The Westcott House: A St. Augustine Superlative Southern Style Getaway

“The world is a book and those who so not travel read only a page.” –Saint Augustine

When it comes to travel, St. Augustine, Florida is simply a superlative southern style getaway. St. Augustine, Florida is located on the Northeastern Coast of Florida just a short 30 mile drive from Jacksonville, Florida and a hop skip and a jump away from Daytona for all you NASCAR fans and lighthouse lovers.

St Augustine is the ideal getaway for a romantic weekend because it is immersed in rich American history. St. Augustine is known for having a wonderful collection of Bed and Breakfast Inns and there is a cozy little Bed & Breakfast on the Matanzas Bay named the Westcott House, located at 146 Avenida Menedez. This quant 16 room B&B was originally the home of Dr. John Westcott, a prominent doctor in St. Augustine in 1880`s. The rooms are decorated with an old Victorian style feel and are furnished with American and European antiques.

Once we arrived, we walked into the main house and felt very welcome. The Inn has a warm and elegant feel but at the same time very comfortable and non-intimidating with the smell of the antiqued oak floor accompanied by the smell of fresh baked cookies out for everyone to enjoy.

The owners of the Westcott House, Andrew and Joy Warren were very elegant themselves yet very down to earth and very inviting. After our meeting, we were led up the winding staircase to our room and were amazed with the beautiful view of the Matanzas Bay from our private balcony that also had a private entrance from the deck. This was perfect for coming in late from a romantic dinner at the wonderful restaurant Rhett`s Piano Bar which Joy recommended. Rhett`s Piano Bar is located at 66 Hypolita Street.

Once we were settled into our lovely room, our day began with a trip to the Castillo de san Marcos, the Alligator Farm, the lighthouse that overlooks the bay and some yummy treats from touring Whetstone Chocolates. The chocolate coconut fudge is to die for.

We started our night by attending the 5:30 p.m. social hour at the Westcott House. The staff served an assortment of wine, champagne, and beer accompanied with a delicious array of Hors `devoures. The goat cheese and cranberry spread was a perfect start to our romantic evening that just got better as the night passed.

After the social hour, we retreated to the Jacuzzi in our room and enjoyed a nice soak in the tub and a glass of wine on the balcony while watching the sunlight fade into the distance and the old city`s streetlights flickering on like fireflies shimmering in the dusk. We then set out to the restaurant that Joy recommended. We had a lovely dinner and then took a horse and carriage ride around the enchanted city.

St. Augustine is a lovely quant romantic city with a sort of mysteriousness combined with abundant history that continuously draws you in. The click-clack of the horse`s hooves echoed throughout the peaceful cobblestone streets. We were delivered to our doorstep and could not wait to get back into our lovely room. The best was yet to come ”

As we settled into our room and slivered into the soft silky sheets that smelled of lavender and rose, we both said aloud, This is the most comfortable bed we have ever been in. ” As we woke in the morning to the sounds of birds chirping outside our window we retreated to our balcony to watch the sunrise on the bay with dolphins swimming and splashing in the sunlight. The Bay looked like a carpet of diamonds shimming in the sun.

Our breakfast was served by the friendly staff and owners. The eggs Benedict were delightful with a slight hint of lemon along with bagels and cream cheese and some fresh fruit on the side. To top it off the fresh squeezed orange juice complimented the champagne which created delicious mimosas.

The last morning was so peaceful and wonderful that we didn`t want to leave.

The Westcott House truly made us feel as if we were living in a fairy tale. This is one Inn that we highly recommend and will definitely be on our list of 10 best places to visit in Florida. It was truly a romantic weekend to remember.

