Go Tell it on the Mountain

Gram, where can I even begin? You have done so much for me. More than you will ever know. You always knew what to say. You always knew how to forgive. I can't even begin to express my gratitude towards you. You, along with many others you taught, have raised the whole clan you created. I am so thankful that you are no longer in pain. For that fact I'm glad you are gone, even though I wish I could have had a little more time with you. I wish you could have seen me walk down the aisle and marry the man that I love. I wish you could have been there when I had kids, so they would be able to experience you. Im going to miss you and all of you wonderful goofyness. You impacted my life far more than you would ever know. And I'm not the only one. You have touched the lives of so many people. Your impact reaches even beyond our family ties and from there it is untraceable. I believe you were one of the special people God sent down to show us the the there is always good in the world. You gave everyone hope and faith. Even in your darkest days, when most would turn their back to the Lord, you ran to him asking him where to turn next. You instilled in me that hope and faith, giving me a strong virtue and teaching me to always turn to God. You made each and everyone of us feel special, giving us memories that will last a lifetime. I don't think there is anyone on this earth that could compare to you. I hope I can do the same for my family as you have done for ours. You were truly a wonderful blessing that I will never forget. I'm glad you get to see gramps again and enjoy each other in your primes. Tell everyone up there I said hi. I love you Gram and I will never forget you. This isn't goodbye, it's see ya later alligator.  Go tell it on the mountain Gram.

Old Joe

He skipped in his gait, like a bone had vanished from his lanky legs. He swayed from side to side down the streets of the only ground he's ever known. Being a local was an understatement to the sea salt cured veteran. Joe, quiet, almost mute, whistled everywhere he galavanted. The same handful of pretty songbird tunes escaped his lips, rain or shine, day in and out.  Some, a little uneasy near him, never paid any mind to this leather skinned being. He caused no harm, only brought with him a story that no writer could capture with words. To most, his last name was an evaporated term, but his history never seemed to leave their minds. His shack on the outside of town has been a family heirloom since before the place was founded. Some say he even was there when they colonized their tiny sandy town. A war veteran was among the many achievements this man could present to someone. Along with devoted father, husband, and son, there were many things this man could claim as a quality. Tragedy stuck him young into his early marriage, with two babies and a wife found dead, he all but near lost it. He came to this rock to find serenity, doing so in his own special way. He may seem like a nuisance to some, but if luck was in your favor, looking past his exterior, his worth to this world shown through. He himself is a blessing in disguise, a true image of the heart and soul of the earth. At first glance he may not seem like much, but through kind eyes and a caring demeanor, you would hold him in a rank as high as the Pope. He is genuine, in every sense of the word, doing things without being seen and without recognition. After one conversation you'll never forget old Joe.

Beauty

Harnessing all the beauty this world has to offer maybe be a challenge. But I am more than willing to take on that challenge. There may be alot of bad that is thrown at us, but that bad always seems to be laced with a little good. How can you not look at all the wreckage and carnage without hoping for something better to come of it? What about the miraculous scenery the earth bestows upon us? When you look into the ocean, do you not feel like there is something bigger out there? What about the colors in the sky as day time begins to rest? Don't they make you see the world in a different view? I want to see all that is out there. Whether on home or foreign soil, I want to capture every little bit of the good and hold onto it forever. I feel too deeply about life to just let the negativity squander my views. It may not be easy, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible. I hope I can gaze upon very grain of sand, make a wish on every dandelion in my path, and feel all of God's power with every storm.

Hammock Views

There is only one way to look at this world. Negativity, pressure, anxiety, violence, disaster, all incase around us and press down more and more each day. you get to this point where you don't know how much you can take. you look around for a way out. just some little bit of light. Just when you think that its completely incased you, you cant breath you almost cant move and then there it is, the light, the only way to break free. your finger just makes it out and finally you feel the warmth all over you, releasing you from the darkness. For me, that light came through when I let it all go, I let it go to the wind. I found myself in a place where I felt the closest to God. I found myself where I could feel the Atlantic trade winds wisp through my hair. I came to a place where the salt water met the land an I never looked back.

As I sway here in this cliché hammock over the water, between two palms,  I see nothing but good in this world. The sights that see from where I lay are too miraculous to see anything else. The evenings bring a mix of colors that brightly lighten the sky and calms the soul. As midnight takes it shift, the dark sky shoos the hues away and lets God place the stars in His exact alignment. Finally as the moon breaks the seal on the horizon  and comes into its full glory I feel this sense of well being and self worth. I don't think that I could ever see the world from a different view.

Indian Summer

It's all coming to an end. The once booming little tourist town is now saying it's goodbyes to the last of the ever-faithful beach dwellers. The pier that seems to have just opened, is now wrapping up all the vendors and rickety rides leaving them as a memory. And as the bus loads of people scramble out of this one road town, I pass them on the way in. Making my way by the sandy shops, the locals are winterizing each sun-beaten board and each pane of glass.  This is the time that I enjoy the ocean the most. The time where the crimsons and peaches of the sky dance along the tops of the waves. The time where you can truly enjoy this salty town for all its worth. To some people this time of year wouldn't be as ideal as the middle of summer, but for me it's not about the tan or sunkissed hair, it's about getting to know the locals all over again. It's about having late night bonfires with the crisp coastal air making the sparks fly. A time where you can watch a hurricane with all it wonder rage through the small town. The only time where being a local and a tourist go hand in hand.  Most importantly it's about finding myself again. This is the time where I can do just that. I may not be able to surf or swim for much longer, but I'll be able to truly find and be the person that the other seasons back home seem to hide. To me there's not just four seasons, there is one we always forget. Indian summer.

Lost and Found

At one point in my life I lost myself. I lost who I was, who I thought I could be, I lost it all. I was young, twelve years old, when I finally broke. My whole life I went through hell. I told myself I was fine, I told myself everything was alright. I lied, I lied to myself and everyone around me, because it was the only way to be happy. It was the only way that things didn't effect me. The point in time when I finally realized that I just couldn't handle one more thing thrown at me, I was letting the salt air of the Atlantic incase me. I came to a place of pure serenity while strolling the sandy shore. All in one movement the ocean had lifted all burdens that weighed my shoulders and buried them deep in the sand. The island life released what I had bottled up and let the true me shine through. As the week went on I painfully reminisced on my life, but more importantly I found who I was supposed to be. I found the person I hid, the person I was afraid to let out.  I found courage and strength in the waves. I found simplicity and serenity in the salty breeze. I finally found myself along that coast and as I physically left a majority of myself was left there. Each and every day I think about the person who I became there. All at the same time I was lost and found.

I'm Meant to Be

I don't know if anyone else feels the same way as I do. I wonder if anybody else will. I've never felt a stronger connection than the one that I have for coastal life. For me it's not just a desired vacation destination. It's not just sand and sunshine for me, it's a way of life. The only way of life I want to have. Living in the center of the midwest, I'm far away from the place where I feel most at peace. And when I discuss moving to somewhere along the coast, I'm always asked the question, 'do you think that will really help?' In my very honest opinion I think that it would be the best decision I have ever made. How will it not help? It's the only place where I can feel alive and free. The only place in the world that makes my troubles disappear and my aspirations uplifted. With the sand and the sea I feel as if I can do anything and everything that God has put me on earth to do. It's truly the only place that I feel closest to God. And when I finally make it to my true home I will become who I'm truly meant to be.

