the other day, janne and i had a playdate arranged. if it was a nice day we promised ourselves we were heading straight to the beach. straight as an arrow.
and this is what we did.
there was one cloud grazing in the cornflower blue sky, and the sun was nailing down.
we plopped down our bags, let the kids loose and our afternoon began.
i really like janne. ever since i met her, at football, i have liked her. it was a blessing to have our boys in the same class.
we started talking, and unloading the snacks that we gave the kids free rein over. really? sebastian said, looking at me incredulously.
yes, it is a celebrate the sun party.
the boys scooped up popcorn and ran to the water. they played and created in the sand. built brave and victorious tower.
and the sun beat down upon us.
we got to the beach at 3.30. at 6.30, bootcamp started (and i have paid and i have the blood of frugal blake flowing through my veins so you KNOW i am going!) so my time was so precious.
and we made the most of it. never once did we touch the water. instead we talked. of families. of mothers. mothering. ways we have learned to bypass tension with husbands. dreams for the future. how love changes. how we change. how love for daughters is different than it is for sons. how we encourage husbands and sons.
i get so much from my friendship with janne. it is rich. she is so content with her life and her husband, with her choices. she loves hong kong. being around someone so happy, in such beautiful surroundings made an already day perfect. and knowing that we only had a little slice of time, and that we had to grab at it, made it even more precious.
at 5.40pm, even before the sun's power had started to diminish, well before the perfect manners the kids had exhibited so far had started to wane, we packed up and left. sebastian left sand all over her car. i was mortified and of course, had to call today and offer to clean her car.
"no, my car is always messy. don't worry tess" she assured me.
and friends, i was able to let it go.
"okay then...but promise me every time you see one of those pieces of sand you will remember what a great day it was."
"i will" she promised.
and it was.
i am very lucky yesterday was so fabulous because today hasn't. nothing directly affecting me, just tough stuff for people i love. but even in my sadness, as i looked out the bus window (i made myself go out) and wondered, "does it show how sad i am?" i could remember that yesterday i was very happy, and i know i will be again soon. the sun is going to shine again. for everyone. He promises.
Wonderful Blog sweetheart. I think being frugal helps one to really evaluate the benefits of friendships and love.One of my favourite statements was made by Oscar Wilde when he described a cynic as one who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Love to all....Dad
Posted by: Dad aka GDad Blake | May 08, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Anyone end up pink, or did the suntan lotion work?
Posted by: JoeInVegas | May 08, 2009 at 11:37 PM
You can be sad but you can also be proud. Hold your head high that love and friendship are important in so many ways. You and your family share the value in that and remind us of that. "Tuff stuff" indeed but not impossible...you come from good stock!
Posted by: Jill | May 09, 2009 at 06:12 AM
A 'happy sigh' blog, honey. Sooo glad you enjoy your friends, and they you, and that your lives are enriched accordingly. Have another sunny day with a girlfriend really soon.
Love you, M xox
Posted by: Mo aka Maureen aka Grandmother aka Mum | May 09, 2009 at 06:15 AM
Beautiful post my friend, love those kind of days. x
Posted by: Mel | May 11, 2009 at 02:24 AM