While Hunting for Sea Shells... I found Myself.
7:03 AMI just got back from vacation yesterday afternoon. For five days in a row I was up before dawn sitting on the beach and waiting for the sun to rise over the Atlantic ocean. Each day’s sunrise was different and as soon as the sky brightened I would take photos, and then go on long, long walks, and search for seashells and beach glass. Some days it was warm and sunny, others it was cloudy and a bit chilly. Each day brought its own treasures, and lessons. Here are some of the pictures I took while on my sunrise walks.
At the half point of my morning walk I would find a nice spot in the sand. Spread out my celestial sarong, like a blanket, and sit with my journal and pen, and write. I did not work on any book projects… I wrote for myself. I sipped from my bottle of water, ate a granola bar and pondered the mysteries of life… such as they were to be found on a quiet beach at sunrise.
I usually walked from six am. until nine am. Three glorious hours all to myself. Just me, the ocean, the shells and the seagulls.
Somehow while hunting for shells and beach glass, I found myself again. I got out of the crazy schedule of deadlines and demands that my life has become and I remembered. Who Ellen is. What Ellen wants, and why Ellen started to write in the first place. The only writing I did while on vacation was in my journal and that was a pleasure.
I think it was my third day in Florida when the tide was low, the Portuguese man-of-wars had been swept out to sea and I hit the mother load of gorgeous little shells. I was so thrilled each time the waves tossed one up, that I was up to my knees in the surf, and my jacket pockets were bulging. When I hit the half way point of my three hour walk I sat down, transferred my shells to my tote bag, and got out my journal and started to write.
I was amazed at how light I felt sitting there and wondered what other lessons the Gods had in store for me that day. A seagull landed nearby and inched his way to my side. He eyed my granola bar and ambled over closer and closer.
I looked over at him and said “I’m on to you buddy.” He ruffled his feathers and cocked his head to the side. He walked right up and stopped about three inches from my knee and then stayed there quietly. So for about a half hour the seagull and I shared that little section of beach and I thought deep thoughts and wrote in my journal. Finally I gave in and shared a tiny bit of my granola bar with that gull. He dropped a feather and I picked it up and tucked it into my journal. Then he followed me all the way back to the hotel.
For me, Florida brought many surprises. Some personal lessons and most importantly some spiritual healing. So I am rested, relaxed and recharged. This Witch is ready to roll. Just in time for book number twelve, which hits bookstore shelves in two weeks!
I do have plans to go back to that little section of beachy, palm tree laden heaven that I found in Florida. Probably next year…. But I think next time- I’ll bring the Hubs.
Blessed be, Ellen
9 comments
great post...beautiful pics...glad you had such a great time
ReplyDeleteSo happy you had a wonderful relaxing time Ellen..you deserved it.
ReplyDeleteEllen, I love your post. I live in Florida and forget to enjoy her beauty. I'm so happy that you are recharged and refreshed. Thanks for the prod to reconnect. I'm surprised your seagull friend didn't try to sneak into your luggage! They do love to be fed.
ReplyDeleteThat truly is what a vacation should be--resting, reflecting, and connecting with our selves and spirit. It seems too often vacations become another deadline filled race to get everything on the tourist list completed. So glad you got yourself recharged.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Thank you for sharing this with us! How beautiful to remember who we truly are, once the clutter and rush of daily life is removed from us. I find the seashore is the absolute perfect place to do this.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! Thank ou for sharing....Blessed Be
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you had the time to surround yourself in the beauty and majesty of the sea and find YOU! The ocean is my spiritual recharge as well and I am in much need of a trip there soon! Your pictures are gorgeous, I could imagine standing there with you looking out the vast horizon and watching the sun appear. Like you, my morning ritual whenver we go to the ocean is a walk and enjoying the sunrise. Blessings and may you continue to feel refreshed for a long time!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a personal part of your vacation. Sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWe all definitely need time to re-charge, and it's great that you had the opportunity to do this. When I read that you had three hours of uninterrupted time I really appreciated how joyful that must have been (I have a six year old daughter and three hours of free time is very rare). Blessings!
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