Daymaker - a person who performs acts of kindness with the intention of making the world a better place.
~ David Wagner
, author of Life as a Daymaker; how to change the world by making someone's day ~

DayMaker - any thought, word, or deed that spreads happiness, compassion, or fruitful ideas.
~ Annis Cassells ~

Saturday, May 25, 2013

20 Loves, Part 2: I Love the Beach



Oregon Coast

I woke up thinking about the beach. No particular beach, just that I love spending time beside the ocean. Vivid beach memories live in my mind. Fond memories of the happy times when heightened senses let me experience the vast blueness, the calling seagulls, roaring surf and laughing children, the salt air, the mist and fog. Then there are the healing memories after the hurts and scars of life. Everything gets better at the beach.

When my girls were little, we spent lots of time at the beach in Ventura. I remember walking them from the Motel 6 to the pier and back, quite a hike for those little legs of theirs. I remember we read, played in the sand, and ventured out into the foamy water. I remember marveling at how children who don’t know each other instantly become beach buddies, working together to dig and build in the wet sand just for the joy of it, no pretenses.


East coast beach time with my daughters as adults found us grabbing our steaming coffee mugs and jackets, walking in the dark, heading to experience the sunrise just outside our Topsail door. Caught in the majesty of the colors and our precious time together, the beach offered us solitude and companionship, each of us fulfilled.


Beaches everywhere beckon to Judy and me in our travels. We’ve strolled the Malecón along the beach at Mazatlán, stuck our toes in the Atlantic at Myrtle Beach, relaxed and snorkeled on the Big Island, hiked the sand dunes to the ocean on the Oregon Coast. Sharing the beach with someone else who enjoys it as much as you is unmatchable.
 






Instinct drew me to the beaches of Pismo and Morro Bay when I was hurt or sad, needing alone time. The gray, misty atmosphere, surreal and right for my mood, I remember the instant letting go of interrupted dreams. I remember how the ebb and flow filled me with hope and courage. The receding water rushes back; we can count on it. 


For me, the beach serves as a metaphor for life. Stuff happens. We shrink a bit, retracting, receding from reality. Then we gather our forces and rush back in, maybe quietly, timid at first, but soon we’re roaring in, our lives changed but full again.


Time at the beach brings me peace and allows me to be just who I am, in the moment.

~ xoA ~

14 comments:

  1. I share your love of the beach. I particularly like "...the beach serves as a metaphor for life. Stuff happens." A trip to the beach is a spiritual experience. Standing on the shore and looking out to the horizon, offers moments of intense clarity. Then, as Melville wrote, "the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled five thousand years ago." And life goes on.

    Thank you, dear Annis, for sharing your love of the beach.

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  2. I am right with you on the moments of clarity, Dennis. It's sure been the case for me, numerous times. Thanks for writing and for sharing Melville's quote. I like it. xoA

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  3. I absolutely love the beach. I enjoy standing at the edge and letting the passing waves surround my feet as I think about life and stare off into the horizon. It's a great place to just go and think.

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  4. I've always enjoyed watching the ocean waves. The sound of the surf, the spray of the water and the horizon in the distance takes every burden away. I don't go enough, but fortunately I was at the beach just a few days ago. I already want to go back.

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    1. You know, Joan, we just have to do those things that renew us. Here's to more beach time for you -- and me! xoA

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  5. I couldn't agree with you more Annis. I feel like being close to the Ocean even for a little while soothes my frazzled nerves, weary mind and heals me a little on the inside. I love the Oregon coastline. I have wonderful memories from when my husband and I were first married and lived in Oregon and spent many weekends exploring.
    Thank you for your comments on time management, they were helpful.

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    1. Where did you live in Oregon? Our special place is Coos Bay. Thank you. xoA

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  6. Annis, after reading your sweet comment you left on my blog, I couldn't wait to visit your blog and get to know you better. I must say, I am so happy I found you. I love your blog, and loved reading about your visits to the Ocean and the sweet times with your daughters you write about. Made me feel warm and cozy. You are a VERY gifted writer. I look forward to reading more*!
    I hope your holiday weekend has been wonderful*!
    ((HUGS)) -Ashley*

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    1. Well, bless your heart, Ashley. Thanks for stopping by and for your Kind and encouraging comments. I'm having a terrific holiday weekend, and I hope you are, too. Cheers and hugs, xoA

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  7. Great Post! You have a sense of refinement with your writing and I love learning new things about you every time I read one of your posts.

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    1. Thanks so much, Donnee, for your encouraging comments. I appreciate you taking the time. xoA

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  8. Think my boss would mind if I ditched work tomorrow to go visit the ocean? I really want to walk the beach now. Lovely post and the ending is beyond lovely, ourselves as the waves retreating only to push forward once again. Love it!

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    1. Thank you, Anna. I appreciate your encouraging comment. xoA

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