More Favorite Things....

I love the beach!  Growing up we used to go every summer to the beaches of Panama City, and when we would visit Texas we'd go to Galveston, (a much different type of beach, but when you're young, a beach is a beach!). 

Today I still love going to the beach, but my reasons for enjoying it are so much different....  just feeling the sand between my toes (with no shoes on, of course) and the water on my legs takes me back to my childhood when I would build sand castles and bury my legs beneath the sand.  I also enjoy walks along the shoreline - looking for shells, or other small surprises like sea glass or interesting shapes in driftwood.  Sunsets are almost a religious experience on a beach - when the sun sinks to the water line on the horizon, and you can see the multitude of colors in the sky...  who but God can produce such wondrous beauty? 

Nighttime walks on the beach are fun...  you are usually fairly alone and can take your time strolling along the moonlit water's edge... sometimes seeing crabs that come out at night scurrying ahead of your path.  I also love eating at local restaurants that serve locally caught seafood.  Nothing compares to fresh seafood when it is prepared well, and I make a goal to enjoy as much of it as possible when at any beach or island.  When you live in a landlocked state like I do, the lure of fresh seafood is irresistable, and there are many times I will buy some before I leave the Florida beaches to take home and enjoy later. 

More than anything, I just love the ocean.  I love the sight of it, the sounds of it, and the feel of it.  I am not a fan of going too deep, as swimming in the ocean fills me with dread, (I was attacked by jellyfish one summer vacation many years ago, and ever since then am a bit wary of being in the water above my waist), but I love walking in the water's edge and jumping with the waves or looking for fish under the water.  The first sight of the ocean when you arrive is like glimpsing the perfect painting in an art gallery.  It is timeless and never changes - it is mysterious and inspirational - it is constant and will always be there to enjoy. 

The beach is a favorite destination during the summer...  now if only I could get the perfect tan to go with it!