"Finding Beauty" by Stephanie Thomas

March, 2010

 I eased my vehicle through the rain and fog. With the rain on the Outer Banks, comes flooding in the low lying areas including Highway 12, the main road on the islands. The two women in the van with me talked and became acquainted. They didn't seem alarmed or even notice that I swerved in and out of my lane to avoid the excess water.

 Earlier in the morning we'd met for breakfast with the entire group of photographers. We'd gathered together this particular weekend to photograph the natural beauty of the Outer Banks. With everything shrouded in fog and rain, we discussed shooting later when the forecast looked better. After all, there were a number of tourist attractions we could visit instead. But our desire to take photos fueled us and we pressed onward. After we finished breakfast, we headed north on Highway 12.

 I drove for just over an hour in the rain and fog, when the highway ended abruptly at the edge of the beach. A few feet from the road the waves were angry from the previous night's storm.

 The only place to park was on the beach and all of us were uneasy with the prospect. The decision was made to turn around and look for a better place to leave the vehicles. We moved them three times before settling on a spot we all felt comfortable with. The rain eventually eased so we gathered our gear and headed back to the beach.

 When I stepped off the pavement onto the sand, the civilized world and all its problems fell behind me. My focus had changed from getting to my destination to seeking beauty. The fog instantly fascinated me. It brushed the water and sand and gave it the color and texture of a soft watercolor painting. It lingered while I admired it only to evaporate with the wind and to reappear somewhere else. When it seeped close enough to envelope me completely it became cold and dark. The chill forced me to pull my coat tight as I waited for it to pass. The fog played with me all morning, teasing me, disappearing and reappearing like a child playing hide and seek, dancing and twirling amongst the sand dunes, it demanded my attention and insisted I take its photo as it transformed the landscape with every move. Fascinated, I could have spent my entire day there. Time passed too quickly and soon we had to move on. Reluctant to leave my misty friend behind I knew there were other places of beauty to discover.

             Remnants of an old Maritime Forest  

 As I stepped back onto the paved road and walked to my car, I realized I was leaving with a renewed understanding. Seeking beauty in all situations is what enables us to discover it and, once found, the way we view our world is forever changed.