A couple of weeks ago, I was on the beach, a place that is a rare occasion for me living inland, and I decided after a long swim and bathing in the sun to buy an ice cream.
The ice cream was delicious sitting on the beach, watching the surf. It dawned on me that ice creams always taste better when I eat them on the beach.
I’ve tried just about everything for a monster thirst. You know when you’ve eaten salty fish, biltong, or simply food that has been oversalted. A cold beer doesn’t quench that thirst. Nor does a Coke or Fanta. The only thing that really does quench my thirst is an ice-cold glass of water from the fridge.
Easter has just passed. I’m also not sure why, but a hot cross bun tastes so much better after the service with a cup of steaming hot black coffee than the ones you eat at home. And here I’m also talking about the traditional Cape Province practice of eating hot cross buns with pickled fish on Good Friday.
Another thing that never fails to amaze is that no matter how tired you are, when you get under a shower, you always feel refreshed.
Certain days and times can be very special. Often, I find myself in my best mood early on a Saturday afternoon. Relaxing music is playing in the background. I am at my easel, enjoying myself. I’ll take a break and go grab a cold soft drink from the fridge. By the end of a Saturday afternoon, I’m relaxed and ready for good conversation and a tasty meal.
Have you ever found that places make you feel good? Here, I’m talking about little things. It could be a place where you sit and relax in a part of your home or garden. Also, there are places in your suburb that energise you. At a nearby park with lovely open spaces and tall trees, there is a bench where one can sit and enjoy watching nature in all its splendour and feel your body bathed in sunlight.
For me, going down to the sea and listening to the waves crashing against the beach or rocks, the gulls screeching overhead, the fragrance of salty air, and a warm wind blowing against your face, arms, and body, feels like a healing balm. The whole experience brings tranquility to your mind and soul.
There are so many small things that delight, and often we can take them for granted. Sometimes we do, of course. But most of the time, I’m very grateful for and relish even the tiniest of opportunities to enjoy life.
