It's thundering and I think we're gonna get another big shower. It looks like I might have to shut down the computer soon to be safe. So...here's a post from my archives.
All these photos were taken right here in "my" heaven
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A few years ago I read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, a novel told in the first person by Susie Salmon, a 14-year-old girl who is raped, murdered and dismembered in the first chapter. I couldn't bring myself to read it when it first came out, but I kept hearing so much about it, so I finally broke down and did. It's not easy, but it really is a fascinating book and brings up lots of things to discuss. I guess that's why Oprah loved it and it went from book club to book club, mine included. When we're introduced to Susie, she's already gone, looking down on her family from her very own heaven. That's what intrigued me....her very own heaven. In this book, everyone's heaven is different. Your heaven is what you want your heaven to be.
Doesn't that sound heavenly? No pun intended.
Today, I bit the bullet. Yep, I put on my swimsuit for the first time this year and went to spend the day on the beach. I mean actually in a bathing suit, sitting on a chair, sunning myself, kinda day. I'm lucky. I know it. I don't take it for granted. I'm truly thankful. I live in Paradise. I can go to the beach every day, any day. Thanks to my sweet husband who worked so hard for so many years so we could retire in a place we love.
Anyway, as I sat there today all by myself, I couldn't help but think about how heavenly it was and it made me think again about The Lovely Bones and the idea of our very own heaven. If I could choose my very own heaven, it would be the beach. I love the smell of the salty air, hearing the seagulls, the laughter of children, the sounds of the waves crashing in. I love the feel of the sand between my toes. I love how food tastes better on the beach. I love spotting the dolphins and seeing the herons walk up and down the beach. I love taking long walks with friends and talking the whole way. I love the wonderful breeze. I love pulling my chair right down to the water's edge and letting the waves tickle my toes and keep me cool. I love to take a good book and then get drowzy and take a little nap. I love getting up early and seeing the sunrise and then watching the fishing boats come around the jetty and head out for the day. I love watching the sun set slowing over the water and I can almost hear it sizzle as it slowly leaves. My heaven would have all of this. And on some days in my heaven, I would have all my children and grandchildren with me, laughing and building sandcastles, flying kites and jumping the waves. Other times, I'd love to have cocktail parties under a beach umbrella with my Mom, Aunt and sisters and cousins and daughters and daughter-in-laws like we do now as often as we can. Some times, I'd just like to spend days all by myself like I did today. But mostly, I'd like to take long walks holding my sweet George's hand as we talked about life and how blessed we are.
Yep, that's my personal heaven.
11 comments:
I love your heaven. I can't imagine a better place to be than by the ocean. When I sit and watch the water, I feel all my problems disappear. They're all no more than a grain of sand. It really puts me in my proper place and frame of mind. We'll probably never get to retire to the beach, but oh if I could!
Kat, what an absolutely beautiful post. I loved the words and the feelings the evoked. I am a kindred spirit, in this case. Everything seems to "melt away" at the beach. Thanks for giving my mind a little "candy" today. It sure was yummy!
This definitely sounds like a slice of heaven. I love the way you describe the beach -- it has been way too long since I've had a beach vacation. Thanks for the trip in my mind's eye:)
loved the book also. I`ve heard they are making a movie out of it. tell us your paranormal experience. Its funny, children seem to experience them more than adults.
I am with Tonja, I loved your words and feelings they evoked. I was right there with you on that beach!
But for me, I would have to have more than sand in my toes in order for it to be heaven. I want to be in the presence of my Savior and have the sin factor totally eradicated from my life. I want that glorified body that we are promised where sin is totally gone. . . where we are incapable of sin.
Then, I could drink my lemonade and be happy! LOL!
I hope that the storm was not too bad and that you didn't lose electricity again!
Hugs,
c
Beautiful. I do love the beach, and agree with Lynne that the vastness of the ocean puts things in their proper perspective.
Actually, a very close second for me is my own back yard. When I sit out there and look at the huge trees and listen to the birds sing, I get the same sense of wander and the feeling that my problems are very small compared to our very amazing Creator and His creation.
Oh my! I would say you do indeed have a piece of heaven!
It's just beautiful!
What a lovely post, Kat! M feels the same way about beach life, and would love to retire there someday. His favorite meal is seafood eaten at a beachside restaurant (windows open).
I'm glad that you're enjoying a bit of heaven on earth~
I agree those Destin/Seaside beaches are heavenly. Many, many of my best memories are from my vacations in "your paradise". And that family photo is so awesome!
Happy 4th, Kat!
I love your "paradise" too...we used to take the kids to Destin practically every year when they were younger...now they are grown...married and hopefully will be blessed w/children of their own one day...maybe hubbin and I should actually follow through with our dreams of owning a summer home there...only maybe we should make it a retirement home instead! Enjoying your blog...I just read your 100 things...and I tell you we could be clones...maybe not physically...but mentally...I tell ya, there were parts in there that I thought I was actually reading about myself....you obviously are a GREAT person....lol!
Blessings...
"T"
Your personal heaven sounds like a dream. I love reading about your days... being on the beach and having time alone or with loved ones sounds just as you described...like heaven!
Isn't that a great book club book? Very thought provoking.
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