Lest you pity us for our fevered week at the beach, let me assure you – it still served as a serious vacation.
Not only did we kayak, sail, snorkel and fish, but we built extravagant sand castles, took meandering beach walks, and enjoyed multiple naps. I think my heart rate dropped a few beats each day.
The sun was prickly-hot, the sand powder-fine, and did I mention the color of the water???
The thing I love about beach vacations is how they legitimize – even mandate – deep relaxation and a lazy pace. Nothing against New York or Paris, but grand city visits aren’t what I’d call restful. Museums and historic homes and the theatre are exhilarating and edifying, but negotiating public transport and crowds with a stack of guide books can take it outta you.
At the beach, you’re supposed to read a book a day, nap every afternoon and walk barefoot. (OK, so I’m still barefoot here at home, but the ole’ heart rate seems to have popped right back up to its pre-beach pitch.)
It begs the question, how to best recreate that sense of peace in the midst of real life?
My go-to get-aways? Taking a yoga class, and reading in the bathtub. The water’s not turquoise but I can’t quibble. Bubble bath seems to suffice.
I say find a big fish bowl or a few pretty vases, add some water….then add a few drops of blue and green food coloring until you get the right color turquoise. Then arrange some beautiful shells, stones and pictures from your vacation around the pretty water for a calming, beautiful display of vacation wonder.
A word of caution: Just keep this calming display away from any crazy activity the girls can get into that could potentially knock the water and stain everything turquoise. Something I can picture my kids doing. That would not be so relaxing.
Hope you’re feeling better.
Vivian
http://hipwritermama.blogspot.com
turquoise water…
Love this idea. Maybe a lid would be a good idea?