Monday, April 5, 2021

The Hemingway House: Chapter One

Decisions, decisions. We traveled to Key West last winter, and, travel = Sharon's Souvenirs. That's a no-brainer akin to wearing KN95 masks in Florida where dumb-dumbs dine nuts-to-butts, even during a pandemic. But it also makes literary sense to post my pilgrimage to the Hemingway House on my creative writing blog. Besides the dueling blog conundrum, I had too many photos. Thirty-five. Usually, that warrants a two-post split. Today is a first. I split the post between blogs, at the same time. You'll find the outside of the home here and the inside over there. No, not Key West. My other blog.   

But while you're here, follow my feet...



Yuck. This relic was pulled from Hemingway’s favorite bar: Sloppy Joe's. In a porcelian nut-shell, Hemingway said he'd pissed away his fortune down this loo, so he might as well keep what he paid for. Ha!







This is where Hemingway sparred with local boxers, teaching them a fighting technique similiar to water aerobics. Kidding! Actually, He had his own beloved boxing ring, right on this very spot. But He was a cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater. After discovering his misdeeds, wife number two created this 20,000 dollar swimming pool out of spite - in 1938. That's a lot of dough. 

  
His last penny.

Hemingway threw a penny on the ground and reportably said, "Pauline, you've spent all but my last penny, so you might as well have that."

Soon, He was married to wife number three: Martha Gellhorn.








R.I.P. favorite felines.





Have you noticed a furry theme? Cats. Lots of them. Hemingway loved his six-toed cats. Now, they attract tourists. If Papa was alive, he'd hate the fact that they sell cheesy cat merch in the gift shop. 


I love this photo. 

It's Hemingway week on your local tpt or pbs station. I'll be tuning in to learn more about the iconic and flawed author. Now, for the inside scoop. (and two surprise celebrity guests) Click here!





 

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16 comments:

Susie of Arabia said...

Ah the cats of Key West and Hemmingway House. Haven't been there in many years. I think I'm due for another visit!

DJan said...

I never heard of his six-toed cats, but sure enough, you show in some shots that even their ancestors have them. Love the furry friends. :-)

Photo Cache said...

So excited to see the cats. I would love to visit once the world is open for travel again.

Worth a Thousand Words

Shiju Sugunan said...

where dumb-dumbs dine nuts-to-butts 🤣 Nice post!

Fun60 said...

Loved your description of the covid rule breakers. Must go and look for your second post now as I am intrigue to see inside Hemingway's gaff.

Jackie McGuinness said...

I want to go back there. I was there many, many years ago when I didn't have a photography addiction and wasn't as interested in literary sites.

Peabea Scribbles said...

Love it...nuts to butts made me lol. The cat cemetery is sad to see, but still so many enjoying themselves. :) You lead such an interesting life, I think.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

I remember the first time I went to Key West and visited Hemingway's home. Loved the extra digit paws of the cats. BTW his first wife was Elizabeth Hadley Richardson and they lived in Paris. He met #2 while married and left #1 and son for #2. Then he came back to US.

DUTA said...

I've seen many houses of famous people: Shakespeare, Mozart etc..
I was younger then, and it bored me. I hardly took any pictures.
Now, reading your post on Hemmingway's house, and seeing the photos - I regret that. I wish I had taken pictures and shown more interest in the exhibits.
I love the picture with the caption: "I love this photo".

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Iconic and flawed is a great description. Thanks for the tour, really enjoyed it!

Joanne said...

I have read about Hemmingway's cats before and thought it would be so fun to go to the keys one day!

betty-NZ said...

It's terrific to see you at 'My Corner of the World' this week!

Meditations in Motion said...

The only time I was in Key West was when we took a trip there with 40 high school kids. It was beautiful and fun, but I want to go back for an all-adult visit. Thanks for sharing your photos of the Hemmingway House. It looks like a must-see.

Tanza Erlambang said...

exciting house with attractive description... lovely cats.
thank you for sharing

Mary Kirkland said...

Love the cats. The house is very cool.

Duwan @MakeLikeAnApeman said...

I visited Hemingway's house probably a generation of 6-toed cats ago. I don't think I have ever read one of his books but I appreciate that he is a storied American artist. Are there writers/artists like that anymore with such colorful eccentric lives?