Anticipating Summertime

There is so much to love about summertime on Long Island's south shore. 

You can stroll on the boardwalk, observe the happenings, 

and follow up with a relaxing afternoon at the Atlantic Ocean shore. 

If you are not a beachgoer, you can find solace in the arboretums and botanical gardens. The myriad of town and county pools are filled with families enjoying the sun, swimmers practicing their skills, and various social outings. There are endless opportunities to embrace outdoor living and find the easy calm of a Long Island summer. The be as you are, relaxed pace of sweet summer living is an important feature of life here. 

Years ago when I first arrived on Long Island, I learned quickly never to tire of summer living. I was then and still am intrigued by the endless passion of the sea and the inviting nature of its beaches. On grey or rainy days, I often visualize the beach to create a virtual experience for at the beach calm pervades. 

As a beach lover, I understand the ocean's appeal and positive effects on the psychological and physical aspects of life. Much has been written on this topic. The ocean is like a medicinal herb offering healing. There is relaxed feeling at the beach when the weather is warm. Cares seem to slip away and stress reduced. People are more present "in the moment" when at the beach. The to-do list slips away.  You can get your daily dose of Vitamin D at the beach and sleep better at night. For me, I can remove myself from the hectic pace of life and feel re-energized when staring into the ocean's waters. There is joy at the beach.

calmness beachside

once removed, rises inside

like rushing waves

©CVarsalona, 2018, Long Beach, NY

#The beach is a sacred sanctuary for humans and oceans."

The above quote is from Surfer Today.

"Calm is trust in action. Only trust, perfect trust can keep one calm."

God Calling by A.J. Russell

I am anticipating summer here on Long Island and the next time I visit the beach, I will ponder the beauty of summertime at the hands of the Supreme Creator.

Margaret Simon is the host of Spiritual Journey first Thursday this week. She chose "summer" as the writing prompt topic. 

Trust in the Message of Renewal

Hope radiated from the darkness. It floated in the air with the distinct aroma of incense. A single candle processed in. From that light the darkness was extinguished as candles were lit one by one. With faith and trust a community moved quietly into the light and so the Easter Vigil progressed. All reverently listened and reflected through every pause and reflect. A message of faith, hope, and renewal was proclaimed and we trusted as a family of believers.

Now, Easter morning is here and the sun is breaking through the grayness. We will gather as a family once again to walk the beach and find renewal in nature. Later, in the tradition of Easter joy, we will join friends to dine and celebrate. 

Please watch the short Animoto video I created documenting my Easter preparations to send out Easter blessings to all.

On DigiLit Sunday, Margaret Simon, is discussing the topic, trust today. When creating digitally, it is important to note that trust is essential as we send out our messages across the universe. With trust, I float my video and post out, hoping that my thoughts on trusting in the message of renewal will be accepted. 

In trust, we 
collaborate,
create,
and export.
In trust, we
grow as a
community.
In trust, we
appreciate
and
understand
that from
trust hope
grows.
In trust, we 
become one.
We renew
our quest
and 
step lightly
onto
enriched
paths.
In trust, we
renew 
our journey.

©CVarsalona, 2016 

Today marks the twenty-seventh post of my Clearing a Path series for the Two Writing Teachers' March Slice of Life Challenge. Please see other slicers' posts here.

DigiLit Sunday