Last weekend our family was able to sneak away for a couple more quiet days in Maine. And of course we had to head to the beach for a walk and some fresh air. On this stroll my eyes were drawn down…
…towards the sand and the shadows…
…and the particularly large clams. Unfortunately, this poor guy didn’t make it safely back to sea…I think a seagull got lucky instead.
As we kept walking further along the shore, Bill spotted these strange and beautiful rippled marks in the sand. There were dozens of small patches of these modern-looking designs, all clustered within the same area. I can’t quite figure out what they look like, can you? And can you believe how the sea seems to have painted these?
I suspect that these designs in the sand were created by both the ocean waves as well as the swirling winds…remarkable beauty (especially the kind created by nature) usually happens when multiple elements mix and mingle. Nature creates some truly amazing masterpieces.
On our way home I took a quick snapshot of me standing in the midst of marshland (just on the other side of our favorite beach). Because of the cold and energetic wind, I’m all bundled up…I can’t wait til later in the season when the weather will be warm and calm enough to take off the hoodie and scarf. It’s the simple pleasures like letting your skin breathe…really breathe, that bring me deep comfort and joy.
After getting home from this inspiring beach outing, I dug out some sea glass (a gift from lovely Doreen) to play around with…
…which I used to make this necklace. I finished off the piece with a strand of sand-colored silk ribbon…
…and attached it to a tiny, tulle pocket, perfect for my glistening glass beauties.
I also added some pearls (rescued from a broken vintage necklace) for texture and subtle shine…again in shades of sand.
I’ve been thinking a lot these last two days about the relationship between what happens in nature (like how sand and sea will slowly wear down glass, shaping it into something smooth and pleasing) and how similar it is with people and our interactions with each other. Thinking about this makes me want to be more kind and giving…so as to possibly bring out the softer side of others. To help others shine more perhaps, both inside and out. And in turn there would be more beauty and joy in this world…I hope.
Observing nature sometimes helps me to better see what’s in my heart…the things that matter to me most and the things that I aspire to be. Does nature speak to you this way also? I have a feeling I’m not alone.
23 Comments, Comment or Ping
lovely Becky. sentiments and necklace.
May 1st, 2012
Oh Becky…I feel exactly the same way about nature…I think because it speaks of God’s great love for us. How wonderful for Him to surround us with such unspeakable beauty! His fingerprints are all over it, and it truly delights my soul and helps me to be a better me, too.
Your sweet ocean treasure necklace is absolutely precious! I get excited when I see that you have just posted something, and can’t wait to come see what you’re sharing! Always a delightful surprise!!
One of these days, I’ll set out on an adventure to the NE coast…a dream of mine for a long time!
Hope your week is wonderful. 3 weeks til wedding #2! And I’m having a health issue! Bleh! This too shall pass, and I know the wedding will be fabulous!!
Hugs,
Becky
May 1st, 2012
What a lovely post Becky….and you’re so right. God’s creation can teach us so much if we only pay attention. Thanks for reminding me to be kind…
Beautiful necklace too! I love that you take the simplest supplies and create such wonderful things!
May 1st, 2012
Lovely photos and a wonderful necklace! I feel that nature has so many secrets we humans haven’t discover yet. Every answer is there, we just have to open our hearts. 🙂
May 2nd, 2012
oh my gosh
that is beautiful!!!
xox
May 2nd, 2012
There IS more “beauty and joy in this world” because of your listening and sharing, Becky!! I love how the face of God as Soul and Love is reflected in nature and in people…your beach shots and you are perfect examples…MANY, many thanks for who you are!! I, too, enjoy and appreciate nature as a mirror and counselor into our hearts.
May 2nd, 2012
Thanks fior sharing. God’s handiwork is everywhere! Especially nature. And in our lives. The beach is full of little treasures…..I appreciate you opening my eyes to things I sometimes overlook.
May 2nd, 2012
Beautiful necklace! Beautiful post! Thank you for the reminder to keep our hearts and minds open to all the wonder and beauty surrounding us. There are so many metaphors to guide, comfort and inspire us. Thanks!
May 2nd, 2012
Well, I´ve just seen a magpie chasing a very little rabbit here in the garden – I´m glad that the rabbit was faster, but I fear that this scene also tells a lot about our everyday life.
May 2nd, 2012
Becky your necklace is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I love the elements you’ve added and the silk ribbon….it really is beautiful! The beach is a place of great inspiration for me too…..i can stay for hours and never tire of it.
Happy day to you!
Doreen
May 2nd, 2012
Just the ‘sound’ of the sea is amazing to me, Becky. We were lucky to live close to the Pacific for a few years. Even now, when I want to get off to sleep and can’t, I conjure myself to a beach, in my mind, lying on the sand, and hear the sound of the ocean, it lulls me off.
You are so kind to share with us your lovingly-created works, I enjoy each and every one. Isn’t sea-glass fun to work with? I use it on cards and in collages. Your necklace is a joy to look at! Thank you for being so kind and sharing.
In your earlier post, I was reminded by a view of the benches in a New York park, of our trip to Paris, and eating an al fresco lunch on just such a bench!
May 2nd, 2012
Beautiful necklace! WOW! As for the ripples…I wonder if that is left behind after washed up jelly fish evaporate? They are really neat to see, huh?!
May 2nd, 2012
Such an interesting suggestion (about the jelly fish)…and definitely something that I would not have thought of. Thanks for sharing Jennifer.
May 2nd, 2012
Becky, Don’t know how I happened upon your site but many thanks for all your inspirations. ( I think off Pjnterest). There are 13 of us “Girls of 65” ( the year we graduated, so many of us are 65 or are turning 65 this year) that get together each year and go to the beach (TX ) for a girl reunion. I saw your necklace and think we will try this for our craft. It is so sweet and my friend and I collect vintage “stuff” so hopefully we can come up with something as cute. Again, thanks for a great blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sharon Campbell PS What did you sew the net with?
May 2nd, 2012
What a fun gathering you have coming up Sharon! I’m sure you ladies will have loads of fun bonding and creating art together. And to answer your question, I used a sewing machine to sew my little tool pocket. For more strength, you can try using one layer of organic cotton batting or muslin for the bottom layer and then top this with a matching layer of tulle.
May 2nd, 2012
I so agree with your thoughts on nature. Your necklace is really beautiful. Between reading this post and a visit from a friend today who I’ll be going to the beach with again soon I had to stop in the midst of doing dinner dishes to write down a haiku that came so suddenly and I didn’t want to forget.
Thank you.
May 2nd, 2012
Yes Becky. I do feel so much comfort and joy just observing Nature and learning from it, when I just sit down in silence and contemplate, when I listen to its voice, feel its rhythm.
Thank you, for this post was a breathe of fresh air for my soul!
xo
May 3rd, 2012
Becky,
Fabulous, creative necklace! You amaze me!
Hugs,
Suz
May 3rd, 2012
You are already so kind and giving, Becky : )
May 4th, 2012
These are so beautiful, I love the design, the materials, everything!
May 4th, 2012
I so enjoyed this post~ I think this is especially why I am draw to the shore and the sea! It’s energy calms one’s soul, as the glass tumbles in and out of different currents. I hope you soon get to hear the cry of the gulls and can let your hair down and feel your skin breath! I know nature helps our souls breath 😀 Your necklace is a treasure!
May 5th, 2012
I like your analogy Becky. I have always been surprised at both the power of water, and evolution of a pearl -how small abrasive things can be smoothed and softened and become a thing of beauty.
May 6th, 2012
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