Some of you know because I posted the picture above with the title "waiting" a few days ago on FB that I'm headed Saturday for the beach house, and the rest of the family will gather different days next week. We stay at a special house on the beach and soak up the sea as much as possible. I think we soak up each other, too!
The first time I traveled to the Ft. Myers area was with my husband Arvie on our annual trip with Carter. We stayed in a small cottage right on the beach of Sanibel Island, spent wonderful hours exploring, gathering shells, swimming, loving on each other. At that time I was doing all the planning and driving, and Carter, ten, helped much with navigating in the airport and on the road. It was a wonderful trip I was determined to take because I knew it would be the final one for Carter with Arvie. I wanted to make a memory for us all.
My family is headed for Captiva Island for the fourth time this next week, and making more memories there, but Carter and I feel close to Arvie too, and remember the good times we had that first time. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm glad I persisted in going that summer. If I had waited for a better time, there wouldn't have been one. Don't wait for those "perfect" conditions; they probably won't ever happen. Go and do things you want to do!
favorite pictures from that summer of 2011
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| Notice the sign-big chuckle! |
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| The Big Pretender! |
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| my favorite creatures! |
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| Love this gazing and wondering. |
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| always bending, looking, gathering |
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| It was a happy time! |
I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community today.
Wonderful slice! I wish for a vacation soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you, hoping for you!
DeleteSuch a lovely remembering and lesson for us all. Here's to another summer of holding on to sunsets and digging for shells.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julieanne, it will be a grand time!
DeleteYour words sing of love, Linda. You are so right -- make as many memories today as you can. Enjoy your trip and "soaking up each other".
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer, I hope everyone does remember to make those memories.
DeleteEnjoy your holiday weekend. It is wonderful to be able to find the happiness in memories.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bernadette, but we're off for 2 weeks, not just the weekend. So exciting.
DeleteDon't wait for those "perfect" conditions; they probably won't ever happen. Go and do things you want to do! --those lines say it all! Words to truly live by --thank you for sharing your wisdom. Enjoy every moment!
ReplyDeleteClare
Thanks, Clare, I know we'll have a great time.
DeleteYou are so right, Linda. If we always waited for the perfect time we would miss out on so much. Glad that you continue to make happy memories.
ReplyDeleteI am convinced that this is the way to live. Thank you!
DeleteI second that notion!!! Don't wait and document the moments... hold on to that smile on your face, friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bonnie, I will!
DeleteI love that you persevered and made that trip, Linda - Carter will treasure those memories all his life, too. That last picture of you tells the story of a special time, a special place, and of good memories of then and now. Enjoy the holiday, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad too, Tara. Thanks for the good wishes! Have a great week winding your way to the end!
DeleteAfter spending the weekend with my parents soaking up peace and memories, I realize the importance of taking these times. Thanks for sharing your beach memories. I'm sure you still feel the presence of Arvie. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret. I loved seeing the pictures from your visit!
DeleteBrings a tear to the eye. Guess all that we can really keep with us forever are memories. So glad you have them! Enjoy making more!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, I have good ones as you know!
DeleteWonderful love tucked in every happy line of this post. Carter has grown a bit in the past five years. Have a wonderful family time together and enjoy every single moment, my friend!
ReplyDeleteYes, Carter is nearing six feet now, Ramona, amazing. Thank you for those good wishes!
DeleteAnd with your advice, I am dropping everything and heading out the door to spend some time at the gym with my husband. It may not be his favorite thing to do but we are doing it together. I love your photos. Memories are magical.
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled to hear that you are going to spend some good time with your husband, Carol. Special!
DeleteLooks like a great place to visit! I'm glad you get to spend time there with your family! :)
ReplyDeleteaggiekesler.wordpress.com
Thanks Aggie, we enjoy it thoroughly!
Deleteaw, now I'm bawling. Have a wonderful time, and as Bob Hope said, "Thanks for the memory."
ReplyDeleteYep, maybe that was one of my influences, Jane? Thanks!
DeleteThe beautiful memories and the life lesson in this slice reach deep in the heart. I am glad you get to add another memory layer for this place.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terje, I know from all you share that you drop everything for those sweet moments, too.
DeleteOh I love the reminder to not wait for the perfect time. I believe that. My dad taught me that and I try to live it. And those beach pictures!!!!! We are going in August to celebrate my mom's 70th birthday. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to wish you a wonderful vacation!
DeleteThank you, I wish you one too!
DeleteFun! Your pictures really show the different kinds of happiness! Enjoy this trip and the memories!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer. I will!
DeleteHappy vacation! Oh how beautiful your pictures are. What special memories!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maureen.
DeleteYour words sound like my mantra, Linda! My mom passed away at the very young age of 42 and I remember all the things she wanted to do and unfortunately, she did very few of them. Great advice of all of us to remember.
ReplyDeleteYour mom would love hearing that, Lynn. I do, too!
DeleteYour words brought tears and a memory of the last days in my mother's life. My daughter-on-law and I took her out of the hospital for a day driving around looking at trees in blossom. We finished up with peanut buster parfaits.
ReplyDeleteMaking memories is always worth the time.
Dear Cheriee, thank you for sharing that special memory with me. That is wonderful.
DeleteThank you for sharing these lovely memories, Linda. You're so right about not waiting for the "perfect" time. Have a wonderful trip to the beach with your family. Looking forward to photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm sure I will take many pics, Catherine.
DeleteLinda, this made me smile and tear up all at once. Thank you for sharing. And for your wise words.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Carrie.
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