I decided on an impromptu trip to the beach last week.
And when I say impromptu, I don’t mean we were home and I haphazardly packed a bag of essentials and headed out…I mean, while we were already out and about running errands and doctor’s appointments and school orientations and nowhere near prepared for any kind of beach trip.
Little girls in knit tights and skirts. Boys in tennis shoes and socks. Not a single towel among us.
The air a chilly 53 degrees.
I hemmed and hawed in my head. My never ending list of to dos rattling away. In big, red mental letters.
With the crazy go-go-go day we had, unmade beds and sinks full of dishes waited. Calling my name. We had rushed out early. No time for the chores.
But then I remembered…all those times I was deeply saddened as I sat at the desk in my office…wishing I could be home with a bitty Henry. Wishing I could lay out blankets on the living room floor for rainy day picnics. Wishing I could take advantage of the year round California sun. But sitting in heels and a suit instead.
Today I stand at a sink more often than not. Only this time, I’m the boss. I don’t have to stay.
So I took a sharp right, and headed west.
To the ocean and the salty air and the winding road that leads us there.
Besides, Daddy would be home late.
Dinosaur chicken nuggets would not only be acceptable dinner fare, but applauded.
As I watched these two…playing together. Encouraging one another. Laughing…
I couldn’t believe that I almost missed it.
In exchange for folding shirts and straightening sheets.
Moss covered steps are worth it.
This particular beach reminds me so much of the small island that is home to a large part of my family.
And I miss my grandma.
Tears sting.
Because I wish it wasn’t so dang expensive to visit and because I’m ashamed that I almost chose vacuuming over beauty.
How backwards my priorities.
Little girls holding up twirly skirts against the frigid water should always win.
Pretty feathers nestled in the pebbly sand are made to be noticed.
Brothers and sisters crossing expanses that feel much wider and scarier than they really are, are worth the mess.
Little girls in pigtails enjoying the view. Perfectly content to watch. Because the pebbly sand is much too yucky.
A girl after my own heart.
Babies bundled up against the chilly day. Silly faces. Wooden spoons.
This. Always this.
Pretty purple sea urchins. So sad you are dead. But so happy you now live on Henry’s bookshelf.
This is childhood. This is what is important.
Four borrowed wooden spoons and two plastic cups make the ocean the perfect playground. No need for brightly colored sand toys. Or fancy beach bags. Or even towels.
Again I am reminded that childhood thrives in the moments, not the details.
Simplicity is king.
And God…well, He has created a world so breathtakingly beautiful…He begs us to notice it.
Too often I do not. Too often I focus on the world *I* try to create within our perfectly appointed and Restoration Hardware painted walls.
Today I fold the clothes I ignored.
Tomorrow we play again.
A balance that so often needs re-calibrated.
It will happen again. I will choose sweeping over playing.
But hopefully not for too long.
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Looks like it was a beautiful day! I am more of a planner, but must admit the best memories are the times we did things on a whim!
So so powerful. Love this. . . great reminders for all of us, no matter what life stage we are in at the moment.
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed)´s last blog post ..Reflections from my 20’s
Ah, so true! It is always a balancing act.
Such a wonderful day it must have been… all occasions you can get to be barefoot are precious!
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This is probably my favorite post that you’ve ever written. Love it. And that’s my most favorite beach in all the world. I grew up in Paso Robles, and now live in AZ, I miss the beach and ocean desperately. Thank you for sharing this with me this morning.
Leah @ Floral+Ivory´s last blog post ..InstaFriday
love, love, love. brought tears to my eyes. *today* – this day – is a sweet gift to enjoy. thank you for the reminder.
Love this post! I think we all need it from time to time. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a beautiful day!
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Excellent. I agree, possibly the best post ever. Thank you.
What a beautiful post. And I LOVE Owen with his hat and hood. Too cute!
And I’m just curious, but do you know Portuguese?
Simply beautiful and timely.
You’re right. I forget some times (most of the time) to push aside the many to do lists and focus on the here and now. Time flies, they for so fast, and one never knows what’s headed our way…so we (I) do need to stop and take that left turn…slow down and enjoy them and the beauty God has sprinkled everywhere. Thank you for reminding me.
Looks like a great day, to me. I say that after spending my day off today cleaning out the fridge/freezer and the utility closet LOL
Cheers,
Caryl
Such a lovely day and equally lovely rinder. All of that can wait. Childhood and these little previous moments cannot. Thankyou for inspiring and sharing.
What a great reminder to do the things that are important (enjoying the purity of childhood adventures) and put off what isn’t (laundry)..