Coney Island Day Fulfillment, May 2023

The sand is soft warm carpet exactly what I need. 

20 years since I moved here from New Mexico. 

Tony took me that first summer in 2003 to NJ for a beach day. 

He was a friend of a friend of a friend from NM, and 

afterwards we went for seafood at the Lobster Shanty

Once, in 2005, I went to the Jersey Shore alone simply to get a few hours near the ocean. 

My mom was physically alive then, but she lived in New Mexico

and this encounter with the sand and sea was for both of us.

It always is. 

Then, I listened to the "keep going" wild voice that says 

the adventure is not over yet for the day.

At 27, I showered and changed, got on the PATH, walked past Union Square,

went out dancing with Kristi
 
in Manhattan at Beautify Bar 

Today, 46, I am at Coney Island by myself. 

Twenty years ago, a stranger once tried to swim with me here. 

It was like he came over and asked me to dance. 

I was not into him.

Still, I smiled and swam away remembering my shy yet flirty self

skating with my crushes as a young teen at the Rollerina during 

our boys-girls slow song skate.

Today, I'm sitting on the Brighton side at the boardwalk. 

It is not too hot. Not crazy crowded. 

Perfect breeze I am in a tank top, cap, jean shorts, the only pair I own. 

I got what I asked for. A hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard.

A blanket, a book of short stories, to be close to the water. 

The vanilla cone - perfection when I strolled the boardwalk at sunset. 

I will step in and wade in the blue grey sea.

I only brought what was necessary - money, lip gloss, a book, a hat, and thank you. 

Oh waves Oh mom Oh messages about forgiveness in the poster tinsel filled ladies bathroom. 

I do not purchase a cold coconut icy. 

I bought a Corona once when I sunbathed years ago. 

Haven't had alcohol is over seven years, I think that's the number.

It's so easy to be alone with the sounds of the waves and strangers.

Did I mention I made one friend? Brief encounter and gone after our ride.

He stood behind me with his ticket for the Cyclone. He said his sister was afraid.

We clicked and decided to go together. I think he had dimples. We flayed our arms up

delighted by the rollercoaster car climbing up and our gigantic drop down!

In this moment we know we can do or be anything!

Against the rules, I took a quick snap of our souvenir shot and posted it on Instagram.

Thank you New York stranger for celebrating my NYC anniversary

For celebrating being ourselves exactly as we are!

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