We had a fantastic week away..the weather couldn’t have been more accommodating (with sincere apologies to my friends up north who had apparently located Nemo while we were hanging out in the sun), the only required nod to time had to do with Andy’s scheduled tee times (and he shot an 80 the second time he went out! The first round would have been equally as impressive were it not for the beer after the front nine). I only listened to the music provided by the environment all around me – the leaves from palm trees as they tickled and teased each other in the wind, the ocean playing tag with the shore. Occasionally the riff of laughter extending from one end of the beach to the other. Oh yeah, there also was the occasional, “the drink you requested madam?” That’s fine – call me Madam (sorry I couldn’t resist).
Tuesday morning we spent with the dolphins. The pictures I took were awful (note to self, put on glasses before trying to focus), the pictures the conservation folks took were better (the ones below). Ironically, we hung out with a dolphin named Andy, who apparently took issue with someone else having his name who would not kiss him with a full pucker (he gave a full on Bronx cheer to my conquering hero). I was mesmerized by his eyes (the dolphin Andy, that is) – believe me, these brilliant mammals size us up in much the same way we assess those around us. They pick up vibes, tease, play coy and make their share of mischief. And don’t make the mistake of ticking them off. I also met three new baby dolphins who are first beginning to explore life away from their moms (dolphins nurse until they are almost three years old). Did I fall in love? You betcha.
I suppose this wouldn’t be a Mimi-post without a musing or two (what can I say? I muse a lot). There was one day when the beach was closed. The ocean, with presence of mind and purpose, felt the need to remind the shore that just as it brought it onto the land, it could take it away. And it did. The ferocity of the waves was so intense that the beach chairs, tables and umbrellas were washed out to sea, some returned in pieces and left as the detritus of the ocean’s pique. It was loud and magnificent, boastful and confident. I watched for hours, realizing that no two waves were the same, no two sounds exact replicas, no sea foam frothing in circles and eddies that were similar. If you looked with little sight, you might think it was just a relentless pounding and abatement. If you looked with your eyes wide open and your ears tuned to the right station, no two notes were alike.
And so it is with our days, our minutes, our seconds. Regardless of how many we have, no matter how they may seem at times to fold into each other with nothing easily identifiable to distinguish one from another – no two moments in time are the same. From this perspective, it’s almost impossible to imagine how rich life is – with possibilities, choices, magic. No two moments that are the same. What we choose to do – how we look upon our time – that is what it’s all about. I decided to accept a challenge posted while I was gone by davidkanigan.com at Lead.Learn.Live – to begin with three days of finding the goodness in others, and censoring the less kind thoughts I may have in a moment of impatience…ultimately extending this practice to a year (if I can do it). I’ll screw it up of course, though I have promised myself that when I do, I’ll get back on the board. The truth of the matter is, I don’t really think a lot of nasty stuff about people and there are very few for whom I reserve really unkind thoughts. I realize that I give them too much of my sacred time by according them much attention. With that as a backdrop, I think I can do this – and enjoy the waves as I ride them. It’s probably the closest I’ll ever come to surfing anyway.
And so the second best thing about vacation is absolutely coming home. Anticipating the delight of seeing my kids, having Sir Teddy share my chair as I write this and Archie asleep on my Ugg slipper, the laundry spinning in the dryer, and the glorious knowledge that on this day, I got to write to you. It’s good to be home. I could choose nothing better than this one moment.
Waiting for the Karma Truck 
What a wonderful series of moments you have shared here. I got to swim with dolphins once, in the Gulf of Mexico, and have never forgotten it.
Thank you Susan – I’m so glad you came by!
Welcome back. I have never been with a dolphin before, one for the list of life to do before I die.
It is a moment you will always remember..
Dear dear friend…much as the sea charmed you with its beautiful “nature shanties” this past week, your wise, warm, contemplative musings wash over your readers this morning. I count myself blessed indeed to be among them. And how completely perfect (and oh so Mimi) that you celebrate the gentle rhythms of life and the magnitude of simple blessings on this day that is dedicated to love and the vagaries of the heart.
“Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.”. Lao Tzu
..all there is… L
Hi my wonderful friend – count yourself as one of my blessings, for you are. It is a gentle day, and I am treating it as such, as I try to get my sea legs back (or rather, my land legs :-))..I adore the quote – perfect as always..To the moon and back..xo, m
Beautiful pictures, beautiful words, beautiful images…welcome home. The Truck was missed.
Hi Helaine! So happy you liked this!! xox, m
Mimi, you truly inspire me. I love reading these blogs! I too swam with dolphins several years ago in Cabo. I left the pool feeling like I was just shown a part of our world that I never knew, nor would have known, if not for the time I spent with them. I’m so glad you enjoyed your vacation, and welcome home! Christine
Thank you so much Christine. I know that I have been inspired by you many times as well. I’m so glad you stopped by..
