My happy place exists somewhere. You know, that place where you mentally escape to forget about whatever discomfort, stress, or pain that is going on at the present moment in time. The “happy place” that the nurses tell you to focus on when you’re suffering through labor pains – it does exist! And for me, that place is Anna Maria Island in Florida.
The first time I was there was a little over 5 years ago. It was the first time my new husband Jeffrey came with my sister and I to visit my parents in Florida, when I was 6 months pregnant with Arielle. We had a really great lunch at Sandbar Waterfront restaurant and I ate the best scoop of vanilla ice cream. We laughed. And when I laughed, my belly would bounce up and down – which would make everyone else laugh even harder. Then we spent the afternoon hunting for seashells and watched the sunset.
It was just one of the happiest days, ever. I was together with my family and we were all in good spirits. Perhaps it was little Arielle in my tummy that was giving us a glimpse of the joy to come once she arrived 3 months later. Something about the anticipation of a new baby gives everyone hope and joy, I guess. If my life flashed before my eyes in black and white, this day would make its way in high-definition color along with that umbrella and the sunshine. Ever since that day, I associated Anna Maria Island with my happy place.
This past Monday, I was at my happy place again with my two best friends, my husband and my sister Christine – and this time my babies A&Z were there to join us. It was a perfect beach day – white sand, calm water, sunny skies, and a light breeze. It wasn’t crowded and we just so happened to park right across the street from an ice cream shop. It was one of those days where time stood still and the only thing on the agenda was to have fun.
Anna Maria Island is not the most exotic or luxurious beach by any means. It’s quiet, simple, and beautiful. It’s the place in my mind that connects all these words to consist of my happy place: joy, family, relaxation, fun, sunshine, warmth, love, smiles, ease, laughter, peace.
Thanks for coming along with me to my happy place. Where’s yours?
xoxo // gracielle.
P.S. Huge THANK YOU to my dad who gave me this awesome Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens so I could take these beautiful pictures. #blessed
It sounds like you made some wonderful memories there. Hope you have a wonderful day!
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We sure did, and I’m happy that I got a lot more pictures this time around. Thanks for stopping by, Heidi!
My parents have a condo on Anna Maria Island! They go there at least once a year. I haven’t been since college, though. It is so beautiful!!!! I love eating on the beach.:)
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That’s amazing! You’re so lucky to have a place to stay on the island. My husband and I watched House Hunters and the couple was looking for a house on Anna Maria Island…then we were there just a few weeks later! My parents live about 45 mins away, which isn’t too bad.
My parents are just ending their spring vacation there now. Their photos are so beautiful!! They got to see dolphins and sting rays swimming in the ocean tonight. And the food! Lobster Mac & Cheese, Maple Bacon donuts….omg yum!!!!
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What?! I didn’t know you could see dolphins from there! Next time I’ll do a little more research to find the best viewing areas. That’s awesome!
There are two different islands in two parts of the world that are my “happy place”. Must be something about islands…
Rachel G recently posted…Who Knew?
Yes, I watch Island Hunters on HGTV and I drool at the thought of owning an island!
Awesome, I am adding this to the list of places we may go to next Spring Break. We love quiet, peaceful places where you can fall off the grid. OurHappy Place is Ambergris Caye, SanPedro, Belize. There is NOT one chain restaurant or any chain anything for a matter of fact. Every thing on the island is mom and pop owned. We discard our cell phones and computers at the little Island airstrip and just enjoy our selves and each other. Best times ever…..
I stay far and clear away from chain restaurants when I’m traveling so I can explore the local cuisine and culture. I love the idea of falling off the grid when I’m on vacation. Just to unplug, so relaxing!
I’ve never been there but it sounds peaceful! Glad you enjoyed your vacation, Gracielle!
Herchel S recently posted…Ask Away Friday with Rabia from The lieber family
You should go if it’s not too far from where you are in Florida. I bet there are a ton of beaches there that would easily qualify as my “happy place” 🙂 My husband and I kept asking ourselves why…WHY do we live in the midwest and not Florida?!
First of all: I’m so impressed that your dad gave you a camera lens. I love my dad to pieces but he wouldn’t have the slightest clue what to give me as a gift. That’s all my mom …
My happy place is any beach that is warm with white sand and crystal clear blue water. Isn’t it funny how we mark memories with the food we ate?!
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I was so grateful for the lens! It’s not like something I could ever wish for or let alone ask for. We just so happen to both have a growing passion for photography and he loves it when I take pictures of his grandkids, so it worked out well in my favor!!
