You are here: Home
| A day at the beach |
|
|
| Written by Administrator | |
| Thursday, 11 December 2008 | |
|
When life overwhelms I head to the shore to take in a bit of nature. The sound of the waves breaking has a calming effect. The smell of the sea reminds me that there is something bigger than me that is in control. In the distance I see dolphins playing in the waves and I begin to smile. Realizing that I have allowed stress to rob me of the joy that they represent. I begin to relax and regain balance. Sticking my feet in the sand the tiny grains feel so very soft, the heat of the day has been absorbed in the upper layers. I dig down deeper to enjoy the contrast of the warmth with the coolness, the weight of the sand feels so wonderful. My senses welcome the contrasting sensations that the sand provides. 
Shaking off the sand the waves call me. It is now winter. The water will be cold, almost too cold, yet I long for it need it. I take in the changing colors: the greens, blues, and grays the crisp white of the foam, the spray as it crashes against the rocks. Today I will search the shore for bits of sea glass. To some they are just discarded trash to me they are gems waiting to be reclaimed. I reach down to claim my reward: a piece of blue green glass that has been transformed by the waves and the sand into a tiny heart shape about the size of my baby finger nail. In the distance I see a snowy plover. I smile and remind myself I must go back to the Deveraux Slough or to the Goleta Slough area to bird watch soon. My last trip to the Goleta Slough I was treated to a sighting of a Great Blue Heron and so enjoyed watching the Great Egrets catching tiny fish. I was even treated to a sighting of a long-billed Curlew. I remember laughing wondering how a bird with such a long bill could fly. Had I misidentified it? Could it be a Marbled Godwit or perhaps even a Sandpiper? I must break out my Ornithology books and field guides next time I am at storage if they are not buried too deep. I had forgotten how wonderful it is to be able to identify each species. Have I forgotten so much that I am back to saying, "look at that bird"? What a joy to sit at the picnic table next to the UCSB Lagoon and see a pair of Mute Swans gliding along the water at sunset. Did I get distracted? Yes, but is not the beach a place to allow ones mind to wonder? Back to describing my day. As I walk along the surf looking for treasure I am hoping to find the perfect piece of driftwood: not too heavy, not too light, not too small, not too large to hang my sea glass, shells, and sea finds from. At first thought it was to be a wind Chime, then a mobile, now just a hanging display of art.  My attention is drawn to a shell tumbling in the surf. I cannot help thinking back to my studies wondering what type of Mollusc- Univalve Gastropod it might be. But, it is much too large for my art project. Examining it in my hands, holding it up to the sunlight I see hints of green, pink, and ivory. Not the highly polished gleam of those found in shell shops, this one is not even a whole specimen, it has been battered and broken, it has little or no beauty in some peoples eyes.  Back to the surf as I return it for someone else to enjoy it's discovery. Oh look! Something that will be just perfect for my project, again not whole, the sand and surf has warn the top off of it leaving a perfect hole for hanging. It is a Limpet, all that remains is the outer edge, just enough to add some red to my project. That will be nice, I can almost see how it will contrast with the sea glass heart. Maybe I should attach them together... We shall see. I stop and snap a picture of a rock covered in an emerald green with sea plants. I am reminded that there are no algae species known to be poisonous and many animals including humans enjoy consumption of what we commonly call seaweed.  In my dream like state I forget to watch where I am walking, crushing under my feet a tiny pneumatocyst the size of a grape. I am startled by the pop. The texture of the blades remind me of leather, strong, yet when held up to the light turn a warm amber. My last stroll along the beach was after a storm, the rough seas left mounds of brown sea kelp on the shore. I even found a float the size of a cantelope. I could almost not imagine the size of the Kelp bed it came from. Finally my mind clears and I am able to allow myself to see what is around me in simpler terms. Identification no longer consuming my thoughts, those days are gone. I am no longer in school there is no need to concentrate on everything as a scientist. I take a deep breath and relax a little bit more casting off the cares of my life.  I look up and realize it is getting late the shy has a hint of red, yellow and orange light. Turing around my eye catches another photo opportunity. It is a drainage pipe if one squints a bit and shifts ones mind the cascading water against the cliff becomes a beautiful waterfall. I am glad that the camera will only capture the image not the smell. Only the beauty not the slimy stench of what it is.  I am about a half mile from where I began a short walk back to the point along the way I stop to take another photo. This time it is the contrasting light and shadow on a sea cliff along with the bright green of a plant.  Reaching the point above me is a drift wood structure nestled in the rocks I like the light and take yet another photo. Oh look it is a good afternoon for a few sunset photos. There are just enough clouds to spread the suns rays to give my photo interest. The light causing long shadows perhaps I will catch some trees or a passing surfer for a good light shadow study.  I know this day was supposed to clear my mind assist me in drifting away. The student in me just can not at times let what I have learned rest. Arriving back at the beginning I realize it is time to pack up and go home. There is a bitter sweetness to this time. I do not want to return to the stress of phones, traffic, and the cares of others. Yet I must. It is my job. I am thankful for this time of escape. I feel a sense of relief that for a few moments I could enjoy the beach. Yet, I know that there is work to be done. People to write back, phone calls to make. People to check on. I am reminded of the ebb and flow of the sea it is a constant, then I am reminded of the pending deaths of serveral people in my life. It too is a balance, just a few days ago I celebrated the safe arrival of new babies. Death is just another part of life the balance to life. |
|
| Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 December 2008 ) |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Important Information
| About Lady Dalbin |
| Contacting the Lady |
| Desires of a modern Lady |
Login Form
Latest Pics...
This is my only DVD so far, go and watch it if you want to see me play with honey, cream, and a cute friend of mine...
