Annual Bunnell Potato Festival

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Good Morning Palm Coast and surrounding towns. Yesterday Joe and I attended the Annual Potato Festival in Bunnell Florida. Amongst all the activities, the Flagler Chamber sold beer, French fries and bags of local potatoes. Uncle Sam made animal balloons, Mr. Potato Head entertained the kiddies, the fire department and Police department brought out their pink truck in support of Breast Cancer survivors and loved ones. Twiggie the surfboarding squirrel preformed, A culinary school handed out samples of potato recipes including Soup, potato croquettes, and even a chocolate cupcake made of mashed potato. Now I had to vote for that one since it was so unique.

There were pony rides, a petting zoo, politicians getting to know their voters, venders from V-E-Safe solutions safety equipment, to redneck candles. Charities such as Flagler Cats to Sheltering Tree.

Mari Molina owner and founder of Flagler Cats held her annual Dog contest. That is right, not a cat contest, yes, Miss Mari loves dogs too. We had to enter Brutus again. Last year Brutus was so involved with flirting with the beautiful white Maltese he didn’t even place. This year, as you can see from the photo above, he came in second place. You might have already heard on social media since this mom is crazy proud of my Brutus.

I am posting some pictures of these events. If you did not have the chance to attend this year, in the most perfect weather besides, you must mark it down for next year.018 021 027 029 033 035037 040

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Mari Molina, Flagler Cats hosts the Annual Dog Contest

Mari Molina, Flagler Cats hosts the Annual Dog Contest

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Julia Fuentes owner of Supreme Streamer

Julia Fuentes owner of Supreme Streamer

Pink Truck

Denise hugging firefighter at the pink truck

Pink Fire truck

Pink Fire truck

Pink Fire Truck

Signatures from past breast cancer survivors and present

Buds

Chris Eland and my hubby Joe at the Potato fest

Inspired Mic November 2013

036It started off a bit windy and chilly last night at the Beach House Beanery, www.beachhousebeanery.com but that didn’t stop people from flocking in to listen to fellow writers read from their work at The Inspired Mic Night https://www.facebook.com/TheInspiredMic.

Each writer has five minutes to read from their work, fiction, non-fiction, essays, poetry, whatever they want to share. One gentleman, Dima Zales shared his magic, and a Local artist, Onicas Gaddis www.onicasart.weebly.com rapped a poem about his artwork. The theme for the evening was The Holidays.

The evening was enhanced by Steve Woodin www.goconcealed.com who provided an awesome sound system and kept track of time for each writer and artist.

002Anna Zaires, wife of magician Dima Zales read from her up and coming Fantasy book.

003Dima Zales showed off his phycology degree by showing a magic trick which not done correctly would have cost him $100.00. In the end, Dima kept his bill.

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Jonathan Raney, who has spent a great of time in Russia, which is how he met and married his wife, read from his essays about the country. His humor shown through even though much about Russia is nothing to laugh at.

006The laughs continue when Tovah Janovsky read from her story about her Italian Christmases in the 1950’s and 60’s.

008Becky Pouchot Author of “Food for a Hungry Ghost,” and “To Kiss a Ghost” a YA Series which is fun for adults as well. Her stories take place right here in Flagler Beach. www.HungryGhostBooks.com Becky went a different direction tonight. Her story was more sexy and adult, which drew in the crowd. So much so, when she went past her time, the audience insisted she finish her last paragraph.

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MaryBeth Jeltner read a poem about the Holidays and an excerpt called “White Rabbit.”

015Robin Coles also read an excerpt from an old book she started years ago, but dusted off to bring back to life. Check her out on Facebook or http://thenauticallifestyle.com/WP/about/robin-g-coles-bio/.

017As I stated earlier in this post, Onicas Gaddas free formed his poem about art in the style of a gentle rap. I first met Onicas at the Hollingworth Gallery at the City Market Place second floor. next to The Flagler Art League. If you haven’t had the chance before, go visit, it is amazing the local talent here in Flagler County. www. http://www.hollingsworthgallery.com/Home.html.

019Before the Break, Kevin Cox, ex New York Police Officer read a funny story about his holidays on the force. I never bore with Kevin’s tales. They are always entertaining.

021Author and publisher, Michael King, http://www.clearviewpressinc.com/, started The Inspired Mic this past Spring. He realized writers generally do not like to read in public. We are a shy group. They especially don’t want to read their own work. Well that is just darn silly folks. You are an amazing group of talented people. So, Mike founded Inspired Mic along with Christine Speno of Words Etc  . Tonight Mike did ihttp://www.wordsetc.info/t solo and along with Carol Fisher and her husband Jeff Fisher, owner’s of The Beach House Beanery, did a marvelous job. Thank You Mike King, Carol and Jeff.

