Today I wanted to take a step away from a food focused blog entry like the first two "where the fork to go" have been and focus on something a little more simple. Sometimes we (or at least I know I do), get so wrapped up in the everyday basic things that we need, like food, that we forget to appreciate the little things around us that make our lives a little more enjoyable and a little more full. It does, sometimes, take a conscious effort to step away from the mundane and getting done what needs to get done, to sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy the simple beauty that surrounds us.
"Never go too long without watching a sunset." - Atticus
If you grew up on the North Fork of Long Island, you know that we see some incredible sunsets on a pretty regular basis. Even if you vacation out here, I am sure that you have taken the time to enjoy one (or many) of these forkin' sunsets as well. So many nights when I am inside my house, I look outside at the sky as I am busy cleaning up my dinner or busy getting ready for the next day ahead, and I see the sky begin to turn those incredible colors. Sometimes it's more red and orange, sometimes more blue and purple, sometimes a mix of everything. And unfortunately I have to say, 99% of the time, I just think, "Wow, that's a beautiful sunset." And that's it. I don't take the time to go outside and really appreciate it. And then of course later that night when I'm scrolling through social media, 324908734 pictures of that incredible sunset pop up. #sunset #nofosunset. I feel like I really missed out. #fomo.
"With every sunset, A new hope is born, An old expectation dies." - Noor Unnahar
There are so many perfect places to see the sunsets around here. Even just watching the sunset in our own backyards rarely disappoints. But, I think there is something extra peaceful about the sun slowly sinking down beyond a vast seemingly never-ending farm field. It's almost like the universe is saying, "job well done, now take a rest, and tomorrow is another day to do what needs to be done." And also, with our beautiful and serene beaches on the North Fork, there is nothing like watching the sun set slowly down below the horizon, with the incredible colors of the sky and the golden glowing sun reflecting off of the water. Add a sailboat, a bird flying by, the sound of the waves crashing...pure heaven. Am I forkin' right?
"It's almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream." - Bern Williams
With all of this natural beauty around here, it's really hard to pick one spot that is my favorite place to experience a true North Fork sunset. But, for the sake of trying to narrow it down to write about it, Breakwater Beach it is!! Breakwater Beach, located on the Long Island Sound in Mattituck off of Cox Neck Road to Breakwater Road, definitely holds a special place in my heart when it comes to sunsets. Ever since I was 18 and allowed to join, I have been a part of the beach volleyball league that plays at Breakwater Beach from mid-June through August. Some years it was the Wednesday night league, other years (like now) it is the Tuesday night league (GO MATTITUCK PLUMBING!!), and when life was really good and I didn't feel like I was 80 years old, it was both nights. And having just started up the beach volleyball season last week, this Breakwater Beach sunset post seems like perfect timing.
"Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully." - Kristen Butler
Playing beach volleyball at least once a week, beyond it's obvious physical health benefits, also contributes so much in the mental health department for me as well. Watching an incredible sunset once a week really can help put your life into perspective. No matter the day I had, the week I am in the midst of, or the month/year/etc., stopping to take a deep breath and take in the natural beauty and changing colors of a sunset, always seem to be just what I needed. Many nights during a competitive game on the sand, someone would say, "Guys, this sunset is incredible right now. Let's just stop for a moment and take this sunset in for a moment." We would stop play, take a moment, and then get back into the game. And sometimes, in the game of life, more often than we do and think we should, a stoppage and a moment of reflection is all that we need to reboot and get back on track. Even nights when the games are finished but the sun hasn't yet set, I find myself hanging around for just a couple of minutes more, just for that reSET that I feel my mind and body need.
"Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
So the next time you are feeling overwhelmed by just trying to get done what you feel like needs to get done (and to be honest, probably does need to get done), maybe that night take the time to watch a sunset. Whether it's in your backyard, or over looking a farm field, or at one of the local beaches, Breakwater or otherwise...take a moment to take a deep breath and really appreciate the sun sinking down, the changing colors of the sky, and the beautiful end to the forkin' day.
"May every sunrise hold more promise, And every sunset hold more peace." - Unknown
HAPPY NORTHFORKIN'!!
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A WRITER. MY GRAMMAR SKILLS ARE SUBPAR. I HAVE NEVER WRITTEN A BLOG IN MY LIFE. UNTIL NOW.