo & David Sears of BeachPeople Weddings www.beachpeopleweddings.com

Local Sponsors of OMMM:

Oak Island Photography & WeddingsBAO Events

Orchid Island Events & Florals

3 Cheers Rental

Adrianne Lugo, Makeup Artist

Art Catering

ATMC

BBQ House of Oak Island

BeachPeople Weddings

Blue Sky Photography

Brunswick Beacon

Cake A Licious

Capellis Salon and Spa

Carolina Beach Marriott

Clint Williams

Coastal Catering

Coastal Entertainment
David Sears, event Judge

Deacons Hair Salon

Earthbound Salon

Expressions Floral

Forever Now Videography

Giving Weddings Photography
Gordon Hobbs Jr, event judge

Hats by Lily Cachet

Initial Outfitters Gifts

Island Alterations of Carolina Beach

Island Cakery

Island Chic Consignment Boutique

Jack Mackerel’s Restaurant

Kelly Manis, event judge
Ken Bealer, event judge

Knots Landing

Kopp A Tan

L&B Monograms

Law offices of Geddings, Kleva & Campbell

Margaret Rudd Realty

Mark Roberts and the Breeze Band

Massage at the Beach

Michelle Rose Events

Middle of the Island Catering

Mike Boswell Photography

Mike Hilliard Decorating

Morgan Babb, Student volunteer

Muscleworxs Fitness

News Channel 14

Oak Island VFW

On My Toes Dance Studio

Palm Air Cottages

Perry’s Emporium Jewelry

Printworks

Rent-a-Tent

Gina Essey

Rev. Kenley Mayer

Rev. Shannon McKay

Reverend Henthorn

Salt Aire Bakery

Scott Shaw Productions

Seaside Wedding Connections

Seawitch Café and Tiki Bar

Shalotte Fire Department

Shoresound Productions

South Harbour Village Chapel

Southport Jr. League

Sugar Confections

Susie Linquist Photography

Sweetwater Bamboo Arbors

The Butler Did It!

The Checkered Church

The Richmond Sisters

The supportive citizens of Brunswick & New Hanover Counties

Vacation Equipment Rentals

Violinist Maura Kropke

Wendy Hilliard Photography

Wine and Roses Florist

Enjoy our Valentine's Special - Elope or Renew at the Beach!

2012-01-24T11:27:00.000-05:00

Date: February 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14th (your choice!)
Time: Anytime you wish--first booked, first serve
Location: on the sand at Sunset Beach NC (easy directions upon registration)

For ANY couples wishing to renew vows, marry, elope, or have a romantic commitment ceremony on the beach! Its averages 50-60 degrees and sunny on the coast, so join us.

OVERNIGHT: $325/couple includes overnight accomodations (regularly a $475 value)
DAYTRIP: $200/couple (without accomodations, regularly a $350 value)

Packages include:

an awesome, professional male or female wedding minister/officiant (David or Margo)

your stay at a lovely B&B or an island hotel (for Overnight only)

a Celtic Stone Toss into the waves

CD music of your choice or live flute serenade

silk flower garland heart in the sand

completely custom vows

our unique sand ceremony (this is NOT what you seen before!)

minister does a triton conch shellhorn blowing

a custom fine chocolate & champagne (or sparkling cider) package delivered
Consider some nice Add-ons of a fresh rose bouquet, or a professional photographer, our seashell lei’s exchange, or an amazing and unique Elvis Presley Blue Hawaii serenade by a professional (Jeff Collins is trained at the Metropolitan opera!), a Celtic handfasting and many MORE romantic add-on choices available.

Questions or registering welcome at info@beachpeopleweddings.com or 336-314-0503.

Our Newest Wedding Ceremony Vows!

2011-12-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

We thought you might enjoy seeing what we actually say and do during a wedding ceremony! Inspired by the beautiful and unusual words of an online flash mob wedding, which turned out to be quotes from famous poets, we integrated it into Margo's newest addition to our Vows Selections that we offer our own couples. This ceremony is short in length and can be used by straight or same-sex couples, and easily modified further for more or less spirituality. Read it below in purple...

BTW gentle reader, if you choose to copy this without hiring us for it, please give Rev. Margo Ross Sears author's credit or perhaps send a small donation? Thank you so much! We are happy to share and are honored you like it this much!

