I like walking the beach. It’s good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
Wind is one of our earthly constants. Although it may only be slight at our planet’s surface, winds are constant throughout the atmosphere.
Today the wind is strong and gusty – not a whispery breeze. Today the wind provides a strong headwind as I walk.
Today the wind roars as it passes my ears. Today is more of a slap than a feathery touch – but tomorrow may be different.
Today’s wind causes me to think about other terms associated with wind – gales, gusts, squalls, storms, cyclones, hurricanes, typhons, tornadoes, vortices, and more. Other terms describing wind come to mind as sea breezes, mountain breezes, desert winds, easterlies, westerlies, prevailing, polar, topical, headwinds, tailwinds, crosswinds, and there are more.
The wind is as moody and fickle as people. Winds change throughout the day and from day to day. The winds of yesterday, today, and tomorrow are all different – yet the wind always speaks to us in the form of spirits, messages, metaphors, and similes. But do we listen? Does anyone even know the language it speaks? Maybe the wind just stimulates our own private thoughts.
The wind is mysterious. We don’t see it, but notice its effects. We can’t hold it, but feel it on our body.
Like us, the wind can be conflicting and complex in its messaging. Like the wind, change is constant in life – and an absolute certainty – especially as technology seems to be moving us to change faster and faster. To some, change is an uncontrollable feeling of a piece of paper being tossed around by the wind.
I watch an approaching helicopter fly into the stiff wind. It flies straight, but the pilot positions the aircraft at an angle for reasons I do not know – but it must be because of the wind. That stiff wind is also the resistance that comes with change – that resistance for maintaining the comfort of the status quo.
Whereas the wind provides resistance, it can also be directive. Like moving with ease when implementing an idea. Who doesn’t like the wind at their back? That wind also allows us to float with ease – but to some, it can be like riding a wild bull.
From causing leaves to rustle, flags to flutter and refreshing our skin, the wind is poetic – it’s moving – it provides imagery to us all. The wind can be soft or rough – fierce or gentle – hot or cold – damaging or refreshing while delivering a variety of messages. Yet, the wind is free – free to do as it wants – even imposing its will.
Wind – that natural flow of atmospheric gases along the Earth’s surface – simply, the movement of air.
Wind – that force moving sand along the beach, changing the landscape, or eroding stone.
Other planets have winds, but solar winds are not the movement of gases.
Wind – a key component of song and movie titles as Gone with the Wind, Inherit the Wind, Blowin’ in the Wind, Candle in the Wind, Ride Like the Wind, They Call the Wind Mariah, Colors of the Wind, and many more.
Wind – a necessity for recreation as moving sailboats, flying kites, windsurfing, hand gliding, paragliding, and more.
Although the wind can be many things, the wind on the beach can provide a freshness that only the winds of the sea provide. The wind can be one of the reasons why walking the beach is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
A lttle long-winded (sorry, but I can’t stop myself from these puns), but so interesting. In many languages the wind is associated or synonymous with the soul. In any case to walk along the beach is always good.
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Bumba,
Great pun that I wish I would have included. Thanks for the thought and for walking along.
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A windy beach walk isn’t my favourite type – especially if it is stirring up the sand so I have it in my mouth, my nose, my hair, my clothes – everywhere! Though the bonus of course is I arrive home having had a free exfoliation session…….. Having so recently left a winter filled with icy Antarctic winds I am really appreciating now that the wind is light, warm, friendly. I guess the bad makes us appreciate the good, as always. Great post Frank!
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Pauline,
I don’t like the days of extra strong wind with stinging sand. Those are either days for the treadmill or for walking on an inland path sheltered by trees – especially if it is a strong cold wind! Nonetheless, your winds will be better warmer! Enjoy the transition. 🙂
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I like the metaphors you use to describe the wind. It is so many things, but for me, I find find the wind harassing, like it follows you wherever you go, driving you away, whipping your hair in your face, stinging your eyes… warm wind not as bad but even then…
True fact, during certain types of wind, psychiatric wards often have more admissions…
Great post Frank!
