it was a windy, cool day on the beach and while i was sitting on one of the abandoned tall, white life guard chairs, a family of thirteen came along, spreading their towels and chairs. and before i realized it half of them were running into the cold ocean. the waves were large and all attempts at riding surf boards failed. the cloud cover was thick and the threat of rain was imminent. yet, they seemed to be absolutely at peace with the weather. the wind carried their laughter to my chair. otherwise, the beach was empty. occasionally someone walked by. I felt as though i were a movie. this family scene was so real and yet so 'out of place' at the same time. the kids started playing a ball game, some of the grown ups went for a stroll along the beach, others had a sandwich. it felt like nothing could stop them from having this perfect day at the beach. sun and warm temperatures seemed to be of absolutely no importance to them, and i could not stop observing them.