Sand in my thesis

I recently travelled seven hours north to the gorgeous beachside town of Lennox Head. For a fortnight, I stayed in a little townhouse with a balcony that looked out over the sea. There were breaching humpback whales. There was beer and books.

And there was my thesis.

This trip was planned MUCH earlier in the year, and I thought my thesis would be completed, submitted, done-and-dusted. Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men. ;-) Alas it wasn’t, which meant I had to work while I was away. But I think all of that sea air has improved the health of my thesis—the Vitamin D has given it stronger bones, and the bracing sea breezes have blown all the cobwebs away. Hey, that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it. :-)

After all, there was a strategically placed bench just meant for mulling and musing. 

Swimming was had. And in the immortal words of Mrs Bennet: “A bit of sea bathing would set me up for life.”

Besides, beaches and rainbows can provide a writer with oodles of inspiration, right? :-)

The beach had a face for every mood too.

Misty

Stormy

Sunny

“But Michelle,” I hear you say, “you live in Newcastle and you have lots of beaches nearby. What’s the big deal?” We’ll ignore the fact that I can’t see the sea from my front veranda, and do's a little comparison of today’s temperatures:

• Newcastle’s forecast is for a top of 19C with wind and rain increasing. Water temperature is a bracing 18C.
• Lennox Head’s forecast is for a top of 27C and the chance of a late shower. Water temperature is a glorious 22C.

What's more I caught up with fellow LoveCat, Jennifer St George, for coffee and gossip! We chatted non-stop for over an hour about writing, study, and life. Which was fab -- missing you, Jen!

So today I’m pining for all of that warm white-sand goodness. And, seriously, can you blame me? :-)