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Rachel,
Thanks for adding your personal thoughts. I remember the day of this walk – and the wind was harassing! Good choice of terminology!!!! Walking on the beach on strong winds may require extra layers of protection!
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I never knew she was the person who sang this. Such talent.
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Cindy,
Oh yes – Vanessa Williams is quite the talent – but I wonder why we haven’t seen much of her lately.
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I wonder why, too? I got to work with her about 15 years ago. She is a very lovely person. I made this video from the job we did together. https://vimeo.com/24743055 The movie is called Keep The Faith, Baby.
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Resa,
Awesome that you got to work with her. Even better than she was nice. FYI: Fixed the link. The reason it didn’t work is that you need a space after the URL before the next word. Otherwise, code think the next work is part of the URL.
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Hmm, the way we put Youtube links in your comments didn’t work with Vimeo. Let me try again. You can always remove my errors! LOL! https://vimeo.com/24743055 Keep The Faith, Baby.
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And oh … awesome costume design. 🙂
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😀 Thank you!
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I think of the term “Against the Wind” and the Bob Seeger song of the same name. Some people it seems are always running against the wind, going a different direction than the rest of us. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.
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Gary,
Love you thoughts and reminder of a hit from the past. Besides, as a natural contrarian, I sensed myself in your comment. Meanwhile, here’s Bob Seger. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFY_sv768Wg
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A wonderful, meditative post on the wind, Frank. The feel–and the scent–of a gentle sea breeze is unique and restorative. And when the sea wind is blowing hard, it’s relaxing to sit inside and listen to it.
At one of the wineries we visited in Cape May last week, the woman who was leading our tour mentioned the effect of ocean breezes on the grapes (beneficial, apparently).
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Merril,
“Meditative” is a great word for what the wind can be … good addition. … but yes, the strong fierce wind surely isn’t meditative when walking! Good thoughts about the grapes. When in California, grapes/wine people often mention the direction of breezes and the influence on grapes – most often referring to cool breezes from the Pacific.
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I too love the Wind Frank.. Nothing like blowing the cobwebs away and a beach wind so refreshing..
Love the Song choice too..
Have a great week ahead.. And may all your breezes be light. ❤
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Hi Sue,
Hope you had a good lunch during my morning. 😉 … Yes, wind on the beach is refreshing – and on the body and mind! Yet, the strong winds can be difficult. Glad you enjoyed the song, and have a wonderful week ahead.
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I have yet to get my lunch.. around one pm… 🙂 Im going to make an omelette this lunch time with some onion, mushroom and red pepper chopped in… 🙂 Then I will bring the laundry in and iron… lol.. ❤ take care too..
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Hmmmm …. maybe I should have an omelet for my breakfast. … 🙂
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🙂 off now to do some cooking… Enjoy your day Frank… and go crack a few eggs 😀
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🙂
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A good subject, wind. It occurs to me that wind connects all the peoples of the Earth. Particulate matter and CO2 are carried by the jet streams all over the world, making all nations interdependent in their stewardship. Wind is also a vast energy resource which has only begun to be exploited.
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Jim,
Love you additional thoughts so much, I have to include them if I ever do a revision. 🙂 … Simply excellent. Actually reader comments are one of my favorite things about these walks because they add additional thoughts and layers. 🙂
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Another refreshing beach walk, Frank, especially with the wind to free me.
Of course wind has a homograph. The wind got me all wound up, and now I can’t wind down.
You make me think. Thank you!
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Resa,
Glad the walk got you thinking …. even if it got you all wound up. 😉 … always a pleasure having you walk along.
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The pleasure is mine, too!
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The wind and beach go together.
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Jo,
That they do … then again (in my opinion), the beach isn’t a pleasant place to be without some wind.
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You have given new meaning to “written on the wind.
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John,
Thank you for the high praise.
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😁
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I love the idea of wind and the language of soul and music which I think this song fits hopefully well with the theme of yours.
Wind Of Change https://youtu.be/Ukh1zoiV304
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Charlie,
Thanks for your thoughts and the additional song … I don’t think it was one I initially considered, but, I agree … it fits … thanks!
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You are welcome, Frank.
