~Bella's Life on the Island~

Book Review:Personal Development for Smart People

Bella — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:03:27 +0000

Since this is a personal blog in addition to a destination/travel site, I occasionally stray off topic to share info I have found helpful or enlightening. This is one of those posts.

For those of you who are not familiar with Steve Pavlina, he is the creator of the most popular personal development website and blog on the Internet www.stevepavlina.com. In fact, this blog would not be in existence if not for me finding his site about two years ago. The valuable information I found there gave me the courage and determination to pursue writing about Bella’s Life on the Island.

I have just finished reading his new book, Personal Development for Smart People that came out in October and it is one of those books that are definitely worth sharing with others. Although, titled as a self-help book, it is not a quick fix for your life filled with lofty ideas and motivational quotes that you need to repeat to yourself in the mirror each morning. For me it was about taking stock: finding the truth in my own life, what is most important, evaluating it and learning from it. In fact, it is a book to refer back to, some parts of it were not exactly easy to get through and I will need to re-read certain chapters.

I think the most important lesson that I take way from this book is courage, being able to follow my heart fearlessly in all aspects of my life. To quote from his book, “where is the path with a heart-the path that terrifies you, the path that stirs your soul, the path you secretly fantasize about? That is the path that honors the real you.”

Steve Pavlina has written this book from his heart, sharing very personal experiences in a voice that I can relate to. I encourage anyone who is interested personal growth to read it. I found it inspiring and truthful. I have linked to the book below where you can read more reviews, thumb through a few pages and even purchase it on Amazon.

“Your greatest gift to the world is to share who you really are.”

“No one is served by your refusal to shine”

The Hermit Society

Bella — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:35:02 +0000

In writing this blog I have received a lot of emails and comments about the Fort Fisher Hermit, Robert E. Harrill. He was a person who although I never met, has touched my life and also the lives of many others. I am impressed but not surprised that he still has this effect some 36 years after his death.

His philosophy was simple, use common sense.In the Hermit’s honor, The Hermit Society was formed in 1993. The group has grown to over 600 members (of which I am one). It was formed for the purpose of bringing together those people who “cherish individual freedom, Nature, humanistic values and who enjoy sharing the motivational story of Robert Harrill.” There is a very small donation to become a lifetime member of The Hermit Society most of which goes to a fund of $5000 that is maintained as a reward for information that will bring to justice those who took his life.

There is a publication I received from The Hermit Society called “A Hermit’s Guide to Health and Happiness” that outlines some of Robert’s thoughts on living life better and I refer to it often. The ideas are so simple, yet so many people fail to grasp them in their rush about being successful. Simplify your life, reconnect with nature, measure your accomplishments, add excitement to your life, stay physically fit, eat naturally, help others (as it gives purpose to your own life).

Robert’s life inspires me because at age 62 he was brave enough to start over, reinvent himself and begin to truly enjoy living. He is a reminder that it’s never too late to change, to follow your dreams.

To read more about the Fort Fisher Hermit on my blog, I have written a piece that you can find HERE. If you would like to see some photos of the bunker where Robert Harrill lived and the Hermit’s Trail, my photo album is HERE. A book written by Michael F. Edwards, “The Last Battle for Independence” is a great insight into Robert’s life and can be purchased via the following link: The Last Battle for Independence: The Story of the Fort Fisher Hermit

Would you like to become a Hermit? The society is open for all to join and you receive some neat items with your lifetime membership. Write to: The Hermit Society at 201 Harbour City Parkway, D-131, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937. If you prefer contacting them by email, you can do so here: neversanever@hotmail.com.

Fort Fisher, A North Carolina Historic Site

Bella — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:14:08 +0000

Located near the end of Pleasure Island is Fort Fisher also known as the “last major stronghold of the Confederacy”. For any history buff this is a must see when visiting our area.

I recently took my family there when they came to visit me, it was an afternoon enjoyed by all. This is a perfect activity for everyone, it is educational, scenic and FREE! We were just in time to catch one of the daily guided tours around the Fort. Attired fully in Civil War uniform, our guide led us around the quarter mile trail that surrounds what still remains of Fort Fisher.

