Seeing the ocean adds years to my life! I’m calmer, more relaxed, and at peace. Life is
less stressful. How could I see things less than perfect when the soothing waves are crashing next to me, the sand is warm and soft below my feet, and the ocean smell is in the air? Marketing companies should create a beach scent that is vented through office buildings. I bet they would make billions.
The DNC was in Charlotte this week and Darren was asked to work from home; we saw it as an opportunity to travel somewhere new. The only requirement was wired internet access in the room so Darren could work during the day while Athena and I explored the area. We could scope out the hot spots and show “Dad” our favorites in the evening and on the weekend. It was an excellent plan!
We chose Virginia Beach since Virginia was one of the only states I hadn’t visited and I was missing the home feeling of being on the water. Ocean Sands Resort is located directly on the 3 mile boardwalk and the ocean is a stone’s throw away from the rooms. With daily activities, oceanfront property, free internet, and a kitchenette, it was exactly what we were looking for.
On arrival, we found out that parking was not only free but a space was reserved for us. We didn’t have to worry about searching endlessly for a spot or paying over-priced parking charges. I knew I made a good choice from that moment and it was continuously confirmed throughout our stay.
Our room was on the third floor and it had an unbelievable ocean view. I watched the sun rise daily and walked along the boardwalk every morning. Athena enjoyed the slight breeze against her face and the fresh air all around her. With a child’s inquisitive nature alive and well within her, she was constantly turning her head to see the new, surrounding world. I could also see the dolphins playing from the bedroom window. While Athena had her afternoon nap, I laid in the bed next to her and enjoyed the wonders of the sea. Surfers and boogie boarders had a more up-close view of the dolphins as they rode the waves, but I was content to experience it all from a bird’s eye view.
When Athena was asleep at night, Darren and I relaxed together in the living room area. The setup was superior for the needs of parents; she could follow her regular schedule and we were not disrupting her by being in the same room. The setup also worked well during the day when Darren was working. He could have private space even when Athena and I were inside.
We spend our last night at Ocean Sands Resort enjoying a leisurely walk along the boardwalk as a family. The sun was setting behind the resorts, the weather was perfect, and entertainment surrounded us. We took Athena to the water and splashed her feet in the waves. With wide-eyed wonder, she hesitantly let the waves rush over her feet.
I didn’t let my mind wander; I wanted to take it all in; I wanted to live in the moment. I realized that being on the beach with my daughter and husband was the accumulation of all of my hopes and dreams for life.
When we returned to the room, I felt as if I’d been at the spa. I was in an overall state of euphoria. If I had to live a Groundhog Day, I’d chose that last day at Ocean Sands Resort. We were rejuvenated and as deeply in love as the day we were married, only now that love encompassed Athena as well.
I’m a beach girl. Any day at the beach is a good day.
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YOur daughter is adorable.
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I could not agree more. There is nothing like being near the ocean. It changes me for the better every time. Glad you and your family are having a nice time 🙂
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This is a nice beach :)!
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Yes, what is it about the beach/ocean/water that is so calming and has the power to add years? I absolutely love it too. Your pictures are great…can’t believe how big your baby girl is getting already.
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Great post! Describes also very well the reasons why we live right on the beach 🙂
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Lesley, I love the toes in the sand pic – adorable!!!
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Wonderful pictures and a nice post. Love the header with the feet. Looks like you all had a really nice time. Hugs
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Lovely images and your daughter is just precious!
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Cosmo Kramer invented a sent called The Beach… on Seinfeld. 🙂 Me? I’m moving backward. I was raised at a beach. Now I live in a swamp. Sort of. New Orleans is mostly built on swampland.
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There is just something about beaches. I love them also. Your baby is so adorable. I love the pictures. Thanks. 🙂
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So cool! Virginia is for lovers and you were totally in my neck of the woods.
I love love. So happy for you.
Blessings,
Res
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Your daughter is very cute! You’re right about the beach! The sound of the waves is very soothing!
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Love the photos! Virginia is in my top ten travel spots!
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i loved this article,and your pictures! the header with you husbands and babies feet is precious 🙂
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it should have been husband’s and baby’s NOT husbands & babies…sorry 😦
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I saw the movie, The Bucket List, for the first time on the plane over here to Israel. I am definitely marking some things off my list on this trip.
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Totally agree! The beach is restorative and feeds the soul and the creative spirit. Love hearing about your travels.
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Athena – the goddess of heroic endeavor. I believe that your daughter Athena will have a full and fun life with an adventurous mom like you. Love the toes in the sand pic, how precious.
