Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Sandy daze

Today's TRDC topic was to write about sand.

I have not been able to draft the perfect story. I have so many memories of sand I couldn't decide which one to focus on. It literally fogged my brain. Good thing I'm not in school because I would have failed this assignment.

I started writing about Matheson Hammock beach, one of my favorite places as a kid. We would hang out with my family, grandmother and cousins on our spring break vacation. It was perfect for little kids to play in the sand and splash around in the calm waters of the lagoon. You were safe from the open ocean with its big waves and jellyfish. We played all day making elaborate sand structures decorated with palm fronds and flowers.

If we were really good my mom would treat us to a Slushee at the concession stand, which invariably ended up with a fine layer of sand lining the bottom of the cup when we were finally done.

I thought about the amazing and huge sand castles I've seen in San Diego and in Hawaii. How they create those structures out of sand boggles my mind. I'm sure they used something different than a used Slushee cup.

And then there's 4th of July in Norwalk. We would stake out the perfect spot early in the day. Then each one of us would make a sand chaise by digging and wiggling around so the sand formed to your body. You'd gaze at the sky waiting for the show to begin. There is nothing more spectacular than fireworks launched from a barge. They shoot up right over your head and spray into a burst of twinkling color.

Just like the stars from the summer between my senior year in high school and college. We would hang out at Compo beach almost every night. We would stroll up and down the beach talking about what college was going to be like, dragging our toes slowly through the sand trying to get the boys attention. The night air was cool, the breeze gently blowing our hair, and the black sky filled with a million stars. It was the end of a chapter and the beginning of the rest of our lives.

It was our last summer together.....

Ah, I'm back. I was lost there for a minute.

I currently live near some of the most gorgeous beaches you've ever seen. They are rocky and rustic with giant cliffs and sandy army bunkers hiding in the hills. Whales spout in the distance, seals play in the surf, and starfish cling to the sandy rocks.

See? How was I going to pick just one.



2010 Thanksgiving morning- group hike to Tennessee Valley Beach

9 comments:

  1. i had a hard time focusing on just one memory. now that i wrote one, more keep coming!! it's amazing how many memories one word can evoke, isn't it?!

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  2. For those of us fortunate to live near a beach, it is hard to commit to just one memory. I nearly wrote a post like this one, but ultimately forced myself to chose. And now, I might just jot down some of the others for my own edification.

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  3. I hear you about having difficulty figuring out which memory related to sand. I agree w/Sarah that those who leave near the beach have it a tough!

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  4. I love the image of the "sand chaise." Great idea. I'd love to watch fireworks over open water. Sounds beautiful.
    And, "dragging our toes slowly through the sand tying to get the boys attention" Ahh, to be young, dreaming big dreams of tomorrow, getting sidetracked by boys. Lovely. I was back there with you for a minute, too.

    Thank you for visiting my blog and for the concrit. I made the changes you suggested 'cause I thought you were right on. I struggled with that same thought but couldn't quite put my finger on it. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. What a great thread up to present day. Loved it.

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  6. That was a trip down memory lane.........Yes we had lots of sand experiences.......and they continue since we all love the water and sand castles..........thanks for the trip.
    Mom

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  7. I have so many memories of the beach as well. Your perfectly described your memories!

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  8. When you said you lived near gorgeous beaches, I felt envious. I would love to live near the beach! This country is an archipelago, but I live in the city, far away from the sea.

    You're right. How could you have picked just one memory?

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  9. I grew up on the coast. And came up with nothing for this prompt.

    The summer after high school graduation though? I had those nights that you described. Many of them.

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Thanks for your feedback!

~Kris