The summer sun has finally arrived in my small part of the Universe on Cape Sable Island. Never have the sunsets been more startling and the sunrises so early and breathtaking. God is sweeping final touches on the sea as He paints broad, bold patterns in the bright sky.
I stare in wonder as a completely all-white, huge seagull dominates the landscape behind my house. I realize it is a rare bird but its name escapes me at this moment in time. I watch as he prevails over the dozens of smaller, less important seagulls, as if to demand respect and humility. They acquiesce to his demeanor and sit quietly nearby on the rocks at low tide.
Wearily, I unpack the car of the trappings necessary for a picnic today at the beach. The camera was inconsequential in that the batteries were not recharged and so it was unable to record this day in history. The memories made today will have to subside in my mind until brought forth for some long winters night when sleep eludes me and I conjure up visions of sand and sea to lull me to sleep.
The car is full of sand where my dog sat on our way home today; vacuuming will have to wait for another time. I carry the now-empty picnic basket and my transistor radio into the house and return to carry in my beach towels, book, sunscreen and lounge chair. Ouch! The sunburn on the back of my neck reminds me that we stayed one extra hour too long today.
Inside the picnic basket are the dirty melmac plates and glasses where we ate fried chicken, potato salad and watermelon. Empty cans of coca-cola are tossed in the trash as are the last few potato chips and half a Sweet Marie bar. The few small rocks and seashells found along the sea on todays trek, are put in the dishpan to be washed off of their salty presense.
Everything is put away and a shower erases the surf and salt and sand from my suntanned body. Extra moisturizing lotion and conditioner for my hair allows for refreshment and calls for a soft, white cotton, sleeveless nightgown. With wet hair, I sit here at the computer with an iced tea and lemon and search to see if anyone has missed me today.
As the sun sets once again behind Blue haven, it appears to me that this has been almost a perfect day in my short life. With my beloved dog for company and the special (picnic) nourishment I chose for my appetite and God's masterpiece as a mural, I have just experienced almost the perfect day in Paradise.
I day dreamed in my lounge chair while watching and listening to the waves and Camo's gentle barking. Favourite songs played near-by on the radio as I contemplated my future and reconciled my past. The ocean's roar and the pacifying music brought forth a nostalgic melody deep within my heart and I was at peace with nature.
Three sand castles later, Camo dug them up while I laughed aloud. The warm sand felt marvelous under my toes and the silence of the beach today was tranquil and private. No-one but us to savor the moments.
As we walked along the cliffs and waded in the cool sea today, life seemed to start anew for it was reminiscent of when I was a small child and held my daddy's big strong hand. Just knowing he was there was all I needed. I remember he smelled like fresh mown hay and the animals in our barn. I loved the aroma of my father and it all came back to me in a rush this afternoon.
While many gathered in public today to view their town's Parade and musical celebrations and food from the sea, I kept company with myself and found a solace deep within my own chemistry and solitude. I prayed for guidance, strength and endurance while I face the remaining seasons of my life here on earth. I thanked Him who has made it all possible.
The picnic is over; the things are all put away along with my memories of this moment in time. Because life is just a maze filled with special moments and memories! Today the sun was close and blazing and hot; soon it will be a frigid winter's day again with raw winds whipping around my heavy woolen skirts. But today my bare legs embraced the sun's rays and welcomed home it's radiance.
Today is precious; tomorrow is uncertain; yesterday is gone forever. The lone domineering seagull has flown away; the fresh laundry is removed from the clothesline where it blew and dried all day long. My dog is sound asleep upstairs and I sit with an empty cup in a cool nightdress, alone. By now the Parade and events must be over and life is returning to normal for others.
I wouldn't trade today with any of them; I am a woman who spent the day being 5 years old again; what can compare to that??
I stare in wonder as a completely all-white, huge seagull dominates the landscape behind my house. I realize it is a rare bird but its name escapes me at this moment in time. I watch as he prevails over the dozens of smaller, less important seagulls, as if to demand respect and humility. They acquiesce to his demeanor and sit quietly nearby on the rocks at low tide.
Wearily, I unpack the car of the trappings necessary for a picnic today at the beach. The camera was inconsequential in that the batteries were not recharged and so it was unable to record this day in history. The memories made today will have to subside in my mind until brought forth for some long winters night when sleep eludes me and I conjure up visions of sand and sea to lull me to sleep.
The car is full of sand where my dog sat on our way home today; vacuuming will have to wait for another time. I carry the now-empty picnic basket and my transistor radio into the house and return to carry in my beach towels, book, sunscreen and lounge chair. Ouch! The sunburn on the back of my neck reminds me that we stayed one extra hour too long today.
Inside the picnic basket are the dirty melmac plates and glasses where we ate fried chicken, potato salad and watermelon. Empty cans of coca-cola are tossed in the trash as are the last few potato chips and half a Sweet Marie bar. The few small rocks and seashells found along the sea on todays trek, are put in the dishpan to be washed off of their salty presense.
Everything is put away and a shower erases the surf and salt and sand from my suntanned body. Extra moisturizing lotion and conditioner for my hair allows for refreshment and calls for a soft, white cotton, sleeveless nightgown. With wet hair, I sit here at the computer with an iced tea and lemon and search to see if anyone has missed me today.
As the sun sets once again behind Blue haven, it appears to me that this has been almost a perfect day in my short life. With my beloved dog for company and the special (picnic) nourishment I chose for my appetite and God's masterpiece as a mural, I have just experienced almost the perfect day in Paradise.
I day dreamed in my lounge chair while watching and listening to the waves and Camo's gentle barking. Favourite songs played near-by on the radio as I contemplated my future and reconciled my past. The ocean's roar and the pacifying music brought forth a nostalgic melody deep within my heart and I was at peace with nature.
Three sand castles later, Camo dug them up while I laughed aloud. The warm sand felt marvelous under my toes and the silence of the beach today was tranquil and private. No-one but us to savor the moments.
As we walked along the cliffs and waded in the cool sea today, life seemed to start anew for it was reminiscent of when I was a small child and held my daddy's big strong hand. Just knowing he was there was all I needed. I remember he smelled like fresh mown hay and the animals in our barn. I loved the aroma of my father and it all came back to me in a rush this afternoon.
While many gathered in public today to view their town's Parade and musical celebrations and food from the sea, I kept company with myself and found a solace deep within my own chemistry and solitude. I prayed for guidance, strength and endurance while I face the remaining seasons of my life here on earth. I thanked Him who has made it all possible.
The picnic is over; the things are all put away along with my memories of this moment in time. Because life is just a maze filled with special moments and memories! Today the sun was close and blazing and hot; soon it will be a frigid winter's day again with raw winds whipping around my heavy woolen skirts. But today my bare legs embraced the sun's rays and welcomed home it's radiance.
Today is precious; tomorrow is uncertain; yesterday is gone forever. The lone domineering seagull has flown away; the fresh laundry is removed from the clothesline where it blew and dried all day long. My dog is sound asleep upstairs and I sit with an empty cup in a cool nightdress, alone. By now the Parade and events must be over and life is returning to normal for others.
I wouldn't trade today with any of them; I am a woman who spent the day being 5 years old again; what can compare to that??
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