Monday 9 February 2009

Life's a beach ... stringing wishes



I never would have thought last Monday when we were busy chucking snowballs at each other, that just a few days later we would be choosing to enjoy the wintry sunshine on the beach. Saturday morning, we all felt the urge to be out. Away from home, away from the shops - we needed, in short a change of scene.



Just a short drive along the coast and we found what we needed. A deserted stretch of beach, calm, serene and as a different from a busy Saturday morning in town as you could imagine.



Whenever we go to the beach, we tend to stick together, at least initially. A little group of four huddled round our picnic surveying the scene. This time was different. After just a few minutes I noticed that we were as far apart as possible. The four of us together, but separate by our need for different things.



M had woken up that morning desperate for some air and new vistas. He needed some horizon he said. Well he certainly found it - miles of it, unspoilt, clear, blue, glistening in the chilly sunshine. He walked the beach scanning the horizon, taking his photos, breathing in the sea air and breathing out the worries and stresses of a week without horizon.



Little Sister lay basking on the rocks, face turned up to the sky. She said she needed space. Cuddled up in her coat, plugged in to her Ipod and her mind full of the thoughts and dreams of a 9 year old ...



I knew what Big Sister needed and so did she. She needed the sea. Sitting amongst the rocks on the shoreline with the waves lapping at her feet. she sat and stared. She has always loved the sea and I think that it worked its healing. comforting charm on her again. Even the worries and upsets of a teenager seem to fade slightly if you stare at the sea long enough ....



As for me, I needed to be alone with my thoughts. Not lonely, just alone. I walked across the pebbles. listened to the sea, felt the air on my face and looked over at my family. I always gain persepective when I'm on the beach, it is a place to be optimistic, to indulge in dreams and to find some calm.



I walked over to Big Sister and asked if she minded me joining her. We sat together ( she held on tight to me as I kept sliding down the rocks) and we stared out to sea. Sometimes you don't need to use words do you? We both understood at that moment, what mattered, what was important, what would last and what would pass...



I think we all found what we had gone looking for. Just a couple of hours spent on the beach together, looking for our own kind of treasure.

40 comments:

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

A most beautiful post reflective of what was obviously a splendid day in the life of the Ragged Roses! How wonderful that you were all together, yet each free to do his/her own thing! And your photography is gorgeous, Kim!

hugs!
xo

Emma Herian said...

Perfect day Kim, why oh why we didn't do something like thatthis weekend I don't know, we really need it right now.

Be good to get away from the stresses of this darn town!

I am nice and relaxed now after reading this post, thankyou very much Dr Kim!
Emx

Shabby Chick said...

That was such a lovely post to read and the pictures were wonderful. It sounds like you are all very much comfortable and happy in eachother's company. Whenever we go to the beach I find myself lost in raking through all the shells and stones looking for finds to take home.

Mel xxx

MelMel said...

Such stunning pictures...I love the seaside...always calms me....think thats why i prefer hols here at the my mum's very humble but cosy caravan...:>))

I really enjoyed your post!xxxx

Sal said...

Nice to see your beach pics.They made me feel quite calm . You do have a lovely little family ;-)

Willow said...

Lovely words, as ever, Kim. You can't beat a bit of good old fashioned sea air for clearing the mind ... it's so very therapeutic! With all the snow around at the moment, I will admit to feeling a bit of 'cabin fever' - a trip to the sea would be lovely!

Willow x

Selfsewn said...

Its nice to see a change of scenery isnt it! Lucky you to have a beach to yourself!

Thimbleanna said...

Another beautiful post Kim! How lucky you and your family are to be able to go to the sea. I'd NEVER get anything done if I lived as close as you do!

April said...

what a beautiful, serene post Kim, perfect day and wonderful for you all to be able to find your peace apart but together

April xx

A Thrifty Mrs said...

Beautiful post

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Perfect!

Such cheery photos to look at in contrast to the miserable rain I can see out of the office windows!

Victoria x

LissyLou said...

Such a lovely post, and great pictures. x

mollycupcakes said...

There is nothing like the sea to clam the senses and cleanse the soul.
Beautiful photos, just looking at them males me long to be there. And i couldn't hear the rain pounding down outside for a while.
It looks like Dymchurch or very close to it, they're building up the sea defences aren't they.
Honey if you pop me an invoice for the postcards I'll pay for them.
Many thanks for keeping them for me, your a real sweetie.
Hugs,
Catherine x

Sol said...

A beautiful post about a beautiful day.

Your pictures remind me of home...I feel very homesick today. You wouldnt believe I havent lived at home for 14 years.

