In truth, it wasn't so early. I arrived on the beach about 8:30 am. But no one else was there. Mine was the only car in the parking area, and the beach was empty as far as I could see in each direction. What a peaceful walk I had. For an hour I trudged through soft sand and rising tide, but it was worth it. For the first time in several weeks I spied a pod of dolphins gracefully making their way north. The sky was bright and sunny, and sea oats swayed gently on the dunes.
By the time I arrived back where I'd started about a dozen folks had staked out their spots above the tide line. I took off my shirt, and laid my glasses inside my hat. The waves were large, and crashed on the shore, spraying droplets in a wide arc behind the breakers. I pushed through the churning water and discovered that just behind the breakers those impressive waves rolled in towards the shore in the most gentle fashion. There I could relax and swim, float, and bob about for a bit. And then it was time to head back home.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "One Reason to NOT Move to Ocracoke." You can read it here.
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If Parade Magazine where to list your occupation and annual salary and it was on the front cover of the annual occupation issue what would I read??
ReplyDeletePhilip Howard, is owner of Village Craftsmen on historic Howard Street, Ocracoke NC. Philip started his business in 1970 in a tent with a beginning inventory of thirty-five dollars. Over the years he expanded the business, but always with an eye toward his family, neighbors, and community. With the help of his father, he physically built and improved the building (from 1973 – 1985). He has operated Village Craftsmen for 38 years (at various times in the capacities of clerk, bookkeeper, maintenance man, manager, and grand potentate). In 2008 he hired Jude as general manager, and has stepped back from the day to day operation of the business. Now, at the age of 64, he still oversees the business, cuts the grass, takes the trash to the dump, makes repairs, writes the blog & newsletter, and keeps the generator in good operating condition. He also spends more time visiting with his family and friends, enjoying the beach, collecting island stories, leading ghost and history walks, reading, doing some limited traveling, and savoring life.
ReplyDeleteAs always, his needs are minimal (he bikes most places in the village, hangs his laundry on the line to dry, wears decades-old t-shirts, refuses to have a TV, and lives fairly simply). His annual income is measured only partially in dollars. For the most part his treasure consists of good friends, a supportive community, a loving family, an appreciation of the beauty around him, and contentment with his life and accomplishments.