I went, got in, and alternating laps with and without a kickboard, went back and forth for twenty-five minutes. At the end of the first length without a kickboard, so happy that, oh so slowly but without stopping, I made it to the end, I started to cry. (I don't recommend doing this in swim goggles.)
Back home, I started this piece about water, waves, sunsets, and memories of nighttime skinny dipping in the ocean long, long ago. Jude's moon swam to the top of the basket at just the right time to float above Deb's sunset.
Those front waves are from this Maiwa cloth from our last trip to B.C.. I just love the crackles of blue in the white.
Pencils were sharpened. It always seems like such a chore, but so satisfying once I sit down to do it.
There was a phone call with Mom. She had been to the beach with her sisters and had an "awesome" time. She talked about waking up at four in the morning and watching "the brightest and fullest" moon set into the sea. It was nice to hear her happy.
And remembering our recent ocean trip...During our time together, we visited old haunts- the beach camp we kids went to for years, and a beach town where Mom had lived growing up. The whole time, as we drove there, walked on its beach, and driving away- she recounted story after story of her time there. Where she played with friends, the hideout in the rocks on the shore, where they caught the school bus, the boy that lived down the road... On and on her happy clear memories poured out.
Later, we were surprised when we asked her how many years she had lived there?
"Only about nine months, when I was nine."
How the ocean has held my family is really something.
I went back to the pool this morning. It was harder.
I think I'll start this summer's indigo vat today.
Have a good weekend. 💙