Monday, July 05, 2010

an island of one's own

There is this place... down the Bay a bit, through a winding river, at the mouth of a quiet creek. I've been told if I giveaway the location I will have walk the plank. But I CAN tell you that it's called Zach's Island.
At least that's what we call it. It's not labeled on the chart, so it's all ours to call what we please. We've been bringing the boy here since he was a wee lad and he has staked his claim. The island is simply a spit of sand at low tide...
And a small thicket of woods...
All no bigger than say... a basketball court. The water is clean and clear, the fish and crab are plentiful, and home is always just offshore in case we need anything more.
It's the perfect spot to do some of this...
And some of this...

Zach's Island is where we spent the cooler part of the holiday weekend. No meals planned, no activities planned, no schedule, no plans at all except to show up with our friends who are like family and just enjoy.
When I was a little girl our family used to camp a lot, and my parents named the different parts of the woods we camped in after my brothers and me. Cindy's Falls, David's Meadow, Aaron's Valley, etc. Even if you don't have your own island to sail off to or woods to explore, just a grand tree at a park can be claimed or a spot in the garden. There's a magic about having your own spot in the world, your own little place to kick off your shoes, get dirty, and do as you please in nature. No rules, no etiquette, no worries. Find it, claim it, name it, map it, care for it. I really believe every kid should have a place like this. A little corner of the earth to explore and call their own, where they can go to be free and just be.

7 comments:

Jackie said...

Wow, what a treasure. Looks lovely.

gardenmama said...

Cindy I love that we both spent time on an island this weekend! And both Islands being named after children! ; ) I named my Island post "independence day" as a play on words... we feel so free on the island, lovely to see your family does too! xo

Future Libraian said...

I'm assuming that you already know and love the Swallows & Amazons books, *but just in case*, you MUST check out Arthur Ransome's novels.

Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your lovely hideaway. Love the colors, and the subject matter!

Joy said...

What a lovely idea! I bet Zach thinks it's so special to have his own little island. And that it's been a part of his world for so long. It sounds like a magical way to spend part of the holiday weekend. Wasn't the cooler weather wonderful?!

eringoodman said...

oh cindy!!! what a magical place!!!!

we have named parts of our yard after our children -- lily's garden and quinn's hill. (both are where their placentas are planted along with a special tree.)

quinn's hill is on the far side of the yard. honestly i can throw a rock from the house and hit it but for the kids it is trek...a total adventure...to get out there. and it is also a special place that they can go where i can still see them but they feel like they are in their own little universe.

thanks for reminding me how important these magical little spaces are!

xo

~erin

Seven C's said...

So cool to have a place like that - and WARM WEATHER! Anything we have here is either socked in with chilly fog or blowing 30+ knots right off the Pacific :)

Moment to Moment said...

Wow, how beautiful!! As this is my first visit to your blog, I am not sure if you live on the boat, but I am guessing that you are, what freedom! Looking forward to explore your space further.
Warmly
~Christina

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