Once a year I allow myself the luxury of keeping completely in balance. The other 364 days of the year I falter at times: am I spending too much time reading instead of writing? Am I too shy, or do I share too much? Am I cooking the asparagus too long, or too short? Am I giving a prompt to my writing class that will make them dislike me, or thank me?
Einstein said,
“Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
But in life, do we not move too much? Shouldn’t we stay still a bit more often, to hear the music of the birds; to see the leaves turn from bud to bloom to a bright orange goodbye; to feel our muscles burn from a walk on the beach or a push on a pedal?
Ah, yes, which brings me to this one perfect summer day, when I balance my body on a rented beach bike.
We all meet there – at the NJ seashore – every summer. We come from Boston and Maryland and D.C., and even further. We drop the nomenclature of sister and brother, of aunt and uncle, of grandmother and in-law, and instead, all become friends for the week. Together, we cook, sunbathe, go for long beach walks, and watch the children frolic in the surf and sand.
Except one early morning, during this annual week, I sneak out and slide onto an old rusty bike and pedal on the flat smooth streets of the family-friendly beach town.
The years blow away with each block I pass. The sun shines down on me as if I’m an old friend who’s been away too long. My leg muscles chuckle and my rear end laughs at the hard rigid seat.
I’m 5 years old and my life is in front of me like a soft summer morning that never ends.
how utterly perfect; hold that mid-air moment just a while longer; I want to jump up and join you, just briefly before the sun sets…
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I suppose that there are only a few times in our lives when we actually are floating in a sense, mid air and balanced, and then we keep that beautiful feeling of suspension within the rest of our lives.
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Maybe you should ride a bike more often? 😎
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Ha ha-quite astute of you. But perhaps if I rode my bike more often I wouldn’t get that brief moment of complete exhilaration. 😏
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I’m constantly losing my balance, Pam. Time spent outdoors with 20+ frantic hummingbirds juicing up for their annual migration, seems to help me with my footing. I love the photo of your grandson! ❤
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We have the frantic antics of the hummingbirds going on at our feeder also, Jill. Every evening though for one hour one alpha hummingbird sits on top of the post of the feeder surveying his world. At that time, no other hummingbird dare approach the feeder. He seems pretty darn balanced!
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I’m going to miss these little guys…
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I love your description of your perfectly balanced life. We need to create more of those moments, don’t you think? If you felt crowded on the bike, it was because I was there with you. 🙂
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I WONDERED who that was by my side. I should have guessed it was you Molly! Didn’t we do a good job of balancing ourselves on that bike?
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We did indeed!! I mentioned you in one of my recent blogs. I don’t like to drop links but will if you let me know it is okay. I think you’ll get a kick out of it if you haven’t seen it yet.
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Oh, please, link away!!
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Okay – this is an important one for you to read, Pam, since it could prevent another head injury. 😉 https://www.shallowreflections.com/taking-drastic-steps-to-protect-my-noggin/
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EXCELLENT link! I’m off to buy a “safety” helmet. 🙂
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Yes, do that, Pam! I’m thinking a hard hat would also work well and they come in that gorgeous yellow color.
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🙂
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Beautiful post, Pam. Just perfect.
It makes me think of the summers we spent in that same NJ town with our little girls. We were only there for less than a week, but they were special days of relaxing and just being with each other. I always read a stack of novels in those few days, too. It’s funny that I shared a photo of my girls on the beach from that time on FB yesterday.
I love that photo of your grandson caught midair.
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I wondered if that photo from yonder years was taken at OCNJ, Merril. I thought so from the smiles on your girls’ faces. I agree, there’s something about sitting on sand with the ocean waving next to us and no other place to be that is the epitome of relaxation.
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Yes, indeed! 🙂
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Reacquainting yourself with an experience of childhood is a good way to regain your balance—although my days of balancing myself on a bike are past! Hope you have many more days like this, Pamela!
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I think that’s why we enjoy spending time with kids – it helps us remember our own childhood imaginings and ability to just feel JOY. “In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play.” Friedrich Nietzsche
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I love biking at the beach. Pam, enjoy your very special bike ride. Sounds wonderful!
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Wish I could do it more often, Robin. But the good news is that each year when I return, I can still stay balanced on that bike! 🙂 Happy Days to YOU.
