I confess I'm obsessed. I just cannot resist a sunset. I got home from work the other night with such good intentions and  plans for the hours I had before bed. It was my Friday, I was going to do this, and that, and go for a walk with my daughter. A productive start to my weekend. Go Toni! Good Girl! 

But then as soon as I got home (of course!) I realized I had a bicycle key in my pocket that belonged back at work. And so I got in the car, feeling very virtuous with my plans to be back home within a half hour to get on with my schedule. And as I always do, I went around the beach. And right then I knew all my planning was in jeopardy. I really tried to forget the half hour time limit I had imposed on myself. And the walk I knew would be good for me. Those things just weren't going to happen.

The sun going down was just SO beautiful I had to stop and take out my camera, you know...to take "just one". But the beauty of a sunset (or sunrise for that matter - a vivid one can make me late for work)  always keeps me spellbound. The settings suns effect on the colors of the clouds and the reflection on the water can always keep me snapping away. I am really envious of the runner in the first picture because I don't think I could ever not stop to look. And of course take pictures.

So much of my life is ruled by the sun, as are all of ours. Light, dark, when to rise, when to sleep. It occupies a good part of my job as a concierge too. A lot of our visitors attitudes can be predicted by the suns gracing us with it's appearance, or it's frowned upon no show. I confess, I'm hooked. So if I've made plans with you, and I'm just a bit late - chances are I've stopped in my tracks because I just can't help myself. And if 5 minutes mysteriously turns into 20 I promise myself I'm just going to enjoy it, because there's no looking away from a masterpiece for me. I'll just consider it the Key West version of stopping and smelling the roses! Besides, I do get to share the pictures with you, right? And sharing this place I call home is my very favorite thing to do...

Smiles,

XO

Toni

It's like watching nature paint. Each second brings a new, amazing, beautiful canvas. And no matter how many times I tell myself the sun sets every day - there I am, smiling. And who knows what tomorrow will bring? I sometimes feel like I am always running, running, but never really going anywhere. So if watching this sun set is the only way for me to stand still who am I to judge? 

But as tired as I was I had something on my mind. I had spoken to my fellow concierge Joe earlier and he had mentioned that he would be up late that night. When I asked why he said that at midnight, he and his husband Lenny's marriage would finally be recognized in their own home town. And that they were going to the courthouse to attend the very first ceremony in Key West to recognize same sex marriage. You see, Lenny and Joe married in New York some time ago because it wasn't legal here until now.The picture on the left is that happy day. You couldn't find a more dedicated couple, of any gender.

It really made me think. I have been around these couples my whole life and had really never thought twice about it except to defend them when I needed to. The equality issue was something I hadn't thought about deeply, although I knew just how unfair it was that couples, because they were the same sex couldn't have the simple legal rights than any straight couple would have when they married. And so I headed downtown to see my friend Maria at Blue Sky Rentals knowing if there was anything going on before the historic midnight marriage she would know.

Here's the car. As we headed to the courthouse to deliver the car we had a lot of people along Duval giving up a "thumbs up" and taking pictures. I didn't get it right away but after the first "Congratulations" I heard I realized people we passed thought WE were the lucky couple! We had a good laugh about that, although I admit Maria had caught on much quicker than I did.

And so we got to the courthouse, and there was a nice sized crowd there to witness the ceremony joining the two long time partners - H.V. Haskins and Derek Gay in marriage, legally for the first time in Key West. The very first same sex marriage that so many had waited so long for. The courthouse decided to make special arrangements so that this could happen at midnight, right when it became legal.The crowd was ecstatic and of course Reverend Steve Torrence did an amazing job as always, and I am so glad I was there. 

And so we got to see them off, to take a slow ride down Duval and the celebration waiting for them. After doing what so many other couples come to Key West to do...get married.

And so I want to Thank you Joe. Thank you for telling me about your plans and sharing your happiness with me. Because seeing and feeling the love and excitement in the air, and getting to experience something finally put right is not something I'll ever forget. And because although it should have happened in Key West a long time ago it still makes me so very - very proud to have, by luck been born in this country. Here's toast to all of the couples that will finally get their wish. It's about time.

XO

Smiles,

Toni