Monday, February 18, 2008

I'm Back....



I had set out at the beginning of the weekend a bit nervous about the trip, but I ended up having such a wonderful time.

We met up with our friends in Astoria early Saturday morning and I got everyone to the whale training seminar. Then I was ready for a day of adventure all to myself. The weather was foggy and cool. After not sleeping well the night before and then getting up early for the drive, I really felt a strong temptation to pull over for a bit of a nap. I did just that very thing too. It was a tiny nap, but even that was a strange new adventure for me.

After being re-charged, my exploring began. My first stop was Fort Stevens. I had read about an old ship that had wrecked there back in 1906. It was such a find. I could have stayed there all day. It was a strange mixture of emotions to stand there in the cold waters while viewing the rusted ship remains and listen to the pounding of the waves.

My next adventure was to explore a bit of Astoria. I took in the panoramic view of the Astoria Column and then walked around the historic part of town reading bits of history. It was inspiring to learn about the pioneers that forged this western land.

Once I had some lunch in me, I felt charged up for some super hiking. I treked around both the North Head Lighthouse and the Lighthouse of Cape Disappointment. I got super muddy but it was well worth it. The views were breath taking as the ocean wind and waves whispered to me.

Sunday was a day for staying in town. With my daughter and friends still in the seminar, it was more time for me to explore the concept of "me time". I walked on the beach, did a small bit of window shopping, and crafted some new card designs. I think the biggest thing for me though was the challenge to sit in a resaurant and order by myself. Sure, I have run into Subway or Taco Bell for a quick bite to eat. But I have never gone into a "sit down and order with a waitress" kind of place....alone. You know what? I lived. No one pointed at me. Nothing bad happened. I simply enjoyed my meal.

In the evening, our friends built us a campfire on
the beach so that we could roast hotdogs and marshmallows. While sitting there, we saw the most amazing thing as the sun was starting to set. It is called a fire rainbow. I had seen a couple of emails come across my desk with info about this sight, but I must admit that I thought it was some sort of photoshop hoax thing. Boy was I wrong. As if I didn't know the truth before of how amazing and creative God is, this proves it yet again.

This is the best picture my camera could come up with and it does it no justice at all. I know it is hard to see but if you look to the right of the sun and almost to the sand dune, you will find a blur of color. It is actually a rainbow in the clouds. It looks as if a giant hand smeared paint across the clouds in a blaze of color.

Today I got in one more long walk on the beach. I went farther than I ever have before. I didn't let myself stop because of any kind of "I should go do....." thought. Instead, I gave myself permission to walk as long as I wanted, not worry about making eye contact with anyone, and tune out the busy world.
I crossed a small inlet and I got my feet wet.
I got my shoes wet....and nothing bad happened.
Nothing happend except the freedom in being able to do it.

I know, it is worth laughing at. You can say, "Wow Jules, you really stretched yourself there you wild woman. You mean, you actually got your feet wet?!" To me, it meant alot and that is all that matters.

It was hard to leave, but we had to get back to reality. Real lives don't revolve around being able to do whatever you want whenever you want on a continual basis. I am home. I love my family. I have a head full memories to think on for a good while to come.

I am not a photographer by any means, but this link might help you better see a few of my adventures. pictures


(personal note: David at Authorblog gave me a 'blog of the day honorable mention' for this post. It is indeed an honor.)

13 comments:

  1. It sounds like a wonderful trip, and I'm so happy that you enjoyed the time to explore and have an adventure on your own. The pictures are great by the way.

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  2. I am so jealous that you got to see my family and my puppy! I loved your pictures. I do the alone thing in a restaurant and movie all the time. It's hard at first but then it's kind of like being a mystery. Why is that person alone? Do they choose to be alone? Very mysterious. Love your blog...still jealous you got to be at the beach.

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  3. Mima...it really was a good trip for me, a growing experience. I am glad you like the pictures. Some day when I have more time, I want to take some classes so I can get a concept of what to really shoot. Right now I just kind of fumble along.

    blue castle....thank you for stopping by. What a nice surprise. Thank you too for sharing your wonderful family with me. They are such a blessing.
    Funny about the restaurant thing for your mom had that very same thought. "It is mysterious and romantic".

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  4. Hi Jules,

    I'm so glad nothing untoward happened when you got your feet wet!!

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  5. Hi there David. Thanks. It is so funny how we can box ourselves up into order and structure and not dare to cross that line. I say 'we' because I just know that I am not the only one in the world that has to remember to stretch every now and again.
    Dear Pooh Bear once said, "It is a scary thing to go out one's door in the morning." :-)

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  6. Now here is a good laugh...my walk today must have made me more tired than I thought. Was it Pooh Bear that made that statement to Piglet during "The Blustery Day" or was it Young Samwise Gamgee to Mr. Frodo?

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  7. Oh my God I missed so many of your posts! I am going to spend time and read as much as I can, but i must tell you right now i am in swimming suit and the swimming pool is crying out for me, so I won't comment all the posts, sorry for not being a good blogfriend to you. A bientot.

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  8. What a wonderful writer you are .. David 'sent' me and I am glad I came!

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  9. Exploration...it's what made our nation...it's why we keep reaching for the stars, I guess. I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip and took the chance to find things out for yourself. Just so you know, David sent me, I'm glad he did
    Sandi

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  10. Hey You! I love your pictures and your writing; I felt like I was there with you by the way you described things. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, you more than deserve it my dear friend!

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  11. Kitem...mon merveilleux francais ami, do not worry. I know you will post and comment when you can. It is just wonderful that I get to share in your traveling adventures along the way.

    daryl and sandi...You have no idea how much it thrills me that you came by for a visit. It was a special thing to find this morning. Thank you so much for the compliment. I am blushing.

    Trek...I am glad you enjoyed and felt like you were right there. A bit different than our New Years excursion huh?

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  12. The family and I have been able to experience all of those great places on our summer camping trips. Your posts brought back some fun memories for me.

    You are really living on the edge with your wet feet and all. (snickering)

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  13. Jeff...I am glad I could refresh your memories. Silly me getting my feet wet. If you could have seen the visible and mental image of me talking myself into doing it......

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I love to hear from other. Your opinions and viewpoints are always a blessing and encourage other readers as well.