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Last time I rode a bike, I fell off. Daughter I law rented a recumbent bike at the beach. I was placed in front like a hood ornament with no control scared to bits. Just unbalanced, help!
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Oh dear, sorry I’m laughing – but your “hood ornament” comment is pretty funny. I think few people could stay balanced as an ornament on a recumbent bike, Jeanette. Next time, go for your own ride! ;-0 🙂
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Just letting go and stepping outside the normal pattern of life is sometimes a good thing.Beautiful photo (grandson, I presume) that fits perfectly with your feeling of a few minutes of “abandon.”
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Thanks Anneli. I was writing this post about feeling balanced and the bike day, and realized the photo I took of my grandson, feeling such total joy and abandon, fit in perfectly. THIS is what we adults should aspire to once in a while!
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I LOVE that photo!
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❤
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So beautifully orchestrated, dear Pamela! ♥
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Sometimes pure joy (and “balance”) is the greatest surprise. xo
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“I’m 5 years old and my life is in front of me like a soft summer morning that never ends.” What a glorious image. I can remember that feeling too, Pam, except that I was 8 before I could ride a two-wheeler. My mom would drive my bike and me to Livingston High School where they had a circular drive and round and round I’d go until one day, I finally got it. You’ve brought back that one soft summer morning. And I thank you.
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Awwww, I could see that little girl (you) circling to catch the bike balance. It is a great grasp of freedom. When I was 11 and 12 I’d just take off on my bike and ride for MILES down long lonely southern New Jersey roads. My parents had no idea where I was, or even what I was doing. That was in the “old days” when kids just …. played…. on their own. To you, and me, and feeling those soft summer mornings within us.
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Oh yes, indeed. At my last high school reunion a few years ago, we regaled each other with stories of what we were allowed to do back then. I wonder if our descendants will ever get to recapture those halcyon days.
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I can picture that rusty, squeaky bike and I know the feeling of the sun on your skin while you ride up and down the streets without a care (except traffic and pedestrians). Beach days are precious and memorable, so hold those in your heart.
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That rented bike was so squeaky that I felt protected in a sense – no one could miss me biking down those roads! 🙂 Also, I love the bike lane on Wesley Ave. Ocean City NJ is definitely a bike-friendly community. And yes, in the cold bleak days of winter here, I shall warm myself with the memories of our summer beach days.
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“I’m 5 years old and my life is in front of me like a soft summer morning that never ends.” ~> LOVE that line.
We bike almost every night. It definitely is a year eraser for me. 😀
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Can you tell how jealous I am? An awful green, my face is, thinking of you biking with joy almost every evening. Sigh. You live in a wonderful place, my friend.
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I think balance is an illusive or even illusion, but no doubt we need to counter movement with rest, work with play, etc. Life is full of cycles and rhythms. A week at the beach and riding a bike both sound lovely Pamela. The beach was our go to place each summer when I was a kid. And riding a bike always brings out the kid in me. I’m glad you had this time to rest and play.
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Too true – true balance is rather illusive, but it’s fun to try! Particularly on a bike! 🙂
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Agreed! 🙂
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Sitting on the beach in St. Lucia with my honey. Life is certainly a balancing act. To swim or read a book??? The turquoise blue water is calling me!!! Book will
Have to wait!!!
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The nice thing of balancing the act of life is that once you’ve done one part (swimming in your case) the other part (reading) is still there waiting for you! Happy Anniversary. ❤
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I know that feeling. I want to keep it around me all the time but it goes away until something else takes me back.
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Isn’t that the truth, Kate? Regaining that complete joie de vivre of childhood isn’t easy, but when it comes, it’s just superb.
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This really does sound like a lovely thing to do, Pam. Reconnecting with your childhood. I think I do it by baking.
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Baking – an excellent way to relive (and even re-invent) our childhoods. The smells, the tastes, the action of putting together ingredients to make one amazing treat. You not only reconnect with your childhood, but you give your kids memories they’ll never forget with your own baking (and baking business!).
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Your bike took me down the memory lane…I learnt this skill when I was 10, my bike was bigger and my arms smaller but in an effort to keep going, giraffe trick worked for me and now when I can reach the upper ledges with ease, I feel proud of not complaining about the big bike that I had to ride to school. 🙂 for almost 10 years as my college too was within biking distance.