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Adorable and amazing Shots:)
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Love your analogy of your day with your family with Groundhog Day. Nice. Also love your image at the top of the page. Nor do i have a thing for feet. It’s very artistic.
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Looks like a fun trip! I visited Virginia Beach with my mom and siblings two summers ago and we also stayed right on the boardwalk. Highlights that I remember were renting bicycles from our hotel with my siblings and seeing someone propose to his girlfriend by writing in the sand. VA is one of my favorite east coast beaches because it’s one of the first “warm-water” beaches when you’re heading down the coast from my home in Pittsburgh. I have been spoiled this summer with Thai beaches but maybe next year I will head to VA Beach again!
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I was just at Virginia beach myself at the end of july!! its so beautiful! Such a great spot for a vacation!
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It’s not EXACTLY beach scented, but Virgin Islands scented is pretty close… next best thing to the real thing 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Scented-Virgin-Island-Paradise-Flowers/dp/B006MNR7YG
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I always enjoy your posts and love the fact that the 3 of you could get away and enjoy the beach and the area. Can’t believe how fast Athena is growing.
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Athena is just gorgeous, and it’s lovely that you can savour every moment, because they go so quickly !
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Lovely post, I love taking my children to the beach. Your photos are great!
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I also love to be at the beach, so calming!
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re: piping beach scents through offices. It would be important to have a “without seaweed on the foreshore” option I think.
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This makes me homesick for the Florida beaches. You little girl is too cute – such a nice family you have and a special beach memory. I know how you feel – the beach does it to me too!
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What a great post! That last line is so beautiful. Plus, I love all the photos of cute baby “piggies” in the sand.
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We agree sounds of the ocean do calm, soothe, relax and release stress! That’s why we use them in our music 🙂
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Not sure that there is a cuter baby!!! Great post, thank you for sharing your magical vacation!
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Love those adorable little baby feet in the sand. You just can’t beat the beach!
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The beach is definitely magical in its restorative powers. I don’t understand it, but I sure do appreciate it. I live so close and yet don’t get down to the water’s edge near enough. Perhaps I need to put it on my weekly schedule – I’m sure it would be the peaceful experience that you found it to be! Thanks for sharing.
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Lesley. I am rejoicing with you, Darren and Althena. I am so very pleased that you had this opportunity as a family. May you have many more days filled with true wealth. I wish you all “enough.”
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This is beautiful! I am so glad that you were able to experience such a perfect & special time with your two loves. 🙂 xo
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Beautifully stated. We made some sacrifices to move to coastal NC. Best move ever! When I need a beach therapy day, I drop the kids at school and head to the beach. The shore is hypnotic.
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Love the pics! Being next to the ocean calms the soul, doesn’t it.
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Having just moved to Charlotte, I was surprised you didn’t choose on of NC beaches to visit.
Does sound like you had a good beach fix.though.
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Couldn’t agree with you more. Ocean air, a walk along a strand of gleaming sand as the sun rises along the Atlantic, I can smell the salt air and feel the warmth of the first rays of light. For years my family and I have visited Lauderdale-by-the-Sea in February to renew ourselves and escape the winter darkness and cold of Toronto. I swear it has added 10 years or more to my life.
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Great post!Athena is gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing!
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Beaches are the best!!!
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I have family who live one block from the bay in Virginia Beach. I find excuses to visit them often. what a beautiful place!
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I take my 2 dogs across the fields, up through the woods and down to a little cove on The Helford estuary in Cornwall nearly every day, the dogs finish off with a swim in the sea. We love it and our day is never quite as good if I can’t start it in this way!
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Very sweet. Always nice to capture all these precious moments in time to reflect upon later. Thanks for sharing.
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You have read quite a few of my posts, and I feel like we are old friends! I loved this blog entry! Glad you were able to have this wonderful experience with you sweet family!
Find me anytime at http://pursuitofajoyfullife.wordpress.com/
Blessings!
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Lovely. I love the last photo of you and your daughter.
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What a lovely family!
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Hi lesleycarter , you have a very interesting blog so musicologistblog has decided to nominate you for the Sun Shine award. Feel free to check out musicologistblog to see what it’s all about. =)
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There really is NOTHING like the beach….guaranteed to relax even the most wound up Type A! The breeze, the salt, the sand…..bliss! We are blessed to live only across the bridge (10 min), I don’t know what I’ll do if we ever move away!!!! Isn’t telecommuting the BOMB!????!!!
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