The kids and I went to the beach today for a last hurrah before school starts. I love the ocean so much and I’m finding it surreal that I now live close enough to the beach to go whenever I’d like. I love the smell of the air. I love the sound of the surf. I love the soothing feel of floating on the waves. I love watching the seagulls and pelicans glide over the water, then dive in to scoop up fish. I love the warmth of the sun on my skin. I love the feel of the sand squishing between my toes. I love swimming in the cool, refreshing water. And I love to watch the power and energy of the waves crashing again and again. Bliss.
If I’d had any second thoughts about moving to Florida, they were banished today. Year-round, whenever I feel like it, I can drive one hour and be at the beach. What better reason to live here than that? I find the ocean so breathtaking. I sit in my beach chair, the water lapping at my feet while staring out at the depths, taking in the majesty of it all. It’s such a wonderful way to empty my mind and reflect. I have a bad habit of getting caught up in all the demands on me. I forget myself and what’s really important when I start to feel overwhelmed with all my self-inflicted pressures. It’s so freeing to take some time and relax. When I clear my mind and simply listen, I get a sense of calm; a renewed spirit. It’s good.
That is, until my kids drag me out of my reverie and into the water so they can jump on me, splash me, pretend to be a cat and lick me, throw seaweed at me, and decorate my face with a hundred seashells while I lie on a raft. But even that is good too.
Where’s your place favorite place? Where do you go to unwind? Do you have a place that makes you feel alive, closer to God, recharged and renewed?
We like the sea a lot, too, but rather the North Sea, where the climate is much rougher and you get to watch the tides and all that.
ReplyDeleteBut if you want to take a minute or so to see my favorite place, go here: http://s1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd437/Frau_Mahlzahn/?albumview=slideshow
It's right at the border between Austria and Italy -- it's breath taking, and although all the hiking is exhausting, it really is worth it!
So long,
Corinna
My in laws are both gone now, but when they were alive, their winter house was in Clearwater. I liked visiting them there, just did not like the drive from Virginia and back. LOL
ReplyDeleteCorinna, those pictures are gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing them!
ReplyDeleteoh goodness, I'm jealous!! :)
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