You won’t believe, I can’t ride the bike now…seem to have forgotten the skill and can’t balance but have learnt life-balancing quite well…another story!
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You’ve definitely learned life-balance – your poetry is proof of that. But I’m so sorry to hear you’ve lost the “biking balance” skill, particularly when you enjoyed it so much when you were younger. I’m going to whisper something here, just for you: “It’s never too late to get back on that bike!” xo
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I am hearing that whisper Pam, thanks for the inspiration.
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I am most looking forward to riding my beach cruiser when my new knee is ready to use. Terrific post, Pamela. I’m always out of synch with asparagus.
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(1) Once your new knee is ready to go, I think you should pose on your beach cruiser and post on your blog! (2) Yes, asparagus is tricky. I like it steamed so it’s not too crunchy, but not soft either. A few more years, and I’ll have it down, I swear! 🙂
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No beach for me when I was a kid but a working farm where every hand was needed during harvest time. I would find hiding places where nobody could find me and read a book. Now I have the beach every day and love walking in the wet sand . Another beautiful post Pam!
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I can just SEE you hiding behind a haystack and reading a book, Gerlinde, when you were a young girl. What a great image. And now to think that you can walk (or bike?) the beach any day you want. So jealous (but happy for you!) ❤
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Love this post. I always believe we just have to find our own rhythm and pace. My husband calls me his “energizer bunny” but even us bunnies need to slow occasionally. Summer is always perfect 🙂
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I think it’s even harder for high-energy people who ride bikes like the wind and joyfully race around life, to learn to slow it down and savor that breeze now and then. Summer IS the perfect time to find a balance and learn that slowing-down skill. 🙂
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Gorgeous writing, Pam, especially the paragraph that begins with “The years blow away with each block I pass . . . ”
My brain is often in “editor” mode which keeps me off balance. too. You put a bright spot in my brain that says, “Take a walk on the beach,” with or without a bike. It’s less than 15 miles away, for heaven’s sake.
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For heaven’s sake, YES! Every time you get bogged down with the editing (of that book we’re all looking forward to), think of me and realize how special it is to have that beach just 15 miles away. ENJOY!
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What a perfect week! A great way to get that balance back in your life. I tend to fall off every time I get on a bike so I’ll have to find another way. A long walk on the beach would do it.
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A long walk on a beach is the ultimate way to find balance I believe, Darlene. But on a fun/funny note, at our NJ seashore town, people rent “surreys” in which an entire family can ride in it without worrying about balance, just everyone pedaling and steering between other surreys – and pedestrians – on the Boardwalk. Six of us tried it one sunny warm morning, and I’ll have to admit, I screamed a bit now and then “Turn left. LEFT! No, the OTHER left!!” 🙂
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That would be funny to watch. xo
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There’s nothing like riding a bike to take you back to the freedom of childhood. Happy holidays, Pam. 🙂
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I have friends who have taken bike tours in Italy and Switzerland. Talk about a great journey! But also talk about an arduous vacation. I think I’ll stick to biking the flat roads and Boardwalk of NJ. 🙂
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That would be a great journey, especially as there are probably mountains involved! Biking the flat roads in NJ are about my speed too! 🙂
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Wonderful….
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Thanks, David. I’m sure you live a balanced life! To hummingbirds and watching all that is around us, and always being amazed.
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Your words are poetic and soothing, Pam. I felt more balanced just reading this!
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Sometimes we just need to close our eyes and imagine ourselves in a serene space (like one with the sounds of ocean and the movement of bike on boards), and we relax into balance. xo
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We spent our summer with many family times at the beach, including a week’s family reunion. I think I keep my balance by spending time with my grandchildren. They help me erase stress, which surely help erase at least a few years. 🙂 Your family adventure sounds absolutely delightful! I haven’t ridden a bike in a very long time!
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I’m ashamed to admit I only ride a bike once a year – at the shore. In the “regular world,’ cars seem so anxious to pass bicyclists that riding on a two-wheeler is anything but relaxing. But beach time – that seems to relax everyone, thus it’s a great place for family to gather. And to watch grandkids jump into the air and show us all how to experience joy. xo
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What a lovely post, Pam. Just reading it brings me balance. 🙂 I love the photo of the 5-year-old! Oh to be so carefree again – like riding a bike. All I have to do to find balance is turn off technology… completely! Then all of a sudden I’m present to the day. ❤
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Here we are, writers and authors hoping to find readers, so we’re pushed into the age of technology, even though all we really want to do is find comfort and joy in the pages of our imagination. Sigh. I’m with you, Diana. Too much technology definitely can keep us off-balance.
