In the sunshine March 12, 2009

 

So, I’m sitting on a bench. Apparently William Durling Thomas and his sweetheart Patricia loved it here, and I can see why.

In front of me, there is perhaps a couple of hundred metres of grassy shingle, the tide doesn’t reach this far. Sea birds potter amongst the stones,  and dogs paddle in the sea, a little further out. ‘Ted’ is serving steaming coffee – in polystyrene cups –  from his blue van, parked happily on the front.  The breeze is chilly but the sun is persistant, gleaming with the hopeful promise of warmer days to come.

It’s calm.

Soothing waves lap the shoreline shingle, the song of the birds is not drowned out, there is no traffic, no hustle, no head noise. The people are friendly too – I am sniffed amicably by frolicking dogs, their owners nodding good day as we pass.

Looking out to sea, I am transfixed by the rhythmic dance of a wind farm on the horizon. I love it that we have finally realised, we have finally recognised there is something in this breath of our creator that gives life and energy and power.

Breathing deeply in the stillness, I find myself thinking I could stay here all day. I’m sat on my own, but I grin as I remember other walks along this path, other trips with friends and loved ones, with steaming teas and crunchy chips warming us all.

And I find myself smiling again, as I think of all the times we’ll come back here, as I look forward to a future known only by my creator. For now I will enjoy the sun, and I will keep walking, and I will keep smiling.