On Friday, Ben spent the day with his grandparents, leaving me with a very rare afternoon to myself near where I grew up. I took care of some errands that were way easier to handle without Ben, and then took my camera to the beach. When I lived near the beach, I used to do this all the time. Any time I felt sad or lonely, or needed some inspiration, I’d head down to the boardwalk in Asbury Park and listen to the waves, feel the ocean breeze on my cheeks, and breathe in the salty air. I have gone only once or twice since I moved west, and that bums me out more than I realized. Visiting the ocean was on my 33 Before 33 list, and got carried forward to my 34 Before 34 list, and until Friday, I’d only been once (in Cape Cod when we were there this past August). Taking my camera out and taking pictures just for fun was just so good. I really need to do this again, soon.
she likes stripes 
What a beautiful day! Sounds like it was a wonderful time for you–must have really hit the spot. 🙂 Good job taking some time for yourself (and your camera too!).
it totally did. and just reminds me that i need to make time to do it more often!
Gorgeous photos! Visiting the beach is so restorative and I think it’s lovely in the winter.
totally agree! in fact, i’d almost say i like it better in the winter, just because it’s so much more peaceful.
I go to the beach a lot, but dang are these shots making me nostalgic for my childhood and all the silly fun my family had on the Asbury boardwalk. And I echo Julie – what a great day for you (and your camera 🙂 ).
awww that’s so cool! that boardwalk in particular is so good.
Great photos! Being at the ocean is always so magical!!
I have never lived near a beach and have a thing about salt water, but when I have visited the Pacific and Atlantic I love to just sit and listen to the waves for hours (in the shade because I have a thing about sunshine too. I’m basically a cave troll).
(Clicked over from Abbersnail’s post about stories, btw, here’s to new connections!)
xox
Hi! it’s so good to see you here! i totally know what you mean about being able to sit and just listen to the waves. it’s hard to let stress win when you’re listening to that! :):)