The Shore celebrates spring

Whether you’re celebrating for Easter or for Passover, or for the simple pleasures the Vernal (or spring) Equinox has finally brought us, the Jersey Shore is a wonderful place to be this weekend. And with blue skies, warm weather (a high of 60 degrees!), a definite breeze and blossoming flowers and trees, there simply isn’t anything more you could ask for.

Photo by Kelley Anne
This picture of bright orange oxlips surrounded 
by tiny purple violets was taken outside my 
parent's house in Barnegat.

The spring season is a time for renewed existence — spiritually, mentally and physically. And in many ways, this special weekend is a time for thanks and praise, love and personal resolutions for both the religious and non-religious individual.

If you do practice religion, the Jersey Shore has many wonderful church services for Easter and Passover. I attended Manahawkin United Methodist Church for Good Friday Worship — a musical service led by the Chancel Choir where my Godmother played flute alongside the pastor who played clarinet. 

There are also many Catholic services in the county, many of which can be found through The Monitor, and other denominational and non-denominational services. For a list of services being held on Long Beach Island and the mainland, check out the Worship section of the "Calendar" in this week’s edition of The Sandpaper.

If you’ve never attended an Easter sunrise service, which is held on the beach as the sun rises to fruition, this weekend would be the perfect time to experience such an amazing blessing. I’ll never forget the first sunrise service I attended as a little girl. I was sleepy, cold and grumpy on the drive over to Long Beach Island. When my family and I arrived at the beach, I laid in the sand with a scowl on my face. But I’ll never forget the way my soul melted as the sun rose above the Atlantic Ocean in splendid color, simply turning night into day.

If you’re not particularly religious or you’re just looking for something fun to do with the family after church, the county has many lighthearted activities planned, including Easter parades, breakfast or brunch with the Easter bunny and outdoor and indoor Easter egg hunts. Check out the Ocean County Easter 2012 Guide for more information about these events.

I don’t think I’ll be spending any time with the Easter bunny this Sunday, but I do plan on taking a meditative bike ride, purchasing some flowers from ShopRite in Manahawkin (they have many beautiful bunches to pick from right now!) and spending lots of time surrounded by good food and even better family. I’m looking forward to indulging myself in the laughter and love we provide for each other.

Let me know what your holiday weekend plans are, and be sure to enjoy yourself.

Happy spring!