I can taste the salt in the air. The intense heat from the sun awakens my pale skin as I trudge through the hot, powdered sand. With each step, I feel the flour-like grains slide between my toes. It feels refreshing when the clear, blue water laps up over my hot feet. My feet begin to sink into the sand as I stand and take in the beautiful surroundings. While soaking in the scenery, a salty breeze rustles my hair. I quickly put my hair in a pony to get it off my already damp neck. With my feet further in the sand, I yank them out to find my spot for the day. As I scan the beach, the sounds of vacationers’ laughter linger in the humid air. These vivid memories of the beach make me yearn for another visit.

Every year I get the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Siesta Keys, Florida. My mom, dad, brother and I fly down during winter break to vacation with family. Leaving the brutal cold of Nebraska and arriving in the warm Sunshine state of Florida is a welcoming shock to my chilly Midwestern bones. It’s interesting to see palm trees instead of pine trees decorated in strands of colorful lights and ornaments reflecting the holiday spirit. I enjoy walking down the pier listening to Christmas jingles wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and flip flops. A white Christmas is far from the minds of residents and vacationers in sunny Florida.

I transition from wearing blue jeans and a sweatshirt to my favorite bright pink swimsuit and head straight for the crystal clear water. The sounds of the crashing waves fill my ears with a lovely melody. The rhythm of the waves tattooed in my mind. As the waves crescendo and then recede, they leave behind the ocean's treasures. The Gulf beaches are a shellers’ paradise. Every size and shape lay at my feet waiting to be chosen for a souvenir. I can spend countless hour’s collection my favorite seashells. Though, walking up and down the powdered sand and searching for my treasures leaves me with a sore back by the end of the day. My favorite shells are Coquinas. They remind me of tiny little butterflies that come in a rainbow of colors. They’re delicate and must be carefully picked up so not to break in half. My plastic zip-lock bag is loaded with Coquinas by the end of my hunt. I look forward to decoration another picture frame with my finds or adding to my collection at home where they are displayed in a glass dish for my enjoyment.

As the day falls to an end, watching the sunset over the ocean is a perfect ending to a long day at the beach. The colors are magnificent. Bright oranges and yellows paint a different picture each night. I lie on my towel and watch the sky transform. From bright blues skies to an artist’s canvas of colors the sunset’s movie last for about fifteen minutes. They big yellow ball that reddened my skin earlier in the day quickly, but gracefully falls behind the horizon. Calmness settles over the ach and those that watched to show. The laughter I heard earlier in the day is now low murmurs as the light has gone out. I gather my belongings and head back for a restful night sleep in preparation for another amazing day at the beach.

My time in paradise always seems to go too fast. Ten days of vacation feels like three. Why is it that a week of school seems to last forever and a vacation seems short-lived? Luckily, with each trip to Siesta Keys, Florida, I bring back more memories to add to my growing album. My Coquina collection in my room grows larger and more picture frames are made with the dainty shells that possess many remembrances. Also, the catchy song of the ocean stays in my playlist until I can enjoy the live concert again next year. Lastly, the tiny, white sand accumulated in the bottom of my suitcase reminds me of my paradise every time I pack for an overnight stay with a friend. The ocean is my happy place.