Sunday, October 26, 2008

A Self-Portrait or Not allowing the Waves to Drag You Down

Standing on this rock, yesterday, I looked down at my shoes(my very favorite beach shoes because they are great for climbing rocks) and watched as the ocean breathed in and then out, in and then out.  I felt somewhat safe and anchored from on top of my little perch which protected me from the oncoming movement of the tide.
The chilly saltwater gently approached my little haven of momentary security and settled at my toes, but only for a few brief seconds.  
It brought with it a foamy layer which carried surprises in from the sea.  I watched as this went on for a fairly long time, the ocean's steady breathing.

I thought about how most everything in our lives can be mimicked by nature.   Breathing, birth, loss, miracles and even calculated risk.  "Calculated risk", something I have often tried to teach my four Angel daughters about and have tried to balance in my own life, as well.  Knowing when to step forward and when to retreat.  Trusting your own instincts so that you don't end up falling on your bottom, soaking wet with sand down your pants.  Or worse, taking a step too far and being dragged out into a rip-tide, unable to recognize which end is up or down.
So as I waited for the water to retreat, once more, I jumped off of my rock and began to scurry happily(and still quite dry) away from the impending crash of the waves.  And as I stopped to snap just one more picture, there was the water where my toes once held their ground.

May I take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of my readers.  May I say thank you for the beautifully thought-out comments that you leave for me, and for the silent prayers and well-wishes when you don't.  I treasure every word, every prayer and every positive thought that is sent my way.  May you always find a safe place in which to weigh the risks.

13 comments:

joanne said...

Debra,
Safe...it's one of the best descriptions of how I feel when I visit your site. It's so hard to explain but I always feel so calm, so warm, so sure that I will be pulled away from the waves just in time. Thank you Deb and Thank you to your lovely family for sharing you with us...

kim-d said...

It is my pleasure to leave you comments. What I want you to always know is this. Anything that I say to you in comments is inspired by what you teach me, each and every time I visit. I don't have a clue how you do it, but it seems like EVERY TIME I come here, you say exactly what I need to hear. It's crazy, and I love it! :)

I completely agree with the things that JoJo said. It is so peaceful and safe here, but also happy and filled with love and joy. The photos, the words, the beautiful faces of you, Mark, and your angel daughters...I am always so happy when you post!

Ness said...

This blog is my harbor where I come to read, to learn, to receive the love freely flowing and regroup. If I didn't have your blog to come to, my life would be so much harder. Thanks, Deb. Love you.

Debra said...

Oh girls,

I am speechless. You are going to make me cry, but in a good way...A very good way.

Thank you.

Love,
Debbie

Peggy Payne said...

Must be something in the air, Debbie. I just finished reading another post by another good photographer with pix of ocean, daughters, and feet in favorite shoes. It's Mamie Potter's blog Can I Do It? The link is on the Inspiration link list on my blog. You two need to meet, if you haven't already.

Jennifer Chronicles (jenx67.com) said...

on a shallow note, i want those shoes. on a note from the deep end, your blog, especially the beach posts, are pure serenity.

Lorrie Veasey said...

Leaving a comment after one of your posts like this is a little bit like putting out cookies for Santa. You hope that little gesture indicates your gratitude for the numerous gifts you receive.

Thanks for the presence, Deb.
(Pun intended)

Debbie said...

This is so well written. And, love the shoes. They remind me of my North Face ones that I wear everyday, with everything.

rivergardenstudio said...

What a lovely and beautiful post. I love your words about the lesson that nature teaches. I love the sea water and the waves. And I also love your stories. Thank you, also for visiting my blog and seeing what I am trying to portray in my art and photographs... Roxanne

Lorrie Veasey said...

Thank you for leaving me
THE
NICEST COMMENT
I EVER GOT
EVER
EVER
!!

Preity Angel... said...

thats a good post...Happy Halloween

Ragamuffin Gal said...

Very beautifully written! Love coming here and getting my well filled with your reflections so much! Katie

Karen Deborah said...

awh so sweet, what a treat to be so near the ocean. I do miss it.

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