Seizing the Moment to Celebrate LIFE

I awoke yesterday with an intense longing to be near the ocean. Perhaps it was because of of the many television programs that had aired the day before, commemorating the ninth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, which of course included heartbreaking stories of the many innocent people who died on that horrific day. My heavy heart desperately needed to celebrate LIFE, and to see the amazing power of God's creation.

So, Mark and I hopped in the car for a spontaneous trip to Beverly Beach, just north of Newport. The first thing we saw after hiking over the rocks to the sand was definitely not alive. This sea lion, however, was providing food for the many little critters who were crawling in and around it.
Not such a good shot of Mark, because of the position of the sun, but you can see what a breathtakingly beautiful and warm day it was on the coast.
Ahhh, just what my spirit needed!
Do any of you ever stomp on these little "bulbs" just to hear the POP it makes? Yes, I did pop a few yesterday!


Lunch: Absolutely scrumptious fish and chips and clam chowder at Szabo's. And then it was time to head back home, because I had a play date with Ayeresam!
He and I went to the waterfront in Corvallis to play in the fountain. He was very intrigued by the water bubbling up from the grates. Some water was soaring very high, and some streams were much smaller. It was such a joy to experience the fountain with him, to see his excitement and hear his sweet squeals of delight.
Baby A always has his pointer finger at the ready, just in case he needs to point to something!


Nothing is much cuter than a baby wearing only a diaper!
He was zonked by the end of the afternoon. I love this precious little guy SO much! And I think he kind of likes me, too! ♥
Thus ended this most excellent and perfect day. I saw the hand of God all day long: in the powerful ocean waves, in the intensity of the clear blue skies, in the trees just beginning to display their lovely fall colors, and in the sweet face of my dear grandson. My prayer of praise at yesterday's end: It's a beautiful day, and it's great to be alive.