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

This was just what I needed.... a meditative, serene and thought provoking chapter..
The sea does restore and centre us... maybe I should head for the sea and not the hills after all...

Dx

Jacoline said...

Greta pictures, I love the sea as well, I think it is the best place to go!!!

aromatic said...

Beautifully written. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. I love the sea, sadly we do not get to see much of it living in Warwickshire, only on the occasional holiday. But once by the sea I cannot get enough of it. My favourite thing is to walk along the beach with the tide lapping at my bare feet and just taking in its magnificence and breathing in the sea air... Glad you all enjoyed your morning by the sea!!
Love Jane xxx

jo said...

I so enjoyed reading your post and looking at those lovely pictures, think it's had a calming effect on me.

Rowan said...

What a lovely serene post, the beach and sea in winter can be absolutely wonderful, I wish we lived nearer the coast so that I could enjoy occasional days like the one you had. So glad that you all found what you needed.

driftwood said...

just lovely Kim, each finding their own peace in the same place. xx

Lisa said...

Beautiful photos of the coast.
We all need a bit of space and quiet from time to time, I hope you all feel better for yours.
Lisa x

Tracy said...

Looks like a taste of heaven in winter...what bliss! We are knee-deep in snow here, so seeing this sunny bit of coast really cheered my day! Love all the stones...and especially that stone heart...Happy Days to you all ((HUGS))

Greedy Nan said...

Brrrr! I can feel the wind whistling up my skirt from here! Nice thought though and of course, beach is never busy when the weather's inclement. Glad you had a good time.
I love the pebbles with holes in them. If we ever go to the beach I pick those ones out particularly, along with the shells - I have this creative idea but still haven't got enough to make it. S'pose I'll have to go to the beach some more!

julie said...

what a beautiful post - looks like it was a gorgeous day, they are fabulous photos, and your writing was so thoughtful. Gosh, I remember spending days and days by the sea when I was a teenager,and yes, it never failed to make me feel better no matter what else was going on.

Glad you all had such a lovely time. Think I might be trying to rally the troops for a seaside walk next weekend after that - I love being by the sea, and your post has just reminded me how much. It's one I think I'll probably read and re-read again, it's given me so much pleasure. x

A time to dance said...

...what a beautiful post...I know what you mean about the sea..time and tide...washing things away and making them fade away...I wish we had the sea near us...we always feel that we have left a little something behind when we drive away from our beloved whitby...your pictures are amazing...I loved them and for a moment I was also transported away from my studio where I blog while my students rehearse...

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I have only just found your beautiful blog and just wanted to say I have really enjoyed reading :)
I will be back!

Poppy said...

You take the most beautiful pictures, it looks lovely!
You will have your card tomorrow Kim, sorry it has taken me so long.

I can still smell the lavender when I go to bed, I love the smell!

Love Lou xxx

Unknown said...

Lovely post and such beautiful beach treasure.

Felicia said...

What a fabulous day :)

dottycookie said...

I love the beach in weak wintry sun more than in high summer, I think.

Lovely.

Elizabethd said...

How lovely. You draw the relationships between you all so beautifully.

Bobo Bun said...

Beautiful photos, really needed on a grey day like today.

I have just given you a friendly blog award if you fancy stopping by to collect it.

Lisax

Sea Angels said...

Hi Kim, so sorry I have not popped over for a while xx

This is a beautiful post, I love the texture and colour of the stones each one different each one special in its own way....they sort of reflect what you have been writing about, all of you different yet special.
I hope you are keeping well and that you all have a lovely week.
Hugs Lynn

prettyshabby said...

oh Kim this is a beautiful post..beautiful words and beautiful pictures, Empty beaches and the sound of the sea must be so therapeutic.

Betty said...

I am off to the coast this weekend. I can hardly wait. There is something about sitting and listening to the waves that is so soothing to your soul. How wonderful that you can share that with your family.

Just Original said...

It looks a gorgeous day, but I bet it was freezing cold!

It sounds like you made some memories down there on that beach!

Vanessa x

Anonymous said...

Beautifully written, Kim .... I've always found the sea speaks to my soul. I could sit there for hours watching and listening to the waves.

xo,
Lynda

Patchwork Harmony said...

Hi,

just to let you know I am awarding you the Lemonade Award! Congrats!
Come visit my blog to collect your award.
xxx

Pearl Maple said...

What a lovely post to celebrate all that is great about February and waiting for spring.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and positive thoughts.

silverpebble said...

Beautiful - one of my favouorite kinds of day and I'm afraid I go weak at the knees at the sight of pebbles - especially ones with holes in, which are essentially beads! Lovely x