Open Some Days Closed...

As I get ready to go to the states (on the 12th) for my yearly time of seeing my family and friends, it's time to let you all in on a big decision I've made. Not an easy decision, but it's time. Time to turn the corner over to someone and something new. I don't know who or what that something or someone will be, the sign isn't even up yet (ok, it is now!) but the cart and its space are now for lease or for sale. Anyone interested, let me know, call or write! (caribemj@gmail.com).

I've had a lot of fun on the corner - not many hookers get to say that! And while I've not sold favors of the illicit sort, I've sold a lot and made a lot of friends and good acquaintances over the years. If I'd been paid a dollar for every person that laughed and took a photo of the cart, I could retire in Culebra style. If I could count the joy I've had in meeting fabulous, interesting, funny, smart people, or just having time to chat with friends, that is far beyond priceless.

What will I do instead? Rest assured, there is a plan (it involves hot peppers, flour, chickens, charcoal and pork, hope that helps). It's a little goofy and multipronged, but so was sitting in the middle of the road for the last six years. I'm going to keep on blogging and you'll know soon enough what is on the schedule, because hopefully, you who come here over and over again are going to be my best customers, after locals! Stay tuned.

Over the years, Mark has painted the front of the cart, always the same but always different. I love whatever he does, but I have to say, the year before last, in the photo below, was my all time favorite. He'd almost finished when he asked, 'what about a bottle of wine?' Well YEAH! If you want a mural, or a painting of or on anything, Mark is your go to guy. He's brilliant and has a very big heart. I'll be glad to help you with the connection and you'll be glad you did.

Ok. Announcement made. To all of you who made my 'by the bridge' time full of laughter and stories and helped keep me going here, by buying something or just engaging my interest, I thank you. To the many, many MANY people who asked me directions to places in Spanish and put up with my bad Spanish replying, but took the time to speak slowly and encouraged me when I said something correctly, bless you! To the people on the street that I knew were bilingual who helped me when I didn't get something, you ROCK!! I'm really truly sorry I never made the bumper sticker 'Island Woman Told Me Where To Go'. You know who you are.

To the people who brought me an ice cold beer or water when they saw me sweating my brains out? I love you!!! To the bomberos who brought me mangos and diverted the overflowing water trucks from drowning me, thank you! To the lady who would leave her groceries while she went shopping other places and always brought me something almost too sweet to eat? You'll never read this but you live in my memory forever. To the guy who asked me, when the sun was shining, if it was sunny at Punta Solado? I hope you found your way home. To the Hacienda guy? Thanks for not making me go to Humacao. That was a great day. Among many. Champagne at 10 in the morning, thanks, Jimmy! Sidewalk parties? I miss you Kim, every damn day. Sunday crossword puzzle debates? Kim and Dorothy...fun frustration! Especially when the paper wasn't delivered. Grrrrrr.

Oh, there are too many memories. Ok, too many to write...right here, right now. I fell in love with people who live here, and people who come here from everywhere, in spite of the state of the world, people who 'get' Culebra, people I clicked with in 30 seconds. Thank you. Because the reality is, despite the evil Victor Gonzales' and Dubons, and their ilk across the earth, the good people far, far outweigh the bad. Onward! And yes, you will still be able to get my hot sauces, in town and otherwise, including those of you who order (bless your hearts!).

Open No Days, Closed for Good. Get your photos (and any of the Cafe Press Island Woman items, link up there somewhere) while you  can. Save What's Left!

Have a toward the future Tuesday! Do something tangible.