If You Can't Make The Show, Buy The T-Shirt

I cannot remember where I first it, but I am sure we all have heard it by now...Margaritaville...it's a lifestyle. I had every intention of a fun post that you would catch you up on our holiday, yes holiday, because despite the 2 kids, business and hot weather, I know the heat will be gone and I will be longing it for it to return sooner rather than later, but when I logged online all I could read were updates on the Gulf Coast. You turn on the tv and there are the empty, BEAUTIFUL beaches, the faces of restaurant owners who always have patience for the children that empty their salt shakers, the self-overserved college students and the occaisional meltdown from visitors of all ages, the empty charter fishing boats at the dock rather than in deep water and I had to change my post plans.

It is no secret by now that Jimmy Buffet will be performing a FREE concert on July 1st. While the Gulf Coast would certainly welcome everyone to attend, tickets are limited...but.....you can buy the t-shirt! So keep checking the website and when they are up buy one. For those of you that say I already have enough t-shirts, think of how many people might stop you at the gym or when you are out for a walk to ask where they can buy one...it is a little gesture that hopefully will help.

I saw the following letter posted on Mrs. MMM's blog and I had to share it and hope you will put it on your blog, email it to your friends. There is a statement at the end of the letter that we all should remember...it comes from a child and these days I have to say that Mini K has said the same thing: there is ONE ocean, they all touch so that makes ONE. so this spill might not be on your coast, but it is still YOUR OCEAN!

The following is sent from Lucy Buffet (Jimmy's sister and owner of LuLu's in Gulf Shores) She grew up on Mobile Bay and along our Gulf Coast. Dear coastal inhabitants everywhere and all who know the joy of putting their toes in the ocean: I can’t remember when we have had a lovelier spring along the Gulf Coast . In recent years, we have gone from crisp, clear mornings in February to tropical 90s temps by mid-March. But this year, it finally seemed that we were getting back to normal — back to the easy, Southern rhythms of my childhood, with the winter season moving gently into a luscious spring. Spring was taking its own sweet time unfolding before diving head-on into the desperate heat of summer. Everyone could feel it. You couldn’t help but notice the majesty and color of the coastal foliage bursting with brilliant pinks and purples, sounding the calls that we wait for all year long: "Let’s go to the beach!" "The fish are biting at the Big Mouth!" "Let’s take a boat ride!" "Tadpoles are out in the creek.

That is how we live here on the Gulf Coast . Our love of the water — the Gulf, the bays, the rivers, the estuaries — and the way we enjoy it is absolutely holistic. It transcends race, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender and political affiliation. The Gulf Coast is where the everyday person can play. We love where we live and are proud of it. We get amused sharing it and seeing the surprise on folks’ faces when they realize that a little piece of unlikely paradise exists smack at the bottom of this magnificent country of ours. So imagine our dismay, anger, grief and absolute heartbreak over the ongoing catastrophe of crude oil continuously and arrogantly flowing into our beautiful Gulf of Mexico. This is indeed a major challenge for us physically, emotionally, environmentally and economically. Personally, I prefer to remain positive about the oil spill’s impact, because I know mountains can be moved with a positive attitude. Why wouldn’t that work with a runaway well? I do, however, live in a very real world, and I know that our corner of this world stands to be affected by the oil spill. As we are called to action, we will respond with the dauntless spirit of coastal people, especially those born in the hurricane corridor. We will weather this storm as we have weathered the other monsters that have roared upon our shores in the past: by working hard, side by side, with dedication, compassion and a sense of community, and earning some fun in the process. I am hoping that there will be little damage or interruption of beach recreation. Perhaps the oil spill will be just an inconvenience, much like too many jellyfish in the water or the occasional riptides. If not, we are going to need everyone’s love, support and help. So I have a very special invitation for people to join us here in Gulf Shores - Orange Beach - Perdido Key and Pensacola . Don’t cancel your plans or reservations. This could be one of the most memorable vacations you will ever have. Most of you travel with children. What a great opportunity to teach our kids so many valuable life lessons — from the beauty of volunteering to the importance of helping your neighbor during a crisis, learning about the fragile ecosystem that created the remarkable Gulf of Mexico, and meeting new friends from all over the country with the same purpose of keeping our beautiful shores safe for our children and wildlife. Recently, I asked a friend of mine’s 6-year-old if she knew how many oceans there were. "One, Miss Lucy," she promptly responded. Then with a little hesitation, she added, "Don’t they all touch?" Out of the mouths of babes. What is happening in our back yard could just as easily be happening in yours. But does it matter? We are all one. We all touch. Am I outraged? Damn right! Is there a need for accountability? Damn right! But that is not my job. There are others who are trained and better equipped to master that task. I’m a fry cook. I’m open for business. And so is the Gulf Coast . We will take each day as it comes and make the best of it. I am asking all of you who love this area as much as I do and love your own coastal areas to please not abandon us. I promise you we will welcome you with open arms, some ice-cold sweet tea, an ocean of belly laughs, a plate full of scrumptious food and a humble, grateful heart. Lucy

Gulf Coast: New Territory

DISCLAIMER: I do not consider myself a fan of BP, I don't own BP stock, but I am a parent and feel that there are some things a 4 1/2 year old should not have to see.

I have never done a post like this, but just feel like I cannot remain silent on this issue. For those of you that follow me on facebook you know I took Mini K to her first Lilly P. Warehouse Sale this week. I will do a separate post on it, because I want it to reflect how much fun we had at the sale.

What I and more importantly Mini K saw at the BP gas station on our way home was anything but fun. I understand that people are upset that an entire way of life not to mention part of our country might never be the same after this disaster, but i also understand that NO company would wish this type of disaster on themselves. I also know that the BP gas stations are franchises...and the profit margin on a gas station is SMALL. In other words the people who own one gas station are not worth millions...if they own 50-100 stations maybe.

We stopped to get gas, and yes we stopped at a BP station to find an angry mob, that felt compelled to scream hateful things at the poor employee behind the counter that rings up your tank of gas and diet coke (or at least that is what he did for me!) This man did not make an oil rig explode, he didn't destroy a coastline he is just trying to provide for his family.

The great thing about this country is that we have the freedom to choose...if you want to end our need for oil and make a statement about the oil spill you could buy a hybrid, boycott BP or a multitude of other things, but screaming at people 10+ states away from the Gulf Coast who make $10 an hour is not going to help ANYONE. I just want everyone to think about one thing: If BP goes out of business who will pay to clean up the Gulf Coast? My guess is you and I, and our children.

It was after this scene, on the drive back, that Mini K asked what is the Gulf Coast. It made me realize that she might never see the Seaside or Point Clear I saw as a child, but she will see how amazing the people on the Gulf Coast are yesterday, today and always. The Grove house is making a statement of support, and this summer we are going to take Mini K and Baby C to the Gulf Coast. Marie sent me a great email today and I am going to book a place tomorrow.

So this is what I want to know from my Gulf Coast (Alabama Florida readers) where should we go and what should we do...send me all of your suggestions for restaurants, children's clothing stores, any other can't miss stores, museums, etc. I am also researching where we can volunteer for a day with Mini K.

I know this post is out of the norm for me, but I think we can show the next generation better behavior than screaming at people who had nothing to do with a problem. The President has (FINALLY!) asked for a meeting with the CEO of BP and I hope that the CEO stands behind the sign that is posted at the gas stations, and I have posted below.

The Gulf Coast and its residents need our help now...so buy some shrimp at your grocery store(thankfully there is still a supply due to cold storage), order something online from a business located on the Gulf Coast or board a plane like we are this summer and just GO!