Photo: Eliot Hess

Some people who live in Miami believe that when they see a magnificent sky like this one, (photo by Eliot Hess) that appeared this past Tuesday night, we are in for bad weather. How do they know? They have seen it happen before. I went to Lauren Sanchez’s book signing last week and was so touched by her discussing her childhood and her challenges with dyslexia. I’ve posted some of the videos I took.  If you really want to immerse yourself in the Cuban community, make sure you dine at Casablanca on the Miami River. Every woman needs to know the signs of ovarian cancer which I am sharing today along with news about a non-profit called “Not These Ovaries” to help find a cure.

Miami Warnings for Hurricane Helene

“Stay safe. Take in all outdoor furniture. Get all of your food and household/medical supplies 24+ hours in advance. “

Some people who live in Miami believe that when they see a magnificent sky like this one, that appeared this past Tuesday night, we are in for bad weather. How do they know? They have seen it happen before.

If you live or are visiting Miami today, you know we had to brace ourselves for a hurricane named Helene. While the storm was moving west and then north of Florida, every part of the state felt its winds, rain, and storm surge.

We are 36 stories up in our condo high-rise. It’s always good luck to us.

If a hurricane is a direct hit, Eliot and I move into a hotel in

Coral Gables that is made out of brick and stone. Our building is all glass, and the sounds of a hurricane are torturous. It sounds like a locomotive is about to hit the building.  Neighbors who have stayed in the building during previous storms told me never again. They were very scared

We are getting daily updates from our condo management. They are acting like we are in the middle of the action. I guess you never can be too prepared.

Lauren Sanchez Wants All Women To Reach Their Goals

I have included all three videos here that I recorded at Lauren Sanchez’s presentation last Monday night of her children’s book, “The Fly Who Flew To Space.” Even though she is very closely associated with Amazon she chose Books & Books as the bricks-and-mortar institution to talk about her childhood and her challenges of dealing with Dyslexia.

Lauren doesn’t have to worry about selling books. She recently found out that “The Fly Who Flew to Space” became a New York Times best seller. She did, however, take the time to discuss how she always perceived herself as “a dummy.” It was a terrible way to grow up. She talked about the teacher who discovered her learning disability and what steps she took to go from the bottom of her class to the top.

Lauren got very emotional telling the story because she still remembers the hurt, the embarrassments, the struggles, she went through for many school years. You have to watch the videos to get the full impact of what she is trying to make everyone understand.

She said it’s “unbelievable” that she wrote a children’s book. When she compares little girl Lauren to the adult version, she is just amazed. She wants all young girls to have great inspiration, goals, and positive energy to be the best they can be. They should not settle for second best. “We can do anything we want.”

Along those lines, Lauren Sanchez revealed at Books & Books that she is going into space (Blue Origin, the aerospace company owned by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos), with well-known women explorers. Women only on this mission. She didn’t reveal the names of the others. Yes, she will take “The Fly Who Flew To Space” with her—first children’s book to ever leave the Earth.

Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill Is a Taste of Old Miami 

If you really want to immerse yourself in the Cuban community, make sure you dine at Casablanca on the Miami River. It’s been around for 30 years. It’s not billed as a Cuban restaurant but that’s where many of the Cuban and Hispanic folks in Miami go to because they know the difference between good seafood and fancy food.

We have been going to Casablanca for almost 25 years because this is the Miami we fell in love with.  The combination of a fish market and restaurant is very historic looking. You can actually watch the Casablanca’s fishermen come off the boats with whatever they caught for the day and go right into the kitchen. This happens daily.

Casablanca promotional material says, “The upscale casual waterfront restaurant, reminiscent of Key West, sits on the beautiful, historic Miami River with a spectacular view of the illuminated Downtown Miami Perfect for a romantic date or even a family outing.”

It’s so true. I have to admit that in the last 15 years, other fancy schmancy restaurants have opened up and down the river but Casablanca will outlive them all. They have the same loyal customers forever.

Make sure you get a table next to the water. You will immediately feel relaxed and content.  There is a lot of action on the river to watch. And it’s so much fun to see guests leave their boats to dine at Casablanca. Some of the cover-ups are no cover-ups at all. To each its own. GET THE DETAILS.

A New Non-Profit to Help Find a Cure for Ovarian Cancer

Two years ago next month my young friend Emily Campbell of Miami, Florida, found out she had ovarian cancer. She is now cancer-free, but as you know, she paid a big price to live a long, healthy life. Emily and her husband Chris decided that they don’t want anyone else to go through what they experienced. They are hoping to raise $100 million over the next few years to find a cure. I can promise you that this is the couple to get the job done. Learn more about their organization, “Not These Ovaries” and important signs you need to know about ovarian cancer.  READ MORE.