By Jerry and Jenae Scarborough

For more information on the Westcott House: http://www.westcotthouse.com/
See More:

Judyth Piazza chats with Andrew Warren, The Westcott House Bed and … (Click here to listen to interview)The Westcott House Bed and Breakfast, built in 1880, will take you back in time to the Victorian Age. It is one of the few inns located …

All Things “Success” with Judyth Piazza

There`s no looking back is what instantiates the professional engagements of Judyth Piazza who, after years of prominence in journalism and online media, is now close to publishing her first book. What intrigues her fans and listeners is that she is keeping the book`s name a secret!

Judyth Piazza, whose popular online radio show The American Perspective is enjoyed by thousands of people around the world, has put together select interviews from her show`s archives and is publishing these along with her success story as a journalist as well as her health and fitness routine. The interviews included in the book present the success stories of people who have marked achievement in their respective fields and are not hesitant in sharing their success stories. An exciting feature of the book is that interested readers will have the opportunity to listen to audio files of each interview by visiting her show`s online archives.

`Success` is the theme of Judyth Piazza`s coming book, as she tells about it. Asked who will find her book interesting, she said, “Anyone who is interested in succeeding so I would say everyone that has a passion for something.” Judyth`s concept of success is broad and open. She looks at success as having no age limit and where it is never too early or too late to chase one`s dreams.

Expected to be released around the end of June 2011, Judyth Piazza`s book has many interesting images of her and her guests on the show. The book will be published by Von Chase Publishing as both an e-book and in traditional print format.

“I am planning to do several book signing events that are yet to be scheduled,” tells the journalist-cum-author whose charisma as a journalist and radio talk show host has won her thousands of fans over the globe. Many of them will be thrilled to learn that their favorite Judyth Piazza will also be offering “autographed copies of the book” all this summer on Judyth Piazza`s authorial debut!

For updates and interaction, connect now to theSOP (http://thesop.org).

For more information about Judyth Piazza (http://www.judythpiazza.com).

By Ernest Dempsey

Ernest Dempsey is an author, freelance writer, digital journalist, and editor. He edits the quarterly Recovering the Self (http://www.recoveringself.com) ” a journal of hope and healing published by the Loving Healing Press in Michigan.

A One-Woman Show Starring Jennifer Patty “Doin’ The Divas”

Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 7:00 PM at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild

Jennifer Patty will be performing a one-woman show, “Doin’ The Divas,” a celebration of the sultry and sassy women of Broadway, jazz and R&B in her first full cabaret performance locally in l2 years. She is well known in the community as being the former Director of Theatre and Administrator of the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts at Saint Edward’s School for the past 10 years. Her performance will be held at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, 2020 San Juan Avenue in Vero Beach on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. Experience this rare performance, while helping to make a difference in the lives of seniors. All monies raised will benefit By the River, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization and Indian River County’s new, affordable independent residential community for seniors of limited financial means.

Whether it’s Ethel, Judy, Liza, Barbra, Patti, Ella, Billie, or Aretha, Jennifer Patty will step onto the stage to honor the female vocalists who have molded so many lives through their music. From show-stopping, toe-tapping musical numbers, to sultry, heartfelt blues, to poignant and touching jazz standards, Jennifer salutes the women who paved the way. Spiced with humorous tales about these 20th century songbirds, this engaging evening promises to thrill and entertain. Surprise performances by area youth and seniors from By the River are also being planned.

“People in Vero Beach have wanted to see Jennifer perform for many years,” said Joe Coakley, director of charitable gifts at By the River. “I am pleased to say she is finally doing that and we couldn’t be luckier to have her. It will be a real treat. She is phenomenal.”

The cost is $30. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call By the River at 772-388-5858.

Dolphins Save Turbo The Pooch From Drowning

“A Florida woman said her missing dog was found after a group of dolphins drew a neighbor’s attention to the canine treading water.

Cindy Burnett of Marco Island said Turbo, an 11-year-old Doberman, escaped from her yard Sunday night and she and her sons were unable to locate him, WBBH-TV, Fort Myers, reported Thursday.

