It’s time for another Global Writing Challenge prompt. Our current membership consists of Deb’s World, Suzy Turner, Rosie Amber, Within a World of My Own, Once Upon a Time, Happily Ever After, and me. Rosie chose this month’s theme, and I can’t wait to read everyone’s take on it! On top of the wonderfully different opinions and thoughts, the writing itself is wonderful! I hope you’ll visit all of these blogs because you are going to be amazed at, not only the diversity of ideas, but the stories of each person. We are saying goodbye to Rosie with this post. We really hate to see her go as she always writes so beautifully on our prompts. There’s also a link party at the end of this post!
If you’d like to join us, here is the prompt for the next month:
- June – Sunshine
There were so many ways to go with this prompt. But, I decided to write about a dream of mine, one that will probably never come true (unless I win the lottery). The thing about dreams is you can just keep dreaming them if you’ve a mind to do so.
Memories…
When I was little, I remember visiting the East Coast and Florida on family vacations. I loved walking up and down the beaches, seeking out shells, crabs, and other little critters. I loved the roar of the ocean as well as the seeming violence. Unfortunately, we only took a few of those trips. There is so much to see here in the States, and my mom wanted to see it all!
Burlington…
When Nigel and I got married, we visited the East Coast a couple of times. One of my favorite places is Burlington, Vermont. One of the reasons I love it, naturally, is it’s the home of the April Cornell flagship. If you ever have the chance, pop in. It really is an experience, and if April is there, you’ll see the creative genius behind the company. She is an amazing person, too. I liked the small town feel of this large college town, but it was the scenery that really drew me in. There are so many different landforms in such a small space, beaches, craggy outcroppings, and trees, glorious trees. There is Lake Champlain with its own beauty. We have crossed it a couple of times on the ferry. I’m hoping to someday make that trip again.
A little older and with kids…
When our kids were little and Mom was still alive, we visited Acadia National Park. One of the things she wanted to see was Thunder Hole. Well, the hole was not in the mood to thunder…not even the slightest rumble. But, we were oceanside, and I was living my dream. I could see and smell the ocean. It has this wonderful smell…briny saltwater mixed with the tangy fishy scents mixed with I don’t know what. I just think they should bottle it and sell it! The sounds of the ocean also calm my soul while reminding me of their power.
The ocean…
We went to Florida a couple of times with Mom, too. We always tried to stay by the ocean. The kids and I would frolic in the waves, but Nigel and Mom remained on the beach. If you’re not convinced of the power of the ocean, just see what happens when you get swept off your feet. You don’t know which way is up! When the ocean is ready to spit you out, she does! You will probably be finding sand in places you didn’t even know you had! And, you may have a few scrapes and bruises because the ocean is not always gentle. But, catch her on a good day, and you can ride the waves all day long. If you’re lucky, you may see some of the creatures who call the ocean their home.
And, so…
When Nigel and I were young and foolish, we always said we’d retire to the East Coast and live by the ocean. I would love to live in a house by the ocean, watch the sunrises, and just revel in the smells of the salt air while enjoying the antics of Mother Nature. The reality is we just can’t afford it! I just perused the listings for Burlington and found a dream home. Y’all! The property taxes on this gorgeous historic home were over $17,000! Of course, the other problem with this house is it isn’t on the ocean or even relatively close. So, why spend that amount of money? And, the reality is we moved from up north to be close to our kids. In this era of life, Nigel and I have regretfully realized we need our kids now more than they need us. And, that is a bitter pill to swallow, my friends. I honestly don’t feel my age and think I can do anything. The realization that I can’t do those things as easily as I once did is a hard one to face. But, as long as I can climb the stairs up to the attic and hoist my derriere down into the crawlspace, I will. It just would have been nice if it had been in a lovely bungalow by the ocean instead of landlocked Central Indiana!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I think I was all over the place with this post. I hope I was able to get you to understand my love for the ocean. I would so love to live by the ocean, but so do so many other people! So, can we talk? How do you feel about the ocean? What sounds do you love? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
What others are saying…
Debbie “has shared quotes, photos and even poems to celebrate the precious resource of water in her life downunder.”
