the Keys, the dock and special places

Do you have a special place?  A place where you feel most calm and peaceful?  A place where you can go or envision yourself when the world becomes too busy and crazy?  When I took Lamaze class years ago, they had us envision our peaceful place (instead I opted to meet with the anesthesiologist!)  When I took yoga class years ago, they had us meditate on our calm place (I was just trying my best not to get tied up in knots!).  But I do know where my special place is.  Back before I had my daughter, I used to visit the Florida Keys two or three times every year with my family and friends.  Those were some of my favorite times!  But, I always remember starting out our mornings having coffee on the dock and planning out our day.  And then in the afternoons, sitting out there waiting for the boats to come in to see what everyone caught.  Finally, later at night having dinner and telling stories out there until we got tired and drifted off to bed.  

This dock has seen some sights!  If you ask any one of my friends, they would be glad to tell you about the time that we had been out catching lobsters ALL DAY LONG, and when we finally got back, I jumped off the boat, and straight off the dock- right into the water- in front of everyone!  They will also tell you about the time that my brother saw some ducks "fighting" on the dock.  (Yeah, it was a boy and girl duck and they were so NOT fighting!)  After not being able to make it down to the Keys for nearly 9 years, I got to have my coffee on the dock yesterday morning.  

And this time, it was with my daughter! 

Welcome to my special place!