Hey Gang! Happy Friday to you all. I got back from my little beach get away yesterday, and it was all good. Except for the part about the first place I had booked being a complete dump, unsafe, and a little creepy. It didn't take me long to decide I couldn't stay there, even with my big hunk of dog with me. So, I got on the phone and called the place we've been staying at for the last fifteen years, and was able to get a little condo room there for the two nights. It took me all of about ten minutes to pack the car back up, grab the dog and hightail it out of there. Lesson learned.
Once settled in the new (old) place, I was able to focus on the healing power of the ocean. To think about my life and the direction I want it to head. About all of the many special and wonderful people in my life and even about those I haven't yet met who I know will help shape it in some way. I was able to stand on that beach, one I've stood on so many times before, and reflect on all of the happy, happy times I've had there. How my son, Zach, holds in his heart those happy childhood times playing and laughing on that beach. How my life was enriched by sharing time there with my love, my child, family and friends. That little stretch of beach will always hold a special place in my heart.
And, true to my promise to keep my word of the year close at hand and always present in my mind, I brought it to the beach with me too. I shared this image with my FB friends and one of them, Sofia, responded with the most beautiful thought:
"I keep picturing the water coming in and washing away all the hurt and pain. "
I wasn't thinking in those terms when I wrote it, I just wanted to capture the word written in the sand. But when I read Sofia's thoughts, it made great sense and I could see the beauty in the metaphor.
Here's to a great weekend full of fun, laughter, creativity, time spent in nature and love.
Hugs,
Ann
**All images © Ann Marie, That Girl Designs**
12 comments:
Very nice, Ann. I hope it was a very restorative time for you.
You have the most amazing attitude, Ann! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful pictures and a little about your time away. I am so excited for all that is coming your way in 2012. For many, hardships cause stumbling blocks, but not you. As hard as it is to face challenges in life, they can also give us new perspectives and enable us to relate to a whole new group of people. I don't know the details of your creative business plans, but I have a feeling that this experience is something that you will be able to use as you create your biz that will be a blessing to many.
Thanks for sharing this journey with us. I'm glad you had the opportunity to take this trip to start your new year out "right".
Jill
Ann, such beautiful sentiment in your writing. Your pictures are wonderful. I'm so glad that you took the time for yourself. ((((hugs))))
Your photos are lovely Ann, and just radiate goodness. Happy Times ahead, yes.
What a beautiful post, Ann!! We moved to the beach in September...I grew up coming here and have always wanted to live here...so I can so relate to what a special place it is for inspiration and rejuvenation! :) In the short time we have been here I have already been filled with so much inspiration...I'm on the "Soul Business" journey with you and think our hearts and souls are just going to be overflowing with so much goodness from it!! Looking forward to getting to know you! {*And, I can so relate to having such love for a furry baby...mine is Tucker!} Hugs!!
Oh gosh I'm so excited about Hello Soul Hello Business too... Can't wait.
I love the simplicity of this photograph. What a glorious beach it looks to be.
I just love your photos. I am so happy you were able to reconnect with your spirit out there on the beach! I sense you are already moving from the past into a future chapter in your life. Your post gives me hope that I too can write the next chapter of my own life as I want it to be. I can't wait to see what happens in your creative business endeavor! I am excited for your success. xxx
Dearest sweet Ann, your photos are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with us! So glad we are classmates in HSHB! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
Lovely symbolism. Thanks so much for sharing your story. You never know when your story will open the heart of another,
Beautiful photos... And I love the idea of the water washing away the hurt an pain.
I look forward to seeing where your HSHB journey takes you!
xo
Kristin
love your word. LIke a bath of warm love. good for you for making your ocean get away what you needed and even changing mid stream.
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