Following God

We're not asked much in this life except to follow God. Through all the hardships and battles we endure, we should endure them with God. There will be times we won't understand, there will be times we won't want to understand, but we should know we follow God. There are moments in our life where we will not understand as to why God has let something come into our lives, but we need to trust him and his decisions. We may not have asked for the rocky uphill battle that had been put in our way, but we push past it with the help of God. Even now in the times where the future is starting to look darker and darker we still see the light that he has left for us. I know it's hard to keep faith when you have things crumbling down on top of you, but when all the rubble has fallen and the dust has settled God will be there to pull you from the heap to lead you to the path he has always wanted you to have.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Ocean Raised

My mother, what a woman. She built me a solid foundation, one only God could diminish.  She raised me in a sense that I think all mothers should. She raised me just as God raised the ocean. She has shown me how to be gentle and powerful all in the same manner. Just as God has shown the waves to be calming, yet strong bringing serenity to those who are worn and strength to those who are weak. Just as the ocean, I too feel the need to bring people to a place of peace, a place to feel safe and at home. The ocean mirrors my sense of anger and despair by unleashing it's fury all in one powerful storm. But soon the lightening ceases and the rain let's up, brining the ocean to cleanse itself ridding what it has bottled up. She has given me the ability to feel deeply about my beliefs, just as the ocean portrays things in a way to give a deeper meaning for life. Like the ocean, my mother has told me to show my true beauty through every action I take.  God has shown my mother in each and every way possible to raise me as he has raised the ocean. No one truly understands my connection to the salty waters, only the the lucky ones. I am proud to say I was and will forever be ocean raised.

My Dare.

Why is it that there are so many things wrong with life? Have you ever noticed that when you try to explain a story to someone, about a little situation that you have going on, it just doesn't consist of one problem, but many that make one gigantic problem? It always seems to feel like everywhere you turn a wall is caving in  barricading you deeper and deeper, trapping you with nowhere to escape. Yeah sure life throws you a few good days here and there, making you feel just a little bit confident that things are alright, and then all of the sudden blind-sides you and knocks you back to reality. And in those moments when your at your wits end and you're hanging on by a thread, you get the most strength. You use whatever bit of energy you have left and exert it into an extreme burst of rage. Finally you feel the need to take what's your, robbing from the rich to give to the poor. Life may be not all its cracked up to be, but in some strange way that just seems to be the thing we all need to stay in check with ourselves and snap back to reality. Now today I'm not asking for easy, I'm just demanding possible. So life I look you in the eye, take a shot of whiskey, and challenge you to a duel with one of the most stubborn people you have ever messed with. Come on I dare you.

Salt Water

There always seems to be a certain way for people to deal with their problems. I know that I have my own regimen for the hardships that life throws my way. When I'm frustrated with what the world has thrown at me I tend to run or induce myself in some other sort of strenuous exercise that let's off the steam that has built up inside. Then there is the dreaded way of dealing with my emotions and that is crying. I do not enjoy the act of crying but I know that in some way it can just make things better. I push myself each and everyday and I know how hard I am on myself. I let pain and misery well up inside until the pot boils over and the tea kettle explodes. So finally as I let down and allow the tears to overflow, things just seem to lessen. But the most important way that I deal with things is the ocean. There is just nothing like it in the whole world. I feel as if I come to a place where I'm as close to God as I can get. It is where my soul feels most at peace. The sea allows the storm to take full wrath on my body and then all at once take it away as if nothing ever happened. Island and coastal life are what feels to be the only way of life, my way of life. It will forever be the only place where I feel the mostly settled and completely alive.

I See You Everywhere

You're here. You're still here. I see your smile and I can hear your laugh. As I walk the desolate beach, just as the sun gives light to the sand, your foot prints begin to appear. The sight of you walking the waters edge, looking for a perfect shell to bestow upon me, is etched into this beach. The pride, that washed your face when you made your first salt water catch, still resignates with the suns rays. The moment you finally caught the perfect swell still captures the tides. The island breeze mimics your warm touch as it wisps the hair from my face. I stay here just to be with you in spirit. I see you along the sidewalks and among the tourists in the shops. I know you do not reside with me on earth any longer, but I can still feel you here. I can still feel your skin pressed against mine as the storm raged on and on. I can see your breath in the morning air just as clear as the day we woke in the sand. I feel your eyes on me and as I turn your smile begins to disappear with the trade winds. Some nights I feel your body next to mine and I wake in the morning with the imprint of you next to me. I tried to go back to the place we called home and yet I couldn't help but want to be back here. When I was at the home we established I never seen even a trace of you. I always knew you wanted me to live the life I have always wanted. You always wanted me to become coastal. Now since you have brought me here I see you everywhere.

Sunrise to Sunset

My favorite part about the coast is the unending life it brings. The sun beams in light to awake some of the island goers and to warm the rest. But it doesn't just stop there, it brings vibrancy to the sandy towns and beaches to attract the tourists from all around. With each beam of light it seems as if the day could go on forever, as if new life is given to the coast with every shimmer. And as it slowly begins to descend it brings with it a whole new sense of life. The hustle and bustle begins to slow, while laid back appreciation of the scenery begins to sink in. Even the ocean brought creatures begin to follow with suit. The warm colors on the horizon bring a new ambiance that soothes the ocean and welcomes the effervescent fireflies. As the sun slowly slips into the salty waters, life on the coast doesnt stop there, it carries on. The dread headed locals emerge from their slumber, to take on the vivacious night. Even the inexperienced tourists fight fatigue to enjoy the island's night life. From sunrise to sunset, the coast's life is never-ending and always alive.

Ignored Dreams

We hear everyday that we should live our lives to the fullest. We should do this, take risks, never look back, and have no regrets. These little pieces of advice smack us in the face from every direction. Yet even with all the propaganda we still decide, as a majority, to ignore these life hints. But why? Why can't we just go by what our aspirations and dreams whisper in our ears? This is something that I've even asked myself. I want to be that person that has the life they have always dreamed about. I want the life story that will inspire others and give people the little encouragement they need to dive off the deep end. I want to look at my career knowing that this is exactly what I should be doing. I want to look at my future children and know that I have laid a solid foundation for them to dream big. inspiration is around every corner, trying to coax us into believing in ourselves and taking that leap of faith. Now I am a new year older and a new year inspired to be all that I can be. With the good Lord by my side nothing can stop me, not even myself.

What I See

I see the locals casting, dropping the same line they have for the past thirty years. I see a young kid trying to make his way in this sandy town. I see a sunset that would make God himself take a moment to stare. I see the time slowly fade and the temperature drop with it. I see inspiration and oppurtunity around every corner. I see beauty that comes from the natural foliage and landscapes. I see a place where only certain people can feel the same as I do. I see love blossom with every romantic scene. I see tourists find the new life they have always dreamed of. I see the battered and broken become whole once again. I see the light breeze tickle the ends of the palm trees, making them sway rythmically. I see the beach side beacons beckoning lost ships into the sanctity of the shores. I see the wildlife come alive both in the light and the dark. I see boats from all shapes and sizes. I see where I am supposed to be. I see myself in this rock. I see that I am a part of it, as it is of me. I see around every corner, a reason as to why I shall forever reside here. I see where I belong. I see where my soul feels most at peace.

The Only Way of Life

There is a place that God himself created for the laid back and the worn down. Whether it is along the coasts, on the islands, or even in the secluded lagoons, there is a place where only a special type of person can enjoy life to its fullest potentials. These places carry with it a little magic that gives its permanent and temporary inhabitants a sense of fulfillment with the world. Most people can never experience the wonders that this lifestyle carries with it, and to those I raise my glass in hopes that one day, while in the clouds, they'll be able to experience these wonders they missed while on Earth. A perfect explanation to this lifestyle cannot be relayed by message, only experienced, making these places so much more exhilarating and organic. Whenever I'm asked as to why I obsess over something such as a salty body of water and I can only describe it with a smile; it's my way of life the only way of life.

