Wednesday, January 23, 2008

This is Amrum

"You're a funny bird," laughs my sister, "You know, most birds head south for the winter. And what do you do? Winter comes along and you head straight north."

She's right you know. Just when almost everyone else is mourning the loss of those last summer rays and making their plans to grace those welcoming beaches in the south, I do an about face. I head out north on the autobahn zooming my way along until finally one by one the cars begin to disperse and it is no more. I am now on what amounts to not much more than a lonely country lane, yet still I forge on, urged by the gentle secret whispers of the North Sea. Long fields of flat farm land stretch out around me fringed by forested areas. Every so often I happen upon quaint red bricked houses with welcoming candles gracing the windows. And then, a small village with the same neatly organized quaint brick houses.

I continue past it all. The air grows thicker and mist periodically rests its heavy head upon the fields. The call of the sea is getting louder now. Soon I reach its edge, the very edge where it greedily swallows up the land and makes it disappear into its steely grey waters. But this is not where I want to stop. No, I want to ride the waves until I reach a speck of land that bravely pokes its towhead out of these icy waters and gulps for air. I want to wash upon its naked, lonely shores, be enveloped by its sandy dunes. I want to listen to the wind quietly whisper its secrets in my ear as it gently brushes the hair off my forehead and kisses my cheek. I want to bask in the pale winter sun, soaking up its cool rays. More than anything, I want the moment to stretch out into eternity with the promise of forever in the now, although ultimately I understand that it must cede its spot for another to take its place.

22 comments:

slingsomeink said...

Dreamy landscape

Carla said...

Slinging Ink, Thanks for dropping by. It really is one of the most peaceful relaxing places I have ever been.

The Fool said...

Nice writing, Nomad. You capture the import of "finding place." Interesting play of imagery, too. Kudos.

Carla said...

Fool, Thanks for your keen editing eye. I am utterly exhausted today and seem to be missing the little things. As for imagery, that's exactly as it happened ;)

Anonymous said...

Great story. I felt the emotion. Like the pictures too.

Cheryl said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Carla. Those images are so serene, I can see why you didn't want it to end!

Carla said...

Sirdar, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Cheryl, The place is gorgeous, but part of the charm is that it's not well known.

Steffi said...

Carla,fantastic pictures again...
When you where on Amrum you cam over my town...and you had drink a cup of coffee with me ;O)!

Jason said...

I lived in Vancouver for a year but I never got out to where you are.. sad.. this might be great reading

JBelle said...

I loved your sand dunes and love the sand dunes. And being from where we are, that's saying something. The piece was dreamy and elegant and put me right there, in your spot. This one is really, really nice.

Carla said...

Steffi, I most certainly did and definitely will again.

Jason, Well, I guess you'll just have to come back out at some point.

Carla said...

JBelle, I fell in love with the sand dunes as well. The place is very dreamy. I will find a way to return.

Guilty Secret said...

Wow, the way you describe it makes the peace you felt seep out through the page.

Mark said...

I love this image that you have described. I love the idea of being at the sea, water is so peaceful for me. The cripness of the air on a day as you described is the taste of freedom.

TK Kerouac said...

dreamy
so beautifully written
You are a romantic

Ed & Jeanne said...

Very nice Carla. But I'm afraid a good hot tub sounds better right now for me and my broken ribs...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos, very peaceful and welcoming alone feelings. I like your imagery as well.

Carla said...

Guilty, Thanks. I appreciate the compliment.

Mark, One of my favorite sounds is to listen to the water lapping against the shore. It is so peaceful.

Carla said...

Tracey, I think at heart you are as well. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

VE, With the cold, crispy weather we've been having, I've been thinking that either hot tub or hot springs would do me wonders about right now. Hope your rib gets better real soon.

Carla said...

Dawn, Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

paris parfait said...

Just gorgeous - who wouldn't want to visit??!!

Carla said...

Tara, I just left and am already ready for another visit.