How I Spent My Summer Vacation

As I sit here in my home, gazing out the big picture window into my green as green can be backyard, I want so much to be where I was last week. This time last week I was gazing out a big picture window at the sea, waves rolling in only to crash on the sandy shore, sea birds squawking in the air and a peacefulness that can only come while sitting and watching the massive, rollicking sea.

I spent the mornings walking along the shore, mp3 player sending favorite tunes through my brain, trawling up memories and savoring every one all the while watching every step for that special shell treasure to pick up.

I spent time jumping the waves with my girl, hearing her squeal with loud peals of laughter, sinking into the shifting sand below our feet and feeling the sea spray on our faces as wave after wave crashed around us.

I spent time in a really cool red chair, reclining on the beach, sand in my toes, book in my hand, the smell of coconut oil from the suntan lotion lingering on my fingers and the soft hum of conversation happening a few feet away from me.

I spent time napping in the heat of the afternoon, cool sheets comforting my sun-touched skin, sleeping without a care and waking to a beautiful sunset outside my bedroom window.

I spent time playing games, watching television, cooking, conversing, rocking in white rockers on a screen porch, passing the hours away with family.

I spent time feeding sea birds with nuts and peanut butter cookies and odd pieces of white bread.

I spent time watching fish in man-made environments, learning about their habits and seeing my child come alive with knowledge and anticipation and awe of nature.

I spent time walking the beach at sunset, feeling the security of his hand in mine, knowing that eight years had passed since we found this piece of paradise and feeling so blessed to have been able to share it with our loved ones for these past years.

I spent time pushing my day to day world out of my mind. I packed away all the thoughts that have plagued me, the doubts, the hurts, the sadness that has threatened to tip me over on a daily basis, I put it all away. I rolled it all up like a proverbial message in a bottle and with the songs playing in my head and the memories churning in my mind, I shoved the cork down deep into the throat. I tossed it into the waves, I watched it bob up and down for a long while, and soon it was out of sight. Will it wash up on a distant shore of my future, will I open it back up and touch it all again, I don't know? All I know is that for now, the bottle is out of sight, the pain of my year is inside of it and for now I will enjoy my days and nights.

Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev