Spring Break...

"Rosie-girl" and I got back from the coast tonight. With every day and season being a new adventure, this trip proved just that. Though it is almost April and spring flowers are showing their brilliance everywhere, the weather was a bit more wintery than usual.

Unlike my last trip, I wasn't able to get out and do the regular exploring that the outdoor beauty calls for. The sun and storm clouds played a juggling act that meteorologists labeled as the biggest winter storm of the year. Sun, rain, hail, and snow...we witnessed it all at the coast.

Wonderfully, our hosts were able to put us up for one more night. I could have squared my shoulders and bravely tackled the roads in the pass, but it was so much more nice to sit and visit with our friends.

In between cloud shows, the sun would pop out with a determination

to shine and warm thing up.

I loved the colors in the sky when the sun and clouds

battled it out during sunset on the horizon.

After my bags were packed this afternoon, the sky cleared enough for me to try

and fit in one last walk before the drive home.

Here is another set of clouds rolling onto Haystack Rock. I stood there watching the beauty in front of me with my sun at my backside...and completely forgot that those clouds were headed my way.

As I was trying unsuccessfully to outwalk those storm clouds, I came across this little creation. As the hail pounded into my backside and the sun shone in my eyes, I had to stop and snap a quick picture. I don't know who built it, but I bet they saw the clouds a good ten minutes before me and smartly headed for shelter.

Ahoy!...

Just so you know, I will be gone for a few days. The girls and I are heading to the beach for spring break...and whale watching.
Ah! I can smell the salty breeze already.

Cannon Beach Again...

"Pippin" and I are getting ready to leave for a weekend at our favorite beach. It is going to be a new experience for both of us.

For Pip, she will be at a training seminar for whale watching. Doesn't that raise the eyebrow in question? Basically, she will be trained to observe the resident pods around here and collect data for research and the general public. She is really excited about it. She and a cohort...oops I mean friend, are doing it together.

For me, I will be alone and that experience bears a bit of explanation. Sure, I have had a couple of hours to do the grocery shopping, watch movies in the bedroom when I am sick, or even walk around a store alone....knowing my husband or children will come walking around the corner at any moment. I've just never been alone.
I moved out of my parents home after high school and got married to my husband. He had three children already and I became an instat mommy.
I have never been out of town alone. Going away has always been for the purpose of family vacations or research for childrens ministry. Both options have kept people constantly around me.
Now don't get me wrong here. I am not complaining or looking for the little violin to play "My Heart Bleeds For You".
I am just finding that as I get ready for this small trip, I have different emotions running through my head and heart.
On the one hand, I am excited for the adventure. I can do what I want when I want. I can explore, walk, hike, craft, and watch the sunset with no questions of "what do you want to do for dinner?" or "what do you feel like now?"
On the other hand, honestly, I feel a bit of.....I don't know....maybe fear. The idea is that I am responsible for myself this weekend. My happiness and activities hinge around me only. Will I be brave and explore or will I chicken out and hide in my room?