The Fort originally had only a few sand batteries and two dozen guns. However, by it’s completion it comprised fifteen mounds of earth and sand connected by underground passageways. The Fort was built under the direction of Col. William Lamb in a three year time period from 1862-1865 with as many as one thousand men working together.

The importance of this Fort was its strategic location just between the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Cape Fear River. With Wilmington being the last major port open to the Confederacy , the Fort ensured somewhat safe passage for the “blockade-runners” bringing in supplies from places such as Bermuda, Bahamas and Nova Scotia.

The visitor center at Fort Fisher also has indoor exhibits, a video presentation and a large fiber optic map detailing the final stand of the Confederate soldiers. The gift shop has many interesting books that tell of the battles here, letters to and from the soldiers who fought and the stories and legends of their ghosts that remain.

Once a year in January there is a Civil War reenactment held at Fort Fisher where they fire off the canons and set up camps the way it may have been in 1865. I have written about that experience HERE.

For more information about activites and special events at Fort Fisher the phone number is 910-458-5538. Their website is http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/fisher/fisher.htm

Southern Coastal Bluegrass Festival, Fort Fisher NC

Bella — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:10:44 +0000

Photo courtesy of Southern Coastal Bluegrass website.

Pack your clogs and head on down to the beach for the sixth annual Southern Coastal Bluegrass Festival! The dates have been changed this year to September 20th and 21st. The two day event is held at the Fort Fisher Military Recreation Center in Kure Beach.

Of all of our annual events on Pleasure Island, this is definitely one of my favorites. I enjoy the early morning Gospel on Sunday the most; the music is both sweet and soulful. By late afternoon though, the crowd is ready to dance and it’s a blast to watch the cloggers kick it up or the square dancers (in full costume) do-si-do around the dance floor.

This Bluegrass Festival is truely a family friendly event. There are jugglers who perform walking through the crowd about the lawn, storytelling and loads of unique local arts and crafts for sale. The food is delicious, but if you’ve got a taste for some down home North Carolina Barbeque, get it first, last year they sold out before I could get my plate!

If you would like more information about the Southern Coastal Bluegrass Festival, you can check out their website HERE for the bands who will be performing and all other pertinent information. For further reading, I have relayed one of my last festival experiences HERE. Just looking for a taste of some great bluegrass music? Check out 24/7 Bluegrass Music Radio.

Hope to see you at the Festival!~Bella~

Vacation Rental Homes

Bella — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:34:04 +0000

When considering accommodations for the beach, especially with a large family or group, a vacation rental home can be just the ticket. The choices range from one bedroom condo, up to six bedroom homes; luxurious to simplistic.

There are quite a few advantages to staying in a private residence. The price per person per night tends to be less than a stay at a hotel or motel since the homes can accommodate more people than a single room or suite. The ability to cook can also alleviate the expense of eating out in a restaurant for every meal.

I recently had the opportunity to tour a number of residences being managed by United Beach Vacations here in Carolina Beach. The company handles properties in both Carolina and Kure Beaches. Wow, some of these places are remarkable and I have linked to some of my personal favorites below so you can view a slide show and pertinent information on these properties.

There are so many choices it pays to do your research to make sure the home you are choosing fits all of your needs with regard to sleeping arrangements/bed sizes, parking spaces, location and amenities. Keep in mind that while all of the condominium communities have a swimming pool, some of the larger homes and duplexes will as well. If you enjoy traveling with your pet, you will find it much easier to do so in a vacation rental home.

Since the management companies that handle these rentals do not dictate the decor or inventory in each home, it is important to view the photos available and ask questions if you have specific needs. Another consideration is that unlike a hotel/motel, if you arrive and do not like your accommodations, it is extremely difficult to change residences as each one is privately owned.

This time of year, the prices for rentals have started to drop, so ask about specials and have fun booking a great vacation at Carolina or Kure Beach!

