Exhale

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No matter what the day throws at me, once I see the ocean, hear the soft purr of the waves, and feel the cool breeze mixed with the sunshine, my whole body seems to exhale. I’m seriously not sure how people survive without the seashore. There’s just something about the ocean that puts everything back into perspective.

Tim had gotten out of work early and claimed his spot on the sand for the afternoon...we’ll just call him lucky! I met up with him much later, still wearing my dress and very much in my just-got-out-of-work vibe, so I settled in on the club deck with friends instead and he joined us.

After a weekend away, followed by a rainy stretch, I had really missed my beach friends. Donna and I hugged each other as if it had been months since we’d seen one another and immediately started making promises for a dinner date ASAP. Apparently, we have some serious catching up to do!

Carole and Ray joined us with their daughter, who I enjoy chatting with every bit as much as I enjoy talking with her parents. She had seen Moulin Rouge! just days before I did, so of course we had plenty to talk about as we shared our love for the show.

By the time the sun began to set, I could feel the peacefulness of the evening slowly replacing the stress of the day. Funny how a little time by the water, surrounded by good people, can do that.

Tim and I had taken separate cars, but eventually met up again for dinner, dining late into the evening like a couple of Europeans. By the time we finally made it home, I crashed into bed feeling completely recharged and ready for whatever gets thrown at me in the morning.

Sometimes, the best reset doesn’t require a vacation or anything extravagant. Sometimes, all you need is the ocean, a few good friends, a little sunshine, and an understanding husband to meet you for a late dinner at the end of the day.

...And on a completely unrelated side note, my latest favorite shrub is the Pencil Holly, but that’s a story for another day!

“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” ~ Robert Wyland