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!