If you could zoom through space in the speed of light, what place would you go to right now?
Today, choose a place to which you’d like to be transported if you could — and tell us the back story. How does this specific location affect you? Is it somewhere you’ve been, luring you with the power of nostalgia, or a place you’re aching to explore for the first time?
Rockaway Beach
Nate and I decided to road trip to the Oregon Coast and that labor day weekend of 2013 couldn’t have been better. We arrived at the beach, Rockaway Beach, and the moment my toes felt the warm sand beneath them – it was as if time stood still. We walked along the shore, letting the small tide waters brush over our feet, the water was warm and it felt amazing, not like the Pacific Ocean I remembered playing in as a child.. holding hands.. I promised him that we would turn back, “lets just walk a little farther.”
I could see a few rock mountains in the distance – the sky clear, the sun shining bright, the sight of the ocean-going on and on forever, I could feel my mind starting to drift. It’s one of those places I could stay all day and be content just getting lost in the beauty of the scenery alone. We stop for a few minutes and splash around in the water, jumping waves just like some of the little kids nearby – the perfect weather has added a friendly invitation to dogs playing fetch with balls, Frisbees, and even a stuffed animal. I see little toddlers holding their parents hands and walking along the shore.. a few older kids building sand castles, and others burying their feet in the sand .. watching and waiting for that next wave to move them closer to the water. Skim boards and surf boards and a few flying kites are also visible in the distance… chatty little girls carry their bright red pails full of sea shells and silver dollars. Couples similar to Nate and I walk hand & hand and admire the stunning view. This is a moment I wish I could just freeze in time.
I watch Nate walk ahead of me, I’m sure he is thinking about the next destination after this one .. where and when we will eat our next meal…and how much farther I plan on walking before we truly do start heading back to the car. He turns his head to see if I’m still behind him .. sometimes I can’t help but just stop and enjoy this beautiful life. The waves are so mesmerizing..For a moment, I’m a child again .. I’m running free in my salt water sandals with my favorite dog Sidney and my favorite doll Lisa Marie .. I don’t have a care in the world. For a moment, I can see my Aunt holding me and taking me out into the ocean as I scream with delight.. feeling scared of all the big waves in front of us, but feeling safe because I know she won’t let go of me. For a moment, I can remember that favorite beach house in Manzanita and the little store that my grandma would take me to each morning.. I’m reminded of the campfires we had on the beach, snuggled up in oversized sweatshirts and blankets that smelled just like the salt in the air .. roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and taking the routine family photos by the tall green grass.. For a moment, just one moment, I wish that I could go back – to being that little girl who believed in finding love notes in a washed up bottle, magic starfish, and mermaids.. but for that moment, as I see my husband walking further ahead of me, I am that little girl – who has found her way back to the ocean with the love of her life .. even if for just a day .. This is one day that I will always remember and a place I will always wish I could just magically appear whenever my heart so desired. “Look, there’s a Vacancy,” Nate points ahead at the little blue beach motel with the flashing red “vacancy” sign in the window. I’m brought back to reality .. we are now walking back to our parked car .. and past the motel .. on to our next destination.
It's A Charmed Life... 