Summer called…
“Go east,” it said, and I obeyed…
“My favorite place to vacation is any place by the ocean.” — Nina Arianda
Sunshine, seashells, surf, boardwalks…
“Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach…” — Brian Wilson
Music…
Food…
Sunrises and sunsets to break your heart and then mend it once again…
“To go out with the setting sun on an empty beach is to truly embrace your solitude.” — Jeanne Moreau
Old-Fashioned rides at the pavilion…
Even storms lend themselves to beauty…
So, if you come looking for me, glance along the sand…
I’ll be reading books and working on my tan!!
How about you? Who or what is calling out to you this summer?
Writingfeemail's Blog 
This! This is calling me, Renee! Oh how I’d love to be at the beach right now. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. Enjoy!
Thanks Jill. A much deserved break for me and you.
Great pictures: looks like a fun time!
Fun indeed. Come on down Dianna!
Where are you? Not OUter Banks!
Oh, just checked: Carolina Beach — WAY south of the OBX!
It is a bit south, but worth the drive. I haven’t been here in years and it reminds me of being a kid and taking the now-destroyed chair lift out over the water with my dad. Such good memories.
Fabulous Renee!! it’s so hot here at the mo’ that I would turn into a crisp if I were on the beach. Your beaches are nicer though 🙂 enjoy!!
Thanks Yolanda. I love the sound of the ocean and the cries of the gulls. So restorative. Have already gotten too much sun on my face though. And my sunscreen is 50. Yikes!
Looks beautiful….would love to be there! Where am I? Driving up to Chowchilla to visit Silvia in prison!
You are amazing. She’s lucky to have your support.
I’m happy to have a quiet summer at home,. I want to get into my quilting studio, which means I need to organize it. I’ve been buying fabric. I haven’t had this much of an urge to work on quilting for awhile. That February quilters workshop (at the beach) was an inspiration and I have pretty much a free schedule until travel in late September for a trip to France. I want to blog, too, but having pretty much of a free schedule doesn’t provide a lot of subject matter.
Quilting must be such a source of meditation for you. It seems to truly calm and inspire you simultaneously…the best things to get from a vacation. Bravo!!
Such fabulousness!!!
Sublime photos!
What books are you reading, Renee?
—I’ve been walking w/ audio books. What Joy! xxx
Currently reading Pat Conroy’s Beach Music. Seemed appropriate!! I love audiobooks too. What are you listening to?
Beach Music! Perfect.
I just finished Eat Pray Love (Again), The Invention of Wings, Wild, & I really dig Elizabeth Berg.
What’s on your list?
Eat Pray Love is fantastic! I haven’t read the Invention of Wings yet, but let me know what you think. I’m so impressed with the works of Pat Conroy right now that I’m thinking of downloading everything I haven’t currently read, including his cookbook. I’ll also be reading and rereading my next novel as we pass the rounds of edits back and forth. Ah the joys of being a reader/writer.
Looks fun and relaxing, Renee. Enjoy!
Ahh yes on both accounts. Come on down and join me!
Wish I could! 🙂
Me too! We’d have a blast.
Absolutely! 🙂 Enjoy, Renee!
Thanks Jo!
Enjoy this perfect summer getaway!
Thank you Rosanna!
Walking on the beach is a great way to start and end the day. Enjoy … and Cheers!
I love starting the day with coffee at sunrise. And then, as you say, a nice walk. Perfect. Thanks Frank!
Breathtaking Summer by the beach my friend. Just like you, close to the ocean is my idea of an unforgettable, relaxing vacation. This one sums up my idea of happiness and relaxation, “Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach…” Wonderful pictures Renee. Thanks for sharing them. Best of blessings to you and your family.
Thank you IT. Blessings to you and your family as well. I hope you find lots of time for fun and frivolity near the coast.
Beautiful pictures and exotic views Renee. The ambiance is perfect and I’d love to share a quote by Dr. SunWolf ~ “Take off your shoes,” purred the ocean waves.
Oh, Dilip, thank you for that perfect quote. It adds a lovely dimension with the purring of the ocean waves. Happy summer friend!
Stunning gallery dear Renee… “Summer is Sunrises and sunsets to break your heart and then mend it once again”…I loved those words as well…. And they are accurate… At least in my case good and bad things like being with someone and splitting apart happened, both of them, in summer… Sigh… Anyhow, back to the post, it is gorgeous. Enjoy your summer… All the best to you. Aquileana:D
Thank you! I hope your summer is filled with fabulous sunrises, sunsets, and surprises!
Renee, can we plan a retreat for writers there? It is stunningly beautiful. Exciting and relaxing all at once. I pine for such a place, though I’m proud and pleased as punch to say, I live by an ocean, too! It’s pure heaven.
I’m actually a mountain dweller, so getting time by the sea is special in every way and a must-do for summer. My face is too brown, even though sunblock is 50, but my pale feet and toes are even tanned. I love that. It reminds me of being a kid. I am so jealous of you getting to live by the shore. I’d be aging like an alligator. You look so young and beautiful. How do you keep from having the sun spots?
And a writers retreat would be perfect here. Everything is in walking distance and there are swings and benches all along the boardwalk, dinner cruises around the shoreline. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get our blogging ‘tribe’ together for a meet up at the shore? Let me know what you think! I love the idea. Perfect!
Hope you’re having a great break Renee.
You’ve got the right idea. The only problem is, we have to go home again.
That looks like a very relaxing place to be – beautiful pictures Renee!
Awesome post a story in photos. There’s a special since of whole body and soul relaxation near the ocean (or on a mountain top. Vacations are wonderful that way.) Enjoy your vacation! 🙂
I hear you! I’m at the beach right now! The bonus? I always get a lot of writing done at the beach.