July 3, 2009

gifts from the sea

the loneliness you get by the sea is personal and alive. it doesn't subdue you and make you feel abject. it's stimulating loneliness . . . i feel we are all islands - in a common sea . . .
quotes from anne morrow lindbergh ~ gifts from the sea

i'm sitting in the quiet again and it's peaceful and beautiful - a stimulating loneliness as anne calls it. i'm filled with things that are challenging me and reshaping me. new projects - thoughts about different paths and directions - the upcoming celebration tomorrow. it's a good day.

happy holidays all (or happy weekend - if you're not in the usa). love your family (whether it's the one you're given or the one you make). be safe on the roads and return tired but joyfully. now, i'm going shopping to get the makings of ranch potatoes and carol's goat cheese spread. yum.

31 comments:

  1. Happy weekend, sweetheart. I could use some stimulating loneliness right now.

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  2. Gifts From the Sea is one of my favorite books...I can feel that lovely loneliness even at a crowded beach...

    Have a wonderful holiday Char!

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  3. Love that book. She makes loneliness important, doesn't she.

    Happy 4th to you :)

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  4. Have a happy fourth yourself!

    The photo of shells and starfish is beautiful example of sea serene.

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  5. Lovely photo illustration; I have the need for alone time periocally. It works wonders for the soul. And there is nothing like the sound of sand and surf.

    Happy 4th! Send some of those potatoes my way!

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  6. Oh, that's one of my favorite books! My copy is literally falling apart.

    Love your photo, Char -- so beautiful! Have a happy Fourth. :)

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  7. i am glad you are having a good day. i hope the weekend is spectacular for you! enjoy. :)

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  8. A friend gave me that book many years ago when i was living alone for the summer in a primitive log cabin in the Adirondacks. It's time for me to read it again. Thanks for reminding me about it. Have a great 4th!

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  9. a classic book ~ goat cheese spread...not as much but sounds divine

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  10. stimulating loneliness...I think I've had just a bit of that this afternoon.

    Happy 4th weekend, Char!

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  11. You have a wonderful 4th of July, my friend!
    Brenda

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  12. A stimulating loneliness...like that! I love being alone by the ocean...so peaceful! Happy 4th!

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  13. ...sometimes loneliness isn't a bad word at all! Happy 4th of Jul dear! ~Blessings as always*

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  14. I love that book and received it as a gift which makes it more special.
    I hope you're going to share the ranch potatoes and goat cheese spread. I'm really hoping!

    Beautiful photo, Char. Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

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  15. hello char...

    I missed visiting your site for a few days...glad to hear that you enjoyed your vacation by the sea..and for sharing your thoughts and photos, thank you. It brings a happy feeling.

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  16. Enjoy the day with your family, I know you will, I'll be with mine, my favorite place to be!

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  17. wise words... enjoy your holiday weekend!

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  18. Char darlin, I love that stimulating lonliness...I need some. have a great 4th of July weekend. take care, cinner

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  19. I'll have to check that book out. Enjoy your weekend, Char. Be well and dine well. :)

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  20. I think I know how that feels. Happy 4th!

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  21. Hi Char. Have a safe and happy 4th.

    Thanks for your visits to my blog and for leaving so many wonderful comments.

    Cindy

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  22. I just started reading that book...and since I really believe that I'm part mermaid amongst other things....I can't wait to dive deeper into it !

    have a great weekend !

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  23. I will need to note the quote.
    Beautiful post. As always. :o)

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  24. Char,
    I love Gifts from the Sea and used a readng from it in my wedding a few years back. What a wonderful book - and still relevant.

    Hope your 4th of July was a good one!

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  25. i found that book on my husband's bookshelf not long after i moved in with him... read it start to finish, loved every page of it right up until the end.... and on the last page i found a big red lipstick kiss and a little note that said "i adore you"....

    it was a gift from his ex-wife.

    and i no longer knew how to feel about the book.

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  26. Lovely image and post. Happy 4th of July!!!

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  27. I do so love that book. I haven't read it in ages. I think I may have to pick that up again soon.

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  28. this has evoked so many thoughts. i love the sea. and i love this photo!

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i feel as if each comment was between us as we sat and sipped something warm....i love to hear what you're thinking.