Ocean Persepctive

MlPeople from all walks of life come to me. Some run, some stumble, and some blissfully stroll the edge of me. I can tell you which ones are meant to be here, which ones have never left here, and which ones have never even wanted to come here. Everyday I create a scene, in the eyes of God, that would leave a pessimist feeling warm inside and lead an atheist to redemption. I offer an oasis to some and an anchor to others, both literal and figurative. I've realized over my lifespan that for some I offer more than just a place to surf or swim, but a place to heal. I offer a place to find yourself again and I let you find new life though God. Not one person views myself the same as another. I find that I can describe that aspect inspiring and yet troubling all in the same breath. No matter what I am to some I am different to others. I scare some, encourage some, stifle some, and uplift some. I never do the same thing for one person as I do for another, and I'm content with that. I appreciate the career God has laid out for me and I never want to be anything more than who I am, the Ocean.

Battered and Broken

Wondering if she would even recognize the person that would stare back at her along the waves edge, she up and ran to see for herself. Burying the person she once was, was an easy task, at first. She let herself become what society made her to be. She smiled less, ate less, and even slept less all to become the best that she could be. She hid her simplistic ways to accomplish a fast paced, cut-throat lifestyle, that she thought she had wanted. Now, cruising down the desolate interstate, she shook her head at her shallow choices in life. As she made it to where the ocean met the land, she cracked a crooked smile at the way the sand pushed out from the sides of her pasty feet. When she reached the waters edge, she became hesitant toh look at her reflection. When the seal on her eyes finally cracked, she saw a woman of small yet strong stature, staring back at her. This young woman she saw before her resembled someone who had been chewed up and spat out by life's cruel antics. She could see a woman of whole proportion and yet she felt as if only half of herself were truly there. Anger and disappointment caused a single tear to we'll up and spill of the ri, of her eye. As she wiped the salty tear away, the  she vowed she would become the person she was meant to be in this world, without the influence of anyone or anything.

My Home

I'll never know what it is about this place. This is the only place I feel alive, the only place I feel at home. The place that I feel closest to God. This is a beautiful place that can enrage you with all of its fury and then quickly encase you in its beauty. Most people won't understand my desire to be here, where the ocean meets the shore, I honestly don't understand myself. The only thing I know is when I'm not here, every fiber of my being wants to be here. And when I am here I'm dreading not being here. This is the place where the storm in my soul is calmed and the hurricane that reeks havoc on my life is thrown to the wind. I have given myself to the ocean, and it in return has given life a whole new meaning.

Running with the Sun

Her bronzed toes dug deeper and deeper into the white sand. She exhaled stress, highlighted with worry, into the salty air. The breeze carried her trials and tribulations and threw them to the sky. She reminisced on this past year, making her thankful for the person she left behind in her hometown. She came to the islands to find the person she had lost along the grueling adventure through college. Highschool was a rushed, worried time that pushed her to be the best that society wanted to make her. When she graduated high school hopes of becoming a doctor were held dear to her heart. Then the real problem came, college. She spent hours, days, weeks, and years trying to become all that she could be in the medical field. She worried so much about who she was going to become, that she forgot who she really was. She forgot the simple fact of taking time for herself, she forgot about enjoying the simple things in life. She pushed herself to a new breaking point each and everyday to get MD after her name. Most people would call it dedication, she now called it insanity. Living a fast paced, pushed to your limit, go until you break lifestyle was something she lied herself into enjoying, but deep down a piece of her broke. Now she lays in the sunlight, letting it warm her skin, trying to pick up the pieces she chiseled away and put herself back to someone she would finally recognize in the mirror. The sun had began to rise high in the blue sky, causing hues of crimsons, peaches, and magentas to swirl together with the clouds. She turned her head from side to side only to see the island come to life with each ray of sun. In that moment she knew she has made the right decision to up and run with the sun.

Ocean Void

It blindsided her. Like she was t-boned in a hidden intersection on a foggy night. She was young at the time and never knew she even had it. A word she had heard many times before and never thought much of it. Something many people described as empty. The weird thing was she didn't know she had it until something she never had before, came into her life. For the first time ever she could say how she had a void in her life. She learned the true meaning of this word when she went on a family vacation to the sandy beaches of outer banks north carolina. She never knew the exhilarated relaxation the ocean had to offer. Being next to the salty water brought a whole new way of life she had quickly fell in love with. Most people are sad when they leave a vacation spot, but they quickly recover when they make it back home. She, on the other hand, was heart-broken. Not only was she heart-broken, she also left a peice of herself there on the ocean-kissed shore. Now seven years later she is able to make it back to where she will always call home. Hopefully one day she'll never have to feel the that painful void in her life ever again.

Run.

Young and vibrant she was married to the man she has loved for the past seven years. Happiness and simplicity has always been the highlight of their relationship. friendship and enjoying everything about one another made up the foundation of the high school sweetheart's union. A brief three years later, grief had stricken them.

He a, meticulous crane operator, was unfortunately caught in the wrong point in time. Building, what only could have been described as a skyscraper, an unfortunate flaw in the blueprints caused the frame to crumble under itself and crash down atop of the crane cab of which he operated. Sirens screamed and wailed trying to reach his side. Things blurred in and out for him. One moment he was in the arms of a man that wore the emergency emblem on his chest, then he had an air mask wrapped around the front of his face. Then the sight of his beautiful worried wife flashed in front of his eyes.

The call had her up and out the door in a matter of seconds. Every sense had seemed to be hightened on the drive to the hospital. Shocked, she was numb with fear. Time had seemed to drag and traffic had seemed to become nothing but a flash. She burst through the doors of the hospital, sprinting past every nurse that tried to stand in her way. The hallway seemed to close in on her as she raced her way to the end where he was being held. She made her way to the door and then to his bedside, in what felt to her like a lifetime. The heart monitor beeped irradically while nurses tried to stabilize his rising blood pressure. She was pushed out the door by a nurse, only seeing a glimpse of her husband on the way out.

Sitting in the vacant waiting room, she blankly stared at the floor. People visiting loved ones strolled by laughing and going on about their lives, not noticing her fear-stricken demeanor. A nurse came to her side and explained what was going on. She couldn't seem to focus on the words spewing from the hefty woman's mouth, but she heard what she had feared most. he was not going to make it much longer. She didn't listen any longer and ran as fast as she could to his side.

His eyes fluttered as she spoke to him, her voice shaky, yet soft. She wanted to say so much but yet nothing could come out. She slowly reached to his hand and miraculously he met her halfway. Her eyes met his and he spoke in a very hoarse manner.

" Hi there cutie," he cracked a small smile, "I need to tell you something and I need you to listen."

She nodded with tears in her eyes.

He squeezed her hand, "you and I both know that I'm not going to last much longer," he coughed, "I love you and I want you to go on with your life," he continued, " I want you to go to where ever you feel most at peace, and I know that is the ocean."

She nodded, holding his hand tighter.

"When the service is done and over I want you to run, don't let anything here get in your way just run," he didn't let her cut in, "I know you have always wanted to be there and you put off that dream for me because you knew this area was great for my line of work," he coughed again, harder this time, "you're the greatest woman I have ever known and I want you to make someone else as happy as you have made me, but most importantly I want you to live your dreams."