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Non other than myself started the second half of Inspired Mic Night. I went in a different direction with my genre. I normally write more on the mystery twist ending side of things, in honor of Christmas, my favorite holiday, I read one of my stories published in Mosaic: A Collection of Short Stories available on www.amazon.com, or www.omegapublications.net. I read “Star of Wonder,” about a girl who loses her eyesight in an accident on Christmas day, and miraculously recovers it twenty-five years later on the same day of miracles.

023After my story, my friend, Tasia Jackson, local photographer and  make-up artist, read her poetry, “Picture Perfect Day. About her beautiful photography “You can find Tasia’s artwork on the walls of the Meeting Room at The Flagler Chamber of Commerce. www.flaglerchamber.org. also at https://www.facebook.com/thomasina.jacksonibt.

026A bit shy at first, Georgia Turner, Flagler County Tourism Director,, www.palmcoastandtheflaglerbeaches.com with the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and Affiliates, had a fun time reading her poems from many years ago. Even though they were written when this lovely woman was in her twenties, they are absolutely delightful

028Mel Melvin read a funny story which ended in a pie fight.

031Kermit Allison wrote about his love of pianos. Kermit reads without a page in front of him. He is a brilliant story teller.

032Joann Perryman read her poem entitled, “Thank You.”

034Because it is so close to the holidays, unavoidable things come up. A few of our readers were not able to attend tonight’s performance. Though I am sure we missed some amazing stories and poems, it did give Mike King the opportunity to read some of his poems. Mike decided his holiday theme should be Valentine’s day, since he writes the most amazing romantic poems. Sorry girls, Mike has a lovely woman already by his side. Miss Michelle who greeted guests all night at the front door. Thank you Michelle for all your work.

Thank you Carol, Jeff and all your wonderful staff who fed our crowd. Recently Carol and Jeff noticed a need for vegetarian and vegan food. They now serve a wonderful menu for us carnivores as well as the vegans in our area. Come out and try their food. Sit down, have a glass of wine or a beer, (Best coffee too) and stare at the ocean. Outside dining, you may bring your four-legged family member too. Everyone is welcome at The Beach House Beanery, where the owners make it a point to know your name. www.beachhousebeanery.com https://www.facebook.com/TheInspiredMic

NEXT MONTH JOIN US AT “CHRISTMAS COME TRUE.” http://www.christmascometrue.org/, a local charity where Nadine King and her hard work make it possible for children to have a Christmas. https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasComeTrue. 1299 North Oceanshore Blvd. Flagler Beach.

Inspired Mic 8/20/13

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Many people showed up the other night to Inspired Mic hosted by The Beach House Beanery on A1A  and 12th street So.  www.beachhousebeanery.com . Owners Carol and Jeff do an awesome job accommodating all the quests. Normally open for breakfast and lunch, they and their wonderful staff go out of their way once a month and open their doors to Inspired Mic. https://www.facebook.com/TheInspiredMic. Feel free to like them on Facebook.

Last month was a big success for Inspired Mic,. Word spread around Flagler County. So much so, Mike Rae King from ClearviewPress,http://www.clearviewpressinc.com/ and Christine Speno , from Words Etc., http://www.wordsetc.info/ , along with Beach House Beanery decided to charge for tickets. Yes, ten dollars will not only get you in to the event but will also buy you two drinks. Beer and wine included in the deal. Of course you don’t have to, but one must sample the delicious menu they provided while sitting back with your drink of choice and watching 17 writers, and the other night one magician, have five minutes to read their work or preform their talent. It is truly fun for all. Especially set on the beach

I did write about the event last month when I attended, but this month I was one of the writers to read my work. I read “My Little Secret,” from a collection of short stories I co-wrote with several writer friends, called Mosaic. http://www.amazon.com/Mosaic-A-Collection-Short-Stories/dp/0984076220/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377289893&sr=8-1&keywords=Heidi+Tassone, published by my friends Gayle and Jeff Farmer, http://www.gaylefarmer.com/Contact_Us.html047

It was a whole lot of fun. Can’t wait until next time. you can follow the link to Amazon. You can also see a Trailer of the book as well at. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGaUuFYzuhA.

Of course I am not alone. I apologize because I was not able to take photos of everyone that night, but I am posting the ones I do have. And also I will list the authors, however, they will not be in order. Somehow the schedule was changed around a bit.

