Standing at the edge of endless oblivion

Yesterday evening, I was wading in the surf at high-tide. The sun was setting behind me, and I stood before an endless stretch of water. Its untold murky depths inspired my thoughts to wax philosophical for the first time in all of my visits to the beach. To borrow from Calvin & Hobbes, it made me want to go inside and turn on all the lights.

It is interesting to have lived abroad and now be home again. Occasionally I still get culture shocked. In these situations, I feel like a tourist visiting a foreign land, here to observe the American people and their way of life. I can't quite decide if this is annoying or wonderful. Often times I find myself enjoying the ability to see things through a different viewpoint, but just as often I find myself a little bit scared that I have forever lost my ability to just be an American in America.

Last night, there was a huge storm front about 50 miles inland. It provided an amazing electrical show that was as entertaining as any fireworks I've ever seen. I enjoyed it, along with a cool night-time beach breeze, while I smoked a cigar. Sometimes there are sublime moments where you are completely at peace and content with life... I savor such fleeting occasions. Last night was one such time, and it was delicious.