As my friend Amy and I drove along the coast of Cozumel, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the tumbling turquoise waves crashing onto the white sand beaches. The sun was blazing hot, toasting us the moment we stepped out of the car, but the salty ocean breezes cooled our skin and tossed our hair and all I could do was stare in awe and wonder.
I had just been through a gutting time in my life and my heart was raw and aching. Tears filled my eyes as I tipped my head back and looked up at the palm fronds dancing against the the bright blue sky, felt the hot sand cover my feet, heard the gulls shrieking as they swooped over the waves.
It was in this place, with a dear friend who tells me regularly: “You do know I’m your biggest fan right?” that I began to heal. The torn, gaping holes in my heart were soothed as I saw the waves pounding against the rocks, always shaping but never destroying. Deep inside hope took root, urging me to believe that life could and would be beautiful again. The painful memories were still there, but new memories were building on top of them, bringing with them that rich comfort of true-hearted friendship and the chance to start over stronger, wiser, and braver because of the pain.
It was also in Cozumel that I drank my first glass of Sangria on a sultry night by the beach. Sangria, that heady mix of red wine and fresh fruit that speaks to me of tropical breezes and fiesta music and renewed hope. Today I mixed a pitcher of Plum Lemon Sangria and oh, it cheered my heart and made me smile. Life indeed is beautiful again.
L’Chaim!
As promised yesterday, here are the three winners of the Artisan Salt Giveaway!
- Shenais
- Pat
- Barbara from Moveable Feasts
I will be having another giveaway soon and can’t wait to share it with all of you!!
In the meantime, is there a place that helped provide healing, hope or a new start in your life? I’d love to hear about it. 🙂
This is my contribution to Wanderfood Wednesday.
Plum Lemon Sangria
(serves 2)
Ingredients:
2 cup red wine (I used Malbec)
2 juicy plums, sliced thinly in wedges
1/2 lemon, sliced thinly in wedges
1-2 tsp real maple syrup
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients and lightly muddle. Allow to sit 30-60 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Sip and count your blessings.
Mexico, how lovely! One of the best places on the planet… Agree that it is totally breathtaking & nothing beats the color of the water…sounds like you had a magical time & thanks for sharing this, lovely post!
It truly was magical – just what I needed, Tuula. 🙂 So glad you like it there too. 🙂
Fabulous photos Krista.
Gosh, what a pristine beach, I want to be there now Krista. Especially with that good looking drink in your hand 🙂
Aaahhh Krista, its always the sunshine, the beach & that wonderfully healing salt air that somehow blows the pain away isn’t it. For me, I was coming back into shore after a day’s diving on the Great Barrier Reef & I had that same aahhhaaahhh moment when I knew the pain was now behind me, its such a relief isn’t it to know the pain is a thing of the past…, not gone but behind.
Thanks for sharing your journey & what a way to celebrate life huh with a wonderful Sangria (or 2) 🙂
Some of my friends went to Cozumel a few years ago and from what I heard, it sounds like the ideal place to replenish yourself. Body, mind and soul. Gorgeous Sangria! I love the summery fruits you used in it!
oh man! What can I say except BEAUTIFUL? It’s truly amazing how you can explore so many different places. I’m very jealous. Makes me wanna go on vacation now 🙁
Krista, what a heartbreaking post. I’m so glad that you have turned things around so admirably. And yes you’re stronger, brighter and wiser because of it! 😀
Haven’t been to Cozumel in years, but we loved it! The sangria recipe looks divine.
Oh, I could identify with this. Thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience on the coast of BC – breathing the salt air and knowing that life was beautiful despite crashed dreams…
I shall have to try your sangria just as soon as my baby’s weaned. 😉
Lying on a deserted beach somewhere, sipping cocktails is defineitely good for the soul!!!
Hi Krista, I’ve lounged on Cozumel beaches too, they do have a healing quality to them, don’t they? And your sangria recipe looks delish! Both sound good right about now!
Gorgeous pictures!
Beautiful photos, Krista! Oh, how I miss Mexico – absolutely gorgeous! Can’t wait to try the recipe 🙂
Those photos are gorgeous! I can think of nothing better than to enjoy a sangria (or 3!) on that beach 🙂
Best sangria recipe ever? Possibly! You’ll remember that trip forever, for many reasons. L’Chaim!