HONORABLE MENTION #3 - JERSEY BAYSHORE DIARY CONTEST Luckiest Person in the Universe by Lois Bajor The first peep of light through my bedroom window and I rise with great anticipation of a new day here in the Highlands. I am very much looking forward to viewing the painting I have been working on and adding some touches that came in last nights dreams. I throw on some clothes, stumble downstairs and watch the sunrise over Sandy Hook. Breathtaking, the storm dilapidated structure at end of the marina is awash with pinks, oranges and golds. I hear the clammers readying for their mornings work. Their boats exiting the marina prepared to get the fresh seafood for the many popular restaurants in town. Anxiously I grab my keys and camera and head down the steps. I open the door to my studio flick on the light and peruse my latest painterly project. Yes, the days work should be rewarding. I head over to one of the many breakfast places in town and get my mornings coffee. I drive three minutes over the bridge to Sandy Hook National Park. There are already some surfers in the water. I head for my morning walk along the surf. I walk down to the ocean and see only a few fisherman fairly far away. I see the Manhattan skyline in the mist. There are so few people , I do enjoy the solitude. The water is warm on my feet and I walk and meditate. This particular morning I see a group of people in long white robes standing in a circle and doing some kind of spiritual ritual. As I walk a little further down I spot all the way up on the beach by the sand dunes, a few folks on a platform in yoga positions. Another unique morning. I turn back , I see well organized families getting an early start on their day. They lug there belongings to well chosen spots. I pass another stroller and she asks: “Did you see the dolphins playing in the surf?”. I respond, “No, but thanks for letting me know”. A little further down I spot the dolphins. I take a few photos. So awesome. As I am leaving the beach, I tell some new arrivals about the dolphins. They are as excited as I was about the prospect of seeing the dolphins. The remainder of the morning is spent painting in my studio and listening music I never tire of. Lunchtime at the Inlet Cafe. The smell of saltwater and garlic wafting up the coast. Its almost too much to bare. We meander out onto the sunlit deck and find a shady table under an umbrella by the water. We will meet later for some late afternoon “plein air painting” over at Popomora Point. I head over to our baybeach and relaxed for a few hours. I see my husband cruise by heading out on his boat. Boaters paddle by in their canoes and kayaks. Off in the distance I see a few sailboats. Some children have a crab in their net that they caught at the edge of the beach by the seawall. Later, I gather my painting supplies, put on my sunhat and head over to find my painting buddy at the designated spot we have chosen to paint this afternoon. As I walk a short way on this trail many folk pass me by on their bicycles enjoying this great path that is built on the waters edge between Highlands Borough and Atlantic Highlands. It is two miles long and you can see the Verranzano Bridge, and the new Freedom Tower in the distance. We paint and though we are just feet from each. other, our finished paintings always look very different. That is part of the magic of being an artist. At this time of day there are long shadows and deep contrasts of color. A great time and place to paint. We see the ferry boat coming in from Manhattan with Wall Street commuters anxious to get back after a long, busy day. It is just forty five minutes from the city. No wonder people love it here. Tonight is the first night of Clamfest and Huddy Park has been transfigured into a playground. There is a sound stage, kiosks for food, tents for venders and amusements for the children. I look forward to sampling the food and listening to the music. I retire to my bedroom and can see the Twin Lights lighthouse on the hill overlooking the town beaconing to ships out at sea. From my bed I can see The Freedom Tower light up in the distance. Tomorrow is only a few hours away and I can start all over again.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 07:40:59 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015