I hope to see you around Pleasure Island~Bella

Free Live Music at the Beach

Bella — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:55:03 +0000

Summer at the beach is a great time for free live music. Our Pleasure Island Chamber of Comerce hosts the “Free Summer Concert Series” at the Fort Fisher Recreation Area every other Friday night beginning in June. For those who have not been to the Fort Fisher Recreation area for an event, this is a perfect venue to sit on the lawn listen to some great tunes and watch the sun go down over the Cape Fear River. The next shows that are coming up are listed below. For additional information you can call the Chamber at 910-458-8434 or visit their website at http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/calendar.asp The shows begin at 6pm and end at 8pm.

Upcoming shows include:

July 11: Category 4/ Blues and Classic Rock

July 25: Radio Flyer/ Top 40 and Classic Rock

August 8: Wild Canyon/ Country

August 22: Spare Change/ Beach Music

Another great source for free entertainment is the weekly music at the gazebo every Thursday on the boardwalk in Carolina Beach before the Fireworks show. The bands play from 6pm until 9pm when the firworks begin on the beach. A schedule of the upcoming bands at the boardwalk gazebo are listed below: (Also, please note that our huge Independence Day fireworks celebration will be held on JULY 3rd this year!)

Thursday	July 3 *	The Dead Notes
Thursday	July 10	Dave Meyer Trio
Thursday	July 17	Julie Gribble & Company
Thursday	July 24	Daniel Parish Band
Thursday	July 31	Scearce & Katner
Thursday	August 7	Dave Meyer Trio
Thursday	August 14	TBA
Thursday	August 21	Tom Rhodes & The Rhode Squallers
Thursday	August 28	Daniel Parish Band

So, when you come to visit our lovely Pleasure Island, whether Carolina or Kure Beach you will find music to dance and sing to beside the river and the sea! Come enjoy-see you around the Island~Bella

Shakespeare on the Green

Bella — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:42:01 +0000

It was a magical evening beside the lake in Greenfield Park Saturday night watching The Taming of the Shrew. This is the first time I have been to the new amphitheatre and it was a wonderful time. Trees dripping Spanish Moss surround the lake and as the sun goes down and the crickets begin their night time song, the actors enter the stage. Although concessions are available, it is so much nicer to bring along a picnic and a bottle of wine.

Performances run during May and June. Shakespeare on the Green is in its sixteenth season. This is a free event, but donations are gladly accepted. This was one of the first performances in the newly renovated theatre. The city received a park grant of 1.2 million dollars for improvements that include a covered stage area, dressing rooms, bathrooms and concession stand.

For more information about Shakespeare on the Green at Greenfield Park you can call 910-762-6393 or check out these web pages here and here. It is a great event that I look forward to attending again.

I hope to see you around the lake at Greenfield Park~Bella

Summertime is here again…

Bella — Sat, 24 May 2008 18:07:39 +0000

This past Thursday night was the perfect kick-off for the Memorial Day Weekend. I got to see my newest favorite local band, ORGANIX at the Ocean Grill Tiki Bar. If you get the chance to check them out while you are in the area, do it. They play a fun mix of hip-hop, funk and R&B. (Well, any band that includes bongos AND a sax is a hit with me.) It was my first time seeing Organix and I can’t wait to hear them again. I’ve included a link to their My Space blog and a schedule of their upcoming performances.

