Unplugged. Day 5 .
Watching the sun rise over the Atlantic from the vantage point of wooden rocking chairs, I was struck by how much folks were missing.
As they rushed down at 5:50 a.m. clad in pajamas and swimwear, making their way to the best camera angles, setting up tripods in uneven sand, adjusting shutter speed and apertures, primping for the best selfie; they were surely missing the Experience, capital “E”.
Did they notice the cloud formation on the horizon that made it look like you were seeing a small mountain range in the middle of the ocean ?
Did they see the gathering of seagulls in a particular spot that indicated a cluster of fish remnants left by the feeding of a large marine animal ? ( I didn’t say it…shark).
Did they see the pattern of light reflected on the ocean surface?
Did they notice the brown pelicans that had been swept north by the turbulent winds of a fading tropical storm Erika ?
Did they really smell the salt air, or feel the ocean mist ?
Oil Painting. Randy Hulshizer.
Most of all, did they realize that you cannot capture the grandeur of the stream of color in the sky that only nature can provide ?
Maybe you need an artist’s palate to do it justice; very much like the piece called “Peaceful Sunrise” shown here .
The actual sunrise took less than 5 minutes to break the horizon.
I wonder how many even looked away from their smart phones for a brief minute to just take in the wonder and beauty that we all take for granted ?
My husband and I did.
We held hands, sipped coffee, and rocked those aging wooden chairs.
And it was glorious.
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Thank you, and I surely will. ☺
Your post evokes some beautiful imagery!
Thanks, Vic, we were just content to be a part of it. Decades ago, I was one of those folks struggling with the tripod. ☺
Oh Van – this was exquisite. On my last vacation, I got up to catch the sunrise every morning. All that surrounds it really are things to behold. Thanks for the gentle reminder to notice – more. xoxo
I used to get up for the sunrise, but my family never joined in..late sleepers, so I experienced them alone with my camera. This was especially sweet, Kelly, thanks. 🌞 ⛅️ 🌞
Same here – everyone else stayed in bed except for me and my camera as well! Thanks again for such a lovely post! xo
Funny thing…I always enjoyed the quiet moment alone, but to share it was even better. 💑 And…we left the cameras, etc. in the room. ☺
That’s wonderful – sounds so romantic!
Thank you for the mention… lol
You’re so welcome, and thank you, Erika, for downgrading to a thunderstorm that never made it this far north…🌈 🌈 🌈
Powerful but gentle 😉
That sounds like the real Erika. ☺
Hahaha… thank you 😀
Van, lovely, peaceful sunrise. Can see you & hubby holding hands enjoying it! Now about those selfies! Beautiful background scenery ignored and blocked by overblown, smug, smiling faces! Geez….Chryssa
Oh, there was one young lady, fussing for 10 minutes before the sunrise with her hair and makeup, positioning the sun behind her…it was almost comical to watch. She might just have missed the moment, Chryssa. Thanks. 💑
I love this peaceful setting and your words, Van. Just glorious! ❤
Thanks so much, Colleen. Hope your home sale is making progress. ☺
It’s the waiting game. Hopefully soon. ❤
Things usually happen in the right time. ☺ Wishing you the best. 💕
Thanks for your support, Van. ❤
Gotta love those moments of pure presence and peace with the world. Great post, Van.
Presence seems to be more special with every year that passes, Diana. Thanks for the observation. 🌞💕
Sounds beautiful Van. glad you and hubby actually enjoyed the experience 🙂
It was one of those special moments…thanks, Judy. 💕
🙂
Beautiful! And you are so right… Look up and watch the real thing!
It seems like a lot of life today is experienced through a very small screen, Sandra. ☺
Unfortunately…
I feel like I got to live vicariously through your description. It is funny how with time we can get to a point where we value the lived experience more than the images we present to everyone else. Great reminder!
I’m so glad that message comes through, Amy. Thanks. You’re right about the timing. 💕 I witnessed far too many family events from behind a camera lens.
Experiencing the present is a dying art. But one you have perfected. I’ve been away from all internet/phone/electronic stimuli for 2 weeks.(I have used the camera, however) So strange to be connected again.
I was gone for less than a week, Julie, but I do understand the strangeness of coming back. Thanks. Looking forward to those photos of yours. ☺
Oh so well said! Sounds like you two got the most out of the moment.
Thanks so much, Nancy. It seems that we did. ☺
p.s. Your name is so appropriate. Loved our view from the porch !!
Thank you!
This post was so lovely. I love my camera but must admit sometimes I’m so set on capturing the moment so I can preserve it for later that I actually miss experiencing it now. Guilty. But working on it. Enjoy the long weekend.
Thanks, Debby…that was always me as well, but I hadn’t been to the ocean for a while..so this time, I didn’t take the camera out of the room. ☺
I love the ocean, and the way you painted the scene with your words conjured up such a nice image of serenity.
Thanks, Paul, that’s what I was going for…this piece came together in about 3 minutes. Very inspired. ☺
Easy to understand why. Its a beautiful way to start a day. We all get in such a hurry that we sometimes forget to stop and take a breath, and as a result we miss something so beautiful.
I live in Pennsylvania, where sunrise is obscured by woods and hills/mountains…so seeing it over the ocean is special ! 🌄 🌅 🌞🌄 🌅🌞
Yep, I guess it would be. In the past we’ve taken living by the ocean for granted. Now, were a little further away. I’ve sometimes wondered what people, who have lived in places like the Midwest all their lives, feel like when they see an ocean for the first time.
They used to direct me toward the Great Lakes..nice, but not quite the same. ☺
Yeah, there big. But your right, they’re not quite the same.
Thank you for this glorious post.
Most welcome, Ann. Just trying to savor the moment. 💕
Aren’t these moments wonderful!
They surely are, Linda, and this timely little retreat was sorely needed. Thanks.☺
What a beautiful scenery! Look so peaceful
Thanks so much.It was a late summer heat wave, the water was very warm, the sound of the waves lulled us to sleep. A lovely time all around. ❤️
Oh….so comforting, wish for a vacation
This was the first one we’d had in a while, I understand.
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Thanks, Izzy. I am honored to be on your list. 💕
Deep and beautiful in a simple yet complex way. The best kind. Here’s a surprise for you: https://izzyreadson.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/infinity-dream-award/
Thanks, again. I’ll share it shortly. Very kind words, Izzy, glad you liked this one. I appreciate you. 💕
Good for you two, Van. Very good.
We take those moments whenever they arrive, Mark. ❤️
Hi there. Thanks for picking up my little painting “Peaceful Sunrise.” I think your words really reflect my feelings as I painted it. In fact, I wrote a short story that accompanies my painting somewhat. If you are interested in reading it, please let me know and I’ll send you a draft copy. Kindest regards, Randy.
I’m so surprised that you took notice, Randy, and am honored to include your painting as a perfect illustration of how a photo just cannot capture the beauty. Of course…seeing it in person…incomparable. ❤️
Well, thanks again. And if you’re interested, I’ve pasted the link to my story below (feel free to delete this post if you’d rather I not share it on your blog). It’s on my WattPad account under my pen name Birk MacLeod:
https://www.wattpad.com/story/22012435-listen
I’m so interested. Thanks for the link. ☺
I love this. You captured the mood of the OC experience so well, and added your own touch of mystery, and the ethic of living/listening in the moment. Very nice. I’d say this is way better than a first draft. Excellent writing. You have multiple gifts. ☺ Van