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E.G.D.An Unnamed Memory
Posted by Jody on September 7, 2013
Today’s Featured Guest Writer is Dean K. Miller.
AN UNNAMED MEMORY
An Unnamed Memory
I read about an unnamed beach the other day, though I knew which one it was. Setting aside the present, I left the now and spiraled back to the moments in my past.
An angry sea lashed against the rocks and cliffs along the shore and the setting sun appeared unsure if it should hasten its descent amidst the fury. Then, a new day—the sea and waves more gentle. Their fury dissipated, they caressed the coves and tidal pools that gave sanctuary to the creatures seeking refuge from yesterday’s passing storm.
Another sunset provides a back drop as a younger me flies a kite in the off-shore breeze. It is a simpler time, with fewer responsibilities. My choice: to stay or go home. Deciding to stay meant another day to surf, another day to hike the rainforests, or another day to build sand castles. It was my time to choose. Life held all its promises, but I was happier to push them toward the future.
Maybe I’d head into town, pointing my desires at the bakery which stood amidst the trinket shops along the main thoroughfare. The delicious aromas wafted down the narrow street, drawing me in like a moth to a porch light. Fluttering around the display cases, I eyed the treats contained within. Finally, to avoid deciding, I chose several different selections.
Or maybe, on rare occasion, I’d pick just a single donut. Dipping it into a steaming mug of hot chocolate, I’d watch the rain beat against the window. Nearby trees slanted seaward, straining to hold their ground, defying the strong, onshore gusts. The ocean was dark and gray, barely visible through the falling drops.
Braving the storm I wander onto the sand. Finding the right spot, it was possible to taste both the salty mist from the sea and the fresh water of the rain as they soaked me from head to toe. In the background a lighthouse and fog horn worked in concert, adding a touch of dramatic atmosphere in their routines of guidance to safe passage.
It was there, amidst the chaos of weather and waves, I felt alive. It was there I found tranquility. It was there I would smile.
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About the author: Dean K Miller is a freelance writer living in Loveland, CO. His work has appeared in Chicken Soup of the Soul: Parenthood, Torrid Literature Journal IV: MidlifeCollage.com and other online and print magazines. He returns to the beach and wets his toes as often as possible. Read more at: www.deankmiller.com
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We simply love to share when it comes to beaches, treasure hunting, beachcombing crafts, and beachy tips. How about you? Do you have a favorite beach you’d like to share with us? Maybe you have some great tips for beach picnics, seaside safety, or seashore activities. Please check out our Submission Guidelines for info on jumping into the fun at Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches. You may be our next Featured Guest Writer!
Jody said
Dean, thank you so much for reminding us that our very best beach treasures cannot be displayed on the fireplace mantel. They are the joyful memories that are happily tucked away into the special places of our hearts.
nutsfortreasure said
Wonderful post!
Jody said
Yes! It is such a happy post! 🙂
nutsfortreasure said
🙂
ankushmehta said
Reblogged this on Icanbeatit.
Jody said
Thank you so much for the reblog! We just love to share!
ankushmehta said
🙂 You are welcome for it 😀 😀
Greg said
Beautifully expressed! Having lived near ocean beaches when I was in the Navy I could feel these phrases. I could remember doing those things. Thanks for the memories.
An Essay posted at Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches | Dean K Miller said
[…] My essay An Unnamed Memory appears this week as a guest post at: https://beachtreasuresandtreasurebeaches.com/2013/09/07/an-unnamed-memory/ […]
Jody said
Dean, please feel free to chime in on comments!
Patricia Stoltey said
This reminds me of being a kid and experiencing the Florida Gulf Coast for the first time. Walking the beach on a foggy morning was the best (and also the scariest for a kid), because then I felt truly alone. It was deliciously creepy.
Jody said
Patricia, it sounds wonderful! We’re big fans of the Florida Gulf Coast too. Fog can really add something special to the whole beach experience. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing!