It was a beautiful day at the Oregon Coast, and yet I was trapped inside a casino, losing yet again. Cigarette smoke surrounded me, seeping into my clothes and despite silicone earplugs, the sound of slot machines playing alluring tunes was like a million cuckoo clocks going off at once. I realized suddenly that I no longer wanted to waste another minute inside this cacophonous loony bin. Unceremoniously, I fled out the doors and straight for the beach. If I could have made off like a Scarlett O’Hara, drenched in sarcastic drama, I most certainly would have done so. Instead of a grand exit, mine was unnoticed by anyone except myself.
Lincoln City, Oregon Coast
The beach was alive with people and dogs. There were kites, Frisbees, and even a remote controlled truck running through the sand, a renegade from its unseen owner. It was windy and I purposely walked against it so that the return trip would be less painful. I noticed the beagle and lab in front of me, their ears turning inside out, and I was grateful for my earplugs.
Then finally, I reached my destination, a quiet spot to stop and just look at the ocean. I couldn’t see what I was taking a picture of because of the glare on the cell phone, but what’s above is it. The cloud that I didn’t see could maybe be an angel? I like when people look for and find their angels in the clouds. This one is not the most convincing, but I’ll claim it just the same.
I was grateful for my escape outside of the casino. It no longer holds that much excitement for me. Rarely do I win. More and more, frustration reigns over spending money on these games that give back so little in return. I’m certainly not a lucky winner.
There’s got to be more to life than the literal smoke and mirrors of the gambling scene. At any rate, my head appreciated the great outdoors much more than the noise asylum. The scent of salty air, seagulls flying with the kites, and seeing dog ears flap in the wind was much more invigorating than winning $2.45 in a bust of a bonus round. I’ll take my imaginary angel and the beach which lies right behind the casino – any day.
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