Warmest blessings for this holiday season, Everyone! Namaste and love, Margo & David

MODERN 5:

(to couple) Will you please, as an expression of your love and desire to be married, now join your hands?

(to all) Welcome Everyone, to this lovely and amazing place and time! We are gathered here to take part in the most time-honored celebration of the human family, uniting two people in marriage [and joining two families into one]. And you have come here to witness the great telling of this couple’s love for each other:

Today, this wedding is a celebration of love and of life! A celebration not to create a bond or a union, but rather to rejoice in the one that already exists.

(to couple) Terry and Robin, the lives the two of you lived up until this moment are, in one sense, now completed and done. Together you now live within the creation of something wholly new and transcendent. This ritual will be an expression that is at once public and private, but also precious, sacred, and truly unique to just you. In doing this, you open yourselves to a fuller experience and expression of the great, vast miracle of Love.

(to all) It happens all the time in Heaven,

and someday it will begin to happen again on Earth.

That men and women who are married,

And men and men who are lovers,

And women and women who give each other Light.

Often will get down on their knees

And while so tenderly holding their lover’s hands… with tears in their eyes,

Sincerely speak saying: “My dear, how can I be more loving to you? How can I be more kind?”

The only way to have full knowledge about Love lies in the act of Love.

This act transcends words. It is the daring plunge into the experience of Union.

To love someone is not just a strong feeling. It is a decision. It is a judgment. It is a promise.
(to couple) So as you declare your commitment to each other remember there is Power in the sacred, spoken word. May that power bring you all the warmth, comfort and genuine happiness that your hearts have to offer each other.

(to ring holder) So may we have the rings please? Thank you.

(to couple) The circle is the symbol of our beautiful sun, the nourishing earth and the infinite universe. It is also a symbol of unconditional love…and of unending promises. These wedding rings are also symbols of the new unity which you are creating together here today.

(to 1^st person) Robin, please repeat after me as you place this ring:

Terry, this ring is a token of my love and commitment to you. For with this ring, I thee wed and the world will know that you live in my heart, my home is in your arms, and our souls share the same sweet journey forever.

(to 2^nd person) Terry, please repeat after me as you place this ring:

Robin, this ring is a token of my love and commitment to you. For with this ring, I thee wed and the world will know that you live in my heart, my home is in your arms, and our souls share the same sweet journey forever.

(to couple) May your rings reflect not only the beauty of YOU, but also be a gentle reminder to allow the presence of another human being to enhance who you are.

(to all) And now, to commemorate the union of this couple [and their new family] here on the shores of this lovely ocean, we have a wonderful sand unity ceremony.

(to couple) ..... [our unique sand ceremony here] ....
Next, minister hands couple cork for bottle closing ceremony-10 seconds.

(to couple) Please join hands.
May these two hearts remain as one forever and ever from this day forth and into the fullness of time. And may this union always be blessed with love, peace and abundance. By the power vested in me, Robin and Terry, as you declare your love, promises & commitment today, so shall you remain united from this day forth in the eyes of [God/the Infinite Divine/Spirit and] those who love you. [Therefore, I pronounce you: husband and wife.]

We ask you now to seal the promises you have made today, with a kiss! (applause!)

Our Favorite Wedding Cakes & Food Pics!

2011-09-18T22:51:00.000-04:00

Wedding food and cakes are works of art and many of the ones we've seen are here for you to enjoy too.
Check out the "suitcase" looking groom's cake and the carmelized bacon too...these are amazing! and were delicious!

Afternoon at the beach...so MUCH happening!

2011-08-18T23:11:00.000-04:00

We went to Sunset Beach today for some needed R&R and so much was happening! Just 80 degrees, warm water, silky silver sand, and some amazing photos of it all:

drip sand seadragon (and its "baby")
sand sofas and TV set
drip sand castle with alligator and turtle
gorgeous beach vista at our feet
we fed french fries to wild seagulls in flight!
David saw 2 water spouts and here was one!
lovely burning gold sunset skies...no photoshopping!

Come see this amazing place for yourself, friends! Wow!

This is What Sunset Beach NC Looks Like...

2011-07-24T20:12:00.000-04:00

This is at the 40th Street Access on Sunset at sundown. It feels as gorgeous as it looks, friend! Great place to have a wedding or renew your vows, seriously. Enjoy more photos of this quiet, natural, silky soft white sand beach on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Beachpeopleweddings. Join us!

