Monday, August 31, 2009

Reflect, Regroup and Recharge

I recently ran away. I hadn't ran away in quite some time but I was in desperate need of a change in my scenery, change in the way I think and the way I go about my day. Things were bubbling up and I was about to blow so I took my cousin up on her offer to ride down to Florida to see the family.

I had not seen some of my family in years. My niece was a tiny baby the last time I saw her so I threw my stuff into an overnight bag, drove the furbaby to the kennel and off we went.

I did not realize how worn out I was until we got there and uncorked a good bottle of wine and started to laugh with my cousins, my aunties and my mother. Our impromptu Salsa class was hilarious. Nothing like my auntie and mother trying to salsa when they have been puffing on cancer sticks all day! I wore them out without breathing hard ;-)

My brother-in-law always treats me to home cooked meals and this time I was delighted to accompany them to my niece's first trip to the beach. I am so in love with this little girl. She was not pleased with the sand that was hard to walk in or the crashing of the waves but she loved the sights and sounds. This was my first time in over a decade visiting the beach that was such a big part of my childhood. We went to the soft side where the waves were small and I stuck my feet in the water and let the tide wash my troubles away.

I am not sure how long I stood there watching the waves bury my feet in the sand and laughing at my niece who was having no parts of the cool water but I enjoyed every minute. My spirit was soothed with each crashing wave. It was a wonderful day, overcast with a cool wind.

I even saw my younger siblings who are now taller than I am. A shame it has been four years since we last set eyes on each other. When my little (and I use the term relatively) brother called me ma'am my heart sank. Ma'am, really? I almost threw my shoe at him :-) But I now have my little (again, used relatively) sister's email so hopefully we can keep in touch better.

As we drove back home Sunday afternoon my spirit was lighter and I realized I had just been fed a big helping of what I was missing for a long time. All is right with the world...

Peace & Blessings...

10 comments:

  1. A good heap of loving from the family does the heart good. Surrounding yourself with love that knows you is so anchoring. I'm glad you got the chance to go and I'm glad you were refreshed. I don't know you, but I can definitely identify.

    God bless,
    b.

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  2. Beautiful post.

    ...And we all need to run away sometime. Leave our lives right where it is and take off down the road.

    I am so glad you went to visit family, fell in love (all over again) with your niece, and reacquainted with your siblings. A good bokkle (that's for the west indian in me) of wine ain't bad. LOL

    I love the photo! You look like the wave left you rested and rejuvenated.

    (((HUGS))) to you Sis!

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  3. home has a way of recharging us in ways we never expected.

    it's the love and the memories

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  4. I'm digging this post. Your hair looks super cute in the photos!

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  5. sometimes a change of scenery is a good thing. sounds like you're more refreshed.

    i think this is the 1st time that i've ever seen your hair. very nice

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  6. I love the beach....I love so close. I can't image being far from it. It is restorative and healing.

    Seeing family is sometimes just what the doctor ordered in small doses :)

    I am glad you had that time!

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  7. Brandee...Yes, just being around them was good for my soul.


    MsKnowitAll...The first cool wave hit me and everything just melted away. I was lost in the clear water and had no idea Sis snapped that picture :-)


    Kafo...Welcome to The Storm! Hope you come back soon. I never thought I would miss it like I do.


    Trecia...Thank you and welcome to The Storm! Come back again.


    Kyle...Thanks! Hmmm....maybe the other pictures are too dark to see my hair? I keep it pretty much the same but it is starting to attract men like flies to honey. I keep saying "no, you can not touch my hair" every time I go out. I think I feel another post coming on :-)


    Lovebabz...If only I lived closer to a beach, how wonderful for you. The ocean makes you feel so insignificant in a good way. Sometimes small doses are good ;-)

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  8. It sucks that we aren't near a beach here in Atlanta, but Savannah will do.

    Aww! I'm so glad you got away and went home for a while. You definitely need to try and make it down there more often to see family. You don't ever want to live in regret of not seeing them.

    remember, we need to do dinner one night!

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  9. Insatiable One...Will surely make an effort to see them more often. Haven't forgotten about dinner. Keep me posted!

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  10. Good read. I had one of these instances this past weekend.

    First time in over a decade ... must have been a great feeling, plus the home-cooked meal.

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