Taking the Cure

A few years ago, I read a book about one of the Impressionist Artists who came down with consumption. Sorry, can't remember which artist it was, but at that time physicians recommended going to the sea shore for the "cure". When my dad was living, he loved coming to the ocean because he said it always made him feel so much better. He had black lung, and for those of you who are not familiar with that disease, I hope no one you love ever gets it.

It is a lung disease that underground coal miners develop. The coal dust gets in the lungs and hardens with the mucus, it is a sad, slow death.

Some of you know that I also deal with lung "gunk" and it seems that for the past several weeks, no matter what I could not get rid of it. At times I have written about craving the feel of the salty air, as it fills my lungs. My body knows best. I have spent a great part of the day outside, letting that salty breeze do its job. It has rained all day, but we have walked on the beach and sat on the veranda and I have taken deep healing breaths. I cannot tell you how much better I feel.......how much easier it is to breathe tonight.

I dreamed of my mom and dad last night and the little cottage on Laguna Beach, Fl where we spent summer vacations. My dad was happy and smiling and I woke up happy and smiling.

I want a cottage by the sea, on the Atlantic coast or northern Pacific coast. I want rocky cliffs and cold grey water and a wind that howls. A place where I can take the cure anytime I need and friends and family can visit . A roaring fire in the fireplace, a pot of soup on the stove and a hot cup of tea, ya'll come, we'll take the cure together.