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ClearView Press and Words Etc present

THE INSPIRED MIC

writers and magician

Mayte Caronna  maytecaronna@gmail.com

Bill Ryan  9bp7ryan@earthlink.net

Bri Chorbak  jerseyjul@hotmail.com

Joan McReynolds  jmcreynolds@juno.com

Janice Brink  (okay this may have been a typo on the brochure, same email as Joan

Michael Henry Lee  michaelhenrylee@bellsouth.net

Heidi Tassone (THAT WOULD BE ME) htassone@att.net

Kevin Cox  johnking83@aol.com

Anthony Wells anthonywells87@gmail.com

Cyndi Rose  Cyndi.rose.1@gmail.com

Tonya West tonya.lee.west@gmail.com

Tim Baker blindoggbooks@gmail.com

John Downing  john@rabbitdyer.com

Anna Zaires  annazaires@gmail.com

Dima Zale  dimazales@gmail.com

Tovah Janovsky  tovahsez@gmail.com

Jessie McKnight genettemcknight@gmail.com

Marybeth Jeitner  gratefulmb8@gmail.com

Alternate readers

Gi Arena  Gparena@aol.com

Becky Pourchot  becky@pourchot.com

Now I copied the list  from the flyer. I know Becky who was an alternate, did read. Not everything in life goes as planned, but in this case, it turned out wonderful.

Join us next month. When I know the day and place, I will post it.

Hugs

Heidi Tassone

The Inspired Mic

The Inspired Mic

Open Mike

Michael Ray King announces third Inspired Mic

July 16th at 7pm began the third Inspired Mic of the season at Flagler Beach.

Michael Ray King owner of ClearVeiw Press, http://www.clearviewpressinc.com/ , started the event along with Christine Speno with Words Inc.  http://www.wordsetc.info/ The event is an evening of up to 18 writers who have five minutes to read from their works.

The Beach House Beanery http://www.beachhousebeanery.com/hosts The Inspired Mic by opening their doors much later than usual. Owners of the Beanery, Carol and Jeff are great supporters of the arts and The Inspired Mic. The quaint coffee shop normally closes around three o:clock,  opening for breakfast and lunch. However once a month they re-open before 7pm with a lovely snacking menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads. deserts, wine, beer, and of course coffee.

The presenters are not always writers. Tuesday night we had two magicians on the stage.

037Tom Sisti          061And Dima Zale along with a young helper

The pictures I took did not all come out as well as I intended. I can blame the lighting or just the crappy photographer. I apologize to those who did not make my photos. I have a bunch of blurry pics if you want them.

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Happy Hostess

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To see a Video of The Inspired Mike go to http://www.youtube.com/embed/-duC5ET5cxs?enablejsapi=1&wmode=opaque&autoplay=1

To sign up to read at The Inspired Mic contact Michael Ray King at mrking@clearviewpressinc.com

The Evenings Readers

1. Tovah Janovsky

2. Harvey Baron

3. Shannon Teper

4. Lorraine Rhul

5. Christine Speno

6. Tim Baker

7. Chris Bodor

8. Armand Rosamilia

9. Tom Sisti

10. Sam Hossler

11. Robin Coles

12. Cyndi Rose

13. Becky Pourchot

14 Tiffany Renee McDowell

15. Tameka McDowell

16. Michelle Brown

17. Dime Zale

18. Jim McCarthy

I was actually signed up to read at the event, however so many people signed up, I will now be reading in the August Inspired Mic. I believe it shall be August 20th 7pm. So don’t miss. it. Pull up a beach chair, grab some awesome food from The Beach House Beanery with a beverage, sit back and enjoy a wonderful evening on the beach.

See you soon.

Hugs Heidi

‎

Showing Support

Ribbon Cutting, Home Design Furniture

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Yesterday Evening at 4pm, I along with many small businesses, came out in the rain to support a new family run business. Home Design Furniture, opened it’s door several months ago, but had their official Ribbon Cutting, through the Flagler Chamber of Commerce, yesterday July 2nd, 2013.

Balloons, food, drink, and lots of networking, they did a beautiful job. Christine Gardener, Michelle Brown, and Gretchen Smith, from the Chamber came out to help promote the one and only Furniture store in Palm Coast. Yes, Palm Coasters no longer have to travel to Ormond, Daytona or St. Augustine to purchase that new sofa they want. We have our very own store.

The actual Ribbon cutting took place around 5pm, as we all anticipated the arrive of our newly elected sheriff, Jim Manfre, who took the time out of his very busy schedule to show his support for the new business.

There one entire room dedicated to bedding and mattresses, the front and back room are filled with gorgeous and high quality furnishings from dressers and night stands, to dining room sets, chairs and sofas. Anything you would need to fill your home. Along with the furniture, Home Design also sells many accessories, and paintings. In fact every wall is lined with paintings and photographs or all kinds, from realistic, to more abstract.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit, please come over to Home Design Furniture, at 85 Cypress Point Parkway. Across from the Goodwill.

mailto:info@myhomedesignfurniture.com

386-243-5432

Hugs

Heidi

 

Update on About Us.

