They say people cannot live on salt water. However, I believe it’s the only way we survive. “The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea” — Isak Dinesen. This blog, Living on Saltwater will share my journey through life’s sweat, tears (hopefully not too many tears), and the sea.
For me, sweat is hard work, strength, and growth required in life. I experience the ‘sweat’ in life both literally and figuratively. I am a runner and I start off almost every day with a run. It is where I do my best thinking and it gets me up and going for the day.
Here I am running my first (and probably only) marathon in November 2013.
I also enjoy doing DIY projects and learning new things. One of my main hobbies is refurbishing old furniture and making improvements to my house. Each project is an adventure where I learn something new. I remember when I was younger and I loved being outside in my granddaddy’s shop working with him on whatever he was making. My dad also shared his knowledge and wisdom, with me, over the years. He has helped me paint my house, build cabinets, and lots more! No two projects, even if they are similar, are ever the same!
Here is my first furniture refurbish project back in 2012.
Food is my first love. Over the years my food philosophy has evolved into a plant-based life style. I am fond of trying new ingredients, local food, both at home and in restaurants. When I travel with my mom, we have been known to plan our trip around the venues we want to eat at. In the summer I grow fruits, vegetables and herbs in my tiny back yard and also visit the farmer’s market often. I enjoy creating new recipes with in-season ingredients.
Here is one of the watermelon’s in my garden!
As an NC State University graduate, when I think about tears I am reminded of Jim Valvano’s words:
“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”
NC State University Bell Tower
Whether it’s tears of joy and happiness or tears of sorrow, There are plenty of moments that stir emotion in my life. As a recovering perfectionist I have to remind myself that life is a journey and I am here to enjoy the ride.
Life requires us to recharge and more often than not this is where the “sea” comes into place. I enjoy traveling and escaping reality. It’s exciting to explore new places, cultures, and step outside your comfort zone. However, my favorite place to relax is on the water. Whether it’s on a boat or at the beach, there’s no better place to get away. One of my favorite activities while traveling is taking photographs. I enjoy capturing moments in life and places I visit, to display in my house.
North Carolina Crystal Coast, Cape Lookout Lighthouse in the distance.
This blog will have a little bit of everything; life experiences, do-it-yourself tutorials, recipes, running, and travel. I am excited to start documenting my journey!
