Day 1001 Beach Ready

 

Beach essentials are ready—now I’m just waiting for the weather to catch up! My friends gave me a beautiful Lilly Pulitzer beach towel with a matching insulated wine tumbler, and when I spotted the pink Igloo cooler, I couldn’t resist. Buying myself a pink cooler also guarantees that Tim won’t try to claim it as his own. Now, other than a new bathing suit, I’m all set!

Bathing suits can be tricky. Trying them on under harsh fluorescent lighting when you're still pasty white from winter is enough to make anyone cringe. It’s a miracle we ever find one we like under those conditions. I do have a drawer full of swimsuits—one-pieces, two-pieces, and cover-ups—all still in great shape. So if I don’t find the perfect new one, that’s okay.

It’s been raining every day this week, so it makes sense that I’m dreaming of sunny skies and warm, dry sand. The rain has been relentless—steady, with intermittent downpours—and yet, my beach towel, cooler, and cup are waiting patiently. I’ve been called foolishly optimistic more than once, but the truth is, my positivity is often rewarded. The grass will be greener, the flowers will be blooming from all the natural watering, and my rain barrel will be full. Once the rain stops, the world will feel clean and fresh.

As soon as the weather breaks, Tim and I will be out on our deck every evening, soaking up the last of the sunlight. One of our favorite passtimes is sitting together out back, watching the river, the sunset, and of course, our chickens. We are truly blessed to be in love with our life and with each other—and smart enough to appreciate both.

I have friends who aren’t so happy, some because of their choice in partner. I can’t imagine that. How awful it must be to wake up each day feeling stressed in your own home. Life is too short and too precious not to be happy. Tim definitely hit the jackpot when he married me—and honestly, life handed him to me on a silver platter. Color us lucky.

Thankfully, he loves the beach almost as much as I do. Now we just need the sunshine to make an appearance...but I know it's coming!