Parasailing

Parasailing is something I have always wanted to do therefore it is on my bucket list. The other day while walking along the beach I saw someone parasailing. It all the sudden occurred to me that it was a water sport offered on the island. I figured what better place to parasail then beautiful Martha’s Vineyard?! I then made a reservation for my parasailing adventure, which seemed to make Shannon, her parents, and my parents a little nervous. I didn’t get nervous until stepping onto the boat this afternoon.

I learned that the most nerve-racking part of parasailing is right before you take off since you have no idea what to expect. Also, signing the paper that says I assume all risk of death or injury is bold, capital letters might have had something to do with it too. I was surprised at how simple it was, as the two guys running the activity strapped me up and took off. I suppose I was expecting some kind of instruction or safety precautions. Once the boat was out in the water, they called for me to come to the back of the boat.

I was wearing a lifejacket and some sort of contraption that had to be stepped into with  seatbelt-like bands going around my backside. I was told to sit, and when I questioned, I was assured that the makeshift seat would hold me. This seat contraption simply hooks to the parachute thingy with two little metal clips. (I didn’t realize that was all there was to it until I was dangling over the Atlantic Ocean.) Once clipped, the parachute opened, and I was jerked off the back of the boat, into the water, and up into the sky. With the unexpected jerk, of course, I screamed, but once I made my way up I was able to loosen my death grip on the straps connecting me to the parachute. Every time the boat hit a wave, I felt a slight tug. In general though, I felt safe flying high above the water. It was incredibly fun (and cold) being dipped in the water and then floating back up in the air.

The view was breathtaking looking down and around at all the water sparkling in the sun. The beach, houses, cars, boats, and people all looked like a miniature display of Martha’s Vineyard you might see in a museum. It was…amazing. I wish I had pictures of the view, but that will exist only in my memory since I didn’t want to risk dropping a camera. I will, however, always have pictures of the view of me from the boat. 

Life is Good

I love Martha’s Vineyard. I cannot get over how beautiful the island is from the ocean to the flowers to the homes. I feel so blessed to be here taking it all in. I love laying on my bed watching the boats pull in and out of the harbor. 

 

I would not change a thing about the island, well, maybe just one little thing…the lack of air conditioning. Sitting here in my little bedroom takes me back to memories of summer camp of my pre-teen years…here on my twin bed, window open, with a small electric fan blowing in my face. Of course, now I have a laptop instead of a journal, and I can simply call or email my parents instead of writing letters. I can even post pictures I have taken online before I even get home without anxiously awaiting for film to develop. The only relief on the warm days is the breeze across the porch. This is one Southern aspect that I love about the homes on Martha’s Vineyard. The cottages and houses alike have porches lined with rocking chairs, and people congregate to relax or enjoy conversation with neighbors or passerby.

Today was a particularly warm day here on the island, and I had about all I could take of the heat at the cottage this evening. I decided to go for a walk hoping the occasionally breeze would cool me down. I followed the sidewalk a short distance away from the cottage and took a seat on a bench by the ocean. I cannot express how much I love the ocean. I love the way it sounds and how alluring it is. I could just sit for hours and not grow tired of it. Once the sun started it’s decent, I walked around to the harbor to watch it set…absolutely breathtaking. It’s in those moments especially that I feel God’s presence as I stand in awe of His creation. 

Vineyard Time

The second day of the trip took us through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Conneticut, and Rhode Island. My favorite part of day two was eating lunch at Mystic Pizza. Yes, it is the actual restaurant from the movie located in Mystic, Conneticut. Mystic is an adorable little town that was exactly how I pictured New England…sail boats in the water, streets lined with boutiques, and houses resembling doll houses.

Today is the third day of my New England adventure. It has been a very long day since getting up at 5:30am and traveling from Rhode Island to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Martha’s Vineyard further exemplifies the picture perfect New England atmosphere. It is surreal to me to be here seeing sights that I could only imagine on postcards or paintings. I love the ocean. It is so beautiful and peaceful.

I wish I could write more, but it has been a long day full of beauty and adventure, and tomorrow ensures that more is to come. I am on Vineyard Time now, and it is time to sleep.

There's an App for That

Today is the first day of my road trip with my bestie and her family to New England. We have driven through Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and finally Pennsylvania. I was really surprised by how beautiful the scenery is along the Appalachian Trail. I thought the trees and mountains in Georgia were amazing, but it gets better. Virginia will now be added to the list of states I would be ok with living in, joining Georgia (cause that's where my peeps are) and Tennessee (cause it's the home of country music). I like Virginia because of all the trees, mountains, and farmland. (I have always wanted to have my own farm full of animals.) Virginia's main advantage over Georgia...not so much dang humidity!

Since we were trying to make such a long journey in one day, we didn't make too many stops. I took some pictures from the car, but they don't do the view justice.

Over the Rainbow

I love Glee, and I love this song. This is one of my all-time favorite Glee performances, especially since it is performed by the two most beautiful men on Glee.