March SOLC–Day 2
A huge thank you to Anna, Beth, Betsy, Deb, Kathleen, Lisa, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
On Tuesday I stole some time. My daughter was home for a few days, taking an unexpected, much needed break from the stresses and strains of her final semester in college. As the mercury rose to an impressive high (48 in February!), she suggested a trip to the beach.
After a winding drive up the coast and down the peninsula, we parked in the empty lot near the old fort at the far end of the beach. Not a soul was in sight. As we got out of the car, we were greeted by the raucous cries of a gull on the edge of a stone parapet and the rush and tumble sound of the crashing surf. On the beach the tide was high and we set out along the exposed strip of sand, careful to avoid the encroaching waves. Sometimes we talked, but not about anything important, and sometimes we were silent. Sometimes we walked side by side, and sometimes one of us moved ahead or dropped behind. Mostly, we lost ourselves in the beauty of the beach. It was a chance to find bubbles on a leaf, clouds in a pool of water, striated sky and sun beams. It was a chance to be together. A chance to find serenity.
We walked on the beach for an hour or two and then headed home, tired and more relaxed than when we’d arrived. I hope and pray that she and I can carry our beach time with us and tap into it when days seem overpacked with obligations and life seems overwhelming. I hope that we can close our eyes and remember the salty wind on our cheeks, the call of the gulls, the rush and roar of waves and our stolen moment of time–together on a beach in Maine on a February day.
(Photo credit to my daughter)
Nix the comfort zone 
Sigh. I could do with a serene walk on a Maine beach just about now. Beautiful slice!
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Thanks, Tara!
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You captured a winter beach trip to Maine beautifully. My parents have a home there and I make do to get there at least once every winter. There is something about a winter beach day…ive already been once this year. Your post leaves me wanting more.
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Beaches are moody in the winter–in the best possible way!
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As always, God’s good and perfect timing led me to your post. What a treat to have spent a quiet moment with your daughter. I appreciated the line, “I hope and pray that she and I can carry our beach time with us and tap into it when days seem overpacked with obligations and life seems overwhelming.” Gorgeous writing – stunning visuals.
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Thanks, Laurie. Time stolen on a beach is always treasured–even more when spent with one of my children!
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Serenity, you captured it not only for yourself but shared it with me on this windy, windy Thursday in Pennsylvania. Your playground is beautiful. Glad you took the time enjoy it with your daughter.
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Such a beautiful post! You describe it with such detail that it reminds me of my beach walk on Saturday. I can hear the waves and see the bubbles. I love the way you mentioned you sometimes spread out and one person was ahead of the other, but sometimes walking and talking. I think this is a perfect description of serenity!
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Thanks, Cindy! You’ll have to share some of your favorite beach walks with me so I can add them to the rotation! 🙂
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My family and I cherish the week of bliss we had in Maine. I live a mile from Lake Michigan. But, the unique beauty of Maine will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks for taking me back there, and reminding me to go to my own beach more often.
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It always makes me happy to hear about visitors who leave Maine carrying it in their hearts! Hope you can come back again!
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You painted such a beautiful picture with your writing! Thank you!
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It’s a prose poem, Molly, and beautifully written. I’m happy that you had this time with your daughter and on the beach. What a special place it seems. Thanks for those “bubbles on a leaf.”
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Your writing makes me want to take a trip down to the beach this weekend! I could use a nice slow walk on the beach for sure! Maybe Sunday!!! Thank you for the beautiful pictures! I grew up in Portland!
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This is gorgeous, Molly. Thank you for sharing this slice of serenity with us!
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