Deanne Fitzpatrick » Diary » summer sunday retreat
summer sunday retreat
Dear Diary, for nearly eighteen years I have spent summer Sundays at the shore. It used to be with little kids building castles on the beach but now it is with tea and a book. Today I am reading a novel by Denise Mina, A Scottish mystery writer that I enjoy. I had a nap, a swim, a drive to a friend’s house and I’ll probably fry a potato for supper like I used to do when I was a kid.
It has been a day to myself, not the several weeks or months of retreat to the seaside that Anne Morrow Lindbergh, or May Sarton would have us take. But in truth, a day to myself where I only cook for me, only do my own dishes, and look after my own needs is retreat enough for me. I am not sure how I ‘d make out on a year long retreat like some authors have taken. A day away always restores me. Katherine, my friend said to me this winter, “all you need is a day away” and it’s true. A day to myself is like a big gift.
I do wonder though what would happen if I did take a big retreat for a few weeks to learn or create. Don’t you wonder this yourself? Have you ever done it? What is the meaning of a retreat? Is is just a visit with one’s self.
My friend has just built an ocean side cottage and today I though a good gift her for her might be some of the books I have read about life by the ocean. It is true , what they all say, that time and tide begin to blend, and you slow down to a more natural rhythm. These are a few shots taken today as I slowed down. Simple shots taken from a phone…part of a day with no expectations.
I hope you get a little retreat.
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My dream would be a week on a lake by myself. I would need a canoe to paddle a little bit. My rug hooking supplies, a few good books and just myself for company.
Sure if you see a photograph and get inspired…create!
Hi Deanne. I enjoyed your visit to the Truro Rug School last spring. I have a great picture of you – I’ll forward it to you if you wish. Could I have your permission to hook the picture of the two chairs on the porch? Your pictures are wonderful and I enjoy reading your blog. cheers. Kay
Oh I love the toe picture too, how unique and whimsical.
It made me smile.
Arrgghh – I can’t believe you have that book already! We can’t get Wasp Season here til September.
Great toes! That photo would make a good hooking pattern. Blissful summer Sundays. The perfect restorative day. All that beauty absorbed will emerge in creativity. Thanks for the images.
So…soooooo good to spend time with sand between your toes, the warmth of sand, and the sounds of waves lapping on shore, birds singing, and kids’ high pitched squeals of delight in the background. It truly is inspiring and good for the soul, whether immersed in a great book or napping or creatively dreaming good thoughts and ideas.
At one time I also took these times in small snatches, but now have the luxury of being selfish and staying the summer, experiencing the joy of “Gift of the Sea.” Nothing is better. K
Today I had a little retreat sitting out on our new deck reading a book and chatting on the phone with my friend Julia in B.C. It was a rare afternoon of relaxing at home. My dream retreat would be to spend a week or so at a little cottage on a beach.