Good Morning and Welcome to Friday from my Atlantic Life in Hatteras đ
So, maybe I'm a little late to this particular party....but better late than never!
Recently I came across a book review that's description just spoke to my soul....I quickly found the book on Amazon and moved it into my cart. As often happens, I became distracted and busy, and the book remained in my cart for a week or so.
Enter two wonderful friends who we met last year when they stayed with us a couple of times (they were actually our first ever guests!!!), and quickly became good friends. As chance would have it, they were also our first guests this year too. Having found their dream home in nearby Buxton, they stayed with us whilst completing their purchase.
On their arrival Denise handed me a book that she had just read and immediately knew I would enjoy the read....even the "sciencey bits"......the book was the one that was in my amazon cart called "Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols - The surprising science that shows how being Near, In, On or Under Water can make you Happier, Healthier, More Connected and Better at What You Do"
Written in 2014 (hence the statement about being "late to the party"), I'm sure there are many of you who may already have read this incredible book, and if so, please forgive my enthusiasm.
After reading the foreword by Celine Cousteau (granddaughter of the famous diver Jacque Cousteau, who had completely enthralled me as a child đ), which began with one of her grandfather's quotes...
"The sea once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever"...So true đ
I was hooked when, after reading the author's preface (which included his attendance at Duke University...the place that had brought me and my family to North Carolina ten years ago), the first chapter began with:
"I'm standing on a pier at the Outer Banks of North Carolina" - it was destiny that I should read this book.
So, although only owning my copy of "Blue Mind" for a few weeks, I have already read the book several times cover to cover (I have it with me as I'm writing this blog as it's even better when read on the beach next to the ocean), I have even listened to the book on Amazon audible when travelling up the island to Kittyhawk.
Wednesday on the beach....beautiful sun, but needed my Uggs, as it was a little chilly!
Stormy ocean....but much warmer - bare feet time đ„°
I have no clue how many books I've read in my life so far....what can I say - I just love reading and have been working my way through every type of book, since I learned to read.
Digression Alert...
Several years ago, I actually found a reprinted copy of the first book I ever read in school.
Digression over...đ
Never have I felt such a profound connection with a book I've read - my affinity with water so concisely explained in both a scientific and holistic manner.
My analytical, clinical research, "A" type left brain appreciating the scientific experiments, theories, and explanations, whilst my right brain loved the ethereal, beautiful and often poetic language used to describe my ocean đ
What can I say....I love this book, and although written in 2014, I'm kind of glad I didn't come across it until now. I needed to be at the place I am now, both physically - located in Hatteras on the Outer Banks, where I can be on my beach every day if I need to be, but also mentally - having spent the last couple of years really getting to know myself better, understanding my hopes and fears.... and most importantly understanding how much water can help me, soothe me, calm me, and inspire me.
I've always known I had a strong affinity to water and being able to live on an island in the Atlantic, returning to live by my Atlantic Ocean is truly incredible (only this time, on the other side of my incredible ocean) đ.
So yes, I may be late to the "Blue Mind" party, but I'm all in (JB says there's no other way for me to be....I'm either all in or all out đ). I've already penned a letter to the author - How cool would it be to collaborate on a project!
For now, I have stocked up on some beautiful blue marbles.....more on that tomorrowđ„°
Until Next Time...
Take care, Stay Safe and....maybe think about what element or environment most calms and inspires you
Love and Hugs,
Pam
PS. I'm continuing my thoughts and prayers for the brave people of the Ukraine đ
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