What Doesn't Knock You Down, Will Bring You Closer

Four brothers came together at the beach last weekend drawn by the love of family and each other.  It had been years since all four had seen each other.  The time was designed as a chance for them to reconnect with one another, their mother and family.

The weather had been glorious all week leading up to the event, so all sorts of activities from crabbing and kayaking to hiking and beach combing were on the docket.  Instead two "unseasonable" storms (according to the weather forecasters) hit the coast bringing winds peaking at 83 mph.  The first storm started early Saturday and reached a crescendo that rattled windows and literally shook the house.  Rain slammed against the windows in sheets and the sea birds took cover to ride it out.

The activity schedule changed to sitting inside, cozy and warm.  Convened in one room, they shared stories of their lives past and present.  They reminisced about places, people, and girls whose hearts they had broken. Occasionally a huge gust would hit the house and conversation would stop as everyone took a moment to acknowledge the beauty and fury of the storm.  Then back to the reflections and storytelling.    Meals were made together and enjoyed after giving thanks for this precious time and the storm which made it more intimate.

When a nice walk was suggested, the brothers and a nephew suited up in every available piece of rain gear and headed out.  However, the more adventurous of the siblings turned the walk into a hike to the point of Cape Lookout.  The din of the storm, shear power and exhilaration of the near hurricane force winds had them all whooping and hollering like young boys.  The decades dropped away and they were playmates again.

Later, safe and sound back inside with the storm on the outside, it was time for hot tea and dry clothes.  They had new stories to tell about their latest shared adventure.

All agreed, Mother Nature's fury had conspired in their favor to provide them with an unforgettable weekend of love, laughter and memories.

They were very grateful indeed.

For a peak into the storm, here is a video that doesn't quite do it justice, but you get the idea.

Balance

Life is a balance of work and play.  

My simple and elegant philosophy of life. Whether that means playing by being creative at work or taking time out to laugh, take a walk, have lunch with a friend.  Conversely working hard to complete a personal project during vacation is also very satisfying to me.  When I am not watching a clock and I play with all of the details to my heart's content.  Both work and play are woven through my daily life whether it be a weekday or weekend. 

If I get out of balance, I usually know immediately (right after my husband tells me).  Over the years, I have learned to watch for indicators if the scale is tipping in either direction and can correct the balance myself.

Indicators are sometimes subtle and internal or other times have to be a little more obvious.  During this vacation, we worked pretty hard on changes to make our beach home a comfortable, inviting and healing place.  The sense of completion and transformation felt wonderful to me even though my body was aching. 

One afternoon, I quit working on the house and played on the beach with the dog.  I was walking along thinking how much I loved the balance of this life when I happened upon these rocks.  Perched upon a piece of driftwood, the rocks were perfectly balanced to avoid dipping into the stream.  Not a very subtle sign, but certainly one affirming I am on the right track.

Happy Hour at the Pelican Bar

After a long day of fishing, the pelicans hit the sand bar.  Friends gather, stories are told, and there is a little good-natured chasing of sea gulls.  The sun sets on another perfect day!

Early Bird Gets the Moon

The Harvest Moon was my gift from Mother Nature for getting up at sunrise this morning.  Grabbing my camera and running out into the dew covered grass, I captured the moment just before it dropped into a marine layer of clouds over the Pacific Ocean.

It is now my gift to each of you.

Low Flyer

This frequent flyer is heading south, perhaps for the winter.  His flight plan takes him over Netarts Bay toward Cape Lookout.  During his entire journey, he is never more than a foot over the water.  At several points, the tips of his wings dip into the bay.  Not missing a beat, he skims along the glassy surface.

Oh how I wish, I could share that experience!

Incoming

Creeping fingers of fog come in from the sea...

The Celestial Game of Chase

The Moon chases the Sun around the Earth. 

We benefit from the sheer beauty of their antics.