“It is very important that we relearn the art of resting and relaxing. Not only does it help prevent the onset of many illnesses through chronic tension and worry; it allows us to clear our minds, focus, and find creative solutions to problems.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
In accordance with this quote, all these pictures are from our long weekend on Whidbey Island.






Whidbey wildlife. And yes, that’s an eagle standing on the beach.



I’m showing great restraint to only post three pictures of my evening beach walks because it was such a highlight of the weekend away for me.



Swimming season has started. Mr D is applying the lessons in kicking to other pursuits but I don’t see the “kick gambit” becoming a trend in chess.

Driftwood David (caption courtesy of my friend, Eric). It’s hard to resist the gazillion bawdy puns that come to mind but I’m doing my best.


As the 4th largest island in the contiguous US, there are a fair number of farms and ranches near where we stay on the beach. We are always happy to horse around when not at the beach or pool.


Forts (not built by us) and windows


Signs of the week.

And the heart of the week is charcoal on driftwood to fit with the beach theme.
You couldn’t have picked a wiser man to quote. Thanks, Wynne.
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So true, Dr. Stein. I love in the wake of his death how prevalent his quotes have been!
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Love the quote and the pics. I may have to disagree with you on the kicking gambit …. I sort of like that move. I might have to include that in my chess repertoire! Ha ha. Happy Weekend!
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Oh, I’m laughing, Brian. Can you please write about how the kicking gambit works for you? 🙂
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Oh, yes, that sounds like a wonderful future blog topic, the kicking gambit and my super secret move where I hypnotize my opponent! Love it.
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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What a beautiful long weekend Wynne! And the wildlife is simple astonishing
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Thank you, Cristiana. I thought the wildlife was great too!
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Gorgeous photos. Nice to have a heart for the week
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Thank you, VJ!
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Welcome!
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Thanks Wynne. Helpful thoughts and reflections. For me it’s one thing to know the theory about resting and relaxing… another to practice it… and yet another to balance it well with busyness.
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You are so right about theory versus practice, Malcolm. It’s a constant tuning, isn’t it?
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What beautiful photos, Wynne. I love the shots of the animals. What’s Mr D looking at on the rocks?
And how lovely you get to enjoy some quiet time in the evening walks by yourself!
Driftwood David looks like a fun guy! 🤭
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Ha, ha, ha about Driftwood David. Yes!
Mr. D was looking at sea anemones. I knew I should have labeled that pic!
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What wonderful pictures! I’ve so glad you were able to get away, enjoy nature, and have a reprieve from the business of day-to-day life.
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Thanks, Erin. You put it so well!
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Thanks for sharing your photos, and the peace that comes with them
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Thank you, David. What a lovely comment!
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Great wildlife and Swimming!
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So much to see! Thanks, Rebecca!
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Seems like a very lovely island for a family vacation.
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By definition, can an island be part of the contiguous US? Just asking. Hard not to quip on David.
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That’s an astute question, Jeff. I wonder if all 4 are connected by bridge? I know the largest (Long Island) is and so is Whidbey Island.
Yes, David invites us to bring it, doesn’t he? 🙂
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Lovely! It looks like you had great weather. Thank you for sharing your photos, Wynne. 🙂
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Yes, the weather cooperated nicely! Thanks, Susan!
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These are absolutely beautiful pictures. Nice to see you and your family had a beautiful weekend. I miss being at the beach. It’s so serene and peaceful
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Thank you, Jenny! You are right – the beach is a wonderful place!
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I would have had the hardest time choosing a favorite! Love how you find David even in your travel, love x2 how you find hearts, and the WHOA sign speaks for itself.
I’m finding myself smiling happily. Thank you!
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Smiling happily – well then, mission accomplished. Thanks, EW!
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Whoa!? Whoa! I love that. No. Scratch that. I love all the pics…but the ‘whoa’ really made me giggle. 🤣
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Oh, you totally get me. I looked at that sign like, “What’s interesting about that?” And then I realized it was a stop sign and starting giggling!! Thanks, my friend!
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Interesting to learn about Whitney Island; I looked it up because I was intrigued by its ranking within the islands in the contiguous US and realized how few islands there are in that category. Very different from Canada. I hope one of Mr D’s new kicking pursuits doesn’t involve his sister! 😏
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I’m laughing about D kicking his sister. Hopefully not!
I love that you looked that up – and now I look up Canada. More than 52,000 islands. Wow! I love Vancouver Island – such an amazing place to explore and adventure!!
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And 2 of our provinces are islands, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. And Baffin Island is the 5th largest island in the world! Mind you, I grew up on what I now know is the largest island in the contiguous US! 😳😂
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You grew up on Long Island? How interesting!! As are your Canadian island facts. Do I sense the need for an Island Map Monday?
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It looks like you rested and relaxed to the nth degree. Fun photos
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Yes – it was lovely! Thank you, Ally!
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Your images always impress me because you showcase a lot of outside activities the children partake in which bodes well with the Thich Nhat Hanh quote!
Best week wishes!
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Ah, what an interesting observation, Mary. Thank you!
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oh, these photos are simply beauiful! as a side note: i was born at the naval air station hospital on whidbey island, and spent my first 3 years there. unfortunately, i don’t remember any of it, so it’s nice to see your photos!
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What an interesting note, linnie! I hope you get to go back one day – it’s a gorgeous place to be from!
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It looks like you all had a wonderful weekend! Beautiful pictures.
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Thank you, Belle! It was lovely and I’m laughing that I have found a way to inflict vacation pictures on everyone! 🙂
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Beautiful photos and reminder of what’s truly important.
I loved visiting Whidbey Island years ago. Here’s to rest, relaxation, and nourishment of creativity ✨️💜
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I love knowing that you’ve been to Whidbey Island, Natalie. It is a wonderful place. But I’m with you – here’s to rest, relaxation and nourishment of creativity wherever we are! ❤
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Love all this. What a great week. And an awesome quote. I think I want one of those Whoa signs. 😄
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I’m chuckling, Alegria. That would be a perfect sign for your intentionality about a slower pace!
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Definitely would be Wynne. You’re quite right.
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Oh what a week indeed! Thanks for taking me along, I enjoyed each one, especially Eric’s woody (I couldn’t resist). I’m trying to put a post together on summer and I might need to add a paragraph on wildlife, water, and long walks. Always a breath of fresh air Wynne, hugs, C
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Oh, I’m laughing about Eric’s woody. Hilarious!! Wildlife, water and walks – that sounds perfect, Cheryl!
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Love the question 🙃 great ponderable!
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Fabulous pics, I love the honesty in the variety. Xx
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Thanks, SS&GP! Hope you are enjoying your break!
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Well, if Cheryl hadn’t said it, I would have.
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It was hanging out just waiting to spark some commentary…. 🙂
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