Lawrencetown Beach is my favourite beach in Nova Scotia. It isn't the prettiest, the sandiest, or the longest, but somehow, every time I'm there, I feel like I'm home. When I lived in the province, if ever I felt sad, lonely, overwhelmed, homesick, I'd just hop in my car and head to Lawrencetown. I'd sit or walk, and as my husband always put it, I'd listen to earth breathe. Usually after a half hour I could face the world once more. Today was the day I'd replenish my soul with a walk along the seashore at Lawrencetown.
Picking Up My Travel Companion
I drove to Milford to pick up my friend Stacey. Shortly after I arrived, her friend Sonja pulled into the driveway. Three women passionate about three makes of car: the Volkswagen, the Mini Cooper, and the Jeep. I'm so glad Sonja popped by to meet me. I had seen her so many times on Stacey's FB wall, it was lovely to finally connect.
Stacey and I were nearly ready to leave when another familiar face stopped by. Christine. I had done a family shoot with her several years back. It was terrific to see her if only briefly.
On Our Way
Now we were ready and the two of us zoomed off in the Mini, through Musquodoboit, to Martinique Beach.
Martinique Beach
Picnic time! It was a little windy but the sun was shining. We nabbed a table overlooking the beach. While we sat there, drinking "Dirty Blonde" and munching strawberries, I suddenly spied a strange looking rock perched on the crossbar underneath another picnic table. I found out later, there is a Facebook group called "Halifax Rocks." They paint rocks and hide them all over the place. I had found one of their treasures. It said, "Learn to Dance in the Rain." It was the perfect one for me. I danced from age three to age twenty (and actually I still do but quietly in my basement these days). I've experienced my fair share of "rain" throughout my life and I've needed to find joy in the midst of heartache and grief. If I had waited for the storms to pass, I would have missed the wonder and delights life offers. Stacey also found a rock. We saw more but left those for others to find.
It was time for a stroll along the beach. I so enjoyed the sea air blowing in my face and the rhythmic sound of the waves.
La Cuisine de Brigette
Although our picnic was refreshing it wasn't particularly filling. I was ready for something more substantial. There's a little restaurant on the way from Martinique to Lawrencetown, La Cuisine de Brigette. They serve homemade Acadian food and luckily they were open. I was thrilled because each time I've been there the food was marvelous. I ordered rappie pie which I hadn't had since we left Nova Scotia four years prior. I wasn't disappointed.
Lawrencetown Beach
Our last stop of the day was Lawrencetown Beach - my place of peace. We parked the car and climbed the stairs over the sandbank onto the beach. The sight took my breath away. Stacey collected lots of tiny white rocks for me to keep. I walked and retreated into a meditative calm. I could have stayed there for hours. I cannot explain why this place effects me the way it does. All stress left my body, all was well with the world.
Driving Stacey back home was hard. I pretended this was not our last few moments together. She is brave and strong, she loves with all her being, she cares deeply for animals and vulnerable people, and she gives of herself making a profound difference in the world. I miss her very much and yet it always feels like she is with me somehow. Just before she exited the car, she opened the glove compartment and gentle placed a perfectly round rock in it. She told me it was for good luck on my journey. It remains in there and probably will while I own the vehicle. It's like I've got a small piece of her with me each day. Thanks Stacey for sharing my bliss on Lawrencetwon Beach. I loved our day together.
Meet Up At Dartmouth Crossing
There was one more person I hoped to see while in the area and that was my friend and minister, Lori. I phoned her and thankfully she answered although she was in Windsor. We ended up meeting in Dartmouth which was a mid point for both of us. We had coffee, a snack, and some great conversation. The day had disappeared far too rapidly. I only had one more day in Nova Scotia, that I reserved to spend with John. Despite staying with him, I only saw him briefly each day before I left on my excursions. My Happy Adventure in Nova Scotia was quickly coming to and end.
Bonus: "Polaroid" Prints
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