She nodded with tears flowing softly down her flushed face. He held his arms out and motioned her in. She brought herself gently into the hospital bed with him. Perfectly curled around him, she softly sobbed. With what little strength he had left, he stroked her long hair and repeatedly kissed the top of her head. They laid there for five minutes lost in their own world. They soaked up every last second they had together, hoping that time would stand still.

"I want you to remember what I said," he choked out, " I love you with all my heart and I always will, forever and always."

She sat up and looked at him, "I love you too."

He crooked his finger at her and she came closer to him. He brought his hand to her chin, making her lock eyes with him.

"Remember, run," he kissed her one last passionate time.

She opened her eyes to see him peacefully laying back on the pillow. Then the noise of the dreaded flat line began to ring in her ears. Her eyes scattered looking for any sign of life left in him, but there was nothing. She slowly came close to him and ran her fingers along his face. She softly brought her lips to his forhead and tightly shut his eyes, squeezing out one last tear.

One week later he was laid to rest. She couldn't help but hear his last word replay over and over in her mind. He was right, she did put off her dream of living by the ocean. She always settled for a vacation or two a year, but in a way it still wasn't enough.

She went home to a near empty house and slept on the floor next to her boxed up belongings. She was set out to move tomorrow, the day after burying her husband. determination on keeping the promise she made to her husband, kept her on top of this busy week. She not only planned the memorial service, she also sold her home, bought another, and found a new job within her career field.

She woke the next morning with the sun streaming through the bare windows.  She made one last walk around the empty home, seeing all of the memories of her and her husband almost flash before her eyes. She slowly shut the front door trying to take in every last moment. The door finally latched and just like that, a chapter of her life ended and a new one began.

She made it to the coast in record time. The salt air wisped through her hair and the sun kissed her skin. After settling in she made her way down to the beach, which she now called her backyard. She walked the waters edge letting the waves touch her skin. Her heart felt somewhat at peace and she knew he looked down at her and smiled at the way she glowed. She sat in the sand with her knees to her chest and her crossed arms resting on top. She gazed out at the horizon and smiled at the memory of her husband and at the new life that has unfolded before her.

Grandpa Told Me So

"Life was made for you to live,"

In your prime, nobody knew what to expect from you. You did things at the drop of a hat to create a memory or start a new tradition. No one ever knew what was going to come out of your mouth. You had a vocabulary all of your own, that we all still use today. The lives that you have touched go past the roots of our blood to a point we would never be able to reach. You raised a hellacious bunch of God-fearing free spirits that will never miss out on a chance to enjoy life. You may have had more children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren than anyone would ever ask for, but you always seemed to make everyone of us feel special and gave us a memory that we could call our own. The adventures you created were and are something we will all pass on to our children to keep your spirit alive. You were one of those people that God put on this earth to create a life lesson in every aspect with any person that came into your path.  You are gone now, but I see you everywhere and in everything. I hope I can set the same example  for my children and grandchildren as you have for our family. You knew the perfect balance of working and living life, something that people take a whole lifetime to achieve. Not one person will forget you and your mannerisms. Even though we share grief in your loss, we share smiles and laughter when we think of your memory. We love and miss you with all our hearts. Thanks for everything Gramps, I can't wait to see you again.

Roots and Wings

Growing up I have watched my mother always put herself on the back burner. She is a woman of pure talent. Someone that God created to show what a natural someone could be. Even with her God-given talents she decided to choose the way of life that most benefitted her family. This put her dreams and aspirations on hold in order to fulfill the dreams of her children. With her dreams it gave me the roots I needed to build a strong foundation to become all that I could be. The hope and faith she instills in me gives me the wings I need to make my dreams take flight. You always hear up-and-coming celebrities deceivingly send praise to their mother and God for their rise to success, but thanks to my mom I will honestly be able to send my praises to her and God without crossing my fingers behind my back. I will never be able to express my appreciation towards the ground work my mother has laid out for me. With my anticipated success I hope I will be able to give her everything she wants and deserves. Not many people can put themselves aside for someone else, but I'm proud to call one of the few that can my mother.

Storm

Just like the ocean, she waited until the right time to break down and unleash the storm within. She tried her hardest to time her emotional cleansing with the occasional coastal storm the ocean would let free. As the dark and calm began to set in the overcast, she could feel the hurricane in her soul begin to spin. Wind howls at the anticipation and the rain falls to the earth slow at first, then gaining speed and force. With each strike of lightening her heart pulsates harder and harder. The thunder courses through her body, making everything she has bottled up, break and burst through the barricade she has built. The storm has now reached full rage both inside and out. Tears spill over the rims of her reddened eyelids as the rain batters the window panes. She let the noise of the storm encase her as she stepped out the door into the battlefield. The ocean is roaring while she sprints the to waters edge. On the crest of the dune she gazes into the heart of the havoc seeing rage in all of its glory. Just as soon as the storm had come it quickly had stopped. It let whatever else it had left fall in small drops kissing her skin as she made her way to the sand. Her tears began to stop as the rain let up. With the storm, it brought a whole new world. Letting herself break down and become new again mimicked the effects the storm had on the coast. She never let herself fall to the trials and tribulations that were thrown at her, but when she finally did, she experienced it in the most tantalizing way possible, creating a better impact. She smiled as a beautiful array of colors, composed as a rainbow, stretched itself across the blue sky.

Beach moments

The fire crackled and sparked rising toward the iridescent moon. The continous laughing and jokes, caused her sides to ache with joy. Serendipity brought these old friends together while rum and ice cold beer kept them company for most of the evening and into the night. Waves crashed along the shore adding a rythmic melody to the music streaming from the well used radio. All blissfully reveled in the moments they were creating with one another. She sat back looking around at the circle, letting a smile crack across her face at the sight of the old friendships rekindling. Their busy lives left no room for the company of their childhood friends. Tonight the salt in the air seemed to wrap around them, bringing them back to a state of young simplicity. every face was lit up by the crimson flames of the roaring fire making every smile appear bigger. She would never forget the moments she shared with great friends.

coastal daydream

Rain slinked down the pane of glass, memorizing her attention. lost in the tantalizing drops, she dreamed of what life along the Atlantic Coast would be like some far off day. With her eyes shut she reveled in the sunlight as her hair was thrown every which way from the salty air. Waves caused the hair on her bronzed arms to stand erect with the rhythmic melody they had created. A sense of content washed over her, brining to her attention that she was finally where her soul could call home. A place that made the storm inside finally calm, bringing tranquility with it. gazing she could see the lighthouse beckon to the boats off the shore, calling them home, just as it did for her. in her beautiful daydream she had finally made it to somewhere in the sun. Her eyes cracked open only to find the rain still falling. A smile broke on her face as a a result from knowing at heart she would eventually come to the place of peace, to forever reside in her salty daydream.

Once Was.

On the edge of the worn dock she let her toes glide along the glass-like water causing it to swirl and dance under her touch. Quietly she let the printed five digit number stare back at her. With a flip of her hair, she scoffed at the outrageous amount of money that preceded her name. A mere week before she would have let tears shed at the sight of this account, but now she smiles in ridicule of the big name bank. She stumbled upon the chance of a life time while visiting the beautiful Outer Banks.

An agent who once had slicked hair and a dapper wardrobe, resided in the quiet area where she came to relax and recharge. He was a man of great power at one time, power that masked something of a benevolent weasel. For awhile he was content with his slimy uprising in the book market. He hid his digust for himself with the piles of money he squandered from aspiring writers. One day he woke with his guilt gnawing at his conscience, finally breaking through the nasty exterior to a softer side that was lined with honesty. His overwhelming internal  up-rise caused him to up and run to the Atlantic coast to uproot the man he has buried deep inside.

