I am sure you have seen this # as a running theme through my blog. The ocean is in my blood. Even as a small child, I loved the smell of salt air and the wildness of the sea. This is not to be confused with being a beach person. I hate the idea of laying in the sun, slathered to the gills with sunscreen, and slowly being grilled with the help of an ocean breeze. Oh no. My ocean is the one at sunrise- wrapped in a blanket with a nice hot cup of coffee. Or the after sunset stroll to the jetty on Wells Beach. I have spent many gorgeous October days, sitting on a sparsely populated beach- watching people and their dogs, kids flying kites, and people enjoying the slower pace once the crowds thin out. Steve and I make a point of arriving very early for a day trip – coffee and chai in hand- parking our chairs on Long Sands before most people are up for the day. One of the most special memories of the beach goes back a way. I was a single Mom with a small budget. The only time we could afford “the beach” was in the dead of winter when absolutely no one else wanted to be there. I tried to convince the kids that walking the sand, collecting shells in 20 degree temperature was good for the soul. What their souls really wanted was hot chocolate and a warm room. One night I went out walking on Wells Beach on my own, and in the moonlight mistook a giant tide pool for some shimmering sand…… started walking across and….. well after that, they didn’t let me out after dark.  Old memories and new, I cherish all of my days by the sea.

#theoceaniscalling