The end of summer

On Thursday, I left behind a week's worth of rain for a much needed beach vacation. I joined Jen, Traci, and Michelle at Grayton Beach for five days and four nights of sun and sea salt on our skin. There was laughter, shopping, good drinks, even better food and the best kind of relaxation. Nowhere to be, nothing to worry about. Five days to let go and allow the sun to melt away whatever worries I may have been carrying. I came back yesterday, leaving summer behind, coming home to Halloween decorations up on the house, a chill in the air. And a restlessness that tells me that something good is coming, if only I have the courage and determination to go for it. There are too many paths to choose, but I'm ready to pick one and run toward the future, without looking back. It's amazing how much clearer things become when you stop staring at them for a little while.

Since I'm feeling both hopeful and nostalgic, I'll leave you with a few memories made in the salty air:

-Just a short walk down a flight of stairs to sand, shoes not required, to a beach viewable from our window

-Floppy brimmed hats being swept off by waves

-Shimmering trails of greenish light left behind by twirling arms and uncovered skin

-Swimming in moonlight, waves, and so many stars you could just drown by looking at them

-Hushed laughter and futile attempts to rid ourselves of too much sand, a consequence of too much drink and just enough fun

-Conversations with strangers who act more welcoming than some friends

-Music and rain and the feeling that all is right with the world, if only we'd slow down enough to realize it