The Speed of a Hammock

Weeks of leisure have calmed the racing mind, rested the aching body and left time for the extraordinary. Not the extraordinary exciting adventure you’re used to reading about, but the kind, only the extremely lazy breed, can fully indulge in. Plagued by unseasonable monsoon rains for over a week, I lounged around observing everyday occurrences, but found instead the simplistic beauty of the beach that we sometimes miss in the race for a tan, a new friend, a party, a book, a swim, a drink, a nap; all the things that represent a vacation.




But it’s remarkable how much you can observe when you “slow” life, to the speed of a hammock.




From my hammock…

Did you know,
When the beach is void of bathing beauties and frisbee enthusiasts, the sand crabs claim their domain?
Astounding little creatures line the shore, scuttling sideways out of their hole, cleaning the algae off each granule of sand until the smooth shore looks like a modern art exhibit. And it is! Walk slowly to appreciate the tiny spheres of sand these crabs leave in random patterns all over the abandoned beach. Sand crab galleries are open every day to the public, free of charge.



Did you know,
…A butterfly will pass your hammock 17 times in a half an hour?
The crimson and metallic blue butterfly is artwork gracing your presence like royalty, taking a bow, then drifting out of sight, leaving you to feel like you’ve been touched with luck. Follow an orange and brown spotted beauty, and it glides in perfect rhythm through the air, but recoils when landing. The white wing butterfly flutters quickly and erratically like an angel attempting it’s ascend to the heavens, rising steadily but suddenly falling as each failed attempt.





Did you know,
…The underside of a tiny leaf, looks like the tree itself? A single tender leaf on a enormous tree, shows it’s strength in the veins that act like strong limbs holding its own canopy of shade. Nurtured from it’s base, the stem becomes remarkably strong and difficult to sever.









Did you know,
…The sound of rain on a tin roof is an orchestra from the sky?
Like the soft approach of a beautiful tune, the rain falls, PLUNK (pause, pause) PLUNK, PLUNK, PLUNK (pause, pause) PLUNK (pause) PLUNK, PLUNK. The intensity builds into a full clamor of joined composition. The symphony of rain reaches its peak and then softens to a melody played out in the final drops. PLINK (pause, pause, pause) PLINK, PLUNK!!



Did you know,
…The name for the Gecko lizard comes from the sound it makes?
A perfect “Gech-Ko” rings out from my bathroom where our newest 2 foot pet lives. The sound can be made when, mating (if it’s a male) or as a warning (if it’s a female.) They are most active in my bungalow when we are, either rising early in the morning, or retiring for the night. Humm, interesting observation?







Did you know,
…You can actually watch the grass grow?
When living in the tropics the flowers and tiny blades of grass will grow before your eyes. Pay attention as the strength of a stalk, rises a little each time the sun returns after a heavy rain. Even when it appears the heavy hand of torrent, falls harsh on the fragile, the warmth and nurturing of the sun, springs life back into a flattened, fallen flower.






I could ramble on forever, but the point is made.
There is hidden beauty in every missed opportunity, every rainy day, every boring event, and every cherished moment …when you slow life to the speed of a hammock.

Spring will be arriving soon in Portland and I wish you all to make the time to, “Stop and smell the roses.”

More to come from Thailand, but for now the sun returns to rejuvenate these lazy and lethargic travelers.

All our best to, “Our Best.”
Brian and Brenda