A Day at the NC Aquarium in Fort Fisher!

2011-07-22T13:43:00.000-04:00

This is just a smidgen of photos we took (albino alligator is Luna and she's a cutie-pie, seriously! Just 6 years old and they live to be over 60, so she's a baby at 8 ft long). Jellyfish were show stealers! Find the seahorse? Click on Margo's Facebook page for the ALL of our amazing photos from there: http://www.facebook.com/margo.sears

MUCH more than just fish there...a surprising variety of sea and wetland life! www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher BTW, you can have a wedding in there...REALLY cool for nature conservancy and deep-sea type couples. Worth the vacation visit too...takes about 60-90 minutes to see it all.

Our new article: "Wilmington as a Destination Wedding Area"

2011-07-10T16:08:00.000-04:00

The local bridal magazine, The Perfect Wedding Planner, published our article we co-authored together, in the summer 2011 issue, page 16! If you cannot read it easily, the text (full version) is here for you below, too. Your feed back is welcome (BTW: Wilmington really is an amazing and wonderful city and beaches with EVERYTHING!) ~Margo & David

"Sitting at your work, your mind wanders to the excitement of planning this wedding. Date and location are the two most important things to start with and you have the date. So your mind searches for a romantic place that is fun and practical for your guests, but is not the same-ol’-same-ol’ as your sister’s, or mother’s weddings. Hmm…what about a destination wedding in a place that has it ALL!?

"Brides and mothers may ponder: somewhere different but not wildly bizarre, impressive but not outrageous, romantic, entertaining, and affordable. That leaves out Greece, France, Hawaii, Monte Carlo, Bali and Japan. But we’re seeing a pattern here…the coast is a popular destination for weddings. The number one draw of a destination wedding is the very attractive benefit of vacation amenities. Also, the romantic escape to another city with your love. Celebrating for several days instead of just one. Living like a V.I.P. and the excitement of new and fascinating things, places and people! Well then, welcome to Wilmington!

"Get married on one of the nineteen amazing Atlantic Ocean beaches around Wilmington, in the sand, by the surf at Topsail, Surf City, Figure Eight, Wrightsville, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Fort Fisher, Southport, Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle or Sunset Beach. Many of these strands are top-rated recognition by National Geographic and other travel channels…gorgeous! The blue surf, white sand, a mosaic of pebbles and shells, wave-splitting boulders, dunes laced with seagrass and skies laced with colorful kites and squealing seagulls. Time slows down at the shore…we call it island time.

"Wear that gorgeous dress with bare shoulders in the golden southern sunset. Watch your sweetheart bury naked toes in the soft sugary sand beside you. Feel the warm breeze on your face and hear the curling waves murmuring in your ear. Laugh together as you write “Just Married” in the sand and pose there for a wonderful photo. Take home seashells and memories of salty kisses too.

"Hold on…what if the risk of sandy sunburns is not appealing? Then grab some awesome indoor ocean ambiance at the NC Aquarium, or in a beachfront hotel with plate-glass windows overlooking Neptune’s watery Kingdom. The beach bar scene along Wrightsville Beach is legendary!

"For the hardcore city boys and girls in your wedding party, venture to Wilmington’s popular and historic cobblestone downtown Riverwalk and the 1920’s Cotton Exchange on the Cape Fear River. Ride the street trolley and see it all! Check out the nightlife in Wilmington and you might see celebrities like John Travolta, Tony Hawk, Chad Micheal Murray, Robin Wright, Sophia Bush or Andy Griffith…this is a popular filming location and is called “Hollywood East.” Or try the delicious award-winning restaurants, art shows, boutiques, uncommon shopping, bars, music, shows…a gorgeous place to have your extraordinary reception—a dynamite vista of the sparkling river with amazing food and music that impresses all your guests. Or knock their socks off with a nostalgic and unique riverboat or steamboat ride with dinner and dancing onboard.

"Picture yourself in horse-and-carriage clip-clopping over the cobblestones, or luxurious pampering at the 4-star spas and salons in this city. Want 5-star classic Southern service fit for Scarlett O’Hara? We have that too in our unique B&B’s, genuine antebellum mansions, resorts and inns which are also amazing and unique places for your wedding!

