(Shoutout of thanks to all of those people who text me all of the grammatical and spelling errors I make. ha!)
It’s 8am. I’m on the balcony of the resort, listening to the ocean, watching the waves, drinking coffee and eating oatmeal, and writing. I am now officially sorry to anyone who I have scoffed at in public or private when they talk about how awesome the beach is. Now I know what you are talking about and it is wonderful. Remember way back when I packed up GK and took off to Little St. Simons Island in December? That was my first time to have an actual beach trip. But, of course, it was in December so it wasn’t exactly bikini and bellini weather.
It has seemed like I was the only person who hadn’t been to the beach in the summer. Seriously. And, I’m 30. And, live in the South. Something is wrong with this picture. Naturally, I blame my parents. Joking. But, seriously – why did we never go to the beach?! I knew plenty of kids growing up who went to the beach every summer but not me. Oh, no. I was too busy going to things like basketball camp (you don’t even want to know) and hoeing our summer garden. Because what kid doesn’t want to pick giant zucchini and have their mother spray them down with a hose to imitate a summer full of sunshine and water while they’re running around in a tank top and too-high shorts? It’s the best we could do. One day I’ll share some unfortunate pictures of this said summer.
All that to say – if I ever have my own family, we ARE going to the beach.
Back to the beach. So, if you read TSC Part 1 you know all about how our fun little adventure started. We finally made it to bed sometime after 3am, but I was bound and determined to be up for the sunrise. I think E was planning on snoozing longer since we just had the longest and most adventurous day ever but she did say, “I’ll go with you. Just wake me up.” You betcha I’m going to wake you up! I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve. I could barely sleep, I kept checking my alarm to make sure it was on so I wouldn’t miss this natural and daily occurence that just seemed more magical when you’re standing on the shoreline with sand squishing between your freshly polished toes (or not, for you guys).
Naturally, as any 30 year old woman who is really a kid inside would be, I was up before my alarm and throwing on clothes. I grabbed my camera and we headed down to the sand. This must be the feeling women get when they get proposed to – that feeling of never knowing if this day would ever come and now that it’s here you’re one big bundle of nerves and emotions and it’s a little overwhelming. Of course, I could be totally wrong but I imagine that’s the way it is.
The sun hadn’t begun to peek out from behind the clouds but thin, sharp streams of bright pink etched the sky. The blue hue melted in with the billowing clouds and encircled shades of orange and pale yellow. The sun was coming. It was a new day. There were seagulls and jellyfish. Moms and Dads. Kids and dogs. Husbands and wives. People alone. People together. For me, every sunrise and sunset is beautiful so I won’t say this was the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen but it was one of the most special. I am in such holy reverence of our world and our Creator. I’ve already said the feeling of being tiny and insignificant was humbling. And, truthfully, we could all use a little more humbleness. I know I sure can.
We practiced some yoga poses (kudos to the fit beach babes who make it seem super easy!) E’s go-to was The Tree pose while I sunk down into a warrior pose. Ah, stretches.
We walked and walked and I think I could have walked forever. We headed back to the villa and I got my little writing area together. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you would need so I brewed a fresh cup of coffee and make myself some breakfast. I could get used to this.
I do want to include some information about our wonderful resort and how I found it! I’m a big fan of HomeAway. I’ve used it several times and always had a good experience. Our villa is at the Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Resort. Amy, the owner I rented from, has been so wonderful to us and I would highly recommend checking out her listing if you think about visiting the area!
This is opening weekend at Hilton Head… it’s officially the beach season. Which means the poolside restaurant is open, the pool is calling my name, and the sand and I need to become a little more familiar…
Until next time… xoxo, patty lauren
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