The Call of the Beach

I am drawn to the ocean.  Whenever I am in a city near the water, it calls me hither.  It’s a call I cannot ignore.  I have no will power to stay away.  Whether it’s a rocky bluff or pristine sands, I have to go.  I have to stand and watch the waves crash.  I have to feel my toesin the sand.  I have to touch the water, feel it on my skin.

Jacksonville, Florida

On a Sand Bar

This past week work sent me to Jacksonville, Florida for two nights.  It was a brief trip filled with meetings and client visits.  Nights were to be spent working and writing (near the end of draft one of my novel).  Instead, I heard the calling from the beach.  I was staying 8 miles away off 202 at the Sheraton.  It was my second night.  I sat in the hotel room shivering from the relentless blasts of cold air from the AC and trying to concentrate on my laptop.  It was past 6:00pm, and I was getting hungry.  Work was in vain.  The creative juices could not be summoned.  Between the hunger and the icicles, I was going stir crazy.  I had to get out.  My mind shifted to the beach.  Surely, there must be a beachside dive where I could dine on fresh fish and a cold beer.  My mind wandered even further.  It was early enough that I could even afford a walk on the beach before it got dark.  I devoured a granola bar to hold off the hunger pangs and headed to the beach.

Waves Crashing

A Family Shelling

Biking on the Beach

It had rained earlier that evening and some clouds loomed over the dusk of nightfall.  I was certain that the beach would be deserted.  I was wrong.  I am not the only soul that is magnetically drawn to the beach.  The shore was filled with other beach bums performing their beachside rituals.  I watched women doing yoga, families shelling, children swimming, teenagers surfing, men fishing, and all ages biking and walking.

Colors of Dusk

Beach Fishing

Beach Yoga

I prefer to walk.  I kicked off my sandals and set my direction toward the pier.  I spent about an hour walking.  Most of that time was spent in deep conversation with God.  It was a talk that was a long time coming and one that could only take place where my soul feels totally free – at the beach.  I paused on occasion to watch the tide move out, the clouds float by, and people and birds playing.  I watched the sky change colors as the day fell to night amongst the lingering clouds.

More Colors of Dusk

Blue Skies

The Storm Pushes Away

I emerged from the beach refreshed and filled with creative energies.  I found a seafood joint and journaled out a blog entry for another project I am working on (more to come on that).  I know my tight itinerary and growing To Do list really couldn’t afford a night off, but the night turned out to be a pause well spent.  This week I will be shore bound again.  I am sure I will hear the same calling.  Will I resist?

Birds

7pm and the Beach is Packed

Beach Front