{No. 3: Live} Those Places

San Clemente, CA- THIS is one of those places.  You know, those places deep in your heart that you don't even realize you love so much until you've been away and returned.  The pier, in particular, seems to possess that beckoning quality that motions to me time and time again.  And without awareness, or intention, I will find myself self there, sitting atop a picnic table with a slice of pizza and root beer in hand watching waves who seem happy to see me.  And that's just it.  I'm happy to see them, too!  The misty sea air, the grainy texture of the sand on my feet and the sight of twelve-year-old towhead surfers dashing into the waves as if they've gotten away with some unwarranted freedom for the afternoon is all so unexpectedly familiar that I laugh with joy.   It's a homecoming.

I returned to the pier, once again, the other night.  While at times, the ocean has brought me back to think, to reflect, to rediscover my true self...this time it was just to enjoy.  Instead of pizza, I indulged in one of my other favorites; fresh seafood at The Fisherman's.  There is something about eating clams and mussels and crab while the waves come roaring in and crash right below you. It's extraordinary and exhilarating.

And while on this night, I was just soaking it all in and enjoying dinner with the boys, I couldn't walk away without taking one lingering moment.  Stealing a minute to myself, as the boys went in search of salty fisherman with their catch of the day, I gazed into the water as the sun began to descend.  There it was; a pull into the vortex of nostalgia.  It renewed my soul.  Truly. Deeply.

With a deep exhale, I felt weightless.  Actually, more descriptively, I felt unburdened.  And that is precisely what makes this place one of those places.  It eases you and comforts you before returning you to the world,  slightly better than before you arrived.

If you haven't visited one of those places in a while, I urge you to go.  Run. Fly.  Your self is waiting there to greet you.  You'll be so happy you did.