The Beach Life
The book I’m reading at the beach this weekend, “Word Freak” by Stephen Fatsis, is about the subculture world of Scrabble tournaments and the eccentric people who participate in them.
So far I’ve learned that the game was invented by an unemployed New York architect during the Depression, that “Scrabble players do it on the tile,” and that I’m never going to be good enough to play in Scrabble tournament.
I brought a board to the beach, but because I haven’t found anyone willing to play, it doesn’t look like I’ll to get a chance to take out the Scrabble “S” tile I’ve been carrying around in my wallet, dropped by the girls playing on my porch last week.
Reading on the beach is broken up with a walk to the corner French fry stand. There’s so much to notice on the way. A sea of umbrellas in a crayon box full of colors makes my senses swim. A small one engine plane, taking advantage of the empty canvas of sky, is pulling an advertisement sign. I’m impressed with the industrious sand constructions up and down the beach. Some children have disappeared into holes that they’ve dug; others build upwards with sand castles.
Back at our base of beach operation, a sunscreen Nazi mom is chasing her kids around with a tube, ready to slather them. Joe is a little grumpy because he’s trying to write a school paper. It’s hard for him to see his computer screen in broad daylight, and he doesn’t really want to be working at all. “I’m one of those people who would laugh at someone who brought a computer to the beach,” he complains. He thinks he looks stupid under my purple rayon sari that is blocking the glare of the sun, so I make him a sign on notebook paper, “Doing Homework,” and set it next to him. But soon, he abandons his work and we both drift off to the hypnotic lilt of waves, and the drone of people’s voices, punctuated by the occasional exclamation of a gull.
July 24th, 2006 10:33 am
Sending LOVE and waiting to talk to you when you get home. xox
July 24th, 2006 3:39 pm
You are lucky dogs this week!
July 24th, 2006 5:02 pm
Hahahahahah! Even I wouldn’t take a computer to a beach. New York yes, but a beach no. What if the sand blows in? Oh, well. I’m afraid the sound of the waves and the breezes with warm sand would make me drift off to sleep. In fact just thinking about it makes me sleepy….. zzzzzz.
July 24th, 2006 5:22 pm
Wonderful description. We are enjoying our on beach trip waaay down the coast from you. Way, way down. We buried my nephew a little too deep in the sand though and it tool forever to excavate him. That part was a little stressful, but the rest has been awesome.
July 24th, 2006 5:35 pm
Your sense of humor is so delightful. I am glad you are having such a special time. I wonder how many of your blog readers are within shouting distance of you today!
July 24th, 2006 7:53 pm
The few times that my husband could be talked into taking a vacation he would take some sort of work with him. I look back (he’s been gone since 1960) and rue those days. What precious times were wasted when we could have done something together. Just a not-so-subtle hint to hubby!!
Also, Colleen, what’s the deal with sneaking off with the “S” tile. You weren’t going to cheat, by any chance, were you?? Just kidding.
July 24th, 2006 8:25 pm
Love this. The beach is no place for work! Especially for one with such a soulful connection to the sea….
July 24th, 2006 9:47 pm
Why wouldn’t you be able to play in a tournament…you’re a pro right? Love the crayon description. You guys enjoy the nice coast and sunshine!
July 24th, 2006 10:55 pm
I’m always amazed that the beach can be completely crowded, but once you set up your little camp, the mesmerizing sounds of the beach make it feel like a peaceful oasis. Enjoy!
September 22nd, 2006 6:00 am
Will Joe laugh if I tell him that I took a laptop with me when visited the Emirates!!! Moreover, every evening before going to the Dubai hotel to sleep I was sending mails to my friends, sitting on the beach!!! Funny? But it’s very romantic!!! By the way, I’m said to be an eccentric too, I’d play this game with pleasure!!! 🙂