Friday, November 5, 2010

Where is Everyone?

The fire pits sit in the sand like lonely tombstones. Corona Del Mar is usually swarming with families barbecuing hot dogs and playing volleyball. Where is everyone?
At work and school no doubt. It's a beautiful fall morning and I'm climbing around on the rocks with my camera. I've left two ladies, ages 79 and 81 up on edge of a cliff.
I should go check on them but Oh...I think I'll take a picture of the boat. I sat quietly for a few minutes and watched the water roll and swirl beneath my dangling feet. The boat moved slowly through the water. I inhaled the peace.
Oh hi gals! Did you have a nice picnic? When we first arrived, Letty took one look at view and said, "I wonder what the other half is doing?" We felt so rich as we unpacked our lunch and sat down on the bluffs drinking in the expansive view of the beach, the harbor, and the endless sea. Yes, the best things in life are free.
We stood up for a moment to have our picture taken by a kind woman sitting alone at a nearby bench. We want to remember this day...our breakaway miniature vacation. My mother is on the left and Letty on the right. I've been wanting to get these two together. Which is a little hard because they live 60 miles apart.
If we turned our heads to the right, we saw this. After counting boats, admiring dogs and finishing the cookies, we headed to Rogers Gardens in Newport Beach.


Beautiful flowers lined the walk ways.
Letty and Mom got along well and discussed various gardening topics such as, "How did they get those plants to grow so big?"

One couldn't help but feel the gentle edge of Christmas nudging our minds. The gift shop was decked with trees, lights and fancy decorations.


But give me the beach any day. I enjoyed looking at these items decorated with shells.

But my favorite was this painting of a shepherd and his sheep.

...because it reminded me of how much God cares for us. All the time. No matter where we are.

6 comments:

Glenda said...

I love the peaceful flow of your words and photos! And the ending is just perfect. The image of Jesus as our Shepherd has always been special to me! Looks and sounds like the three of you had a perfect day!

Willow said...

Just like you, I say, "Give me the beach any day." Rogers Gardens is an amazing place!

Susan Skitt said...

What a nice little excursion! How nice for you to go with Letty and your Mom.

Guess what? Those little caroling dolls are made near my house, a couple miles away. My sister-in-law collects them. I think they are a little bit spooky with their wide open mouths but people love them.

It's amazing that the Christmas decorations are up - I shouldn't be amazed but I am. It looks so pretty though with all the lights.

I love that picture too of the shepherd and his sheep. So soothing. Yes, Jesus is our Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep. Amen!

Karen said...

Looks like a great day with your mom and your friend...

Love your ending lines...

Dawn said...

Well, I did get behind - everywhere! I love this getaway you had - so beautiful. I love Newport Beach. Isn't it great when the tourists go home? I love Estes Park so much more in the winter.

Marg said...

I love this post...enjoying our mother's while we can. Celebrate life and it looks like you did.
Cherish those moments. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend.