Saturday, July 25, 2009

An Affair to Remember

I have a pie crust promise to make you, dear readers. I promise that this will be my last post on Mathews, VA and this year’s Blog Fest. However, you must know that pie crusts are easily made and easily broken.

A week ago today, I went with fellow Fest guests to Hills Bay off Gwynn’s Island on the western shore of the Chesapeake. Our hostess, Janice, told me that this is the place she comes to wash away her worries and within a short amount of time, I completely understood why.

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As I floated in this serene body of water that stretches far and is only about 3 feet deep, I realized how much I needed this. It wasn’t only the discovery of new friends that shared common interests, or the joy and laughter that surrounded us for several days, but the feeling of peace I felt on this, our last evening together.

I needed this.

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I swam out to be alone, put my fingers in my ears and floated on my back. Just floated, as I looked up at the sky. I could hear the quiet as the water cradled me. I know to some, I may sound like a hopeless romantic, but life hurts sometimes and this was pure magic.

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When I was a little girl and saw clouds parting like this, with the sun’s rays shining down, I always thought that God was peeking down at me. And I would wave hello.

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I love you, I love you, I love you.
That's all I want to say.
Until I find a way


I will say the only words I know that
You'll understand.

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Peace.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

44 comments:

Pat - Arkansas said...

Lovely! I'm so glad you got to be with your friends, old and new and to let the experience renew you. Yes... you needed that!

Caroline said...

So wonderful...I need some renewal. Your photos bring me much peace tonight. Thank you!

Michelle said...

Such gorgeous pictures; makes ME ache to be there!

It took a moment for me to realize that you were quoting the lyrics to "my" song - "Michelle." It's been awhile....

Anonymous said...

Definitely has the look of being a place to heal oneself. Beautiful sunsets over water have a way of taking us away somewhere else for even if only for a few moments. Sometimes we ALL need that.

Peace to you as well.
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Journey said...

Such beautiful pictures!!! A perfect place to renew the spirit!

Meg McCormick said...

OK, now cut it out you two - I read Foolery's post and sighed, then clicked thru to yours and choked up a wee bit. What is it about that place, and that event, that makes me all weepy?

Lover-ly ode, Kate.

Leenie said...

Double wow-photos! Made me go AAAHHHhhhhhhhh....... Thank you so much for giving us a taste of the refreshing escape from the zoo. BTW I tried cucumber sandwiches. Except I substituted cream cheese for the mayo. I LOVE THEM!

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Kate-how beautiful. Can you hurry and come back? **sniff**

Char said...

gorgeous shots and gorgeous words. such beautiful words.

(and you know I thought the same thing about sunbeams)

Gabensysmom said...

Wonderful images! Seems like a wonderful, peaceful time! Thanks so much for the kind comments on my blog!

ChesapeakeBayDaughter said...

Kate, on the heels of Foolery's I am now wiping away tears.

That's all I can say other than thank you for sharing the magic that I feel in that place, and for saying and showing it so much better than I ever could.

Just thank you. Love you.

GailO said...

Wow is right!...Amazing pictures...I especially like the sun rays with the bird flying through...well captured!...and glad it was restorative...

It has been fun reading through all your posts on the blog-fest at once...and I could read even more if you have more stories to tell...

Sarah Anne said...

Life does hurt. A lot. And sometimes I imagine God is peeking down from the clouds when they split open like that, but I don't wave. Usually I feel embarrassed.

Flat Creek Farm said...

Those pictures are wonderful. The last one is breathtaking! You just keep posting away on whatever topic you want... I'll be here enjoying it all, never tiring! -Tammy

Audrey at Barking Mad said...

*sigh*

My final post on BlogFest will be tomorrow. I finally got the video uploaded that I took and if I can manage to post it all without crying, it should be up tomorrow.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

(p.s. Chesapeake Bay Daughter is my daughter who didn't log off when I took the helm at the computer this evening. She's a blogger in training. That previous comment was mine. Your words and pictures, however, are divine.)

-cbw

Unknown said...

I know it wasn't your intention, but as I sat and read this post, I bawled like a baby until I released the emotions I have had bottled up for the past week. I am both joyous in having all my wonderful new sisters and sad that we can not live that life together every day.

You are so very loved.

MaggieGem said...

Kate lovely pictures, the last one of the sun set is just amazing. I love all your stories and pictures.

Yes life hurts sometimes, and God has given you the strength to carry on. He's given you his blessing of the friends you've come to meet and looked down on your retreat and said "This is good".

Enjoy, refreshed and renewed, in peace.

Skogkjerring said...

How blessed you are to have a chance at a healing moment in such a divine place...wonderful photos as usual and I truly felt the peace you felt...thanks!!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful time being with friends.
I love your photos, I always like to have a shot with sunrise but i always failed, maybe i didn't got the correct settings on my camera that is why my photo become blurrry or dark. I wish I could do beautiful shots like yours.

-alvond

Thistle Cove Farm said...

What an absolute gift to be in such a serene place to renew, recharge, recreate!

Annie said...

Just wonderful Kate..words and photos!

May God bless all of you who shared this experience. May it be an ever transforming experience, helping you to share the love and joy around!

Hilary said...

beautiful post, beautiful pictures. I am not surprised!

Country Girl said...

Thanks, all. Really. And Marlene, no it was not my intention to make anyone cry!
Yes, Michelle. It's that song.
Alvond, I tried to send you an e-mail but your address didn't show up. I use a Nikon D80 and believe it or not, that last photo was taken on the auto dial in landscape mode. I sat very still in a chair and clicked several shots. It's straight out of camera, no retouching in the least.

Thanks again, everyone.

~ C.G.

Daryl said...

There's a Beatles theme happening here ... xo

Laura @ OurHouseOfJoyfulNoise.com said...

I just wanted to say that I don't think anyone is that tired of your posts on your trip to meet these wonderful women and the times you had, anyway. I know I have enjoyed every one! So if you keep putting them out until you have run our of photos and stories, I for one will be just fine!

Cindy said...

That was a beautiful post Kate. Lovely photos and words. Enjoy your weekend. ~Cindy

Country Girl said...

And Marlene,
I didn't mean to make you cry. I sent you an e-mail as soon as I read that!

Thanks to all.

~ C.G.

Donalyn said...

The whole post is great, but that last photo is pure heaven girl! Just gorgeous.

Golden West said...

You have a wonderful talent for capturing the beauty you see. Thanks for sharing!

noble pig said...

Even though I'm insanely jealous of your trip don't stop posting about it...I love it!

A New England Life said...

Wow Kate, this is a popular post and it's easy to see why! I think we all wish we could have been with you in those peaceful moments. Women always seem to be looking for something so relaxing that doesn't cost a thing.

I'm so glad you found your peace for a short time. It helps to recharge you for whats to come.

Sharon

abb said...

May you always have the opportunity to find your peace, my friend. Miss you! xoabb

Your photos are breathtaking as always. And I am tickled PINK George made the headlines! (As in Daryl's waiting, impatiently)

Sarah said...

Beautiful. Glad it fed your soul.

Chocolate Cat said...

So glad you were able to find some peace and recharge the batteries at a time you needed it! These blogging friends were obviously 'meant to be'.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

You have truly captured the spirit of Hills Bay, Gwynn's Island and Mathews County.

I could read this over and over for days (and will).

Cloudia said...

And we love you-
GLORIOUS!!!!!!

Aloha-

Comfort Spiral

Michelle said...

So beautiful and peaceful.

Mental P Mama said...

Glorious.

Egghead said...

I understand why you loved this place. Those photos are beautiful. Wish I were there floating with my fingers in my ears too.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Glorious photos!!! I want to float my troubles away too! V.

Unknown said...

A beautiful sky. You're right: peaceful. Thanks for the pictures.

-TimK

foolery said...

s m i l e : )

Thank you, Kate!

Hilary said...

Such a beautiful place. I'll bet it was difficult to leave.