Hello
from New Hampshire, AKA the Granite State. N.H. was one of the 13 original
colonies and lives by the motto Live Free or Die. Our official slogan was adopted
from a letter written by Revolutionary War Hero John Stark to the veterans of
the Battle of Bennington.
Like
most of the United States, we have four beautiful seasons, and summer is a
favorite of mine. Recently, I flipped through my memories of the places I love
to visit and hit pause when I reached Hampton Beach. Flashes of sunshine, hot
sand, and a glimmering sea flood my mind. This will be my first stops on my
warm weather travels.
For your information, this community
is a village district and a resort within the town of Hampton Beach. The
Granite State coast stretches for 15 miles. Plenty for me. I’ve enjoyed many a perfect
day lulled by rolling waves, daring to go up to my ankles in water that seldom
reaches above 72 degrees, or reading a good book under my umbrella in my lounge
chair.
In the evening, sit under the
stars and watch the free entertainment at the Sea Shell Stage. Fireworks light
the sky every Wednesday or buy tickets to big name events at the indoor Casino.
When you’re ready to explore, you
can cross the street to the shops, the arcade, and mini golf. I’ll warn you the
odors of fried dough, pizza, and onion rings will draw you to the many kiosks. Often,
I choose to eat at the Seaside Ketch and sit on the second floor with views of
the Atlantic.
I remember one foggy day—no view
and rather chilly. (The weather had been sunny
when my husband and I had set
out.) We sat inside the glass seating area and as I perused my menu, I noticed
a brave soul, a young woman, on the porch.
She was talking to the server. A
menu lay in front of her and another by an empty chair. She was dressed in a
blue sundress with a flower in her long brown hair. A date, I thought, but
where was the missing dining partner? I was intrigued. Time ticked by. She
often looked at her watch or swiveled in her seat to glance at the door. People
came and went. The waitress checked in with her twice more, and finally she
ordered.
I felt a stab of disappointment
for her. We ate our meals and left. We took a long walk down the boardwalk and
back to our car parked below the restaurant. As I looked up to the porch, I
caught sight of the young woman. She was still there and beside her sat a young
man. He was nodding his head as she talked to him. They held hands across the
table.
My faith in love was restored
that day. Sometimes
when I sit down to write about my
characters struggling with their relationships, my thoughts wander and I
remember the girl at the beach.
Happy travels, my friends. May all
your dreams come true.
https://www.facebook.com/writerNoraLeDuc/
Stay safe, well, and thanks for stopping by 50 Authors from
50 States blog.
