New Look

I’ve been dissatisfied with the blog header image for the past couple of months but couldn’t figure out why. Today I did. I snapped the photo with my cell phone as I was bidding adieu to the beach at the end of the summer of 2006.  Yes, 2006. As I left the Myrtle Beach State Park where I had spent hours of reading, relaxing, walking, and people watching, I couldn’t help but look back at one of my favorite spots on earth  once more before going home. Ever since I left the area over five years ago, I’ve been saying that I’ll go back someday, and I might just do that depending  on lots of factors, mainly financial ones.

 Anyway, today it hit me that I’ve sort of been like Lot’s wife, looking back and longing for what was instead of pressing on to what is or what will be. I’m not saying the yearnings for the sound of ocean’s roar, the gentle tide lapping up on the sand, or the squeals of frolicking children have left. They haven’t. The sights of the  sea birds, the feel of the sun on my skin, the smell of sunscreen, and the taste of cheese crackers and soggy ham sandwiches (seems like we often had cooler mishaps) are forever a part of my memory, and hence, part of me.

Still, life moves on. There’s no turning back, just going forward.  I’m not sure just what image header I’ll settle on, but the one I uploaded tonight is one I took with my cell phone as I walked through a park one morning not long ago.  To me, the image almost looks surreal, yet it was just an ordinary day. Or maybe not. Maybe it’s Mother Nature’s way of letting me know that beauty is everywhere, not just beside the ocean.

 There’s no looking back, at least not the kind that keeps me from experiencing life fully in my current environment. What about you? Do you ever look back at the past with longing that keeps you from enjoying your present?

Author: jayne bowers

*married with children, stepchildren, grandchildren, in-laws, ex-laws, and a host of other family members and fabulous friends *semi-retired psychology instructor at two community colleges *writer View all posts by jayne bowers