Take Me Back Tuesday | The Year of the Coast

If you know me, it’s not too long before you figure out a few things about me.

1. I LOVE adventure. In the words of Russell from ‘Up,’ ‘Adventure is out there!!!!’…and I love to find it. I’m always up for the next adventure that will take me new places, allow me to experience new things, deepen relationships with people and see more of who God is.

2. I LOVE to travel. I’m pretty sure this goes hand in hand with loving adventure because when you travel, even if it is to the next city, you will always encounter adventure. The thrill of new places. The exposure to different cultures. The chance of learning a new language, eating a new food, trying a new activity, meeting new people. Yep, I love the newness of it and the way it gets you out of your comfort zone. As St. Augustine said, ‘The world is a book and those who don’t travel read only one page.’

3. I LOVE the ocean. My family is definitely an ocean family at least in that the beach was where most of our vacations took place all growing up. My mom is a Florida native and so it is her happy place. Some people can’t stand the sand and the people…but me, well I love it. I love the feel of sand under my feet. The constant rush of the waves. The majesty of the ocean and the fact that you don’t need anything but a good book and a pair of shades. It’s wonderful.

Well, as I was reviewing the craziness that has been 2014 so far, I realized that these three things have taken me places and driven the first half of this year. Yep, I have stood on four different beaches on three different bodies of water in the last 5 months and it has been a wonderful adventure.

It started in March when I found myself on the Aegean Sea, looking at the wonder that was Greece. Breathtaking views and the trip of a lifetime. Still working on that blog post…

Then my travels took me to the shores of the Pacific Ocean as I found myself with toes dug in to some Costa Rican sand…

In June, I got to go back to a shoreline that I have known since I was just a toddler as my family met up for a vacation in Ormond Beach, Florida. The Atlantic waves were music to my soul and complete with nostalgic wonder…

And then last, in July I found myself back on the Pacific but this time on the northern shores of Oregon. The windy, rainy and somewhat cold conditions were so different from my Costa Rican adventures but nonetheless…it was an adventure. 

Oh, how spoiled I am to be able to travel and see the world. As life changes, who knows what adventure will look like but I sure am grateful for this year ‘on the coast.’

So, in the name of travel, adventure and beaches,

I Say, Take Me Back!