"Need entertainment for the outdoorsy types? Charter a riverboat ride or hop a kayak for two! Like deep sea fishing, surfing, wave riding and other water sports? Wilmington uniquely offers both fresh water and saltwater options. Send your sports fans to the many golf links, tennis courts, and exciting sport teams events here too!

"Thinking of your future mother-in-law from Ohio, a shopaholic? Or Dad is more of a history buff? Visit to Fort Fisher, then take the ferry boat past the oldest lighthouses in NC to the historic and picturesque town of Southport. In Wilmington proper, soak up the charm of more than 543 acres of charming and famous gardens for your wedding, historic soaring churches, parks and a large variety of amazing museums. Sample North Carolina’s oldest winery, or the 5-star-rated haunted Wilmington tours (Blackbeard was here…as were several American battles in this old port city). Prefer collegiate level entertainment? Liberal arts school UNC-Wilmington is here too.

"Your family like the food, music, artistry and excitement of festivals? Wilmington area is THE place for fun and impressive festivals, especially the nationally famous Azalea Festival in April! Also choose from beach music festivals in June-July-August, shrimp festival in August, bluegrass festival in September, Riverfest and Seafood in October, or the film festival in November. Celebrate with free glittering fireworks shows, free summer concert series, and a variety of street fairs, music and food, too. Or come enjoy horse shows, races and real southern pageantry that this port city offers.

"Entertaining children and family? This is kids-ville too! We have a large children’s interactive museum, many theatres, various animal parks, the NC Aquarium, tour the famous battleship USS North Carolina, several family-style fun restaurants, movie houses, laser tag, mini-golf, water parks, go-carts and sports teams. And don’t forget the nineteen top-rated beaches, fishing and myriad of water sports offered! SO much fun stuff to do!

"So, what else does a romantic and truly fun and fabulous wedding need--a fabulous cake, sumptuous flowers, a talented photographer, wedding rings and of course you need a perfect wedding minister or officiant. World-class, award winning bakers, florists, jewelers and wedding experts reside in this wonderful metropolis of Wilmington and they are here year-round waiting to wait on you! Read more about all the incredible offerings of these professionals in this pages of this publication. Would a short, fun preview of Wilmington be ideal for your planning? Then, you are invited to let us spoil you at the Wilmington's Wedding Showcase on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Resort on Wrightsville Beach. Coming sooner? Consider the Cape Fear Wedding Show October 30, 2011 or the Bridal Expo on January 15, 2012 for more answers and ideas! Wilmington welcomes you!"

~ by Revs. Margo & David Sears, Sunset Beach NC www.beachpeopleweddings.com

New Things at Our Beach House...

2011-05-25T14:03:00.001-04:00

Insipid cuteness! Only way I can think of to describe the neighbor's friendly mama cat and kittens who have taken over our front patio. Yes, we feed them and cuddle them...how can you not touch those tiny faces, lil' paws and talk to these squeaky-voiced furrfaces. They are so sweet and friendly! Want a free kitten? Really! 2 tuxedos, and 2 calicos (mama is available for adoption too--we call her Ava--after Hitler's girlfriend Eva Braun--since this cat has a funny, black hitler mustache on her upper lip!).

Flowers blooming in our yard too. Marigolds, dusty miller, petunias, geranuims, parsley, rosemary, and hydrangea. Waiting on the lilies to bloom yet:

Spring Has Hatched at the Beach!

2011-05-22T17:56:00.002-04:00

I call them "Fire Daisies", but they are bright red silver-dollar sized wildflowers that grow ANYwhere at the beach....they love sandy soil the most but blacktop road cracks and cement are home to these brilliant eye-catchers. Also there is a plethora of cactus plants here with big yellow blooms. Size of apples! I photographed these at the Sunset Pier parking lot...so pretty!

And lets not forget the bunnies, kittens, seaturtles and chicks that are coming out all over the place! This bunny and mama below were beside the boardwalk at 40th St at Sunset Beach regularly. The bottom photo is sand piper bird eggs at Holden Beach. Moreover, every morning we wake up to baby birds shrieking for more food and frantic parent birds swooping at us in the driveway for walking near their tree in Calabash. We throw our bread crusts and old french fries for them. But the 2 families of kittens (beside is and across the street) get our meat and cheese tablescraps... of course we put out cat food now to help keep them all healthy.

And our local friends tell us the sea turtles began coming ashore here at night to lay eggs that hatch in 2-3 months. Yay!! Yep...new life is thriving around here in droves...come see it!