The rapture on your face, the love twinkling in your eyes, I could go on. Tough choice with two cuties named Andy, for sure. As always, your words are musical and I can hear the ocean and see the waves with every word you write. The joy on your face warms my heart. Glad you took the time to relax, regroup and refresh. Judging from the pictures your trip was a great success. It was with hungry anticipation I was “Waiting for the Karma Truck” today. You were missed. Welcome home. ❤
I missed you Jo..and how ironic that I am back in the cold weather while you are warming your spirit again in the sun. The trip was great and it is equally wonderful to be home. Happy to pull the karma truck out of the garage today..love you..me
Mimi, welcome back, and may the smiles on yours and Andy’s faces last till the next great adventure gives you new smiles.
Hi Keith – they will certainly be with us long after the tans are gone. It was a wonderful experience!! But I’m also happy to be home..
Those dolphin pictures are incredible! Definitely something that’s on my own personal “bucket list”. Welcome back – it looks like you had a wonderful time!
Hi Amb – we did have a great time. And I highly recommend going to a conservation preserve and getting to know these amazing mammals!!
What an idyl. You’re right though, after a great break, the antidote to the blues is always home, family and the furries!
Absolutely!!
You look like it was a great time. Welcome home! Hope the refreshment lingers!
Thanks – let’s just say that I’m not moving too quickly through my day…I’m still on Bahama time!
smile
I love that moment when I step through the door and am once again, back home. There is a feeling of “all rightness” about being back in a place that is known, loved and has very few surprises. And then, within a very short while, I start to dream about and plan the next adventure!
It really is a fantastic feeling..walking in the door, dropping your bags and feeling that you are among all that is familiar and comforting. Home. It doesn’t diminish the excitement and delight of vacations – in a way it’s like the icing on the cake..
Did Andy number 2 come home with you, because he certainly looks like he blended right in with you guys? These photos are filled with such happiness I can’t stop smiling. Thank you for sharing your trip and inspiring me with your words.
I would have taken Andy #2 home in a heartbeat – if I had a pool big enough and a playmate for him. Honestly, I saw their connections to and with each other, their playfulness and familial games…it was fabulous. Let’s not even talk about the three babies I got to play with (two one year old girls and a two year old). The trainer was working with them and she invited me down to the dock. THey compete for her attention, try to push each other away and/or distract each other to improve individual chances of getting a treat. Sibling rivalry exists everywhere!!
That is so funny! Sounds like you had a wonderful adventure, which is the perfect way to brighten up the Winter months.
Yay!!! you’re back but very happy to see that you had a wonderful time!! Oh and the pics look great, glasses or no glasses…Those smiles say it all!!
My preference of course is that you look at the pictures with very generous and blurred eyes. There is nothing I hate more than having my picture taken – oh yes there is – posting them. But I really wanted everyone to see the magical moment it was!
Joyous photos. Lovely to see. Your smiles are radiant. 🙂 Paulette
Amazing shots and post. Bucket list for me Mimi!
The pics weren’t very flattering, but at least they give a good idea and feeling of the delight associated with the experience. Definitely do it – you can’t remain untouched.
Love those dolphins!
Me too Julie!
Thank you for sharing your great pictures what a wonderful trip!
I’m glad you liked them (though the pictures are more indicative of the feelings – I wouldn’t call them the most flattering :-))..
Sounds like a vacation done right….full of discovery; a love of dolphins and the comparison of our ever changing lives with nature. I love the way you think and I always come away with something from you. Your pictures captured a beautiful, happy moment in time and you and the Andys look radiant.
Welcome home!
Hi Fran! It’s good to be home and be ‘connected’ again. It was a relaxing and exhilarating holiday – and the experiences with the dolphins without question a humbling and delightful highlight!!
Wonderful . . .I love this piece – “it’s almost impossible to imagine how rich life is” Doesn’t that just sum it up.? Thanks Mimi
Hi Bill – when we give ourselves a minute to think about it, it really is true. This life is so replete with riches – and all it takes is a moment to notice it, to regain some perspective. Thanks for coming by – Happy Saturday..
Ah yes. the bliss of coming home. Well said.
There really is bliss in coming home – that’s exactly it!
Thank-you Twinky, for sharing your ‘beautiful moments’. I enjoyed reading every single one and loved your photos. Nope, never been with a dolphin and I have to be honest it is not something I would do. Water scares me and as much as I love dolphins, don’t think I could that do ‘hug’ either. 🙂 Have a super day. Renee hugs. 🙂
Well, at least you can enjoy it from the comfort of home Renee..Heaven knows there’s enough out there that I’m too frightened to try – but I love the stories!! 🙂 Hugs, m
You are brave. Thanks for understanding. Have a super day. 🙂