New Year's Day usually finds our family at the beach. The water's too cold to get in, but we really aren't there to swim.The kids are happy to play in the sand. That's what it's there for, right? And for me, visiting the ocean fills my hope tank*. Something about its vastness and my smallness makes me realize that all the stuff that seemed so important thirty minutes ago, doesn't really matter. Breathing in the salty air, finding sea glass softened by the sand, hearing the waves crash on the shore...leaves me feeling renewed, ready to take on whatever life might bring.
Resolutions are made to be broken. I stopped torturing myself with that annual tradition years ago. I set goals for myself, but they don't change with the calendar. They change as I cross them off and grow into the next challenge.
But if I made just one resolution for the year, it would be to make more time to visit the ocean. Because every writer, every person, needs to have hope. Even better when it includes a little sand :)
What do you hope for in 2010?
*Lisa and Laura came up with the hope tank concept. Brilliant, isn't it?
21 comments:
your post and pics make me miss living in Ca. Growing up, we lived just 9 miles from the Beach and would go there often. I liked going in winter best and walking along the wet sand in my sweatshirt.
wonderful memories you are providing for those sweet kiddos.
Oh, I'm so homesick! I miss the beach. It was always my spot to let go and re energize. As you say, the power of it really makes you realize what is and isn't important.
Great post!
I love being at the ocean. Except we're too far north to go over winter. Definitely a summer thing. But I get you on that.
Wishing the best on all your hopes and dreams!
Oh, the Hope Tank! I'm so glad that you've filled yours up. And I couldn't agree with you more about the ocean. There's just something about it that recharges your batteries, right? We have a scene in our WIP where the MC finally sees the ocean and it's one of my favorites. Happy New Year, Sherrie!
So funny-I grew up near the ocean & lived "on" it for a year in college, and it only gets me this way at night, in the moonlight. For me, it's the mountains, looking at the variety of curves and tones of green. Luckily, we each have something that fills us up this way--glad you had your time with it!
I would love to spend each New Year's Day at the ocean - what a great tradition. I agree with you, Sherrie. There is something so magical and calming about the ocean. I always feel so good after spending time there.
Love the hope tank idea!! :-)
I need to do the same. Spend more time outdoors in the real world! Thanks again for such a great prize. Robin is reviewing my work as we speak. i'm sooo excited!
The ocean sounds pretty good to me about now. We've had over a foot of snow on the ground for ten days, and it's been brutally cold. I think my biggest goal for 2010 is to stick to some of my other goals instead of making new ones. I have some uncompleted business. I like how your goals don't change with the calendar, but as you cross them off your list. I think that's how I want to approach it.
Lovely post, Sherrie. I learned long ago that I am not fulfilled without the ocean. I need to go there as often as I can since I no longer live as near as I once did. And my YA novel takes place in that element.
Your comments on goals are perfect. That's how I hope to approach this year. May it be a good one for us all!
I'm fulfilled when I'm near the ocean, at a loss when I'm far away. Must be the Pisces in me.
Tess: I love the beach in the winter. It's not as crowded and it just feels more majestic.
Kristi: It's definitely my spot to re-energize as well.
Laura: Best wishes to you, too!
LiLa: Love the Hope Tank :) And that scene in your book sounds perfect!
Becky: The mountains are inspiring for me, too. But the ocean in moonlight, even better!
Shannon: We are lucky to get to spend the day at the ocean. It's a perfect start to the year for me.
T.Anne: I think we all need to spend more time outside. I'm thrilled that Robin is reviewing your chapters! I'm glad that worked out for you :)
Susan: I hope to get a lot crossed off this year, and plenty added as well. And feel free to send us some of your snow. We'll take it!!
Tricia: We lived in AZ for 7 years and had to keep trekking back to the ocean. I could never live so far inland that the beach isn't an easy drive away. I love that your novel includes the ocean!
MG: I'm a Leo, but I can't be away from the shore :)
Yes, there's something /alive/ about the ocean that I imagine would fill the hope tank. I'm landlocked, but just imagining it seems to be enough for today.
I love going to the beach too. It'd be nice if we were closer. I'm hoping for an agent and a book deal in 2010.
I hope I get to visit you and come see the ocean! It's been way too long since I've been there. So there's a goal for me. Visit the ocean this year :)
Sherrie, I was born on an island...I must see the sea at least once a year. I love walking along looking for sea jewels (sea glass) and other treasures. I've been on the beach in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Louisianna, Texas, California, Costa Rica, Scotland, and England (my birthplace). Being on a beach is like taking a sedative. I feel absolute peace. This year I'll get to see some new beaches in the Bahamas, but the beaches in England are always my favorite...
Hope Beach!! Hooray. Totally resonate w/the need to spend more time at the beach. It's so easy to take for granted when it's nearby, but you're so right re: it's good effects.
Love that pic of the kids on the beach!
I like having goals instead of resolutions too.
I HOPE you have a wonderful 2010, Sherrie!
I also am hoping for a healthy, happy year for my family and friends. Plus an agent! :)
Beautiful post, Sherrie! The mountains are to me what the ocean is to you.
My goals are all baby steps: thirty minutes everyday on a handful of things that are important to me.
Happy new year!
I love the idea of a hope tank. The ocean is the perfect place to let that be filled.
New year, new unknowns, new actions. Still pondering. I promise to post something about that soon.
I had New years REVOLUTION at my blog and listed all the promises I plan to break this year. Takes the pressure off - but I will join you at the beach ;)
Me too! The ocean ... the resolutions ... I with you!
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