Ekim's Blog

I love quotes. They validate my feelings in ways I never think to speak. They hit me hard because I spend a lot of time thinking of clear and interesting ways to convey my stories. When I hear a good quote, I’m like yessssssssssssssssssss! That’s a great way to say that!

“Shop Local” is a trend everyone has heard of. Instead of buying your hairbows at Wal-Mart, the “Shop Local” trend says to buy them at Sawdust & Rust. Instead of eating at Outback Steakhouse, eat at Chef T’s Garden Grill. Instead of sending your resume to Rita’s Staffing, send it to 1^st Priority Staffing. You get the idea.

Summer Vacation! Is there anything better? Florida was made for summer vacations! I was a lucky kid whose mom was a teacher which meant she was just as ready as us to have some adventures! Lakeland’s central location made it easy for us to visit lots of places – Crystal Springs, Adventure Island, the beach. When we stayed close, we loved going to Kelly Recreation’s Gandy Pool or Imperial Lakes to swim.

When I was 16, a group of families got together and took all the Dads to dinner for Father’s Day. As we were driving, one of my friend’s dad saw a man mowing his grass and he said, “Lucky bast*rd.” I looked at him and asked, “Why?” He said, “Because he is mowing his grass in peace and no one is making him go to dinner.”

Summer is in full swing and vacay vibes are rocking! I am not a woman who has a closet busting open with clothes, but 95% of my clothes are for hot weather. (When winter comes, I am the person with a big sweatshirt, fuzzy socks and knit hat – none of which match – just trying to get through the cold, patiently waiting for the Florida sun to warm my shivering bones.)

June is here! School is out, the weather is hot, and time seems to slow just a bit.

One of my favorite things about June is the longer days give us an opportunity to take have an outdoor dinner using seasonal ingredients! June’s freshest produce in Florida is plentiful!

Being a caregiver for a senior family member is a full-time commitment. Providing that care in the middle of a global public health crisis comes with even more responsibility, especially when your loved one is most at risk for COVID-19 complications. 

Graduation season is here! It’s a time for celebrations, reflections and congratulations! Graduation is one of those times we are so proud of ourselves! We finally finished! But…. now that means we have to start something new… This fear of the unknown is why we give our graduates stirring and inspiring speeches to propel them into their future.

Last month, my two older daughters and I went on a date. They are both particular about food so choosing a place everyone liked took a hot minute. I wanted a local spot, my middle child wanted pizza, and my oldest wanted hibachi. Long story short, we ended choosing Harry’s. It’s not local but my girls agreed so I agreed. I was hungry.

Mother’s Day is a day we celebrate our Mamas! Mamas come in all forms – biological mamas, step mamas, grandmamas, our friend’s mama, our neighbor who treats us like they are our mama, mentors in school and work who guide us like mamas, and that random stranger who offers a hand when you are having a *moment* - just like a mama would.