Daytona News Journalhttp://files.wnzf.com/chamber_chat_060813.mp3

I’m not sure if this will work, but I will try. I know I write mainly about nature and events going on in Palm Coast and surrounding areas. However, Joe and I own a company in Palm Coast, J & H Junk Removal, LLC. We help people reclaim their space by removing unwanted items, as well as doing handyman service.

In 20111, Joe and I both left and or were let go from a company we worked at for several years. We were both cooks, I the sous chef at the time. Due to the economy and cut backs, they let Joe go and within a few months, I was forced to leave as well.

That year we spent checking out where we live. We were terrified, since no one was hiring, and if they were they either wanted you to work alone and or for very little pay. (I actually looked back on my teenage taxes and found out I was making slightly less in my teens then what they are offering now. I am 48 and a skilled cook.)

Well, after taking many walks, kayaking, and biking ourselves around Flagler County, we started noticing the trend. The horrible reality of foreclosures. We would look in the windows of emptied homes and see junk everywhere. Abandoned and neglected properties were popping up to quickly.

One day late 2011, we decided to start our own business. Hence, J & H Junk removal and Handyman service was created. Visit us on www.jandhjunkremoval.com.

We started our business January 2012, and made a quick and correct decision to join the Flagler Chamber of Commerce. www.flaglerchamber.org. We were asked to check out all three of the leads groups the chamber has to offer, and we decided Friday’s TGIF was for us. The largest of the groups, and when you start out, and are shy, the scariest. Needless to say, we are not so shy anymore, and know every member. We hang together, go to functions together, and basically help each other out both for business and in many cases personally.

Anyway, more about what we do, please hit the chamber chat button above. This is a recent interview Joe and I did at a local radio station. www.WNZF.com in Chamber chat. I hope you have a few minutes to listen.

Thank you

Heidi Tassone

lots of hugs.

Pigmy Rattler

Pigmy Rattler

Pigmy Rattler in our yard

So far I have posted cute pictures of animals, such as my dog, Brutus, the Box Turtle, A turkey, and of course my family of little birds who nested in a ceramic fish. On a side note, we believe a new momma bird is going to nest in the other fish. Stay tuned.

However, not all our creatures are fun. Joe came across this little guy the other day. I believe it is a pigmy rattler. Yes they are as dangerous as the larger breed. I have no idea how Joe even spotted this little guy. I’m glad he did and Brutus didn’t decide he would be fun to play with, like Sam the turtle.

So not all creatures in our back yard are cute and friendly.

hugs
Heidi

BBQ at Bings

Joe Tassone on the boat ride

Joe Tassone on the boat ride

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These photos were taken yesterday, Saturday June 1st 2013 at Bings Landing. We were invited by a friend, Caroline Hopkins of Realty Exchange, to enjoy a Customer Appreciation BBQ. It was a wonderful day. Though a bit overcast, with fear of rain to dampen the party, it was a bright day. Our little Brutus was welcome, and enjoyed a free boat ride on the Intra Coastal waterway.

The Gazebo was packed with friends and family of Realty Exchange employees. Children played in the little blow up pool, and squirted each other with giant water guns.

A feast of slow roasted suckling pig was enjoyed by all. Also served was off the grill hot dogs, warm sauerkraut, baked beans, potato salad, and a table full of desserts, for those with a sweet tooth.

All in all, my husband, Joe, myself and Brutus would like to thank Caroline and her friends at Realty Exchange for a wonderful Saturday afternoon, with great people.

Thank you

Hugs Heidi Tassone

http://www.jandhjunkremoval.com

http://www.facebook.com/jandhjunkremoval

Bings Landing

off Oceanshore Blvd, Palm Coast

just south of Marine Land and Washington Oaks Park

 

 

Our Not So Little Box Turtle

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One thing about moving to a more secluded part of Palm Coast, where our back yard is backed up to the woods, and our house is set back at the farthest end of a cul-d-sec, with only three other homes on the street, is our wildlife neighbors.

If you have been following this blog, you already know about the large Turkey who investigated the yard, and of course, our little baby birds who were hatched in our ceramic fish, well taken care of by their mom, and then flew the coop.

Early on in our move we had a visitor, I called her/him/ Sam, because I have no idea how to tell the sex of a Turtle. Joe thinks its a female who has a nest on the woods. I think he may be right, but he or she may just be hungry and our 16 different grasses and weeds in the back yard might seem like a very inviting treat.

Sam comes out every few weeks or so to have a nibble of our array of greens we call grass, but she sometimes gets side tracked when our killer 8 1/2 pound Brutus comes out to investigate. Yes, that is our Brutus. Cute, right?

Anyway, my little bundle of canine curiosity has to literally stick his nose into everything, especially trying to figure out why this really big rock keeps moving. I have to say their relationship has not improved and I have to distract Brutus with a ball or toy, so Sam can run back into the woods. Yes, she’s quite quick for a turtle.

Hugs

Heidi