Burnett said a fatigued Turbo was finally spotted swimming in canal water when a group of dolphins splashing loudly drew a neighbor’s attention to the distressed canine.” UPI

This is a heartwarming story of a frantic family who spent hours searching for their beloved pooch, a group of dolphins who drew attention to the struggling animal, a kind neighbor who pulled the canine from the water and a courageous dog who was in the water struggling to survive for God only knows how long.

This incident should be made into a movie, and the theatre owner should hand out a box of Kleenex to everyone. It would be a film that would appeal to the whole family, including the dog. (Maybe not the family cat)

Let’s hope that Turbo never again escapes from his home, and that the dolphins will never be captured by an evil Sea World type amusement park.

Follow Robert Paul Reyes on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertpaulreyes

3 Babes 3 Books: Snooki, Sarah Palin and Now Judyth Piazza!

Snooki, the pint-sized star, of Jersey Shore fame has penned her first novel, “A Shore Thing.” Although no reviewer worth his salt has compared Snooki to Shakespeare, the reality star`s tome does contain nuggets like these:

“Any juicehead will get some nut shrinkage. And acne. They fly into a `roid rage, it is a `road` `roid rage.”

“He had an okay body. Not fat at all. And naturally toned abs. She could pour a shot of tequila down his belly and slurp it out of his navel without getting splashed in the face.”

“Gia danced around a little, shaking her peaches for show. She shook it hard. Too hard. In the middle of a shimmy, her stomach cramped. A fart slipped out. A loud one. And stinky.”

It looks like Snooki actually wrote her novel, any ghostwriter who penned literary pearls like these wouldn`t be hired by any aspiring novelist.

Sarah Palin, the reality star and wannabe president, has penned her second book, “America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag.” Palin`s ghostwritten book contains such trite and divisive passages like these:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn`t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children`s children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.”

“Still, I don`t think it`s an accident that the opponents of this new American awakening so often accuse Tea Partiers and others of being racist. For one thing, it`s a guaranteed conversation stopper. Just saying the word racist instantly ends any legitimate debate. Just the accusation gives the accuser an excuse not to debate the issues at hand.”

Judyth Piazza the CEO and managing editor of TheSOP.Org will soon release her new book:

“Judyth`s book will include select items from her years of work in media, like her interviews with her guests on The American Perspective, along with the healthy activities in her own life such as her exercise and fitness routine. Currently, the title of the book is a tightly kept secret and rumor has it that it is going to be a sample from Judyth`s exciting life and career, including testimonials and quotes about her achievements. The book will be published by Von Chase Publishing with a foreword written by the publisher, Chase Von.” http://staugnews.com/2011/02/17/judyth-piazza-creator-of-thesop-radio-network-now-to-emerge-as-an-author.html

Unlike Snooki and Sarah Palin, Judyth isn`t a reality star, she`s a renowned journalist and a celebrated radio talk show host. You won`t find Snooki-like paragraphs like this one in Judyth`s book:

“I was so excited when I was interviewing Brad Pitt that I let loose a fart of epic proportions, but I relied on my professionalism to get me out of the stinky mess. I explained to my radio audience that we were having audio difficulties. Brad is handsome, but he`s a complete dunce, he actually fell for my explanation.”

Nor will you find any trite Sarah Pain like passages like this one in Judyth`s book:

“When I`m writing an essay or interviewing a guest I feel the love of Jesus flowing through my veins. I`m so glad that I live in the greatest country in the world where we can fulfill our dreams and eat all the ice cream in the world.”

Judyth`s book will feature true to the heart stories and wisdom like this:

“My whole career, I think, has sort of been like that, sort of slow going but, you know, get up to pace. You got to have endurance. You`ve got to be tenacious and have endurance and, you know, you can`t let anything keep you down. You got to keep coming back.” Patrick Warburton, “Seinfeld”.

Judyth`s book will be out by the end of June!