He walked the waters edge every morning to revel in the simplicity of the calming ocean waves. He never seemed to notice the tourists who have unfortunately felt the sun's wrath, but today one caught his eye. She was young, early twenties, with sunkissed hair and a bronze tone all over her skin. Sitting in the sand, she pounded the keys of a keyboard that preceded her about three decades. Aged and rusted here and there, the typewriter methodically printed what came from the kaleidoscope of colors in her mind. Curiosity pushed him to her side.

They spoke casually about the work she had just ground out. Politely he inquired to see the masterpiece she had created. Even with his past, he had an eye for good writing. What his eyes came across now was something of pure excellence. With continued conversation he offered her a deal.

He knew he wanted to get back into the world of writing, but in a way that is accepted by society's standards. She knew she wanted to get into the same world but she lacked the inside know how that he possesed. With her God given talent and his connections they  could make each other's aspirations a reality.

So now on the worn dock, some short months after their meeting, she was proudly able to let New York Times Best-selling Author embellish her now impressive resume. She let the salt air sweep through her hair causing it to tickle the edges of her sun kissed face. Reminiscing on what her life was before she began to remember how her life once was.

Just Wait

She persistently articulated to herself that the fever she had would go away with the help of time. She reached into her memory only to find that even at a young age she had the urge to become coastal. Now at almost twenty years of age she still held the burning desire to just up and run. Nothing was here to appease her raw talent. The thought of the waves crashing along the shore always seemed to creep their way up into her thoughts. Sun and sand decided to haunt her daydreams while the salty air always seemed to find its way to tickle her nostrils. These beautifully created daydreams always seemed to call to her when she was in her most vulnerable state. Her free spirit was something that was hard for her to keep quiet, more so when the stresses of everyday life seemed to sink their claws in. Stress and worry would come at her from all directions, only letting her take one step up and then knocking her back eight. Some excruciatingly painful days would cause her heart to break and crack only to be bandaged with smooth swallows of coconut spiced rum. Along with the help of the island accented music of Kenny Chesney, she was able to keep her desire at bay. Although there certainly were times when she felt the salt water course through her veins giving her the restless urgency to just run to the salty Atlantic shore that  beckoned to her. She knew she would run to the white sand, but only when she knew she would have enough funds to enjoy it most. She constantly gazed in the mirror reassuring herself that she will get to her oasis sooner than later. She would let a single tear pour over the rim of her reddened eyelids and in an inaudible shaky voice she cracked, "Just wait."

"Vessels of Freedom, Harbors of Healing. Boats"

Blissfully she sat at the edge of the bow letting the sun's rays penetrate her skin. She reveled in the warmth moving her head from side to side making sure it  hit every inch. Her well tanned skin and the Atlantic sun have agreed on terms since they have come in contact for a few years now. Although sometimes the sun will break contract letting the sting of summer settle just at the top of her round cheeks and accenting the crest of her nose. Stinging cheeks and a tourist-like nose didn't put a damper to her gentle rocking as the waves contacted the porcelain like sides of the boat. They were always trying their hardest to reach the hand-painted words that read, "The Salt Life Writer." Reminiscing on the day she proudly painted those words, she couldn't help but crack a vibrant smile. So much success beamed from the simplicity of those four words  She began to believe that her sea legs have become a permanent asset to her body. She watched for the past years as many seconds, minutes, hours, and days seemed to fly by right in front of her ocean blue eyes while residing on this vessel. Memories of competitive fishing among friends, many island drinks sloshed here and there on well used deck, and even the more professional use of the office-like space that accompanied a hammock for a desk chair and a typewriter for the equipment, ran through her mind causing a whirlwind of simplistic happiness to overcome her body. An investment some people called it, she referred to it as a way of life. Well-needed naps, cleansing, healing moments that soothed the soul, moments filled with laughter and love among friends and family, and the bringing together of man and sea were embedded into the core of this boat. This boat acted as if its genetic makeup wouldn't allow for anything else but blissful simplicity and some salty tears to be shed. Blessed was a word she used often when boasting about her floating vessel. Life on a boat was something to be cherished and hopefully never forgotten.

Tanatalizing Waves

Rushing and pounding the shore with a tantalizing orchestra of crashing.  Enough to calm the storm inside and relinquish the fury that has been bottled. Giving direction to the ships and taking direction from the man in the moon. Waves. Waves can deliver the chill down each individual vertebrae composing your spine. They deliver the ocean-made shells to the shore for all the locals and tourist to revel in discovering. Waves, as powerful as God himself and yet as gentle as a small infant. These tantalizing works of nature can take your breath right from your lungs in amazement of their natural beauty. You'll never experience anything like an ocean derived wave. Salt kissed from the heavens above, they can bring your soul at peace in an instant. Waves are something that tickle the fancy of each of the five senses giving the ultimate experience of euphoria. Let waves take you to a place of bliss and never look back.

Words

Have you ever contemplated the complexity of a word? Sure they are just a conglomeration of letters and symbols smashed together, but have you ever sat back and realized the impact just one word can have? Words can be so powerful and moving and yet they can flip their switch be destructive and implosive all in the same breath. They can be the devastating difference between obtaining a dream career and getting thrown to the ever-feared rejection pile. Words are both powerful when said and when kept in. You'll never know the power words unsaid can have until they haunt you later in life. Words will describe our deepest aspirations with just a wisp of ink or the simple pound of a key. You may believe that a word is just that, a word. I believe that they are the way of showing an emotion when you are too afraid to let it shine through. I believe they can make you the person you have always seen yourself as. They can bring laughter to your lungs and then deliver a tear to your eye by just being composed in different manners. Words compose some of the well-played songs that stream though our speakers.  They can relinquish some of the most buried emotions you didn't even fathom coursing through your veins. Emotions that can lift you to the sky soaring with pride and determination and even the emotions that pull us to the rock-bottom we never knew we had. Words are just more than words, they are a foundation that lays out every fiber of our being.

Time

We live  in a world where time is always pushed past its breaking point. Time gets requested to stop, go faster, and slow down. We make all these requests, but do we ever ask time what it would like from us? I think that time would just like to be blissfully enjoyed, not pushed, squandered, or held back. Time is precious, and believe me it knows that. Yes it is important to utilize every waking second time offers us, but it also important to sit back, relax, and reminisce on the moments time has given us. Yes it knows that there are times that you just can't seem to sit still with exhilarated anticipation, but just enjoy the feeling of waiting on time to hurry up. I honestly believe that if time could speak, it would tell us to not waste it, but also truly bask in it. I feel time would tell us slow down and enjoy the moment we are currently residing in. It would remind us to be thankful for the opportunity God has given us to enjoy it's pure beauty. And it would advise you to fill it with friends, family, and love. Remind yourself everyday that when you look back on this moment will you be happy with the way you spent your time? Hopefully you enjoy time and you believe that it truely enjoyed you.

Drive

The subtlety hinted island music of Kenny Chesney streamed through the speakers. A typewriter, a surfboard, and some hurriedly packed necessities were the only thing that accompanied me on this trip. The flicker of a new key chain caught the suns rays, from the open roof, teasing the corner of my eye. I looked down at the barely touched word Jeep, that is embedded in the new leather, proud of the things I have accomplished this past year. I had a lot of things to be proud of, I walked out on my job, I dropped out of college, and I followed my dreams. Now here I am a short year later  with a typewriter and a blog, traveling to all the greatest  beaches along the eastern coast, soon all the coasts. I personally get to test all of them out, with the expertise of salt water in my veins and the waves fueling my spirit, there won't be a beach along this coast I haven't rated.  What ambitious twenty one year old wouldn't want to obtain a career such as this one. Don't get me wrong I was scared, frightened actually. I had never been the person to just up and walk out on my job. I had always been the do-gooder that would finish everything to the end. I picked up the phone with my heart racing, ready to beat out of my chest, dialed my boss's number five minutes before my shift and told her I wasn't taking anymore of her jive and I quit. You should have heard her scream in anstonishment. Did she get angry? No, she was more surprised then anything. So she offered me another job where I could work whenever I wanted, with that I knew I must have been doing something right. With the precious time I had off I followed my gut and began to write. Now here I am in a shiny black Jeep Wrangler, a surfboard, and a typewriter fulfilling all my dreams.

"Wild Child"

  

 

Vibrant colors fill the corners of my mind. Dreams and aspirations fit in between the little crevices the colors have to offer. Freedom makes up every fiber of my being. Salt water runs through my veins and waves fuel my heartbeat. My hair, kissed by the Atlantic sun, lets itself run wild with the breeze tangling it here and there. With the sun as my compass and the wind as my fuel my adventures will always keep my free spirit at ease.

 

What We Accept.

"You accept what you think you deserve."

Why do we accept the things that we do? Why do we let things that are not good for us come into our lives? I don't know the answer either. I don't think anyone will be able to come up with an answer except for the favorite reply, "It's just human nature." But why? Why is this human nature? Why put ourselves through something that is neither beneficial or enjoyable to endure? I feel that its not a matter of believing we don't deserve better, I think that it is a matter of believing that this is the best option for ourselves and we pull the wool over our own eyes. We make ourselves believe that there isn't anything better out there in this world. We believe that this is just how it is going to be and we think nothing of it. My advice to anyone who has sat back and thought to themselves, "what am I doing, why am I here?" reevaluate whatever is going on in your life and see how much you have changed for this thing. Think of the person who you were before this thing came into your life. Would that person be proud of the person that you have become? Are you truly happy of the person you see right now in front of you? No? Then do something about it. It's never too late to take control of your life. I have seen people go through something for years upon years and finally one day they just decide that they are done. They are not going to go on like this anymore. It may be a cliché but life is way too short to not enjoy it. It may not be easy at first, but don't you want to sit back one day and be happy that you made the decision to take your life back? You are worth so much more than you give yourself credit for. Do whatever it is you need to do to get back to you. Back to the person you were before. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to be you.

Dear Life, I Shoot Whiskey Not Lemonade

We are always told, " When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." 

I know life is not easy, I know it probably never will be. But I'm not asking for easy, or fair for that matter, I'm asking for life to stop kicking me while I'm down. Heck I'm not asking anymore, I'm demanding. I am so sick and tired of one bad thing after the next being thrown in my face and shoved down my throat. Yes I am thankful for all the things that I have and I know that there are people who are suffering more than me, but that doesn't mean that what I have to watch myself and my family endure doesn't matter. 

Why do I have to accept the lemons and try to make something of them? I won't accept mediocre anymore. So Life I'm telling you take your lemons back and make your own darn lemonade. From here on out I won't sit back sipping on lemonade, I'm going to take a shot of whiskey and let it burn the whole way down, taking my life back into my own hands. 

To My Future Children

I know you do not know me and I do not know you, yet. But I write to you now because one day I want you to read this and understand why I decided to write this to you at this point in time. I am only nineteen, and I no I am not pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant for awhile, but I feel the need to write to you now. I have a pretty good idea who your father is going to be, yes I know life can change that in a quick minute, but for five and half years I have been in love with him and I know I will be for the rest of my life. That is who I would like to tell you about today, your father.

To my sons,
Know just how blessed you are to have such an intelligent, well rounded father. He will not only teach you how to be a man, but will do so in a way that you will forever charish every last piece of advice that came from his big heart. To you he will know everything about anything that has a motor in it, he will have some of the best advice on girls, it worked for me, and amongst many other great things he will show you how to hunt, as will I.  He will expect nothing but the best from you, but will also pick you up when you fall. His reprimands may seem unfair to you at the time, but realize he only does it out of pure love. Know that he will always be there with open arms and a kiss no matter your age. He will instill in you the virtue of prayer, as will I.he will accept you for who you want to be and support you every step of the way. He will truly  show you what being a man is all about. Never take him for granted. He is a blessing that most children yearn for in their fathers, but they will never be able to experience someone like him in their lives.

To my daughters,
You hold a special place in your father's heart. Your brothers do also, but in a different manner. He will treat you in a way that will give you high expectations for any man that comes to like you. To him you could do no wrong, but he will also make sure you do not do any wrong. He will treat you like a princess, to which I will make sure you never take for granted. He will spoil you with love, such as hugs and kisses. I never was able to experience a father that I know he will be to you and from my heart I hope you truly appreciate  him. Most women like myself wanted the father that you will have, but alas it was not in their cards. Always remember how blessed you are to have him. He will teach you how to be self sufficient as he will with your brothers. Teaching  motors and hunting won't just be for your brothers, he will make sure you know these things also. He will instill the virtue of prayer in you as he will with your brothers. He will support any decision you make and will help you along your journey. Always know he does the things he does with love in his heart and your best interest in his mind. He will make sure you are always taken care of, no matter your age. Let him shower you with love even if your at the age where it embarrasses you. Embrace his overprotective nature, knowing he simply just cares. As I have told your brothers, do not take him for granted and always know he will be the father most people will never get to experience.

I hope that when you read this you fondly agree with the way I have described him. He will always love and cherish you. Love him back as much as he loves you. And I say this again, never ever take him for granted.

Just Start

We all have dreams and aspirations at some point in our lives and there comes a point when those dreams and aspirations transform into a serious goal you have set for yourself. So now you have sat down, came up with a plan, and you're going to execute it. Wait, what if it doesn't work? What if you look stupid? What if its too late to start dreaming? These are the few questions we ask ourselves when we are on the verge of taking a leap of faith. I know how you're feeling, I've been there, heck I'm there right now. The biggest thing we battle when carrying out our desires is the fear we create for ourselves. What you need to do is push past the doubt and the worry and go for it! You're never going to know what will happen unless you try, I know its a cliché, but it's true. There is always a good time to start something, you just have to start it. What have you got to lose? If you fail try again, take a different approach, improve it! There is no better way to do something than to just start

Underwater dive

I never knew just how beautiful things were under the water until today. I decided to appease my inner tourist and go for the deal the professional diver had to offer. The boat cut the waves like a knife, but they would retort back and buck the bow causing a powerful jolt. Finally the diver was satisfied in our whereabouts and pulled the boat perpendicular to this bony looking structure poking it's way through the Atlantic's surface. With our gear securely tied and plastered to our bodies we took the plunge. I could feel the coolness of the water encase my body. I delayed letting my eyelids open, for fear of landing in on a family of sharks. Once they slowly broke their tight seal and creeped open I found myself in a world full of a beautiful array of colors. Not even a rainbow over a colorful sunset could hold a candle to the colors I seen before me. Mezmorized in the beauty I failed to notice all the little creatures that had began to find me interesting. Playful seahorses swam circles around me trying to tempt my inner child, clown fish swam in and out of the anemones playing peek a boo, and small schools of topically colored fish played tag in and out of the playhouse the coral reef had to offer. I mimicked the fish and swam through, around, over, and under the structure of the coral reef twirling in amazement. This place was something of pure bliss, something that the world had left untouched allowing it's natural beauty to shine through. Gazing all around a sense of purpose washed over me, leaving me feeling satisfied with my life. There was no better way to see the world's colors than the way I was then. This experience left me with the addiction to live life to the fullest and explore all the treasures this world has to offer.