May 23 2008

10:00P

Market St. Saloon

Wilmington, North Carolina

May 24 2008

9:00P

Paddy’s Pub

Emerald Isle, North Carolina

May 30 2008

10:00P

Mellow Mushroom

Wilmington, North Carolina

Jun 5 2008

10:00P

Wild Wing Cafe

Wilmington, North Carolina

Jun 6 2008

8:30P

Wilson’s

Wilmington, North Carolina

Jun 14 2008

10:00P

The Whiskey

Wilmington, North Carolina

Jun 27 2008

9:00P

The LightHouse

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Jun 28 2008

10:00P

Market St. Saloon

Wilmington, North Carolina

Jul 5 2008

10:00P

Hell’s Kitchen

Wilmington, North Carolina

Jul 10 2008

6:00P

Hamburger Joe’s

Wilmington, North Carolina

Jul 12 2008

10:00P

Emilie’s

Kinston, North Carolina

Jul 18 2008

8:30P

Wilson’s

Wilmington, North Carolina

Jul 25 2008

10:00P

Kefi

Wilmington, North Carolina

Jul 26 2008

10:00P

The Whiskey

Wilmington, North Carolina

Aug 2 2008

10:00P

Market St. Saloon

Wilmington, North Carolina

Aug 22 2008

8:30P

Wilson’s

Wilmington, North Carolina

Aug 23 2008

10:00P

Kefi

Wilmington, North

The Film and Fireworks series started Thursday night with the weekly fireworks show on the beach in front of the boardwalk in Carolina Beach. We were able to catch the show from the Tiki Bar-a great vanatage point to watch from. The fireworks show is every Thursday night, weather permitting at 9:00pm.

The first outdoor movie of the season is this Sunday night-”Bee Movie”. The movies begin at dark around the lake in Carolina Beach, just bring along your blanket or chair to enjoy the show. So far the movies scheduled for this summer are listed here.

So, it’s official, summertime is here again and I hope to see you around the Island soon~Bella

An Island Dream

Bella — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:42:02 +0000

Wow! And so it has come to pass that I finally took the plunge and bought a place at the beach. Yes, my very own abode to unpack and stay a while. I can paint the walls and let all of those creative juices flow that I have been saving up while watching years of the Home and Garden channel. My Dad would be proud.

For me it’s a dream come true. I’m just a few blocks away from the beach, I can hear the ocean with my windows open. I live back in a neighborhood free from the heavy traffic the summer brings, but close enough to walk to the local watering hole for a cold one. My place mostly has the tree house effect by being up on stilts with lush greenery outside of every window. At this time of year the magnolia trees are blooming and that scent comes wafting in with the breeze. I can just see the steeple through the trees from my loft and can hear the bells ring out each Sunday morning and I find that so comforting.

As with my entire Carolina Beach experience, my neighbors are true to form. Within days of my move I was greeted by them all. I was invited to the neighborhood church and introduced to the boy around the corner who cuts everyone’s lawn. This is a good place to be and my love of this small beach town on Pleasure Island continues to grow.

So while you haven’t heard from me lately it is only due to the packing and moving to my very first home. I plan to be out and about again soon and keeping you up on all of the details for the best things to do this summer at Carolina and Kure Beaches.

In the mean time, keep your questions and comments coming! I always enjoy hearing from my readers.

~Bella~at home on the Island at last!

Boardwalk Makeover Project-Carolina Beach

Bella — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:25:42 +0000

Well, spring is here and the weather is gorgeous at the coast. It’s that time of year when all of the business owners are outside painting and repairing, planting and landscaping to get ready for the arrival of our tourist season. The most inspired happening at the beach right now, however, is the work being done on the boardwalk at Carolina Beach. For anyone who has that nostalgic feeling about the central business district in our little town this is very exciting news.

Starting with a donation from the Town of Carolina Beach and a motivated grass roots effort of citizens and businesses this project has come off the ground. The Boardwalk Makeover Campaign (http://www.boardwalkmakeover.org/) has been working in full force. The dedication ceremony after all of the hard work comes this Saturday surrounded with a flurry of events to mark the occasion.

Some of the festivities will include a parade, dedication ceremony, hula contest, oyster shucking, a dunking booth, Britt’s Donuts eating contest, face painting, puppet shows and even more. A full time schedule for the day’s events can be found here.

The contribution goal for this project is $150,000. The town of Carolina Beach put up $37,500 and our Chamber of Commerce donated $5000. Some of the proceeds from the Touch of Class Charity Auction to be held this weekend will also go to fund the Boardwalk Makeover Project.

Beautiful landscaping and palm trees line the berm, colorful planters have been added along the sidewalks. So if you haven’t been to Carolina Beach in a while, here’s at least one reason to come on down and check out what’s happening.