Sometimes I forget that I live on an island.
I forget because it’s not your typical island, one that’s studded with palm trees and picture perfect weather. My island is Long Island, which is part of New York state. Both beautiful and unique, it has a completely different vibe. We have several beaches across the 118 mile stretch; some rocky and some smooth… some with billowing bluffs. You’ll find shrubby pines amongst the sea grass, and if you look close enough you might spot a deer. It may not be tropical, but it sure is wonderful.
In true local fashion, I didn’t go to the beach once this summer. We spent most of our days swimming in the pool and hanging out in the backyard. The month of September is a completely different story. This is my most favorite time of the year. The weather is warm and sunny, and the crowds have completely disappeared.
Just how I like it.
So last week, I took a day off. I excused myself from life duties to wind down.
I had a date with the boys and the beach. No interesting food accompanied us on our journey, as it was a last minute decision and I had nothing in the house. I did however, manage to smush some peanut butter and jelly into a hot dog roll (I know) and went on my merry little way. The seagulls don’t discriminate; they set up camp practically in my lap.
We built sandcastles and played ball. We splashed in the surf. A couple of giant clam shells made it home with us too.
It was a good day.
The plan is to incorporate the calm into my everyday life.
Making the conscious effort to take a break can be really difficult. It took me a good 30 minutes before I could actually relax in the sand (the beer helped too)! But when I finally reached that point, it felt good. It felt good to stare off into the distance muting the chatter that often wrestles my brain. It felt good to unplug. The sound of the waves and the clamor of seashells hit the reset button- instantly. Void of leafy palms and coconut-scented air, exploring my own natural surroundings provided the perfect backdrop to wind down.
And sometimes, that’s all you need.
Comments
Tash says
September is my favourite time of the year too – August second though. I only wish that dreary old London could look nearly as beautiful as where you are!
Emilie says
Welcome Tash! I do enjoy August too, the weather is perfect. Don’t worry, we have plenty of dreary days here as well. Our winters are brutal ;)
Marissa says
I love going to the beach year round with my boyfriend. Long island is great for the beaches. I am trying not to leave any time soon
Emilie says
Enjoy Marissa! These are the best days :)
beverley says
Emilie your photography skills are outstanding, I have been staring at the pictures and can almost imagine myself there. I agree with the above and sometimes I need time just lower my shoulders and breath. Thank you for sharing with us xoxo
Maria says
Long Island is beautiful! Love the beaches in the fall!!
Emilie says
Oooo, have you been? Summer & fall is very pretty here. But winter? That’s another story! Snow for days!!! I hide inside for months ;)
Sherrie | With Food + Love says
A little beach and a little winding down soothes my soul like no other!!
I loved this post. XO
Emilie says
Isn’t it the best? Nothing calms the mind like the sound of waves… Besides, the cold weather will be here before we know it and I am not looking forward to it at all! We are enjoying every last minute of this beautiful sunshine (and produce!).
celia says
Good for you, darling girl. It’s amazing how much work it takes to still a busy mind, isn’t it? Paradoxically, I find that I have to actively work at being calm. :) I wish you every success in incorporating it into your daily life, and thank you for sharing the calming influence of your gorgeous surrounds in this post! xxx
Emilie says
It really does take a conscious effort to calm the busy mind, doesn’t it? We are constantly in go mode and to just shut down in an instant is not easy. I’m learning that even a short walk, a moment outside, or a couple minutes away from electronics does the trick. xx
Anne Wheaton says
It looks idyllic. We had an unexpectedly beautifully sunny day here today, which would have been perfect to spend on an uncrowded beach. Maybe I’ll take a leaf from your book and next time we have a day like this I shall just take off. Sometimes it’s good to just “be”.
Emilie says
It is good to just be- I couldn’t agree more with you Anne! And as Celia mentions (below) sometimes you have to actually work at winding down. This is absolutely the case for me. Go figure…
If you do happen to steal a moment for yourself, you won’t regret it. This gorgeous weather will only last for so long. Possibly with some blackberry gin? ;)
Adri says
Lovely. What a perfect way to spend time, and how beautifully you have written about it. I used to go to the beach all the time when I was younger. Santa Monica Beach was wildly crowded all summer, but I loved no time there as much as I loved November through March, Cold, and deserted, but with bright, crisp blue skies filled with the calls of sea birds, the beach was beautiful. Off season is good as far as I am concerned!
I so enjoy it when my blogger friends speak from their hearts and are generous enough to let me into their own personal worlds. It affords me the opportunity to get to know the individual, who otherwise would remain quite anonymous to me. Thank you for the view into your life.
Emilie says
Thank you Adri :) I must say, you are very lucky to be able to enjoy the beach November-March. Us East Coasters are freezing our butt’s off!! But nothing beats a peaceful, uncrowded beach. Off season is my favorite season.
You know, blogging is a funny thing- I never knew how personal I was going to get beyond the world of recipes, but it feels nice to connect. My best friend used to make fun of me, calling me the ‘kitchen robot.’ Good one, right? But so true. I consider those who stop by here good friends, and an extension of words and thoughts only seems natural. So, my dear friend thank you kindly for your special words. xx
Vijay @ NoshOnIt says
When I read the title of the post, I was scared for a second that you were going to wind down your blog. PHEW! Yes, we all need something where we can just get away and relax for even 30 minutes a day.
Emilie says
Oh no! I didn’t even think of that!!! You see? My brain is nice and relaxed… ;)
Barbara Stabiner says
Joyful and refreshing and that’s all I can say regarding how talented you are!!