The beach is awesome! Beach is one of my happy place, the other one is Mountains. I just feel at peace when I’m in those places. BTW, your babies are sooo cute! ツ
Synz | From Sea to Summit recently posted…EL NIDO | Tour A
Thanks! They had such a great time at the beach. There are no mountains here in the Great Plains, but I can imagine that they can be peaceful and majestic! Thanks for stopping by!
Hanging out with my hubby makes me really happy. Is he my happy place?
Susie (The Esthetic Goddess) recently posted…Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads Review
That’s sweet! I guess that does make your husband your “happy place” 🙂
I can see why this is your happy place. My happy place is kayaking on our lake here in Wisconsin or working in my flower garden. Waiting patiently for spring.
Savvy Working Gal recently posted…48 Days To The Work You Love
I’m excited to work on my flower garden this year. Last year I tried starting a garden for the first time and I failed miserably. C’mon spring!!
What an amazing place. I am rather jealous !
Don’t be jelly! LOL It was amazing to be there in the warm sun- especially after this brutal weather that we’ve had here in the midwest. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I’d love to go there some day! My Happy Place? I have yet to discover. I haven’t been traveling much these days…
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It can be anywhere, really. This just happened to be mine since I have so many fond memories with my family there. Thanks for stopping by, Jen!
That looks like a beautiful place and worth checking out and it’s close enough to home. My happy place is Jamiaca. I love going back and looking at my pictures from our 2 trips there last year. I love when the stresses of life get to me and I have my happy place in my had to go to. That’s some place no one can mess up and I can go there any time I want to. Stopping in from SITS link.
All Talk Entertainment recently posted…Take the sugar out and feel better
Thanks for stopping by! I’ve been to Jamaica before, but I was too young to appreciate it. You totally should go there if it’s close to home. I bet there are a lot of beautiful “happy places” in Florida to explore!!
Hi there, I’m stopping by from the SITS link-up. Your photos are lovely – I can definitely see why Anna Maria Island is your happy place! My good friend has been telling me for years about the beauty of this island and she and her husband are now building a home there. I’m going to have to make a point of visiting soon!!
Lisa Goodmurphy recently posted…Photo Highlights from a Weekend at Atlantis
You should totally visit! It’s quiet, quaint and beautiful. Thanks for stopping by, Lisa!
Lovely photos!! I love the beach and looks like you really had a lot of fun with your family. I’m going to my hometown 2 weeks from now.. and it is my happy place all the time. I have the best feeling whenever I’m home with my family.
Have fun visiting your home town! I still live in the same area where I grew up so I need to get away to find my happy place!
I’m a huge fan of the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens! I had to rent it for a party once.
And my happy place is Truro in Cape Cod in July/August. It’s so magical.
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That lens is so out of my league that it intimidates me! My dad let me have it so I can take lots of photos of his grandkids. I’ve only been to New England a few times, but I bet there are many magical, happy places there!
First – that picture of you on the beach and pregnant is so dang cute!!
We spent 10 days at Bradenton Beach last summer and loved it – friends of ours just bought a condo and moved there and we have thought about buying a condo for our retirement!!
Kim recently posted…Daily Moves 3/16 – 3/22
10 days! That sounds amazing 🙂 I wouldn’t mind retiring there either!
I’ll bet being there was a nice change from the cold of back home. Such a beautiful place too! My happy place is back in my hometown on a boat in Lake Superior. Weather permitting, I could stay there all day long!
Jeanne recently posted…Off To A Rough Start
aww, looks amazing! that last picture melts my heart. 🙂
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I love that picture – I’m thinking of putting that one in a frame!
Gracielle recently posted…Celebrating together: Happy Birthday, A&Z!
I’m so beach starved. Thank you for sharing your awesome photos. I can feel the breeze.
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I’m so glad you got to take a vacation, Gracielle! This winter has been brutal. Isn’t it wonderful to have memories of times and places that will make you smile the rest of your life?! I’m fortunate enough to have quite a few of those too. Yes, thank you Dad for that camera!! Those pics are simply amazing. I am SO on that beach with you guys!!
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I want to go back! I keep thinking that we still have to go through all of the spring season before we get to summer and weather like that! I’m so thankful we got to get away from the cold for a bit.
that’s in florida? it looks like a totally exotic location like zanzibar!
catherine gacad recently posted…The Word of the Day is Uncomfortable
Yes! It’s a small island on the Gulf side of Florida. I love the white sand and turquoise blue water!