Saturday, August 3, 2013

Things I've learned while at the Beach...




...I always find it interesting how the ins and outs of life slow to a crawl during visits to those enchanting, southern beach towns, both along the Gulf Coast, and the Atlantic seaboard.  

Those citizens who've managed to figure out a comfortable way of life along either coast, have also discovered the secret to an enjoyable life, even if it is a bit behind the times...which is not necessarily a bad thing.  

One can still rent VHS tapes at the local movie store.  Wifi is often accessible in the town coffee shop, or occasionally on the upper deck of one's rental, as the tide permits.  But only then.

Volkswagon vans still troll along Highway 17, rust free since 1963.  

When it rains on the coast, it really does pour, fearfully so.  And within minutes, the clouds move on, the sun returns, and all's well once again ;)

Something I'm curious about...the demand for local reading material along either side of the coast remains high, and not so much of the electronic variety.  Book stores in southern Florida and the Carolinas are a hot spot, their shelves stocked with actual books, some used, others hot off the press, smelling of ink, and bindings that creak when opened for the first time.  Lord, how I've missed that sound.  

Local writers are held in high regard, showing up at indie book stores for an afternoon signing and a cocktail, or three.  

Everything slows to an idle pace, where tourists are not only welcomed, but anticipated.  Smiles are addictive, which lead to glorious relaxation, forgetting those irritable to-do lists left miles behind, but waiting.

I realized how fun it is to shark fish in the Gulf...no worries, it was catch and release ;)

In spending a week with the kids, I learned during one rainy afternoon that Robin is no longer Bat Man's trusty sidekick, but is now a relatively tough dude on Teen Titans, having left the Dark Knight in the dust...(at least on Nickelodeon.) 

My wife and I realized that our youngest member of the family, the little boy we hope to soon adopt, not only loves the water, but is fearless of those choppy waves.  Swimming lessons are on the docket.  

And while relaxing, I had time to think.  To dream.  To create.  

An idea took shape, one that tickled my fancy during last year's vacation to the Carolina coast, and returned with a vengeance.  Something brewing over the past months that  I considered an interesting thought to remember, has now moved to the top of my list of projects, a story that demands attention.  

I call him "Ollie."  Last year he was just an interesting character.  He's now become a very special boy.  A foster child buried in the system, struggling for peace, when he discovers a gift that he's been granted.  Perhaps born with.  One that will change everything.  Everything...

I adore those coastal waters and the many gifts they offer.  Those of peace, and those of opportunity. 

Thanks for reading ;)

El

12 comments:

D.G. Hudson said...

I think it's the air of the seashore that makes us feel better. On the Atlantic side, the ocean air has a salty tang.

Haven't been to the west side of Florida yet, but have been to the Dry Tortugas 70 miles off Key West, so I've only seen the Gulf, not the Gulf coast.

Good luck with that idea, keep feeding it.

The Words Crafter said...

I felt myself relaxing while reading this! I love the sea air...mmmmmm :)

There's nothing in the world like the smell of a new book.

Good luck with the adoption! And welcome back :)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

There is something healing to tranquil Gulf waters -- Hurricane Gulf waters not so much!

Best of luck with the adoption. And I can't wait to read more of Ollie. :-)

Anne Gallagher said...

I lived on the beach most of my life. And yes, there is a peace you can't find anywhere else. I think that's where God lives too. To me, Heaven is the beach.

See you when you get back.

monica said...

I live in Goa(india) . nothing completes with the early morning beach walks here. its so peaceful and alluring. Adds so much to life.
felt connected to your post..:)

dolorah said...

VHS rentals still? Wow. Your vacation sounds both amazing and comfortable. So nice to spend family time and appreciate having one. I enjoyed the trip through your narrative.

Awesome you have a new idea. It sounds intriguing. Best of luck with the writing.

........dhole

Elliot Grace said...

Hey D.G, having lived on the Gulf as a little one, the water is a bit more tranquil, explaining why the surfers stay east, (but us writers stay west, or in your case, the Keys.) Love it there!

Hey Crafter, thanks so much, he's been with us since he was four days old...our fingers are crossed ;)

Hey Roland, thanks for your kind words. And yes, Ollie is shaping up to be the most interesting character I've meddled with in quite some time.

Hey Anne, I could frame your comment and hang it over my desk. Couldn't agree more!

Hey Jemina, such kind words, thank you!

Hey Donna, I fear Ollie is one of those characters who will continue to nag until his story is told, regardless of my schedule. But then, those are probably the one's whose stories are read the most ;)

El

Jemi Fraser said...

We've never managed to get away as a family for more than 3 days. I'd love a seaside week! Those moments as a whole family are so precious and I'm glad you were able to enjoy.

Love that you're going to give Ollie a chance to tell his story! Good luck working with him :)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, EL,

LOVED your post... I love hanging by the sea. The water is so soothing and tranquil.

Glad you found quiet time and a vision! That's awesome.

Congrats on adopting another little boy. Your heart is truly bigger than the sea! I wish your growing family all the best!

Jessica L. Celaya said...

I love the rain along the beach. That's cool that it inspired you to create a character.

Elliot Grace said...

Hey Jemi, thanks so much for your thoughts, and take my advice...go on that vacation. You'll never forget it!

Hey Michael, the adoption is a painstaking process, but this little one deserves it. Thanks for stopping by ;)

Hey Jessica, inspiration visits so easily while relaxing by the tide, if only we could stay there...thanks!

El

Misha Gerrick said...

Sounds idyllic. I'd like to visit those coasts one day.