East Coast Whirlwind: Ashes, Art, and Uncle Craig

— A trip full of tears, laughs, and a little chaos —

Just got back from a whirlwind trip to the East Coast — and let me tell you, it was one of those journeys that hits every emotion on the spectrum.

First stop: Baltimore.
I went there to spread some of my mom’s ashes on her best friend Anne Beall’s grave. Those two were absolute firecrackers together back in the day, so I can only imagine the reunion happening up there. Hopefully they’re already cuttin’ a rug, laughing their asses off, and catching up on all the gossip they missed. 💃

Next stop: Tampa.
Now… I’ll be honest, Tampa wasn’t originally on the list — but there was a very important reason for the detour. The flamingo art installation at the airport. OMG. Heaven. Pure, pink, glorious Heaven. Honestly, that ranks right up there with getting to sit on the real Game of Thrones throne. (Yes, that happened. And yes, I absolutely ruled the Seven Kingdoms for a solid 10 seconds.) 🦩

From there, we made our way 2.5 hours south to Naples for my Uncle Craig’s memorial. And wow… it was beautiful. My cousins did an amazing job putting everything together, and their kids? Absolute champs. You could just feel the love in the room — the stories, the laughter, the memories… it was Craig through and through.

My Aunt Elaine — bless her heart — is holding it together as best she can. She’s this strong, beautiful, active Italian woman with her golf community wrapped around her like a giant supportive hug. That woman has more strength in her pinky finger than most people have in their entire body.

It was so good to see my cousins again. It doesn’t matter how many years go by or how many miles stretch between us — the second we’re in the same room, it’s like no time has passed at all. Well, except we all look a shit ton older. But still. Same heart, same humor, same love.

And then, something that meant the world to me: my aunt and cousins were gracious enough to let me spread some of my mom’s ashes with her brother. Those two — holy cow. They were a pair. It brings me so much peace to know they’re together again, probably laughing, probably causing trouble, and definitely making Heaven a little louder.

Because that’s how our family rolls — loud, loving, and a little inappropriate. We show up. We cry. We laugh through the tears. And we keep moving forward because that’s what they’d want us to do.

So yeah — this trip wasn’t just about saying goodbye. It was about remembering where I come from, who raised me, and why I don’t take shit from anyone. Life’s short. Hug your people. Book the damn flight. Chase the flamingo. Spread the ashes. And if anyone gives you side-eye for it? Tell ’em to mind their own business — you’re just out here living. ❤️