Follow Robert Paul Reyes on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertpaulreyes

Florida Governor Rick Scott: Emphatic No To High-Speed Rail

Japan was the first country to build dedicated railway lines for high speed travel. Japan has a network of high-speed railway lines that link to most major cities in the country. The Japanese Bullet Train looks like something from the future, but Japan has enjoyed high-speed railway lines for many decades. High speed trains are a fixture in most European countries, and even China has Bullet trains.

But in America, where the car is practically a member of the family, attempts by mayors and governors to provide high-speed rail service for their constituents have failed miserably. The latest state where an attempt to build a high-speed rail system has failed is Florida.

“Gov. Rick Scott, citing concerns over potential cost overruns, rejected $2.4 billion in federal dollars to pay for construction of a high-speed rail line connecting Tampa and Orlando. Never mind that the federal government was willing to pay nearly all the cost to build a high-speed rail line connecting Tampa to Orlando.

Never mind that private companies were willing to cover any additional construction costs and operating losses.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday rejected the federal government’s offer of $2.4 billion to build the line – prompting cheers from his tea party base, and harsh criticism from leading Florida Republicans and Democrats alike – squashing a project that has been decades in the making.” Read more Some critics are against high-speed rail because it’s too costly The governor of Florida is afraid that taxpayers will foot the bill for construction cost overruns. This is a valid point, every huge construction project in history has had cost overruns, sometimes totaling in the billions.

Others are against spending gazillions for bullet trains, because they are convinced that Americans simply will not leave their beloved cars in the garage, and use public transportation of any kind.

America is in an economic crisis of epic proportions, and this is not the ideal time to propose constructing a high-speed railway line.

But as some point the United States must begin building a network of high-speed railway lines, but I’m afraid it won’t be in my lifetime..

Follow Robert Paul Reyes on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertpaulreyes

Judyth Piazza, The Italian American Oprah Prepares for The Release of Her Book

Her listeners on TheSOP Radio Network know journalist and radio host Judyth Piazza for the sweetness of her voice and the appeal of her inspiring work and the successful people that she features on her radio show, The American Perspective. Now, Judyth is getting close to the release of her first book, expected to be out by end of June this year.

Judyth Piazza is currently the CEO and managing editor of theSOP.org, which started as an essentially student-operated press, publishing news, views, article, reviews, interviews, and a wide range of articles from writers around the world. The special feature of the site is, but of course, Judyth’s online radio show The American Perspective where she talks to guests from all walks of life, featuring the significant work they have been doing in their respective fields. To date, Judyth has done over 4000 interviews on the show, and the count is on as the show gets ever more popular with time.

Judyth’s book will include select items from her years of work in media, like her interviews with her guests on The American Perspective, along with the healthy activities in her own life such as her exercise and fitness routine. Currently, the title of the book is a tightly kept secret and rumor has it that it is going to be a sample from Judyth’s exciting life and career, including testimonials and quotes about her achievements. The book will be published by Von Chase Publishing with a foreword written by the publisher, Chase Von.

In her recent interview published on Digital Journal while discussing TheSOP Radio Network, Judyth explained the significance of online media in showing the alternative side of the world, and life, to an audience that is otherwise politically bombarded by biased media sources. Her fans will be looking forward to welcoming Judyth Piazza with open arms into the world of publishing as a messenger of objectivity and clear vision. For Judyth, every venture is a fresh turn in life. And her debutant book is the next one to enjoy.

By Ernest Dempsey

Ernest Dempsey is an author, freelance writer, digital journalist, and editor. He edits the quarterly Recovering the Self – a journal of hope and healing published by the Loving Healing Press in Michigan.

Don’t Miss Superheroes at the Brevard Art Museum

MELBOURNE, FL – Holy smokes! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s superheroes at the Brevard Art Museum! Saturday, February 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Release your alter ego, free admission for anyone in a superhero costume.

