Getting’ Out…..
In March there are Hints of the arrival of Spring
While April the Tease its virtues does sing.
And May does Flirt with the Promise not filled
But to Summer does June so easily Yield.
Summer ushers in that season of long days, warm temps, sunshine and moonshine that virtually screams at us: “Get Out, Get Out.” And on this island to stay indoors may qualify for psychological screening. What excuses can we possibly have, except we’ve grown accustomed to the dull and daily ruts, routines and rituals that we allow to define tired lives. So, get out…school’s out, the kids are bored, you’ve pushed the limits of sanity and there’s a little credit left on the Visa card. You need a break, and now is your chance.
Oh, you say, “I would if I could.” Yes, I’ve heard that complaint before, and even uttered it myself while chained to these drudgeries; and besides that, there’s always something in the way, like a “but,” an “if” or a “not.” You know, things like:
“But what about…..”
“If only I had more time…..”
“Not enough money…..”
Get a grip…these complaints are thieves all right, but only harmless phantoms of the mind. And you’re not alone, since it’s usually that way for most of us, which is good reason for us all to get out and let go occasionally. And whether you’re living or vacationing here, there are countless ways to get out and let the island mystique entertain and intrigue you. Only because it’s my favorite, I’d suggest a good place to start is by reintroducing yourself to the beach, which is magnetic and is probably the main reason you’re here in the first place. Then just meander around the island…you’ll find plenty of diversions and you’ll never be bored.
For example, yesterday I took a walk down to the Village pier to see if the fish were biting. Not that I really cared one way or another, but it just seemed to be a good day to get out of the office. There was a pretty good crowd down there working on dinner, and I struck up a conversation with an elderly lady underneath a big pink hat. “Ma’am, are you having any luck?”, and she answered in a cautionary tone, “No.” I asked her what she usually caught, and she said, “Nothing.” Incredulously, I pushed my luck with the inquisition a bit more and asked, “Then why do you come here to fish?” She boldly replied, “To get out of the house.” Well, I guess that is a pretty good answer for you folks who think that the end result is the only reason for doing things. But I kinda agree with this lady’s assessment that the process of getting there might really qualify for the “be all, end all” down here. And besides this, catching fish is just the beginning of sorrows, since they’re smelly and have to be cleaned and cooked; and frankly, I prefer my fish fried, Mudcat Charlie’s or Crab Trap style, thank you….I’ll leave the catching for you.
I guess there are some things that are changing on the islands because of more construction, crowds and traffic. But really, the important things remain the same. All that drew families to these islands still draws them today. And the island ambiance still charms, and the island spirits still calm the most stressed-out minds. There’s plenty of time here for an extra hour’s sleep, another cup of coffee, pancakes with the kids, the newspaper, TV cartoons, lunch in the Village or picnics in the parks; there’s golf, beaching, biking, an afternoon glass of wine or a beer, and to cap it all off, a starlight walk on the beach. All we have to do is to get out and let the magic and mystical powers of these islands rejuvenate us.
“Getting out” down here is easy to do—you do not have to be told to do it…it’s a preference. And while I don’t know about you, I don’t care much for being told what to do. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and get going. And I hope you’ll say “Hi” to us strangers…it keeps our island paradise more friendly. So, from me to you, “Hi”…I’m outta here myself.
In March there are Hints of the arrival of Spring
While April the Tease its virtues does sing.
And May does Flirt with the Promise not filled
But to Summer does June so easily Yield.
Summer ushers in that season of long days, warm temps, sunshine and moonshine that virtually screams at us: “Get Out, Get Out.” And on this island to stay indoors may qualify for psychological screening. What excuses can we possibly have, except we’ve grown accustomed to the dull and daily ruts, routines and rituals that we allow to define tired lives. So, get out…school’s out, the kids are bored, you’ve pushed the limits of sanity and there’s a little credit left on the Visa card. You need a break, and now is your chance.
Oh, you say, “I would if I could.” Yes, I’ve heard that complaint before, and even uttered it myself while chained to these drudgeries; and besides that, there’s always something in the way, like a “but,” an “if” or a “not.” You know, things like:
“But what about…..”
“If only I had more time…..”
“Not enough money…..”
Get a grip…these complaints are thieves all right, but only harmless phantoms of the mind. And you’re not alone, since it’s usually that way for most of us, which is good reason for us all to get out and let go occasionally. And whether you’re living or vacationing here, there are countless ways to get out and let the island mystique entertain and intrigue you. Only because it’s my favorite, I’d suggest a good place to start is by reintroducing yourself to the beach, which is magnetic and is probably the main reason you’re here in the first place. Then just meander around the island…you’ll find plenty of diversions and you’ll never be bored.
For example, yesterday I took a walk down to the Village pier to see if the fish were biting. Not that I really cared one way or another, but it just seemed to be a good day to get out of the office. There was a pretty good crowd down there working on dinner, and I struck up a conversation with an elderly lady underneath a big pink hat. “Ma’am, are you having any luck?”, and she answered in a cautionary tone, “No.” I asked her what she usually caught, and she said, “Nothing.” Incredulously, I pushed my luck with the inquisition a bit more and asked, “Then why do you come here to fish?” She boldly replied, “To get out of the house.” Well, I guess that is a pretty good answer for you folks who think that the end result is the only reason for doing things. But I kinda agree with this lady’s assessment that the process of getting there might really qualify for the “be all, end all” down here. And besides this, catching fish is just the beginning of sorrows, since they’re smelly and have to be cleaned and cooked; and frankly, I prefer my fish fried, Mudcat Charlie’s or Crab Trap style, thank you….I’ll leave the catching for you.
I guess there are some things that are changing on the islands because of more construction, crowds and traffic. But really, the important things remain the same. All that drew families to these islands still draws them today. And the island ambiance still charms, and the island spirits still calm the most stressed-out minds. There’s plenty of time here for an extra hour’s sleep, another cup of coffee, pancakes with the kids, the newspaper, TV cartoons, lunch in the Village or picnics in the parks; there’s golf, beaching, biking, an afternoon glass of wine or a beer, and to cap it all off, a starlight walk on the beach. All we have to do is to get out and let the magic and mystical powers of these islands rejuvenate us.
“Getting out” down here is easy to do—you do not have to be told to do it…it’s a preference. And while I don’t know about you, I don’t care much for being told what to do. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and get going. And I hope you’ll say “Hi” to us strangers…it keeps our island paradise more friendly. So, from me to you, “Hi”…I’m outta here myself.
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