Visiting my memories...

I grew up near the beach. I'm not going to claim that I 'lived' on the beach or that I went there every spare moment I had. No, I only wish I had. I didn't think, back then, that I would ever live away from it. And so I took it for granted. I knew it was there- this beautiful vast ocean- and I did visit often: making trips for family night, laying out on the sand with my aunt, fireworks celebrations, bbq's, and having bonfires at night with friends. Some of my most cherished memories are etched in sand.
And now that I live amidst mountains (and snow) I am realizing just what I am missing. And how precious my memories are.

The smell of salt in the air, the slight breeze that tugs across my skin, and the soft roar of the waves welcome me back with each visit I make . This is the ocean's way of saying hello. I breathe in deeply and feel the rest of the world fading away.
As I slip off my shoes and step onto the sand my toes wriggle into the warmth. I slowly walk across the stretch of sand, taking in the palm trees, life guard towers, and people. People! Everywhere. It's good to be back. I watch a group of seagulls searching the sand for some leftover tidbits. They are as much a part of this scene as the sand and the waves. And so I am glad to see them. They quickly take flight as children race towards them.
I glance over at the waves crashing against the jetty. Little boys play amongst the rocks, seeing who can go out the farthest.
The roar of the waves gets louder and louder as I make my way towards the ocean.
It's time to test out the water. I walk to where the waves meet the sand. And I wait. It's coming. The small wave washes over my feet and I gasp. It's always colder than I think. But refreshing. So refreshing.
I stand there as the wave retreats and, little by little, the sand falls from under my feet. The waves come again and again.
I can feel the ocean teasing me, whispering for me to come in a little bit further.

It's beauty captivates me and draws me in. Time and time again.

I love the beach for it's ability to:

wash away the 'dirt',

let me contemplate life,

allow me to run with reckless abandon,

and laugh. Just laugh.

I am so glad I've been able to share one of my most beloved places with my guys.
Can't wait to take the rest of them!