I’ve knocked off work and got my house clean, so it’s time to hit the beach. I have a few necessities before I go:
- Towel (sometimes forgotten and it’s not fun sitting directly on the sand – think uncomfy swimmers)
- Sunnies (protect the eyes, especially while reading)
- Book (light novel, usually, but any book will do)
- Magazine (if novel is finished)
- Sunscreen (forgot it yesterday and that’s a no-no in the Australian sun)
- Lipscreen (my lips really feel the heat)
- Zinc (for nose protection)
- Small change (to buy a drink or snack)
- Thongs (sand is too hot)
- Swimmers (on before I leave of course)
- Water (keep hydrated)
- Almonds and grapes (to snack on)
- Hat (my hair is thin so this is very important)
- Phone (but only in case someone needs to phone me, otherwise this is a no-phone zone)
- Car Keys (definitely do not lock in the car on a hot day)
The reasons I love summer are numerous. I just feel happier and healthier in summer. It might be the extra Vitamin D my body gets or the sparkles set off by the sun but something about it makes me feel alive, refreshed, exuburant, glowing and grateful for where I live. It’s the small things:
- Soft sand between my toes
- Reading a good book as the sun kisses my shoulders
- Hearing waves crash on the shore like a drum beat
- The sea salt smell on a soft breeze
- Birdlife flying overhead singing their own songs
- Walking from headland to headland through cool ankle-deep water
- The smell of coconut, frangapani, seaweed and salt
- Cicadas and their cacophonous chorus, like the titinus in my ear
- Healthy bodies jogging or walking by
- Surfers riding nature’s playground
- Bush, rainforest, estuary and beach in all their lush beauty
- Paper white sand and azure blue water
- Toddlers testing the shallows with squeals of delight
- Dogs chasing balls, tongues lolled in happiness
- Relaxed body and calmed mind
Enjoy your summer.
