The beach near our vacay spot in Southern California (San Diego).
Hi all. Thanks for all your smileys in your comments at my Smiley post. How fun was that? Just remember, even though I’m not posting about my beliefs about commenting here, my “Smiley Policy” holds for all my posts. Sound good?
I had grandiose plans to continue posting three times a week while we are on vacation this week in San Diego. Now that we’re here, I’ve been spending time resting, relaxing, and pointing my face toward the sun. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to write my three posts this week. But, then again, I’ve never promised such (see my About page), so I won’t beat myself up about it. 
I’m sure you won’t either.
About a year ago, we moved away from this sun-kissed Garden of Eden for employment opportunities in San Francisco—a decision I do not regret—after almost a decade of living in San Diego. However, being back here, seeing the Pacific, watching the sun set over the water, smelling the flower-steeped air, and feeling the sun on my face reminds me of beautiful days we spent here not long ago.
I picked up a local paper to see a huge storm went through in mid-January, which brought record waves. I miss the hub-bub and conversation that arrive with big waves. Plus, the sight can’t be compared to anything else I know. Big waves makes me feel small. They put things into perspective.
Have you ever swam, surfed, or sailed in huge waves? I have swam in them many times. And, again, I felt SMALL. I felt insignificant. I felt like a small wheel in the huge machine of this universe. It actually reminds me, seeing the waves and immense ocean, that I need to lighten up regarding the decisions I’m making lately. I truly believe that we are here to enjoy our lives, to discover and explore this beautiful marble of a planet, take care of her, and to love being alive.
In regards to my efforts to post three times a week, well, the ocean put that “goal” into perspective. I think I’ll just keep my eyes on the horizon and when the urge hits, I’ll deliver what she wants me to tell you.
Please respond to my question about being in deep water or big waves. I’d love to hear about your experiences. And also, when is the last time you took some time off? Even just a day or an afternoon? Life is short. What one- or two-hour “thing” can you do to renew your sense of adventure or exploration?
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Hi Lori! I felt small – and I mean nearly non-existant small – the moment I entered the blogosphere. I still do. I feel like there is an enormous universe out there, and I’m a speck. There is probably a lot of truth to that actually
And why am I not responding in terms of waves or deep water? I barely swim, am a GREAT beach sitter, dock sitter, happily watching the water – I do not participate IN it. (Secretly – shhh – I think I was on the Titanic and drowned so I don’t “do” water!)
suzen´s last blog ..Baseball vs. Football
Hi Suzen,
You chose a great example of what makes you feel small, and I completely agree! Just remember, you’re not a speck to me.
Ha ha ha, funny, Suzen, about the Titanic. I feel that way about boats, too, but somehow I’m OK swimming. Weird, eh?
Have a great day!
Hi Lori
The first big waves were when I was on my honey moon. Before that I was used to the lake which is called Mediterranian. So I actually did not even notice the surf when I went into that unfamiliar water. So in I went with my bikini. Well you can guess, I got thrown over, hardly got up and got thrown over again ending up with bikini top around my neck and harldy knowing if I was up or under.
I finally scrambled out as fast as I could, not knowing what hit me and probably a sight to see.
Lucky I only had cupsize A then.
Now I conquer waves in kayaks just as unsuccessfully, I always fall over and land ungraciously on the beach. My lot in life, I guess.
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..When is ‘enough’ enough?
Hi Wilma,
That’s great you saw big waves on your Honeymoon – very cool, indeed! And, yeah, I’ve seen examples of your bikini incident around the Pacific, too. It’s really funny to see the surprise on the faces of gals who don’t know the force the water can bring, but the good thing is that it just usually makes us gals laugh really hard. Knowing you, I’m sure you took it in stride, too.
Now, kayaks are another story. I had awful balance when I tried to use them a few years ago, it was a mess of a sight. Too funny!
Hi Lori – I didn’t know you were right down the road in SF. Also my dad lives in San Diego. Two of my absolute favorite places. As a kid growing up near Half Moon Bay, I did sometimes swim in those brisk Pacific waves, although not often. It had to be one of those highly unusual, sweltering hot days when we all piled in the car for the beach. Now I’m more the spectator. But I do get what you’re talking about. The infiniteness of the ocean makes me feel small too, in a good way. Everything falls away. There’s a point of view that wasn’t there before. And I’m a firm believer in vacation, stopping, time-outs. My goal is to take one week off each month. That would be bliss. ;~)
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..Meaning Mondays: The Singing Blog Edition
Hi Patty,
That’s really interesting you grew up near Half Moon Bay – that’s a gorgeous area! And wow, you SWAM there? The water is soooo cold up around HMB and SF – that’s amazing! Did you freeze your bumkiss off?
