The Monthly Chronic-les of Life
Chapter 8: Orange Bliss and Coastal Adventures
September 18th: Venice, Florida
The morning sun filtered through the palm trees as Paul Shellback awoke to the sound of seagulls and the gentle rustling of leaves outside the window. He stretched, feeling the warmth of the Florida sun streaming through the open curtains. The smell of coffee wafted in from the kitchen, along with the faint sound of Christy humming a tune.
Paul smiled, taking a moment to appreciate the peacefulness of the morning. He felt more relaxed than he had in weeks—Christy’s presence and the serene environment had worked wonders on his mood. As he rolled out of bed, he spotted a small bottle on the nightstand, the label reading Steel Valley Hemp Full Spectrum Tincture Oil Orange 1000mg. Christy had left it for him, knowing he’d be curious to try it.
“Good morning!” Christy called from the kitchen as Paul entered, still holding the tincture. She was busy at the stove, flipping pancakes with practiced ease. “How did you sleep?”
“Like a baby,” Paul replied, setting the bottle on the counter. “And I see you’ve been busy. Is that for me?”
Christy turned, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “It’s a little something to get your day started. I know you’ve been loving the lemon-lime, but this orange flavor is my personal favorite. It’s like a burst of sunshine in a bottle.”
Paul unscrewed the cap and placed a dropper of the oil under his tongue. The flavor was vibrant and zesty, immediately awakening his senses. “This is really good,” he said, savoring the taste. “You’re right—it’s like a little dose of Florida in every drop.”
Christy grinned, pouring coffee into two mugs. “Exactly. And I figured we could use the energy for today’s adventures.”
She handed Paul a mug of coffee as he raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? What do you have planned?”
“I have other coffees for you to try as well,” she added with a wink, setting down a bag of Tri-Shrooms Lion's Mane Toasted Coconut Coffee on the counter. “But first, let’s get through breakfast.”
“Well,” Christy began, sliding a plate of pancakes in front of him, “I thought we could start with a visit to Clyde Butcher's Venice Gallery & Studio. It’s an amazing place showcasing the work of Clyde Butcher, a renowned nature photographer. His black-and-white images of Florida’s landscapes are breathtaking. I think you’ll love it.”
Paul took a bite of his pancake, nodding. “That sounds perfect. I’ve heard of Clyde Butcher—his work is incredible. I’d love to see it in person.”
Christy smiled, pleased with his enthusiasm. “After that, I thought we could head to Sharky’s On The Pier for lunch. It’s a classic spot in Venice, right on the beach. They’ve got great seafood, and we can walk along the pier afterward.”
“Now you’re speaking my language,” Paul said with a grin. “Art and food—can’t go wrong with that.”
Before they left, Christy mentioned she needed to pick up a rum cake for a friend’s birthday from Jetty Boys Rum Cakes . Paul agreed, intrigued by the idea of sampling a local delicacy.
They finished breakfast and set off for their day, the morning air still cool and fresh. The drive to Clyde Butcher’s gallery was short, and soon they were standing in front of the striking images that captured the raw beauty of Florida’s natural environment. Paul was captivated by the depth and detail of Butcher’s work, the photographs pulling him into the heart of the Everglades, swamps, and coastal scenes.
“This is incredible,” Paul murmured as they moved from one photograph to the next. “It’s like you can feel the spirit of the place through the images.”
Christy nodded, her eyes fixed on a particularly striking shot of a mangrove forest. “I know. There’s something so powerful about the way he captures these scenes. It’s like he’s showing us a side of Florida that not everyone gets to see.”
After spending the better part of the morning at the gallery, they made their way to Sharky’s on the Pier, the salty breeze and the sound of crashing waves welcoming them as they arrived. The restaurant was bustling with locals and tourists alike, everyone soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
They found a table with a view of the ocean and ordered a variety of seafood dishes—fresh grouper sandwiches, coconut shrimp, and a local favorite, conch fritters. As they ate, they talked about everything from Paul’s upcoming game to Christy’s latest environmental project, the conversation flowing as easily as the tide.
“This place is amazing,” Paul said, glancing out at the pier where a few brave souls were casting fishing lines into the surf. “You weren’t kidding about the food.”
“I told you,” Christy said with a wink. “Venice has some real hidden gems.”
After lunch, they took a leisurely stroll down the pier, the sun high in the sky and the water shimmering beneath them. Paul felt a deep sense of contentment, the combination of the Orange Tincture, the company, and the stunning scenery wrapping him in a blanket of peace.
As they reached the end of the pier, Christy leaned against the railing, looking out over the vast expanse of ocean. “You know, Paul, I think this weekend is exactly what you needed. A little break, some fresh air, and maybe even a new perspective.”
Paul joined her at the railing, the wind ruffling his hair. “You’re right. I didn’t realize how much I needed this until now. And I have to admit, the tincture has been helping a lot too. It’s like I can finally let go of all the stress.”
Christy smiled, her hand brushing against his. “I’m glad. You deserve to relax. And who knows, maybe this will give you the boost you need for that big game.”
Paul nodded, feeling a renewed sense of clarity and determination. “Yeah, I think it will. Thanks for this, Christy. I really mean it.”
“Anytime,” she said softly. “I’m just glad I could help.”
They stood there for a while, the waves crashing below them, their thoughts carried away on the breeze. It was a perfect moment—one that Paul knew he would carry with him long after the weekend was over.
To be continued…
Looking for a refreshing way to unwind like Paul? Try Steel Valley Hemp Full Spectrum Tincture Oil Orange 1000mg, available at Tri-Healthy in Niles, OH; Venice, FL; and North Port, FL. The perfect citrusy blend to energize your day and lift your spirits.
Guiding Questions:
- How will Paul’s renewed energy and relaxation impact his performance in the upcoming game against Cleveland High?
- What new experiences will Paul and Christy share as they continue to explore the hidden gems of Venice, Florida?
- How will the peaceful moments Paul and Christy share shape the future of their relationship?