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Recently, I immersed myself in an editing project that required me to put nearly all personal pleasures and goals aside for about seven months. While the project is entirely worth it, both for the poems themselves and the chance to collaborate with my dear friend, at a certain point exhaustion overwhelmed me. My powers of concentration and patience waned, and panic prowled about all that I could not fulfill. Amid the stress, one simple thought kept me sane: the beach. When I get through this, I'll go to the beach.
"Virginia Beach" by Ravali Yan ravali, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
I found myself imagining the loose sand sinking softly beneath my feet as I climbed the dunes. The packed wet shoreline gently collapsing into mud as my footsteps filled with water. My spirits lifting with that tang of salt air and the keening cries of gulls. Sleek sandpipers rushing past, their legs blurring as they rolled along the beach. Tiny crabs darting into the sand. Plucking shells similar to the small whorled snail shells I collected by the lake where we lived growing up.
The beaches I had in mind were some of my favorites: local spots like the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Grandview Nature Preserve, Yorktown Beach, and Buckrow Beach.
The lake is Keuka Lake of the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Even after economics necessitated a move south, our family faced every challenge to return once a year for our reunion with our home, relatives, and friends. This lake that means so much to our family even inspired a soothing technique. Whenever I'd have a nightmare, Mom would advise me: "Imagine you're at Keuka Lake. Listen to the waves lapping on the shore. Feel yourself floating on your back, rocked by their gentle motion."
Over
the years, I wrote many drafts of early novels, stories, and poems at the lake--and
even a graduate school paper. Dad himself, a consummate writer and professor of
English literature, enjoyed writing sessions on the sunporch, a sacred time for all
of us. Dad would sit by himself with a cup of coffee and a rare pipe, scribing
his manuscripts with a mechanical pencil I'd given him, while we children amused
ourselves quietly, at Mom's encouragement to give Dad the writing time he
needed and deserved. While rowing upon the lake with Mom, we would pick out cottages with sunny study rooms that might become
Dad's imaginary writing retreat.
The lake continues to be a source of inspiration, beauty, and family harmony for all of us. Some local water spots such as Newport News Park and The Mariners' Museum Park and Lake boast wood-lined sights, smells, and sounds that awaken that lakeside spirit. (I have written in many of these places.)
And so, when under great stress, I dream of water. Of walking barefoot along the boardwalk and sand dunes. I'll wade in the surf and let the waves tumble me a bit. Perhaps I'll rent a bicycle, bring my guitar, or stop and have eggs sunny-side up in a seaside cafe.
Or perhaps I shall inscribe my first draft with a finger in the sand, until the wind washes it away. Or tell my tale to the waves as I am rocked in the sea. My words, at one with the universe.
The life of a writer at the beach.
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For more information about Adele Gardner (writing mysteries as Max Jason Peterson), visit their website: www.gardnercastle.com.
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9 comments:
The beach is my happy place, too. Something about it is so soul-soothing. Hope you get to make a trip soon!
I don't particularly like going in the water. And I'm not supposed to get a lot of sun. But living in in Virginia Beach and being surrounded by water--the Atlantic, Chesapeake Bay, so many rivers and inlets--is special. I can't imagine living in a better location. We're so lucky to have the "tourist" area at the oceanfront as well as the less crowded beaches, like Croatan, Dam Neck, and Sandbridge. There's even something magical and refreshing when a storm rolls through. (But, remember to stay tuned to the Weather Channel and be ready to leave when the "big one" heads for us...)
I love summer and reading a good book at the beach! I also sit outside by my pool and craft my stories. Great article!
Now I want to head to the beach! There’s nothing better for concentration than sitting near the water. Really enjoyed this! -Yvonne Saxon
I love these reflections, Mike! And the beach tips! Thanks so much!
Since I was a young girl I have felt more at peace at the ocean than anywhere else. Of course, I lived in the mountains of Tennessee, but there, too, was a sort of peace. Now I live by the sea and it's my quiet place to find serenity.
Love your blog. I could feel the sand on my feet and hear the waves as I read it. I hope you are able to get some time at the lake soon!
Adele, thank you for that beachy escape! I felt like I was walking in the sandy water myself. I really appreciate the way you brought in your mom and dad into your special memory too. I really enjoyed that as well. It made me smile as I imagined your dad writing in the sunlight and your mom rowing away with you kids! With both of my parents being deceased, I tend to focus on my childhood memories with them as well and I appreciate it more when someone does the same. Thank you for sharing this meaningful moment with us!
Adele, have you ever been to Coinjock, NC? While there is no sand, there is an awesome dock with a gazebo on the end. Love, love it!
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