As I write about my retirement and the pursuit of happiness, I know that each adventure I share brings me a great deal of fulfillment. The journey is not always easy and joyful because of the insecurity and judgments that I hold about it. I think this is mostly about breaking out from old patterns of thought.

June 13th was Shamonee Baker’s first year anniversary at WKRG. Three weeks ago, she was promoted to Weekend News Anchor. Her story shows that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and don’t let others limit what you can achieve.

I was recently introduced to an Orange Beach entrepreneur, Angelo DePaola, and among his many talents and interests is his love and appreciation for the best hamburger found along the Scenic 98 Coastal area. He even goes so far as to have his own YouTube channel, Cheeseburger in Paradise, to tout his latest finds.

Forty-five years in the making, local author Theresa Jensen Lacy is publishing her 21st book, a family cookbook. “It was back in 1982 that I realized none of my people used a cookbook,” she said.

Unintended consequences can pay huge dividends. Such is the case with Airbus’ only final assembly manufacturing facility in the United States. Both the A320 passenger jet and now the newly added A220 are all assembled, painted, and delivered in Mobile, Alabama. This story concerns joy, disappointment, and a massive win for the city and the entire Scenic 98 Coastal community.

Meeting a friend for lunch is always a good plan on a hot Summer day. On a tip from a friend, we decided Kingfisher Craft Sandwiches on Barrancas Avenue in Pensacola was the ticket, and the restaurant was calling my name.