The Magic of the Sea

Newport Bay

My husband and I were just in Southern California and spent most of our time near the ocean – driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, walking on beaches and on cliffs above the sea, looking at boats in the harbors, and kayaking in Newport Bay. (But no sunbathing; not active enough for Al.)

I was born in the desert of Eastern Washington and have lived in the Midwest for over thirty years. But there is something about the sea that speaks to my soul. The wind in my hair, the surf at my feet, the cry of the gulls – all call to me in a primitive tongue louder than the troubles of my daily life.

I don’t know why I love the ocean so much.

Pacific Grove (Asilomar Beach)

Maybe it is the memory of California summers with my grandmother, who took us to the beach in Pacific Grove. My family and I visited her several summers during my grade school years for a month at a time. We swam in a gentle cove, built sand castles, and captured hermit crabs to lug home in buckets (none survived more than a day). The days were warm, the saltwater tangy, and the snow cones sweet.

Maybe it is the beauty of the colors of an autumn trip along the coast of Maine with that same grandmother, where the sea was as blue as the leaves were orange. The frigid waters did not invite more than a toe, and the wildness of the waves left me to wonder at the bravery of Pilgrims from a far-off continent.

Maui rainbow

Maybe it is the peacefulness of breakfast beside the beach in Maui with my daughter. Eggs and bacon and sparrows that begged for toast. And one morning, a rainbow to brighten the day.

Flagler Museum

Or maybe it is the decadence of life along the Palm Beach shore. I spent a day once salivating at the sight of mansions I can’t even dream of owning and eating high tea at the Flagler Museum – a real treat for someone from meat-and-potatoes land.

Whatever the reason, when I am near the ocean my spirit lifts and my cares melt away. Just for the moment, when I turn my face into the wind, my soul soars like the gulls that fly to greet the rainbow.

I count a year fortunate when I can get to the ocean. By that reckoning, 2012 is a good year.

Sunset in Pacific Grove

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CrazieTown
12 years ago

Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing!

Vickie Young
Vickie Young
12 years ago

Theresa: Your story makes me want to visit the area — Now! Thank you! Vickie

Theresa Hupp
12 years ago
Reply to  Vickie Young

Thanks, Vickie. It was (is?) lovely. Theresa

Betty
12 years ago

I’m so jealous. Couldn’t stop reading. Wish I was there.

Janet Sunderland
12 years ago

I’m with you Theresa…the sea, the sea…how it rocks, remembers, lets go…

Theresa Hupp
12 years ago

The letting go is important. Thanks, Janet.

sallyjadlow
12 years ago

Glad you got renewed, Theresa.

Kitty Lichty
Kitty Lichty
12 years ago

My favorite, so far. Love the image of “no more than a toe”.

Theresa Hupp
12 years ago
Reply to  Kitty Lichty

Thanks, Kitty.

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[…] chuckled. I prefer oceans and lakes over mountains (see here and here); does this make me wise, but not virtuous? Which is better, wisdom or virtue? Does not […]

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[…] don’t know that I will get to the ocean this year, but my husband and I recently returned from a vacation on the North Shore of Lake […]

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[…] None of my Washington waterfront walks were as warm nor as wild as what I encountered on my Florida trip. But they still count as days on the beach and add to my measure of a good year. […]

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[…] I love the ocean more than lakes, but the constant roar of the surf suggests a wildness that most lakes do not have. Lakes are more tranquil. […]

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[…] and lots of sunshine. I can’t say I got my fill of walks on the beach (see here and here), but I did enjoy what time I […]

CrazieTown
12 years ago

Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing!

Vickie Young
Vickie Young
12 years ago

Theresa: Your story makes me want to visit the area — Now! Thank you! Vickie

Theresa Hupp
12 years ago
Reply to  Vickie Young

Thanks, Vickie. It was (is?) lovely. Theresa

Betty
12 years ago

I’m so jealous. Couldn’t stop reading. Wish I was there.

Janet Sunderland
12 years ago

I’m with you Theresa…the sea, the sea…how it rocks, remembers, lets go…

Theresa Hupp
12 years ago

The letting go is important. Thanks, Janet.

sallyjadlow
12 years ago

Glad you got renewed, Theresa.

Kitty Lichty
Kitty Lichty
12 years ago

My favorite, so far. Love the image of “no more than a toe”.

Theresa Hupp
12 years ago
Reply to  Kitty Lichty

Thanks, Kitty.

trackback

[…] chuckled. I prefer oceans and lakes over mountains (see here and here); does this make me wise, but not virtuous? Which is better, wisdom or virtue? Does not […]

trackback

[…] don’t know that I will get to the ocean this year, but my husband and I recently returned from a vacation on the North Shore of Lake […]

trackback

[…] written before how much I love the ocean and how I count a year as good if I get to spend time on the beach. By that reckoning, 2014 should […]

trackback

[…] None of my Washington waterfront walks were as warm nor as wild as what I encountered on my Florida trip. But they still count as days on the beach and add to my measure of a good year. […]

trackback

[…] I love the ocean more than lakes, but the constant roar of the surf suggests a wildness that most lakes do not have. Lakes are more tranquil. […]

trackback

[…] and lots of sunshine. I can’t say I got my fill of walks on the beach (see here and here), but I did enjoy what time I […]

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