"At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun." - Sandy Gingras
Last Sunday, my family and I drove to Long Island, New York and midweek to Cape May, New Jersey. The ocean was calling us to enjoy its seaside beaches. I was inspired by the first line of Sandy Gingras' quote and made the decision to push grief aside and let nature nurture life. Below you will discover the golden shovel poem I created with the first line of the Gingras' quote, "At the beach, life is different."
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August's dog days call me to vacation at
shimmering shorelines that bring the
breath of breezy ocean winds to the beach
I walk on heated sand pondering my life
style, from a harried year and a half to what is
needed for a pathway that is different
©CVarsalona, 2026, Golden Shovel
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For fifty years, my summertime days rested on nature's shores. There was a lure about the ocean. I recalled the glorious vistas of Long Island and Cape May beaches with the sun's awakening rays and billowy clouds layering a blue-toned sky. Early on the first by-the-sea-day, the brilliance of the ocean was inviting. The beach was a calm place for rest, recovery, and renewal on summer days, so this morning, I paused to remember the golden days of past summer excursions to the beach. Memories of family vacations brought images of soft, warm sand, and seagulls swirling above rushing waves, seeming to be free and unburdened by life's challenges. Small seashells and smooth rocks road through sea foam back to the shore as tides rushed in. I heard the squeal of my grandgirls, as they searched for ocean treasures that nature offered. Their excited glee blended with the swooshing sounds of the sea from Long Beach to Cape May. It was a time to relax, reflect, and recharge!
Carol, beautiful. I know this is a long tradition for you and your family. What a delight to read about your grandgirls. I'm happy you got to do it again, but I'm sorry Richard couldn't be with you. Peace to you all. I love a sunrise over the Atlantic.
ReplyDeleteDenise, thanks for sharing my link. I was just ready to reply again to you when I saw that you took care of that for me. Thank you for your comment. As far as Richard being in the clouds and me at his loving ocean, this set-up became a plus for me. Even though I was alone walking the beach at times, he was with me in the spirit. Being able to capture significant photos of where I was was enough to make me feel calm and happy.
DeleteWhat a special and fortunate tradition. That freshness at the beach is just the best. Your description of being able to push grief aside for the occasion of making new memories with these loved ones is something that I hope we all can learn to do. Definitely not deny grief it's presence...more give it presence at the right time and to give more space to joy in moments that are one of a kind. Enjoy every moment with your family and your beautiful memories.
ReplyDeleteThe trip was memorable and filled with so many special moments. The heart shells and rock I found brought peace..
DeleteYay for healing time at the beach! So lovely, Carol. xo
ReplyDeleteIrene, the ocean did bring me healing as I walk a new path.
DeleteI remember your sharing all those delightful days you had there, Carol, and am so happy you got to return, reflect, and let the ocean add to your healing! Since I've recently been to the ocean with family, love the golden shovel's truth, "life is different"! Thank you for sharing this special time with us!
ReplyDeleteLinda, yes, I can imagine how wonderful your family days at the ocean were special. Life by the ocean always brings beautiful images to remember. Since I did not grow up near an ocean, any days near the ocean was and still is special.
DeleteOoh, I love "gateway to peace," Carol. Picture yourself on that path. xoxo
ReplyDeletePatricia, the ocean became my first pathway to peace. The paperwork still haunts me now that we are home, but I am gearing up for the treasured blessing that Richard's ashes and being will be placed in the Arlington National Center's Columbarium.
DeleteCarol, what beautiful poems! You brought us to the ocean with you!
ReplyDeleteThe ocean is a beautiful place to relax and be part of nature.
DeleteBeaches are a recent innovation for me, but I can see how the ocean could be a constant, calming, nourishing presence if you grew up near one. You are lucky to have so many lovely memories anchored to beach and ocean!
ReplyDeleteMary Lee, I am glad that the beach senario has become a new spot for you. Summer days by the sea have a feeling of contentmentbut there is one memory that destroyed what most beach lovers'knew. The summer after Superstorm Sandy brought pain and sorrow but the reconstruction of the area made everyone feel the blessings of renewal. The house we rented surely made us grateful for the days we could go to the ocean for solace, even in the winter.
Delete"shimmering shorelines" - just beautiful, Carol! Thank you for sharing the ocean with us.
ReplyDeleteRose, the ocean is vast and peaceful on the sunny days that I spent by its side in two different areas. The shorelines were sparkling each day except for the one day of rain.
DeleteThe ocean does have incredible healing powers. I'm so glad you had this time, Carol.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. I am carrying the hope that I shall remain filled with the peaceful waters of the ocean.
DeleteThat golden shovel is just beautiful, Carol. I'm so glad you were able to spend time at the beach with family and to enjoy memories of past times as well. I wish you the best as you find your new pathway.
ReplyDeleteMolly, thank you for your response and best wishes. The pathway is opening for me.
DeleteMargaret, there is no doubt that a vacation by the beach is a blessing. Thank you for reminding me that I have a family and faith to see me through life.
ReplyDeleteCarol, Wonderful post about the beach and all its healing properties. I often feel conflicted about which setting (beach, mountains, forest, prairie) affords me teh most pleasure. I'm glad you were inspired by the familiar beach and write a lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteDear Brave Carol, I appreciate your sharing this lovely golden shovel. Cape May was a rare visit in my childhood, from outside Quaktertown, N.J. but always felt like a painting, compared to the hustle of other Jersey Shore sights. Your words & images are a tonic. I'm so glad you took this Cape May & Cape Cod trip. XO
ReplyDelete