Ray and I received this high school graduation invitation in the mail a couple of weeks ago.  The mother of the graduate is a born and bred Cedar Key girl......probably fourth or fifth generation.  I always lose track.  I'd met the mom about two years ago,  while I was out walking Duncan and Holly. 

And her daughter, the graduate, I had in the writers group that I did through the school four years ago when I first moved here.  I remember being very impressed with R's writing ability.  So while the mom and I don't "hang out" together, we've come to know each other pretty well from chit chatting every time we see each other.  I might also add that the mom decided to return to school last year and is now in college to become an RN........I love to hear stories like this, so every time I see her, I want an update and I share a bit about my own nursing experiences. 

So when the invitation arrived in the mail I was both surprised and flattered.  I'm not "kin" as they say here in the south.  I'm not even a local that was also born and raised here.  And yet......they thought to include me in such a special event.  Actually, this is the third Cedar Key high school graduation invitation that I've received in the four years that I've lived here.  One was for the daughter of our neighbor and one was from a girl that was always our waitress at one of the local restaurants.  And I have to say......I feel very honored, because it sure makes me feel like I've been accepted. 

Is it any wonder that I based my novel on this unique and loving island?  It was the people themselves, these locals, that stirred my imagination and allowed me to create the story that I did.

So this morning Ray and I will be at the school gym at 10:00 to watch and acknowledge another group of Cedar Key seniors get their diplomas and begin a new journey in their lives. 

A note was slipped inside the invitation that read, "We're celebrating R's accomplishments by having a low country boil party after the graduation ceremony.  So bring your party attitude and your appetite. We'll see ya there."

A "low country boil party?"  Now, I have to admit.......this Yankee girl ain't ever been to one of those!  But  I plan to have a good time and I'll come back and tell ya all about it.

See you then...............