Wet feet and treasures

It’s been stormy here for days – so much wind and rain! – so when the sun peeked through today, I couldn’t resist getting out for a walk on the beach. It was gorgeous. The wet rocks shone golden in the sunlight, and the sound of the waves breaking was like music. I walked for a long while, collecting small shells and bits of sea glass (including a cobalt piece and a chunk of my favourite aqua blue – yay!).

The tide was pretty high. Even though there wasn’t much beach in places, I figured I could get around the point if I jumped from rock to rock, timing my moves with the incoming waves. I did okay – for a while, at least. But then I underestimated the size of a wave, and my high ground turned out to be not-quite-high-enough, and water sloshed over my shoe. Oops.

Right about then the sun disappeared behind a cloud, and the wind returned, churning up the sea and reminding me that it was definitely still February. I arrived home cold and wind-blown, with a wet left foot. But then… then I emptied my pockets of the treasures I’d collected, and I was reminded of how very good that damp, chilly journey was.

A thought for those of you who, like me, are “aspiring authors”: You know those little treasures you come across from time to time? Those words of encouragement and support, those small victories? Hang onto those. Tuck them away, and when difficulties and disappointments get you down, pull them out and let them remind you that this writing journey really is worth it. Because it is.

Peace….