I was prepared to get my perfect shot – that blue moon emerging from the mighty ocean into a twilight sky –  though the prevalent cloudiness did show weak patches of blue and light   as the afternoon rolled into evening.  I wandered the streets of the Beaches Town Center, going in and out of the shops  and taking pictures of the street scene on this mild late afternoon.   I knew my blue moon photograph existed now solely in my mind and not on the front page of The Beaches Leader or prominently on my Flickr page.

Luckily, The BookMark was open so I spent some time fondling all the books I wish I had room for in my home.

In fact, I wish I had a library wall like this at home…but that’s unlikely so I’ll content myself with a few good titles and some interesting book talk with the staff who always have some recommendations.  Owner Rona Brinlee is interviewed by Susan Stamberg of NPR twice a year for a segment on a group of independent booksellers’ recommended reading for summer, and the holidays.  If I can’t have a library wall at home, an independent book store in my home town is the next best thing.  I can honestly say I love the both the library, and the book store in equal measure.

After The BookMark I went over to the beach.  What if the clouds happened to break for a few moments and I missed it?  Well, they didn’t but it was still nice to spend some time at the beach on the last day of the decade, even if that darned blue moon won’t come round again until 2028.

It was damp and a little misty by the time that blue moon rose behind the clouds, but the beach was calling me so I walked  over and stood on the Neptune Beach side of Atlantic (what happened to the c ?) Blvd.

It was a nice way to end the decade, actually.  We moved to Atlantic Beach in early 2000.  I was determined that we would settle at the beach, and I’ve never for a moment regretted that choice.  I remember looking at homes that were bigger and better…but they weren’t here and having this wonderful place to call my home has been worth the trade off in square feet and granite.  The beaches – Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach – have a true sense of place, with a genuine history and not from some developer’s master plan.  In 2010, I’ll be treating you to glimpses of our area that’ll have you planning your next vacation or day trip to our beaches and shops.  Whenever we come home from our trips away, I’m always thankful that this is where we get to come home to: atlantic beach-life.

post edit:

What about Bob?

Bobby Brady, that is.

If you love Scrabble and The Brady Bunch, then this hand-made mosaic belongs in your home.  I’ve seen it twice, displayed at arts events and it is clever and unique.  It’s waiting, I know, for just the  right person: it has to be someone who is passionate about Scrabble, who grew up with the Bradys and who appreciates art.  This is a conversation piece, whimsical and beautifully set.  If I was the artist, I wouldn’t sell it to just anyone. It’s far too unique to go to someone who didn’t fully understand the piece.  Have a look, and if you’re interested, I’ll make contact with the artist for you. (No, it’s certainly not me.  I could never create something so artful and amusing.  If only…

I did, however, create these:

I’ve loved MOS long before it displayed the Atlantic Beachlife and Jacksonville Beachlife tee shirts.

 But here is where you can find them and they’re the perfect fit for her shop: interesting, eclectic, unique items for your home, a few distinctive things to wear, plants for your tabletop and plants for your landscape, wonderful accessories to trim your home all year around – really, the perfect browsing shop.

I arrange activities itineraries for visitors sometimes and it’s fun to put together a shop-the-beaches tour.  The first time I did this was for a group of auto dealer wives, and MOS was one of our stops.  I started going there again regularly this Fall, when I found her new location.  I love to just wander the place, looking for inspiration.

Being able to pick up a little something special is what I value about the sole proprietor boutique store, and that’s what I love about being in this shop. Everything there is distinctive and is displayed with such a  creative twist.  I’ve watched Lourdes work with  customers – she’s got an easy rapport with people – and they leave the store with a great gift or thing for their home, wrapped up prettily, and mighty pleased, too.  Because you’re not going to find these cool pieces or a creative partner at Home Goods.  And, you sure aren’t going to find your Beachlife tee shirts at any other store besides MOS.

MOS is a  shopper’s gem, but seriously, don’t worry if the whole shopping thing just overwhelms you.  It’s the perfect venue for the non-shopper too. If you need a gift, or just want something new for your home or garden, go over to MOS and put yourself in Lourdes’ hands. She’ll set you up with whatever you need in short order and you’ll be on your way in no time: mission accomplished, happy, and carrying something interesting.  I love shops like that, too, when I’m not in the mood, or in a terrible hurry but need something good. 

…. is the last person to comment before midnight (and thank goodness, otherwise I’d be shipping an Atlantic Beachlife tee shirt to the U.K., sorry Sammi!).  I used Random Number Generator but for the life of me I couldn’t figure out how to import it to show you that I really am honest; I’m not all that experienced doing giveaways and whatnot and the winner really is number 8.  Tami and she says she is like me, she likes her shirts to fit longer and snugger, too. A girl after my own heart.

In other exciting tee shirt news I now have Jacksonville Beachlife tees also available which will only be of interest if you live around here!  Cost: $21.99.  Message me if you want them before Christmas!

I have the shirts exclusively at MOS (one of my very favorite boutiques at the beach, a great vibe)  It’s just twelve blocks west of the ocean on the north side of Beach Blvd. 12th Street South is developing into a trendy little shopping street.  Two doors down is the new Elie Bing, vintage and current jewelry and accessories, always fresh and one-of-a-kind.  It’s a tucked-away street but not for long.  There’s foot traffic in and out of MOS (aptly named My Own Store by Lourdes, who seems to know all of her customers, and they,  her;  as they come in looking for  a they-don’t-know-what and leave with something Lourdes helps them decide on.  I know; I’ve spent more than a few dollars there.

Introducing my first run of the series of ‘beachlife‘ tee shirts starting with ‘atlantic beachlife‘.  ‘neptune beachlife‘ and ‘jacksonville beachlife‘ are being worked up by my graphic designer right now!

I’m a stickler for fit, and these tees are ones that I am willing to wear in public. The tee shirts shown are styled for women and are form-fitting   without being too tight.  The white ones are Soft Style, Ring Spun by Gilden. They weigh 4.5 ounces, have a nice crew neck, and are longer-styled. They seem to run small, and they do shrink the first time they’re washed and dried.  The fit is fantastic.

I’m showing the tan-colored shirt because I’ve got some  American Apparel on order, in a cream color.  The fit of this shirt didn’t pass the Jeannie test, so I won’t even foist it off on you in a giveaway!

For the guys, or girls who prefer a traditional, roomier tee shirt, I have ordered some heavier weight Gildan tee shirts and the logo can be put on the back or the front.  I also have some Gildan Men’s slim fit shirts en route. I’m looking forward to the arrival of the American Apparel and other styles of Gildan, and making them available in colors and with neptune  and jacksonville beachlife on them.

Interested?  Well, I’m going to give one of them away, just for fun.  Let’s keep it simple: leave a comment if you want one, and feel free to give me some feedback.  How do you like your tee shirts to fit?  Do you even care? What type of tees do you like to wear?

I’ll let this giveaway go run until Thursday (December 17)  at midnight, when I’ll use the random number generator to pick the winner. If you prefer your shirt to have the ‘neptune beachlife‘ or ‘jacksonville beachlife‘ logos just let me know.

You may leave your contact information in the comments section or email me at jeannie@atlanticbeachlife.com, and do leave a comment here if you want to win one of these cool tees!