The Girt of Renewal

[Ann]

“The waves of the sea help me get back to me.”  Jill Davis

It is hard to put into words why I like the beach so much.  Everything about it is renewing for me - almost like therapy - beach therapy.  These words by the well-kown photographer Amy Dykman sum up my feelings about all beaches and especially ocean beaches.

 

 

I just came home from spending almost a week at beautiful Neah Bay, Washington on the Pacific Coast.  Everything about the trip was a beautiful gift.  The weather was beautiful -- sunny and warm each day. (Those of you who are familiar with the Pacific Northwest know how rare that is!).  Because Neah Bay is part of an Indian Reservation and is very isolated, the beach was wide open and not many people were enjoying its wonderful gifts.  So I was able to take long walks and just drink in the quiet and peace.  We were there with friends and we brought our 4 year old Grandson, Cole to play with our friends 4 year old Son, William.  Even though the boys had never met before, they hit it off immediately.  In the 6 days we were up there, they only had one very minor tussle and that was because they were both totally exhasted and just had a melt down. (And that is pretty good for two 4 year olds!) They played on the beach, burried "Grammie", popped seaweed "baloons" (kelp balls) rode their bikes, flew kites, did some
"fireworks" (glow sticks and popits), stayed up late and went to the fireworks show on the 4th, had a campfire complete with sommores and enjoyed every waking moment from the time they got up in the morning until they fell into bed at night.  Watching their joy and excitement was truly a gift. 

For the men, the main purpose of the trip was to go fishing for halibut.  Just prior to the trip, we had problems with the boat motor.  It cost $2500 to fix -- but each of the "fishermen" pitched in and paid well over half of the cost -- which was truly an appreciated gift.   They were 'gifted" in return when each of them got their limit in both halibut and salmon -- but the real gift was the friendship and fellowship they shared.

I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm and I know that my memories of the ocean will linger on, long after myr footprints in the sand are gone.

Vacations are a great time of revewal and I hope each of you will have the opportunity to enjoy a vacation this summer and experience this gift of renewal firsthand.

[Elly Rose Tech Support]

Yes, Wave therapy.  I love the beach that you went to, it is lovely there.  What a wonderful gift to your grandson to have this time to play and learn to love the beach like Grandma does.

[Dawn wwt]

i love the quote...it puts into words the feeling i have for the beach as well. i call it wave therapy. i'm so glad that you had this time of rest and renewal! thanks for the beautiful picture. Hugs, Dawn

[Deb~ Community Manager]

The pic is gorgeous, Ann~

[Deb~ Community Manager]

I can't be happier for you~ Sounds like the best gift to everyone! xoxo

[Mare]

I love the beach too Ann!  Gorgeous picture!