The beach truly brings me joy, it always has. I grew up in the San Fernando valley and my parents would take me there on the weekends. It was clear to me that my dad loved the beach too. When I was entering junior high school, we moved to Santa Monica, CA and we were 21 blocks from the beach. Through those years and all through high school, I fell in love with the beach.

What’s not to love? The warm summer days, the swimming , the gathering of friends and the feeling of freedom when you are there. I was a good swimmer, but swimming in the ocean was entirely different. There were those unexpected riptides that would take you down and spin you like clothes in a washing machine. My dad taught me how to ride those waves and he did it too. My high school was 4 blocks from the beach. After school my friends and I would walk or take the bus to another beach. Playing volleyball on the beach was a big highlight and then getting corn dogs and lemonade from the food stand. Now that I live in Oregon, the beaches are much different and I don’t swim in the ocean as it is too cold! It is not always sunny in Oregon, so the vibe is much different. Yet I certainly love walking on the beach and this still brings me joy. I’m thankful for any time I get to spend at the beach, taking in the sun, the waters, the sand and shells to be found. I find such peace when I am there. I thank God for creating the seas and my dad for sharing his love of the beach with me.