Three days at the beach and I no longer have that knot in my neck I have been carrying around for weeks. I read a book in a beach chair, slept through the night, napped(ish) in the afternoon, hardly touched the keyboard saw dolphins(!) and watched birds for a solid 20 minutes at a time.
Fire ants and 95 degree scorching heat aside, this long weekend was perfect. Nothing a little cortisone cream and a float in the gulf could not fix.
A beach house. That is my little slice of heaven. I am not the Ritz Carlton/Canyon Ranch kinda girl. Not that I don’t enjoy a little luxury now and then, but give me a barefoot community with the sand and surf out the back door and I am Home.
Yes, Home with a capital H.
Each one of us has something in our core that gives us peace. Sadly many don’t ever break down the walls surrounding it to find out what it is. Or find the ability to Be Here Now and drink it in when they have the chance. For me it is the beach. Even off season. The sight of a majestic sky over the water, the sound of the surf, a morning walk to discover a cove that almost brought me to tears for the sense of peace I found there; these are all my core and bring me back to who I am.
Over the past few years, for circumstantial reasons, we have not been able to take the week to 10-day vacations that we really could use. Instead we have honed the fine art of the few day getaway. I am not saying I don’t want the long vacation, but this is not about want.
It’s about need.
A huge Thank-you with a capital T to Gary, who knew exactly what I needed and made turning 50 the best birthday ever.
Haven’t had enough of me yet? You can also read me at 50-Something Moms Blog.For photo enthusiasts, visit Leaving the zip code, photos from outside the comfort zone.
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i could cry but i don't have time 
Lovely Amy. I’m glad that you found a little bit of R&R in a slice of heaven made just for you.
It is beautiful. So overdue as well as well deserved.
Hope you brought home a little sun and sand for me.
Happy Birthday…for the last time as 50!!!
Amy, one of the things I love most about you is your sense of gratitude in life.. You have the ability to be in the moment and appreciate the simple pleasures that life has to offer. As be both know, life is very fragile and can change on a dime. (All the more reason to take it all in when we can!!) I’m so glad that you enjoyed your birthday weekend, and I was happy to be able to share in your joy!
I think it might be time for a float!
There is nothing like a change of scene to nourish the soul – we all need that, you’re so right! Taking the time just to be, and being in nature – wow, that is a great recipe!
Happy Birthday Amy! It sounds like you’re very happy and content with your life, and there’s basically no better place to be than there! Happy to be able to wish you a Happy 50th and many, many more! Lisa
Thanks for all the B’day wishes. And for all who don’t know her, Lisa is a blast from the very far past and I am so very happy to reconnect with her and know that she is well.
Beauty that nearly brings you to tears, that is what I seek daily. I find it in art mostly but there are also other levels of beauty that touch me. I accept all loves and seek them as if I were searching for silver and gold.
Faith-Magdalene Austin