That’s a good point about being a spectator; when I look across the Pacific over the horizon, and the water just never ends, it’s just as power as actually being tossed around in the waves. I’m much more into the spectator version these days because of Ms. MS. I hope to get back out there someday, though.
Great about your goals to take time off. I really hope you can reach your goal soon. In the mean time, I hope you can at least steal some great, relaxing hours here and there.
Lori,
Enjoy your time away!
As I read this today, I am very much drawn to a vacation our family took last spring. We went on a cruise in the Caribbean. Nearly every night, after everyone else had wandered off bed, I would make my way out to the deck. And in those moments, silent moments as the ship had begun to go to sleep, I connected very deeply with just how amazing and awesome our world is. There we were, surrounded by water for as far as I could see. This big ship was but a speck in the ocean. And then me…a speck on the ship. In the grand scheme of things, we are so tiny. And yet, to the people and things that really matter in our lives, we are so, so important. It’s the thought I kept coming back to in those deeply introspective moments.
Lori, this world is huge and hard for me to fully fathom just how much is going on at any one time. And yet, somehow our paths have crossed in this great big world. And that is a gift to me. We are all just tiny parts of this world…and yet, it’s these tiny parts connecting in some way that makes life so worth living. I am so deeply grateful for you in my life…
Love and joy,
Lance
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Lance,
I really loved reading your thoughts about the cruise ship and how you went out to the deck to connect.
I can relate to that in so many ways. All the scuttle, necessary business, and “white noise” that goes on can be very distracting – that’s why I so love what you describe here. There’s nothing like waiting for the world to go to sleep (or for it to wake up) to enjoy those precious moments. I used to get those moments on early-morning runs out in the snow-packed darkness before lights started flipping while the world was still and asleep. Oh, that was bliss! Hearing the crunch of the snow under my feet and communing with the sleeping snow-topped trees.
And, I agree with what you say here. Having somehow intersected with you here on in the blogging world has absolutely been my treat and great fortune. I am grateful for you, too, Lance.
~xo
Hi Lori – to think I was in San Diego twice last year (and in mid-January!) – and really look forward to seeing more of it – mind you got to get to San Fran sometime too – let alone the rest of the States!
Yes I would love to have a few days on my own .. just space to myself and it will come once my mother has moved on – for now I do what I do for her and for me ..
I have to say the sea I respect highly – perhaps terrified as a teenager being (nearly) sucked under a warship in Falmouth deep water harbour, when we were out sailing as a fairly inexperienced family .. no wind and we nearly didn’t make it – the keel was rising above the water (you’ll recognise that backbone word – keel!!!).
Enjoy your break .. it’s going to be a wonderful week for you .. Hilary
Hilary´s last blog ..The Wigmaker, “Cottonpolis” and the first factory
Hi Hilary,
Wow, what great experiences – albeit a bit scary. I’m am DEFINITELY not a boat enthusiast – so I had to look up what a keel was!!! Hey, I learned something today.
Please take care as you are caring for your mother, Hilary. One of my best friends is taking care of her father at the moment; in a very similar situation. It’s taking a toll on her and she definitely needs lots of support and to remember to try to take some time for herself to recharge her batteries.
I am sending you hugs amounts of positive wishes while you care for your mother. Please know you’re in my thoughts!
*HUG*
I’ve never seen the big waves…a deficiency I hope to correct this year. However, even without the big waves, I get that same feeling when staring at the ocean…it’s just so big, so vast…so powerful.
But then I remember that the same power that lies within the ocean lies within me, and then I feel powerful, too. The Earth is my mother…the oceans, the mountains, the jungles, the plains…all of them are within me and part of me as I am part of them.
Hi Jay,
I hope you can correct that deficiency, too, very soon! The world won’t seem properly set upon its axis until you’re living near the water, Jay. I just have that feeling.