On display in the Museum are the exhibitions: Students of the Unusual: Brevard County Comic Books, Superheroes: Photographs by Dulce Pinzón, the Batpod motorcycle from Parker Brothers Choppers, the Dark Knight Batman Costume, vintage comics including Spiderman #1, original art by famous comic book artists Graham Nolan and Allen Bellman, artist for Golden Age “Captain America” comic books, and the Twenty-first Annual Brevard County Student Art Exhibition.

What do Superheroes and comics have to do with art? Comics emphasize an interdependence of image and text. Defined by some scholars as “sequential art” there is no dispute that images in comics are essential to narrating a story or dramatizing an idea. Graphic artists use the crafts of draftsmanship and scripting, to complete the whole picture; this is accomplished through pacing, drama, humor, suspense, composition, thematic development, and irony. Sequential art is an important tool for conveying the power of ideas and its ability to convey messages effectively is dependent on the skill of the artist.

The Students of the Unusual comic book project developed from a friendship of four like-minded individuals, Terry Cronin, Jeff Hall, Bob Lizek, and Pat Martin, who decided to make films. “The Students of the Unusual comic book project developed from our experiences in independent film and started as storyboards for some of our wilder ideals,” says Cronin, “but it has always been grounded in our love and respect of the comic art form.” Writers Cronin and Martin enlisted the aid of many talented graphic design artists including Jorge Calamato, Sergio Carriello, Luis Diaz, Dove McHargue, and others to craft visual stories, many of which are set in and around Melbourne.

A fascination with superheroes inspired local chopper artists the Parker Brothers to re-create Batman’s Batpod motorcycle. Fueled by a desire to showcase their artistic and engineering capabilities, the Parker Brothers reveled in the challenge of recreating the Batpod from “The Dark Knight” movie. Designed as a “full scale 1:1 working replica,” the steel and fiberglass machine is powered by nitrous-injected, 650cc engine and wears 508mm tires, grappling hooks, and all manner of faux weaponry including grenade launchers and .50 caliber machine guns. The Parker Brothers Batpod, a unity of inspiration and engineering, exemplifies the Museum’s ideology: “where art and science intersect, where culture and technology thrive.”

Superheroes of another kind are the muse of Mexican photographer and former New York resident Dulce Pinzón. She photographs documented Mexican migrant workers of New York City at their jobs while wearing superhero costumes. Each portrait’s caption includes the worker’s real life name, hometown in Mexico and the amount of money they send to Mexico each week. Her meditations on the concept of heroes led her to shine a spotlight on those who labor quietly but make daily sacrifices to help others.

Also on display will be original drawings by well-known comic book artist Graham Nolan. Nolan is co-creator of the villain Bane who will be featured in the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises Batman movie.

Visual storytelling is a technique employed by many artists. The Museum is devoted, through its various exhibitions and programs, to making audiences aware of other forms of art in Brevard County.

Jumping Catfish Batman! Don’t forget the Eau Gallie Arts Districts Founders Day Fish Fry from 12 to 6 p.m.

About the Brevard Art Museum

The Brevard Art Museum is a non-profit organization supported in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts; Brevard County through the Brevard Cultural Alliance; the Brevard County Tourist Development Council; and by members of the Brevard Art Museum.

Visitor Information

Location: 1463 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie District of Melbourne.

(321) 242-0737

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m..

Admission: Adults $5; seniors $3; children and students with I.D. $2. Free for Museum members. Special rates and tours are available for groups of 8 or more, and can be scheduled by calling Tina at 242-0737 at least two weeks in advance.

TODDLE TALES Reading Group! Encourage Your Children to Read

It is never too early to encourage your child’s love for reading! This fun and interactive reading group will be enjoyed by the little ones and parents alike. Bring your favorite book to share with the group and meet new parents and playmates!

Author, Sabrina K. Carpenter, will be reading her children’s book, “The Adventures of Isaiah James: Beach Boy” and offering a discount on book purchases for all reading group attendees.

Space is limited!