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Why only one day of peace? Bicycle riding, especially along the beach is recommended daily!
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How I wish I could ride along the beach every day. In lieu of that, I walk in a wooded trail daily, hearing the shore waves within the tree tops. Happy balancing to you!
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Wonderful post, Pam!
Oh man… I so miss.those summers camping in Cape Msy, NJ with my sister and our families. I miss that balance…
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Cape May is just so beautiful! A few decades ago (yikes, time flies) I spent some fall weekends in Cape May, and they were so romantically old-fashioned and slowed life down out of the fast lane. Balanced. xo
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Indeed… I’ll have to find my way back one day.
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Melbourne is technically ‘by the sea’, but I can’t remember the last time I spent any time on a beach. I’ve always been more of a mountain person. Give me green and I’m happy. Looking at your photos though, they do remind me of magical road trips we used to take when the kids were little. I kind of miss that. Enjoy!
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Yup, okay, I’m with you. Walking in the woods is a wonderful act of balance. Just listening to the bird song, the chipmunk chatter, the sway of the leaves. Ahhhhh. Can’t ride my bike in those rutted paths, though. :-0
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-grin- no chipmunks here, but everything else, spot on! Oh, except for the bicycle. I know how to ride one, or at least I did many decades ago, but these days I stick to feet. 🙂
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It sounded like such a warm and fun getaway by the beach in NJ, and with great company too. It did sound like you felt like a kid again on that bike…flying on that bike and being reminded of how times do fly. Balance is hard to find, and I feel at some point in life we are more of this and at other times more of that. A lot of the time I feel I am spending too much time writing a book chapter for my book…have to remind myself that dwelling on it too long might not be the best thing…and that a getaway might be the best thing. Enjoy the rest of summer 🙂
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That IS the dilemma, isn’t it, Mabel? How much to do of one thing, until we realize we’re ignoring the other thing? I think in writing, we do best by putting a limit on our time in front of the computer or paper, and make ourselves stretch out into another activity for a while. See? Balance. 🙂
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It can be hard to put down doing one thing…but sometimes we just have to. Bit of this, bit of that. Take care 🙂
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Two bits can make up one large BITE of life. 🙂
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Your grandson is like my grandson and like my nephew used to be before he lost the skill and grew up. Levitation must be an age thing because gravity definitely anchors me to the ground now.A true delight to hear about your special day riding the bike through town Pamela.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
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SO GREAT to hear from you David!!! Yes, I’m still trying to levitate but find it was easier a few (more than a few?) decades ago. 🙂 Hoping you’re feeling well, my friend. xoxoxohugehugstoyouxoxoxox
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Ah balance… such an illusive thing these days. I had forgotten what it was until you mentioned it, Pam. You slayed me with the asparagus remark! Hugs!
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You aren’t the only one who questioned me on the term – BALANCE. Another commenter said we should focus on finding harmony. I’m fine with that – how about you? ❤
P.S. I steamed my perfect pan of asparagus yesterday – yay! It CAN be done. 🙂
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Kudos on the asparagus. LOL. I gave up and eat it raw now.
Harmony? I think I’ve become tone deaf! 😀 So I can’t carry a “life tune” in a bucket because I’m too busy tripping over my own unbalanced feet. *Snort* I kill me.
Have a thriving Thursday, Pam. Hugs.
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You’re so funny… Harmonious you are – I can tell just by reading your stories! xo
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I’m working on 364 days in balance 😉
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Okay, Okay, I’ll up my ante from one perfect day of balance to… as many as can be managed. Off to the tree pose right now. 🙂
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Hope you had a great time…the beach is always calling..:)
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This is lovely Pam, I love to think of you cycling away, both the girl you were and the woman you are, completely in balance – a great way to bring back a little stillness to your life even though you’re moving 🙂
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Sweet. And no, you are not too shy and you never share too much! As for throwing your writing students into angst over the prompts…..you bring out the best in us!