And, Jay Bird, your comment really blows me away. It reminds me that the salinity of our blood is close to the salinity of the ocean – so the ocean seems to be a natural extension of us. (Well, to be accurate, the ocean is about 3x higher than our blood – just sayin’.) I love the visual of the oceans, mountains, jungles, plains as being a part of you.
I’m a huge believer in Gia theory, actually. I’m in absolute agreement with your ideals and the way you see the world.
Is this why we always get each other’s jokes immediately??? ha ha ha
Thanks, Jay, for popping over. I hope you’re well.
I want to be there too!!!!
I got to live in La Jolla only during my college years, but it was enough to make me a lifetime fan. There is no other place like it. Period. Had I known I’d never live there again after graduation, I would’ve stayed in college longer!
The ocean has always been a huge part of my life, growing up in Costa Rica… which is really just ocean, interrupted by a line of volcanoes connecting North and South America. There is something magical about standing at the boundary between two worlds (land and sea), especially when you realize that ours is the MUCH smaller of the two.
Lisis´s last blog ..The ONLY Way to Achieve Success
Hi Lisis,
I just KNOW you’ll be here soon, too!
JUST KNOW IT!
I can imagine you here in your college days. This seems like a naturally fitting place for you. Sun. Sand. Good-looking humanoids all over the place. I’m sure you fit right in!
I knew you’d totally GET the whole ocean/waves concepts here. But, WOW, I really understand the magical nature of volcanic-formed islands. I think that’s why I love Hawaii so much – they feel magical. I’d love to visit Costa Rica someday!!
Will you be my guide if I ever make it there?
The ocean has always been a sort of refuge for me, Lori. Whenever I’ve been troubled or out of sorts, heading to the ocean to watch the waves has always been great medicine for me.
When I lived in Southern Cal, I would head to the ocean whenever any big storms rolled in to watch the big waves – I could do it for hours!
I was taking sailing lessons at a place located in Marina Del Ray and on the weekend we were supposed to learn about heavy weather, a huge storm had rolled in. I thought, well we’ll probably stay in class today. Yeah, right! We stayed in the harbor, but went through all of the drills. Talk about feeling alive! Oh, and about half scared to death.
Hey, I love SD. Say hi to a palm tree for me and if you make it to La Jolla, pet a seal or two for me!
George
George Angus´s last blog ..Lookin’ Like a Fool With Your Writing On The Ground
Hi George,
I had a feeling you’d have a special connection to the ocean. I’m happy to read your comment here. I also like how you termed the ocean as medicine. I think there’s a lot to that, actually. I can remember going out into the salty blue with a cold sore on my lip or skin rashes or whatnot, and the salty water always made them heal lickety split! Or, maybe it’s psychosomatic? Who knows, but I think it’s a cool phenomenon.
That great you lived in So Cal, George. And, wow, thanks for your story about the storm and having the opportunity to go through your drills. Talk about applying your knowledge!! GREAT!
I will absolutely not only say hello to a palm tree, but I’ll hug it for you, too! We’re actually staying in LJ for our vacay, so I’ll send you some pics of the baby seals. How can anything be so adorable!
Take care, superstar.
Hi Lori,
Have a wonderful vacation and enjoy the beautiful weather for me! Today we are having a heat wave of 30 degrees so enjoy the warmth for me!
As for your question, I grew up an hour away from the ocean which was such a blessing. The great thing about the ocean is that it reminds you of how small you are and how small are your problems in comparison to the vastness of the ocean.
When I was nineteen, I went down to the beach one day because I just was having a bad day. As I stood there, I felt like I was in the presence of something greater and it just brought me a lot of comfort.
Sometimes we need to be reminded that life is so much more than we think and our so called problems are really nothing in comparison to what exists. The ocean does that for me.
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..My New Career: How God Has a Sense of Humor
Hi Nadia,
Wow, a heat wave of 30 degrees? Thanks for reminding me what the world is experiencing right now. I swear this place is not real and reminds me of combination of Pandora and Mayberry. Hang in there, I’m sending positive vibes your way!
Hey, I didn’t know you grew up an hour from the ocean. That explains a lot. That’s cool! And I can totally relate to what you say here, that the vastness of the ocean makes your problems small.
The ocean does that for me, too, and I think that’s why I feel so refreshed and renewed being back here.
