Thanks to trouble with technology this post is very late……

The holidays tend to be a weird mix of emotions for me.

Christmas proved no different. So we packed up the dogs and headed to my happy place, the beach.

We watched gulls squabble with terns.

Found ourselves underdressed uninvited guests at a fancy vulture brunch.

The breeze with an edge to it ensures our hats and shoes remain firmly in place. Collars turned up we nod with no necks to strangers passing by.

I feel myself stalked by more than just my shadow. Feel the past and the ghosts that reside there following close behind, blowing cold breath and whispering into my left exposed ears.

Find myself lagging behind, standing still, rooted to the “before” and the memories of Christmas past.

Feel the pinprick of tears behind my oversized sunglasses.

Watch as my husband and carefree dogs turn and head in my direction. Feel the sharp spray of sand kicked up by determined paws as they pass me by, headed to the future, racing to the sea.