beach days

Just in case you were wondering where I've been, we just got back from a wonderful week of vacation. Last week with the mini-van full of three babes,one mama, one papa, one Nana and backpacks bursting with sand toys, bathing-suits, sunscreen and books we hit the road for the Florida coast. I love that little burst of energy as the miles pass, the climate changes and the trees and flowers are different and you pass the groves of citrus trees heavy with fruit. Josh's grandma has an ocean front place there and this is the third year we have had the absolute blessing of vacationing there for free. There is something so wonderful about getting away, where the piles of bills on the desk and the clutter that makes it's home in corners doesn't taunt you while you are trying to relax. We soaked in the sunshine, played in the sand, walked and rested.

Naya was a brave little thing and could not get enough of the ocean. She would make a dash for the water every chance she got. She also loved watching the seagulls. My mom taught her to mimic their call and she does it every time she sees a bird.
My mom has a harder time getting around now than she used to, but she so wanted to get in the ocean. She doesn't let things stop her and her energy and joyful spirit far surpass any limitations.



Almost every morning I would walk on the beach in the darkness until the sun made it's grand entrance over the water bathing the day in newness. The solitude with nothing but sand and the forever ocean was a really good way to wake to the day. There is something in me I can't put my finger on that is filled, with my feet sunk deep in the cool sand, immersed in that ancient rhythm, the ebb and flow of the tides, the ocean in all it's power and mystery, rage and calm beauty all at once.


Mindful

Every day
I see or hear
something
that more or less
kills me
with delight,
that leaves me
like a needle
in a haystack
of light.
It is what I was born for-
to look ,to listen,
to lose myself
in the soft world-
to instruct myself
over and over
in joy,
and acclamation.
Nor am I talking
about the exceptional,
the fearful,the dreadful,
the very extravagant-
but the ordinary,
the common, the very drab,
the daily presentations.
Oh, good scholar,
I say to myself,
how can you help
but grow wise
with such teachings
as these-
the untrimmable light
of the world,
the ocean's shine,
the prayers that are made
out of grass?
~by Mary Oliver~