A Little Rest is Good
I am writing this note in a few moments of quiet, while my 2-yr-old daughter sleeps. I’m sitting by a picture window, with this view:
My son is with my wife at a swordsmanship demonstration, over which his 4-yr-old imagination has been going bonkers since yesterday.
Last summer I wrote about Ma Petite Maison in Port Orford, Oregon (A Taste of France on the Oregon Coast), and the sense of transcendence that I felt during those warm days. We’ve returned for a brief holiday along with our friends J and G, who are the owners of the duplex, and the place is true to memory. Port Orford is notoriously windy; but it also has much more sun than towns only an hour north. We’ve been enjoying the sun, relaxing in the small town atmosphere, and generally taking a break from the rigors of work and school.
Returning to this place always reminds me of Joie de Vivre, which in turn leads to thoughts of, what else, food. Actually, come to think of it, I can relate just about anything to food, but this place in particular is so reminiscent of France that I can’t help but think about what we’re going to eat next. Yesterday we ate a heavier breakfast – I actually had fresh eggs Benedict, which is not a staple for me by any stretch but was a great vacation treat. With such a bold breakfast under our belts, we more or less skipped lunch in favor of snacking a bit throughout the day on fruit and nuts.
After a walk through Prehistoric Gardens, we finished the day with a great dinner of fresh halibut, a reasonable, shared portion of quality steak, grilled vegetables, and a little fresh bread. We also complimented the meal with a great Tempranillo made by a winery a few hours from here. For dessert, a small touch of vanilla ice cream along with sliced grilled peaches.
There may also have been a craft beer or two consumed as part of the grilling duties carried on by the fathers of the house. But we’re on vacation, so what else can you do?
For tonight’s dinner, slow roasted rosemary chicken and vegetables, a scent that is filling the house as I write.
Over the last few months it’s become clear that one component of healthful living that I’ve been neglecting is deliberate relaxation. I seem to have a hard time setting projects down, whether it’s my work, music, art, or writing. Although I imagine this isn’t universally true, for me I have great moments of clarity at the beach, whether it’s walking along the shore, sitting quietly, or building something out of found objects. Currently, my health is heavily on my mind – everything from needing life insurance coverage to finding the mental tools I need to really stay on track with a diet and exercise plan. The beach is a great place to contemplate both the important and the trivial.
Today, resting both with my family and alone in my own thoughts for a while on the beach, I realized that exactly what I was doing in that moment – taking time out of the day for solitude – is a key component that I let slip all too often.
Over the coming days I’ll be writing a bit about where I’m at diet and exercise-wise this week, and some interesting developments that have occurred over the last few days. But in the meantime, I have some relaxing and playing with the kids to do.
More to come.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
It all sounds wonderful – the location, the company, the rest and the food! Enjoy!
Live in the day, Today! Relax and enjoy your family. I was the same way with not being able or willing to get the online stuff go for a day or even a few hours. Over the past year I’ve changed a lot of my habits because our only son will be 11 yrs old in a few months and I can see him growing into his own person so fast. That was all it took for me to forget the computer work when the family is home and just enjoy my hubby and son (and the dogs, cat, birds and frogs!)
Your rest day sounds wonderful! Keep it up and your heart will be so happy.
We’re supposed to rest one day of the week for a reason. Part of that is so we don’t burn out!
In a few weeks, my family and I will be going to the beach for a week.
Which means NO computer or getting online. I’m so looking forward to it!
Paul
Eat Well. Live Well.
PurpleGreenPops.com
Your get away sounds wonderful. Full of relaxation and good foods.
I’m not sure why you are so concerned about your health. I wonder what I can do to help you. Maybe we’ll get more insight in the next post.
Maybe you’ll feel better after you’ve been able to rejuvinate a bit.
Ah, the Oregon coast. The primary backdrop of most of my happy childhood and young adult memories. There’s a spot near Yachats that is a time-machine for me. Once I curl up in its pebbley nook, I’m instantly 15 years old. It’s a very good feeling, and I try to get back there whenever I’m within 200 miles of it.
Solitude is a precious thing. Especially when you have little ones!
Sounds fabulous! Wonderful description of life lived well. You’re clearly enjoying it, so don’t need my encouragement to enjoy, but I’ll add it anyway!
@Marsha: Thank you for the encouraging words. I am working at regaining focus, and rest certainly has helped!
@LaV: Hi there
– I know what you mean. I feel that way at times in the San Juans in Washington, which is where I spent much of my time growing up.
ok, so what else?
.-= depannage informatique´s last blog ..Offres de Noël, offrez des cours d’informatique à vos amis, proches et parents ! =-.