Super low tides lately. Giving the world a different look and getting me thinking about, oh, I don't know . . . life - life's ebb and flow.
An ebbing tide exposes whimsical treasures and enduring granite formations.
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| Looking Out at Norwood Cove |
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| The Causeway |
I think I'm in the low tide of my life. Low tide inspires a broader consideration of life and structure and offers glimpses full of surprise and awe. I think this is where I am. I contemplate more, I observe more, and I feel confirmed and astounded at the same time.
I can see now what's been there all along and I can identify and acknowledge those pieces of my life: the joy, adventure, celebration, pride, and wonder. But also the sadness, the challenges, and regret. Real life.
This is an opportunity for me to continue to build from the foundation that my family and I have created. The last 20 years of my life, with marriage, children, and jobs, have been overflowing and overloaded, with troughs and crests, turbulent and joyous. High tide. We've improvised and jury-rigged some over the years, just because that's how it works sometimes, but we're left with soundness and resilience.
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Paul Gauguin
At the Black Rocks 1889 |
With the high tide receded, I'm down to just me now. I've grown - evolved, but I'm only starting to figure out how. I'm the same, but I'm different. I'm careful, but I'm assertive. I'm adventurous, but I'm informed. I'm idealistic, but I'm pragmatic. I'm emotional, but I'm reasonable. (note to family: I'm nagging, I'm annoying, I'm selfish. I am funny.) I'm all the things I used to be and more.
I am exposed.
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Childe Hassam
Incoming Tide 1919 |
I'm exhaling, and I'm happy. I'm making choices, I'm taking chances, I'm making mistakes, and I'm doing things that I've always wanted to do. Because I have time and support and encouragement.
And I'm grateful that I have what has been with me all along - beautiful whimsical treasures, Mary and Addie, and enduring granite formation, John.
And I have art.
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