I took a walk today, longer and harder than any of the (extremely few lately) walks I've taken in Houston. There are no hills in Houston. I walked the seven-or-so-story stairway down the bluff to the beach, then walked along the soft sand wayyyy out to the firmer sand. Then I played tag with the waves because it was almost high tide and the water kept changing the edge of the firm sand. I took pictures of waves. I watched the people and dogs enjoying the sun and sand and waves. I watched the waves. And I just couldn't stop smiling.
You might think that means I should really be living at the beach, and I couldn't say you're wrong. But note that I am ecstatic on a sunny day at the beach. I am emphatically not ecstatic on a gray, windy, wet day at the beach, except on occasion.
If I could live anywhere I wanted and had the money/income/ situation to do so, I would live at the beach, but I would probably move further south. Supposedly it is warmer and less gloomy on the southern Oregon Coast ... I've never been there. And I've never been on the East Coast beaches.
I have things to do in Houston; I am not ready to leave there. However, I can easily see myself continuing to live and work in Houston, and visiting the Oregon Coast throughout the stormy parts of the year (the Autumn storms are amazing) and living here all summer, because summer is hell in Houston.Being at the beach, in good weather or during torrential storms, makes me very, very happy. Which is why I feel like a cross between a grinning fool and a very fine bottle of Champagne.
Your progress yesterday was FAB! How great to get those first steps behind you.
ReplyDeleteAh the Oregon Coast.... I love you in all weather, in all seasons, at all times of day (okay, not mornings, but everyone already knows that). So happy that the sun is shining and waves are waving.
Julie
Yesterday's progress was made with a great deal of help and focus and prodding from my friend Kem. I'm not sure I would have gotten that far without her.
ReplyDeleteI love all the weather at the Oregon Coast, but can no longer handle the long darkness and grayness in the winter --- I have become less and less tolerant of it --- nor the lack of warmth during most of the summer. I really don't handle the cold well for very long, even tho' I love sweaters, wool jackets, and fluffy comforters. Maybe I love them because they keep me warm during the evil cold times.
I think I would love to live here, if I could tolerate those things. I love the beach with all my heart.
PS: Do you like the pictures? I took them on my walk today!
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures! I've heard that people book vacations during the stormy autumn, because they are spectacular to behold.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, though, on the cold weather. I will have to move to a warmer clime sometime in my future. The winter kills me. I lose feeling in my fingers, my skin cracks, and I am generally angry from January to March.
Good luck with the rest of your tasks!