Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Life's a Beach Somedays

After the rain last night, it cooled off a bit today.  At least enough for us to get a good row in with the group.  We were all mindful of our missing friend E. but put our backs into pulling on the oars.  We didn't talk a whole lot but towards the end of the row when we were heading back to the marina at a good clip with the tide running in our favor, we were laughing.  The racing boats were out for their afternoon practice with their multi-hued spinnakers billowing.  It was all really wonderful to be on the water and to be alive.

When I was going through some things in my office, I found an old photo of me with my older cousin.  We were shirtless and barefoot.  Just two kids having a great time without a care in the world.  It was a day like that today.  I could feel that kind of freedom like I experienced when I was a kid running wild through the woods and fields during summer break.  Those first few days when I was out of school with the whole summer stretched before me were wonderful times.

Back then, when life was a lot simpler, I didn't put on shoes except on Sunday, would play all day doing something, and really had only minimal problems to deal with. I would mostly try to figure out how to have a good time with my cousin without getting punished by an adult. Since he was three years older, I generally was the fall guy for most of our antics. Those summer days were magical, and the nights spent on the porch listening to some far off radio station were serene.  I would listen to music that wasn't played on our local station.  Sometimes I would fall asleep on the old glider on the porch and spend the night there without a care in the world.  Knowing that the next day would bring new adventures was enough for me.

Retirement is feeling like an endless summer vacation so far.  I'm finding that it's possible to recapture that feeling of freedom and fun. I'm still a kid at heart, and I'm enjoying the new life that I've found.  I may occasionally feel a bit undone without a formal schedule, but I can tell that I'm getting used to setting my own hours.  No shirt, no shoes, no problem..... Just for today Life's a Beach.

16 comments:

  1. It would be normal to experience a little rough water adjusting to a new routine by retiring. I'm happy that you seem to be transitioning well.

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  2. A reverie. Syd, you are walking out from behind the desk these days, with a different kind of Syd. And it IS good, man!

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  3. In a dreamlike state... but not quite in a dream! Words, like sands on a beach, are taking rest.

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  4. An extended summer vacation....whoo hooo!!! Glad you are figuring it out. Around here school starts back in about 2 weeks...I am so bummed! I love that someone is free from the routine and schedule of the 9 to 5 life. :o)

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  5. This is wonderful to read,Syd.
    You are such a shining blogger!

    ps.Now how did you set up that shot of you and pooch on the shoreline ?
    Did you ask one of your marine life friends to help ? lol ..just kiddin.

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  6. glad that retirement is letting you recapture some of those moments...go build a sand castle...smiles.

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  7. I'm really glad you're enjoying your retirement Syd, that is awesome!

    I remember that first day of summer feeling, will never forget it!

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  8. Yup- water, sun, freedom- sand, dogs-
    the endless feel of summer...Those patches of hope got me through.
    Little islands reminded me there was another side to life when things got
    tough.It had a lot to do with deciding to become self-employed later on. I can't always get to the beach but here is hoping for it!

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  9. Glad you are enjoying yourself, Syd. That's the idea.

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  10. I was watching my beautiful two year old granddaughter last Saturday. We were "bouncy-bouncy" on the trampoline and both decided we needed a rest so we layed down facing towards the stars. I turned toward her and she was staring directly into my eyes with this incredible look of peace, serenity, innocence, happiness and truthfulness. She had the whole package and so did I, even for just a brief moment.

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  11. I love those lazy summer days. And my memories of summertime as a kid are the best :)

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  12. It's good to hear someone use that expression in a good way. I find it harder to get that type of joy back as I hit my late 70's but just today I had a call from my highschool pal who escorted me to the Senior Prom 60 years ago. He and his wife have moved to Cape Cod and I will see them in Sept. & I'm sure we'll have a lot to remember!

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  13. Sometimes "Life IS a Beach". Today was such a day for me when daughter and I went to the beach. It was a gorgeous, cloudless, perfect water temp day. I tried out my new Tommy Bahama beach umbrella and we both rafted through the gulf swells. Beautiful!

    PG

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  14. I adore all of the photos I have of myself as a kid, something about them make me really love who I have become.

    As for retirement - I am absolutely envious and having your boat should help you find things to do with all of that extra time.

    Cat

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  15. awesome post, i so enjoy reading this. i am so glad you have found fun in your retirement.

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  16. sounds wonderful. I miss the days of summer as a kid. No worries, all fun - well, not all fun. You are blessed to be able to live by such beautiful landscapes, even with the heat!

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