The Great Escape

Saturday, March 16, 2013


What a great week. My three day/two night escape offered more that I could have hoped for: perspective, peace, and a little better understanding of my head space over the last few weeks.

I missed the boys, sure, but it was good to get a break and let them do their thing for a bit. The house is intact, homework got turned in, activities were attended, and everyone got fed. Could I ask for more, really?

Knowing that they don't need me to be everything all the time and that my husband can, in fact, find the peanut butter on his own, has been a relief. Why do I always pressure myself into being more more more instead of acknowledging that my best is more than enough? It's all a part of the balance I am striving for this year and beyond.

This trip had all the essential elements for a successful getaway (in my humble opinion): sandy beaches, a comfortable pillow to lay my head on, and great food. Plus a little solitude that lent itself to some progress on my worst nightmare research paper.


I actually passed by the inn I stayed at the first time. It sort of blended into the background. But oh my was it cute inside. I wanted to pinch its little cheeks. Even the potpourri was darling. My room was cheery, cozy, and had a great view of the harbor from the deck. There was a little library where guests could play a game or grab a hot drink anytime, and a sweet little breakfast offering. On Wednesday morning I opened the glass door to the deck and typed away while enjoying mild temps and more sunshine than I've seen in months. If you are ever on Cape Cod, I highly recommend the Anchor-in in Hyannis.


Tuesday night I had my first of three meals out. Dining solo. It was actually quite liberating to eat alone! I have never been opposed to the idea, and often eat lunch solo, but going to a restaurant for dinner and sitting by yourself is different. The waitress asked me if my order was to-go, despite having a fresh beverage in front of me. Uhhh, no. Mario eats out by himself all the time when on the road, but I think seeing a woman dine solo is rare. Mario confirmed my suspicions. It shouldn't be that way.

Wednesday was spent visiting some of the smaller villages around Cape Cod, my favorite being Chatham. It was weird to see it so empty, but I had a great time walking around, taking photos, visiting the open shops, and having a light lunch at a favorite bar/restaurant. I always thought window displays were a lost art until moving to New England...even the shops closed for the season keep up their lovely front windows.


Could I ever tire of shake siding? Impossible.


Even in the winter, the cranberry fields have the most beautiful color. Come summer, the deep dark red turns into a brilliant fiery one. One of my favorite things to look at on the Cape.

There was time spent on the beach, of course, followed by one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever witnessed. I am ashamed to say that I haven't seen many sunrises and sunsets in my life. Until recently. I have probably watched more in the last year than I have in my entire life. There is something so powerful about them. In those moments things become crystal clear. If I could somehow channel that clarity into the rest of my life, I'd be a perfectly balanced human being.

After a long day of walking, photography and introspection, takeout sushi, hot chocolate, and an episode of NCIS in my room was in order. I woke up Thursday morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. I stayed in my room and plugged away at my paper before slooowly venturing back home.


The last minute decision to stop at my favorite mall on the way home paid off. After searching for the perfect bag for months, I found this beauty. It's cheerful and oh so comfortable to carry. Bonus: it's big enough to hold my camera for those times when I don't want to lug around a separate bag. I'm not a $90+ bag kinda gal (though those are the bags I routinely fall in love with), so fortunately my new BFF was 25% off. Still a little weary of paying $65+, the cashier gave me a 20% off coupon which brought the price down to a little more manageable $53. Score! 

I'm usually a TJ Maxx or Target purse buyer ($25 at most), so although I am not frivalous with accessories by any means, I'm finding myself being extra gentle with my new friend. No bathroom floors for her. She is going to be around for a looong time. And my old purse that won't stay on my shoulder and loses chunks of its faux leather? Gone. I definitely got my money's worth.


I've said this before, but it bears repeating: Thank goodness for froyo shops that hang around for the winter.

That is Spring Break 2013, my last as an undergrad, summed up in a single post. I did so much pondering over the past week...and still am to some extent. Although I know self discovery is a lifelong process, I am always amazed to learn new things about myself and chip away at some of the things that hold me back and leave me feeling frazzled and a bit lost. 

As I write this, I am sitting in the bar at the small ski mountain near home, readying myself for some marathon paper-writing. Kiddo is attacking the slopes with his new found skills, and I am removed from the distractions that come with trying to work at home. 

Happy Saturday.

8 comments :

  1. I am so glad that you were able to get away and enjoy time to yourself. :) Sounds like it was amazing for you.

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  2. I love all your photos - the beach at winter is so peaceful :-)

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  3. I'm a recent follower who was drawn to your blog name :). I feel like I took a little Spring Break myself after reading this post...gorgeous! I'm jealous. It looks peaceful and rejuvenating...and I LOVE that bag!

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  4. You always have the most beautiful photos :)
    Sarah xxxx

    www.whimsicalmumblings.blogspot.co.uk - GIVEAWAY NOW ON

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  5. your pictures are lovely and tell story all on their own. i am beach gal, but i especially love the beach in the winter. they're such a mystery in their solitude.

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  6. Your narrative relaxed me. Good thing that it's time for bed...almost. Your description of your room being so cute you could pinch its little cheeks made me laugh...that was adorable! Loved the photos. I don't know what you are a student of, but it should be writing....loved this post.

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  7. Congrats on making some time for yourself. We don't do enough of that and the calm and perspective that we are able to gain far outweights any potential inconvenience to others (and like you explained, those inconveniences are actually fairly inexistant and that realization itself is so freeing...). Before returning to work after my maternity leave, I took one day/night to myself... I rented a nice hotel room right here in the city, and did absolutely nothing except enjoy that time by myself in a plush room, taking a bath with candles and a glass of wine, enjoying the hotel restaurant, and doing a bit writing. It was heaven and by the time I returned home 24hrs later, I missed my little gang and couldn't wait to jump back into the swing of things.

    Love your writing and your photography.

    Natalie
    XXX
    www.natandgang.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. It is so hard for most moms to relinquish control and take time for themselves! I struggle with that all the time. But I've learned the hard way that I am a much better mom, wife and student when I get away from it all once in a while. I'm glad you did that for yourself...it sounds like the perfect kind of night.

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