There is nothing like discovering a special new-to-you place for the first time and tucking it away as a memory to pull out on days when things seem rocky. It was a cold Easter weekend when we took a spontaneous road trip to Boston. Didn’t think we’d be heading to the ocean on this trip, but my cousin must share a fondness for drives and views like I do because she suggested this park near Rockport, Massachusetts. I like the ocean in any form, but I like rocky, dramatic beachscapes the best.
We didn’t stay too long because of the wind and cold, but long enough to get our fill of ocean air. The waves were really rough that day. It’s funny how that works, isn’t it? The rockier the surf, the calmer the effect it has on you (well, at least on me). Miss C had decided to go off on her own (within our sight, of course) and climb the rocks to a spot where she sat herself down for quite awhile. “She’s having a moment”, we joked to ourselves as we watched her looking out to the ocean perched high on those rocks. When I finally got her attention and motioned for her to come back, I asked her what she was doing sitting on that rock for so long. Just listening to the waves, she said.
I always seem to find myself at the ocean before a major shift in life. It’s almost like a sign that I won’t realize until after the fact, and then I’ll connect the dots. Quite suddenly, I’m facing uncertainty and it’s something I haven’t felt in almost two years. It’s unsettling in its unfamiliarity because uncertainty seemed like a state that I previously was able to live with only because it was constant. Whatever the outcome, what I know now is that this year will be a year of change. Again.
Shouldn’t I realize by now that change is the thing that is constant? The answer is yes. Always. But I wouldn’t refuse a few years of boring stability. Wouldn’t that be nice! I’m not sure if I’ve ever really been a big believer of signs despite my earlier observations of my trips to the sea. I think I’ve always rejected signs because it seems like a passive way to make a decision, but I’m waiting for a sign right now – maybe even a few.
Beautiful. The ocean is so powerful in its rhythm and scale. Wonderful just to be beside it, noting the pulse of life. Thank you, and, bon courage!
Thank you Rami for reading and commenting today.
beautiful pictures and writing- as a long-time reader here, I love seeing how you’ve found an evolving and new rhythm of posts.
It’s always nice to see a comment from you Lara. Yes, I’m realizing that I still want to write. Time is my biggest enemy right now. But who knows…this may change 🙂
I always do a little better thinking that a change is coming, that there is a new house to work with, a new place to see, some fresh people (maybe one of them will be a friend). I like the anticipation. We are moving from CA to MI this summer. Overall I have a quiet life, but in my tiny way, I am an adventurer.
Hi Vanessa, I agree with you. Normally I embrace change. I think I’m just weary and emotionally tired the last 2 years, but life doesn’t seem to care about that 🙂 It’s always pushing us forward. It’s good to be an adventurer! Nurture that part of you.
I used to think that one day I’d hit some magic mark in life where I’d have it together and things would settle into a nice, steady rhythm. It’s taken me till my early 40s to accept that this is not the case. As you say, change is constant. Which is good, because who wants to stagnate (that’s what I tell myself, at least!)
Oh yeah, I definitely don’t want to stagnate. I fear complacency too. And you’re right, there is no magic mark in life where our life settles. I actually think 40s and 50s might be ages where there’s more turbulence. I think (I hope) the difference is that we’re older and wiser to handle it.
The ocean. I grew up close to it, now I live in a landlocked country and miss it tremendously. Mountains are nice, but nothing like the sea. The first photo is of Mia, right, she looks so grown up these days, even if she one doesn’t see too much of her.
She is very much grown up these days! And getting crazy tall!
I always love reading your posts, Jenna. Even more so now that my husband and I just moved from Brooklyn. Reading your blog brings back those sweet memories! Hope you have a great weekend!
Kathryn
Changes are constant but big changes as one gets older and as our kids get older feels tough. Hang in there and hope you can feel excited about the change when it actually comes.
I’m always so enraptured by your photographs. I grew up going to Rockport, MA every summer and was stunned to see those familiar rocks on your blog. I’m glad you enjoyed it there. Have you ever sold any of your photos? I’m so struck by the third photo down.
I have sold a few in the past, and may revisit that again 🙂