I left my garden behind for a few days, and headed north towards "home". Even though I live in Ohio these days, the beaches of St. Joseph Michigan will always be my real home. I know there are a lot of people like me out there, people who love being on the beach. But I often wonder if the beach calls to them the way that Lake Michigan does to me.
I answer the call a few times a year, and it won't be silenced till my feet are in this sand and my toes hit the waves. That's when I know that I am truly home.
It's not that I am a sun bather. I just need to "be" there. I have to hear the waves crashing and feel the sand beneath my feet. I might just sit and watch the horizon. I might walk the shore collecting rocks. I might just grab my book and read. And I'll definitely take lots and lots of pictures.
Now St. Joseph has more appeal to me than just beaches. There are art galleries, charming shops, wineries, restaurants, and even old friends to see. Still, it's the lighthouse and sand dunes that call the loudest. And if it's sunset, well, all the better.
Often times, the lake breeze is chilly, even in summer. As the sun goes down, there is often quite a chill in the air. But it doesn't matter. I can sit there for hours, just watching the sky, lining up photos, and waiting for the perfect shot.
It's funny, but with all the pictures I've taken there, you'd think I would have nailed The Shot by now. Nope. I have a lot of great shots that I love dearly, but there's always the possibility of an even better one.
So I keep trying, and gladly. After all, the time spent at the beach taking picture is not exactly wasted time. It soothes my soul just to be there. I've seen so many beach quotes on Pinterest, and I'll nod my head when I read them. My favorite is "You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it will never leave your soul". Yes, yes, yes! That has me written all over it.
I've tried to figure out just why this place is so special to me, but there is no easy answer. So I just go with it. A few hours by car, and I can be there once more.
I don't think it's possible for me to be unhappy in this place. Even a windy, stormy, rainy day will be not keep me away.
But lucky for me, the weather was fine this time. A little cool, but it doesn't matter. Even a simple sunset like the one below is special to me here. And simple sunsets have a way of surprising you....
....turning into this.....
....and finally this. Just think, I was about to leave the simple sunset when it changed into this.
So if you are looking for me in my garden, and it seems a little quiet, you'll know where to find me.
Just head north to St. Joseph Michigan.
Listen for the crashing waves.
And wait till sunset, then you'll surely find me back "home" again.
