Wandering Again…

Hey, it’s me again. I went wandering again on Friday night down in Atlantic Beach and man, what a time we had. Before I get into that, I feel I should clarify a few things. I’ve been very busy these past few weeks with work and various projects. I created this blog to connect with people on their culinary journey through life. Well, someone brought to my attention that I have not been too clear on exactly who I am. Let me introduce myself. I am Jason and I lead what I could call a kaleidoscopic life.

I am a lot of things; a Christian, a father, a son, a sinner, a saint, a sailor, a diver, a cook and a bunch of other things. At my core, I maintain a childlike awe of the world around me. I have varied interests, and I have dedicated my life to explore them all. I want to see it all, touch it all and explain it to others hoping that, maybe, they will peruse the things they have always wanted to see but always found an excuse not to.

Okay, my point. I was wrongfully incarcerated for a lengthy period. Cliche? Sure. So is a culinary blog, haha. However, I found the experience eerily comical. You would not believe the stories I could tell you. And maybe I will, one day. The people in charge of the places I have been are so inept that it’s funny. Unless, of course, you’re like me and actually think about the fact that these people are in charge of your safety! Anyway, I made several mentors along the way and, while most have passed on by now, I strive every day to honor them.

So, what does this late night confessional have to do with me wandering around Atlantic Beach on a warm Friday night? Well, everything.Perhaps nothing. Anyway, a friend of ours, Kelly, has a wonderful cupcake shop, The Pink Cupcake. She celebrated her reopening Friday, complete with free cupcakes and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The place was jumping; the treats were phenomenal, and the vibe was outstanding. Another friend of ours showed up and let’s just say that she is a prominent member of the beach community.

So this friend of ours wanted to go to the craft brewery next door and pick up her growler she had left there for a refill. I went along to buy her a beer. Well, she wound up buying me one. As I tasted the incredible Irish red, I couldn’t help but ponder on how far I had come in the past two months. Two months ago I was drinking instant coffee with lukewarm tap water with the fellas, and now here I am sipping a cold brew with a notable member in the community! Life is full of irony.

We meandered back next door, where a sizable crowd had gathered, and performed the ribbon cutting ceremony. I met some wonderful people, had some fine cupcakes, and brought some home for breakfast. Yes, breakfast. The strawberry cupcake with vanilla frosting and Fruity Pebble cereal on top went nicely with my dark roast. Not lukewarm water, by the way.

You know, I’m not ashamed of where I’ve been. After all, I was never supposed to be there in the first place and I met some lifelong friends and gained a lifetime worth of comical anecdotes. Then again, it’s not something to bring up in everyday conversation. But I will tell you this friends and neighbors, I love the community here at the beach. Whenever I drag myself away from the computer and go for a walk, the destination never disappoints me. There is an incredible array of fine food and people here. I intend to visit everyone of them. And tell you all about it, of course, in between sips from my growler.