[TriciaR]

Just go to a beach of your choice with a blanket to lay on or a beach chair, turn off your phone and sit or lay there listening to the water move. That is so calming and relaxing. Enjoy!!!!

Thanks for the lovely suggestion @ccolpitts05 — it paints such a peaceful picture. Sometimes the simplest beach days are the most soothing, especially when you can unplug and just be. Is this something you got to do earlier in the year, or are you hoping to plan a little beach escape soon?

 

[TriciaR]

I don’t mean to sound like a Debby Downer, but since my husband and I cannot get out anymore…
my best place to be is in our home watching movies together. We’ve been married for 52 and 1/2 years. What could be better? Nothing as far as our reality goes

Thank you so much for sharing @Gayle B. — there’s nothing “Debby Downer” about it at all. In fact, it’s really heartwarming to hear how content you are in each other’s company after 52 and a half years. That kind of love and togetherness is something special. Do you and your husband have a go-to movie genre or a film you’ve rewatched more than a few times?

 

[TriciaR]

Sitting on the beach with a book and looking at the ocean.

Thanks for sharing @families2008 — what a perfect combo. There’s just something about the sound of the waves and a good book that makes time slow down in the best way. Do you remember what book you had with you the last time you did that? Or do you have a favorite beach read you always return to?

 

[TriciaR]

We share April as our birthday month. I live near the Out Banks, but I am not able to walk much right now. I would enjoy just sitting in a covered chair with my toes in the water, breathing in that salty sea air and enjoying the sun.

Thanks so much for sharing @Greatgrannypat — that sounds incredibly peaceful. Sometimes just being near the water, with your toes in the surf and that salty breeze in the air, is all you need for a perfect beach day. Have you been able to enjoy a moment like that recently, or are you hoping to plan one when you're feeling up to it? The Outer Banks must be such a beautiful backdrop for some quiet time. Also, belated Happy Birthday!

 

[TriciaR]

Dear Ally, listen to your heart and do whatever makes you smile

Thanks for that thoughtful message @sherbabe11* —such a gentle and uplifting reminder. Sometimes the best advice is the simplest, especially when it comes from the heart. Is there something that made you smile earlier this year—beach day or otherwise?

 

[TriciaR]

I would go to the airport and people watch. It is one of my favorite things to do and then go stretch my legs walking to see the planes land and take off. My BFF who passed about 15 years ago and I used to do this on new purse day...we would change items from old to new and just watch. We had no shame so if people wanted to watch us that was okay too. I miss her a lot...have not laughed so hard or long since she's been gone. Everything was fun for us. People are very interesting and we would make up stories about them and sometimes just greet passengers as they got off the escalator for their bags. Second best is the mall but around here they are pretty dead now. Good times.

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful memory @Msdemeanor — it’s touching, funny, and so full of heart. What a wonderful tradition you and your BFF had… I can just picture the two of you making up stories and laughing without a care. Those kinds of friendships are rare treasures. Do you ever still go people-watching on your own in honor of her? And I love the "new purse day" detail—do you still do that now and then?

 

[TriciaR]

First of all, Happy Birthday. I’m a beach baby, walking in the sand is good grounding for your body and the sound of the waves is always good for the soul

Thank you for your birthday greetings for Ally @Saltymermaid3* ! Also thanks for sharing — it’s so true! There’s something deeply healing about bare feet in the sand and the steady rhythm of the waves. Total soul therapy. Have you had a chance to get your toes in the sand earlier this year? Or is a beach day still on your wish list for when the weather warms up again?