Sky Painter

I have the most wonderful career in all the world. On top of that I have fulfilled my mother's dream. 

I let my fingers slip under the special made, woven fabric flap that held in my tool. The beautiful handcrafted paintbrush slid into my hand, perfectly fitting in my grasp. I noticed that my initials are engrained in the richly stained wood. With the very tip of my finger, running along the top, I felt the soft yet sturdy bristles bend and quickly snap back into place. I was only told to create a masterpiece that would take their breath away. I searched below me, through the recently fluffed clouds, to see my mother, alongside my siblings, my loving boyfriend and other friends and family, crying over my loss.

Before ascending to the sky, I was allowed to stay with them for a moment longer. I stood among them but not with them. I was an invisible bystander placing my hand on my loved ones shoulders, quietly whispering in their ears that I was in a much better place now. Before God beckoned to me, I placed myself in front of my grieving mother to gaze into her reddened hazel eyes. I wrapped myself around her and I could feel her give into me, knowing I was there. Pulling away from her I watched as her eyes shot up from the decorated casket, searching for me. I wiped a single tear from her flushed cheeks, holding her face one last time   before letting the beam of light pull me away. 

God knew that even though I was taken from Earth to be with him, I was not done dreaming. He had said he kept this job special for me. With a broad smile he asked for me to hand him back the paintbrush. Gingerly I handed it back to him, not wanting to let go of my new treasure. He ran his callused fingers softly down the handle making it glow. Just below my initials were feshly burnt words that read, "The Sky Painter." I proudly accepted my new tool back, figuratively signing the career contract God had laid before me.  With my eyebrow raised and confusion showing in my expressions he told me, " let your imagination be the paint and let the brush do the work."  I let a smile come across my face letting him know that I understood what he had meant.  

Sitting upon a small cloud I waited for the right moment to catch the attention of all that survived me down below. With a wisp through my hair I turned to see God motion me forward, instructing me to begin. Kicking my feet as the cloud moved with the breeze, I touched my tool to the sky in front of me making it dance beneath my bristles. The clouds puffed and swirled around me, tickling my face.  I knew I had to let my mother know I have assumed the postion she had always talked about. I sculpted clouds that jet puffed across the sky, I let little holes pop up here and there to allow beams of light from the sun warm my mother's face, and I let all the colors from my imagination stream into my paintbrush. I placed the sun above the horizon, allowing it to change the blue skies to crimson, peach, magenta, and violet hues, perfectly blending into one another. My body laid to rest on the crest of a hill that over looked the salt kissed eastern coast, so I let the sun meet the waves as if they were fused together. I made the direct sunlight call to my mother bringing her to the beach to view my artwork.  With a few more tweaks and broad brush strokes I was finished with my mother's painting. With a quick flight I was by her side sitting in the sand with my head on her slumped shoulder. She brought her hand to my face knowing  I was there and knowing that I had created this sunset with her in mind. I stayed with her until God called for me. With my lips pressed to her forehead, I held on for one more second as she brought her hand up reaching for me.  My wings began to take flight and I squeezed her weakened hand one last time. The sand sprinkled from my toes as I made my way to the clouds. I took my place by God to admire my work, sitting right next to him. We let our feet dangle over the edge of the cloud, blissfully enjoying the sight as midnight began to take over my masterpiece. 

The Typewriter and the Sand

 

 

One year ago today I took the leap of faith. It was always there, trailing all my actions, forever waiting for the right moment to pounce. I finally let go and looked to the sky giving God the okay to lead me to where he intended I travel. My doubts and uncertainties stepped down letting my hopes and aspirations take their place. My heart looked my brain in the eye letting it know my heart was making the decisions now. Knowing what was to happen next was something I knew not of, the only thing that was certain was knowing I wasn't accepting mediocre anymore. I believed what society wanted me to conform to, I believed that dreaming was for the ones who had opportunity. At that moment in time when my beliefs were thrown to the wind, I made my own opportunities. So now I gaze at the waves before me reminiscing about that day I decided to go coastal, writing about whatever my heart wished and making a living from it.

Hunting for Women

In my opinion hunting among women of all ages has become increasingly popular, but why are we still looked down upon for hunting. I am almost twenty and have been hunting for almost fifteen years and yet even though I have been an avid hunter for such a long time, I still feel as if people look down on me for doing so. Let me tell you something, I do not hunt because it is a trend, I do not hunt because it turns guys on, I do not hunt because my boyfriend wants me to. I hunt because I WANT to. I enjoy it, plain and simple. I understand that you don't like hunting, that's fine, but don't look down on me because I do, and especially don't look down on me because I am a woman that does. I have never pushed hunting upon other women and I don't expect you to push your opinions on me. The thing that gets me the most is when women look down upon other women for hunting. As women we fought for our right to be treated as equal as men and yet we turn around and ridicule other women for hunting, which is allegedly a man's world. We have bigger things to worry about. As a woman hunter I will never apologize for hunting, I am proud of my accomplishments.

The Sandy Wedding

Tears of joy sparkled in her mothers eyes. It's was almost time to open a new chapter of her life with the man she loved by her side. Beginning as a small spark, their love for one another kindled into a burning fire. Today was the day they took eachother hand in hand vowing their lives to one another. She was dressed in a lace embellished gown that stopped itself short above her tanned knees. Jeweled barefoot sandals were the only thing that outlined her feet. In her sun kissed curls hung a small blue beret that held up a cascading veil, which lied itself around her broad feminine shoulders and continued to the small of her back. With just the right intricacies, the hand sewn veil let her elegant simplicity shine through. She stood in front of the open window, letting the salty air sweep over her. She turned gazing at herself in the mirror, she could see a strong beautiful young woman staring back at her. The bountiful sunlight that streamed through the curtains gave her features an almost iridescent appeal. Lost in a wonderful daydream she almost didn't hear her mother telling her it was time. The sun began to set turning the sky all sort of crimsons and oranges with a touch of peach hues. Stepping outside, anticipation came over her body, making her want to sprint to the alter. When the alter came into sight her ocean blue eyes met with his golden-green, hazel eyes. She could see, even from afar, the genuine love that he had for her. He let the sight of her wash over him like a summer rain. He had never seen her so beautiful in all of their years together. After what had seemed like a life time for the both of them, she made it to the shell encrusted alter with grace and poise. They happily announced their, "I do's," and let their lips come together in a celebratory manner. They pulled away from one another and let vibrant smiles come across their faces. They never wanted to leave that blissful moment.

