Wednesday 3 November 2010

What The Sea Told Me...

I have a view. 
A most spectacular, ever-changing view. A view of marsh and mountains to the west of our little house. 


And we live mere meters from the sea, there it is, just to the east of us, can you see it? But no...we cannot actually see the sea from our house. For our house lies low and there between us and the sea flies the occasional train, rumbling past like a great metal horse, heading north to the city, or away to the south. 


There once were mornings, now it seems so long ago, I would take a moment to cross the tracks and have a look at the sea before my day began. Like Mole peeping his head up and sniffing the air, it was like my barometer, literally like opening my senses, yoga for the spirit, you can feel all that open sky, endless sea expand your mind. 
A great way to begin the day. And the earlier the better. 


But then a number of years ago those railway folks decided to put up a proper fence. 
So we put up a ladder to climb over. 
They took that. 
So from then on when we wanted to see the sea we had to stand on a chair, or a windowsill! Or walk to the crossing, which is fine on a fine day, but sometimes too much for little legs, and you know, it's just not the same...

But! Now I would like to share something with you. Something very special. Over the summer we acquired new neighbours. Nearest and dearest neighbours of the family kind! And oh how our lives have changed. It has been nothing but wonderful! The kind of wonderful that is the slamming of far off doors, of little footsteps running through the garden, down the new, secret path to the door. Of familiar voices ringing in the distant air, and sweet faces peeping in the door. 




And they have something. 
They have a most marvelous attic, and they have a view. A truly spectacular, ever-changing view of the sea! And yes, I am somewhat green around the gills! So finally, after months of brow-beating I have persuaded the lovely Lisa that she has to do this...

Photo of our sea by Lisa.
Taken from her attic window.

A new blog. And she has called it 'What The Sea Told Me.'

A sister blog to my view to the west. There is now a view to the east of this little bit of paradise. So do please drop by and say hello.

Photo of our sea at sunrise by Lisa.
Taken from her attic window.
I cannot tell you how this gladdens my heart...

18 comments:

GourmetGirlfriend said...

I LOVE sooooo many things about this post!
I LOVE the pics especially the one of the backs of the kids (I LOVE pics of the backs of kids- kind of represents their venturing out into the big wide world- if that makes sense).
I LOVE that 2 families are growing up close by one another in a magicial spot.
What I love most is that you APPRECIATE how wonderful that is- for you and you kids!
.....and that idea of sharing a blog side by side.....beautiful!

Well done you!

Stephanie V said...

I've always been just a wee bit jealous of your closeness to the sea. Now, I'm just going to have a second-hand view every morning.

Oh, and I love those back views of the children, too.
BTW, my word verif is 'green' - which I am.

SWEDISH HOUSE said...

Beautiful, beautiful photo's as always and lovely poetic writing.
My heart is yearning to come visit Ireland & Scotland too...
LOVE PEACE enJOY
Julie
x

Anonymous said...

You could be looking at something for years and not really see its true worth...until it is truly pointed out to you. The wood for the trees moments in your life are always the most powerful.

Anonymous said...

:) gorgeous views. all ofthem. al lthe same, but all so different. and i'm just absolutely tickled to have a new blog to read;)

O'Daly John said...

What a chance you have to live in such a place. Sea view, mountains view, friends next door ...
Hi to everybody and hi to Lisa !!

MissKris said...

We have lived in our home in a large city for 28 years. Our neighborhood has gone thru many cycles but it has retained its 'small town' feel all along. We look out for each other, do kind things for each other. We've been very blessed. In ever-more-mobile America it's something you don't see much any more. When I see photos of your kids it takes me back to the early years when our neighborhood was overrun by children and doors were slamming, squeals of laughter, and running feet were the rule of the day. Now...just ghostly wisps that linger only in my mind. At least during the times when my grandsons aren't here, ha! I am headed off to check out Lisa's blog.....

CJ Kennedy said...

My eyes have turned green for my view though pleasant isn't as spectacular.

Mise said...

Those rotters, to take away your ladder! And what a shame to have your landscape changed all for the sake of mere commuters. I'm off to see the sea blog!

Martin said...

Lisa has bagged another follower, Ciara. A wonderful idea, to be looking both ways.

Esti said...

Ciara, i love this post. I love every word of it, all your words, how you've sewn them, how you tickle my soul without making a sound. I wish i could see the sea from a window, I wish I could hear the waves when lying in bed. I welcome your friend's window as it were my own sea to stare at. Tomorrow, I'll be walking by the cliffs and I'll think of this post of yours.

marta said...

wow,
this makes me very happy, i can imagine how you feel
love to you both ciara & lisa, i wish you both happy everyday moments and amazing views together east and west

Dreamfarm Girl said...

I am eager to meet your new friend! Love your photos, as always. You are lucky to live by the sea.

Kerry O'Gorman said...

I love how you kept challenging the right of way to the sea! It kept calling and finally you're able to see it once again. They say water goes where it wants to go and obviously it wanted to come to you. Lovely picture of the tribe in the laneway...

Rebecca S. said...

Isn't is wonderful how a view of the sea can expand your day. I think I would have gone out to have a look at it, too every morning - so I can't help but feel badly about the green fence. It is so good to know you can have your view so accessible again. That must be very comforting. The photos are lovely, and I'll be sure to visit your sister blog.
P.S. Your photo I chose is over at my blog today. I think I forgot to send you my address!

Liz of Wool Boutique said...

I am jealous. Grr.

bright star said...

A very beautiful post.Those tranquil views.Best wishes to you.

The Dirt Dude said...

Is it true the Lisa is going to do a "Year at my Attic Window"?