My toes miss digging in the sand. My body misses soaking up the warmth of the sun. My eyes miss seeing the ebb and flow of the ocean as it gently washes up onto the sand. It’s my place to escape, read a book, journal, and talk to God. I need to go back to the beach!

It’s been a while since I’ve been for a lot of reasons but I miss the sense of healing I experience when I’m sitting on a beach; the connection I feel with the beauty that God has to offer in nature. For me, it’s restorative. Do you have a place you can go that helps you to feel whole again? Even if your place is somewhere nearby where you can grab a few minutes of peace, I encourage you to go there when you need to regroup. My alternate place is my front porch swing.

I’ve promised myself that soon I’ll go back to the beach for a respite. Look for me. I’ll be the one in the purple beach chair with a book in her hand watching the waves splash. Come join me and we’ll sit and restore together.

Blessings, Cindy J.

I read a lot of books. A lot! There are always at least two-three books on my nightstand so that when I finish with one, I have another one ready to go without missing a beat. I’m not really sure I have a favorite genre but I do tend to read historical fiction novels which I usually follow with a light read. I like stories about families, the beach and every once in a while, an interesting biography. So, yes, I read a variety of authors and subject matters.

One of my very favorite books is actually a children’s novel written by E.B. White. No, it’s not Charlotte’s Web as you might guess. My favorite is Trumpet of the Swan. This book has nature, journaling, travel and at the very core, a dynamic love story and friendship. I just recently gave my personal copy to my oldest granddaughter who loves reading just as much as I do. Tells you how much I love her, huh!

In my career as an elementary children’s librarian, I was always reading picture books to my students and teaching them lessons about life in the stories we shared. Two of my favorite picture book writers are Jan Brett and Patricia Polacco. Chapter books for children, especially the Newbery Award winners, have some of the most powerful story lines I’ve ever read. But even with all these years of reading, none of them are my absolute favorite book.

I’ve always read the Bible but it wasn’t until I started really reading and studying it more that I knew without a doubt it was my VERY favorite book. Yes, there are some great stories but the main thing is that it’s a guidebook on how to live your life and treat other people. After everything I’ve been through with cancer, sickness and injuries, the words also bring me great comfort.  The whole thing was written by God through inspiring normal, ordinary people to share His words. I read my Bible every day and it never disappoints. I encourage you to pick it up and give it a try. After all, it’s still the best-selling book of all time!

Blessings, Cindy J

I do love a pretty journal. Over the years I have collected and written in many of them. Writing in a journal has gotten me through numerous life struggles and situations. When I’m no longer here, I hope it will be part of the legacy I leave for my children and grandchildren.

On a recent trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, my husband and I walked around Biltmore Village and perused all the little specialty shops. My favorite was one that specialized in paper and custom pens along with leather journals. I saw the most beautiful Italian leather purple journal. I didn’t really need another journal but it just spoke to me. Of course, I bought it and decided I would save it for something special I wanted to write about.

In January of this year, my third granddaughter was born almost two months premature. As I thought about all she was going through and the struggles she was facing, I remembered the purple journal and knew it was meant for her. This was where I could write her story and tell it through her Nana’s eyes. It has been a joy to fill the pages with my prayers, thoughts, and wishes for her as she grows. I pray it will one day help her to see what a strong, beautiful little girl she is and how much she has encouraged me.

Dear Sarah Elise, this post is for you. Love, Nana

Blessings, Cindy J