A portion of book sales will be donated to CASTLE!!!

Date/Time: Saturdays 9-9:30am
Cost: $29 for 4 classes
Ages: 1-3 years old
(Must sign-up by the Wednesday prior to class)

For more information or to sign-up for “Toddle Tales”, please contact Sabrina K. Carpenter at (772) 584-2451 or customerservice@perfectedpen.com.
Here is a recent press release on TCPalm about the workshop:
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/feb/04/toddle-tales-reading-group-inspires-early-literacy/

VISIT OUR WEBSITES!
http://www.PerfectedPen.com
http://www.PerfectedPenPublishing.com

CLICK BELOW TO BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK!!
http://www.facebook.com/PerfectedPen

Judyth Piazza chats with Sabrina K. Carpenter, Author of Betting on One Percent on The American Perspective Radio Program (Click here to listen to interview)

Reserve a History Flight on WWII Warbird: Vero Beach Municipal Airport

Fly a WWII Warbird. History Flight ‘Until They’re Home’ Barnstormer Tour flies Feb. 12-14 at Vero Beach Municipal Airport.

History Flight brings its breathtaking “Until They’re Home” Barnstormer Tour to Vero Beach (FL) Municipal Airport Saturday-Monday (Feb. 12-14) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and will participate in the airport’s Vero Beach Aviation Day festivities set for Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Barnstormer Tour offers the opportunity to take an exhilarating flight in one of three World War II warbirds, and at the same time help fund an important cause – locating America’s Missing In Action from World War II.

A 501c3 non-profit foundation, History Flight operates three of World War II’s most important aircraft, all professionally restored to give passengers “the thrill of a lifetime.” First there is “Barbie III, a North American B-25H Mitchell Bomber (the only H model still flying worldwide), where up to six passengers form a tightly knit Bomber Crew flying in the cockpit, waist or tail gunner positions. Or, you can take the controls (with a certified pilot aboard) of a two-seat AT-6 / SNJ Texan or open cockpit N2S Stearman biplane. Both airplanes are quick and maneuverable, and flights can include aerobatics and combat maneuvers.

History Flight takes these flying museums to regional airports so people can experience firsthand the thrill of World War II aviation. There are three flight packages available on the AT6-Texan and Stearman airplanes ranging from a smooth 15-minute Intro Flight to 30- and 60-minute Barnstormer packages with optional three-camera videos that capture all the action. The “Bomber Crew” package on the B-25H Bomber is 30 minutes with an optional video.

Each tax-deductible flight funds ongoing research and search missions that help bring America’s missing WWII servicemen home from remote battlefields and crash sites. To date, History Flight has helped locate the remains of over 200 MIAs from the Pacific Theater.

On Saturday, Feb. 12, at 5 p.m. there will be a free presentation on History Flight’s successful search missions to Tarawa Atoll. Since 2006, History Flight has sent four search teams to the Pacific Island of Tarawa, where over 300 U.S. Marines were buried and their remains never recovered. History Flight’s work, thoroughly documented and compiled into a 400-page report, sparked a congressional resolution that resulted in the military deploying their own search teams to Tarawa to search for the lost graves. The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command conducted a recovery mission to Tarawa in August-September 2010. This year, History Flight plans additional trips to Tarawa to continue its research.

To reserve a History Flight: Vero Beach Municipal Airport is located at 3400 Cherokee Drive, Vero Beach FL 32960. For more information, to make a reservation or get complete details on each flight package visit www.HistoryFllight.com , or call History Flight toll free at 1-888-743-3311. No flying experience is necessary.

For more information on Vero Beach Aviation Day visit www.eaa99.org.

The 2011 Until They’re Home Barnstormer Tour is based January through May at the Deland Florida Municipal Airport, with weekend excursions to Florida regional airports. A national tour kicks off in June. To learn more about History Flight’s search missions to the Pacific visit www.HistoryFlight.com.