Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Common terms: Sanibel Island a great place for seeing the lexicon come to life!

The weather on Sanibel ,  though much subtler than in the rest of the country , still holds to a flow of seasons.  We, of course, get no rain, snow and ice, and only a few days all winter would even be considered cold.

Yet the gradual changes do mimic the country at large.  And now that we approach the end of winter, we are seeing the old saying, in like a lion, out like a lamb, spring into reality.  Not that February was harsh, but there is a gentleness in the air now that does feel easy, breezy and down right cuddly.

Thinking of that saying, we are reminded of the many sayings we use every day that reflect life at the beach.  In fact, it has become a common practice these days to even say life is beachy instead of life is peachy, and people get exactly what we mean.

The beach, and particularly the Sanibel Island, beach is an icon for ease and contentment.

As such, there is so much more we take away in addition to our sand dollar collections and golden suntans.

And there is so many sayings we can play with that reflect our glistening Gulf and shimmering shells.

For example, we can jest and say "Be Shore of Yourself" or "Come Out of Your Shell" when encouraging another to be bold and purposeful.  Is there anything more certain than the wave kissing the shore?  We think not.  Look at how many times the wave comes in, only to be turned away from the shore.  But the wave is never discouraged, as it keeps coming back and coming back....just like our vacation rental guests, we might add.

And, from time to time, we are witness to the awesome sight of a delightful mollusk showing its face, literally coming out of its shell.  Again, this is a courageous act on the part of the mollusk as what ever tender part is showing is clearly at risk from all those sea birds just looking for an easy bite.  But the mollusk shows itself, not to be seen necessarily, but to see.  The look of wonder on its little alien face demonstrates that it is worth the risk to take a look around that great stretch of sand we call the beach.

Other special advice that parallels the shore thing might be:

Take time to coast.  Yes, even on Sanibel, there might be a yen to pack every single moment as full as your suitcase.  But that could be a mistake.  Some times the most magnificent moment of any given day is the one totally spontaneous.  Two dolphins leaping in the sunrise, the roseate spoonbill that flies over your head at dusk, the bob cat that peeks its beautiful face through the brush.  So coasting could be the best thing you do on your vacation.

Avoid pier pressure.  Pressure and Sanibel should never go together.  The only pressure you should have is checking out on time the day you leave.  Other than that, throw away your watch, disconnect, enjoy the pier and don't let it ever pressure you!

Make waves.  Waves of joy and celebration!  This is your holiday, make it all you want it to be!!!!

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