hat is the luxury of time? Your definition could be, no rushing, no scurrying
about. Time to linger over coffee, or a
decadent dessert, or a long conversation, sitting in a rocking chair, looking out over the water. Time to be. The luxury of time is not a treat of the every day. On my recent birthday, I spent the entire afternoon at an outdoor bistro with my grown daughter drinking champagne, speculating on life, enjoying gourmet appetizers and great conversation. To me, that’s taking the time to just be with my daughter who lives a very busy life. She made the time to spend the entire afternoon with me and I appreciate the luxury of it, it was delightful.
It was a luxury of time when I spent hours with my two grand daughters trying to figure out how to replicate a wonderful dessert we shared from a local restaurant. We couldn’t wait to get home and try to figure out how to make this lemon mascarpone cream icing for a lemon cake.
The “Luxury of Time” conjures up different ideas depending on your stage in life. For those who have young children and live a busy life, making time to play with the kids and really spend quality time with them is precious. Sometimes the only way to guarantee that time is when you go on vacation. To those of us who have grown children and grandchildren, having the luxury of spending time with your children and grandchildren can be challenging. Every year I spend a special three-day vacation with only my grown children. I look forward to it all year. It’s really the only time we are together without the spouses and grandchildren. It’s a tradition we started several years ago, and I feel so reconnected and blessed each time. Of course we are constantly in touch throughout the year, but this special vacation time brings us even closer together. We already decided next year we are going to build our vacation around a concert event for a favorite musical artist of all of us. We don’t care where we go, we are just happy to be going together.
I find that in my many travels, mostly for business, I usually don’t have the luxury of time to stay longer. Like any resource, time can be depleted, wasted, frittered away. Carving out the opportunity to replenish yourself requires careful planning. Dreaming and planning and creativity require time. A little luxury goes a long way, and you can enjoy that pleasure in almost any form: luxury of place, food, or a beautiful view. The fact is, the luxury of time…now that’s the real thing.
The luxury of time is something we all take for granted. Too many people are not taking advantage of their vacation days. You earned them! Isn’t it time to explore and enjoy Florida this winter. I'm talking about the real Florida. Central Florida offers citrus and cattle, beautiful rivers and cool water springs, woods to explore, fossil hunting, rodeos and delicious food in off the beaten path locations. When you smell the orange blossoms in March, there is nothing like it. They seem to bloom unexpectedly overnight and the fragrance is intoxicating. Of course the beaches are always a good idea to think, dream and regenerate for a time.
Make a date to spend your luxury of time this winter, my favorite time of year in Florida, right here in the sunshine state. The weather is mild and the perfect temperature for outdoor fun in the sun. You can go to the beach, fish, waterski, drink margaritas, sleep in a hammock, or any other type of outdoor activity you can imagine. There are loads of music festivals, art festivals or fairs, and it's the perfect time to play in the warmth of the sun. Who doesn't like the feel of a soft breeze blowing on your face? If you have never experienced an airboat ride, you’re really missing out, it’s exhilarating. Take the time to explore the history and cultural of Florida with new eyes and feast on delicious southern cuisine.
There are many Florida B&B Inns located throughout the state. www.Florida-Inns.com When you stay at a Florida Inn it’s like having your own personal concierge to help you navigate activities you want to pursue.
Pattie Detwiler, Consultant
Bed and Breakfast Consultant Services
HospitalityPropertiesForSale.com
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The luxury
of Time
By Patricia Detwiler