Glad you enjoyed the song and I just thought of your writing of what you said and that song popped into my head. 🙂
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I enjoyed reading your thoughts and facts about wind. Wind doesn’t bother me, but my hair doesn’t like it at all. You have me remembering my role as Toad Of Toad Hall in my junior school’s production of Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind In The Willows’. I also recall the very successful country song ‘The Wayward Wind’ recorded by Gigi Grant in 1956. I was only nine at the time and loved when it came on the radiogram. Funny how someone’s post can dredge up old memories. 😃
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Sylvia,
Thanks for sharing some of your personal musical experiences with wind. Yes, conjuring up memories you didn’t anticipate being conjured. I can see the wind creating havoc with your hair.
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🤣
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“And the answer, my friend, is blowing….” oh, you know the rest.
Not a breezy person, I love the full wind whipping down mountains, rattling palm fronds as they toss arms in protest. Love clear honest, driven wind.
Interesting muses and images in your post
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Mouse,
Oh yes – I considered that song for this post. 🙂 … Interesting how many use different terms to identify winds. For me, breezy isn’t windy, but to others it may be. Thanks for following the wind to my little corner of the world.
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Do you happen to know the song “The Wayward Wind,” sung by Gogi Grant originally in the ’50s I’d think? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cQUVtbztEs
I can still sing most of the words. I have really good recall of song lyrics and this was a song when I was a very little girl, but it must have been popular and I have retained a love of the song from my parents’ radio listening days.
I love a good windy day if it isn’t too rogue! We in Southern California are headed into Santa Ana wind “season” which often brings on the fires. A nice strong breeze at the beach is the best, certainly! 🙂
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Debra,
I’ve heard that song before! 🙂 If aliens ever attack Pasadena, don’t forget to use the Slim Whitman version. Nonetheless, the wind is the subject of many songs, so glad to know the one that came to you during the walk.
Fire season? Oh boy … your cycle of events out there is a trip through the extremes. Meanwhile, enjoy your next beach walk.
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I hate wind on a run but I love it on a walk. I hate it when I go to a driving range to hit golf balls, but I can dig it when I go to a baseball game and the wind is blowing out.
You’ve hit on the yin/yang of wind.
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Marc,
Very true. I’ve seen one game at Wrigley … and the win was blowing in from center. Flyballs died in the air. But hey – I got to sing with Harry (a bucket list thing).
The ying and yang of wind … I like that!
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I can’t believe the Cubs had Harry for all those years.
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My favorite Harry commercial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOhxnZSf1Fs
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Harry could do it all. 😉
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Seen that one before?
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Yes I have.
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A classic!
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Indeed!
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And I love the song.
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Marc … it’s a good one … and I also like Vanessa Williams.
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Love Vanessa Williams.
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An unquestionable hottie.
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Back in olden times when those Penthouse photos came out, my girlfriend made me get rid of my copy, or else. Regrettable trade.
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Bummer!
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And those were the days when you had to walk in a store (where I knew the peeps) and ask for the magazine! Kids today have it much too easy.
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… and yes … I remember those!
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And they had that privacy wrap on them that kinda stuck out.
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Always happy to land on your Beach walks, Frank! Even windy ones! Actually, I love windy walks, so this is a wonderful combination to me! Yamas! 🙂
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Marina,
I like breezy … windy is ok … but tough when extra strong – especially if it’s from the north! Thanks for walking along … Yamas!
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I know, north winds are the worst! Especially if you have plants on your NE balcony!!!! (All tied up now!) However when you’re walking a rocky beach ,(not sandy!!!!) it’s an amazing view/feeling. Yamas!
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Ouch on those balcony plants. Cold is relative … fortunately, you don’t get what I get! Yamas!
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…well, you’d be surprised! Sometimes we do too!!! 😉
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True … I recall pics of a layer of snow.
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Windy conditions are one of my least favorite weather phenomenas, but a beach walk with you is always good. Happy trails, friend.
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Monika,
Strong winds are tough … breezes are nice … and depending on other factors, they can be refreshing. Winds are generally present on the beach – but the strong winds can keep people away. Thanks for walking along.
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