Thanks for leaving me with your thoughts, Nadia. I love to see you here and your smiling avatar.
We’ve had many conversations about how I’m following in your footsteps, Lori, having recently left SD for employment opportunities in SF. And already, what do I miss the most? The ocean! I’m not a surfer girl by any stretch of the imagination, not even an ocean swimmer (though I want you to teach me some day!), but I miss having the wide, vast water nearby. The SF Bay just isn’t the same… but I’m happy the ocean is still just a short drive away. So what do you say — you, me, and a drive out to the coast in the not-too-distant future? : ) Enjoy SD and take lots more pictures. I can’t believe it’s been just over a week since we left. It feels like forever…
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..The ONLY Way to Achieve Success
Hi Alison,
I’m so happy to see your face, dear. And, I totally hear you – the SF Bay just isn’t the same! I find that the Pacific near we live in SF is almost “angry” as it’s very turbulent, murky, and along the rocky coast line. Yeah, it still has a certain beauty, and the rollers that come through there are awe-inspiring, but it certainly doesn’t bring that tranquility and peace that the Pacific down here in SD does.
A drive out to the coast together sounds blissful, Ali, great idea! I can’t wait to see you in our own ‘backyards’. I’m glad you’ve found your way up to SF. It’s great to be neighbors again!
~xo
Happy Vacay Chicka! Most pleased to hear you are taking it easy.
You already know how much I adore the ocean. It keeps me grounded, soothes my soul and puts everything in perspective. I have experienced big surf and always had a healthy respect for it. My Dad taught us as kids to never turn your back on the waves. It only took a couple of breakers to land on my head for that advice to take hold!
I do find the ocean awe-inspiring but I REALLY felt small when I saw the Canadian Rockies for the first time. Those mountains are so magnificent, powerful and BIG my eyes could barely take it all in and my brain kinda short-circuited. They really are something, and like the ocean, I feel a strong connection to them.
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..The Definitive Guide to Being An Aussie
Hi Sami,
Thanks, chicka! And how cool is this? I’m taking you on my vacay with me – even if only via the blog.
Your Dad sounds like a smart man and good teacher. I didn’t see the ocean in person until I was 18 years old, and I had to learn from a bunch of peers how to “be” in it. So, yeah, I learned by the school of hard knocks (er, uh, breakers on the head). ha ha
I love that you commented about the mountains, Sami. I agree. The Canadian Rockies took my breath away when I had to visit Banff for work. I say “had to” – but by the time I arrived I felt fortunate to be there. The Grand Canyon in Arizona does the same thing for me. It’s just too incredible to process!
I feel a strong connection to you, chicka, maybe we’re amazing natural formations, too?
Hi Lori:
I hope your enjoying your vacation and the warm sunshine. That picture is very inviting, I feel ready for a vacation, myself. But when I can’t get away for a full-blown vacation…I get out of the house for a couple hours either downtown, at the library, a bookstore, a coffee shop, and in the summertime – a bike ride does wonders for me. I grew up a few miles from Lake Michigan…and while it doesn’t have the same qualities of huge crashing waves of the ocean…it is the best people watching in Chicago, bar none, in the summer and it offers me a great sense of perspective and peace. Have fun!
Hi Tim,
I’m enjoying my vacay so very much so far! I wish I could bring you and all the community down here with me – wouldn’t that be a flipping blast???
I love that you do the things you do, Tim, going downtown, to the library and such. I have a feeling you are great at taking mini-adventures and that they bring you new ideas and excitement. Well, I know this is fact as evidenced by your awesome blog. (Thanks for sharing your ‘finds’ with us, Tim!)
Good point about Lake Michigan, Tim. When I visited the Great Lakes while living in MN, I was amazed by their size and that they actually produced waves, too! Very cool. Thanks for mentioning that.
Good point!
Have a great day and more great adventures! (Then, tell us about them at 360 Degree Self.)
Wow. I soothe my soul by living on the ocean (okay well in a boat on the ocean; it is my backyard, my playground, where I find peace and God and joy. I used to thrive by sailing in big waves; the more extreme the weather, the bigger the adrenaline rush. I love the elements of sailing–the wind, currents, waves, ocean life, local islands…and being out on the ocean reminds me of grace…I love to jump off the bow of the boat into the ocean and that to me is like being embraced by the Ultimate Mother. I love to bodysurf with my children, I love to walk or run laps on the beach..