Heard of Liminal Space in Nature?

2011-04-12T12:16:00.000-04:00

Margo took this photo while on the Sunset Beach NC pier looking over the side at the space between the land and sea where the waves are sometimes (hightide), and sometimes its land (lowtide). She loved the way it felt to be standing over this liminal space in nature.

This photo is an example of a concept we learned in a Celtic Spiritual Warrior workshop, called Liminal Space (hosted by http://www.staubleadership.com/). In psychology, "liminal" is defined as the threshold moment between sensation and loss of sensation (or perception). In Celtic spirituality, it is the physical (or philosophical) sacred space between any 2 states of being-ness.

All doorways, shorelines, edges of roads or meadows, edge of atmosphere & outer space, or any transitional space is Liminal and "extra" sacred. There are liminal spaces in time too, so sunset and dawn are powerful times, as are the seasonal equinox dates on the calendar. Your birthday or wedding day are liminal times! In those special, sacred spaces, like beaches and surf, it is believed that magic, healing and powerful creation begins. So, having a wedding at sunset on the beach is a POWERFUL way to begin your new life! Find more liminal spaces in your world, or come see ours. :)

Another interesting thing….notice the "rippled" bottom edge of the photo? It's actually the weathered grain wood railing of the pier. In that light and timing with the water bubbles, it became a slight optical illusion. Hey! Another liminal space created in the photo! Enjoy, friends.

Doing Reiki at the Agape Senior Center

2011-04-10T23:00:00.001-04:00

David and Margo volunteered Reiki treatments for 2 hours at the Agape Senior Center (a nursing home), a division of Agape Hospice this week. While we're waiting for a hospice patient assignment, we are doing other things for the Agape folks.

We started with treating 6 senior center residents and it escalated to about 15. One or two of them were testy, but they still stuck around and watched the whole time. The staff were watching, of course. When they saw how their residents reacted, they wanted treatments too! So we treated the CNA's, the LPNs, the LCSWs, and the RNs. Then we treated some of the physical therapists and the housekeepers too. THey were fascinated and reacted immediately: got sleepy, headaches stopped, achy joints eased, moods lightened, and they commented on how some of them were acting calmer too.

Along the way, David played his Nella Siverspear flute for them and wow! It was so soothing and beautifully tuneful! Folks were stopping to stare and smile...hugged him and requested more. A lovely serenade.

We offered to teach the staff Reiki I, and the director agreed, so we'll see how that goes in the future. We look forward to more!

Fishing at Sunset Beach Pier

2011-04-08T22:07:00.000-04:00

David and Nick went fishing on the Pier last weekend. They caught 5 tiny fish (see photo of measure!) and met a local fisherman named George, too. Come to find out, George's daughter is an acclaimed maestra and one of only 2 women ever allowed to lead a chorus at the Vatican in Italy. The stories are amazing from other beach people!

Then come to find out the pier manager is our groom in one of our weddings this weekend, so we pressed palms with Richard and made a new connection there too. We love small towns! Come enjoy it with us!

Kindred Spirits Mailbox at Sunset Beach

2011-03-24T15:33:00.000-04:00

Margo is writing in a public journal with our friend, Theresa, at the famous Kindred Spirit mailbox on Sunset Beach NC on the west end of it. This lone mailbox has hundreds of handwritten entries from a myriad of visitors over the years. Some talk about plans to propose marriage, or fears about parenting, thoughts about the recent passing of a loved one, about the joy of being on a favorite beach again, about asking forgiveness, about exciting new ideas, or about spiritual thoughts... some entries just say "hello" with hearts and smileys. It's quite fascinating!

Some folks leave little gifts like seashells, fresh pens or paper, stickers, flowers, etc. This happy mailbox is secluded in the bird-sanctuary end of the island, so its a short hike to get there. The sand is fluffy, soft, white and silver, too.

Come visit the Kindred Spirit mailbox... park at 40th Street access at Sunset Beach NC, turn right on the beach and walk about 30 minutes. The box is up in the dunes. Come say your peace/piece. Namaste.