Suzy “ writes about water and why it both soothes and unsettles her—pop over to read her take.”
Sally “discusses birds seen and photographed near water.”
Rosie “talks about her love for the ‘vitamin sea’ that she gets from being near water and she tops it off with a few water themed books”
Leslie writes, “This quote by Benjamin Franklin resonates with Leslie who lives in the Chihuahuan Desert of El Paso, Texas. “We know water to be precious, when the well is dry.”
And, now, it’s your turn!
If you’d like to link up your posts about snow, you may link up here or at any of the other blogs!
Yes, I would love to live by the ocean. Like you, I am several hours away from a waterfront, perhaps that is why? I know of others who live much nearer to the sea, but hardly go there. I expect some of it is triggered by our familiar locations, which we become jaded about and we seek out new places to enjoy and explore.
Thank you, Rosie! I think you might be on to something. Our current surroundings are not picturesque at all. Our garden was so much better up north. But, I’m working on it. Maybe, I could just have a second home on the beach…hahaha!
I’ve always loved the sea. The smell, the sound, I could sit for hours and just … sit. And I also want to live near the sea one day, but then in England. That’s the ultimate dream for me.
Oh, Nancy, could I come and sit with you? I haven’t been to the beach in England. I was on one in Ireland, but I’m guessing the beaches in the UK are a bit different.
Marsha, our pictures of houses by the sea are almost the same!! LOL!! We clearly both have the same dream of living so close to the ocean that you can hear and smell it. Michael and I did actually live close to it—our first apartment was so close we could do that and it was amazing! But it was an apartment and was too close to lots of other people. And in front of us, on the cliffs, was a big hotel which blocked most of the view. It was a wonderful first home to own though! I really did love it there but after ten years we were ready to have a proper house and there was no way we could afford anything so close to the sea so we had to move inland. I do love living here but I miss those sounds and smells sometimes!
We stayed in Burlington a few years ago but it was the coldest winter you’d had in a while so we didn’t actually visit any beaches lol! It was absolutely FREEZING! We had ice on the inside of our hotel room window lol!
Brilliant post, Marsha!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
I did notice that our houses are very similar! We were meant to be neighbors! It’s always disappointing when you get a hotel that says ocean front and then the ocean is on the other side of the hotel from your room. I would imagine that’s similar to what you experienced. Wow! That is cold when the ice is on the inside. You should come back and visit Burlington again. Shelbee lives near enough, and I could come over, and we would have a blast! Thanks, Suzy!
I would rather live by a lake than the ocean. While I find ocean life really interesting, I prefer to experience it through the screen. The reason is difficult to explain. When I look out over the vastness of the ocean, the feeling overwhelms me, the sheer amount of water and depth. Even if a lake is really big, like Loch Ness for example or Lake Constance, I don’t get the same feeling, maybe because I can see an end to the water in the distance or have a shore on both sides or whatever?
Hmmmm…I kinda see your point. I think it’s the way I would feel on a cruise. We have crossed some bridges where you can’t see anything but water. I have to close my eyes because they do freak me out. I like oceans more than lakes because of the cruddy stuff that is near the beaches of lakes. We had a lake cottage when I was young, and the weeds just grossed me out if they touched my legs. Maybe we both need a pool? Thanks, Cat!
Hello Marsha,
We were lucky enough to live by the sea in a small village called Robin Hoods Bay in North Yorkshire and yes the village was as wonderful as it sounds. Our children grew up with the beach as their playground as we didn’t have a garden. A truly magical time in our lives.
When we lived in RHB it was a real community, unfortunately not any more as the village has become a magnet for second home owners. We now live about a 35 minute drive away so visit often to watch the sea and remember.
I know I’m very fortunate and love any body of water, ocean, sea, lake etc.
Thanks for stirring up some lovely memories
Thank you, Linda! Oh, your little village sounds like my AI-generated house would fit right in. I think that’s what happens to those really lovely little places…people with money to spare become part time owners. I know quite a few people who had second homes on a large lake up near where we used to live. I’m glad you’re still close enough to visit often. It sounds wonderful.
Interesting that you’d choose the east coast instead of west coast?
I’ve never been a water lover, but it is fun to walk the beach.
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! It’s probably because I’ve experienced the East Coast more, but I love the rough and ready Atlantic. Like Sally said, the Pacific Ocean really does live up to its name. It’s beautifully placid. I haven’t spent as much time there, either.
Yep, most property taxes on the east coast are a killer– I didn’t even bat an eye at the amount you listed as that’s pretty much what we pay. Hence my argument with my husband that we need to MOVE when we retire! I would like to move somewhere near the water though– doesn’t have to be an ocean or a lake even just having a brook or a stream nearby would be lovely.
Wow! Joanne, you should move to Indiana! It’s not near as pretty…well, that’s not really true. But, the cost of living is probably much lower! I know your heart is in North Carolina which is one place I wouldn’t mind living, either! I love the Smokey Mountains. Yes, you really need to start working on your husband!
Having taken deep sea birding trips on both coasts, I know that I’m a Pacific Ocean girl at heart. The Atlantic is just so rough, and the Pacific lives up to its name in comparison. My parents and my sister’s family are in northern California (not on the beach, haha) but man, talk about expensive – I just don’t see that in the cards for me.
You know, I have only been to the West Coast a handful of times. We were on the beach in San Diego, and you’re right. It’s truly a completely different experience. It’s maybe lovelier, but I am an Atlantic Ocean girl. And, it’s not in the cards for me, either!
I once had a dream of living near the coast, but the storms would be the worst! And yes, property taxes are no joke either. Although in the Chicago suburbs they come close!
Thank you, Laura! I don’t know…Central Indiana has some doozies! But, those property taxes…yikes! I figured Chicago and its suburbs would be pretty high, too.
Lovely memories. Not living on by the ocean makes it extra special to visit it! You savour it! Lovely post!
Thanks, Lydia! That a wonderful way to think about it. I will have to remember that about, not only the ocean, but so many other things!
Living by the ocean sounds amazing! I would love to visit Vermont. I’ve heard so many wonderful things. My son is going to a music festival near Acadia National Park this summer. I wish I could make it up there to see him.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! Wouldn’t it be amazing to live there in that house I created? Vermont really is beautiful and so different from what we’re used to seeing. I hope you can maybe make it up there to see him, too!
This was a fun read! Burlington is also one of my favorite places! I once kayaked on Lake Champlain and it was such a crazy and cool experience. Acadia National Park also has a special place in my heart. It is where Jeff and I went for our very vacation together. We rode motorcycles while there and even did the whole drive home from Maine to Pennsylvania on Jeff’s Harley. Oh boy, did my butt and back hurt at the end of that trip! My kids are going to see the ocean for the first time this summer when we road trip to Florida. They have been completely landlocked since birth! LOL
Shelbee
Thanks, my friend! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Isn’t Burlington just the coolest? I cannot imagine riding that long on the back of any motorcycle. We took a few long-ish rides on Mike’s Harley. It was a big dresser, and I could just sit there admiring the view. But, you should have seen me trying to get on it! My short legs meant I had to sweep them under rather than over the seat (does that makes sense). I can’t wait to hear about your sons’ reactions to the ocean! What a cool trip!
Hi Marsha, I agree with Lydia, living away from the ocean makes me savour it all the more when Ido visit. Your post was lovely with looks back at your memories and looking forward to where you might like to live. I had to look twice as Suzy’s house was almost identical to yours and I wondered what was happening – until I read her comment!
We love the ocean here in Aus and water is a precious resource the world over!
Thanks, Debbie! It was funny when Suzy commented on my post, and then I saw hers. We must have used just about the same information to create the image. You are probably right (as well as Lydia) that living away from the ocean makes it even better when you visit.
When you move there, I will definitely be visiting! Lol. The East Coast is so pricey but beautiful. I love it out there. I’m a Michigander, we love water, but I grew up with a very healthy respect for it, and how it can change in an instant. But I could never ever live too far from water.
Hahaha!! I will have a room labeled “Erin’s Room” and decorate it with bunnies and other little animals. I also always told Mike I wanted to live in the UP. I’d still like to spend just one winter on Mackinac Island!