Mailbox at the Stairs

I spent this past weekend with my toes in the sand.  Beautiful days, cool ocean water, and entertaining family... it was a perfect weekend.  I also finished my book which has traveled with me to both ends of the state in the last week.

One of the fun things that I did while at the beach was visit the Mailbox at the Stairs.  This is a spot in Wrightsville Beach where both locals and visitors come to write in a journal.  Some passages are anonymous and some have names and dates.  After a little walk down the beach, I finally checked it out for myself. 

Sitting on the steps alone at the end of my weekend beach vacation with the Atlantic Ocean laid out in front of me, I became engrossed by the messages left by complete strangers.  It's interesting, because all the passages seemed unusually alike.  Some talked about their visit to Wrightsville Beach.  Some wrote favorite quotes or bible verses.

Most passages talked about love... new love, anniversaries, friendship, family, heartbreak, and even fear of not finding love. 

It didn't surprise me that many used this beautiful, peaceful spot to reflect on loved ones who have passed away...

It's just amazing to me that we all believe ourselves to be so unique and different from one another... all coming from different life experiences and points of view.  The overriding theme, though, of what makes, breaks, or affects us is all the same.  I thoroughly enjoyed my adventure to Mailbox at the Stairs.  I won't tell you where it is... searching for it is part of the fun.  Definitely stop by this beautiful spot next time you're in Wrightsville!

Lemon Tea Bread

(I made this for my coworkers a few months ago but never posted it.  It was a hit!)

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon rind, divided
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Beat softened butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.

Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with milk, beating at low speed just until blended, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon rind. Spoon batter into greased and floured 8- x 4-inch loafpan.

Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center of bread comes out clean. Let cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and cool completely on a wire rack.

Stir together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth; spoon evenly over top of bread, letting excess drip down sides. Stir together remaining 1 tablespoon lemon rind and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; sprinkle on top of bread.