Well, it finally happened. I am off in search of adventure with my home on wheels, or the Gypsy Wagon, as she is fondly known. We’ve parked her on a small island off the gulf coast of Florida.

Then there is Bonnie’s place. I spent almost an hour in there, talking and laughing with the artist. She’s a real treasure and I can’t wait to take one of her classes while here.

Wandering through the art environs, I started to feel a sense of mystery. Not in the Sherlock Holmes genre, more of the metaphysical kind, a feeling that something or someone was calling me. Then I saw them, the mermaids.

They are everywhere; in the galleries, in gift shops, in taverns, restaurants and even the bathrooms. They’ve sung their siren call into my heart and I am obsessed. I am on the hunt for the perfect mermaid.

I may have found her basking beneath the celestial orb that controls the tides of her ocean home,

or, if I’m so inclined, hanging around my neck.

Perhaps a tattoo would consummate the sense of myth, mystery and feminine sovereignty I am seeking. That’s a tall order, since most of the woman/fish tattoos I’ve seen are of the male fantasy variety.

I did find this beauty. She reminds me of Hollywood legend, Rita Hayworth. I see her rendered with auburn locks and sea green tail.  Definitely a mermaid who is slave to no man.

Well, the rain has stopped and the sun is coming through the palm fronds.  Time to return to the hunt.

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