Our visit to the Silver Coast Winery on a rainy day

2011-03-12T11:13:00.000-05:00

They have 300 award winning wines there! We enjoyed the wine-tasting (bought 2 bottles for our brides' honeymoon treat baskets ), learned some techniques on how to taste wine in different ways, the wine and distillery tour (the machines are so cool in there), the local art gallery, and the landscaping on the grounds are very lovely. The Great Hall with an awesome indoor waterfall also has wonderful accoustics (flute was great) and we blew our new Triton shell horn, too...had to.

Go visit them near Ocean Isle Beach, NC http://www.silvercoastwinery.com/ and tell them we sent ya! Takes about 1-2 hours. Delicious!

Our BEAUTIFUL new wedding equipment arrived!

2011-03-08T08:35:00.000-05:00

A Triton shell horn from http://www.conchking.com/ (all KINDS of high-end shell products: horns, oil lamps, necklaces, trophies, amazing household art, etc). The conch (say "conk") and triton shell horns are used like trumpets for ceremonies in ancient and modern Hawaii, all the South Seas, Buddhist, Hindu, British, coastal Native American, and in modern American orchestras.

About Triton Shell the website says:

Also called traditional Hawaiian Ceremonial Pu Horns - Truly unique horns that produce a sound like nothing else on earth Neptune was called the earth shaker, and after hearing his horns you will know why. These horns will shake the earth you are standing on and slowly untie your shoe laces! Truly the rumble and sound of Aum creation and eternity in a split second.

Our triton makes a smooth, deep low sound like a ship's fog horn...sounds like "oh-mmmmmmm." It takes a little practice to blow it right and sounds like a lovesick sea-moose when you blow it wrong! lol! Fun! n as a Ceremonial Hawaiian Pu Shell

Lunch with "Caesar" at Ella's Seafood!

2011-03-03T18:12:00.000-05:00

Lunch at Ella's Seafood Restaurant here in town in Calabash with my hunky husband! Yum! Be sure to try their generous dishes, River Rd in Calabash NC... calabash seafood, large salad bar, low prices, and the coolest waitstaff and bussers. BTW: me being an artist, David allows me to trim his gorgeous silver locks sometimes. Trimmed it up today and he let me snap this photo...turned out great!

Puxatawney Phil was right...

2011-03-02T20:34:00.000-05:00

The famous groundhog in PA was right, Spring has sprung early...70 degrees, sunny, flowers and tree frogs are blooming and peeping, and even the ocean waves are geting rowdy! Whitecaps to the horizon in some places. Birds are pairing up, the neighbors girl-cat has tomcat visitors all week, and the children are out in shorts and bicycles where there were none before.

Even saw a gent in a motorized wheelchair zoom down our street to the river fishing dock 4 blocks away. His little safety orange flag was up and his fishing pole was gently swaying the breeze as he putted along with intention! A man on mission! Someone's eating fish tonight, I tell ya. Very cool...

We love these little messages from our couples...

2011-02-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

"John and I are both in our forties. We've together for over 2 yrs. When we met it was an act of Fate. We're very, very happy and so excited about getting married, this will be the 2nd for both of us. We both think we have found our soulmates. Looking forward to our joyous day!"

We, too, are in our second marriage and know we are soulmates and Twin Flames. We met by unusual and fateful circumstance at an ongoing spiritual community bonfire gathering near Greensboro NC, one October, which neither had ever attended before. Margo thought David was beautiful and felt very familiar. David thought Margo was beautiful and found her hug and touch to be profound for him. 2 years later we were married (see the video link on the right here--its 4 minutes and pretty unique). But we knew quickly in the beginning that we were in love with each other...there was no stopping that train! Living with your best friend, soul mate, lover, and life partner is an amazing gift...we are so grateful. Blessings and namaste, friends!

2011-02-26T21:23:00.000-05:00

Hello friends, It's February and these camillias are blooming in our side yard! About the size of your palm. Delicate bouquet too. It rained a little today and then the sum bloomed too! Was t-shirt weather here, me thinks. Nice...

Welcome to the Beach!

2011-02-25T19:42:00.000-05:00

Hello, Namaste, Blessings, and Welcome to our home at the shore in North Carolina, right at the state line bordering South Carolina. We're 5 miles from Sunset Beach, 10 minutes from Ocean Isle Beach or North Myrtle, 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach, and 40 minutes from Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach.

It was 70 degrees, balmy and partly sunny here today. The sun has set and the tree frogs of spring are chirping like little bells, and some flowers are blooming early here...gorgeous to see! You should be here! More updates as we go along, friend. Namaste!