Three weeks away, alone on a private retreat, provided a time for deep reflection and even deeper relaxation.
[nonmember]This archived post is for Members Only. Click here to become a member or to get a one day pass. If you are a member, please login to view the post. [/nonmember][private_archives]A time to let go of old fears and let new ideas take hold; to surrender to Mother Nature and allow her richly textured blanket of colors, songs and scents wrap me in a cocoon where I could rest and grow and ready myself for another blossoming as I approach my 51st year. It was a gift to myself and today I share a small piece of that gift with you…
{click on the images to see them large}
the views all around…for miles
so many treasures waiting to be discovered on my rocky stretch of beach
and mother nature left swirls and spirals everywhere for me to ogle
i shared my early morning walks with dew drops and petals
where the hydrangea petals provided endless interest
interlocking and overlapping, creating depth and shadows
oh, mother nature is so clever…so clever
the waves washed clusters of pillowy seaweed onto the shore, inspirational offerings of shapes and colors
and everything seemed to be singing the song of the sea
the birds were constant companions, each day surprising me with stellar performances – here a seagull plays with me – now you see it
now you don’t
wild honeysuckle vines were everywhere
filling the air with their intoxicating perfume
i was a happy, happy drunk
the bees, always nearby,
content as they collected pollen from the day’s new blooms
views from my window brought sunset vistas almost close enough to touch
i hope you enjoyed my view at the edge of the sea – it was sheer bliss for me.
and you? what is your idea of the perfect retreat?
maybe next year i will take you along…[/private_archives]
The idea of being alone on retreat has been creeping into my consciousness for some time now. I think it’s a concept that takes courage and conviction and intention – and sometimes negotiation with family and work and commitments.
Thanks for modeling this, Susan. I think it’s valuable.
The photos provide a sense of refreshment, I can’t imagine how refreshed and renewed you must have felt breathing it all in… good for you, that’s an incredible birthday present to give yourself!!! Have a wonderful, creative year!!!
Your photos are so vivid, it almost felt like I was there. We go to the beach every summer, but this summer we’re not. I miss it. You captured the shapes and sounds so perfectly. thank you for sharing.
Going to the ocean always puts me back in sync – have you noticed how you just get in tune with the rhythm of the waves. Perfect retreat, lovely photos, Thank you.
Your vacation photos provided me with a small mental get-away! I’m inspired by the images and even printed a few to put up at my desk. Thank you for sharing your experience with us all! Very happy you were able to get some well deserved R&R!
Thank you. Beautiful pictures for those of us who cannot leave the busy overcrowded city (NY). A tiny vacation.
Your photos are beautiful. The beach is my favorite retreat—so calming—and it looks like you found a good one. I hope you found the peace and renewal you were seeking.
Ahhhhhhhhh!
mmmmm… I’ve never gone away totally alone, but you’ve planted that lovely seed in my mind. Love your photos – looks like a beach in Oregon where I used to go on a women’s retreat… quiet and serene and always changing. Your writing is delicious – I was there with you – thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you for the beautiful morning walk with vista’s of water and dew. I just finished my walk here on the SW hot and dry desert floor. I am amazed at the incredible blossoms that fall from the cactus, those giants of perseverance. Those incredible dried blooms are my inspiration in my studio.
I would so love to do that; I love the beach and find it both deeply restful and energizing. Your photos are wonderful…
Beautiful photos….I just returned from a shorter holiday, but also at the beach…on the East Coast. Where were these photos taken?
Wonderful respite. I could almost smell the cleansing salt air with your photos. I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Key West three weeks ago, and now you’ve got me yearning to return!
What an eye you have for composition. The photos are lovely.
Looks amazing Susan – what a wonderful gift to give yourself. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, thank you so much for sharing this with us. Your photos are breathtaking. I’m writing this as I sit half in and half out of the closet of my bedroom. We have a small house and this is the only place where there is complete quiet. I’m studying Spanish for a test I have to take in a little more than a week, so I have very little time to relax and nearly no time to be outside and ponder the wonders of nature. Your photos were a mini vacation for me. ¡Muchas gracias!