In yesterday's post I promised photos of our afternoon in Cape Ann. We went to Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. It is located along the northern coast of Massachusetts and is one of the earliest settlements (1623) in our fair state.
Our children are standing on the most prominent geological feature, a large rock sixty feet high and two hundred feet wide. It gives us panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding fishing village.
The waves gently break on smooth stones and trees grow out of the larger boulders above. There are winding trails through the rocks and a wonderful playground at the park near the large rock. Our children loved being in the rocks and woods above the sea. Max found a hollow in an old tree and claimed it as his own.
It was a quiet time there by the sea in winter. No snow on the ground but, cold enough to wear our winter gear. I found a nice piece of pale blue sea glass. I want to come back to this place again. There is something restorative about the sea for me. I love the smooth stones, the dragon art on a huge rock, the sea glass, the trees growing out of rocks and all the winding trails above the sea. Magical. Healing really.
Our children want to return too. I'm hoping the next warm and non-scheduled day to head back. Max can reclaim his tree home. Grant will fight the enemy. Ben and Charlotte will create imaginary scenarios and play them out and I will search for more sea glass and enjoy the solitude together with them.
We had some unseasonably warm weather a few weeks ago. My Beloved came home for a visit and we decided to take advantage of the summer-like-weather and head up to one of our favorite beaches in Maine.
Max always comes prepared with his mask.
It's good to have the family all together.
We are in a journey of waiting right now. I live with our children in our empty home. Our home has been on the market for a couple of months. We have buyers interested but, they can't make offers until their homes sell. We can't make an offer on a home until ours sells. This seems to be the reason the real estate market is so stagnant right now.
We are hoping as the leaves turn colors and our area of the country is draped in such beauty, that people will feel a greater confidence in buying. It is a 'buyers market' right?
My Beloved has found a room to rent in MN. Our household goods are in storage there too.
We are making do with very little right now. Our children have what they need and we splurge on family times together. My husband has booked flights for the triplets seventh birthday and Thanksgiving. It will be so good having him home with us.
It has been an educational journey for us. We lived through a year and a half of unemployment without foreclosing on our home. My Beloved was able to finish his Master's degree during that time.
We had begun a bread ministry with Panera before unemployment and we were never without food.
Of course, we had our times of doubt and uncertainty. It's a scary thing to have no income, especially with a mortgage and four children. Yet, God provided all our needs. We were even able to travel and visit family and spend time in Wyoming and Cape Cod.
We are so thankful for work. There are so many qualified Americans without work, without health insurance, loosing their homes, suffering poverty. We are grateful for what we have.
Simple blessings mean so much. An afternoon at the sea with the ones we love. Sand between toes, watching our creative kids dig holes to keep warm in as the sun moved west, watching my Beloved teach our youngest how to balance on a Boogie Board in the surf, eating salty snacks in our car, listening the the Beach Boys sing "California Girls", and driving home together.
Yes, it's the simple things in life that matter the most.
I am thankful.
What are you thankful for?