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I’m lucky, because I work with writing “students” who constantly teach ME with their words. But still, I do get groans now and then when I throw out a prompt :-), but then the scritch scratch of pen on paper assures me that I will be forgiven. ❤
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Riding a bike is one a way to feel carefree and young. It might be good for all kinds of balance issues but it is for sure good for the soul. It warms my heart to know there are families that still enjoy getting together for relaxation and fellowship. I so admire this aspect of you life. I think many of us might be a bit envious.
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Being with family is a great joy AND a great challenge. We’re all different personalities, of course. Which is why I’m the only one getting up at 6:30 a.m. to walk with the sunrise, and the rest of the crew thinks I’m crazy as I set my alarm. 🙂 Many thanks for your comment, Yvonne. Getting all the family together is a commitment that’s not always easy, but for us, builds memories to last a lifetime.
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What a perfect end of the summer post! How lovely you and your family get together for a week of relaxation and fun! Makes me want to head to the beach — which I will in October. Just being in the presence of a vast ocean is balancing for me, whether on a beach or sailing.
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I wonder where you “beach” in October. Here in New England (as well as in New Jersey), it’s rather cool by October for a beach day. On the other hand, that time of year is perfect for long long walks along the shore. 🙂
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No — I go to Siesta Key, FL. Have been to beaches in North and South Carolina, years ago.
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Ah, October on a FL beach – PERFECT!
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What a wonderful way to spend a week! Sun, sand, water and family. Sounds balanced to me. I use a cane to keep my balance. 🙂 Lost it entirely almost 8 years ago so no bicycles in my life. Walking is dangerous enough. 🙂 Love the photo of your grandson with so much joy in his face. What a great memory to keep your heart balanced too.
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I think we all balance INSIDE ourselves, and that’s what counts. I find that a little meditation in the morning (seated firmly on the ground) helps me stay balanced the rest of the day. In fact, over our vacation week, I had three young grandkids (5-8) sitting cross-legged with me every morning, ommming! Now THAT was a scene. 🙂
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Smiling at the thought of those little faces learning to meditate. Good for them to know about.
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I am still learning to find balance consistently in my life. Sometimes there is more, sometimes less. Journaling every day provides part of my balance. Your trip to the shore sounds wonderful. Though I haven’t been in a while, I will always love the Jersey shore. Glad you got to relax and have a little “side-trip” on your own. ~ Jeanne
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Journaling is an EXCELLENT way to balance, and I should do that more. I think the posts I write for my blog are sort of a journal – to share with all. So glad to know you’ve experienced the Jersey shore also. I wonder if we were ever there the same time? For us, it’s always Ocean City, NJ – Atlantic City is not our style, and Wildwood a bit too — wild — for us. 🙂
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I grew up in Jersey, so we spent plenty of time at the shore over the summers. Then we frequented Brielle, Lavalette, and Asbury Park when it was pristine. (I know it’s gone through many changes since then.) My Dad taught me to swim in the ocean at 3 years old. 🙂 A few years ago, I spent a little time at Point Pleasant Beach where a friend has a year `round house. Not much time to get down since, sadly.
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You and I were “Jersey girls” in our youth, for sure! 🙂
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What a lovely post, Pam! It reminds me of summers riding bikes in the early morning before anyone else was up and out, lazing in the sun with a book, watching my children play in the waves, and walking the beach in the evening. It’s those days that kept me balanced as a mom of three rambunctious boys. Today, my sons and their families can’t always join us, but I still look forward to a getaway, whether to the beach or the mountains.
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Reflective, sunny memories, for sure. I actually remember staying at the beach with an infant and my parents, and my dad would insist on watching the baby so I could get a swim in the ocean. But then when the baby woke up crying to be fed, he’d ring this cow bell he had from the deck (overlooking the beach) and I’d run up to nurse. Ahhhh, the grand ole days. 🙂 Love hearing how you stayed balanced in the summers with three boys – good job! Here’s to new memories and getaways in the beach and/or the mountains.
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It’s crazy how our minds titter about too much or not enough. Our minds are so often not satisfied, seeking that elusive balance. But I am learning that our bodies know balance a tad better than our minds. Getting on a bike and pedaling perhaps nudges the mind: do it like this; do it like this.
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Staying UPRIGHT on the bike helps still the mind and shut it up while concentrating on staying balanced. Haha. If one can’t meditate and stop the chitchat, ride a bike! 🙂
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I stopped using the word “balance” to describe the daily grind or struggle in trying to get the things done as I need or want them to be. I use the word “harmony” instead, and it has brought a much more positive vibe into my day.
Obviously, “balance” is appropriate for riding a bike or carrying a tray of food on your hand, but I got to the point where “balancing my life” pressured me into thinking I had to do everything equally–writing, socializing, housework, exercise–and I found that to be impossible. Harmony allows me the freedom to do what needs to be done, when I am ready or have the time to do it, and there is no burden of guilt riding me. 🙂
As such, journaling and meditating are part of my daily harmony.
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Harmony is such a beautiful word, and for good reason. Thanks for your harmonious (and wise) comment here. May we always have harmony in our lives – with help from our writing and meditating. ❤
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The beach is the best place to balance – may you have many more such days!
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Only one week in the summer to balance on the sand – and on my two-wheeler – but love every minute. Happy end-of-summer to you!
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I don’t know how I stay balanced, really. All I know is that I really need my Saturdays.
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Ohhhhh, yeahhhhhhhhh.
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Well, I stay balanced in my life by going outside and connecting with the natural world. Walking on the beach or in the woods. Then I feel refreshed enough to tackle the indoor things in an energized mood. The heat and humidity are keeping me inside this summer. No wonder I’m so grumpy and in slow motion lately!
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I think ‘being in nature’ is the bottom line of learning to stay balanced. Totally agree, Barbara. And yes, this has been the hottest summer I can remember. I walk by 7 a.m., and then try to stay balanced the rest of the day. ;-0 Stay cool!
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Einstein’s quote is better than the one about the shark (Sharks must constantly swim or they die!).
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ACK! Yes, I like Einstein’s quote much better. If I had to constantly swim (or constantly do ANYTHING), I’d not survive long. Speaking of survival, I’m looking forward to reading your latest book – moving up on my TBR list!
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Cheers to those days when you feel you’ve gotten away from all the hub-bub. … and the beach is a great place to do that!
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The older I get, the less I like hub-bub. 🙂
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I can concur.
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The beach can make anyone’s day. We all need those precious moments of peacefulness to take in the beauty. 😉
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How I envy those who live near the ocean. But envy is bad. Ummm, how grateful I am for those days that I get to walk along the ocean and feel balanced. 🙂
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Cheers to that! 🙂
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What a lovely post, Pam, and loved your photos, too. Knowing your leg muscles chuckled and your rear end laughed made me smile. 🙂 Time spent at the beach like yours reminds me of days in my youth at Newport Beach in southern California. Great times and memories. 🌻🐬🐟
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WOW, Newport Beach. I’ve heard how beautiful it is, but haven’t visited it yet. On my list – one of these days. I’ll probably rent a bike and ride around that neighborhood, too. 🙂
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A long walk every day, if i can manage it. Time to sort through my thoughts and discard the ones that throw me out of balance.
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Walking is my “go-to” depressurization. 🙂 To our daily dose of balancing, Arlene.
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Hi Pamela,
great quote, I love it. I love to ride a bike and I like to move forward.Life in us demands from us to develop.We must move forward always, because when we stop we become dissatisfied.When you look at the plants when it stops giving fruit, the wood is dried.Great pictures !
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my, what a lot of sweet replies your post has inspired! I don’t know that I stay balanced, only that I try to lol meditation and walking away when things get too tense help me
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What a lovely post, Pam! And that picture of your grandson caught mid-air is fabulous! Ahh, to be that young again and have so many endless summers and their joys and wonders in front of you! Makes me quite nostalgic really… 😊
As to riding a bike to keep balanced – perfect strategy! Einstein was so right about the need to keep moving!
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Beautiful thoughts and scene. It is a conundrum “always move but don’t move too much”. I am never balanced. I am either sitting too much or moving too much. I admire your ability to find at least one day. I should be so lucky! 😉
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Riding a bike with the wind in my hair is such a lovely feeling, but just a country walk in the fresh air especially at this time of year in England has got to be one of the best ways to stay balanced. Then home for a sit by the fire with a warm mug of something lovely.
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I recently posted a bicycle tour post on my blog which was my way to break free. Like I mentioned earlier, my way to keep my sanity is to escape the chaos, give yourself a quiet time, unwind, relax, introspect, plan and return to the game called the World.
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That’s a great game plan. The WORLD is waiting. 🙂
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