the beach

Did you happen to read the opinion piece in the NYT today about how the beach is overrated? The writer complained about getting sand in various crevices, feeling uncomfortable spilling out of her swim suit, thinking of herself as fat and sloppy compared to the toned bodies all around her, "slimy lengths of seaweed," fearing sharks, etc.

Walking along the beach in Manzanita, Oregon tonight with Eddie, the sun slowly dipping into the horizon, the sound of the surf nearly deafening, our footprints sweetly lagging behind us in the ribbons of sand, I felt nothing but complete serenity. I was also in awe of powers that are so much larger and more forceful than any of us will ever be.

Feeling happy and humble at the water's edge.