Regardless of what is in my life, the sun rises and sets, the moon eventually comes out, the stars light the way, and the ocean heals and connects as nothing else can. Sailing in it has taught me to let Nature lead; pocket the wind, let the current set my path and the day will just flow….
Enjoy your vacation:)
Hi Joy,
WOW! You live on a boat in the harbor/ocean – that’s really great! Does anyone in you family ever get sea sick?
Reading your comment gave me goosebumps, Joy. This is just awesome. What an adventure! You strike me as a pioneer, a true adventurer, and a leader. You’re really living a dream. I think this is great! And you’re all so active! Yay!!
Before I met my husband, I dated a guy who lived on a house boat here in San Diego. I found it to be really fun to just pull anchor and sail away at a moments notice – even for just a 1/2 hour or such. It was really fun. I’m glad to have met him, but also ‘kinda’ glad it didn’t work out because I’m prone to sea-sickness! ha ha Probably not a good thing for me to have lived with him on the house boat.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by, and apologize about my late response. Feel free to write here or to my direct email (see Contact Me page) any time.
Take care and thanks again! Glad to meet you.
I miss the beach so much, sometimes, I can’t stand it. Yes, I know Myrtle Beach is only a couple hours away but it isn’t the same. This sounds awfully elitist of me, but I have STANDARDS when it comes to beaches. You just don’t grow up in Florida being willing to settle for anything.
This year we are going on a cruise and I am looking forward to it like crazy. I am just going to BE in the water and float and marinate in the happy.
I don’t know anything about the beach in San Diego but if it makes you happy in your soul center than it is all good with me.
Hi Hayden,
I hear you roar, sister in arms. Ha ha ha, I totally *get* your beach snobbery. That’s too funny.
Hey, that sounds cool, a cruise! I’ve never been on one, and I’ve always wondered how they pan out. They sound fun! And, Hayden, I was laughing at the way you described it, “marinate”! Too funny!!! And sooo true!
Yeah, maybe I love San Diego so much because I’ve lived there longer (as an adult) than anywhere else. I have so many happy memories here. Like being here while I was really healthy and could do a lot that I can’t do now. It brings me joy and good vibrations.
I hope all is well with you! Drop me an email if you have time.
Love!
suZen,
Me too a Titanic casualty…hee hee. I always sat on the shore of Lake MI screaming for my kids and then grandkids to come in closer to shore and away from the big waves! Now some may say I’m missing out on life but hey I’m a big baby when it comes to water. However I did spent a lot of time on a sailboat with friends;)Oh and my dad invited all 7 of his daughters on an Alaskan cruise and I loved, loved that! I didn’t feel so small on the ocean as I did when I saw the glaciers. Simply breath taking and awesome.
Oh I love all of CA and Half Moon Bay, lucky you Patti, growing up there.
And yes Joy blows my mind with her adventures on a boat with kids. Love her blog!
Thanks for taking me out of myself today, Lori.
I’m a speck in a sea of blogging friends. It is amazing we all found each other…I’ve enjoyed reading the comments today;)
Tess Bold Life´s last blog ..Born To Run
Hi Tess,
I know what you mean about the comments here. I was surprised at the awesome things people had to say – and you know how much I love stories. I’m glad so many awesome people shared a story with us here. Isn’t it just sooo great!!??!!
Agreed on all your points! Titanic (shaka that), and Half Moon Bay is gorgeous!! And about Joy – YEAH!!
I’m glad we all found each other, too. It’s like we now have this massive life boat (or party barge, or adventure kayak!) to navigate life. Amazing!!
Take care!
I’ve paddled out into about 12′+ at Ocean Beach.
Bigger waves aren’t that much harder to catch, just a lot scarier!
Always with extreme humility.
Dave Doolin´s last blog ..Your First AWeber Autoresponder Followup Series
Hey Dr. Doolie!
Great seeing you here. Wow, 12′ at OB? That’s a big day – and very cool. I think the tallest I ‘swam’ in was 10′ up at Tamarack. That blew my mind and I felt like I had been in a washing machine by the end of my swim.
You said a mouthful there, Dave, “extreme humility” is the absolute essence. And so important.
Take care!