Swimming Through My Life: Laguna Beach

1/4/2023

Today I sit in a cold Baltimore basement. Don't get me wrong; I love my life; I love my basement and first floor apartment in a "Painted Lady" on a street of row houses built in 1876. I love living close to my wonderful children and that grandbaby of mine - River Jacques J'Vera. I love living close to my brother and his wonderful and their charming son . . . but . . .
I long for the West Coast. I pine for the fragrant trees. I miss the Pacific Ocean - well the coast of the USA that borders on that ocean. The Atlantic is a mud puddle to me. Just dirty bath water . . . and so many bugs . . . but that's another story. Today, I present to you a story of my younger days, learning to swim as I swam through my life.
It's in non-fiction under "Memoirs" or
Here's a LINK.

10 Comments

Jean Cory

1/4/2023 02:17:25 pm

Though I hadn't met you in those days, your story brought back vivid memories of family trips to the beach. Thank you! On the topic of your mom's cooking, what I believe makes her a great cook is her willingness to try lots of new ideas, new recipes, and then execute them very well.

Dr. P-J link

1/5/2023 09:48:49 am

You are also one of the best cooks I know. You, my mom, and Ardis. And myself, I reckon. Such delicious food; such interesting cooks.

Jay Brock

1/4/2023 04:34:46 pm

Neat story.
Brings back certain memories from my years-ago: family picnics at a local lake was the highlight of summer.
Also, on a visit to California one Fall in the late 1970’s I’d visited one of those beaches south of LA and remember it pretty much as one of your photos showed. A special place and a special memory.

Dr. P-J link

1/5/2023 09:49:56 am

I am pleased that the writing brings back good memories of family times at the beach. Thank you for commenting.

Diane

1/4/2023 11:26:31 pm

There are lovely beaches in Georgia, Florida and Texas.I have many favorite locations and favorite memories.However, this may be crucial,there is something undefined for me about the west coast. The only beach I ever went to was in Lajoya, and I only went once.It Was no
Blacks beach, which at that time claimed to be the only swimsuit optional beach in the US. We had to climb down approximately 300 ft cliffs to get to it. Never had been publically nude before bit everyone seemed so normal I felt silly making a fuss and immediately stripped. It didn,t hurt that I was at 28 105 lbs and HD long blond hair..a momentary high for me. But this is about California, though I drove halfway down the Pacific highway several years and saw endless miles of spectacular ocean front,none the less I never saw Oregon or Washington State except in pictures.Perhaps the people who settled the West Coast left powerful Juju behind..All I can say is, like you I dream of the West Coast. There is a feeling I can't define but I have felt it everytime I went. ( ok only twice) but it has produced magic and like you I find myself wishing I could see the Pacific again. Hope this wasn't too much about me. Just saying I relate.

Dr. P-J link

1/5/2023 09:52:00 am

I love your comments. I love that my writing resonates with you. I wonder if either of us will ever make back out to see the West Coast again? Time will tell, eh?

Diane

1/5/2023 03:11:59 pm

Strength of will, Rons health(or my own) and the ability to raise money. Thinking of camping out in a State park to raise funds. Any advice???

Dr. P-J link

1/7/2023 09:39:55 am

I have questions. Camping out in a state park on the west coast? To save money? If yes/yes, camping is not cheaper than a cheap motel and a LOT more work. It's more of a luxury these days.
My current idea is to fly out, rent a car, and just see the Pacific Northwest but my back-up idea is to drive out and stay in cheap motels, staying off the freeway (because I hate the freeway.)
I'm not sure this helps . . .

Diane

1/7/2023 11:36:42 pm

Ron will never agree though I was sure I could manipulate him. He was so adament the last time I brought it up, I couldn,t make sense of it. Maybe it will remain a dream.Maybe I will always have magic in my back pocket and be content with that instead of always looking for another adventure

Dr. P-J link

1/8/2023 11:06:02 am

We find that planning for the future is a very worthwhile activity . . . even when the plans don't manifest it is still rewarding. We have a map of Oregon and two maps of the US on the walls to assist our planning . . . yet it is unlikely that we will every actually go . . . for many reasons.
So hold on to your dreams, love.
Dr. P-J

Dr. P-J's Blog

Swimming Through My Life: Laguna Beach

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