The Healing

This time life had got the best of her. She couldn't take all of the turmoil that was thrown at her in all directions. She looked at him with tears streaming down her face and said, "I have to." He knew what she had meant. She needed to get away. She would break before she even got her hands on the laptop to make the reservation. He knew he wasn't able to heal her this time and he knew the only thing that could was the salty air of the eastern coast. He got her packed and made the reservation. Handing her the barely used credit card, he looked into her reddened eyes and wanted nothing more than to have the pain removed from the beautiful blue eyes that stared blankly back at him. Half heartedly she let her lips come to his and let herself get wrapped in the arms that soothed her for years. With that and a small wave she was out of the driveway and on her long journey. She made it down to the ocean kissed shore in record time. The rain had started just outside of her home state and continued down here. She didn't mind though, like the ocean she was cleansing herself. After settling in she walked the desolate beach and let the rain sweep over her. She sat memorized in the beauty the rain had brought with it. She let the tantalizing drops make contact with her skin making every hair stand erect. With her elbows to her knees and her face to her palms she let the gentle storm cleanse her soul and allowed herself to breakdown. The salty tears poured over the rims of her reddened eyelids, allowing her to release all of her anguish and despair.  She took too much this time and let herself reach past her breaking point. She stayed in the same spot until the lighthouse, that stood proudly at the point of the jetty rocks, beckoned the ships into port. Drained she fell into a deep slumber in the sand dusted hotel room. The next morning brought with it a sparkling new world. Her appearance mimicked the new world that the rain had transformed. She let the sunlight warm her skin and encase her in an ora of new found beauty. She never could explain how the salty air was able to heal her broken soul, she knew that it was the only way to put her broken pieces back together. 

Those Seven Days

Day 1

Fatigue had began to creep upon the entire cab full of people, but when that salt air made its way through the worn out vents of the old Ford truck, it was quickly replaced with exhilarated anticipation. Not one of them wasted a minute, barely settled in, they sprinted for the white sand. As the sun was chased away by the moon tiny white crabs came out to play. Finally the group was forced to head back to their tiny vacation shack. The sting of summer had got the best of all of them, some more than others, but nevertheless they couldn't wait to get back out into the salt-saturated water. 

Day 2

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee woke only a few. It woke them to head down to the untouched sand to retrieve the seashells spit out from the sea the night before. They started the rest of their blissful filled days in that manner, no matter how much the alcohol teased them from the night before. They would only come in from the beach to refill and replenish their bodies, but with a quick snack and a drink or two shoved in their roll-around cooler they were soon rushing back. Boogie boarding and laying out were about the only thing they did aside from breathing. None of them had a care in the world, stress and worry were masked by the salt in the air. With island inspired drinks in their sand dusted hands, they watched as the Crimson sun sank into the Atlantic, giving way to the iridescent moon. Again the rambunctious  white crabs came out to play for the second  night, and allowed themselves to be cradled in their hands and lit up by the one dollar head lamps they bought on the way down. 

Day 3

They woke surprisingly early again, for how much rum they consumed they all figured the alarms wouldn't be enough to wake them from  the anticipated stupor. There must had been something in that coffee that wouldn't let their internal clocks rest, something filled with the island spirit. This day they allowed themselves to explore the tiny island, after picking their seashells of course. They browsed the tourist infested shops, ate at some of the, "the best seafood restaurants this side of the Mississippi,", and they even took a small ferry to another island in the archipelago to watch wild horses run free. They had never seen anything like it before. There was so much raw power inside those beautiful creatures. This sight, along with many others on this trip. was something that could not be captured through a mere camera lens, it was only supposed to be taken in, in all of its glory with the gift of sight, sound, and feeling. When they arrived back at their vacationing island, they strolled along the salt-eaten wood of the peer to catch all of the nautical creatures they could, only what their small water poles would allow them to. As every other night, it was ended with laughing, drinking, gazing into the horizon as the sun faded, and the temporary capture of the tiny crabs. 

Day 4 

They knew with the heat lightening that was off in the distance the night before, that teased their plans for the next day, they were bound to have some type of unexpected weather. They were still able to start their day off the way that they had before. Rushed, they collected every seashell they could before the rain and lightening chased them back to the shelter the little shack had to offer. It was amazing to watch as the ocean transformed from a gentle wake to a powerful tidal wave of fury. She felt as if it mimicked her actions by holding everything in and then all at once it released what was inside. Back at the tiny house, they did not use the complimentary free wifi, but instead they just enjoyed one another's company. They reminisced and laughed about old times and even got a few card games in as the day faded to night. As the dark of night began to take over, the rain and lightening had decided it was time to reside for awhile and let the ocean go back to peace. They of course ran out to see what damage had been made and to hopefully get to enjoy their little crab friends. With the last glimpse of light they were able to find just what could and could not handle the oceans rage. So many different oceanic creatures were thrown to the sand, making it look as if there were litter strewn about. This did not deter the crabs though. It merely made an obstacle course for them. They went over, under, around and even through the fallen soldiers from the oceans battle, as if nothing had even happened. They all resided back to the shack for some more drinks and oceanic dreams. 

Day 5

That morning they were able to see in full light just what the ocean was capable of. There were the usual seashells plus many more, jellyfish that were unable to withstand the powerful tide, driftwood washed from other shores, but what caught their eyes were sand dollars that littered the water's edge. The closer they became the more they realized that these little creatures were in fact still alive. They quickly began to gently collect them only to release them softly back into the waves. Hoping that the little creatures would make it, they moved as fast as they possibly could, given the fact of the stupor they were all in. Finally they finished and began their accustomed rituals of the day. They had all went in on a surfboard rental that day in hopes they would be able to learn on their own. They watched a few videos, as everyone always did when they learned something new, and felt as if they were ready. Much to their dismay they of course were not. After hours of trying and failing a few began to actually get the hang of it. High tide was on the verge and she was the only one who decided to really test her new found skill. One particular wave she found out along the horizon called to her. She paddled out and waited for the precise moment to drop in. When her instincts told her to go she let the board do the work and dropped in as if it were nothing. This particular wave had actually turned into a perfectly sculpted tube for her to glide through. It was almost as if she were in a dream when she was inside that tube. She let her finger tip glide along the water, creating a tiny ripple in the powerful wave. She never wanted to reach the end, for fear she would never feel like that again. When she glided out the other side she was instantly addicted and knew she just had to do it again. The surfing went on for a little while longer,  until the sun told them to go onto the shore and wait until he came back high in the sky the folowing day. They watched as he clocked out and the moon took her shift inviting the crabs out for the fifth night of hide and seek. 

 Day 6

They began to feel the effects of what little sleep and alcohol could do to a body, so most were unable to wake up as they did every other morning before. The mother and oldest daughter were the only ones who were able to push their bodies past the alcohol induced slumber to enjoy the simplicity of gathering seashells. They talked and drank their coffee as the walked along the damp sand, stopping every few feet to retrieve a new shell. They were joined by the others long after they were laying in the sun's rays. The boogie and surfboarding seemed to be the only thing they knew how to do in the salty water besides swim. They tore themselves away from the waves to explore the sandy town again, only because they knew it was their last full day in paradise. They all purchased more trinkets in hopes they would forever be able to remember these seven days they were down here. They explored a little more of the island life, before heading back to catch just a few more swells. As they watched the sun fade for the last time on this beach they all couldn't help but feel a ping of bittersweet sadness. They played with the little white crabs just a moment longer that night and said their, "till next times,"as they slowly made it back to their house. This night though they decided to party with the locals to truly capture the island's culture. 

Day 7 

The next morning was the worst struggle for them all to roll out of the softly fluffed beds. Although the fatigue they felt was enough to make them roll back over, they pushed to see the sunrise one last time. Their checkout time was only in a few hours, dampering any thoughts of enjoying the island for a little longer. They made it down to the dew kissed sand right before the sun's light swept across. They picked just a few more seashells to add to their collection. Even though they had to leave, all of them knew a piece of themselves would forever reside here in this archipelago. They all wanted to drop everything back home to reside where they were now. Even the few that wanted to forever live in the small town they all grew up in, had a change of heart with the ocean as their breaking point. Not one of them knew when they would be able to come back, they just knew they had to. Hopefully the day would come that they all would call this way of life their own.