From the moment I arrive, the air is instantaneously different. It has a clean, salty scent unlike the sticky, swampy smell of Louisiana. As I begin my short journey from sand to water, each step through the damp and cool sand tickles my feet. I turn and look behind me. My footprints are the only traces of any life on the deserted beach, and the moonlit sand glows like cultured pearls.

When I reach the edge of the sand, I spread out a blanket and seat myself at the water's edge. Is this water that barely pats at the shore the same water that so violently slings me and other surfers around like rag dolls? When I become comfortable in my surroundings, I gaze up at the black night that hovers above my head. Except for a few stars that jokingly wink at me, I am all alone. The ocean breeze has wrapped me in crisp air, and I patiently wait for the arrival of the magic of Mother Nature.

First, the stars begin to fade, and the sky closes its eyes for a day-long nap. The wind blusters away the night, and pink cotton candy clouds swirl over a glimmering sapphire sky.

Slowly, the sun rises out of the water, a pirate's sunken treasure resurrected from its watery grave. Everything the fiery sphere touches turns gold as if it is the greedy king in the old familiar nursery rhyme. I look at my skin and notice that I too am glowing with its incandescent magic. The water that was only moments earlier an infinite sea of black liquid now glitters like a finely cut diamond. It begins to clap wildly in joyful praise of Mother Nature's beautiful power.

I smile at the peace and tranquility of the moment that is so unlike my life, and I gratefully thank the heavens for sharing its magic with me. Grabbing my blanket, I hasten to leave before any early joggers or their barking dogs can destroy the personal moment I have just shared with the earth. Taking one last amazed look, I flee the perfectly painted picture just like the night fled the majestic morning sun. Now I am ready for the day and all it may have in store for me to begin. I can take it; I know magic.